bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CeCl3×7H2O: An Efficient and Reusable Catalyst for the Preparation of β‐Acetamido Carbonyl Compounds by Multi‐Component Reactions (MCRs).
Authors: Khan Abu T. , Choudhury Lokman H. , Parvin Tasneem , Ali Md. Asif
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Catalytic Thiocyanation of Aryldiazonium Salts in the Presence of Copper Salts.
Authors: Beletskaya Irina P. , Sigeev Alexander S. , Peregudov Alexander S. , Petrovskii Pavel V.
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Reactivity of Diarylmethane Derivatives in Supercritical Alcohols Media: Reduction of Diarylmethanols and Diaryl Ketones to Diarylmethanes Using Supercritical 2‐Propanol.
Authors: Hatano Bunpei , Kubo Daisuke , Tagaya Hideyuki
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Convenient “One‐Pot” Synthesis of 3,4‐Substituted Tetrahydrothiophenes Through Tandem Michael—Henry and Michael—Michael Reactions.
Authors: Barco Achille , Baricordi Nikla , Benetti Simonetta , De Risi Carmela , Pollini Gian Piero
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
New Practical Synthesis of Indazoles via Condensation of o‐Fluorobenzaldehydes and Their O‐Methyloximes with Hydrazine.
Authors: Lukin Kirill , Hsu Margaret C. , Fernando Dilinie , Leanna M. Robert
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Using Ionic Liquid [EMIM][CH3COO] as an Enzyme‐“Friendly” Co‐Solvent for Resolution of Amino Acids.
Authors: Zhao Hua , Jackson Lee , Song Zhiyan , Olubajo Olarongbe
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Studies on the Total Synthesis of Lactonamycin (VI): Synthesis of the CDEF Ring System (V).
Authors: Wehlan Hermut , Jezek Eva , Lebrasseur Nathalie , Pave Gregoire , Roulland Emmanuel , White Andrew J. P. , Burrows Jeremy N. , Barrett Anthony G. M.
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Prediction of Multiple Binding Modes of the CDK2 Inhibitors, Anilinopyrazoles, Using the Automated Docking Programs GOLD, FlexX, and LigandFit: An Evaluation of Performance.
Authors: Sato Hideyuki , Shewchuk Lisa M. , Tang Jun
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Size‐Controllable Fabrication of Noble Metal Nanonets Using a TiO2 Template.
Authors: Yang Lixia , Cai Qingyun , Yu Yan
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Exchange Bias Phenomenology and Models of Core/Shell Nanoparticles
Authors: Iglesias Oscar , Labarta Amilcar , Batlle Xavier
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Reactivity of Vinca Alkaloids in Superacid. An Access to Vinflunine, a Novel Anticancer Agent
Authors: Jacquesy Jean‐Claude
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators for prevention of sudden cardiac Death
Authors: Sukhija Rishi , Mehta Vimal , Leonardi Marino , Mehta Jawahar L.
Published: February 2007

Despite the multiple advances in the field of cardiovascular medicine, the incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) continues to rise. Of all SCDs, <25% occur in individuals deemed at high risk by current risk‐stratification algorithms; hence, these risk‐stratification algorithms are not satisfactory. Until better markers are identified to risk stratify patients, we will see an increasing use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). However, even with the increase in defibrillator use, the impact on overall incidence of SCD may only be modest, as many individuals experience SCD as the first manifestation of cardiovascular disease. Another important challenge is widespread availability of automated external defibrillators and effective utilization of public access defibrillation programs for timely and appropriate management of out‐of‐hospital victims with cardiac arrest. This review discusses the current understanding on SCD, risk stratification, and management aimed at reducing SCD, particularly with the use of ICDs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Features of the metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer in African‐American men
Authors: Beebe‐Dimmer Jennifer L. , Dunn Rodney L. , Sarma Aruna V. , Montie James E. , Cooney Kathleen A.
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND.

Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of conditions that includes hypertension, dyslipidemia, central adiposity, and high blood glucose levels. Over the past decade, a growing body of literature suggests that metabolic syndrome may be associated with several different forms of cancer. Because prostate cancer risk is highest among African Americans, and these men, similarly, are more prone to developing specific features of the metabolic syndrome, including hypertension and type‐2 diabetes, any relationships would have a significant impact on developing strategies for the primary prevention of prostate cancer.

METHODS.

The Flint Men's Health Study is a community‐based, case‐control study of prostate cancer conducted exclusively among African Americans. Prostate cancer cases and controls completed an interviewer‐administered questionnaire that asked about the respondent's history of high blood pressure and diabetes. All men also participated in a physical examination in which several measures of body composition, including waist circumference, were collected.

RESULTS.

Hypertension was reported more commonly among men with prostate cancer (cases) compared with men in the control group (odds ratio [OR]. 2.4; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.5–3.7), and cases were more likely to have a waist circumference >102 cm (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2–2.9). However, self‐reported diabetes was not associated with prostate cancer risk. The men with prostate cancer also were more likely than controls to exhibit multiple syndrome characteristics (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2–3.0).

