bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Lability of the σ(Pd–S) Bond of Novel Palladacycles with [C(sp2,ferrocene),N,S(thienyl)]– Pincer Ligands
Authors: Pou David , López Concepción , Pérez Sonia , Solans Xavier , Font‐Bardía Mercè , van Leeuwen Piet W. N. M. , van Strijdonck Gino P. F.
Published: March 2010

The reaction of [(Cp)Fe{(η5‐C5H4)–CH=N–(CH2)n–(C4H3S)}] {Cp = (η5‐C5H5) and n = 1 (1b) or 2 (1c)} with Na2[PdCl4] and NaAcO·3H2O gave [(Cp)Fe{(μ‐η5‐Fe‐η1‐Pd‐C5H3)–CH=N–(CH2)n–(C4H3S)}Cl] {n = 1 (2b) or 2 (2c)} with a [C(sp2,ferrocene),N,S(thienyl)]– ligand. The study of the reactivity of 2b or 2c with PPh3 under different experimental conditions has afforded the isolation of [(Cp)Fe{(μ‐η5‐Fe‐η1‐Pd‐C5H3)–CH=N–(CH2)n–(C4H3S)}Cl(PPh3)] {n = 1 (3b) or 2 (3c)} and[(Cp)Fe{(μ‐η5‐Fe‐η1‐Pd‐C5H3)–CH=N–(CH2)n–(C4H3S)}(PPh3)][BF4] {n = 1 (4b) or 2 (4c)} where 1b or 1c behave as a bidentate [C(sp2,ferrocene),N]– (in 3b and 3c) or as a terdentate [C(sp2,ferrocene),N,S(thienyl)]– (in 4b and 4c) ligand. The crystal structures of 3b·1/2CH2Cl2, 3c·2H2O and 4c·CH2Cl2 confirm the mode of binding of the ligands. The results obtained from these studies and the solution behaviour of 4b and 4c reveal that the σ(Pd–S) bond of 2b, 2c, 4b and 4c is more labile that in [(Cp)Fe{(μ‐η5‐Fe‐η1‐Pd‐C5H3)–CH=N–(C6H4‐2SMe)}Cl] or [(Cp)Fe{(μ‐η5‐Fe‐η1‐Pd‐C5H3)–CH=N–(C6H4‐2SMe)}(PPh3)][BF4] with a [C(sp2,ferrocene),N,S(thioether)]– ligand.
Streptavidin Modified Carbon Nanotube Based Graphite Electrode for Label‐Free Sequence Specific DNA Detection
Authors: Erdem Arzum , Papakonstantinou Pagona , Murphy Hayley , McMullan Martin , Karadeniz Hakan , Sharma Surbhi
Published: March 2010

Disposable graphite pencil electrodes (PGE) modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)‐streptavidin (STR) conjugates were used for electrochemical monitoring of label‐free DNA hybridization. The surface morphology of PGE electrode before and after hybridization was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to monitor each step of the construction of the DNA biosensor. The biosensor was demonstrated to have excellent selectivity, being able to differentiate complementary sequences from a noncomplementary ones and in addition select the target sequence of DNA from a mixture of other DNA without loss in current sensitivity.
Amperometric Sniffer Based on Electrodes Supported on Ion‐Exchangers for Monitoring the State of Turning Rancid of Lipids
Authors: Toniolo Rosanna , Susmel Sabina , Dossi Nicolò , Pizzariello Andrea , Martinis Marzia , Bontempelli Gino
Published: March 2010

A porous gold electrode supported on one face of an ion‐exchange membrane, acting as a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE), is proposed as an amperometric sniffer for monitoring the aldehyde content in the headspace in equilibrium with lipid samples, in order to gain indication of their state of turning rancid It was used as a detector for a flow injection system in which aldehydes were injected, after preconcentration by solid phase microextraction on a SPME fiber from the gas phase standing above thermostated samples and subsequent desorption by heating. Repeatable (±4.5%) sharp peaks were detected over a wide linear concentration range (0.5–200 ppm). A detection limit of about 0.03 ppm was inferred for a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3, referred to hexylaldehyde (used as prototype) dissolved in squalene or vegetable oils samples. This approach was applied to the determination of volatile aldehydes from some partially oxidized cereal oils and the results found were compared with both the corresponding peroxide values and their aldehyde content determined by a conventional spectrophotometric method.
Damping modification factors for SDOF systems subjected to near‐fault, far‐fault and artificial earthquakes
Authors: Hatzigeorgiou George D.
Published: March 2010

Damping modification factors (DMF) are used in modern seismic codes to adjust elastic response spectral values corresponding to 5% of viscous damping to other higher or lower damping levels. This paper presents a simple and effective procedure to estimate DMF for single‐degree‐of‐freedom systems. Empirical expressions are proposed for displacement, velocity and acceleration response spectra, where four types of soil conditions, from hard rock to soft soil are considered. This study also examines, for the first time, the influence of artificial earthquakes on DMF. Furthermore, natural near‐fault and far‐fault seismic ground motions are considered where it is testified that the fault distance has no impact on DMF. Finally, it confirms that, in contrast to the considerations of many seismic codes, DMF are strongly dependent on the period of structural vibration while there are significant problems of using the same modification factor to estimate maximum displacement, velocity and seismic forces. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numeric simulation of pollutant dispersion by a control‐volume based on finite element method
Authors: Neves Odacir A. , Romão Estaner C. , Campos‐Silva J. B. , Moura Luiz F. M.
Published: March 2010

