bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of mixed solvent on selective removal of lead (II) ions by dicyclohexano‐18‐crown‐6 from aqueous solutions containing heavy metals
Authors: Dernini Stella , Loi Annalisa , Palmas Simona , Polcaro Anna M.
Published: May 2010

The effect of the organic solvent on the transport of lead ions through a bulk liquid membrane containing dicyclohexano‐18‐crown‐6 (DC18C6) as carrier was studied. Chloroform, 1,2‐dichloroethane, chlorobenzene, nitrobenzene and their binary solutions were employed as solvents. SCN‐, NO3‐, CI‐ and CH3COO‐ were used as anions. The selectivity and the efficiency of lead transport from aqueous solutions containing other cations such as Ni2+, Cu2+, Co2+, and Zn2+ were also investigated.
Short fibers suspension in steady recirculating flows
Authors: Chinesta Francisco , Chaidron Cuillaume
Published: May 2010

Numerical modeling of short fiber suspensions flows involves the coupling between motion equations, which definean elliptic problem, and the fluid constitutive equation, which introduces a non‐linear advection problem related to the fiber orientation (induced anisotropy). In a previous work these authors have proposed a numerical procedure to determine a steady solution of the fibers orientation in steady recirculating flows, taking into account that neither initial nor boundary conditions are given. This procedure may be used in the numerical simulation of SFRT flows involving recirculating parts as encountered in the simulationof industrial processes, as well as in inverse rheological identification using, for example, rotative rheometric devices.
Drying of solids in vacuum fluidized bed
Authors: Kozanoglu Bulent Umur , Vilchez Juan Antonio , Casal Joaquim , Arnaldos Josep
Published: May 2010

A drying process in a fluidized bed under vacuum conditions is experimentally and theoretically studied. A fluidized bed operating in reduced pressure presents a possibility for a better quality of production, with safer process conditions. A mathematical model is developed for the reduced‐pressure drying process in a fluidized bed. Some parameters were analyzed by comparing experimental results with model predictions. The predictions from the model agreed quite closely with the experimental data. The results showed that a decrease in pressure reduces the interparticular resistance. A good agreement was also found applying the model to data, at atmospheric pressure, from other authors.
Membrane‐liquid emulsion membrane process using a liquid emulsion membrane process using methane sulfonic acid as a strippant
Authors: Kulkarni Prashant S. , Tiwari Krishna K. , Mahajani Vijaykumar V.
Published: May 2010

The application of a liquid emulsion membrane (LEM) process in the recovery of zinc from aqueous solutions is discussed. The role of a stripping agent is very important in the LEM extraction process. Various stripping agents, such as hydrochloric, sulfuric, nitric and methane sulfonic acids, were tested for the stability of membrane. Methane sulfonic acid outperforms the other acids as a strippant. Further importance was given to the stability of the liquid emulsion membrane during the extraction process. The important variables affecting the LEM permeation process of zinc in a mechanically agitated contactor (MAC), such as residence time for extraction, speed of agitation, organic diluents, surfactant concentration and internal strip acid concentration, were systematically investigated. Emulsion swelling and breakage that occurred during these investigations were also described. Finally, the static mixer (SM) device was shown to have a very good potential for LEM extraction of zinc as it outperforms MAC.
Using truncated relaxation spectra in the simulation of viscoelastic flows
Authors: Heuzey Marie‐Claude , Wood‐Adams Paula , Fortin AndrÉ
Published: May 2010

The simulation of polymer flows is a complicated problem. One of the limiting factors is the degree to which elasticity plays an important role in the flow. For a given constitutive equation and numerical technique, a higher material relaxation time will result in a lower maximum deformation rate for which convergence is possible. Since industrial processes typically involve large deformation rates, a practical way to allow their simulation is to truncate the longest relaxation times. In this work the Leonov constitutive equation was used to simulate flow through an abrupt contraction. The possibility of truncating the relaxation spectrum was explored and the impact of using truncated spectra on simulations is described. Finally, we propose a technique for obtaining a truncated relaxation spectrum that will be useful for flow simulations.
Influence of horizontal return bend on the two‐phase flow pattern in a 6.9 mm diameter tube
Authors: Wang Chi‐Chung , Chen Ing Youn , Yang Yung‐Wei
Published: May 2010

The two‐phase flow pattern for air‐water mixtures inside a 6.9 mm U‐tube is reported to have curvature ratios of 3˜7.1. At a lower total mass flux of 50 kg/m2·s and a quality of 0.1, or at a larger curvature ratio of 7.1, no influence on the flow patterns is seen. However, if the curvature ratio is reduced to 3, the flow pattern in the recovery region just after the return bend is temporally turned from stratified flow into annular flow. For a quality larger than 0.4, the annular flow pattern prevails in the entire tube. For G = 400 kg/m2·s and x < 0.01, the size of the plug in the downstream is usually larger than that in the upstream due to the coalesce in the return bend. This coalescence phenomenon continues to further increase the total mass flux at the lower quality region. For a total mass flux above 500 kg/m2·s, the bubbly flow pattern in the upstream region may become intermittent.
Gas holdup in a gassed reciprocating plate column with rashig rings placed in interplate spaces
Authors: Aleksić M. , Veljković V. B. , Banković‐Ilić Ivana , Lazić M. L. , Skala D. U.
Published: May 2010