CONCLUSIONS.

The current results indicated that features of the metabolic syndrome, specifically abdominal obesity and hypertension, are associated with prostate cancer in African‐American men. This relationship, if it is proved causal, suggests that prevention or control of these conditions eventually may lead to a reduction in the incidence of prostate cancer in this high‐risk minority group. Cancer 2007 © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Ten‐year results of a prospective study on the prognostic role of ploidy in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Susini Tommaso , Amunni Gianni , Molino Cecilia , Carriero Carlo , Rapi Stefano , Branconi Francesco , Marchionni Mauro , Taddei Gianluigi , Scarselli Gianfranco
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND.

To improve the outcome of endometrial cancer patients, a more accurate prognostic assessment is mandatory. The aims of the study were to evaluate the role of flow cytometric DNA ploidy as an independent prognostic factor in patients with endometrial cancer and to verify if ploidy was able to distinguish patients with different prognosis into homogeneous subgroups for grade of differentiation and stage.

METHODS.

In a prospective study, DNA ploidy was evaluated from fresh tumor samples in 174 endometrial cancer patients who underwent surgery as the first treatment. Ploidy, as well as classical parameters, were analyzed in relation to the length of disease‐free survival and disease‐specific survival.

RESULTS.

DNA aneuploidy was found in 49 patients (28.2%). Patients with DNA‐aneuploid tumors had a significantly reduced disease‐free interval and disease‐specific survival (P < .0001). The 10‐year survival probability was 53.2% for DNA‐aneuploid patients and 91.0% for patients with DNA‐diploid tumors. By multivariate analysis DNA‐aneuploid type was the strongest independent predictor of poor outcome, followed by age and stage. Patients with DNA‐aneuploid tumor had a significantly higher risk ratio for recurrence (5.03) and death due to disease (6.50) than patients with DNA‐diploid tumors. Stratification by DNA‐ploidy within each group by grade of differentiation allowed identification of patients with significantly different outcome. In grade 2 tumors, 10‐year survival was 45.0% in aneuploid cases and 91.9% in diploid cases (P < .0001). Patients with advanced‐stage (>I) diploid tumor did significantly better than patients with stage I aneuploid tumor (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS.

The presence of DNA‐aneuploid type in endometrial cancer identifies high‐risk cases among the patients considered ‘low risk’ according to stage and grade of differentiation. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Glutathione S‐transferase gene polymorphisms and risk and survival of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Jiao Li , Bondy Melissa L. , Hassan Manal M. , Chang David Z. , Abbruzzese James L. , Evans Douglas B. , Smolensky Michael H. , Li Donghui
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND.

Pancreatic cancer is a multifactorial disease with metastasis‐prone and therapy‐resistant nature. The authors hypothesized that genetic variants of glutathione S‐transferase (GST) affect detoxification of carcinogens and anticancer agents in the human pancreas and, thus, the risk and survival of pancreatic cancer.

METHODS.

Genotypes of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 were determined in 352 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and in a control group of 315 healthy, non‐Hispanic whites (frequency‐matched by age and sex). Survival analysis was performed in a subset of 290 patients. Epidemiological and clinical information was obtained. A multiple unconditional logistic regression model, a Cox proportional hazards model, and log‐rank tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS.

No significant main effects of any of 3 GST genes on the risk of pancreatic cancer were observed. Subgroup analysis showed that older individuals (aged ≥62 years) who carried the GSTP1*C (105Val‐114Val) containing genotype tended to have a reduced risk compared with younger individuals who carried the non‐*C genotype (for sex and pack‐years of smoking, the adjusted odd ratio was 0.54; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.29–1.02). In a survival analysis of 138 patients who received 5‐flurorouracil, patients who carried the GSTP1*C containing genotype had a significantly longer survival than patients who carried the non‐*C genotype (multivariate hazard ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22–0.94).

CONCLUSIONS.

The GSTP1*C variant conferred a possible protective effect against pancreatic cancer in older individuals and a significant survival advantage in patients who received 5‐florouracil. The current findings must be confirmed before further inferences can be made. Cancer 2007 © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Field‐Force Alignment of Disc‐Type π Systems
Authors: Cristadoro Anna , Lieser Günter , Räder Hans Joachim , Müllen Klaus
Published: February 2007

The ability of electric fields to align nonpolar semiconducting molecules was demonstrated using hexa(para‐n‐dodecylphenyl)hexabenzocoronene (HBC‐PhC12) as a model compound. A solution of HBC‐PhC12 was applied to a glass surface by drop‐casting and the molecules were oriented into highly ordered structures by an electric field during solvent evaporation. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed a long‐range alignment where the disclike molecules were organized in columns perpendicular to the direction of the imposed electric field. The high anisotropy of the uniaxially aligned films was characterized by cross‐polarized light microscopy. The birefringence of the HBC‐PhC12 films was related to the presence of extended domains of unidirectionally aligned columns in which the aromatic cores of the HBC‐PhC12 molecules were perpendicular to the columnar axis. The packing and the arrangement of the molecules in the field‐force ordered films were proven by electron diffraction and X‐ray analyses.
Situations of opportunity – Hammarby Sjöstad and Stockholm City's process of environmental management
Authors: Svane Örjan
Published: February 2007