The dispersion of pollutants in the environment is an issue of great interest as it directly affects air quality, mainly in large cities. Experimental and numerical tools have been used to predict the behavior of pollutant species dispersion in the atmosphere. A software has been developed based on the control‐volume based on the finite element method in order to obtain two‐dimensional simulations of Navier–Stokes equations and heat or mass transportation in regions with obstacles, varying position of the pollutant source. Numeric results of some applications were obtained and, whenever possible, compared with literature results showing satisfactory accordance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective role of 17β‐estradiol on medulloblastoma development in Patched1 heterozygous mice
Authors: Mancuso Mariateresa , Leonardi Simona , Ceccarelli Manuela , Pasquali Emanuela , Stefano Ilaria De , Prisco Maria Grazia , Rebessi Simonetta , Tanori Mirella , Scambia Giovanni , Majo Vincenzo Di , Pazzaglia Simonetta , Saran Anna , Gallo Daniela
Published: March 2010

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common pediatric tumor of the CNS, representing ∼20% of all childhood CNS tumors. Although in recent years many molecular mechanisms that control MB development have been clarified, the effects of biological factors such as sex on this tumor remain to be explained. Epidemiological data, in fact, indicate a significant difference in the incidence of MB between the 2 sexes, with considerably higher susceptibility of males than females. Besides this different susceptibility, female sex is also a significant favorable prognostic factor in MB, with girls having a much better outcome. Despite these literature data, there has been little investigation into estrogen influence on MB development. In our study, we evaluated how hormone deficiency resulting from ovariectomy and hormone replacement influences the development of early and advanced MB stages in Patched1 heterozygous mice, a well‐characterized mouse model of radiation‐induced MB. Susceptibility to MB development was significantly increased in ovariectomized Ptch1+/− females and restored to levels observed in control mice after estrogen replacement. We next investigated the molecular mechanisms by which estrogen might influence tumor progression and show that ERβ, but not ERα, is involved in modulation of MB development by estrogens. Finally, our study shows that a functional interaction between estrogen‐ and IGF‐I‐mediated pathways may be responsible for the effects observed.
A metabonomic approach to chemosensitivity prediction of cisplatin plus 5‐fluorouracil in a human xenograft model of gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Xi , Yan Shi‐Kai , Dai Wei‐Xing , Liu Xin‐Ru , Zhang Wei‐Dong , Wang Jie‐Jun
Published: March 2010

The prediction of chemosensitivity is a challenging problem in the management of cancer. In the present study, a metabonomic approach was proposed to assess the feasibility of chemosensitivity prediction in a human xenograft model of gastric cancer. BALB/c‐nu/nu mice were transplanted with MKN‐45 cell line to establish the xenograft model. The mice were then randomized into treatment group (cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil) and control group (0.9% sodium chloride), and their plasma were collected before treatment. Metabolic profiles of all plasma samples were acquired by using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with a quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (HPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS). Based on the data of metabolic profiles and k‐Nearest Neighbor algorithm, a prediction model for chemosensitivity was developed and an average accuracy of 90.4% was achieved. In addition, a series of endogenous metabolites, including 1‐acyl‐lysophosphatidycholines, polyunsaturated fatty acids and their derivatives, were determined as potential indicators of chemosensitivity. In conclusion, our results suggest that the proposed metabonomic approach allows effective chemosensitivity prediction in human xenograft model of gastric cancer. The approach presents a new concept in the chemosensitivtiy prediction of cancer and is expected to be developed as a powerful tool in the personalized cancer therapy.
Differential interactions between statins and P‐glycoprotein: Implications for exploiting statins as anticancer agents
Authors: Goard Carolyn A. , Mather Richard G. , Vinepal Balpreet , Clendening James W. , Martirosyan Anna , Boutros Paul C. , Sharom Frances J. , Penn Linda Z.
Published: March 2010

Statins, prescribed for decades to control cholesterol, have more recently been shown to have promising anticancer activity. Statins induce tumor‐selective apoptosis by inhibiting the mevalonate (MVA) pathway. In addition, we have recently demonstrated that lovastatin modulates drug accumulation in a MVA‐independent manner in multidrug‐resistant (MDR) tumor cells overexpressing the P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) multidrug transporter. P‐gp‐mediated drug efflux can contribute to chemotherapy failure. However, direct statin‐mediated inhibition of P‐gp in human MDR tumor cells at clinically achievable concentrations remains unexplored. An understanding of these interactions is crucial, both to appreciate differences in the anticancer potential of different statins and to safely and effectively integrate statins into traditional chemotherapy regimens that include P‐gp substrates. Here we evaluate interactions between 4 statins (lovastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin and rosuvastatin) and P‐gp, at both the molecular level using purified P‐gp and at the cellular level using human MDR tumor cells. Lovastatin bound directly to purified P‐gp with high affinity and increased doxorubicin accumulation in MDR tumor cells, potentiating DNA damage, growth arrest and apoptosis. By contrast, while atorvastatin inhibited substrate transport by purified P‐gp in proteoliposomes, it had no effect on doxorubicin transport in MDR tumor cells. Finally, fluvastatin and rosuvastatin only interacted with P‐gp in vitro at high concentrations and did not inhibit doxorubicin transport in MDR cells. These differential interactions should be considered when combining statins with traditional chemotherapeutic drugs.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in hepatocellular carcinoma gender disparity
Authors: Ruggieri Anna , Barbati Cristiana , Malorni Walter
Published: March 2010