The gas holdup is studies in a gassed reciprocating plate column with the addition of the Rashig rings placed in each interplate space. The gas holdup generally increases with increasing the vibration speed, the superficial gas velocity, and the solids concentration in the range of operating conditions applied. Independently of the solids concentration, the gas holdup is correlated with the power consumption and the superficial gas velocity. The Rashig rings are shown to have more effective dispersion action than the polypropylene spheres under the same other operating conditions.
Removal of 230Th by solvent extraction from high grade uranium ore liquid tailings to arrest 226Ra production in the tailings
Authors: Nirdosh Inderjit
Published: May 2010

Primene JM‐T, D2EHPA and TBP were used as solvents to extract 230Th from sulphuric acid uranium leachate and barren solutions from a Saskatchewan, Canada uranium mill. This was done with the objective of eliminating the source for 226Ra production in the tailings in perpetuity. A 0.1 vol% Primene JM‐T, 5 vol% isodecanol (modifier), and kerosene diluent mixture was found to completely remove thorium from the solutions. The thorium was stripped from the loaded organic with a 15 wt% ammonium carbonate solution.
Transient analysis of a gas manifold system
Authors: Parolia Vineet , Verma Nishith , Chhabra Raj
Published: May 2010

In the present work, a numerical study has been carried out to predict transient gas flow and pressure behaviour in a gas manifold system. The start‐up and shutdown of the system, varying demands at the consumer ends, malfunctioning of compressors and valves are a few examples of common causes of transience in a gas delivery system. In particular, the sensitivity of oscillations in pressure and mass flux to variation in pipe dimensions, supply pressure and gas flow rate are ascertained under the aforementioned conditions of transience. The present results show that large pipe dimensions, high gas flow rate and high upstream pressure in the branch in which the disturbance is introduced, all cause greater amplitude in mass flux and pressure oscillations in the neighboring branches. The duration of oscillations is also found to be longer. The present study has practical importance in designing as well as in operating, a gas delivery system.
Design, Synthesis, and Immunosuppressive Activity of New Deoxybenzoin Derivatives
Authors: Li Huan‐Qiu , Luo Yin , Song Ran , Li Zi‐Lin , Yan Tao , Zhu Hai‐Liang
Published: May 2010

In the search for potential immunosuppressive agents with high efficacy and low toxicity, a series of new deoxybenzoins were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxicity and immunosuppressive activity. Among the synthesized compounds, four deoxybenzoin oximes (compounds 31, 32, 37, and 38) exhibited lower cytotoxicity and higher inhibitory activity toward anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28 co‐stimulated T‐cell proliferation than other compounds. More significantly, compound 31 is >100‐fold less cytotoxic than cyclosporine A (CsA) and is also more potent (31: SI>684.64, CsA: SI=235.44). The preliminary inhibition mechanism of compound 31 was also identified by flow cytometry, and this compound exerts immunosuppressive activity by inducing apoptosis in activated lymph node cells in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, the mechanism of apoptosis was detected by western blot analysis.
A critical analysis of prognostic factors in North American patients with human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type‐1‐associated adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Phillips Adrienne A. , Shapira Iuliana , Willim Robert D. , Sanmugarajah Jasotha , Solomon William B. , Horwitz Steven M. , Savage David G. , Bhagat Govind , Soff Gerald , Zain Jasmine M. , Alobeid Bachir , Seshan Venkatraman E. , O'Connor Owen A.
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND:

To define the clinicopathologic and prognostic features of patients with human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type‐1 (HTLV‐1)‐associated adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) in North America, standard criteria were used to identify patients with ATLL.

METHODS:

Statistical analyses used included descriptive statistics, Kaplan‐Meir survival analysis, and recursive partitioning.

RESULTS:

Eighty‐nine patients were identified between August 1992 and May 2007, including 37 (41.6%) males and 52 (58.4%) females with a median age of 50 years (range, 22‐82 years). All but 6 patients had immigrated to the United States from the Caribbean, Latin America, or Africa. The acute subtype predominated (68.5%). The majority of patients received a combination‐alkylator–based chemotherapy regimen in the front‐line setting (72.6%). The most common regimen was cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone at standard doses or attenuated and/or with methotrexate (CHOP‐like), which produced an overall response rate of 64.1%. Despite initial responses to therapy, the median overall survival for all subtypes was 24 weeks (range, 0.9‐315 weeks). Although the International Prognostic Index and Prognostic Index for peripheral T‐cell lymphoma unspecified identified subsets of patients, these models were not completely predictive. A recursive partitioning analysis was performed on the data, which successfully identified 3 prognostic categories based on Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, stage, age, and calcium level at diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

This series proposed a new prognostic model for patients with HTLV‐1–associated ATLL and confirmed a poor outcome for these patients in North America. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Allogenic hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation with reduced‐intensity conditioning in patients with refractory and recurrent multiple myeloma
Authors: Shimoni Avichai , Hardan Izhar , Ayuk Francis , Schilling Georgia , Atanackovic Djorde , Zeller Wolfgang , Yerushalmi Ronit , Zander Axel Rolf , Kroger Nicolaus , Nagler Arnon
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND:

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) with myeloablative conditioning is potentially curative therapy for myeloma, but is reportedly associated with a high risk of nonrecurrence mortality (NRM). Reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) allows for the reduction of NRM, but the recurrence rate is increased. The role and timing of allogeneic SCT in the disease course remains controversial. To the authors' knowledge, there are limited data regarding the long‐term outcome of RIC in the recurrent/refractory setting.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis was conducted of SCT outcomes in 50 patients who received RIC for recurrent/refractory myeloma between the years 2001 and 2004. All patients were given fludarabine‐melphalan based conditioning and stem cell grafts from a related (n = 27) or unrelated donor (n = 23).