Hammarby Sjöstad is a large brownfield development in Stockholm guided by extensive environmental objectives. This case study focuses on the environmental management of the city's project team. A main aim was methodology development related to the concept of situations of opportunity – how to study those periods when the team had great influence over the process. Goal conflicts on for example energy use and the lake view were identified. The team used policy instruments such as development contracts and design competitions. Some of the situations identified contributed little to the environmental management, for example the detailed planning. Others were more successful, for example the integration of infrastructural systems. Success situations were unique or created by the team, and had less formal power. Other situations had more power, but were burdened with a prehistory of routines and agreements. The methodology should also be applicable to other processes of environmental management. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Anorexia nervosa in Asian‐American adolescents: Do they differ from their non‐Asian peers
Authors: Lee Huei‐Yen , Lock James
Published: February 2007

Objective:

This study reports on the clinical characteristics and phenomenology of anorexia nervosa (AN) in Asian‐American adolescents, and compares them with a non‐Asian sample.

Method:

Data were obtained from a family therapy trial for adolescents with AN. Demographic details were collected and participants assessed on a series of structured interviews. Data from Asian participants were compared with that from non‐Asians.

Results:

Asians scored lower on all the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) subscales, significantly on the restraint subscale (1.48 vs. 2.80, p = 0.016) and weight concerns subscale (1.35 vs. 2.30, p = 0.026). They also scored higher on the Family Environment Scale achievement orientation subscale (6.50 vs. 4.81, p = 0.011).

Conclusion:

Asians are demographically similar to their non‐Asian peers but tend to come from higher‐income families who were more achievement oriented. EDE scores suggest Asians tend to report fewer symptoms. The apparent lack of fat‐phobia among Asians could be related to this overall under‐reporting of symptoms. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007
Determination of Phenolic Compounds Based on Co‐Immobilization of Methylene Blue and HRP on Multi‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Santos Antonio S. , Pereira Arnaldo C. , Sotomayor Maria D. P. T. , Tarley César R. T. , Durán Nelson , Kubota Lauro T.
Published: February 2007

This work evaluated an amperometric biosensor based on multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), chemically modified with methylene blue (Met) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), for detection of phenolic compounds. The dependences of the biosensor response due to the enzyme immobilization procedure, HRP amounts, pH and working potential were investigated. The amperometric response for catechol using the proposed biosensor showed a very wide linear response range (1 to 150 μmol L−1), good sensitivity (50 nA cm−2 μmol−1 L), excellent operational stability (after 300 determinations the response remained at 97%) and very good storage stability (lifetime>3 months). Based on all these characteristics, it is possible to affirm that the material is promising for phenol detection due to its good electrochemical response and enzyme stabilization. The biosensor response for various phenolic compounds was investigated.
Automated SIA System Using an Array of Potentiometric Sensors for Determining Alkaline‐Earth Ions in Water
Authors: Calvo Daniel , Größl Michael , Cortina Montserrat , del Valle Manuel
Published: February 2007

This work deals with the simultaneous determination of Mg2+, Ca2+, and Ba2+ in water using a PVC‐membrane potentiometric sensor array and multivariate calibration, in what is known as electronic tongue. The subsequent processing of the data was based on the use of a multilayer artificial neural network (ANN). The information needed for training or generation of the model was obtained with the aid of an automated analytical system based on the Sequential Injection Analysis (SIA) technique. The modeling ability was verified with an external set of standards, and next the determinations were performed in real samples of mineral waters, where close results for Mg2+ and Ca2+ were obtained to those obtained with reference methods. The determination of Ba2+ can be considered as semi‐quantitative for synthetic samples – due to the absence of Ba2+ in mineral waters, its concentration in real samples was not measured.
Upscaling water savings from farm to irrigation system level using GIS‐based agro‐hydrological modelling
Authors: Khan Shahbaz , Abbas Akhtar
Published: February 2007

Irrigation continues to be the main water user on a global scale despite the increase in water use by sectors other than agriculture. More efficient water application technologies and water management practices are ways of realising potential water savings, thus moderating the negative impacts of higher water use on farm incomes and environmental impact on rivers and groundwater systems. This paper describes an integrated approach of agro‐hydrological modelling for determining potential water savings achievable by adopting high‐tech irrigation technologies at farm level and application of GIS techniques to upscale those benefits at the regional irrigation system level. The SWAP (Soil–Water–Atmosphere–Plant) model was used for the simulation of water use at the farm level. The results are promising, as the potential water saving ranges from 0.1 to 2.2 ML ha−1 (10–220 mm) for different broad‐acre crops, 1.0 to 2.0 ML ha−1 (100–200 mm) in sprinkler and 2.0 to 3.0 ML ha−1 (200–300 mm) in drip irrigation for citrus, 1.0 to 1.5 ML ha−1 (100–150 mm) in sprinkler and up to 4.0 ML ha−1 (400 mm) in drip irrigation for vineyards and 0.5 to 1.0 ML ha−1 for vegetables (50–100 mm). SWAP simulations show crop water saving potential of 7% for maize, 15% for soybean, 17% for wheat, 35% for barley, 17% for sunflower and 38% for fababean from the current water use statistics in Australia. Spatial analysis in GIS environment is carried out to investigate the spatial variations of water use for a particular crop under different depths to water table and varying soil types. Maps of water need for all broad‐acre crops are drawn and pixel‐to‐pixel comparison is performed to determine the water saving potential per unit area. The upscaling approach shows that considerable water amounts could be saved both in Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) and Coleambally Irrigation Area (CIA) with potential water saving of 36 to 95 GL (MCM) in MIA and 42 to 72 GL (MCM) in CIA. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple use of irrigation water for improved health in dry regions of Africa and South Asia
Authors: Boelee Eline , Laamrani Hammou , van der Hoek Wim
Published: February 2007