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the most common primary liver cancer and one of the most fatal human cancers. Besides alcoholic liver disease as well as genetic and environmental factors, hepatitis B and C viral infections also represent the most important risk factors for onset and development of the disease. In fact, HCC worldwide prevalence varies widely and mirrors the geographical distribution of chronic viral hepatitis. Interestingly, a gender difference was described for this disease: in almost all populations, a male/female ratio averaging between 2:1 and 4:1 was reported. Here, we analyze the implication of cytokines and sex hormones in this issue. Exploiting the emerging knowledge on the possible differential role of hepatitis viruses B and C, we discuss the role of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis dysregulation in the characterization of the molecular mechanisms of gender disparity in the development of HCC.
Polymorphisms in inflammatory pathway genes and their association with colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Frank Bernd , Hoffmeister Michael , Klopp Norman , Illig Thomas , Chang‐Claude Jenny , Brenner Hermann
Published: March 2010

Chronic inflammation is an established risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), and polymorphisms in genes regulating inflammatory processes appear to alter the risk for neoplasia and the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in CRC chemoprevention. We examined the association between selected inflammation gene polymorphisms and CRC risk. In a large population‐based case‐control study with 1,795 CRC cases and 1,805 controls from the German DACHS study, we evaluated 5 putative functional inflammatory pathway polymorphisms in PRODH, PTGS1 and UBD genes. PTGS1 G213G was significantly associated with an increased CRC risk [odds ratio (OR), 1.19; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–1.39; p = 0.02] comparing minor allele carriers with major allele homozygotes. This risk estimate was consistent across locations and stages of CRC (range of ORs, 1.15–1.20). Carriage of the minor allele of UBD I68T was significantly associated with advanced stages of CRC and with CRC below 65 years of age (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.04–1.45; p = 0.02 and OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.05–1.67; p = 0.02, respectively). Our results support a role of variants in inflammatory pathway genes in CRC susceptibility and progression.
Concomitant inhibition of AKT and autophagy is required for efficient cisplatin‐induced apoptosis of metastatic skin carcinoma
Authors: Claerhout Sofie , Verschooten Lien , Van Kelst Sofie , De Vos Rita , Proby Charlotte , Agostinis Patrizia , Garmyn Marjan
Published: March 2010

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common cancers in the Caucasian population. Although early stages of skin cancer have a high curability and excellent prognosis, advanced cSCC shows resistance to chemotherapy, including cisplatin. The PI3‐K/AKT pathway is known to have a role in both skin cancer development and resistance to therapeutic drugs. In this study, we used isogenic cell lines representing different stages of malignant transformation of the keratinocytes that were derived from dysplastic forehead skin (PM1), primary cutaneous SCC (MET1) and its lymph node metastasis (MET4) of an immunosuppressed patient. We show that skin tumor progression parallels enhanced AKT activation and increased resistance to cisplatin‐induced apoptosis. Pharmacological AKT inhibition, or specific AKT1 knock down, sensitizes the apoptosis‐resistant MET1 and, to a lesser extent, MET4 cells to cisplatin‐mediated cell death. Concomitantly autophagy induction was observed in MET4, as demonstrated by accumulation of the autophagic protein marker LC3‐II, by analysis of full autophagosome maturation process using tandem mRFP‐GFP fluorescence microscopy and by electron microscopy. Counteracting the autophagic process by 3‐methyladenine or specific ATG5 knock down enhanced cytotoxicity of cisplatin combined with AKT inhibitor, thus revealing a key role for autophagy in chemoresistance. Taken together, these results indicate that concomitant inhibition of autophagy is required to increase the therapeutic benefit of AKT inhibition for combination therapy with the standard chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin in advanced skin carcinoma.
Adiponectin and adiponectin receptor in relation to colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Byeon Jeong‐Sik , Jeong Jin‐Yong , Kim Mi Jung , Lee Sun‐Mi , Nam Won‐Hee , Myung Seung‐Jae , Kim Jae Gyu , Yang Suk‐Kyun , Kim Jin‐Ho , Suh Dong Jin
Published: March 2010

Although obesity is a risk factor for colorectal cancer, the underlying mechanism is not clear. Adiponectin is an adipokine that binds to 2 types of receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. The plasma concentrations of adiponectin are reduced in obese individuals and adiponectin has been reported to have anticarcinogenic properties. Furthermore, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 have been reported to be expressed in several malignancies. However, little is known about the expression of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in colorectal cancer and its clinicopathological implications. In addition, the relationship between adiponectin and colorectal cancer has not yet been determined. Here, we sought to investigate adiponectin and adiponectin receptors in relation to colorectal cancer. AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 immunostaining was detected in 72 and 68% of human colorectal cancer tissue, respectively. AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 expression levels were inversely related to T stage. The lowest AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 expression were detected in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. RT‐PCR also showed the expression of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in HCT116 and SW620. MTT assay and TUNEL assay demonstrated the tendency of growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in both cell lines after full‐length adiponectin treatment although statistically insignificant. Microarray analysis revealed several gene responses to full‐length adiponectin, including upregulation of ENDOGL1 and MT1G. In conclusion, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 may be intimately related to the progression of colorectal cancer. Further studies may be warranted to assess adiponectin and its receptors as a novel target for inhibition of colorectal cancer growth.
Imiquimod‐induced clearance of HPV is associated with normalization of immune cell counts in usual type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Terlou Annelinde , Seters Manon van , Kleinjan Alex , Heijmans‐Antonissen Claudia , Santegoets Lindy A.M. , Beckmann Ilse , Beurden Marc van , Helmerhorst Theo J.M. , Blok Leen J.
Published: March 2010

