bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient Synthesis and in vitro Antitubercular Activity of 1,2,3‐Triazoles as Inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Authors: Shanmugavelan Poovan , Nagarajan Sangaraiah , Sathishkumar Murugan , Ponnuswamy Alagusundaram , Yogeeswari Perumal , Sriram Dharmarajan
Published: March 2012

An environmentally friendly, solvent‐free protocol for the efficient and rapid synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles (III) is achieved using Huisgen′s 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition.
ChemInform Abstract: Iron‐Catalyzed Rearrangements and Cycloaddition Reactions of 2H‐Chromenes.
Authors: Luan Yi , Sun Huan , Schaus Scott E.
Published: March 2012

The method affords the cycloaddition products mostly with poor diastereoselectivities and can be applied to the synthesis of (.+‐.)‐dependensin (XV).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 14‐Fluorophenyl‐14H‐dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes and Their Derivatives under Microwave Irradiation and Solvent‐Free Conditions.
Authors: Jin Jianan , Zhang Jianmin , Shang Wenli , Zhu Shizheng
Published: March 2012

A novel and highly efficient procedure for the synthesis of title compounds (III) is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Au‐Catalyzed Piperidine Synthesis via Tandem Acyloxy Migration/Intramolecular [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Enynyl Esters.
Authors: Zheng Huaiji , Huo Xing , Zhao Changgui , Jing Peng , Yang Juan , Fang Bowen , She Xuegong
Published: March 2012

A variety of substrates joined by a sulfonamide is converted to multisubstituted piperidines or the pyrrolidine (IIa) with complete stereoselectivity when the reaction is carried out in wet dichloromethane.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Novel Spirofused Benzofurans/Benzopyrans by Radical Cyclization.
Authors: Tang Zilong , Mayrargue Joelle , Alami Mouad
Published: March 2012

A series of new piperidyl spirofused benzofurans and benzopyrans is synthesized via an intramolecular radical cyclization reaction.
ChemInform Abstract: Design and Synthesis of Some Novel Quinoline Derivatives as Anticancer and Radiosensitizing Agents Targeting VEGFR Tyrosine Kinase.
Authors: Ghorab Mostafa M. , Ragab Fatma A. , Heiba Helmy I. , Ghorab Walid M.
Published: March 2012

A variety of novel quinoline and pyrimidoquinoline derivatives (XVI) is synthesized from enaminone (I), and evaluated for in vitro effects against the human cancer cell line MCF7.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of 2‐(Aryl)‐3‐(3‐( (8‐hydroxyquinolin‐5‐yl)diazenyl)phenyl)thiazolidin‐4‐ones.
Authors: Chopde Himani N. , Pagadala Ramakanth , Meshram Jyotsna S. , Jetti Venkateshwarlu
Published: March 2012

The title compounds of type (III) exhibit moderate to good antimicrobial activities.
ChemInform Abstract: 4‐Hydroxy‐2‐quinolones. Part 199. Use of N,N′‐Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide in the Synthesis of Ethyl 4‐Hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydroquinoline‐3‐carboxylates.
Authors: Ukrainets I. V. , Golik N. Yu. , Bevz O. V. , Gorokhova O. V.
Published: March 2012

A novel access to quinoline‐3‐carboxylic esters using DCC is studied and possible side reactions between the acylating agent (II) and DCC are discussed.
ChemInform Abstract: Application of the Heck Reaction for the Synthesis of 1‐Alkoxyisoquinoline‐3‐carboxylic Acids Esters.
Authors: Ture A. , Rubina K. , Rozhkov E. , Kauss V.
Published: March 2012

The synthesis of isoquinoline‐3‐carboxylic acid derivatives via Heck reaction and subsequent cyclization is studied.
ChemInform Abstract: Organocatalyzed Cascade Reactions of Cyclic β‐Enamino Esters and α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes Leading to Indoloquinolizidines and Benzoquinolizidines.
Authors: Wu Xiaoyu , Nie Linlin , Fang Huihui , