bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gold‐Catalyzed Homogeneous Oxidative Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Zhang Guozhu , Peng Yu , Cui Li , Zhang Liming
Published: March 2009

Oxidizing gold? A gold(I)/gold(III) catalytic cycle is essential for the first oxidative cross‐coupling reaction in gold catalysis. By using Selectfluor for gold(I) oxidation, this chemistry reveals the synthetic potential of incorporating gold(I)/gold(III) catalytic cycles into contemporary gold chemistry and promises a new area of gold research by merging powerful gold catalysis and oxidative metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions.

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Simulation and analysis of flow through microchannel
Authors: Kundu Madhusree , Vamsee Krishna , Maiti Dilip
Published: March 2009

One‐dimensional and two‐dimensional models for microchannel flow with noncontinuum (slip flow) boundary conditions have been presented here. This study presents an efficient numerical procedure using pressure‐correction‐based iterative SIMPLE algorithm with QUICK scheme in convective terms to simulate a steady incompressible two‐dimensional flow through a microchannel. In the present work, the slip flow of liquid through a microchannel has been modeled using a slip length assumption instead of using conventional Maxwell's slip flow model, which essentially utilizes the molecular mean free path concept. The models developed, following this approach, lend an insight into the physics of liquid flow through microchannels. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conductive polymer tape containing highly oriented carbon nanofillers
Authors: Deng H. , Zhang R. , Bilotti E. , Loos J. , Peijs T.
Published: March 2009

The effect of the orientation of carbon fillers with different aspect ratios on the resistivity and morphology of conductive polymer composites (CPCs) based on polypropylene was investigated in this study. Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and carbon black (CB) were used as conductive fillers. The CPCs were made by melt compounding, hot pressing, and solid‐state drawing. The alignment of the filler was observed after solid‐state drawing. The resistivity of the composites increased with the draw ratio at relatively low carbon filler loadings (<20 wt %), whereas it remained unchanged at a high filler loading (20 wt % CB). Orientation‐promoted anisotropy of the conductive network was observed in both the morphology and resistivity. MWNTs were found to be better at maintaining a percolating network under large deformations than CB because of their larger aspect ratio and their entangled network structure. The experimentally obtained resistivity was analyzed with percolation theory, and this indicated that the initial three‐dimensional conductive network was deformed into a two‐dimensional network after solid‐state drawing for the composites containing CB. The three‐dimensional network was found in isotropic CPCs containing MWNTs with the same analysis. Theoretical analysis using excluded volume theory was in good agreement with results obtained experimentally. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Study of the Variability in Upper and Lower Airway Morphology in Sprague–Dawley Rats Using Modern Micro‐CT Scan‐Based Segmentation Techniques
Authors: De Backer Jan W. , Vos Wim G. , Burnell Patricia , Verhulst Stijn L. , Salmon Phil , De Clerck Nora , De Backer Wilfried
Published: March 2009

Animal models are being used extensively in pre‐clinical and safety assessment studies to assess the effectiveness and safety of new chemical entities and delivery systems. Although never entirely replacing the need for animal testing, the use of computer simulations could eventually reduce the amount of animals needed for research purposes and refine the data acquired from the animal studies. Computational fluid dynamics is a powerful tool that makes it possible to simulate flow and particle behavior in animal or patient‐specific respiratory models, for purposes of inhaled delivery. This tool requires an accurate representation of the respiratory system, respiration and dose delivery attributes. The aim of this study is to develop a representative airway model of the Sprague–Dawley rat using static and dynamic micro‐CT scans. The entire respiratory tract was modeled, from the snout and nares down to the central airways at the point where no distinction could be made between intraluminal air and the surrounding tissue. For the selection of the representative model, variables such as upper airway movement, segmentation length, airway volume and size are taken into account. Dynamic scans of the nostril region were used to illustrate the characteristic morphology of this region in anaesthetized animals. It could be concluded from this study that it was possible to construct a highly detailed representative model of a Sprague–Dawley rat based on imaging modalities such as micro‐CT scans. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dependence of Aortic Arch Morphogenesis on Intracardiac Blood Flow in the Left Atrial Ligated Chick Embryo
Authors: Hu Norman , Christensen Douglas A. , Agrawal Amit K. , Beaumont Charity , Clark Edward B. , Hawkins John A.
Published: March 2009

Partial left atrial ligation before cardiac septation redistributes intracardiac blood flow and produces left ventricular hypoplasia in the chick. We hypothesized that redistributed intracardiac blood flow adversely alters aortic arch development. We ligated the left atrial appendage with a 10‐0 nylon suture at stage 21 chick embryos, then reincubated up to stage 34. Sham embryos had a suture tied adjacent to the atrial wall, and normal controls were unoperated. We measured simultaneous atrioventricular (AV) and dorsal aortic (DAo) blood velocities from stage 24 embryos with an ultrasound pulsed‐Doppler flow meter; and the left and right third and fourth aortic arch blood flow with a laser‐Doppler flow meter. Ventricular and atrial cross‐sectional areas were measured from sequential video fields for planimetry. Intracardiac flow patterns were imaged on video by injecting India ink into the vitelline vein. In separate embryos, radiopaque microfil was injected into the cardiovascular system for μ‐CT scanning. We analyzed the morphologic characteristics of the heart at stage 34. Active AV and DAo stroke volume (mm3), right third and fourth aortic arch blood flow (mm3/s) were all decreased in ligated embryos (P < 0.05) when compared with normal and sham embryos. Ventricular end‐diastolic volume versus normal and sham embryos decreased by 45% and 46%, respectively (P < 0.05). India ink injection revealed altered right aortic arch flow patterns in the ligated embryos compared with normal embryos. μ‐CT imaging confirmed altered arch morphogenesis. Alterations in intracardiac blood flow disrupt both early cardiac morphogenesis and aortic arch selection. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of n‐gram conflation approaches for Arabic text retrieval
Authors: Ahmed Farag , Nürnberger Andreas
Published: March 2009

