bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Structure of Amido‐ and Imido(pentafluorophenyl)borane Zirconocene and Hafnocene Complexes: NH and BH Activation
Authors: Jacobs Elizabeth A. , Fuller Anna , Coles Simon J. , Jones Garth A. , Tizzard Graham J. , Wright Joseph A. , Lancaster Simon J.
Published: June 2012

Treatment of Me2S⋅B(C6F5)nH3−n (n=1 or 2) with ammonia yields the corresponding adducts. H3N⋅B(C6F5)H2 dimerises in the solid state through NH⋅⋅⋅HB dihydrogen interactions. The adducts can be deprotonated to give lithium amidoboranes Li[NH2B(C6F5)nH3−n]. Reaction of the n=2 reagent with [Cp2ZrCl2] leads to disubstitution, but [Cp2Zr{NH2B(C6F5)2H}2] is in equilibrium with the product of β‐hydride elimination [Cp2Zr(H){NH2B(C6F5)2H}], which proves to be the major isolated solid. The analogous reaction with [Cp2HfCl2] gives a mixture of [Cp2Hf{NH2B(C6F5)2H}2] and the NH activation product [Cp2Hf{NHB(C6F5)2H}]. [Cp2Zr{NH2B(C6F5)2H}2]⋅PhMe and [Cp2Hf{NH2B(C6F5)2H}2]⋅4(thf) exhibit β‐B‐agostic chelate bonding of one of the two amidoborane ligands in the solid state. The agostic hydride is invariably coordinated to the outside of the metallocene wedge. Exceptionally, [Cp2Hf{NH2B(C6F5)2H}2]⋅PhMe has a structure in which the two amidoborane ligands adopt an intermediate coordination mode, in which neither is definitively agostic. [Cp2Hf{NHB(C6F5)2H}] has a formally dianionic imidoborane ligand chelating through an agostic interaction, but the bond‐length distribution suggests a contribution from a zwitterionic amidoborane resonance structure. Treatment of the zwitterions [Cp2MMe(μ‐Me)B(C6F5)3] (M=Zr, Hf) with Li[NH2B(C6F5)nH3−n] (n=2) results in [Cp2MMe{NH2B(C6F5)2H}] complexes, for which the spectroscopic data, particularly 1J(B,H), again suggest β‐B‐agostic interactions. The reactions proceed similarly for the structurally encumbered [Cp′′2ZrMe(μ‐Me)B(C6F5)3] precursor (Cp′′=1,3‐C5H3(SiMe3)2, n=1 or 2) to give [Cp′′2ZrMe{NH2B(C6F5)nH3−n}], both of which have been structurally characterised and show chelating, agostic amidoborane coordination. In contrast, the analogous hafnium chemistry leads to the recovery of [Cp′′2HfMe2] and the formation of Li[HB(C6F5)3] through hydride abstraction.
Neurofilaments are flexible polymers that often fold and unfold, but they move in a fully extended configuration
Authors: Taylor Nicholas J. , Wang Lina , Brown Anthony
Published: June 2012

Time‐lapse imaging of neurofilaments in axons of cultured nerve cells has demonstrated that these cytoskeletal polymers move along microtubule tracks in both anterograde and retrograde directions, powered by microtubule motors. The filaments exhibit short bouts of rapid intermittent movement interrupted by prolonged pauses, and the average velocity is slow because they spend most of their time pausing. Here, we show that axonal neurofilaments are also very flexible and frequently exhibit complex and dynamic folding and unfolding behaviors while they are pausing. Remarkably, however, when the filaments move in a sustained manner, we find that they always adopt an unfolded, that is, fully extended configuration, and this applies to movement in both anterograde and retrograde directions. Given the flexibility of neurofilament polymers and the apparent ease with which they can fold back on themselves, the fact that they move in a fully extended configuration suggests that moving neurofilaments may be pulled from their leading end. Thus, we speculate that motors may bind to the leading ends of neurofilaments polymers during both anterograde and retrograde motion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
EPR Studies on Branched High‐Spin Arylnitrenes
Authors: Chapyshev Sergei V. , Korchagin Denis V. , Budyka Mikhail F. , Gavrishova Tatiana N. , Neuhaus Patrik , Sander Wolfram
Published: June 2012

The UV (λ>305 nm) photolysis of triazide 3 in 2‐methyl‐tetrahydrofuran glass at 7 K selectively produces triplet mononitrene 4 (g=2.003, DT=0.92 cm−1, ET=0 cm−1), quintet dinitrene 6 (g=2.003, DQ=0.204 cm−1, EQ=0.035 cm−1), and septet trinitrene 8 (g=2.003, DS=−0.0904 cm−1, ES=−0.0102 cm−1). After 45 min of irradiation, the major products are dinitrene 6 and trinitrene 8 in a ratio of ∼1:2, respectively. These nitrenes are formed as mixtures of rotational isomers each of which has slightly different magnetic parameters D and E. The best agreement between the line‐shape spectral simulations and the experimental electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum is obtained with the line‐broadening parameters Γ(EQ)=180 MHz for dinitrene 6 and Γ(ES)=330 MHz for trinitrene 8. According to these line‐broadening parameters, the variations of the angles Θ in rotational isomers of 6 and 8 are expected to be about ±1 and ±3°, respectively. Theoretical estimations of the magnetic parameters obtained from PBE/DZ(COSMO)//UB3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p) calculations overestimate the E and D values by 1 and 8 %, respectively. Despite the large distances between the nitrene units and the extended π systems, the zero field splitting (zfs) parameters D are found to be close to those in quintet dinitrenes and septet trinitrenes, where the nitrene centers are attached to the same aryl ring. The large D values of branched septet nitrenes are due to strong negative one‐center spin–spin interactions in combination with weak positive two‐center spin–spin interactions, as predicted by theoretical considerations.
The elite and stochastic model for iPS cell generation: Multilineage‐differentiating stress enduring (Muse) cells are readily reprogrammable into iPS cells
Authors: Wakao Shohei , Kitada Masaaki , Dezawa Mari
Published: June 2012