RESULTS:

The median age was 53 years. Forty‐seven patients failed a prior autologous SCT. Thirty patients were in disease remission at the time of SCT and 20 had stable or progressive disease. With a median follow‐up of 6.4 years (range, 5‐7.9 years), the overall and progression‐free survival (PFS) rates were 34% and 26%, respectively. The NRM rate was 26%. Adverse prognostic factors for survival included SCT not in remission, long duration of disease (>5 years from diagnosis), and transplantation from a female donor to a male recipient. The 7‐year PFS in 19 patients with none of these adverse prognostic factors was 47%. Chronic graft versus host disease and the achievement of complete remission after SCT were associated with improved outcome.

CONCLUSIONS:

Allogeneic SCT can result in long‐term PFS in a subset of myeloma patients who fail prior therapy and should be considered early after failure and after achieving remission. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Topological flow structures and stir mixing for steady flow in a peripheral bypass graft with uncertainty
Authors: Gambaruto A. M. , Moura A. , Sequeira A.
Published: May 2010

With growing focus on patient‐specific studies, little attempt has yet been made to quantify the modelling uncertainty. Here uncertainty in both geometry definition obtained fromin vivomagnetic resonance imaging scans and mathematical models for blood are considered for a peripheral bypass graft. The approximate error bounds in computed measures are quantified from the flow field in steady state simulations with rigid walls assumption.

A brief outline of the medical image filtering and segmentation procedures is given, as well as virtual model reconstruction and surface smoothing. Diversities in these methods lead to variants of the virtual model definition, where the mean differences are within a pixel size. The blood is described here by either a Newtonian or a non‐Newtonian Carreau constitutive model.

The impact of the uncertainty is considered with respect to clinically relevant data such as wall shear stress. This parameter is locally very sensitive to the surface definition; however, variability in the topology has an effect on the core flow field and measures to study the flow structures are detailed and comparison performed. Integrated effect of the Lagrangian dynamics of the flow is presented in the form of stir mixing, which also has a strong clinical relevance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A large‐scale monitoring and measurement campaign for web services‐based applications
Authors: Halima Riadh Ben , Fki Emna , Drira Khalil , Jmaiel Mohamed
Published: May 2010

Web Services (WS) can be considered as the most influent enabling technology for the next generation of web applications. WS‐based application providers will face challenging features related to nonfunctional properties in general and to performance and QoS in particular. Moreover, WS‐based developers have to provide solutions to extend such applications with self‐healing (SH) mechanisms as required for autonomic computing to face the complexity of interactions and to improve availability. Such solutions should be applicable when the components implementing SH mechanisms are deployed on both or only one platform on the WS providers and requesters sides depending on the deployment constraints. Associating application‐specific performance requirements and monitoring‐specific constraints will lead to complex configurations where fine tuning is needed to provide SH solutions. To contribute to enhancing the design and the assessment of such solutions for WS technology, we designed and implemented a monitoring and measurement framework, which is part of a larger Self‐Healing Architectures (SHA) developed during the European WS‐DIAMOND project. We implemented the Conference Management System (CMS), a real WS‐based complex application. We achieved a large‐scale experimentation campaign by deploying CMS on top of SHA on the French grid Grid5000. We experienced the problem as if we were a service provider who has to tune reconfiguration strategies. Our results are available on the web in a structured database for external use by the WS community. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Classical Molecular Dynamics Model for Coupled Two‐Component Plasmas – Ionization Balance and Time Considerations
Authors: Calisti A. , Talin B.
Published: May 2010

The dynamic properties of ion‐electron two‐component plasmas (TCP) are studied by using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. There is a variety of time dependent and structural results that MD is able to provide in complement to other methods, e.g., useful micro‐field sequences can be generated. The method deals with some specific difficulties: the mass ratio between ions and electrons enforces very small time‐steps appropriate to follow electrons motion while, ions must move significantly in order to build, self consistently, their spatial structure. This results in expensive simulations. Electron trajectories are trapped and de‐trapped with multiple electron collisions around ions resulting in the occurrence of quasi metastable bound electron states. An analysis of micro‐fields at neutral in a hydrogen plasma reveals the need to consider a complete hierarchy of time scales extended typically over 7 order of magnitude, i.e., from a time‐step: ∼10‐19s, to a time required to obtain statistical averages, ∼10‐11s. In order to extend the MD capabilities in representing real coupled plasmas a classical ionization/recombination process has been implemented allowing to follow the evolution of plasmas involving several ion stages and model the ionization balance. Here again TCP simulations deal with extended time‐scale providing information about relaxation of non equilibrium plasma states (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ionization Equiibrium and Composition of a Dense Partially Ionized Metal Plasma
Authors: Ramazanov T.S. , Gabdullin M.T. , Dzhumagulova K.N. , Redmer R.
Published: May 2010