In this paper we present a language‐independent approach for conflation that does not depend on predefined rules or prior knowledge of the target language. The proposed unsupervised method is based on an enhancement of the pure n‐gram model that can group related words based on various string‐similarity measures, while restricting the search to specific locations of the target word by taking into account the order of n‐grams. We show that the method is effective to achieve high score similarities for all word‐form variations and reduces the ambiguity, i.e., obtains a higher precision and recall, compared to pure n‐gram‐based approaches for English, Portuguese, and Arabic. The proposed method is especially suited for conflation approaches in Arabic, since Arabic is a highly inflectional language. Therefore, we present in addition an adaptive user interface for Arabic text retrieval called “araSearch”. araSearch serves as a metasearch interface to existing search engines. The system is able to extend a query using the proposed conflation approach such that additional results for relevant subwords can be found automatically.
Fabrication and Application of TiO2‐Based Superhydrophilic–Superhydrophobic Patterns on Titanium Substrates for Offset Printing
Authors: Nakata Kazuya , Nishimoto Shunsuke , Kubo Atsushi , Tryk Donald , Ochiai Tsuyoshi , Murakami Taketoshi , Fujishima Akira
Published: March 2009

Light print: TiO2‐based superhydrophilic–superhydrophobic patterns were fabricated on titanium substrates. The fabricated substrate functions as an offset printing plate and is renewable through initialization by UV irradiation and resurfacing. This new method offers a new, resource‐saving, environmentally friendly printing method. SAM=self‐assembled monolayer.

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A fabrication process for superhydrophilic–superhydrophilic patterns on titanium substrates prepared through a combination of an ink‐jet technique and site‐selective decomposition of a self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) by a TiO2 photocatalyst under UV irradiation is described. We demonstrate that the prepared titanium substrate is applicable as an offset printing plate with high resolution (133 and 150 lines per inch). Furthermore, the superhydrophilic–superhydrophobic patterns on the substrate can be deposited repeatedly after elimination of the patterns by photocatalytic decomposition of TiO2 under UV irradiation. A second printed image with the renewed substrate showed no significant difference in image quality compared with the initial image.
Querschnittsberechnung von Stahlbetonstäben – Stand der Forschung
Authors: Löhning Thomas , Schenk Jochen , Starossek Uwe
Published: March 2009

Viele der im Bauwesen üblichen Tragwerkssysteme besitzen einen stabförmigen Charakter. Für diese Tragwerke findet die Stabtheorie Anwendung, bei der das stoffliche Verhalten auf Querschnittsebene erfasst wird. Bei Stahlbetontragwerken ist dabei i. A. eine stoffliche Nichtlinearität zu berücksichtigen. Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt eine Übersicht über den Stand der Forschung zur Querschnittsberechnung von Stahlbetonstäben. Eine Querschnittsberechnung bestimmt die Beziehung zwischen den Schnittgrößen und den Verzerrungsgrößen. Es existiert eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Modelle, für die hier eine Klassifizierung vorgeschlagen wird. Bestehende Modelle können in Integrale Modelle, Fachwerkmodelle, Einaxiale Modelle, Scheibenmodelle sowie Finite Elemente Modelle eingeteilt werden. Für jede Klasse werden die Charakteristiken erläutert und die wichtigsten Modelle dargestellt.
Tragfähigkeit von Einzelstützen nach Eurocode 2 mit besonderem Bezug auf das Verfahren mit Nennsteifigkeiten
Authors: Kofler Michaela , Andreatta Andreas
Published: March 2009

Im Zuge der europäischen Harmonisierung der technischen Normen werden die Festlegungen für Konstruktion und Ausführung von Stahlbetontragwerken in Eurocode 2 geregelt. Die Berechnung von Bauteilen, die vorwiegend auf Normalkraft beansprucht werden, können sowohl mit Hilfe von Näherungsverfahren als auch im Rahmen einer nichtlinearen Schnittgrößenermittlung durchgeführt werden. Anhand einer Parameterstudie an Einzelstützen, bei der die Materialgüte, die Schlankheit und die Ausmittigkeit der Normalkraftbeanspruchung variiert werden, werden die Rechenverfahren gegenübergestellt.
Bemessung von Stützmauern aus Stahlbeton nach Eurocode
Authors: Suda Jürgen , Hofmann Robert
Published: March 2009

Die Bemessung von Stützbauwerken aus Beton und Stahlbeton erfolgt auf Basis von gültigen Betonbau und Geotechnik Normen. In Österreich wird derzeit vom nationalen Normenkonzept auf die europäischen Normenwerke (EUROCODES) umgestellt. Im folgenden Artikel wird der aktuelle Stand der Normung in Österreich und das Zusammenspiel des Eurocode 2 (EN 1992‐x) und des Eurocode 7 (EN 1997‐1) bei der Bemessung von Gewichtsmauern aus Beton und Stahlbeton gezeigt. Dabei werden die notwendigen Nachweise erläutert und deren normative Verankerungen dargestellt.
Normen für den Konstruktiven Ingenieurbau
Authors: Sigrist Viktor
Published: March 2009

Für den Konstruktiven Ingenieurbau sind Normen unverzichtbare Grundlagen. Normen sollen die anerkannten Regeln sowie den Stand von Wissenschaft und Technik darstellen, und sie dienen der Verständigung zwischen den beteiligten Fachleuten. In den zukünftigen Normen sind alle Prozessschritte der Planung – Projektierung, Ausführung, Nutzung, Erhaltung und Rückbau – durch die integrale Betrachtung aller die Sicherheit und Qualität betreffenden Aspekte zu behandeln. Gegenüber heutigen Normen werden folglich die thematische Breite und der Detaillierungsgrad zunehmen. Das Ziel der Verfasser von Normen muss es aber gleichwohl sein, die benötigte Information mithilfe einfach handhabbarer Regeln verständlich darzustellen. Es muss gelingen, den Normen der Zukunft (wieder) die ihnen angemessene Bedeutung und hohe Akzeptanz zu verschaffen.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), enzymatic activity and the inflammatory response
Authors: Cooke Gordon , Armstrong Michelle E. , Donnelly Seamas C.
Published: March 2009

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor represents a key cytokine in human diseases. It plays an important role in both innate and acquired immunity and has been shown to be a key mediator of inflammatory diseases. More recently MIF has been implicated in cancer pathogenesis. Over the decades its structure and functions have been elucidated and this has led to it being further classified as a hormone and an enzyme. It has isomerase enzymatic activity and increasing evidence implicates this activity in inflammatory disease. Consequently, there is increasing interest in developing small molecular weight inhibitors which could target this novel enzymatic activity in disease. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
C/EBPα in leukemogenesis: Identity and origin of the leukemia‐initiating cell
Authors: Schuster Mikkel Bruhn , Porse Bo Torben
Published: March 2009

The role of the transcription factor CCATT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) as a lineage instructive determinant in myelopoiesis is widely accepted. Furthermore, early mutational events ultimately leading to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) often involve abrogation of C/EBPα expression and/or function. The main focus of this review is the progression from a preclinical state to AML, and which preleukemic cell population(s) might—in general and in particular in patients with CEBPA mutations—be a target for the secondary genetic and epigenetic events leading to this progression. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Direction discovery
Authors: Sikes Suzanne S. , Schwartz‐Bloom Rochelle D.
Published: March 2009

Launch into education about pharmacology (LEAP) is an inquiry‐based science enrichment program designed to enhance competence in biology and chemistry and foster interest in science careers especially among under‐represented minorities. The study of how drugs work, how they enter cells, alter body chemistry, and exit the body engages students to conceptualize fundamental precepts in biology, chemistry, and math. Students complete an intensive three‐week course in the fundamentals of pharmacology during the summer followed by a mentored research component during the school year. Following a 5E learning paradigm, the summer course captures student interest by introducing controversial topics in pharmacology and provides a framework that guides them to explore topics in greater detail. The 5E learning cycle is recapitulated as students extend their knowledge to design and to test an original research question in pharmacology. LEAP students demonstrated significant gains in biology and chemistry knowledge and interests in pursuing science. Several students earned honors for the presentation of their research in regional and state science fairs. Success of the LEAP model in its initial 2 years argues that coupling college‐level coursework of interest to teens with an authentic research experience enhances high school student success in and enthusiasm for science.
PCR‐RFLP to detect codon 248 mutation in exon 7 of p53 tumor suppressor gene
Authors: Ouyang Liming , Ge Chongtao , Wu Haizhen , Li Suxia , Zhang Huizhan
Published: March 2009

Individual genome DNA was extracted fast from oral swab and followed up with PCR specific for codon 248 of p53 tumor suppressor gene. MspI restriction mapping showed the G‐C mutation in codon 248, which closely relates to cancer susceptibility. Students learn the concepts, detection techniques, and research significance of point mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms in individual genomes.
High school and university students' knowledge and attitudes regarding biotechnology
Authors: Usak Muhammet , Erdogan Mehmet , Prokop Pavol , Ozel Murat
Published: March 2009

Biotechnology has a considerable importance in Turkish biology curriculum. This study was designed to explore or indicate Turkish high school and university students' knowledge and attitudes toward biotechnology. A total number of 352 high school and 276 university students were invited to the study. The Biotechnology Knowledge Questionnaire (BKQ) with 16 items and Biotechnology Attitude Questionnaire (BAQ) with 37 items were used as data collection instruments. The statistically significant correlation was observed between the level of biotechnology knowledge and the subdimensions of attitudes toward biotechnology. We found no statistically significant difference between high school and university students' knowledge of biotechnology. In contrast, university students showed more positive attitudes toward biotechnology than did high school students. However, the effect of gender was equivocal; therefore, it did not support a “gender paradox” hypothesis. Our results suggest that although students' appreciation of (agricultural) biotechnology is relatively positive, the understanding of biotechnology processes is superficial and attitudes toward shopping genetically modified products are therefore negative. The possible impact of current science and biology curriculum, and also biotechnology news given in media on Turkish students' views of biotechnology is discussed.
Pretreatment of hybrid poplar by aqueous ammonia
Authors: Gupta Rajesh , Lee Y. Y.
Published: March 2009

Enzymatic hydrolysis of hybrid poplar treated by ammonia recycle percolation (ARP) was studied applying cellulase enzyme supplemented with additional xylanase or pectinase. The effect of xylanase addition was much more significant than pectinase addition. Conversion of ARP‐treated hybrid poplar to ethanol was carried out by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) and SS and cofermentation (SSCF). The maximum ethanol yield observed from the SSCF experiment was 78% of theoretical maximum based on the total carbohydrate (glucan + xylan). The same feedstock was also treated by soaking in aqueous ammonia (SAA), a batch pretreatment process with lower severity than ARP. The test results indicated that relatively high severity is required to attain acceptable level of digestibility of hybrid poplar. In order to lower the severity of the pretreatment, addition of H2O2 was attempted in the SAA. Addition of H2O2 significantly enhanced delignification of hybrid poplar due to its oxidative degradation of lignin. Several different H2O2 feeding schemes and different temperature profiles were attempted in operation of the SAA to investigate the effects of H2O2 on degradation of lignin and carbohydrates in hybrid poplar. More than 60% of lignin in hybrid poplar was removed with stepwise‐increase of temperature (60–120°C after 4h of reaction). Increase of carbohydrate degradation was also observed under this condition. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Reversible Breaking and Forming of Metal–Ligand Coordination Bonds: Temperature‐Triggered Single‐Crystal to Single‐Crystal Transformation in a Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Bernini María C. , Gándara Felipe , Iglesias Marta , Snejko Natalia , Gutiérrez‐Puebla Enrique , Brusau Elena V. , Narda Griselda E. , Monge M. Ángeles
Published: March 2009

The novel Yb succinate metal–organic frameworkexhibits a reversible single‐crystal to single‐crystal polymorphic transformation (see figure) when it is heated above 130 °C, returning to its initial form when back at room temperature. This transformation produces a change in the coordination sphere of the Yb atoms, which influences the catalytic activity of the material.

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[Yb(C4H4O4)1.5] undergoes a temperature‐triggered single‐crystal to single‐crystal transformation. Thermal X‐ray single‐crystal studies showed a reversibly orchestrated rearrangement of the atoms generated by the breaking/formation of coordination bonds, in which the stoichiometry of the compound remains unchanged. The transformation occurs on heating the crystal at ≈130 °C. This uncommon behavior was also studied by thermal methods, FTIR spectroscopy, and thermodiffractometry. Both polymorphs,α(room‐temperature form) andβ(high‐temperature form), are proven to be active heterogeneous catalysts; the higher catalytic activity ofβis owed to a decrease in the Yb coordination number. A mechanism based on spectroscopic evidence and involving formation of the active species YbOOH is proposed for the sulfide oxidation.
Semiconducting Neutral Microstructures Fabricated by Coordinative Self‐Assembly of Intramolecular Charge‐Transfer Tetrathiafulvalene Derivatives
Authors: Geng Yan , Wang Xiao‐Jun , Chen Bin , Xue Hai , Zhao Yao‐Peng , Lee Shuittong , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu
Published: March 2009

A new class of tetrathiafulvalene‐based microstructures fabricated by coordinative self‐assembly has been prepared by a solution process. Upon incorporation of Pb2+ and Zn2+ ions, 1D wirelike microstructures and spherical polymer particles were achieved, respectively (see picture). The neutral coordination polymers are conductive and magnetic at room temperature without external manipulation.

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A new class of tetrathiafulvalene(TTF)‐based microstructures fabricated by coordinative self‐assembly has been successfully prepared by a solution process. The morphology of the TTF coordination polymers is readily tuned by the variation of metal ions. Upon incorporation of Pb2+ and Zn2+ ions, one‐dimensional (1D) wirelike microstructures and spherical polymer particles were achieved, respectively. These results indicate that the coordinative approach pursued in this work, in which the building blocks of 1 are linked in a coordination polymer chain by association with metal ions, is an efficient and versatile approach to produce more mechanically robust micro‐ and nanometer‐sized coordination polymer materials. More interestingly, the neutral coordination polymers are conductive and magnetic at room temperature without external manipulation. Such conductivity is reminiscent of the behavior of the neutral conductive TTF in single crystals.
Synthesis of 2‐Ene‐1,4‐diols by a New Cascade‐Opening of 1,3‐Diepoxides: Towards an Efficient Synthesis of Dihydroxytaxoid Derivatives
Authors: Aldegunde María J. , Castedo Luis , Granja Juan R.
Published: March 2009

Taxing taxanes: A new method for the preparation of alk‐2‐ene‐1,4‐diols from 1,3‐dienes, especially for geometrical constrained derivatives, via dioxirane derivative formation followed by TiIII‐induced oxirane ring opening, is described. The strategy has been very efficiently implemented to the construction of the 11‐ene‐10,13‐diol moiety present in taxol derivatives.

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Pivotal Role of Fluorine in Tuning Band Structure and Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Activity of Nitrogen‐Doped TiO2
Authors: Wang Qi , Chen Chuncheng , Ma Wanhong , Zhu Huaiyong , Zhao Jincai
Published: March 2009

Synergistic interactions between N and F can be used to tune the band structures of N‐doped TiO2 (see scheme). Reduction potential of conduction band electron is positively shifted to weaken unwanted O2 reduction, but enhances the target reduction reaction in air. The tuning also enhances the oxidation ability of the valence band to oxidize water to O2, which makes photocatalytic reduction proceed without any organic sacrificial reagents.

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Sequestration of Heavy Metals from Water with Layered Metal Sulfides
Authors: Manos Manolis J. , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: March 2009

Extraordinarily effective heavy metal ion scavenger: We show here that the material K2xMnxSn3−xS6 (x=0.5–0.95) (KMS‐1) overcomes the limitations of the known heavy metal ion sorbents, showing the capability to rapidly reduce the concentrations of Cd, Hg, and Pb ions well‐below the legally acceptable levels for drinking water. KMS‐1 is inexpensive, easily prepared in large quantities, and may play a role in addressing the global problem of water contamination with heavy metal ions. The paradigm of heavy metal ion absorption of KMS‐1 is the ability to form very strong MS bonds.