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have attracted a great deal of attention, although the mechanism by which they are generated is still not fully understood. Currently, two theories, the stochastic and elite models, have been proposed. Some reports provide theoretical support for the stochastic model. Other reports, however, support the elite model. For example, some human fibroblasts, such as Multilineage‐differentiating stress enduring (Muse) cells, are reported to be pluripotent and a primary source of iPS cells. Thus, the mechanism of iPS cell generation continues to be debated. In this review, we discuss the properties of the original cell source, such as the components of the original populations and the potential of each population to become iPS cells, and further discuss the implications of the two theories for iPS cell research. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Chemokine CXCL12 and its receptors in the developing central nervous system: Emerging themes and future perspectives
Authors: Zhu Yan , Murakami Fujio
Published: June 2012

Homeostatic chemokine CXCL12 (also known as SDF‐1) and its receptor CXCR4 are indispensable for the normal development of the nervous system. This chemokine system plays a plethora of functions in numerous neural developmental processes, from which the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms are beginning to be unravelled. Recent identification of CXCR7 as a second receptor for CXCL12 provides opportunities to gain deeper insights into how CXCL12 operates in the nervous system. Here, we review the diverse roles of CXCL12 in the developing central nervous system, summarize the recent progress in uncovering CXCR7 functions, and discuss the emerging common themes from these works and future perspectives. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2012
A Combined Experimental and Computational Study of the Magnetic Superexchange within a Triangular (μ3‐O)‐Pyrazolato‐FeIII3 Complex
Authors: Sameera W. M. C. , Piñero Dalice M. , Herchel Radovan , Sanakis Yiannis , McGrady John E. , Raptis Raphael G. , Zueva Ekaterina M.
Published: June 2012

The triangular complex [FeIII3(μ3‐O)(μ‐4‐O2N‐C3H2N2)6Br3]2– has been characterized and studied by magnetic susceptibility measurements, 57Fe Mössbauer and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic methods. A combination of experimental and computational results has allowed the differentiation between two sets of acceptable isotropic exchange constants. The magnetic exchange within this complex has been modelled by a spin Hamiltonian involving antiferromagnetic exchange constants of average value Jav = –81.4 cm–1 and an antisymmetric exchange |dz| = 1.40 cm–1.
Adding Rubidium and Cesium to the Homologous Series of Alkali Metal Compounds of (Trimethylsilyl)methanides and 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidides (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 18/2012)
Authors: Clegg William , Kennedy Alan R. , Klett Jan , Mulvey Robert E. , Russo Luca
Published: June 2012

The cover picture shows anions obtanied by deprotonation of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine with (trimethylsilyl)methane. These chameleon‐like anions can adapt to different environments when confronted by different metal cations. In this way, it is possible for these versatile and popular lizard‐like ligands to spread themselves over the complete homologous series of the alkali metals. Details are discussed in the article by J. Klett et al. on p. 2989 ff.

magnified image
Electrophoretic and chromatographic evaluation of transgenic barley expressing a bacterial dihydrodipicolinate synthase
Authors: Ohnoutkova Ludmila , Zitka Ondrej , Mrizova Katarina , Vaskova Jana , Galuszka Petr , Cernei Natalie , Smedley Mark A. , Harwood Wendy A. , Adam Vojtech , Kizek Rene
Published: June 2012

Nutritional quality of human and animal foodstuffs is determined by the content of essential amino acids. Barley is the fourth most important cereal of the world and the second most important cereal grown in the Czech Republic. Cereal grains such as barley contain insufficient levels of some essential amino acids, especially lysine. Dihydrodipicolinate synthase is the key enzyme involved in the regulatory step for lysine biosynthesis. Two constructs pBract214::sTPdapA and pBract214::mdapA containing the dapA gene from Escherichia coli coding for the bacterial dihydrodipicolinate synthase were used for transformation of barley. An Agrobacterium‐mediated technique was used for transformation of immature embryos of spring barley cv. Golden Promise. Transgenic barley plants of the T0 and T1 generations were evaluated by PCR, real‐time PCR, gel electrophoresis, and Western blot. Amino acid content was analyzed by HPLC after HCl hydrolysis. The lysine content in leaves of the T1 generation plant no. 5/5 was 50% higher than in wild‐type plants; the lysine content in seeds of T2 generation plant no. 5/16 was 30% higher than in wild‐type seeds of spring barley cv. Golden Promise.
CE/LC‐MS multiplatform for broad metabolomic analysis of dietary polyphenols effect on colon cancer cells proliferation
Authors: Ibáñez Clara , Simó Carolina , García‐Cañas Virginia , Gómez‐Martínez Ángeles , Ferragut José A. , Cifuentes Alejandro
Published: June 2012

In this study, an analytical multiplatform is presented to carry out a broad metabolomic study on the anti‐proliferative effect of dietary polyphenols on human colon cancer cells. CE, RP/UPLC, and HILIC/UPLC all coupled to TOF MS were combined to achieve a global metabolomic examination of the effect of dietary polyphenols on HT29 colon cancer cells. By the use of a nontargeted metabolomic approach, metabolites showing significant different expression after the polyphenols treatment were identified in colon cancer cells. It was demonstrated that this multianalytical platform provided extensive metabolic information and coverage due to its complementary nature. Differences observed in metabolic profiles from CE‐TOF MS, RP/UPLC‐TOF MS, and HILIC/UPLC‐TOF MS can be mainly assigned to their different separation mechanisms without discarding the influence of the different tools used for data processing. Changes in glutathione metabolism with an enhanced reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio were detected in polyphenols‐treated cells. Moreover, significant alterations in polyamines content with important implications in cancer proliferation were observed after the treatment with polyphenols. These results from metabolomics can explain the chemopreventive effect of the tested dietary polyphenols on colon cancer and may be of importance for future prevention and/or treatment of this disease.
Comparison of organic dyes removal mechanism in electrocoagulation process using iron and aluminum anodes
Authors: Amani‐Ghadim A.R. , Olad A. , Aber S. , Ashassi‐Sorkhabi H.
Published: June 2012

The removal of Reactive red 43, as a model pollutant, and some organic dyes with different structures by electrocoagulation process was investigated using iron (EC‐Fe) and aluminum (EC‐Al) anodes to explain dyes removal mechanism differences in EC‐Fe and EC‐Al processes. First, the effects of current density, electrolysis time and pH on the removal of Reactive Red 43were studied. The maximum removal efficiency (RE) was obtained in relatively acidic medium (pH = 4.25) in the first 12 minutes of EC‐Al. While, in EC‐Fe, a significant lag time between the starting of the process and initiation of considerable dye removal was observed. The color RE was supplemented with determining the RE of chemical oxygen demand. The COD values were determined for decolorization of solution containing 50 mg/L of RR43 and after 24 min of processes when the applied current density to monopolar batch electrochemical reactor was 25 A/m2. The COD removal efficiencies for the mentioned conditions were 73.92% and 97.12% for EC‐Al and EC‐Fe processes, respectively. The kinetics studies were carried out for both EC‐Al and EC‐Fe processes. In the similar operational conditions, the removal of basic dyes was not considerable by EC‐Al. However, the RE of anionic dyes was improved with the addition of the number of sulfonate substituted groups. The maximum RE of all cationic and anionic dyes (RE > 90%) was achieved using EC‐Fe. The enmeshment of dyes on iron oxide/hydroxide precipitates and charge neutralization were the main removal mechanisms in EC‐Fe and EC‐Al processes, respectively. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 547–556, 2013
Treatment of a dye solution using photoelectro‐fenton process on the cathode containing carbon nanotubes under recirculation mode: Investigation of operational parameters and artificial neural network modeling
Authors: Khataee A.R. , Vahid B. , Behjati B. , Safarpour M.
Published: June 2012

The electrochemical treatment of dye solution containing C.I. Direct Red 23 (DR23) has been studied under recirculation mode with an UV irradiation of 15 W. Decolorization experiments were performed in the presence of sulfate electrolyte media at pH 3.0 with carbon nanotube‐polytetrafluoroethylene (CNT‐PTFE) electrode as cathode. A comparison of electro‐Fenton (EF) and photoelectro‐Fenton (PEF) processes was carried out for decolorization of DR23 solution. Color removal efficiency was 66.22% and 94.29% for EF and PEF processes after 60 min treatment of 30 mg/L DR23, respectively. The effect of operational parameters on the PEF process such as applied current, initial pH, flow rate, initial Fe3+ concentration and initial dye concentration was investigated. Results indicated that the optimal conditions for decolorization process were applied current of 0.2 A, flow rate of 10 L/h, pH = 3, initial Fe3+ concentration of 0.05 mM and initial dye concentration of 10 mg/L. An artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed to predict the decolorization of DR23 solution, which provided reasonable predictive performance (R2 = 0.958). © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 557–563, 2013
Less Expert Workers and Customer Complaints: Automotive Case Study
Authors: Mateo Ricardo , Tanco Martín , Santos Javier
Published: June 2012

Many researchers consider absenteeism to be a significant problem for employers. Absenteeism lowers the overall level of worker expertise, which may affect product quality and trigger an increase in customer complaints. This research was carried out in a prominent automobile manufacturing company, with an assembly line–driven rigid production process. This article gathered customer quality complaints registered during the 17 months after cars were delivered to customers, from one year of car production, to analyze how employee absenteeism affects customer quality complaints. The empirical evidence presented by this research in the automotive industry confirms that absenteeism does not lead, necessarily, to a decrease in quality. This evidence must make organization redefine the value of their expert workers. Moreover, these results could have an impact on assembly‐line design and the use of worker job‐rotation programs for technologically sophisticated assembly lines. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Machining of a bioactive nanocomposite orthopedic fixation device
Authors: Sparnell Amie , Aniket  , El‐Ghannam Ahmed
Published: June 2012