Recently, we reported on the efficacy of imiquimod for treatment of usual type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (uVIN). A histologic regression of uVIN to normal tissue was observed in 58% of patients. As success of treatment is related to clearance of high‐risk human papilloma virus (HPV), the aim of our study was to assess differences in immune cell counts and in the expression of p16INK4a in VIN tissue before and after imiquimod treatment, in relation to HPV clearance and clinical response. Vulvar tissue samples taken prior to imiquimod treatment and 4 weeks after treatment were tested for the presence of HPV. Previously determined immune cell counts (CD1a, CD207, CD208, CD123/CD11c, CD94, CD4, CD8 and CD25/HLA‐DR) in epidermis and dermis of 25 VIN patients and 19 healthy controls were completed with the counts for CD14 and CD68. The expression of p16INK4a was investigated by immunohistochemistry in 15 patients. Before imiquimod treatment, both HPV cleared and HPV noncleared patients showed mainly in the dermis significantly upregulated immune cell counts compared to healthy controls. However, in patients that cleared HPV and showed histologic regression already 4 weeks after imiquimod treatment, immune cell counts and p16INK4a expression were normalized. In conclusion, our data indicate that imiquimod‐induced clearance of HPV results in normalization of counts for certain immune cells and is strongly correlated with histologic regression of the disease.
Utility of type I procollagen propeptide assays for assessing abnormalities in metabolic bone diseases
Authors: Ebeling Peter R. , Peterson James M. , Riggs B. Lawrence
Published: March 2010

We measured type I procollagen carboxyl-terminal propeptide (PICP) by a commercial radioimmunoassay and amino-terminal propeptide (PINP) by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed in our laboratory in serum from 75 normal women, 10 growing girls, 84 normal men, and 197 patients with various metabolic bone diseases. The molar concentrations of serum PINP were 100-fold higher than those of PICP, suggesting differences in the metabolism of PICP and PINP. In normal women, serum PICP values correlated positively with age and serum PINP values correlated negatively with age (r = 0.28 and −0.32, respectively; P = 0.02). In normal men, however, PICP correlated negatively with age (r = −0.32, P = 0.003) whereas PINP did not change. As assessed by Z scores (SD from age- and sex-specific predicted normal mean), changes in serum PICP and PINP values were concordant in hypoparathyroidism (mean Z scores for PICP and PINP, −0.63 and −1.48, respectively) and Cushing's syndrome (0.50 and 0.40) but were discordant in acromegaly (0.78 and −0.68), hyperthyroidism (1.33 and −0.66), untreated postmenopausal osteoporosis (-0.11 and 0.40), fluoride-treated postmenopausal osteoporosis (-0.61 and 1.08), Paget's disease (4.05 and −0.20), and chronic renal failure (1.45 and −0.50). With either assay, deviations from normal were less pronounced than the deviations of concurrently measured serum osteocalcin and bone alkaline phosphatase values. The deviations in these latter two values agreed better with those of PICP than with those of PINP, except in untreated or fluoride-treated osteoporotic patients. We conclude that for assessing abnormalities in bone formation in metabolic bone diseases, assays for serum PICP or PINP generally are inferior to those for serum osteocalcin and bone alkaline phosphatase.
A histochemical study of acid phosphatases in medullary bone matrix and osteoclasts in laying Japanese quail
Authors: Dr. Yamamoto Toshio , Nagai Hiroshi
Published: March 2010

Acid phosphatase activity in medullary bone matrix and osteoclasts of laying Japanese quail was examined histochemically. To avoid nonspecific staining, the reactivity of the enzyme was evaluated using both the azo dye method and the lead salt method and nonembedded thick sections and resin-embedded thin sections. The pH of the incubation medium was also varied from the acid range (pH 5.0 and 6.5) to the alkaline range (pH 8.5). Medullary bone osteoclasts contain both tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and fluoride-resistant acid phosphatase (FRAP) activity, and no significant difference in intensity was detected between active and inactive osteoclasts. The entire matrix of medullary bone was positive for tartrate-resistant, fluoride-sensitive acid phosphatase activity. No reaction product was observed in sections incubated in substrate-free and pH 8.5 media. The results demonstrate the existence of FRAP in medullary bone osteoclasts and suggest that medullary bone matrix includes TRAP throughout the matrix.
Do estrogens improve bone mineral density in osteoporotic women over age 65?
Authors: Marx Christopher W. , Dailey George E. , Cheney Carol , Vint Vinton C. , Muchmore Douglas B.
Published: March 2010