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Discovery of Iminosugar Derivatives with Strong IFN‐γ Inducing Activity
Authors: Zhang Lei , Sun Fang , Wang Qilong , Zhou Jing , Zhang Li‐He , Zhang Xiao‐Lian , Ye Xin‐Shan
Published: March 2009

Through construction of an iminosugar library and in situ cell‐based screening, several iminosugar compounds with the ability to stimulate IFN‐γ secretion in vitro were discovered. Among these compounds, one was able to strongly induce IFN‐γ secretion and showed remarkable antibacterial effects in vivo.

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Through effective construction of a compound library and in situ cell‐based screening, several iminosugar derivatives were discovered that show a strong ability to enhance IFN‐γ secretion. In particular, compounds A45 and B8, which exhibit remarkable activity in stimulating IFN‐γ secretion, show good antibacterial activity in vivo and have the potential to be lead compounds for further studies in the search for drugs for the treatment of cancer and microbial infections.
Treating octogenarian and nonagenarian acute myeloid leukemia patients—Predictive prognostic models
Authors: Harb Antoine J. , Tan Wei , Wilding Gregory E. , Ford LaurieAnn , Sait Sheila N. J. , Block AnneMarie W. , Barcos Maurice , Wallace Paul K. , Wang Eunice S. , Wetzler Meir
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND:

Treating the octogenarian and nonagenarian patients who have acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with intensive chemotherapy is controversial. Several models to predict outcome were proposed, including the use of a comorbidity index. However, it is unclear whether the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) or the hematopoietic cell transplant comorbidity index (HCTCI) is more sensitive.

METHODS:

The authors analyzed their experience with 92 patients aged ≥80 years who had AML. Patients' pretreatment characteristics and their treatment outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS:

All patients were offered intensive treatment; 59 patients (64%) were treated intensively with a variety of regimens, whereas 33 patients (36%) elected to receive supportive care. The CCI and the HCTCI had similar predictive ability for outcome in both groups. A multivariate analyses of prognostic factors identified near‐normal albumin (48% of patients; 1‐year survival rate, >27%) as a favorable factor for the whole cohort, age <83 years (47% of patients; 1‐year survival rate, >25%) and nonmonocytic morphology (75% of patients; 1‐year survival rate, >26%) as favorable factors for the intensively treated cohort, and bone marrow blasts <46% (50% of patients; 1‐year survival rate, >19%) as a favorable factor for patients who received supportive care.

CONCLUSIONS:

This retrospective analysis was developed to assist in treatment decisions for octogenarian and nonagenarian patients with AML. The findings will need validation in a prospective study. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Transient and transgenic analysis of the zebrafish ventricular myosin heavy chain (vmhc) promoter: An inhibitory mechanism of ventricle‐specific gene expression
Authors: Zhang Ruilin , Xu Xiaolei
Published: March 2009

The zebrafish ventricular myosin heavy chain (vmhc) gene exhibits restricted expression in the ventricle. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this chamber‐specific expression is unclear. Here, we exploited both transient and transgenic technologies to dissect the zebrafish vmhc promoter. We demonstrated that a combination of two transient assays in this animal model quickly identified chamber‐specific cis‐elements, isolating a 2.2 kb fragment upstream from the vmhc gene that can drive ventricle‐specific expression. Furthermore, deletion analysis identified multiple cis‐elements that exhibited cardiac‐specific expression. To achieve chamber specificity, a distal element was required to coordinate with and suppress a proximal enhancer element. Finally, we discovered that Nkx2.5‐binding sites (NKE) were essential for this repressive function. In summary, our study of the zebrafish vmhc promoter suggests that ventricle‐specific expression is achieved through an inhibitory mechanism that suppresses expression in the atrium. Developmental Dynamics 238:1564–1573, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative Studies of Metal Ion Adsorption on a Chemically Modified Carbon Surface: Adsorption of Cd(II) and Hg(II) on Glutathione Modified Carbon
Authors: Abiman Poobalasingam , Wildgoose Gregory G. , Crossley Alison , Compton Richard G.
Published: March 2009

The adsorption behavior of model toxic metal cations namely Cd(II) and Hg(II) on carbon surfaces chemically modified by glutathione was investigated as a function of the concentration of Cd2+ and Hg2+ ions, time and the amount of modified carbon used. Square wave and linear sweep anodic stripping voltammetry was used to monitor the uptake of Cd(II) and Hg(II) ions respectively. Kinetic and adsorption isotherm studies reveal that both Cd(II) and Hg(II) ions undergo similar large adsorption with the modified glutathione carbon material (Glu‐carbon).
Characterization of Kaolin Glassy Carbon Modified Electrodes: Preconcentration of 2‐Chlorophenol
Authors: Gómez Yoleydis , Fernández Lenys , Borrás Carlos , Mostany Jorge , Scharifker Benjamín
Published: March 2009