Bioactive ceramics bond to bone and enhance bone formation. However, they have poor mechanical properties which restrict their machinability as well as their application as load bearing implants. The goal of this study was to machine bioactive fixation screws using a silica‐calcium phosphate nanocomposite (SCPC50). The effect of compact pressure, holding time, and thermal treatment on the microstructure, machinability, and mechanical properties of SCPC50 cylinders were investigated. Samples prepared by powder metallurgy technique at compact pressure range of 100–300 MPa and treated at 900°C/1 h scored a poor machinability rating of (1/5) due to the significant formation of amorphous silicate phase at the grain boundaries. On the other hand, lowering of compact pressure and sintering temperature to 30 MPa/3 h and 700°C/2 h, respectively, minimized the formation of the amorphous phase and raised the machinability rating to (5/5). The modulus of elasticity and ultimate strength of machinable SCPC50 were 10.8 ± 2.0 GPa and 72.8 ± 22.8 MPa, respectively, which are comparable to the corresponding values for adult human cortical bone. qRT‐PCR analyses showed that bone cells attached to SCPC50 significantly upregulated osteocalcin mRNA expression as compared to the cells on Ti‐6Al‐4V. Moreover, cells attached to SCPC50 produced mineralized bone‐like tissue within 8 days. On the other hand, cells attached to Ti‐6Al‐4V failed to produce bone mineral under the same experimental conditions. Results of the study suggest that machinable SCPC50 has the potential to serve as an attractive new material for orthopedic fixation devices. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 1545–1555, 2012.
Antimicrobial electrospun nanofibers of cellulose acetate and polyester urethane composite for wound dressing
Authors: Liu Xin , Lin Tong , Gao Yuan , Xu Zhiguang , Huang Chen , Yao Gang , Jiang Linlin , Tang Yanwei , Wang Xungai
Published: June 2012

In this study, a series of nanofibrous membranes were prepared from cellulose acetate (CA) and polyester urethane (PEU) using coelectrospinning or blend‐electrospinning. The drug release, in vitro antimicrobial activity and in vivo wound healing performance of the nanofiber membranes were evaluated for use as wound dressings. To prevent common clinical infections, an antimicrobial agent, polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) was incorporated into the electrospun fibers. The presence of CA in the nanofiber membrane improved its hydrophilicity and permeability to air and moisture. CA fibers became slightly swollen upon contacting with liquid phase. CA not only increased the liquid uptake but also created a moist environment for the wound, which accelerated wound recovery. PHMB release dynamics of the membranes was controlled by the structure and component ratios of the membranes. The lower ratio of CA: PEU helped to preserve the physical and thermal properties of the membranes, and also reduced the burst release effectively and slowed down diffusion of PHMB during in vitro tests. The controlled‐diffusion membranes exerted long‐term antimicrobial effect for wound healing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 1556–1565, 2012.
The Action of the Group, q Even, and Related Combinatorial Structures
Authors: Cossidente Antonio , Marino Giuseppe , Penttila Tim
Published: June 2012

We describe some geometrical properties of the action of the Cartan–Dickson–Chevalley exceptional group G2(q), q even, as a subgroup of the unitary group PSU6(q2).This allows us to provide a new description of the known 126‐hyperoval of and to construct even subsets of PG(2, q2).
Data evaluation of tar oil degradation using comprehensive GC2/ MS: individual compounds and principal component analysis
Authors: Vasilieva Viktoriya , Janik Les , Scherr Kerstin E. , Edelmann Eva , Loibner Andreas P.
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Coal tar is a complex mixture of more than 100 compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkylated PAHs, phenolic as well as NSO‐heterocyclic compounds (HAC). Many of these are associated with human and environmental risk. Information concerning the environmental fate of coal tar constituents, apart from the 16 PAHs listed as priority substances by the US‐EPA, is scarce. In the current study, aerobic degradation of aromatic tar oil constituents in ten historically contaminated soils was monitored under laboratory conditions using two‐dimensional comprehensive GC2/ MS.

RESULTS: Fifty‐four aromatic compounds were detected in one single analysis. Degradation behavior of individual compounds was determined by their hydrophobicity, molecular size, degree of alkylation and isomeric conformation. Eight substances, including six US‐EPA PAHs and two benzofluorene isomers, were identified in nine out of ten soils as principal components in the residual contamination after degradation.

CONCLUSION: Using GC2/ MS to reveal the degradation behavior of distinct coal tar constituents and applying PCA to identify contaminants resistant to microbial degradation can be useful for the optimization of bioremediation measures at contaminated sites. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Differential expression of galectin‐1 and its interactions with cells and laminins in the intervertebral disc
Authors: Jing Liufang , So Stephen , Lim Shaun W. , Richardson William J. , Fitch Robert D. , Setton Lori A. , Chen Jun
Published: June 2012