In the present work we determine the ionization equilibrium of dense tungsten, aluminum and iron plasmas by solving the Saha equations with corrections due to non‐ideality. The lowering of the ionization potentials is calculated on the basis of effective potentials by taking screening and quantum effects into account (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Morphometric analysis and p63 improve the identification of myoepithelial cells in breast lesion cytology
Authors: Aikawa Emiko , Kawahara Akihiko , Kondo Keiko , Hattori Satoshi , Kage Masayoshi
Published: May 2010

Nuclear findings, including size, shape, chromatin, or nucleoli, affect the cytological diagnosis and were found to have prognostic significance in several studies based on morphometric analysis. In this study, we investigated whether the nucleus area relates to the appearance of p63‐positive myoepithelial cells. The nucleus area was analyzed in 101 breast cancers and 14 benign breast lesions using morphometric analysis and immunohistochemistry for p63. Breast cancer patients were classified into two groups; small nucleus group (n = 19) and large nucleus group (n = 82) based on the average nucleus area of ductal cells. The nucleus area was significantly negative correlating with p63‐positive myoepithelial cells (P = 0.031), and there was a significant positive correlation with small cells with hyperchromatic nuclei (P = 0.002). Although small cells with hyperchromatic nuclei were similar to myoepithelial cells, there was no significant correlation with the appearance of small cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and p63‐positive myoepithelial cells in breast cancer patients (P = 0.189). Although the identification of normal myoepithelial cells is mainly performed by immunostaining for p63, morphometric analysis of the nucleus area also suggests the existence of p63‐positive myoepithelial cells. Diagn. Cytopathol.2011;39:172–176. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine needle aspiration of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint
Authors: Lu David Y. , Zhang Liping , Apple Sophia K. , Dry Sarah M. , Moatamed Neda A.
Published: May 2010

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems are usually the result of functional disorders. Tumors of the TMJ are rarer entities, the diagnosis of which may be delayed due to a clinical impression of a functional ailment. We report a case of a patient with a recurrent TMJ area lesion diagnosed cytologically as pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), an entity that very rarely involves the TMJ and is usually diagnosed by histology. The differential diagnosis of PVNS in the context of its location in and around the TMJ is also discussed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011;39:45–48. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Micronucleus in atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance
Authors: Samanta Swapan , Dey Pranab , Gupta Nalini , Mouleeswaran K. S. , Nijhawan Raje
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to explore the role of micronucleus (MN) scoring in distinguishing the smears of atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance (ASCUS) with reactive outcome versus ASCUS with cervical intraepithelial lesions (CIN) outcome. In this retrospective study, there were 53 cases of ASCUS diagnosed on cervical cytology smear and of which 30 cases showed reactive changes (group 1) and 23 cases showed CIN (group 2) on follow up histology. MN score of group 1 was compared with group 2 in conventional Papanicolaou's stained smear. The micronucleated cell per 1,000 epithelial cells in oil immersion magnification (100× objective) was counted by two observers and expressed as MN score. The data were compared in the two groups. The mean MN score was 2.8667 ± 2.20866 in group 1 and 8.3478 ± 6.44987 in group 2 cases. The Student's t‐test showed significant difference of MN score in group 2 compared to group 1 (P < 0.0001). MN score may be helpful in identifying the true CIN cases that are mislabeled as ASCUS on cervical smear. In future, MN score can be used as an additional biomarker in cervical cancer screening. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011;39:242–244. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Processing and presentation of (pro)‐insulin in the MHC class II pathway: the generation of antigen‐based immunomodulators in the context of type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Burster Timo , Boehm Bernhard O.
Published: May 2010

Both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes play a crucial role in the autoimmune process leading to T1D. Dendritic cells take up foreign antigens and autoantigens; within their endocytic compartments, proteases degrade exogenous antigens for subsequent presentation to CD4+ T cells via MHC class II molecules. A detailed understanding of autoantigen processing and the identification of autoantigenic T cell epitopes are crucial for the development of antigen‐based specific immunomodulators. APL are peptide analogues of auto‐immunodominant T cell epitopes that bind to MHC class II molecules and can mediate T cell activation. However, APL can be rapidly degraded by proteases occurring in the extracellular space and inside cells, substantially weakening their efficiency. By contrast, protease‐resistant APL function as specific immunomodulators and can be used at low doses to examine the functional plasticity of T cells and to potentially interfere with autoimmune responses. Here, we review the latest achievements in (pro)‐insulin processing in the MHC class II pathway and the generation of APL to mitigate autoreactive T cells and to activate Treg cells. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zebrafish sp7:EGFP: A transgenic for studying otic vesicle formation, skeletogenesis, and bone regeneration
Authors: DeLaurier April , Eames B. Frank , Blanco‐Sánchez Bernardo , Peng Gang , He Xinjun , Swartz Mary E. , Ullmann Bonnie , Westerfield Monte , Kimmel Charles B.
Published: May 2010

We report the expression pattern and construction of a transgenic zebrafish line for a transcription factor involved in otic vesicle formation and skeletogenesis. The zinc finger transcription factor sp7 (formerly called osterix) is reported as a marker of osteoblasts. Using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)‐mediated transgenesis, we generated a zebrafish transgenic line for studying skeletal development, Tg(sp7:EGFP)b1212. Using a zebrafish BAC, EGFP was introduced downstream of the regulatory regions of sp7 and injected into one cell‐stage embryos. In this transgenic line, GFP expression reproduces endogenous sp7 gene expression in the otic placode and vesicle, and in forming skeletal structures. GFP‐positive cells were also detected in adult fish, and were found associated with regenerating fin rays postamputation. This line provides an essential tool for the further study of zebrafish otic vesicle formation and the development and regeneration of the skeleton. genesis 48:505–511, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rainfall, topography and primary production relationships in a semiarid ecosystem
Authors: Svoray Tal , Karnieli Arnon
Published: May 2010

A series of 15 Satellite Pour l'Observation de la Terra XS images, which were acquired during a single growing season, were used to study the spatial and temporal relationships between topography, rainfall and aboveground net primary production (ANPP) of annuals in a semiarid environment. A digital elevation model was used to locate five physiographic units: interfluve, shoulder, backslope, foot slope, and channel, along the slope catena. ANPP values were then surrogated by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Four phenological phases were interpreted from the seasonal NDVI profiles: germination, green‐up, drying, and senescence. A significant difference between NDVI values of all physiographic units was found, mainly during the green‐up phase. NDVI values at peak season were characterized as typical of semiarid ecosystems, except those of the footslope and the channel, which were found to have meaningfully high NDVI values, due to run‐off distribution and a thick soil profile. The seasonal NDVI integral was related positively and linearly to model‐derived water availability values for all physiographic units and the NDVI was correlated to multiple‐timescale rainfall data and the length of dry spells. The 1‐month rainfall data were found to have the highest correlation with the NDVI, indicating lag and cumulative effects of rainfall on production. This implies that the time required for the plants to use the water for production is around a month. It is concluded that studies of ecosystem functioning and capabilities in semiarid environments should consider not only mean annual rainfall amounts, but also the temporal rainfall distribution, mainly on a monthly scale, and the effect of physiographic units. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CTLA4‐Ig inhibits allergic airway inflammation by a novel CD28‐independent, nitric oxide synthase‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Deppong Christine M. , Parulekar Amit , Boomer Jonathan S. , Bricker Traci L. , Green Jonathan M.
Published: May 2010

The T‐cell response to antigen depends on coordinate signaling between costimulatory and inhibitory receptors. The altered function of either may underlie the pathophysiology of autoimmune and/or chronic inflammatory diseases and manipulation of these pathways is an important emerging area of therapeutics. We report here that the immunosuppressant drug CTLA4‐Ig inhibits the effector phase of allergic airway inflammation through a CD28‐independent, nitric oxide synthase (NOS)‐dependent mechanism. Using mice deficient in both B‐ and T‐lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) and CD28, we demonstrate that simultaneous deficiency of an inhibitory receptor can rescue the in vivo but not the in vitro CD28‐deficient phenotype. Furthermore, we demonstrate that inflammation in CD28/BTLA‐double‐deficient mice is suppressed by CTLA4‐Ig. This suppression is reversed by treatment with the NOS inhibitor, N6‐methyl‐L‐arginine acetate (L‐NMMA). In addition, CTLA4‐Ig is ineffective at inhibiting inflammation in NOS2‐deficient mice when given at the effector phase. Thus, CD28 and BTLA coordinately regulate the in vivo response to inhaled allergen, and CTLA4‐Ig binding to B7‐proteins inhibits the effector phase of inflammation by a CD28‐independent, NOS‐dependent mechanism.
Redox Processes Involved in the Synthesis and Reactivity of Oxazolinylthiophenolato Complexes of Iron(II)/(III)
Authors: Bottini Rúbia C. R. , Gariani Rogério A. , Cavalcanti César de O. , de Oliveira Franciele , da Rocha Nevilde de L. G. , Back Davi , Lang Ernesto S. , Hitchcock Peter B. , Evans David J. , Nunes Giovana G. , Simonelli Fábio , de Sá Eduardo L. , Soares Jaísa F.
Published: May 2010

The reaction of anhydrous FeCl2 with 2‐(4′,4′‐dimethyloxazolin‐2′‐yl)thiophenolate (ox‐phS–) afforded mononuclear [Fe(ox‐phS)2] (A) and binuclear [{FeIII(ox‐phS)}2(μ‐S)2] (B). In B, iron(III) and S2– resulted from an unexpected redox reaction involving elemental sulfur and the iron(II) starting material. Complexes A and B co‐crystallise reproducibly in a 2:1 proportion. An attempt to prepare (oxazolinylthiophenolato)iron(III) from Li(ox‐phS) and anhydrous FeCl3 in the presence of N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethane‐1,2‐diamine (tmen) gave another redox reaction with disulfide D, bis{2‐(4′,4′‐dimethyloxazolin‐2′‐yl)phenyl}disulfide (ox‐phS‐Sph‐ox), and trans‐[FeCl2(tmen)2] (E) as 1:1 co‐crystallised products. Characterisation of all complexes included Mössbauer spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Quantum mechanical (TDDFT) calculations for A and cyclic voltammetry experiments carried out with A and C helped to distinguish between ligand‐ and metal‐based electronic transitions and redox processes. Results add to the knowledge of the rich redox chemistry of early transition metals with soft S‐donor ligands, with possible consequences for catalytic and biochemical transformations.
pH‐Controlled Assemblies of Dimethyltin‐Functionalized 9‐Tungstophosphates with Guanidinium as Structure‐Directing Cation
Authors: Reinoso Santiago , Bassil Bassem S. , Barsukova Maria , Kortz Ulrich
Published: May 2010