A retrospective analysis of our experience with estrogen and fluoride treatment in 91 patients with postmenopausal osteopenia followed for 6–47 months has been performed. Treatment included calcium (1000 mg/day) and either conjugated estrogens (0.625 mg/day) or sodium fluoride (50 mg/day), or both. All patients had at least two serial dual-photon spinal bone mineral density measurements performed 6 months or more apart. Estrogen treatment was associated with increased bone mineral density (5.3%/year), as was fluoride alone (7.5%/year). Estrogen and fluoride together were additive (9.6%/year). In women over age 65 the estrogen effect was just as great (6.9%/year) as in younger women. Estrogen benefit occurred predominantly in the first 18 months of treatment (7.0%/year), after which time changes in bone mineral density were similar to those in untreated controls, who showed stable bone mineral density. We conclude that aggressive estrogen and fluoride treatment tailored to the severity of the individual's postmenopausal osteopenia results in short-term improvement in spinal bone mineral density. These data further support that elderly women respond to estrogen replacement therapy with absolute and relative increments in bone density similar to those in younger women.
Different pathways lead to mitochondrial fragmentation during apoptotic and excitotoxic cell death in primary neurons
Authors: Young Kenneth W. , Piñon Lucia G. P. , Bampton Edward T. W. , Nicotera Pierluigi
Published: March 2010

Mitochondrial fragmentation is recognized to be an important event during the onset of apoptosis. In this current study, we have used single cell imaging to investigate the role of the mitochondrial fission protein DRP‐1 on mitochondrial morphology and mitochondrial fragmentation in primary hippocampal neurons undergoing necrotic or apoptotic cell death. Treatment of neurons with 500 nM staurosporine (apoptosis) or 30 μM glutamate (l‐Glu; excitotoxic necrosis) produced a fragmentation and condensation of mitochondria, which although occurred over markedly different time frames appeared broadly similar in appearance. In neurons exposed to an apoptotic stimuli, inhibiting DRP‐1 activity using overexpression of the dominant negative DRP‐1K38A slowed the rate of mitochondrial fragmentation and decreased total cell death when compared to overexpression of wild‐type DRP‐1. In contrast, responses to l‐Glu appeared DRP‐1 independent. Similarly, alterations in the fission/fusion state of the mitochondrial network did not alter mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake or the ability of l‐Glu to stimulate excitotoxic Ca2+ overload. Finally, apoptosis‐induced mitochondrial fragmentation was observed concurrent with recruitment of Bax to the mitochondrial membrane. In contrast, during glutamate excitotoxicity, Bax remained in the cytosolic compartment. We conclude that different pathways lead to the appearance of fragmented mitochondria during necrotic and apoptotic neuronal cell death. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:335–341, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20336
T‐loop phosphorylated Cdk9 localizes to nuclear speckle domains which may serve as sites of active P‐TEFb function and exchange between the Brd4 and 7SK/HEXIM1 regulatory complexes
Authors: Dow Eugene C. , Liu Hongbing , Rice Andrew P.
Published: March 2010

P‐TEFb functions to induce the elongation step of RNA polymerase II transcription by phosphorylating the carboxyl‐terminal domain of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. Core P‐TEFb is comprised of Cdk9 and a cyclin regulatory subunit, with Cyclin T1 being the predominant Cdk9‐associated cyclin. The kinase activity of P‐TEFb is dependent on phosphorylation of the Thr186 residue located within the T‐loop domain of the Cdk9 subunit. Here, we used immunofluorescence deconvolution microscopy to examine the subcellular distribution of phospho‐Thr186 Cdk9/Cyclin T1 P‐TEFb heterodimers. We found that phospho‐Thr186 Cdk9 displays a punctate distribution throughout the non‐nucleolar nucleoplasm and it co‐localizes with Cyclin T1 almost exclusively within nuclear speckle domains. Phospho‐Thr186 Cdk9 predominantly co‐localized with the hyperphosphorylated forms of RNA polymerase II. Transient expression of kinase‐defective Cdk9 mutants revealed that neither is Thr186 phosphorylation or kinase activity required for Cdk9 speckle localization. Lastly, both the Brd4 and HEXIM1 proteins interact with P‐TEFb at or very near speckle domains and treatment of cells with the Cdk9 inhibitor flavopiridol alters this distribution. These results indicate that the active form of P‐TEFb resides in nuclear speckles and raises the possibility that speckles are sites of P‐TEFb function and exchange between negative and positive P‐TEFb regulatory complexes. J. Cell. Physiol. 224:84–93, 2010 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stabilization of biomass‐derived pyrolysis oils
Authors: Venderbosch R.H. , Ardiyanti A.R. , Wildschut J. , Oasmaa A. , Heeres H.J.
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: Biomass is the only renewable feedstock containing carbon, and therefore the only alternative to fossil‐derived crude oil derivatives. However, the main problems concerning the application of biomass for biofuels and bio‐based chemicals are related to transport and handling, the limited scale of the conversion process and the competition with the food industry. To overcome such problems, an integral processing route for the conversion of (non‐feed) biomass (residues) to transportation fuels is proposed. It includes a pretreatment process by fast pyrolysis, followed by upgrading to produce a crude‐oil‐like product, and finally co‐refining in traditional refineries.

RESULTS: This paper contributes to the understanding of pyrolysis oil upgrading. The processes include a thermal treatment step and/or direct hydroprocessing. At temperatures up to 250 °C (in the presence of H2 and catalyst) parallel reactions take place including re‐polymerization (water production), decarboxylation (limited CO2 production) and hydrotreating. Water is produced in small quantities (approx. 10% extra), likely caused by repolymerization. This repolymerization takes place faster (order of minutes) than the hydrotreating reactions (order of tens of minutes, hours).

CONCLUSIONS: In hydroprocessing of bio‐oils, a pathway is followed by which pyrolysis oils are further polymerized if H2 and/or catalyst is absent, eventually to char components, or, with H2/catalyst, to stabilized components that can be further upgraded. Results of the experiments suggest that specifically the cellulose‐derived fraction of the oil needs to be transformed first, preferably into alcohols in a ‘mild hydrogenation’ step. This subsequently allows further dehydration and hydrogenation. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Power characteristics of surface aerators
Authors: Rao Achanta Ramakrishna , Patel Ajey Kumar , Kumar Bimlesh
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: The hydrodynamic conditions of a surface aeration system can be characterized by interpreting the power consumption of the impeller. Power consumed by aeration tanks depends on the geometries of the impeller and tank, which is generally denoted by the power number.

RESULTS: The various geometric and dynamic parameters affecting the power number have been studied experimentally. Three flat‐bottomed cylindrical tanks of 1, 0.518 and 0.168 m2 cross sectional area, fitted with six flat bladed impellers were used as baffled and unbaffled circular tanks.

CONCLUSIONS: Scale‐up criteria have been developed for baffled surface aeration tanks. General correlations have been developed for both baffled and unbaffled aeration systems which are useful in the design of surface aeration tanks. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of the final ethanol concentration on the acetification and production rate in the wine vinegar process
Authors: Baena‐Ruano Silvia , Jiménez‐Ot Carlos , Santos‐Dueñas Inés M. , Jiménez‐Hornero Jorge E. , Bonilla‐Venceslada José L. , Álvarez‐Cáliz Carmen , García‐García Isidoro
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: The acetification process needs an overall study of the variables influencing it in order to establish their optimum values. Based on industrial experience and available literature, including a recently proposed model by the authors, among the variables most strongly influencing the acetification process are the ethanol concentration at the time the reactor is unloaded, the unloaded volume and the loading rate. To ensure economically efficient industrial production of vinegar, and to check the predictions of the aforementioned model, the influence of the final ethanol concentration at unloading time on the mean acetification rate and on productivity has been studied in this work.

RESULTS: An increase in the final ethanol concentration from 0.5 to 3.5% (v/v) increased the mean overall acetification rate and acetic acid production by 38 and 26%, respectively. The increase was established mainly during the loading phase.

CONCLUSIONS: The final ethanol concentration is a key variable for process optimization. If a high rate is desired then a product containing much unused substrate will be obtained, which may be industrially unacceptable. These results suggest the necessity to investigate other possibilities when high values for yield and productivity must to be achieved. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Does increasing access to infrastructure services improve the targeting performance of water subsidies?
Authors: Angel‐Urdinola Diego F. , Wodon Quentin
Published: March 2010

There is ample evidence that utility subsidies imbedded in inverted block and other tariff structures are not well targeted to the poor, simply because the poor tend to have much lower access rates to water and electricity networks than richer households. This paper provides an analysis of the changes over time in the targeting performance of water consumption subsidies in Nicaragua. Becuase access rates to piped water increased substantially between 2001 and 2005, the targeting performance of consumption subsidies improved, despite the fact that the tariff structure remained essentially the same over time. It is shown that the observed changes in access rates had a much higher impact for improving the targeting performance of consumption subsidies than changes in the tariff structure could have had if they had been implemented. The results suggest that one of the best ways to improve the targeting of consumption subsidies may be to increase access rates, so that the poor have a better chance of receiving the subsidies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Norwegian‐grown Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.): morphology and content of sugars and fructo‐oligosaccharides in stems and tubers
Authors: Slimestad Rune , Seljaasen Randi , Meijer Kasia , Skar Siv Lene
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: Two field trials growing Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) are discussed. Twenty genetic variants were compared in order to find genotypes suitable for Norwegian production. A second trial investigated the above‐ground part of early and late variants.

RESULTS: The highest yield (28.7 t ha−1) and highest amount of tubers per plant was obtained in early variants, e.g. the white Tysnes gave 1.72 kg tubers plant−1. Early variants had a markedly lower portion of smooth tubers. Late variants gave the most preferable tuber shape, but low yield. Only a weak correlation was found between dry matter content and total content of fructo‐oligosaccharides (FOS) (r = 0.255) in the tubers. The mean content of FOS including sucrose through all variants was found to be 116 g kg−1 fresh weight (FW) or 550 g kg−1 dry weight (DW). The average chain length of FOS in the tubers was found to be DP3.9. There was no difference in tuber FOS content between early and late variants. The highest above‐ground amount biomass was found for the late variants when harvested in September. The content of soluble carbohydrates was found to be highest in stalks in August (sucrose and FOS major compounds).

CONCLUSION: Early variants give the highest tuber yield under Norwegian growing conditions. Late variants give highest above‐ground biomass. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of organic production and fertilizer variables on the sensory properties of pac choi (Brassica rapa var. Mei Qing Choi) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. Bush Celebrity)
Authors: Talavera‐Bianchi Martin , Chambers IV Edgar , Carey Edward E , Chambers Delores H
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: The increased popularity of organic production has amplified the need for research that will help in understanding how this production system affects the final quality of vegetables. The effects of organic and conventional production on the sensory characteristics of pac choi (often called bok choy) and tomato were studied. Samples were grown in high tunnel and field environments at the Kansas State University Horticulture Research Center located in Olathe, Kansas. Highly trained descriptive panelists from the Sensory Analysis Center at Kansas State University used previously developed flavor lexicons for tomatoes and leafy greens to evaluate the samples.

RESULTS: ANOVA at a 95% confidence level was used to detect significant differences between treatments for individual attributes. Crispness, green‐grassy/leafy, piney, and pungent attributes were normally higher in conventional pac choi only for the field samples. Pac choi grown in high tunnels showed slight differences only at individual amounts of fertilizer. Organic tomatoes grown in the field were generally juicier and less mealy compared to conventionally grown tomatoes. In the high tunnel, organic tomatoes were generally stronger in the characteristic tomato aroma. However, all differences generally were very small.

CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that organic and conventional production systems do not create major sensory differences in the vegetables evaluated. The few differences that do exist are so small they may not be of practical importance. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Fruit physical, chemical and aromatic attributes of early, intermediate and late apricot cultivars
Authors: Lo Bianco Riccardo , Farina Vittorio , Indelicato Sergio Giuseppe , Filizzola Felice , Agozzino Pasquale
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: In order to reach good fruit quality, apricots require a balance of sugars and acids as well as a strong apricot aroma. In this study, fruit quality of early, intermediate and late apricot cultivars was evaluated by measuring physical, chemical and olfactory attributes. Multivariate analysis of quality and aroma attributes was used to identify groups of similar cultivars and association with ripening season.

RESULTS: Physical, chemical and aromatic attributes showed great variation among cultivars but no relation to ripening season. Aromatic profiles (34 volatiles) of fruit tissues indicated qualitative and quantitative differences among cultivars. Ninfa and Mandorlon were richest in aroma, with a prevailing fruity component; Goldrich and Orange Red were also highly aromatic, with all odour components well represented; Pinkot, Alba and Pellecchiella were lowest in aroma, with a prevailing grassy component. Linear functions including five volatiles (concentrations) and fruit diameter or six aromatic compounds (odour units) and peel colour were found to discriminate cultivars by ripening season. Principal component analysis individuated three groups of cultivars: Ninfa and Mandorlon with sweet and fruity‐flavoured fruits; Bulida, Alba, Goldrich, Ouardy and Silvercot with large, acidic and well‐coloured fruits; and Fracasso, Pellecchiella, Palummella and Pinkot with small and floral/grassy‐flavoured fruits.

CONCLUSION: In apricot, detailed analysis of the aromatic profile may represent an efficient tool for classification of genotypes by ripening season, and volatiles with relevant odour contribution may serve as quality markers for selecting towards an extended ripening season of best quality apricots. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Sensitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and rapid one‐step immunochromatographic strip for fumonisin B1 in grain‐based food and feed samples
Authors: Shiu Chang‐Min , Wang Jing‐Jhih , Yu Feng‐Yih
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: Maize contaminated with mycotoxin fumonisin B1 poses a global threat to agricultural production. In this study, polyclonal antibodies (pAb) specific to fumonisin B1 were generated from rabbits immunised with fumonisin B1–keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH). These antibodies were used to establish a sensitive competitive direct enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (cdELISA) and gold nanoparticle immunochromatographic strip for detecting fumonisin B1 levels in maize‐based foods and feeds.

RESULTS: In cdELISA, fumonisins B1, B2 and B3 at concentrations of 0.42, 0.58 and 81.5 ng mL−1 respectively caused 50% inhibition (IC50) of binding of fumonisin B1–horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to the antibodies. Effective on‐site detection of fumonisin B1 was achieved by developing a rapid and sensitive pAb‐based gold nanoparticle immunochromatographic strip. This strip had a detection limit of 5 ng mL−1 for fumonisin B1 in maize‐based samples. Additionally, the whole analytical process could be completed within 10 min. Close examination of 15 maize‐based samples by cdELISA revealed that 11 were fumonisin‐positive, with a mean concentration of 435 ± 20.1 ng g−1. These results correlated well with those obtained by immunochromatographic strip.

CONCLUSION: Both cdELISA and immunochromatographic strip methods established in this study are sensitive for rapid detection of fumonisins in agricultural commodities. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Applications of mass spectrometry to the study of siRNA
Authors: Beverly Michael B.
Published: March 2010

RNA interference (RNAi) has quickly become a well‐established laboratory tool for regulating gene expression and is currently being explored for its therapeutic potential. The design and use of double‐stranded RNA oligonucleotides as therapeutics to trigger the RNAi mechanism and a greater effort to understand the RNAi pathway itself is driving the development of analytical techniques that can characterize these oligonucleotides. Electrospray (ESI) and MALDI have been used routinely to analyze oligonucleotides and their ability to provide mass and sequence information has made them ideal for this application. Reviewed here is the work done to date on the use of ESI and MALDI for the study of RNAi oligonucleotides as well as the strategies and issues associated with siRNA analysis by mass spectrometry. While there is not a large body of literature on the specific application of mass spectrometry to RNAi, the work done in this area is a good demonstration of the range of experiments that can be conducted and the value that ESI and MALDI can provide to the RNAi field. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 30:979–998, 2011
Rehabilitation in Parkinson's disease: Assessing the outcome using objective metabolic measurements
Authors: Frazzitta Giuseppe , Maestri Roberto , Bertotti Gabriella , Uccellini Davide , Bazzini Giacomo , Abelli Paola , Aquilani Roberto
Published: March 2010