Galectin‐1 (Gal‐1), an endogenous β‐galactoside‐binding protein, binds to laminins, which are highly expressed in the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the intervertebral disc (IVD). The objective of this study is to evaluate the expression of Gal‐1 protein in IVD tissues during aging and the effect of Gal‐1 on IVD cell adhesion to laminins. Tissues from rat, porcine, and human (scoliosis or disc degeneration) IVDs were used to evaluate Gal‐1 expression via immunostaining, RT‐PCR, and Western blot analysis. Attachment of isolated IVD cells (porcine and human) on select laminin isoforms (LM‐111 and LM‐511) was compared with/without pre‐incubation with exogenous Gal‐1. A biotinylated Gal‐1(B‐Gal‐1) was used to evaluate for binding to IVD cells and to select for IVD cells by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). NP cells expressed high levels of Gal‐1 protein as compared to anulus fibrosus (AF) cells in immature tissues, while exogenous Gal‐1 increased both NP and AF cell attachment to laminins and exhibited a similar binding to both cell types in vitro. With aging, Gal‐1 levels in NP tissue appeared to decrease. In addition, incubation with B‐Gal‐1 was able to promote the retention of more than 50% of IVD cells via MACS. Our results provide new findings for the presence and functional role of Gal‐1 within IVDs. Similar staining patterns for Gal‐1 and LM‐511 in IVD tissue suggest that Gal‐1 may serve as an adhesion molecule to interact with both cells and laminins. This MACS protocol may be useful for selecting pure IVD cells from mixed cells of pathological tissue. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1923–1931, 2012
Purification and characterization of an amylase from Opuntiaficus‐indica seeds
Authors: Ennouri Monia , Khemakhem Bassem , Ben Hassen Hanen , Ammar Imen , Belghith Karima , Attia Hamadi
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: In Tunisia, prickly pear fruit grow spontaneously; it is consumed as fresh fruit, juice or jam. When the fruit is used for juice production, the seeds are discarded and go to waste. Our study aimed to extract biomolecules from seeds by producing value‐added products from the fruits.

RESULTS: An amylase from Opuntia ficus‐indica seeds was extracted and purified to homogeneity. An increase in specific activity of 113‐fold was observed. The apparent molecular mass of the enzyme is 64 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature for enzyme activity were pH 5 and 60 °C, respectively. Under these conditions, the specific activity is 245.5 U mg−1. The enzyme was activated by Co2+ and Mg2+ (relative activity 117% and 113% respectively) at lower ion concentrations. It was strongly inhibited by Mn2+ and Fe2+. Cu2+ inhibited totally the activity of this enzyme, but Ca2+ has an inhibitory effect which increases with ion concentration.

CONCLUSION: The extracted enzyme belongs to the exo type of amylases and is classified as a β‐cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase since it generates mainly β‐cyclodextrin from starch. It exhibits high thermal stability and a broad range of pH stability, making it a promising prospect for industrial and food applications. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Histamine determination in human urine using sub‐2 μm C18 column with fluorescence and mass spectrometric detection
Authors: Hogan Anna‐Marie , Crean Conor , Barrett Una Marie , Guihen Elizabeth , Glennon Jeremy D
Published: June 2012

A fast, sensitive, and selective method for the determination of histamine in human urine samples by ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography (LC) with fluorescence and mass spectrometry (MS) detection is investigated. A fluorescent reagent, 4‐(1‐pyrene) butyric acid N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester was conjugated to the primary and secondary amino moieties of histamine. The structure of dipyrene‐labeled histamine in human urine was determined by quadrupole time‐of‐flight MS with electospray ionization interface. The determination of the dipyrene derivative of histamine in urine samples was achieved within 3.9 min on an ultrahigh pressure LC Eclipse Zorbax XDB‐C18 column with 1.8 μm particle diameter. In this work, histamine separation was achieved significantly faster (3.9 min) with improved detection limit (signal‐to‐noise = 3) of 0.04 nM than 19.5 min with a detection limit of 0.183 nM as reported in a previous method.
Interleukin‐17 gene polymorphisms are associated with bladder cancer in a chinese han population
Authors: Zhou Bin , Zhang Peng , Wang Yanyun , Shi Shaoqing , Zhang Kui , Liao Hong , Zhang Lin
Published: June 2012

Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammation and autoimmune disorders, and to be elevated in several types of cancer. The present study analyzed polymorphisms in IL‐17 gene and their impact on the pathogenesis of bladder cancer. The TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assay was used to genotype the SNP rs2275913 of IL‐17A and SNP rs763780 of IL‐17F in 301 bladder cancer patients and 446 ethnicity‐matched healthy controls. The frequencies of AA genotype and A allele of rs2275913, as well as TT genotype and T allele of rs763780 in the bladder cancer patients were significantly higher than that of controls, indicating that both of these two SNPs were associated with bladder cancer (P = 0.003, OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.12–1.69 for allele A of rs2275913, and P = 0.018, OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.07–2.00 for allele T of rs763780, respectively). Results of stratified analysis revealed that rs2275913 was associated with male, non‐smokers, and invasion of bladder cancer, while rs763780 was associated with invasion of bladder cancer. Our results suggested that the SNP rs2275913 of IL‐17A and SNP rs763780 of IL‐17F were associated with the development, as well as gender, smoking status and tumor stage of bladder cancer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo short TE localized 1H MR spectroscopy of mouse cervical spinal cord at very high magnetic field (11.75 T)
Authors: Tachrount Mohamed , Duhamel Guillaume , Laurin Jérôme , Marqueste Tanguy , de Paula André Maues , Decherchi Patrick , Cozzone Patrick J. , Callot Virginie
Published: June 2012