In this paper we describe the use of two kaolin‐type aluminosilicate clays, a commercial ceramic‐grade kaolin (K) and a natural kaolin from mines in Bolívar State Venezuela (K‐Ve), for the preparation of film‐based clay‐modified glassy carbon electrodes. We examine their behavior during the preconcentration and subsequent anodic oxidation of 2‐chlorophenol. Kaolin samples were used as raw materials and modified with cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) or nonionic surfactant, octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol (TX100). The electrode polishing was the key step to produce stable films. 2‐Chlorophenol electrooxidation is favored by the presence of the surfactants in the film. The X‐ray patterns show that the kaolin K‐Ve includes quartz as nonclay mineral, while the kaolin K showed only diffraction peaks characteristic of kaolinite phase. This may be why the TX100/K‐Ve/GC electrode adsorbs more 2‐CPh than the TX100/K/GC electrode. On the other hand, analysis of the limiting currents obtained from hydrodynamic techniques indicated that the permeability of TX100/kaolin films is greater than that of CTAB/kaolin films. The TX100/K‐Ve/GC electrode showed excellent stability. A linear response range from 0.01mgL−1 up to 0.1 mg L−1 with a detection limit of 0.0016 mg L−1 was observed in the optimized conditions.
A conditional expectation approach for associating ambient air pollutant exposures with health outcomes
Authors: Wannemuehler Kathleen A. , Lyles Robert H. , Waller Lance A. , Hoekstra Robert M. , Klein Mitchel , Tolbert Paige
Published: March 2009

Our research focuses on the association between exposure to an airborne pollutant and counts of emergency department (ED) visits attributed to a specific chronic illness. The motivating example for this analysis of measurement error in time series studies of air pollution and acute health outcomes was a study of ED visits from a 20‐county Atlanta metropolitan statistical area from 1993 to 1999. The research presented illustrates the impact of using various surrogates for unobserved measurements of ambient concentrations at the zip code level. Simulation results indicate that the impact of measurement error on the association between pollutant exposure and a health outcome can be substantial. The proposed conditional expectation (CE) approach provided reliable estimates of the association and exhibited good confidence interval coverage for a variety of magnitudes of association. Use of a single‐centrally located monitor, the arithmetic average, the nearest‐neighbor monitor, and the inverse‐distance weighted average surrogates resulted in biased estimates and poor coverage rates, especially for larger magnitudes of the association. A focus on obtaining reasonable exposure measurements within clearly defined subregions is important when the pollutant exposure of interest exhibits strong spatial variability. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early response as predictor of final remission in elderly depressed patients
Authors: Kok Rob M. , van Baarsen Carlijn , Nolen Willem A. , Heeren Thea J.
Published: March 2009

Background

Several studies have attempted to predict the final response or remission based on improvement during the early course of treatment of major depression. There is however a great variation in cut offs used to define early response and in the optimal week to predict final results.

Objective

To compare different cut offs at different time points early in the treatment of elderly depressed patients.

Method

A 12 week randomised, controlled trial in 81 elderly inpatients with DSM–IV major depression comparing venlafaxine with nortriptyline. At least 20, 25, 30 or 50% improvement was analysed after 1, 3 and 5 weeks using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale. We plotted sensitivity against 1—specificity and calculated areas under the curve (AUCs).

Results

The highest percentage of correctly classified patients is found using at least 50% decrease as cut off in week 5, with acceptable sensitivity (81.8%) and specificity (87.4%). In week 5, the AUCs were 0.891 (95% CI 0.798–0.984) and 0.866 (95% CI 0.789–0.983) for the HAM‐D and MADRS, respectively.

Conclusions

Combining the results from our study and the other studies addressing this issue, we suggest that the treatment should be changed in the elderly if after 3–4 weeks less than 30% improvement in depression score has been achieved. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Triterpenoid Saponins and Neolignans from Morina kokonorica
Authors: Zhu Ying , Lü Zhang‐Ping , Xue Cai‐Bin , Wu Wang‐Suo
Published: March 2009

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Two new taraxastane‐type triterpenoid saponins and two new neolignans, (6α,11α)‐6‐[(2‐O‐acetyl‐α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl)oxy]‐3‐oxotaraxast‐20‐ene‐11,28‐diyl diacetate (1), (6α,11α)‐6‐[(2‐O‐acetyl‐β‐D‐xylopyranosyl)oxy]‐3‐oxotaraxast‐20‐ene‐11,28‐diyl diacetate (2), (1R,2R,4E)‐1,5‐bis(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(methoxymethyl)pent‐4‐en‐1‐ol (3), and 1,1′‐[(1E,4R,5R)‐5‐methoxy‐4‐(methoxymethyl)pent‐1‐ene‐1,5‐diyl]bis(3,4‐dimethoxybenzene) (4), together with six known compounds were isolated from the Chinese medicinal plant Morina kokonorica Hao. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectral data, especially 2D‐NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS.
Diterpenes and Diterpene Glucosides from Phlogacanthus curviflorus
Authors: Lai Guo‐Fang , Wang Xian‐You , Wang Yi‐Fen , Cao Jian‐Xin , Luo Shi‐De , Ju Peng
Published: March 2009

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The four new diterpene and diterpene glucosides 1–4, the new bergamotene derivative 5, and the two new iridoid monoterpenoid glucosides 6 and 7, together with the eleven known compounds 8–18, were isolated from the EtOH extract of the roots of Phlogacanthus curviflorus. On the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence, their structures were identified as (4α,5β,10α,14α)‐14,19‐dihydroxyabieta‐8,13(15)‐dieno‐16,12‐lactone 19‐(β‐D‐glucopyranoside) (=curvifloruside A; 1), (4α,5β,10α,14α)‐14,19‐dihydroxyabieta‐8,13(15)‐dieno‐16,12‐lactone 19‐[2‐O‐(4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxybenzoyl)‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside] (=curvifloruside B; 2), (4α,5β,10α)‐19‐hydroxy‐14‐oxoabieta‐8,13(15)‐dieno‐16,12‐lactone 19‐[2‐O‐(4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxybenzoyl)‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside] (=curvifloruside C; 3), 19‐hydroxyjolkinolide E (4), 9‐oxo‐α‐bergamoten‐1‐yl β‐D‐glucopyranoside (=curvifloruside D; 5), 6‐deoxyharpagoside (=curvifloruside E; 6), and 6‐epiharpagoside (=curvifloruside F; 7). This is the first report on sesquiterpene and iridoid glycosides from the Phlogacanthus genus.
A Ubiquinol‐Based Charge‐Transfer Complex Obtained from a Solvent‐Free Approach
Authors: Bouvet Marcel , Malezieux Bernard , Herson Patrick , Villain Françoise
Published: March 2009