Aqueous reaction of (CH3)2SnCl2 with Na9[A‐α‐PW9O34] in a 3:1 ratio with [C(NH2)3]+ as structure‐directing agent resulted in three distinct assemblies of dimethyltin‐functionalized tungstophosphates depending on the pH: [{(CH3)2Sn(H2O)}{(CH3)2Sn}(A‐α‐PW9O34)]5– (1) at pH = 4.5; [{(CH3)2Sn(H2O)2}{(CH3)2Sn(H2O)}2(A‐α‐PW9O34)]3– (2) at pH = 3.0; and [{(CH3)2Sn(H2O)}3(A‐α‐PW9O34)]3– (3) at pH = 2.0. All three compounds have been characterized in the solid‐state by elemental and thermal analyses, infrared spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The [A‐α‐PW9O34]9–trilacunary fragments have three {(CH3)2Sn}2+ groups anchored on the vacant sites via two Sn–O(W) bonds each and they are linked into guanidinium‐templated, extended architectures with dimensionalities increasing with the acidity of the reaction media. The structure of 1 consists of a 1‐dimensional arrangement of alternating [A‐α‐PW9O34]9– subunits and trans‐(CH3)2SnO4 bridging moieties, whereas compounds 2 and 3 are 2‐ and 3‐dimensional assemblies, respectively, of monomeric [{(CH3)2Sn}3(A‐α‐PW9O34)]3– building blocks connected via weak intermolecular Sn–O=W bridges.
In Situ XRD Detection of Reversible Dawsonite Formation on Alkali Promoted Alumina: A Cheap Sorbent for CO2 Capture
Authors: Walspurger Stéphane , Cobden Paul D. , Haije Wim G. , Westerwaal Ruud , Elzinga Gerard D. , Safonova Olga V.
Published: May 2010

Alkali‐promoted aluminas are inexpensive and robust materials with significant basicity that allow CO2 uptake at relatively high temperature and pressure. In situ XRD experiments show that bulk crystalline carbonate K‐Dawsonite [KAlCO3(OH)2] phase is formed on such materials under relatively high pressure of an equimolar mixture of CO2 and steam (total pressure of 10 bar) and at temperatures up to 300 °C. In parallel, typical needle‐shaped Dawsonite crystallites are observed by SEM after exposure to similar conditions. Furthermore, the in‐situ experiments show that the carbonate crystalline phase disappears between 300–400 °C, and that K‐Dawsonite crystalline phase can be reformed by lowering the temperature in the range 200–300 °C and contacting the material with both steam and CO2 at sufficiently high partial pressure. In a fixed‐bed reactor a high breakthrough capacity of 1.5–1.7 mmol g–1 has been measured. The experimental results reported herein highlight the high potential of alkali‐promoted alumina for cyclic CO2 removal in industrial systems.
Oxime Carbonates: Novel Reagents for the Introduction of Fmoc and Alloc Protecting Groups, Free of Side Reactions
Authors: Khattab Sherine N. , Subirós‐Funosas Ramon , El‐Faham Ayman , Albericio Fernando
Published: May 2010

Fmoc and Alloc protecting groups represent a consistent alternative to classical Boc protection in peptide chemistry. The former was established in the last decades as the α‐amino protecting group of choice, whereas the latter allows a fully orthogonal protection strategy with Fmoc and Boc. Usually, the introduction of the Fmoc and Alloc moieties takes place through their halogenoformates, azides, or activated carbonates. This rather simple reaction is accompanied by several side reactions, specially the formation of Fmoc/Alloc dipeptides and even tripeptides. The present work describes new promising Fmoc/Alloc‐oxime reagents, which are easy to prepare, stable, and highly reactive crystalline materials that afford almost contaminant‐free Fmoc/Alloc‐amino acids in high yields by following a conventional procedure. Amongst the Fmoc‐oxime derivatives, the N‐hydroxypicolinimidoyl cyanide derivative (N‐{[(9H‐fluoren‐9‐yl)methoxy]carbonyloxy}picolinimidoyl cyanide) gave the best results for the preparation of Fmoc‐Gly‐OH, which is the most predisposed to give side reactions. The same Alloc‐oxime analogue afforded the preparation of Alloc‐Gly‐OH in good yield, purity, and extremely low dipeptide formation, as analyzed by reverse‐phase HPLC and NMR spectroscopy.
Evaluation of the effect of the immunopurification‐based procedures on the CZE‐UV and CZE‐ESI‐TOF‐MS determination of isoforms of intact α‐1‐acid glycoprotein from human serum
Authors: Ongay Sara , Neusüß Christian , Vaas Sabrina , Díez‐Masa Jose Carlos , de Frutos Mercedes
Published: May 2010