MR spectroscopy allows a noninvasive assessment of metabolic information in healthy and pathological central nervous system. Whereas MR spectroscopy has been extensively applied in the brain, only few spectroscopic studies of the spinal cord (SC) have been performed so far. For mice, due to additional technical challenges, in vivo 1H SC MRS has not yet been reported. In this work, the feasibility of short echo time localized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy using Point RESolved Spectroscopy sequence for the examination of mouse cervical SC at 11.75 T is presented. Several optimizations were performed to improve the static field homogeneity, to reduce physiological motion effects and lipid contaminations arising from SC surrounding tissues, and to provide a careful metabolic quantification. Satisfactory spectrum quality was obtained. The described protocol allowed reliable quantification of five metabolites in the cervical SC. The mean reproducibility regarding the quantification of tNAA, tCr and tCho was ≥ 80%, > 70% for mI and > 55% for Glu, whereas the intersubject variabilities were ≤ 21%. The application of this protocol to transgenic mouse models in pathological conditions such as SC injury or neurodegenerative diseases may thus provide complementary information to MRI and increase our understanding of such pathologies. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IPSS is lower in hypertensive patients treated with angiotensin‐II receptor blocker: Posthoc analyses of a lower urinary tract symptoms population
Authors: Ito Hideaki , Taga Minekatsu , Tsuchiyama Katsuki , Akino Hironobu , Yokoyama Osamu
Published: June 2012

Aims

The existence of Angiotensin‐II (Ang‐II) receptors in the bladder wall and the pronounced contractile effect of Ang‐II on the human detrusor muscle have been well established. Studies have presented the role of Ang‐II as a mediator in smooth muscle growth and collagen production in the bladder with outlet obstruction. We investigated the associations between male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and hypertension (HT), and examined whether the medications used for HT treatment, particularly Ang‐II receptor blockers (ARBs) influence LUTS.

Methods

Among 4,298 men with LUTS who were nominated to participate in a Japanese study using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) to gain information on the effects and the safety of silodosin, a total of 3,790 men for whom a baseline IPSS was available were sub‐analyzed. We analyzed the influence of HT treatment on IPSSs.

Results

HT was the most common comorbidity (1,122 men, 29.6%), and 769 men (20.3%) were receiving some kinds of medication for the treatment. We found that the IPSS was lower in patients being treated for HT with ARB than in hypertensive patients who were not receiving any medication (16.8 ± 6.8 vs. 18.3 ± 6.6, P < 0.01). The baseline I‐PSS in patients treated for HT with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE‐I), calcium channel blocker (CCB), and normotensive patients were 18.3, 19.6, and 18.1, respectively.

Conclusion

The IPSS is lower in patients with HT treated with ARB. Other drugs for HT, including ACE‐I and CCB, did not improve the IPSS. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 70–74, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pathogenesis of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, an autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Ishii Norito , Ohata Chika , Furumura Minao
Published: June 2012

Autoimmune bullous diseases (ABDs) are organ‐specific autoimmune diseases, in which blisters on the skin and mucous membranes develop through binding of pathogenic autoantibodies to target antigens. There are two major ABD groups: the pemphigus group, showing autoantibodies to desmosomal components; and the subepidermal ABD group, showing autoantibodies to hemidesmosomal components in the epidermal basement membrane zone. Recent immunological, biochemical and molecular biological studies revealed many new autoantigens, including desmocollins, various plakin family proteins and integrins. A revised ABD classification includes new disease entities such as paraneoplastic pemphigus, IgA pemphigus and anti‐laminin γ1 pemphigoid. In addition to systemic corticosteroids and various immunosuppressive agents, various adjuvant therapies for ABDs have developed. Among them, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a promising therapy, although the therapeutic mechanisms are still unknown. Various disease models for ABDs have developed, particularly for pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), and these have provided insights into the pathogenesis of various ADBs that suggest possible new treatment strategies. However, the fundamental mechanisms in disruption of immune‐tolerance are still unknown. EBA shows autoimmunity to type VII collagen, the major component of anchoring fibrils, and EBA pathogenesis has been studied in various disease models. Previous studies suggested that, following binding of autoantibodies to type VII collagen, activation of complement, cytokine release, neutrophil migration, Fcγ receptors (FcgRs) and metalloproteinases play important roles in induction of subepidermal blisters. In this issue of the Journal of Pathology, Kasperkiewicz and colleagues reveal important roles of activating FcgRIV and inhibitory FcgRIIB in EBA pathogenesis that were recognized by conducting elegant studies using both genetic analysis and functional animal model methods. The expression equilibrium of the activating and inhibitory FcgRs can be modulated towards the inhibitory FcgRIIB by IVIG therapy, resulting in beneficial clinical effects of IVIG in EBA and other autoimmune skin‐blistering diseases. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized trials of central nervous system directed therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Richards Sue , Pui Ching‐Hon , Gayon Paul ,   on behalf of the Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Collaborative Group (CALLCG)
Published: June 2012

Treatment of the central nervous system (CNS) is an essential therapy component for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Individual patient data from 47 trials addressing 16 CNS treatment comparisons were analyzed. Event‐free survival (EFS) was similar for radiotherapy versus intrathecal (IT), and radiotherapy plus IT versus IV methotrexate (IV MTX) plus IT. Triple intrathecal therapy (TIT) gave similar EFS but poorer survival than intrathecal methotrexate (IT MTX), but additional IV MTX improved both outcomes. One trial resulted in similar EFS and survival with IV MTX plus IT MTX versus TIT alone. Radiotherapy can generally be replaced by IT therapy. TIT should be used with effective systemic therapy such as IV MTX. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:185–195. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface‐enhanced fluorescence of in situ synthesized polysilanesilver nanoparticles
Authors: Sacarescu Gabriela , Taran Elena , Donose Bogdan C , Simionescu Mihaela , Harabagiu Valeria , Sacarescu Liviu
Published: June 2012

