bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the efficacy of sulfurization agents in decreasing the sheet resistance of polyamide and polyethylene with copper sulfide layers and influence of their compositions
Authors: Ivanauskas Remigijus , Ancutienė Ingrida , Janickis Vitalijus , Stokienė Rūta
Published: October 2009

The process of obtaining semiconductive and electrical conductive layers of copper sulfides by the sorption — diffusion method on polymers (polyamide 6 and low density polyethylene) using solutions of potassium pentathionate, K2S5O6, and higher polythionic acids, H2Sn O6 (n = 21, 33), was investigated. The layers were characterized for compositional and electrical properties by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and sheet resistance measurements. The thickness of copper sulfides layers on polyamide and polyethylene increased with increasing time of polymer sulfurization and varied from 10 to 43 µm. The variations of the sheet resistance of copper sulfides layers formed on the surface of polymers on sulfurization agent used, the conditions of sulfurization, chemical and phase composition of the obtained layers were established. Sheet resistance of copper sulfides layers decreases with increasing time of the duration of sulfurization and the number of sulfur atoms in the polythionate anion. The sheet resistance values for copper sulfide layers formed on the polyamide surface are much lower than those of Cux S formed on the polyethylene surface. XRD showed the predomination of Cux S phases with low x values.
Solid phase selective separation and green preconcentration of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd in drinking water by using novel functionalized resin
Authors: Burham Nagwa , Azeem Sami , El-Shahat Mohamed
Published: October 2009

A new solid — phase extraction sorbent was developed based on stepwise anchoring of two ligand molecules for the determination of copper, zinc, lead and cadmium in drinking water by flame AAS. Amberlite XAD-2 functionalized with 4′-(2-hydroxyphenylazo)-3′-methyl-1′-phenyl-2′-pyrazolin-5′-one (HPAPyr) was utilized for preconcentration/separation of these elements. The sorbent was prepared by two successive azo coupling reactions. First, 2-aminophenol was anchored to the amino groups in the resin resulted from nitration followed by reduction. Then, the resulted 2-aminophenol functionalized resin was further diazotized and coupled to the pyrazolone compound and the final product HPAPyr-XAD-2 was characterized by IR and elemental analysis. The optimum pH range for sorption, shaking time, exchange capacity, sample flow rate, preconcentration factor and interference from co-existing ions were investigated. All metal ions were quantitatively desorbed from the resin by 4.5 mol L−1 nitric acid solution. The sorbent provides limit of detection within the range 0.9–3.3 µg L−1 and concentration factor up to 250. The procedure was validated by analysis of certified material NIST-SRM 1577b. Application to drinking water showed satisfactory results with relative standard deviation RSD ≤ 8.5%.
A theoretical study of the neutral and the double-charged cation of cyclo[8]pyrrole and its interaction with inorganic anions
Authors: Alkorta Ibon , Blanco Fernando , Elguero José
Published: October 2009

A theoretical study of the complexation of cyclo[8]pyrrole dication, 2, and the corresponding system in neutral form, 3, with six anionic molecules has been carried out up to the B3LYP/6–311++G(2d,2p) computational level. The effect of the water solvation has been taken into account by means of the PCM method. The gas phase results correspond to the very large interaction energies expected for the interaction of molecules of opposite charge. In all the complexes, the analysis of the electron density by means of the Atoms In Molecules (AIM) methodology shows the presence of eight intermolecular interactions between the individual molecules. The results, using the water solvent model, indicate that the 2:SO42− complex is more stable than the 2:NO3−, in agreement with experimental results.
Atom transfer radical polymerization in aqueous dispersed media
Authors: Min Ke , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: October 2009

During the last decade, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) received significant attention due to its exceptional capability of synthesizing polymers with pre-determined molecular weight, well-defined molecular architectures and various functionalities. It is economically and environmentally attractive to adopt ATRP to aqueous dispersed media, although the process is challenging. This review summarizes recent developments of conducting ATRP in aqueous dispersed media. The issues related to retaining “controlled/living” character as well as colloidal stability during the polymerization have to be considered. Better understanding the ATRP mechanism and development of new initiation techniques, such as activators generated by electron transfer (AGET) significantly facilitated ATRP in aqueous systems. This review covers the most important progress of ATRP in dispersed media from 1998 to 2009, including miniemulsion, microemulsion, emulsion, suspension and dispersed polymerization.
Tables of Rosseland mean opacities for candidate atmospheres of life hosting free-floating planets
Authors: Badescu Viorel
Published: October 2009

The existence of life on a free-floating planet is conditioned by the existence of an optically thick atmosphere. This may ensure the long-term thermal stability of a (liquid) solvent on the surface of that body. Requirements to be fulfilled by a hypothetic gas constituent of a free-floating planet atmosphere are studied. The four gases analyzed here (nitrogen, carbon dioxide, methane and ethane) are candidates. They may induce a higher opacity than molecular hydrogen, which has been considered in previous research. The paper deals with preparation of tables of Rosseland mean opacity values. Selection of the ranges of temperature and pressure is guided by life existence considerations. The range of temperatures involved (50 to 650 K) is lower than usually found in the literature. The tables may be useful for studies related to free-floating planets, where the usage of absorption opacity is a straightforward way to compute the energy flux in the atmosphere. Also, the results are useful in all cases where radiation is transferred through dense layers of the gases considered in this paper.
Proposal to improve the behaviour of self-energy contributions to the S-matrix
Authors: Tóth Gábor
Published: October 2009