In irrigation systems all over the world, water is not only used for the irrigation of agricultural crops, but for a whole range of domestic and other purposes as well. When groundwater is unavailable or of low quality, people may even depend on the irrigation system to provide them with drinking water. Examples from dry regions in different countries have shown that water in irrigation canals is used for laundry mainly on site, while water for domestic purposes is collected for use in the compound. In Morocco and Pakistan special reservoirs have been constructed for the storage of irrigation water for domestic purposes. Often this water is used for cooking and drinking without treatment. While the consumption of untreated surface water poses certain risks to human health, the higher availability of water through the presence of irrigation systems may actually provide health benefits. Water‐washed and even water‐borne diseases are reduced with increased use of water for personal and domestic hygiene. Adapted design and targeted water management could enhance the health benefits from multiple use of irrigation water and hence increase the value of water for irrigation, or rather, for rural development. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility study of monitoring the total available water content using non‐invasive electromagnetic induction‐based and electrode‐based soil electrical conductivity measurements
Authors: Hezarjaribi Aboutaleb , Sourell Heinz
Published: February 2007

Irrigation is by far the largest consumer of water in the world. At the same time the need for irrigation may differ between different zones of a particular field due to spatial soil variability. In particular total available water content (TAWC) has effects on irrigation frequency and depth. The objective of our study was to compare the ability of two fast, non‐destructive and sensor‐based apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) measurement methods:

A contact and electrode‐based sensor (VERIS 3100, both shallow and deep modes);

A non‐contact, electromagnetic induction (EMI)‐based sensor (Geonics EM38, both horizontal and vertical orientations) to monitor the within‐field variation of the TAWC.

The ECa data, standardized to 25°C (EC25), were collected on a 1 s interval corresponding to 2–3 m data spacing on transects spaced approximately 4–6 m apart. Based on the ECa spatial variability pattern, and to cover the range of ECa values present, 29 calibration points were located using a differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) to develop field‐specific relationships between ECa data and TAWC in the upper 60 cm of soil. However, we found better correlations between TAWC and the VERIS 3100 readings. Calibration equations to estimate TAWC from the shallow mode of VERIS 3100 data exhibited a good fit to the data and had the highest correlation (R2 = 0.77), whereas calibrations to EM38 data (both vertical and horizontal orientation) were low and apparently could not adequately reflect the spatial variability of the TAWC due to the influence of the more highly variable topsoil. We identified six TAWC zones based on fuzzy k‐means unsupervised classification as an optimum number of irrigation management zones within our field (Zone 1: 99–105, Zone 2: 105–116, Zone 3: 116–127, Zone 4: 127–138, Zone 5: 138–149, Zone 6: 149–161 mm per 60 cm). We concluded that under traditional irrigation conditions, Zones 1 and 2 were over‐irrigated whereas Zones 4, 5 and 6 were deficit irrigated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure‐activity relationships in the haemolytic activity and nephrotoxicity of derivatives of 1,2‐ and 1,4‐naphthoquinone
Authors: Munday Rex , Smith Barry L. , Munday Christine M.
Published: February 2007

Naphthoquinone derivatives are under investigation as potential therapeutic agents. Some such compounds are known, however, to be toxic to both animals and humans. Many naphthoquinone derivatives are haemolytic agents, while others cause necrosis of tubular epithelial cells. In the present study, the short‐term toxicity of 16 derivatives of 1,2‐ and 1,4‐naphthoquinone has been examined in rats in order to give information on structure‐activity relationships. All the naphthoquinones except one caused haemolytic anaemia, but only hydroxy and amino derivatives were nephrotoxic. Among derivatives of 2‐amino‐1,4‐naphthoquinone, substitution in the 3‐position decreased haemolytic activity and abolished nephrotoxicity. Methylation of the hydroxyl group of 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone had a similar effect. In contrast, methylation of the amino group of 2‐amino‐1,4‐naphthoquinone increased the severity of both haemolysis and renal damage. Among the 1,2‐naphthoquinones tested, the 4‐methoxy and 4‐amino derivatives were more toxic than the corresponding 1,4‐isomers, although 4‐methyl‐1,2‐naphthoquinone was less toxic than 2‐methyl‐1,4‐naphthoquinone. At present, the toxicity of naphthoquinone derivatives cannot accurately be predicted on the basis of their chemical structure. In developing naphthoquinone derivatives for use in humans, toxicological studies in animals should be conducted at an early stage, bearing in mind that clinical studies have shown that humans appear to be particularly vulnerable to the nephrotoxic action of these compounds, and that certain individuals are unusually susceptible to their haemolytic action. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaging cellular responses to mechanical stimuli within three‐dimensional tissue constructs
Authors: Tan Wei , Vinegoni Claudio , Norman James J. , Desai Tejal A. , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: February 2007