To produce surface plasmons, silver nanoparticles are synthesized in situ in a pseudo‐template system based on polyhydrosilanes. Adsorption on the silver nanoparticle surface produces a thin layer of polymer with properties different from those of bulk polysilane. The metal‐adsorbed polymer layer serves as a spacer between the polysilane fluorophore and the plasmonic nanoparticle. This prevents quenching of the polysilane emission and leads to a strong surface‐enhanced fluorescence through coupling of surface plasmons having a resonance frequency that matches the emission frequency of the polymeric emitter. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) as a tool: aqueous dispersion of nanodiamonds by wrapping in the solid state
Authors: Kim Sung Ho , Debnath Dipen , Lee Woo Suk , Geckeler Kurt E
Published: June 2012

Among carbon‐based nanomaterials such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes and nanodiamonds, the latter are good candidates as prospective materials in the future due to their potential physical, chemical and biological properties. Thus, nanodiamonds were wrapped with biocompatible polymers in the solid state. The dispersibility of the polymer‐wrapped nanodiamonds in water was investigated with respect to reaction time and mass ratio of the polymers during the wrapping process. The dispersibility of the materials was monitored using UV spectroscopy, and the size distribution of the polymer‐wrapped nanodiamonds was analyzed using high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements. In addition, molecular modeling calculations were performed. Finally, the best dispersion for the polymer‐wrapped nanodiamonds in water was found for a reaction time of 120 min. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Rheological and thermal properties of glycidyl azide polyol‐based energetic thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers
Authors: You Jong‐Sung , Noh Si‐Tae
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of polyol on glycidyl azide polyol (GAP)‐based energetic thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (ETPEs). Briefly, a series of GAP/polyol‐based ETPEs (GAP/polyol ETPEs) with different copolyol ratios and hard segment contents were synthesized using GAP‐diol with common polyol and 4,4‐methylenebis(phenylisocyanate)‐extended 1,5‐pentanediol as soft and hard segments, respectively, by solution polymerization in dimethylformamide. The three types of polyols used were poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol (PTMG), polycarbonate‐diol (PCL‐diol) and polycaprolactone‐diol (PCD‐diol). The synthesized GAP/polyol ETPEs were identified and characterized using Fourier transform infrared and 1H NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and rheometric mechanical spectrometry. For GAP/PCL ETPEs with lower hard segment content, DSC results showed that the GAP segment failed to interact with either the PCL segment or PCL melting. In addition, the results of DMA showed that the presence of PCL segments in ETPEs improved the storage modulus below the melting temperature of the PCL block. Further, the crystalline PCL segments were attributed to reinforcing the ETPEs in a manner similar to that of the hard domain. As the hard segment content increased in the GAP/polyol ETPEs, both GAP/PTMG ETPEs and GAP/PCL ETPEs exhibited microphase separation transitions, while rheological experiments demonstrated a sudden decrease in complex viscosity in neighboring microphase separation transitions. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis, photophysical properties and microphase separation of all‐conjugated diblock copolymers with hydrophilic side chains
Authors: Zhang Xueqin , Yang Weiwei , Kong Fan , Yang Hong , Lin Baoping
Published: June 2012

A series of new all‐conjugated diblock copolymers, poly(2,5‐dioctyloxy‐p‐phenylene)‐block‐poly(3‐methoxyethoxyethoxy‐methylthiophene) (PPP‐b‐P3MEEMT), with hydrophilic side‐chains have been synthesized by quasi‐living Grignard metathesis polymerization. The narrow polydispersity indices of the block copolymers are in the range 1.32–1.40. The block ratios in the obtained diblock copolymers can be well defined by the feed ratios of the monomers. Photoluminescence results reveal that resonance energy transfer occurs from the PPP block to the P3MEEMT block in dilute solution. Differential scanning calorimetry shows that both PPP and P3MEEMT blocks in the copolymers produce crystalline regions and lead to microphase separation as indicated by two endothermal transitions, corresponding to the melting peaks of the PPP and P3MEEMT blocks, respectively. The formations of microphase‐separated nanostructures in annealed copolymer films are also observed using transmission electron microscopy. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Cysteine‐rich domains related to Frizzled receptors and Hedgehog‐interacting proteins
Authors: Pei Jimin , Grishin Nick V.
Published: June 2012