A simple modification of the definition of the S-matrix is proposed. It is expected that the divergences related to nonzero self-energies are considerably milder with the modified definition than with the usual one. This conjecture is verified in a few examples using perturbation theory. The proposed formula is written in terms of the total Hamiltonian operator and a free Hamiltonian operator and is therefore applicable in any case when these Hamiltonian operators are known.
The Impact of Suckling and Post-weaning Period on Blood Chemistry of Piglets
Authors: Petrovič Vladimír , Novotný Jaroslav , Hisira Vladimír , Link Róbert , Leng Ľubomír , Kováč Gabriel
Published: October 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of dietary changes during the suckling and post-weaning period on selected haematological, immunological and metabolic indices as well as the macro- and micro-mineral and antioxidant status of piglets. Twelve Large White piglets were kept according to the standards of pig rearing used in Slovakia until the end of the post-weaning period. Blood samples were taken from the piglets at the age of 30 days (the end of the suckling period) and 2 months (the end of the post-weaning period). At the end of the post-weaning period higher indices were found for RBC (P < 0.01), Hb (P < 0.01), WBC (P < 0.05), total Ig (P < 0.05), AST (P < 0.01), urea (P < 0.01), Se (P < 0.05), GSH-Px (P < 0.001), -SH groups (P < 0.01) and lower indices of albumin (P < 0.05), ALP (P < 0.001), LDH (P < 0.01), pancreatic amylase (P < 0.01), total lipids (P < 0.01), glucose (P < 0.01), total cholesterol (P < 0.01), bilirubin (P < 0.001), Ca (P < 0.01), SOD (P < 0.01), MDA (P < 0.01), vitamin A (P < 0.05), and vitamin E (P < 0.05) as compared to the end of suckling period. These results indicate that the dietary changes during suckling and post-weaning periods affected the majority of observed blood indices in piglets.
Effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Essential Oil on Antioxidative Status in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Faix Štefan , Faixová Zita , Plachá Iveta , Koppel Juraj
Published: October 2009

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil on antioxidant status of chickens. Thirty-two female Ross 308 hybrid broilers were fed one of four diets supplemented with 0%, 0.1%, 0.05% and 0.025% of essential oil for 38 days. Blood, liver, kidney and duodenal epithelium were collected for the subsequent evaluation of antioxidant status. Feeding of adiet supplemented with 0.1% of essential oil significantly decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma and duodenal mucosa in comparison with the control group (0%). The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly higher in blood of chicks fed the diet containing 0.1% of essential oil. Diets containing 0.05% and 0.025% of essential oil reduced alanine amino transferase (ALT) activity in plasma in comparison with the control group. Blood phagocytic activity significantly increased in chickens fed the diet supplemented with 0.1% and the index of phygocytic activity was affected by the diet containing 0.025% of essential oil in comparison with the control group. The present investigation shows that Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil exhibits a significant antioxidant activity in fattening chickens and can be used as a source of antioxidant in dietary supplement.
Blood Plasma Mineral Profile and Qualitative Indicators of the Eggshell in Laying Hens in Different Housing Systems
Authors: Pavlík Aleš , Lichovníková Martina , Jelínek Pavel
Published: October 2009

The aim of this study was to compare the blood plasma mineral profile (Ca, P, K, Mg, Zn, Cu and Se) and egg-shell quality (eggshell weight, eggshell breaking strength and thickness) of laying hens housed in three different housing systems (traditional cage system, enriched cage system and deep litter system). In each housing system, 12 ISA Brown laying hens were observed during the laying period from week 22 to 75 of age. The effect (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) of age and/or phase of the laying cycle on all mineral concentrations was determined. Eggshell breaking strength decreased (p < 0.001) with the age of birds. The results of this study indicate that the housing systems compared had no significant effect on the blood plasma mineral profile of laying hens under study and the values were within the physiological range. However, a significant effect of housing system on eggshell breaking strength and eggshell weight was found. Improved eggshell quality was obtained in most periods of the laying cycle in the enriched cage systems.
Influence of Full-fat Soybean Seeds and Hydrolyzed Palm Oil on the Metabolism of Lactating Dairy Cows
Authors: Bellová Veronika , Pechová Alena , Dvořák Rudolf , Pavlata Leoš
Published: October 2009