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Quinones (=cyclohexa‐2,5‐diene‐1,4‐diones) and hydroquinones (=benzene‐1,4‐diols) belong to species that are balanced between their redox character and their ability to build supramolecular complexes. Considering the ubiquinol 2,3‐dimethoxy‐5‐methyl‐1,4‐dihydroquinone (=2,3‐dimethoxy‐5‐methylbenzene‐1,4‐diol; 1), the tendency to undergo an oxidation side reaction was overcome by combining this electron‐donating species 1 with a nonreactive partner, benzene‐1,2,4,5‐tetracarbonitrile (TCNB; 3), to yield a 2 : 1 charge‐transfer (CT) complex 4. This work illustrates how very convenient the solvent‐free techniques are to access intermolecular species. X‐Ray diffraction studies revealed that pure ubiquinol 1 (structure included) crystallizes in two enantiomeric conformations, while the triads 4 formed with TCNB (3) exist as meso forms assembled via H‐bonds in zigzag‐chains patterns.
Kinetics of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) Precipitation from a Icel‐Yavca Dolomite Leach Solution by a Gas (Carbon Dioxide)/Liquid Reaction
Authors: Yildirim Mehmet , Akarsu Huseyin
Published: March 2009

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The effects of time, CO2‐gas‐injection pressure, and bulk temperature on the precipitation of Ca2+ ions as a precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) from a dolomite leach solution were investigated. Precipitation periods from 1 to 7 min were examined, and experiments were run at CO2‐injection pressures of 200–800 kPa. Effects of bulk temperature were studied in the range from 40 to 70°, and precipitation rates of PCC were determined by measuring the Ca2+ concentrations in the initial and effluent solutions. Influences of these parameters on the subsequent incorporation of Mg2+ ions with the precipitate are discussed in detail. Kinetic analysis of the precipitation was performed by considering the rates as a function of CO$\rm{ {_{3}^{2-}}}$‐ion concentrations. Results obtained by this process clearly show that Ca2+ ions in the solution can successfully be precipitated as a calcium carbonate product containing 54.70% of CaO and 0.77% MgO, at the rate of 2.01 mM h−1.
Two New Cytotoxic Biphenyls from the Roots of Incarvillea arguta
Authors: Fu Jian‐Jun , Jin Hui‐Zi , Shen Yun‐Heng , Qin Jiang‐Jiang , Wang Yan , Huang Ying , Zeng Qi , Yan Shi‐Kai , Zhang Wei‐Dong
Published: March 2009

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Two novel biphenyls, named incargutines A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the roots of Incarvillea arguta, and the structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis, including HR‐ESI‐MS data and 2D‐NMR spectroscopy. Compounds 1 and 2 contain an unprecedented C‐atom skeleton, namely a 4‐methylbiphenyl unit fused with a 7‐methylcyclopentane unit at C(2) and C(3) (i.e., a 1,7‐dimethyl‐4‐phenylindane skeleton). The cytotoxicity of 1 and 2 was evaluated with four tumor cell lines, A549, LOVO, CEM, and MDA‐MB‐435 (MDA), by an MTT assay.
Visible‐Light‐Promoted Wohl–Ziegler Functionalization of Organic Molecules with N‐Bromosuccinimide under Solvent‐Free Reaction Conditions
Authors: Jereb Marjan , Zupan Marko , Stavber Stojan
Published: March 2009

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The visible‐light‐induced transformation of toluenes with N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS) under solvent‐free reaction conditions (SFRC) was studied. The reaction took place in spite of the very restricted molecular motion; toluenes could be regioselectively converted to benzyl bromides. Selective radical‐chain reactions with NBS were carried out in liquid/liquid and in solid/solid systems; furthermore, reactions could be performed in the presence of air. The radical scavenger TEMPO (=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yloxy) completely suppressed the side‐chain bromination of toluenes with NBS under SFRC. Electron‐withdrawing groups decreased the reactivity of the toluenes, and the Hammett reaction constant ρ+=−1.7 indicated involvement of polar radical intermediates with electrophilic character.
Efficient One‐Pot 1,3‐Dibromo‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin (DBH)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Highly Substituted Furans
Authors: Ghasemnejad‐Bosra Hassan , Faraje Mohammad , Habibzadeh Setareh
Published: March 2009

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The 1,3‐dibromo‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin (DBH) was found to efficiently catalyze the one‐pot synthesis of highly functionalized tetrasubstituted furan derivatives by the reaction of 1,4‐diarylbut‐2‐ene‐1,4‐diones and acetoacetates in i‐PrOH as the solvent at 80–90° for 3–7 h. The products were formed in high yields (82–95%) under mild and neutral conditions.
Recent Developments in Synthetic Chemistry, Chiral Separations, and Applications of Tröger's Base Analogues
Authors: Sergeyev Sergey
Published: March 2009