The cellular response to environmental cues is complex, involving both structural and functional changes within the cell. Our understanding of this response is facilitated by microscopy techniques, but has been limited by our ability to image cell structure and function deep in highly‐scattering tissues or 3D constructs. A novel multimodal microscopy technique that combines coherent and incoherent imaging for simultaneous visualization of structural and functional properties of cells and engineered tissues is demonstrated. This microscopic technique allows for the simultaneous acquisition of optical coherence microscopy and multiphoton microscopy data with particular emphasis for applications in cell biology and tissue engineering. The capability of this technique is shown using representative 3D cell and tissue engineering cultures consisting of primary fibroblasts from transgenic green fluorescent protein (GFP) mice and GFP‐vinculin transfected fibroblasts. Imaging is performed following static and dynamic mechanically‐stimulating culture conditions. The microscopy technique presented here reveals unique complementary data on the structure and function of cells and their adhesions and interactions with the surrounding microenvironment. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of Temperature on the Liver Circadian Clock in the Ruin Lizard Podarcis sicula
Authors: Malatesta Manuela , Frigato Elena , Baldelli Beatrice , Battistelli Serafina , Foà Augusto , Bertolucci Cristiano
Published: February 2007

Reptiles represent an interesting animal model to investigate the influence of temperature on molecular circadian clocks. The ruin lizard Podarcis sicula lives in a continental climate and it is subjected to wide range of environmental temperatures during the course of the year. As consequence, ruin lizard daily activity pattern includes either the hibernation or periods of inactivity determined by hypothermia. Here we showed the rhythmic expression of two clock genes, lPer2 and lClock, in the liver of active lizards exposed to summer photo‐thermoperiodic conditions. Interestingly, the exposition of lizards to hypothermic conditions, typical of winter season, induced a strong dampening of clock genes mRNA rhythmicity with a coincident decrease of levels. We also examined the qualitative and quantitative distribution of lPER2 and lCLOCK protein in different cellular compartments during the 24‐h cycle. In the liver of active lizards both proteins showed a rhythmic expression profile in all cellular compartments. After 3 days at 6°C, some temporal fluctuations of the lCLOCK and lPER2 are still detectable, although, with some marked modifications in respect to the values detected in the liver of active lizards. Besides demonstrating the influence of low temperature on the lizard liver circadian oscillators, present results could provide new essential information for comparative studies on the influence of temperature on the circadian system across vertebrate classes. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional imaging of focal brain activation in conscious rats: Impact of [14C]glucose metabolite spreading and release
Authors: Cruz Nancy F. , Ball Kelly K. , Dienel Gerald A.
Published: February 2007

Labeled glucose and its analogs are widely used in imaging and metabolic studies of brain function, astrocyte–neuron interactions, and neurotransmission. Metabolite shuttling among astrocytes and neurons is essential for cell–cell transfer of neurotransmitter precursors and supply and elimination of energy metabolites, but dispersion and release of labeled compounds from activated tissue would reduce signal registration in metabolic labeling studies, causing underestimation of focal functional activation. Processes and pathways involved in metabolite trafficking and release were therefore assessed in the auditory pathway of conscious rats. Unilateral monotonic stimulation increased glucose utilization (CMRglc) in tonotopic bands in the activated inferior colliculus by 35–85% compared with contralateral tissue when assayed with [14C]deoxyglucose (DG), whereas only 20–30% increases were registered with [1‐ or 6‐14C]glucose. Tonotopic bands were not evident with [1‐14C]glucose unless assayed during halothane anesthesia or pretreatment with probenecid but were detectable with [6‐14C]glucose. Extracellular lactate levels transiently doubled during acoustic stimulation, so metabolite spreading was assessed by microinfusion of [14C]tracers into the inferior colliculus. The volume of tissue labeled by [1‐14C]glucose exceeded that by [14C]DG by 3.2‐ and 1.4‐fold during rest and acoustic activation, respectively. During activation, the tissue volume labeled by U‐14C‐labeled glutamine and lactate rose, whereas that by glucose fell 50% and that by DG was unchanged. Dispersion of [1‐14C]glucose and its metabolites during rest was also reduced 50% by preinfusion of gap junction blockers. To summarize, during brain activation focal CMRglc is underestimated with labeled glucose because of decarboxylation reactions, spreading within tissue and via the astrocyte syncytium, and release from activated tissue. These findings help explain the fall in CMRO2/CMRglc during brain activation and suggest that lactate and other nonoxidized metabolites of glucose are quickly shuttled away from sites of functional activation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of botulinum toxin A on functional outcome during distraction osteogenesis
Authors: Olabisi Ronke , Best Thomas M. , Vanderby Ray , Petr Sarah , Noonan Kenneth J.
Published: February 2007