The aim of the study was to compare the influence of fat supplementation in the form of full-fat soybean seeds and hydrolyzed palm oil as energy sources for dairy cows in early lactation. During the first 8 lactation weeks, 17 dairy cows divided into group S (n = 8) and group C (n = 9) were observed. The basic diet was the same for both groups. The differences were in the composition of the concentrate mixture, which had a balanced content of nutrients. In group S the fat source was heat-treated soybean seeds, while in group C the fat source used was hydrolyzed palm oil. The two diets started to be fed on the day of calving. Blood samples were taken weekly (1st–5th week) and 8 weeks after delivery. At the end of the experiment ruminal fluid was taken. During the experiment BCS in both groups deteriorated similarly. In group S it decreased from 3.8 ± 0.2 to 3.3 ± 0.3 and in group C from 3.5 ± 0.4 to 3.1 ± 0.4. A better performance of hepatic metabolism was proved in group S. In group S lower concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids were identified in the 3rd (0.96 ± 0.38 vs. 1.76 ± 0.63 mmol l-1; p < 0.01) and 8th (0.32 ± 0.29 vs. 0.78 ± 0.48 mmol l-1; p < 0.05) week after calving. The gamma-glutamyl transferase (EC 2.3.2.2) activity in serum indicates a better liver parenchyma condition in group S where no increased activity was identified above the reference range. An increased activity was identified in group C from the 2nd week with a significant difference between groups detected in the 2nd (0.41 ± 0.07 vs. 0.66 ± 0.25 μkat l-1; p < 0.05) and 4th (0.42 ± 0.05 vs. 0.64 ± 0.25 μkat l-1; p < 0.05) weeks after delivery. There were no significant differences found between groups in bilirubin and aspartate transaminase (EC 2.6.1.1) but a general tendency toward lower values is apparent in group S. No significant differences were found between groups by the examination of ruminal fluid. Based on these results we can conclude that full-fat soy was better utilised than hydrolysed palm oil and represents a suitable alternative for increasing energy concentration in the diet for dairy cows. On the other hand, the development of liver steatosis in cows make controversial the usage of fat as an energy source for fresh cows even if their BCS is around 3.5–3.8 and it may not be recommended generally.
Blood Glucose, Insulin and Inorganic Phosphorus in Healthy and Ketotic Dairy Cows after Intravenous Infusion of Glucose Solution
Authors: Djoković Radojica , Šamanc Horea , Ilić Zoran , Kurćubić Vladimir
Published: October 2009

The aim of the present study was to determine the degree of blood glucose utilization by peripheral tissue on the basis of changes in blood concentrations of glucose, insulin and inorganic phosphorus in healthy (n = 10) and ketotic cows (n = 10) after intravenous infusion of glucose solution. Blood samples were taken in both groups of examined cows at the following time intervals: just before (time 0) and 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min after intravenous infusion of a total of 500 ml of 50% of glucose solution. Glucose and insulin blood serum values in both groups of cows increased significantly within 30 and 60 min of the experiment (p < 0.05). Significantly lower values (p < 0.05) of insulin in blood serum of ketotic cows compared to the healthy ones were established within 30 and 60 min of the test. This indicated that the ability of beta cells of the endocrine pancreas to release insulin is reduced in cows suffering from ketosis. After intravenous infusion of glucose, it was established that values of inorganic phosphorus were decreased in blood in both groups of cows. Within 180 and 240 min of testing there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the blood value of inorganic phosphorus in ketotic cows compared to the healthy ones. This is linked with the active entry of glucose into the glucolytic pathway of peripheral tissues. It can thus be concluded that there is a higher degree of blood glucose utilization by peripheral tissues in ketotic cows.
Major Mammary Pathogens as Contributors to Total Bacterial Counts in Raw Milk
Authors: Ryšánek Dušan , Zouharová Monika , Babák Vladimír
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of major mammary pathogens, as well as of coliform and Gram-negative non-coliform bacteria to standard plate counts (SPCs) of bulk tank milk samples (BTMSs). Randomly selected anonymous BTMSs were collected from 268 dairy herds (with approximately 29,000 cows) in the Czech Republic during 2007. The most frequently detected pathogens were found to be E. faecalis (16.1%; geometric mean 9.8 × 102 CFU/ml) and S. uberis (13.6%; 9.0 × 102 CFU/ml). Highly significant positive correlations (P < 0.01) between the bacterial counts of the dominant pathogens and the relevant SPC were found for E. faecalis and S. dysgalactiae, as were significant correlations (P < 0.05) for S. uberis, E. faecium, and S. aureus. Highly significant positive correlations (P < 0.01) were found between SPC and coliform count and between SPC and Gram-negative non-coliform bacteria count. The results suggest, therefore, a recent dominance of environmental pathogens especially streptococci and enterococci, over contagious mammary pathogens in BTMSs. The geometric means of SPC in BTMSs with mammary pathogen (7.7 × 104 CFU/ml for environmental; 7.4 × 104 CFU/ml for contagious pathogens) exceed significantly (P < 0.05) the geometric means of SPC of pathogen free BTMSs (4.4 × 104 CFU/ml). This study revealed that the major mammary pathogens contribute significantly to SPCs of BTMSs.
Influence of Midazolam and L-Arginine on Clinical Observations and Biochemical Changes in Rat Liver Induced by Pentylenetetrazole
Authors: Jelenkovic Ankica , Jovanovic D. Marina , Đurđević Dragan , Stanimirovic Danica , Bokonjić Dubravko , Vasiljevic Ivana , Mihajlovic Rosa
Published: October 2009