Differences in α‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP) peptidic and glycan moieties originate several isoforms, whose modifications have been related to different pathophysiological situations. Differences in the isoforms of AGP existing in serum of individuals suffering from different diseases compared to healthy ones could be potentially used as biomarkers. CZE has been proven to be a useful technique for the analysis of glycoprotein isoforms. However, direct CZE analysis of AGP isoforms in serum samples needs efficient purification methods that allow the protein analysis. In this work two new and fast methods to purify AGP from human serum are evaluated in regard to their effect on the determination of isoforms of the intact glycoprotein by CZE‐UV and by a developed CZE‐ESI‐TOF‐MS method. Both preparation methods, which differ in the pre‐treatment of the sample prior to an anti‐AGP immunochromatographic step are shown to be adequate to analyze isoforms of intact AGP. Comparison of both purification methods by CZE‐UV and CZE‐ESI‐TOF‐MS indicates that serum AGP purified without acidic precipitation as pre‐treatment is more adequate due to AGP higher yield, which leads to better CZE‐Mass spectra. Both CZE methods show no indication that acidic precipitation influences the glycosylation (including sialylation) of AGP.
Mass spectrometric analysis of asparagine deamidation and aspartate isomerization in polypeptides
Authors: Yang Hongqian , Zubarev Roman A.
Published: May 2010

One of the most frequent modifications in proteins and peptides is the deamidation of asparagine, a spontaneous non‐enzymatic reaction leading to a mixture of L,D‐succinimidyl, L,D‐aspartyl, and L,D‐isoaspartyl forms, with L‐isoaspartyl dominating. Spontaneous isomerization of L‐Asp yields the same products. In vivo, these unusual forms of aspartate are repaired by the protein L‐isoaspartyl O‐methyltransferase enzyme, with the balance between isomerization and repair affecting the organism physiology. Mass spectrometric analysis of this balance involves isomer separation, iso‐Asp/Asp quantification, and iso‐Asp site identification. This review highlights the issues associated with these steps and discusses the prospects of high‐throughput iso‐Asp analysis.
Generation, function, and prognostic utility of somatic mitochondrial DNA mutations in cancer
Authors: Kulawiec Mariola , Salk Jesse J. , Ericson Nolan G. , Wanagat Jonathan , Bielas Jason H.
Published: May 2010

Exciting new studies are increasingly strengthening the link between mitochondrial mutagenesis and tumor progression. Here we provide a comprehensive review and meta‐analysis of studies reporting on mitochondrial DNA mutations in common human cancers. We discuss possible mechanisms by which mitochondrial DNA mutations may influence carcinogenesis, outline important caveats for interpreting the detected mutations—particularly differentiating causality from association–and suggest how new mutational assays may help resolve fundamental controversies in the field and delineate the origin and expansion of neoplastic cell lineages. Finally, we discuss the potential clinical utility of mtDNA mutations for improving the sensitivity of early cancer diagnosis, rapidly detecting cancer recurrence, and predicting the disease outcome. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Butte detachment: how pre‐rift geological structure and drainage integration drive escarpment evolution at rifted continental margins
Authors: Gunnell Y. , Harbor D.J.
Published: May 2010

The erosional pattern of passive margins often follows the fabric of ancient, compressional geological structures exposed by the topographic energy of rifting. As erosion cuts into these belted outcrop systems they impose initial and boundary conditions that steer drainage recession into the plateau edge and control escarpment‐forming conditions. Pattern therefore controls process. Although generic surface process models predict scarp patterns and retreat in settings devoid of geological heterogeneity, they tend to do so only at isolated locations and for periods shorter than the lifespan of the escarpments. Thus, to focus on relatively narrow strike‐perpendicular swaths of passive margin topography misses important aspects of drainage integration, which involves mobile drainage basin boundaries shifting across but also along the strike of inherited geological structures and through continental‐scale bioclimatic zones. Space‐for‐time substitution along three passive margin escarpments (Blue Ridge, Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats) reveals the significance of escarpment jumps and the detachment of topographic outliers, here generically termed ‘buttes’, as key processes of escarpment evolution. The examples show that these continental escarpments are strongly patterned after pre‐rift structural and lithological heterogeneities. As seaward sloping drainages cut into the rift margin, they extend their drainage heads in a non‐uniform and unsteady fashion. As a result escarpments can form, be destroyed, reform, and leave topographic vestiges (buttes) of the retreating escarpment. Given the pre‐rift geological heterogeneities, there are no a priori reasons why escarpment landscape change should be uniform, steady or self‐similar. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Central finite volume methods for ideal and shallow water magnetohydrodynamics
Authors: Touma R. , Arminjon P.
Published: May 2010