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Tröger's base is a well‐known chiral molecule with a few unusual structural features. The chemistry of Tröger's base analogues has been greatly developed over the last 20 years, and numerous interesting applications in supramolecular chemistry and in molecular recognition have emerged. This Review gives a short overview of the chemistry of Tröger's base and its analogues, with particular focus on recent achievements in synthesis, enantiomer separations, and applications.
Neobacillamide A, a Novel Thiazole‐Containing Alkaloid from the Marine Bacterium Bacillus vallismortis C89, Associated with South China Sea Sponge Dysidea avara
Authors: Yu Lu‐Lu , Li Zhen‐Yu , Peng Chong‐Sheng , Li Zhi‐Yong , Guo Yue‐Wei
Published: March 2009

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A novel thiazole alkaloid, neobacillamide A (1), together with a known related one, bacillamide C (4), was isolated from the bacterium Bacillus vallismortis C89, associated with the South China Sea sponge Dysidea avara. The structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of its spectroscopic data. A plausible biosynthetic pathway is proposed. Neobacillamide A represents the first example of a thiazole‐carboxamide bearing a 2‐phenylethylamine moiety.
Spectral‐temporal characterization of riverflow variability in England and Wales for the period 1865–2002
Authors: Sen Asok K.
Published: March 2009

We have investigated riverflow variability in England and Wales by examining the reconstructed monthly discharge time series from fifteen catchments in these regions for the period 1865–2002. The riverflow fluctuations exhibit a strong annual cycle. The flow in the annual cycle is found to be intermittent, with the degree of intermittency varying from one catchment to another. An intermittent flow is characterized by bursts of high discharge separated by intervals with low or no discharge. By applying a continuous wavelet transform to the time series, we have identified the occurrence of intermittency in the annual cycle. The riverflow activity is also found to exhibit variations at interannual and quasi‐decadal time scales. These variations may be linked to large‐scale climatic processes such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). We have used the kurtosis of the probability density functions of the various time series as a measure of the degree of intermittency. An intermittent flow is characterized by a peaked (super‐Gaussian) probability density function with kurtosis in excess of 3. A higher value of kurtosis signifies a higher degree of intermittency. Intermittent fluctuations are more difficult to predict accurately than persistent oscillations, i.e., those lasting continuously over a long time interval. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BCL6 cooperates with CD40 stimulation and loss of p53 function to rapidly transform primary B cells
Authors: Kusam Saritha , Munugalavadla Veerendra , Sawant Deepali , Dent Alexander
Published: March 2009

The BCL6 transcriptional repressor protein has been shown to promote B‐cell lymphoma in transgenic mouse models. The mechanism by which BCL6 transforms primary B cells is unclear, although repression of the p53 tumor suppressor is thought to play a role. Here, we showed that BCL6 has critical oncogene functions that are independent of p53 repression. We found that BCL6 cooperates with constitutive CD40 signaling to rapidly transform p53‐deficient primary mouse B cells in vitro. Constitutive CD40 signaling alone does not transform p53‐deficient B cells, indicating that BCL6 acts specifically as an immortalizing oncogene in this system. The BCL6 transformed B cells are polyclonal and form polyclonal tumors. At the initiation of the cultures, BCL6 does not significantly alter cell cycle progression, but it does promote increased cell survival. Early cultures of BCL6‐expressing B cells exhibited marked repression of ATR and p27kip1 but not other BCL6 target genes, suggesting that the ATR and p27kip1 genes have key early roles in mediating BCL6 transformation function. BCL6‐transformed cell lines exhibited further decreases of ATR and p27kip1 expression plus strong decreases in Blimp1 and PDCD2 expression. Our study provides important clues about the critical target genes used by BCL6 to transform primary B cells and indicates that the CD40 signaling pathway can collaborate with BCL6 in the transformation of primary B cells. Thus, our study demonstrates a rapid in vitro system to analyze the transformation function of BCL6. © 2009 UICC
Molecular characterization of the response to chemotherapy in conventional osteosarcomas: Predictive value of HSD17B10 and IFITM2
Authors: Salas Sébastien , Jézéquel Pascal , Campion Loic , Deville Jean‐Laurent , Chibon Frédéric , Bartoli Catherine , Gentet Jean‐Claude , Charbonnel Catherine , Gouraud Wilfried , Voutsinos‐Porche Brigitte , Brouchet Anne , Duffaud Florence , Figarella‐Branger Dominique , Bouvier Corinne
Published: March 2009

The therapy regimen of high‐grade osteosarcoma includes chemotherapy followed by surgical resection and postoperative chemotherapy. The degree of necrosis following definitive surgery remains the only reliable prognostic factor and is used to guide the choice of postoperative chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to find molecular markers able to classify patients with an osteosarcoma as good or poor responders to chemotherapy before beginning treatment. Gene expression screening of 20 nonmetastatic high‐grade osteosarcoma patients was performed using cDNA microarray. Expression of selected relevant genes was validated using QRT‐PCR. Immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays sections of 73 biopsies was performed to investigate protein expression. Fluorescent in situ hybridization was performed for RPL8 gene. We have found that HSD17B10 gene expression was up‐regulated in poor responders and that immunohistochemistry expression of HSD17B10 on biopsy before treatment was correlatedto response to chemotherapy. Other results include correlationof IFITM2, IFITM3, and RPL8 gene expression to chemotherapy response. A statistical correlation was found between polysomy 8 or gain of RPL8 and good response to chemotherapy. These data suggest that HSD17B10, RPL8, IFITM2, and IFITM3 genes are involved in the response to the chemotherapy and that HSD17B10 may be a therapeutic target. RPL8 and IFITM2 may be useful in the assessment at diagnosis and for stratifying patients taking part in randomized trials. © 2009 UICC