Certain types of convulsions may lead to multiorgan dysfunction. We investigated whether the chemoconvulsant pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) could influence energy synthesis in the liver besides evoking convulsions in adult male Wistar rats. In 80% of the rats PTZ (100 mg/kg body weight, administered intraperitoneally – i.p.) evoked generalised clonic convulsions (GCCs) and in 60% of the rats generalised clonic-tonic convulsions (GCTCs) within 4 min after its administration. Cytochrome c oxidase activity was simultaneously reduced approximately three-fold compared to 0.9% NaCl-treated (control) rats (p < 0.01). Midazolam administered before PTZ was an excellent anti-convulsant especially against GCCs (p < 0.05). However, it did not protect against the decrease in cytochrome c oxidase activity induced by PTZ. In contrast to midazolam, pretreatment with L-arginine did not prevent PTZ-evoked convulsions. However, it offered some protection against the PTZ-mediated reduction in cytochrome c oxidase activity. Our results open new avenues of research that will focus on the mechanisms of action of PTZ, midazolam and L-arginine with particular reference to their direct and/or indirect effects on liver function.
Quality Indicators of Chicken Broiler Raw and Cooked Meat Depending on Their Sex
Authors: Saláková Alena , Straková Eva , Válková Veronika , Buchtová Hana , Steinhauserová Iva
Published: October 2009

The objective of this study was to compare the quality indicators of chicken breast meat depending on sex, to evaluate individual quality indicators and to find relationships between them. Three groups (A, B and C) of commercial meat-type hybrid broilers ROSS 308 (10 males and 10 females from each group) were used for colour measurement (CIE L*a*b*), pH, chemical analysis (amount of dry matter, fat and collagen) and texture (shear force, hardness, cohesiveness). Cooked meat indicators (texture, colour, pH and chemical indicators) were measured after heat treatment (80 °C, 30 min). In all groups we were able to prove raw meat differences between sexes only in the following indicators: carcass weight (A group P < 0.01, B and C group P < 0.001), breast weight (A group P < 0.01, B and C group P < 0.001) and pH value (A group P < 0.05, B group P < 0.001, C group P < 0.01). Differences were found (P < 0.05) between sexes in texture indicators (hardness or cohesiveness), breast meat of males was more tender. The cooked breast meat was significantly (P < 0.05) lighter, redder and more yellow than the raw meat. Raw meat pH had a significant negative correlation (r = -0.41, P < 0.001) with raw meat lightness. Cooked meat pH had a significant correlation with cooked colour indicators. The amount of collagen had significant correlations with shear force (P < 0.001), hardness (P < 0.001) and cooking loss (P < 0.01).
Early Ontogeny, Growth and Mortality of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) at Low Concentrations of Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Authors: Máchová Jana , Prokeš Miroslav , Kroupová Hana , Svobodová Zdeňka , Mácová Stanislava , Doleželová Petra , Velíšek Josef
Published: October 2009

Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) is an important polar aprotic solvent, less toxic than other members of this class. Because of its excellent solvating power, DMSO is frequently used as solvent for chemical reactions involving salts, especially Finkelstein reactions and other nucleophilic substitutions. Furthermore, DMSO is used as auxiliary substance in toxicity tests on aquatic organisms, usually at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.5 ml l-1. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of DMSO on early development, growth and mortality of early life stages in common carp. Tests were performed from fertilized egg to the end of the larval period with continuous exposure to DMSO at concentrations of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 ml l-1. Mortality of embryos and larvae, intensity of development and growth, weight and occurrence of abnormalities were analyzed. DMSO exposure at all the tested concentrations did not result in any lethal effects or abnormalities compared to the control over the entire test period (29 days). Growth indicators were similar in DMSO treated (at concentrations of 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 ml l-1) and control groups. However, mean body weight (35 ± 9 mg) of larvae exposed to the highest DMSO concentration (5 ml l-1) tested was significantly lower compared to the control (45 ± 14 mg).
Use of Biochemical Markers for the Assessment of Organic Pollutant Contamination of the Vltava river, Czech Republic
Authors: Havelková Marcela , Slatinská Iveta , Široká Zuzana , Blahová Jana , Krijt Jan , Randák Tomáš , Žlábek Vladimír , Haruštiaková Danka , Jarkovský Jiří , Svobodová Zdeňka
Published: October 2009

In this study, selected biochemical markers - cytochrome P450 (CYP 450), ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione (GSH) - were measured in chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.) liver samples obtained from three locations on the Vltava river (Podolí, Podbaba and Vraňany) and from a control location nmicals commonly known as their inducers. These include polychlorinated biphenyls, hexachlorobenzene and octachlorostyrene measured in chub muscle and polyaromatic hydrocarbons measured in bear Vodňany. The levels of selected biomarkers should correlate with the concentration of cheottom sediments obtained from the same locations. The highest EROD activity (median 101.37 pmol min-1 mg-1 protein), GST activity (median 42.82 nmol min-1 mg-1 protein), and GSH concentration (median 8.01 nmol mg-1 protein) were found in fish liver from the Podbaba location. There were no significant differences in CYP P450 level or EROD activity among the different locations. In Podbaba, GST activity (P < 0.01) and GSH concentrations (P < 0.001) were significantly higher than in the control location. The results of these analyses were correlated and a significant correlation was found between biochemical markers and their inducers. The results show that the use of biochemical markers in water quality assessment is a convenient method that can supplement classical chemical monitoring.
The Effects of Sediments Burdened by Sewerage Water Originating in Car Batteries Production in the Klenice River (CZ)
Authors: Beránková Petra , Schramm Karl-Werner , Bláha Martin , Rosmus Jan , Čupr Pavel
Published: October 2009