Frizzled and Smoothened are homologous seven‐transmembrane proteins functioning in the Wnt and Hedgehog signaling pathways, respectively. They harbor an extracellular cysteine‐rich domain (FZ‐CRD), a mobile evolutionary unit that has been found in a number of other metazoan proteins and Frizzled‐like proteins in Dictyostelium. Domains distantly related to FZ‐CRDs, in Hedgehog‐interacting proteins (HHIPs), folate receptors and riboflavin‐binding proteins (FRBPs), and Niemann‐Pick Type C1 proteins (NPC1s), referred to as HFN‐CRDs, exhibit similar structures and disulfide connectivity patterns compared with FZ‐CRDs. We used computational analyses to expand the homologous set of FZ‐CRDs and HFN‐CRDs, providing a better understanding of their evolution and classification. First, FZ‐CRD‐containing proteins with various domain compositions were identified in several major eukaryotic lineages including plants and Chromalveolata, revealing a wider phylogenetic distribution of FZ‐CRDs than previously recognized. Second, two new and distinct groups of highly divergent FZ‐CRDs were found by sensitive similarity searches. One of them is present in the calcium channel component Mid1 in fungi and the uncharacterized FAM155 proteins in metazoans. Members of the other new FZ‐CRD group occur in the metazoan‐specific RECK (reversion‐inducing‐cysteine‐rich protein with Kazal motifs) proteins that are putative tumor suppressors acting as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases. Finally, sequence and three‐dimensional structural comparisons helped us uncover a divergent HFN‐CRD in glypicans, which are important morphogen‐binding heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Such a finding reinforces the evolutionary ties between the Wnt and Hedgehog signaling pathways and underscores the importance of gene duplications in creating essential signaling components in metazoan evolution.
Measurement of space charge distributions in PLZT using Kerr effect
Authors: Wong Kiing Ing
Published: June 2012

Kerr effect technique is an optical measurement technique used to determine space charge distributions of a dielectric liquid under applied electric stress. In other words, such measurement can be used to study the conduction mechanisms of a dielectric liquid, such as charge injection threshold, bulk electric field stress, and aging. In this study, an instrument was set up to measure the absolute value of the electric field distributions in lead–lanthanum–zirconium–titanium (PLZT). PLZT was selected for the study of the instrumentation because the material has a high Kerr constant. In the experiment, charge injection threshold and bulk field strength of PLZT were measured under low applied voltages. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Estimation of spectral transmission of dried seaweed from its digital image
Authors: Nagai Fukutaro , Noro Yuichi , Takeo Takashi , Ito Haruhiko
Published: June 2012

Estimation of spectral transmission characteristics of dried seaweed has been made starting with its digital image, that is, the RGB values. The present estimation method has steps comprising the capture of a digital transmission image and evaluation of the optical transmission characteristics of a seaweed sample for learning. Next, an estimation equation based on the information derived from the learning data is established, and an optical transmission curve of the seaweed sample is generated with the RGB values of its digital image according to the estimation equation. With this method, optical transmission curves have been estimated at the wavelength range 400–700 nm with a root mean square error of about 2%. In addition, the pigment content of seaweed has been also estimated successfully by means of the estimated transmission curve, though the result is only semiquantitative. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Autonomous decentralized system for torque control of high‐power permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Hao Shuanghui , Tang Zili , Hao Minghui , Mizugaki Yoshio
Published: June 2012

An autonomous decentralized system (ADS) for the control of a high‐power permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) presented in this paper. The system decentralizes a centralized control system into several autonomous subsystems. Thus the power supply and power electronic devices of the control system can be replaced by smaller ones, thereby obtaining better fault tolerance of the system. The subsystems are connected only through the data field, which, in this paper consists of feedback elements and communication modules. This structure enables the autonomous controllability and autonomous coordinability of the system. The mathematical model of the PMSM with decentralized stator coils is proposed. This model takes into account the self‐ and mutual inductance of the coil, as well as the effect of the stator slot‐pitch angle. In addition, an autonomous algorithm for the torque control of the PMSM with decentralized stator coils is proposed, and the fault‐tolerance design is developed. Experimental results of the torque control and fault‐tolerance control confirm the validity of the proposed system. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Soul and role dialogues in higher education: Healing the divided self
Authors: Michalec Paul , Brower Gary
Published: June 2012

This chapter describes the origin of faculty–staff gatherings modeled on the Circle of Trust® approach. It outlines the structure of the meetings, offers descriptions of participant experiences, and ends with suggestions for ways of hosting similar gatherings on other college campuses.
The role of identity in transformational learning, teaching, and leading
Authors: Poutiatine Michael I. , Conners Dennis A.
Published: June 2012

This chapter investigates the role of identity in teaching and learning. The chapter draws connections between the process of transformational education and the practice of leadership.
Metastable vacua and the backreacted Stenzel geometry
Authors: Massai Stefano
Published: June 2012

Abstract

We construct an M-theory background dual to the metastable state recently discussed by Klebanov and Pufu, which corresponds to placing a stack of anti-M2 branes at the tip of a warped Stenzel space. With this purpose we analytically solve for the linearized non-supersymmetric deformations around the warped Stenzel space, preserving the SO(5) symmetries of the supersymmetric background, and which interpolate between the IR and UV region. We identify the supergravity solution which corresponds to a stack of
$$ \overline N $$
backreacting anti-M2 branes by fixing all the 12 integration constants in terms of
$$ \overline N $$
. While in the UV this solution has the desired features to describe the conjectured metastable state of the dual (2 + 1)–dimensional theory, in the IR it suffers from a singularity in the four-form flux, which we describe in some details.
Determining the helicity structure of third generation resonances
Authors: Papaefstathiou Andreas , Sakurai Kazuki
Published: June 2012

Abstract

We examine methods that have been proposed for determining the helicity structure of decays of new resonances to third generation quarks and/or leptons. We present analytical and semi-analytical predictions and assess the applicability of the relevant variables in realistic reconstruction scenarios using Monte Carlo-generated events, including the effects of QCD radiation and multiple parton interactions, combinatoric ambiguities and fast detector simulation.