Objective measurements to assess the efficacy of rehabilitation treatment in Parkinson's disease, suitable to be carried out routinely in the clinical setting, are lacking. Metabolic parameters, reflecting the recruitment and co‐ordination of muscle fibers, might be simple instrumental measurements suitable for use as outcome markers. Twenty parkinsonian patients underwent a 4‐week rehabilitation treatment. Functional evaluation was based on Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Motor Section (UPDRS III), Berg's scale, 6‐minute walking test (6MWT), and the metabolic data recorded during the 6MWT namely the active energy expenditure (AEE), the kinetics of the energy consumption curve, and the peak value of energy consumption. Both rating scales and gait improved significantly (UPDRS III decreased by 32%, Berg increased by 21% and the 6MWT increased by 17%). We observed significant improvements also in metabolic measurements (35, 18, and 15 improvement in the kinetics of the energy consumption, AEE, and peak value of energy consumption, respectively). Hence, the rehabilitation protocol improved functional characteristics of the patients and these improvements were clearly reflected also by the metabolic measurements. The improvement in clinical scores corresponded with an increase in energy consumption during the 6MWT, indicating greater speed in the recruitment of motor units and of a capacity to maintain this recruitment over time. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Does age make a difference in caregiver strain? Comparison of young versus older caregivers in early‐stage Parkinson's disease
Authors: Carter Julie H. , Lyons Karen S. , Stewart Barbara J. , Archbold Patricia G. , Scobee Rebecca
Published: March 2010

Family care research has identified negative outcomes of providing care to a spouse with Parkinson's disease (PD), such as declining physical and mental health. Research has also identified protective variables that decrease negative outcomes such as high mutuality and rewards of meaning. It is important for clinicians to identify “at risk” family caregivers and provide earlier interventions. Despite the importance of age and developmental stage there is a paucity of research comparing young versus older spouse caregivers. This study compared the difference in negative aspects of strain and modulators of strain in young and older PD spouse caregivers. A series of hierarchical multiple regressions were used to examine the contribution of age on both positive and negative aspects of the care situation for 65 (37 young, 28 old) PD spouse caregivers. Negative variables included 3 dimensions of strain; strain from lack of personal resources, strain from worry, and global strain. Positive or protective variables included mutuality, preparedness, and rewards of meaning. Even in early stage disease before significant care is required, young spouses (40–55) were found to be at greater risk for negative consequences of the care situation reporting significantly more strain from lack of personal resources, and lower levels of mutuality and rewards of meaning than older (greater than 70) spouses. As expected, young spouses were more likely to be working, caring for children in the home, and in better physical health than older spouses. Clinicians are well‐situated to identify the unique needs of young spouses and intervene early in the caregiving trajectory. These findings provide ideas for targeted interventions. Future larger studies that compare young and older spouses should include later stage disease to more fully understand the developmental differences raised by the present findings. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
The hp‐multigrid method applied to hp‐adaptive refinement of triangular grids
Authors: Mitchell William F.
Published: March 2010

Recently the hp version of the finite element method, in which adaptivity occurs in both the size, h, of the elements and in the order, p, of the approximating piecewise polynomials, has received increasing attention. It is desirable to combine this optimal order discretization method with an optimal order algebraic solution method like multigrid. An intriguing notion is to use the values of p as the levels of a multilevel method. In this paper we present such a method, known as hp‐multigrid, for high‐order finite elements and hp‐adaptive grids. We present a survey of the development of p‐multigrid and hp‐multigrid, define an hp‐multigrid algorithm based on the p‐hierarchical basis for the p levels and h‐hierarchical basis for an h‐multigrid solution of the p=1 ‘coarse grid’ equations, and present numerical convergence results using hp‐adaptive grids. The numerical results suggest that the method has a convergence rate of \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage[mathscr]{euscript}\footskip=0pc\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$\frac{1}{2}$\end{document} for Poisson's equation. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Operator‐based interpolation for bootstrap algebraic multigrid
Authors: Manteuffel T. , McCormick S. , Park M. , Ruge J.
Published: March 2010

Bootstrap algebraic multigrid (BAMG) is a multigrid‐based solver for matrix equations of the form Ax=b. Its aim is to automatically determine the interpolation weights used in algebraic multigrid (AMG) by locally fitting a set of test vectors that have been relaxed as solutions to the corresponding homogeneous equation, Ax=0, and are then possibly improved later using a multilevel eigensolver. This paper introduces a flexible variant of BAMG that determines the interpolation weights indirectly by ‘collapsing’ the unwanted connections in ‘operator interpolation’. Compared to BAMG, this indirect BAMG approach (iBAMG) is more in the spirit of classical AMG, which collapses unwanted connections in operator interpolation based on the (restrictive) assumption that smooth error is locally constant. This paper studies the numerical performance of iBAMG and establishes an equivalence, under certain assumptions, between it and a slightly modified (standard) BAMG scheme. To focus on camparing BAMG and iBAMG and exposing their behavior as the problem size grows, the numerical experiments concentrate on Poisson‐like scalar problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.