Distraction osteogenesis is useful for correcting limb length inequality, deformities, or short stature. Despite success with bone formation, soft tissue maladaptations including muscle and joint contracture may lead to undesirable results. Botulinum toxin A has been useful in treating spasticity in cerebral palsy, and has been used clinically in select cases to allay contracture in distraction osteogenesis. This study examines the toxin's efficacy in preventing distraction‐induced loss of muscle strength and range of motion. The left tibias of 15 New Zealand White rabbits were distracted 1.5 mm/day until approximately a 20% gain was achieved. Each treatment group was divided into animals injected with saline or botulinum toxin in either the gastrocnemius or tibialis anterior muscles. A control group of two additional animals underwent no surgical procedure. Strength and range of motion were assessed prior to, and following, the experiment. At the study's end, animals were euthanized and muscles were harvested, when lengths and weights were recorded. All muscles injected with botulinum toxin showed decreased wet weight and persistent weakness upon completion of the study. Range of motion decreased in all distracted animals. When the gastrocnemius was injected, its strength was reduced but the tibialis anterior strength was preserved, and the limb achieved 22% greater dorsiflexion than saline controls (p = 0.016). When the tibialis anterior received the toxin, plantarflexion was increased by 23% (p = 0.049). Botulinum toxin injection prior to limb distraction increases the “post‐lengthened” excursion of the injected muscle and this increased length may have a protective effect on its antagonist. In toxin‐injected gastrocnemius muscles, the level of equinus contracture is reduced due to length gains in the Achilles tendon while the anterior tibialis maintains its ability to generate torque. Injection of botulinum toxin in the gastrocnemius may minimize equinus contracture and protect the anterior tibialis from damage during human tibial lengthening. Longer follow‐up studies are needed to ensure that toxin‐induced muscle weakness resolves with time. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:656–664, 2007
Lasersensoren in der metallverarbeitenden Industrie – Wie überwacht man geometrische Größen?
Authors: Krauhausen Michael
Published: February 2007

Die meisten modernen Produktionsprozesse haben einen hohen Automationsgrad erreicht. Für eine sichere Prozessführung müssen sowohl die einzelnen Prozessschritte als auch die Qualität der hergestellten Halbzeuge und Produkte laufend überwacht und geprüft werden. Berührungsfreie Messverfahren, die auch im Produktionsprozess einsetzbar sind, erlauben die kürzest möglichen Reaktionszeiten für eine effiziente Prozessregelung. Lasermessverfahren sind für diese Aufgaben prädestiniert.
Der Shack‐Hartmann‐Wellenfrontsensor – Aufbau, Funktion und Anwendung
Authors: Hettwer Manfred
Published: February 2007

Mit steigenden Anforderungen an Qualität und Präzision lasergestützter Produktionsprozesse kommt auch den Messmethoden zur Charakterisierung der Eigenschaften von Laserstrahlen und Optiken wachsende Bedeutung zu. Der Shack‐Hartmann‐Wellenfrontsensor bietet dabei viele Vorteile gegenüber anderen Messverfahren.
Ein Schweizer in Schwaben – Ein Gespräch mit Prof. Dr. Thomas Graf – dem neuen Direktor des Stuttgarter IFSW
Authors: Graf Thomas
Published: February 2007

Zum 1. Juni 2004 trat Thomas Graf die Nachfolge von Helmut Hügel an, der nach 18 Jahren als Direktor des Instituts für Strahlwerkzeuge der Universität Stuttgart (IFSW) in den Ruhestand ging. Der neue Direktor, Thomas Graf, kommt aus Bern nach Stuttgart. Er will in der Tradition des Instituts die bisherigen Forschungsgebiete fortführen aber auch eigene Ideen einbringen. Die größte Stärke des IFSW sieht Thomas Graf in der ganzheitlichen Herangehensweise an die Laserforschung und ‐entwicklung. Von der Grundlagenforschung über die Strahlquellenentwicklung bis hin zur verfahrenstechnischen Anwendung will er möglichst viele Projekte vorantreiben. Ideen dazu hat er mehr als genug. Mit Thomas Graf sprachen Andreas Thoß und Holger Kock.
Reactivity of ashes from biomass combustion plant in biomass combusting atmospheres
Authors: Cha S. C.
Published: February 2007