We propose two‐dimensional central finite volume methods based on our multidimensional extensions of Nessyahu and Tadmor's one‐dimensional non‐oscillatory central scheme and a constrained transport‐type method to solve ideal magnetohydrodynamic problems (MHD) and shallow water magnetohydrodynamic problems (SMHD). The main numerical scheme is second‐order accurate both in space and time and uses an original Cartesian grid coupled to a Cartesian‐ or diamond‐staggered dual grid to by‐pass the resolution of the Riemann problems at the cell interfaces. To treat the non‐vanishing magnetic field/flux divergence we have constructed an adaptation of Evans and Hawley's constrained transport method specifically designed for central schemes. Our numerical results show the efficiency and the potential of the scheme. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation of free‐surface waves in liquid sloshing using a domain‐type meshless method
Authors: Wu Nan‐Jing , Chang Kuang‐An
Published: May 2010

Based on the idea of avoiding over‐fitting in artificial neural‐network research using radial basis functions (RBFs), an improved RBF collocation method that reduces the number of RBFs without compromising the accuracy is proposed. This method overcomes the problem of dissatisfying governing equations on boundaries when the conventional RBF collocation method is used in solving partial differential equations. The Poisson and the Laplace equations are chosen to test the proposed method. Based on the method, a three‐dimensional numerical model is established to simulate the fully nonlinear free‐surface waves of sloshing water in a rectangular tank. Simulations of both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional cases are performed. Simulation results from the present model are validated with experimental measurements and other numerical results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Foxp3 is a novel repressor of microglia activation
Authors: Chung Hwan‐Suck , Lee Jun‐Ho , Kim Hyunseong , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Kim Sung‐Hoon , Kwon Ho‐Keun , Im Sin‐Hyeog , Bae Hyunsu
Published: May 2010

Forkhead transcription factor3 (Foxp3) is critical for generating CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. However, its role in microglia has not been identified. Here, we show that Foxp3 is expressed in microglia and is upregulated upon activation. In Foxp3 mutant mice (Foxp3sf), microglia release higher levels of inflammatory cytokines and mediators such as NO, MCP‐1, CXCL10, and ROS upon liposaccharide treatment than the wild type, while TNF‐α and IL‐1β were not significantly different between wild and mutant microglial cells. In addition, Foxp3 silencing enhances inflammatory responses, suggesting that the major role of Foxp3 in microglia is that of a repressor of activation. Similarly, Foxp3 overexpression reduces inflammatory responses in microglia. We also demonstrate that Foxp3 interacts directly with NF‐κB and modulates its transcriptional activities. These findings point to the importance of Foxp3 in NF‐κB mediated inflammatory responses in microglia. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuroimaging of the developing brain: Taking “developing” seriously
Authors: Karmiloff‐Smith Annette
Published: May 2010

With a few notable exceptions, many studies, be they behavioral, neuroimaging, or genetic, are snapshots that compare one child group to one adult group, which capture only two points in time and tell the scientist nothing about the mechanisms underlying neural trajectories over developmental time. Thus, a distinction needs to be drawn between child neuroimaging and developmental neuroimaging, the latter approach being relevant not just to children, but to adults and the ageing brain. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Depressed mothers' newborns are less responsive to animate and inanimate stimuli
Authors: Field Tiffany , Hernandez‐Reif Maria , Diego Miguel
Published: May 2010

Data from our research are reviewed showing limited attentiveness and responsivity to animate stimuli in newborns of depressed mothers. These include face–voice stimuli of mothers and strangers, newborn cry sounds and instrumental and vocal music. Newborns of depressed mothers are also noted to be less attentive and responsive when presented with inanimate stimuli, including different texture nipples, different temperature nipples and different weight tubes. Potential underlying mechanisms are suggested by research showing negative effects of prenatal depression, elevated prenatal cortisol and lower prenatal dopamine and serotonin on the newborns of depressed mothers. Additional risk factors are explored, including sleep disturbances and other prenatal stressors. Early interventions, including pregnancy massage, massage therapy for infants and demonstration of the Brazelton Assessment, have been noted to enhance the neonates' attentiveness and responsivity to animate and inanimate stimuli. Limitations of these studies are discussed, including the sample being limited to lower SES women who have many other problems that potentially affect newborns. More controlled studies are needed to assess potential mediating factors for the inferior performance of these newborns on perceptual tasks such as limited attentiveness and/or greater arousal as well as longitudinal follow‐up studies to determine whether these limited perceptual abilities continue into infancy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glutamine targeting inhibits systemic metastasis in the VM‐M3 murine tumor model
Authors: Shelton Laura M. , Huysentruyt Leanne C. , Seyfried Thomas N.
Published: May 2010

Metastatic cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Current therapeutic options consist of chemotherapy, radiation or targeted therapies. However, these therapies are often toxic, effective over a small range of cancer types or result in drug resistance. Therefore, a more global, less toxic strategy for the management of metastatic cancer is required. Although most cancers display increased glucose metabolism, glutamine is also a major energy substrate for many cancers. We evaluated the antimetastatic potential of 6‐diazo‐5‐oxo‐L‐norleucine (DON), a glutamine analog, using the new VM mouse model of systemic metastasis. We found that primary tumor growth was ∼20‐fold less in DON‐treated mice than in untreated control mice. We also found that DON treatment inhibited metastasis to liver, lung and kidney as detected by bioluminescence imaging and histology. Our findings provide proof of concept that metabolic therapies targeting glutamine metabolism can manage systemic metastatic cancer.