The aim of this work was to perform tests of genotoxicity and toxicity on samples of riverine sediments from a location subject to motor industry load (car battery production). Together with sediment samples we also collected benthos, biofilm and juvenile fish. Concentration of lead was established in all the samples since the sewage waters discharged from the car battery production plant are heavily polluted with lead. Genotoxicity was tested with two tests of genotoxicity: the SOS chromotest and the Escherichia coli WP2 test. The toxicity of sediments was tested with a test of toxicity performed on a water crustacean Daphnia magna. A profound toxic influence upon benthic organisms was found; a consequence of the river pollution with waste water and flush water from the car battery production plant. This toxic effect was also proven by an aqueous leach from the test performed with Daphnia magna. Both tests of genotoxicity proved a significant genotoxic potential of the sediment samples linked with the growth of the concentration of lead in the sediments (up to 647 mg kg-1). The content of lead also increased in the biofilm (up to 3.37 mg kg-1 of dry mass) as well as in the fish bodies (up to 804.5 mg kg-1 of dry mass). This thesis is the first study of the load imposed on this river as a consequence of the waste water and flush water discharge from the motor industry production plant (car battery production).
What's the matter by Kansas? Legislative debates over stem cell research in Kansas and Massachusetts
Authors: Stabile Bonnie
Published: October 2009

This paper examines the contextual factors shaping legislative debates affecting stem cell research in two states, Kansas and Massachusetts, which both permit therapeutic cloning for stem cell research but markedly vary in their legislative approach to the issue. In Kansas, restrictive legislation was proposed but effectively blocked by research proponents, while in Massachusetts permissive legislation was successfully implemented under the auspices of an act to promote stem cell research. The importance of university and industry involvement is highlighted in each case, as are the roles of enterprising and persistent policy entrepreneurs. Providing a close examination of the policy process attending the cloning debate in these states is intended to contribute to an enhanced understanding of the cloning-policy process as it has played out at the state level, with an eye toward informing legislative debates over related biotechnical advances in the future.
Clients’ Experiences of a Community Based Lifestyle Modification Program: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Chan Ruth S.M. , Lok Kris Y.W. , Sea Mandy M.M. , Woo Jean
Published: October 2009

There is little information about how clients attending lifestyle modification programs view the outcomes. This qualitative study examined the clients’ experience of a community based lifestyle modification program in Hong Kong. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 clients attending the program. Clients perceived the program had positive impacts on their health and nutrition knowledge. They experienced frustration, negative emotion, lack of motivation, and pressure from others during the program. Working environment and lack of healthy food choices in restaurants were the major perceived environmental barriers for lifestyle modification. Clients valued nutritionists’ capability of providing professional information and psychological support in the program. Our results suggest that nutritionist’s capability of providing quality consultations and patient-centered care are important for empowering clients achieve lifestyle modification.
Genetic analysis and putative role in resistance to antivirals of the human cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase UL44 processivity factor
Authors: Boutolleau David , Deback Claire , Bressollette-Bodin Céline , Conan Françoise , Aït-Arkoub Zaïna , Imbert-Marcille Berthe-Marie , Agut Henri
Published: October 2009

Background

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA polymerase is composed of the UL54 catalytic subunit and the UL44 accessory protein. UL44 increases the processivity of polymerase along the DNA template during replication and, incidentally, is a substrate for the UL97 phosphotransferase. The molecular mechanisms of HCMV resistance to antiviral drugs interfering with viral DNA synthesis reported so far only rely on the presence of amino acid changes within the UL97 and UL54 viral enzymes. We aimed to describe the natural polymorphism of UL44 and to analyse the changes of its amino acids potentially associated with HCMV resistance to antivirals.

Methods

The full-length UL44 gene sequence was compared to that of four reference strains (including the AD169 strain) and 43 clinical strains from patients who had not received any previous anti-HCMV treatment, and 25 blood samples from 15 HCMV-infected patients experiencing therapeutic failure and exhibiting genotypic traits of HCMV resistance to antivirals.

Results

Overall, seven different amino acid changes associated with natural polymorphisms were identified among the 433 residues of the UL44 protein, occurring at a frequency of 2.1% for five of them and 10.6% for the double change G296S+L319I. The analysis of the HCMV strains exhibiting genotypic resistance to antivirals did not show any changes in UL44 that had significant association with resistance mutations of UL97 and/or UL54.

Conclusions

UL44 processivity factor exhibits a very low polymorphism that does not concern the assumed functional domains of the protein. From this preliminary study, UL44 does not seem to be involved in HCMV resistance to antivirals.
Lower limb high arterial flow induced by tenofovir and emtricitabine treatment
Authors: Periard Daniel , Yerly Patrick , Hayoz Daniel , Mazzolai Lucia , Widmeier Arnaud , Cavassini Matthias
Published: October 2009

Here, we describe a case of an HIV-infected patient with right lower limb oedema that appeared after initiation of tenofovir and emtricitabine treatment. The patient was fully investigated by serial heart and vessel echo-Doppler examination. Oedema of the lower limb was attributed to a transient drug-induced fivefold increase in peripheral artery flow, which was induced by a reduction in peripheral arterial resistance. The possible mechanisms of disease are discussed.
Two types of drug-resistant hepatitis B viral strains emerging alternately and their susceptibility to combination therapy with entecavir and adefovir
Authors: Kurashige Nao , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi , Hiramatsu Naoki , Oze Tsugiko , Yakushijin Takayuki , Mochizuki Kiyoshi , Hosui Atsushi , Miyagi Takuya , Ishida Hisashi , Tatsumi Tomohide , Kanto Tatsuya , Takehara Tetsuo , Hayashi Norio
Published: October 2009