Exposure tests were carried out to study the reactivity of filter and cyclone ashes from biomass combustion plant in the atmospheres of biomass combustion with variations of H2O and HCl‐content for 360 h at 535 °C. The changes of C‐, Cl‐ and S‐content of the exposed ashes were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atom absorption spectroscopy (ICP‐AAS). The analysis of untreated filter and cyclone ashes showed that the cyclone ash was more aggressive than the filter ash. As a result, in the HCl containing atmosphere the alkali chloride, which can be formed from alkali carbonate and hydroxides as well as oxides, can additionally accelerate the oxidation process. In the HCl free atmosphere at increased H2O content, alkali carbonates and hydroxides can be formed, so enhanced alkali chloride induced oxidation will not occur. Furthermore, thermodynamic calculations between alkalis and gases were conducted.
High temperature oxidation behavior of FeCo‐based nanocrystalline alloys
Authors: May J. E. , Galerie A. , Busquim T. P. , Kuri S. E.
Published: February 2007

This paper describes the dynamic and isothermal oxidation behavior of three different FeCo‐based Fe38.5Co38.5Nb7Cu1B15, Fe36Co36Nb7Si10B 11 and Fe33.5Co33.5Nb7Si15B11 alloys and one traditional FINEMET Fe73Nb3Cu1Si15.5B7.5 alloy. Dynamic and isothermal oxidation measurements in controlled oxidizing atmosphere were performed and the oxidation apparent energy as well as the oxidation behavior was obtained. SEM observations were carried out in order to characterize the oxide layer formed during the oxidation measurements. The apparent activation oxidation energy found for the Fe36Co36Nb7Si10B11, Fe33.5Co33.5Nb7Si15B11 and Fe73Nb3Cu1Si15.5B7.5 alloys was about 35 kJ/mol and for the Fe38.5Co38.5Nb7Cu1B15 alloy was about 70 kJ/mol.
Assessment of the interphase behaviour of two bronze alloys in archaeological soil
Authors: Hassairi H. , Bousselmi L. , Triki E. , Ingo G. M.
Published: February 2007

The aim of this work is to evaluate the behaviour of bronze in archaeological soil by gravimetric study, electrochemical research and analytic survey. Archaeological soil samples were collected from Jama that date back to the second Punic war. Mineralogical, micro‐structural, micro‐morphological and chemical analyses of soil constituents were performed. The bronze samples correspond to Cu‐9.4Sn (B1) and Cu‐7.7Sn with 1% of Pb (B2). The open circuit potential value recorded for B2/corrosion product/soil is stable after only 7 min due to its reactivity allowing to a rapid development of a protective corrosion layer. The B2 interphase is more developed and stable than B1. Under anodic polarisation, the B2 alloy corrodes less than the B1 alloy owing to its lower anodic current. Based on the EIS study, two evolution stages of the bronze alloy/corrosion product/soil interphase are detected. For the first stage, the interphase is equivalent to two R//C loops at high and medium frequencies, respectively related to the corrosion layer and charge transfer process, associated to mass transport phenomena. For the second stage, the resistance of corrosion layer decreases and the first loop vanishes. SEM‐EDS analysis demonstrate that the first stage (20 days of immersion) can be characterized by a well covered surface with a thin corrosion product, the external layer exhibits low tin content. However, after 310 days of immersion, the surface state is different with isolated particulates composed by Cu and soil compounds on a cracked layer with the presence of craters showing an internal layer.
Polymeric Nanocapsules Containing Nematic LCs as Hydrophobes in Miniemulsion Polymerization
Authors: Koh Haeng‐Deog , Lee Jae‐Suk
Published: February 2007

The distinct polymeric nanocapsule hybrid‐structures consisting of LCs in the core and PMMA or polystyrene in the corona domain were prepared by one‐step miniemulsion polymerization. Nematic LCs (4′‐pentyl‐4‐biphenylcarbonitrile and 4′‐heptyloxy‐4‐biphenylcarbonitrile) were especially adopted as hydrophobes that can suppress Ostwald ripening and had an important role to stabilize the miniemulsion droplets and control the size distributions of the latexes. The polymeric nanocapsule structures with narrow size distributions were confirmed by TEM and DLS measurements.

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Preparation of Star‐Shaped ABC Copolymers of Polystyrene‐Poly(ethylene oxide)‐Polyglycidol Using Ethoxyethyl Glycidyl Ether as the Cap Molecule
Authors: Wang Guowei , Huang Junlian
Published: February 2007

The 3‐miktoarm star‐shaped ABC copolymers of polystyrene–poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether) (PS‐PEO‐PEEGE) and polystyrene–poly(ethylene oxide)–polyglycidol (PS‐PEO‐PG) with low polydispersity indices (PDI ≤ 1.12) and controlled molecular weight were synthesized by a combination of anionic polymerization with ring‐opening polymerization. The polystyryl lithium (PS−Li+) was capped by EEGE firstly to form the functionalized polystyrene (PSA) with both an active ω‐hydroxyl group and an ω′‐ethoxyethyl‐protected hydroxyl group, and then the PS‐b‐PEO block copolymers, star(PS‐PEO‐PEEGE) and star(PS‐PEO‐PG) copolymers were obtained by the ring‐opening polymerization of EO and EEGE respectively via the variation of the functional end group, and then the hydrolysis of the ethoxyethyl group on the PEEGE arm. The obtained star copolymers and intermediates were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and SEC.