The most serious problem of nucleoside/nucleotide analogue therapy for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the emergence of drug-resistant mutant virus. Here, we describe a patient with chronic hepatitis B infection with a complex drug-resistant mutant virus during sequential therapy with lamivudine (3TC), entecavir (ETV) and adefovir dipivoxil (ADV). The patient was a 52-year-old male with positive hepatitis B e antigen and high HBV DNA (>7.6 log10 copies/ ml). Initial 3TC monotherapy offered little benefit and 3TC resistance was established by the virus with rtA181T and not rtM204V/I. HBV DNA was reduced slightly by replacement with ETV monotherapy and was followed by virological breakthrough. At that time, rtA181T was undetectable and the virus with rtM204V and rtL180M became predominant. ETV resistance was established by an additional rtS202G mutation. Efficacy of subsequent combination therapy with ADV and 3TC was limited because of reappearance of the virus with rtA181T, which might confer cross-resistance to 3TC and ADV. Final combination therapy with ETV and ADV reduced HBV DNA to 3.7 log10 copies/ml for 5 months, which was the most effective therapy for this patient. Thus, two kinds of mutant viruses (rtM204V-related and rtA181T-related) appeared alternately in this patient. Combination therapy with ETV and ADV might have been effective because these drugs share therapeutic roles, that is, ETV affects the rtA181T-related virus and ADV affects the rtM204V-related virus. This is the first report suggesting clinical significance of combination therapy with ETV and ADV for controlling replication of the complex drug-resistant mutant HBV.
Nanoparticle Electroluminescence: Controlling Emission Color Through Förster Resonance Energy Transfer in Hybrid Particles
Authors: Huebner Christopher F. , Roeder Ryan D. , Foulger Stephen H.
Published: October 2009

Electroluminescent (EL) polymers are attractive for developing all‐organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) due to the potential advantages that polymeric systems may offer in the large‐scale manufacturing of electronics. Nonetheless, many of these EL π‐conjugated polymers are inherently insoluble in the solvents employed in the intended solution‐based manufacturing processes. One such polymer is poly(2,5‐dioctyl‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene) (POPPV), where the inherent lack of solubility of POPPV in organic solvents has frustrated its widespread application in devices and no OLEDs have been presented that exploit its electroluminescence characteristics. In this effort, a unique strategy is presented for the preparation of hybrid nanoparticles composed of POPPV, a green emitter (λem = 505 nm) and poly(9,9‐di‐n‐octylfluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl) (PFO), a blue emitter (λem = 417 nm). The aqueous‐based nanoparticle dispersion composed of these hybrid particles is stable to aggregate and can be employed in the construction of OLEDs. The color characteristics of the electroluminescence for the devices can be tuned by exploiting the Förster resonance energy transfer between the polymers within a particle, while suppressing energy transfer between the particles. These aqueous‐based nanoparticle dispersions are amenable to being printed into devices through high‐throughput manufacturing techniques, for example, roll‐to‐roll printing.
B–Z DNA Transition Triggered by a Cationic Comb‐Type Copolymer
Authors: Shimada Naohiko , Kano Arihiro , Maruyama Atsushi
Published: October 2009

The conformational transition from right‐handed B–DNA to left‐handed Z–DNA—the B–Z transition—has received increased attention recently because of its potential roles in biological systems and its applicability to bionanotechnology. Though the B–Z transition of poly(dG–dC) · poly(dG–dC) is inducible under high salt concentration conditions (over 4 M NaCl) or by addition of multivalent cations, such as hexaamminecobalt(III), no cationic polymer were known to induce the transition. In this study, it is shown by circular dichroism and UV spectroscopy that the cationic comb‐type copolymer, poly(L‐lysine)‐graft‐dextran, but not poly(L‐lysine) homopolymer or a basic peptide, induces the B–Z transition of poly(dG–dC) · poly(dG–dC). At a cationic amino group concentration of 10−4 M the copolymer stabilizes Z–DNA. The transition pathway from the B to the Z form is different to that observed previously. We speculate that the cationic backbone of the copolymer, which reduces electrostatic repulsion among DNA phosphate groups, and the hydrophilic dextran chains, which reduce activity of water, cooperate to induce the B–Z transition. The copolymer specifically modified the micro‐environment around DNA molecules to induce Z–DNA formation through stable and spontaneous inter‐polyelectrolyte complex formation.
The importance of product cut and form when estimating fish demand: the case of U.S. Catfish
Authors: Muhammad Andrew , Hanson Terrill R.
Published: October 2009