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Blow‐up analysis for a system of heat equations coupled via nonlinear boundary conditions
Authors: Song Xianfa
Published: February 2007

In this paper, we study a system of heat equations $u_t=\Delta u, \, v_t=\Delta v\,{\rm in}\,\Omega\times(0,T)$ coupled via nonlinear boundary conditions

Here p, q>0. We prove that the solutions always blow up in finite time for non‐trivial and non‐negative initial values. We also prove that the blow‐up occurs only on SR = ∂BR for Ω = BR = {x ϵ ℝn:|x|<R}and $C_1(T-t)^{-1/2q}\le u(R, t) \le C_2(T-t)^{-1/2q},\,\log(c_3(T-t)^{-(q+1)/2pq})\le v(R, t)\le \log(C_4(T-t)^{-(q+1)/2pq})$ under some assumptions on the initial values. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of acyl‐CoA‐binding protein (ACBP) single nucleotide polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes in two German study populations
Authors: Fisher Eva , Nitz Inke , Gieger Christian , Grallert Harald , Gohlke Henning , Lindner Inka , Dahm Stefan , Boeing Heiner , Burwinkel Barbara , Rathmann Wolfgang , Wichmann H.‐Erich , Schrezenmeir Jürgen , Illig Thomas , Döring Frank
Published: February 2007

The human acyl‐CoA‐binding protein (ACBP) is a potential candidate gene of type 2 diabetes (T2D), since it plays a central role in determining the intracellular concentration of activated fatty acids which contribute to insulin resistance. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ACBP gene are associated with risk of T2D. Genotyping of eight SNPs (rs2084202, rs3731607, rs8192501, rs8192504, rs2244135, rs2276596, rs8192506, rs2289948) was performed in 192 incident T2D subjects and 384 matched controls of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition‐Potsdam cohort. A putative promoter SNP (rs2084202) of splice variant ACBP 1c showed decreased risk of T2D (odds ratio (OR) 0.63, 95% CI 0.41–0.96). The haplotype, that contained the mutant base of rs2084202 showed similar evidence for the association with disease risk as single SNP rs2084202. In a second population‐based study, Cooperative Health Research in the Augsburg Region of 226 individuals with T2D and 863 control subjects a borderline significant association between rs2084202 and T2D (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.51–1.01) was observed. In summary, we obtained evidence from two Caucasian study populations that the minor allele of ACBP rs2084202 might be associated with reduced risk of T2D.
MRI‐measured water mobility increases in response to chemotherapy via multiple cell‐death mechanisms
Authors: Morse David L. , Galons Jean‐Philippe , Payne Claire M. , Jennings Dominique L. , Day Sam , Xia Guowei , Gillies Robert J.
Published: February 2007

Numerous pre‐clinical and clinical reports have demonstrated that the MRI‐measured apparent diffusion coefficient of water (ADC) increases early in the response to a wide variety of anti‐cancer therapies. It has been proposed that this increase in ADC generally results from an increase in the tumor extracellular volume fraction leading to a greater degree of unrestricted water motion. Furthermore, an increase in extracellular volume has been ascribed to the cell shrinkage that occurs early in the process of programmed cell death. However, other modes of death can be initiated soon after beginning therapy. These other modes of death include mitotic catastrophe and necrosis, and may also involve changes in the fraction of water with unrestricted motion. This work examines whether MRI‐measured ADC is altered in response to therapies that induce cell death via non‐apoptotic mechanisms and correlates ADC changes with cell death modalities regionally within the tumor. Apoptotic responses were limited to the tumor periphery in apoptosis‐proficient tumors. Apoptosis was not observed in deficient tumors. Mitotic catastrophe was observed after treatment at the periphery and deeper into the tumor. Necrosis was the predominant response in the center of the tumor. ADC changes were moderate in the periphery and larger in the center. The results indicate that early and significant changes in ADC can occur in concert with mitotic catastrophe and lytic necrosis in the absence of apoptosis. Hence, changes in ADC may be a generalized measure of cytotoxic response to chemotherapy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the evaluation of the method of finite spheres for the solution of Reissner–Mindlin plate problems using the numerical inf–sup test
Authors: BaniHani Suleiman M. , De Suvranu
Published: February 2007

In this paper we use the numerical inf–sup test to evaluate both displacement‐based and mixed discretization schemes for the solution of Reissner–Mindlin plate problems using the meshfree method of finite spheres. While an analytical proof of whether a discretization scheme passes the inf–sup condition is most desirable, such a proof is usually out of reach due to the complexity of the meshfree approximation spaces involved. The numerical inf–sup test (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 1997; 40:3639–3663), developed to test finite element discretization spaces, has therefore been adopted in this paper. Tests have been performed for both regular and irregular nodal configurations. While, like linear finite elements, pure displacement‐based approximation spaces with linear consistency do not pass the inf–sup test and exhibit shear locking, quadratic discretizations, unlike quadratic finite elements, pass the test. Pure displacement‐based and mixed approximation spaces that pass the numerical inf–sup test exhibit optimal or near optimal convergence behaviour. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.