The absolute price version of the Rotterdam model was used in the estimation of U.S. catfish demand where catfish was differentiated by product cut (whole, fillet, and other) and product form (fresh and frozen). Likelihood ratio tests were used to determine the importance of product form in demand (product form aggregation). Likelihood ratio tests were also used to determine if fresh products were separable from frozen products (product form separability). Product form aggregation was rejected at a probability of 0.999, suggesting that fresh and frozen catfish products are not homogenous. The hypothesis, no product form separability, failed to be rejected at the 0.05 significance level, but was rejected at the 0.01 significance level. Test results suggest that it is more acceptable to focus on a single product group (e.g., frozen products) than to assume that catfish products are perfectly aggregatable across product forms. [JEL classifications: Q11, Q13, Q22]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distribution of direct recall costs along the milk chain
Authors: Velthuis A.G.J. , Meuwissen M. , Huirne R.B.M.
Published: October 2009

The relation between time and the direct recall costs of one batch of milk was investigated in this study. We developed a Monte Carlo simulation model of a farm‐to‐consumer supply chain associated with one batch of milk of 150,000 kilograms. The direct recall costs of recalling a batch are less than €100,000 in the first 16 hours after the milk has been collected from the farms, but the costs increase rapidly to more than €140,000. With this study, we showed that a modeling approach can give insight into the relation between recall costs and time, and it can support the development of monitoring schemes at the chain level. [EconLit citations: D210, Q180]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Life cycle assessment for the production of biodiesel: A case study in Malaysia for palm oil versus jatropha oil
Authors: Lam Man Kee , Lee Keat Teong , Mohamed Abdul Rahman
Published: October 2009

One of the most promising forms of renewable energy is biodiesel produced from vegetable oils, such as rapeseed, soybean and palm oil. Malaysia, being the world's second‐largest producer of palm oil, therefore begins to align herself as the potential world producer of palm biodiesel apart from exporting palm oil as feedstock for the food and oleochemical industries. However, due to the recent food versus fuel debate, Malaysian palm oil has received a lot of negative attention especially from non‐governmental organizations (NGOs). The sustainability of palm biodiesel production and environmental issues are constantly being questioned. Many quarters have even claimed that the use of non‐edible oils, such as Jatropha curcas L., should be promoted rather than palm oil for biodiesel production. Therefore, this study aims to compare and validate the production of biodiesel from palm and jatropha using the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The assessment encompasses the cultivation of the crop, the oil extraction stage and finally, the biodiesel production stage. We found that to produce 1 tonne of jatropha biodiesel, the land area requirement is 118% higher than to produce 1 tonne of palm biodiesel. The energy output‐to‐input ratio for palm biodiesel is 2.27, slightly higher than jatropha biodiesel at 1.92. Furthermore, CO2 sequestration for the whole life cycle chain of palm biodiesel is 20 times higher than jatropha biodiesel. All these results show the superiority and sustainability of palm oil as a feedstock for biodiesel production. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
An anatomical study of the muscles that attach to the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint
Authors: Matsunaga Kosuke , Usui Akira , Yamaguchi Kumiko , Akita Keiichi
Published: October 2009

The masticatory muscles are generally described as the muscles that originate from the cranium and insert on the mandible. Some of the masticatory muscles also insert into the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint. Although there are numerous reports of studies on the attachment of the fibers to the disc, most reports discuss only one muscle. We have shown that the masticatory muscles are not simply a group of clearly independent muscles, but that these muscles contain various transitional muscle bundles among the major muscles. From this point of view, we carried out minute dissection of the collective muscles and muscle bundles surrounding the temporomandibular joint. We dissected 40 head halves of 20 Japanese cadavers (10 males, 10 females: average 79.6 yr). After complete removal of the bony elements, the structures surrounding the temporomandibular joint were investigated en‐block. In all specimens, the superior surface of the upper head of lateral pterygoid and the midmedial muscle bundle were attached to the disc. In some specimens, the discotemporal bundle, zygomaticomandibularis, and masseter were attached to the anterior surface of the disc. The total vector of these muscles pulls the disc anteriorly. In contrast, the vector of the muscles to the condylar processes of the mandible pulls the mandible medially. From these observations, it seems that the fibers, which attach to the disc act to steady the disc against the masticatory movement. Clin. Anat. 22:932–940, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Catalytic Propargylic Substitution Reactions
Authors: Miyake Yoshihiro , Uemura Sakae , Nishibayashi Yoshiaki
Published: October 2009

In sharp contrast to the well‐established transition metal‐ catalyzed allylic substitution reactions, the study of the corresponding propargylic substitution reactions has been quite limited for constructing carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bonds at the propargylic position. However, during the last decade, general and useful catalytic reactions have been developed extensively. In this Review, we summarize recent advances in catalytic propargylic substitution reactions of propargylic alcohols and their derivatives with heteroatom‐ and carbon‐centered nucleophiles. In addition to a variety of transition metals, such as Ru, Re, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, and Cu, which form organometallic species as intermediates, several Lewis acids and Brønsted acids are also applicable as catalysts in these reactions. The reaction mechanism and the scope of nucleophiles that can be used depend on the nature of the catalysts. Some examples of enantioselective substitution reactions at the propargylic position are also described.
Photocontrolled Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Strained Dicarba[2]Ferrocenophanes: A Route to Well‐Defined Polyferrocenylethylene Homopolymers and Block Copolymers
Authors: Herbert David E. , Mayer Ulrich F. J. , Gilroy Joe B. , López‐Gómez María J. , Lough Alan J. , Charmant Jonathan P. H. , Manners Ian
Published: October 2009

The ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) behavior of a variety of substituted 1,1′‐ethylenylferrocenes, or dicarba[2]ferrocenophanes, is reported. The electronic absorption spectra and tilted solid‐state structures of the monomers rac‐[Fe(η5‐C5H4)2(CHiPr)2] (7), [Fe(η5‐C5H4)2(C(H)MeCH2)] (8), and rac‐[Fe(η5‐C5H4)2(CHPh)2] (9) are consistent with the presence of substantial ring strain, which was exploited to synthesize soluble, well‐defined polyferrocenylethylenes (PFEs) [Fe(η5‐C5H4)2(C(H)MeCH2)]n (12) and [Fe(η5‐C5H4)2(CHPh)2]n (13) through photocontrolled ROP. Polymer chain lengths could be controlled by the monomer‐to‐initiator ratio up to about 50 repeat units and, consistent with the “living” nature of the polymerizations, sequential block copolymerization with a sila[1]ferrocenophane led to polyferrocenylethylene–polyferrocenylsilane (PFE‐b‐PFS) block copolymers (14 and 15). PFE polymers 12 and 13 showed two reversible oxidation waves, indicative of appreciable Fe⋅⋅⋅Fe interactions along the polymer backbone. The diblock copolymers were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, GPC analysis, and cyclic voltammetry.
Chiral Encapsulation by Directional Interactions
Authors: Szumna Agnieszka
Published: October 2009

The complexation of chiral guests in the cavity of dimeric self‐assembled chiral capsule 12 was studied by using NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. Capsule 12 has walls composed of amino acid backbones forming numerous directional binding sites that are arranged in a chiral manner. The polar character of the interior dictates the encapsulation preferences towards hydrophilic guests and the ability of the capsule to extract guests from water into an organic phase. Chiral discrimination towards hydroxy acids was evaluated by using association constants and competition experiments, and moderate de values were observed (up to 59 %). Complexes with one or two guest molecules in the cavity were formed. For 1:1 complexes, solvent molecules are coencapsulated; this influences guest dynamics and makes the chiral recognition solvent dependent. Reversal of the preferences can be induced by coencapsulation of a nonchiral solvent in the chiral internal environment. For complexes with two guests, filling of the capsule’s internal space can be very effective and packing coefficients of up to 70 % can be reached. The X‐ray crystal structure of complex 12⊃((S)‐6)2 with well‐resolved guest molecules reveals a recognition motif that is based on an extensive system of hydrogen bonds. The optimal arrangement of interactions with the alternating positively and negatively charged groups of the capsule’s walls is fulfilled by the guest carboxylic groups acting simultaneously as hydrogen‐bond donors and acceptors. An additional guest molecule interacting externally with the capsule reveals a possible entrance mechanism involving a polar gate. In solution, the structural features and dynamic behavior of the D4‐symmetric homochiral capsule were analyzed by variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy and the results were compared with those for the S8‐symmetric heterochiral capsule.
Spectroscopic and Mechanistic Studies on Oxidation Reactions Catalyzed by the Functional Model SR Complex for Cytochrome P450: Influence of Oxidant, Substrate, and Solvent
Authors: Hessenauer‐Ilicheva Natalya , Franke Alicja , Wolak Maria , Higuchi Tsunehiko , van Eldik Rudi
Published: October 2009

Kinetic and mechanistic studies on the formation of an oxoiron(IV) porphyrin cation radical bearing a thiolate group as proximal ligand are reported. The SR complex, a functional enzyme mimic of P450, was oxidized in peroxo‐shunt reactions under different experimental conditions with variation of solvent, temperature, and identity and excess of oxidant in the presence of different organic substrates. Through the application of a low‐temperature rapid‐scan stopped‐flow technique, the reactive intermediates in the SR catalytic cycle, such as the initially formed SR acylperoxoiron(III) complex and the SR high‐valent iron(IV) porphyrin cation radical complex [(SR.+)FeIVO], were successfully identified and kinetically characterized. The oxidation of the SR complex under catalytic conditions provided direct spectroscopic information on the reactivity of [(SR.+)FeIVO] towards the oxidation of selected organic substrates. Because the catalytically active species is a synthetic oxoiron(IV) porphyrin cation radical bearing a thiolate proximal group, the effect of the strong electron donor ligand on the formation and reactivity/stability of the SR high‐valent iron species is addressed and discussed in the light of the reactivity pattern observed in substrate oxygenation reactions catalyzed by native P450 enzyme systems.
Synthesis of Multiantennary Complex Type N‐Glycans by Use of Modular Building Blocks
Authors: Unverzagt Carlo , Gundel Gislinde , Eller Steffen , Schuberth Ralf , Seifert Joachim , Weiss Harald , Niemietz Mathäus , Pischl Matthias , Raps Claudia
Published: October 2009

A modular set of oligosaccharide building blocks was developed for the synthesis of multiantennary N‐glycans of the complex type, which are commonly found on glycoproteins. The donor building blocks were laid out for the elongation of a core trisaccharide acceptor (β‐mannosyl chitobiose) conveniently protected with a single benzylidene moiety at the β‐mannoside. Through two consecutive regio‐ and stereoselective couplings the donors gave N‐glycans with three to five antennae in high yields. Due to the consistent protection group pattern of the donors the deprotection of the final products can be performed by using a general reaction sequence.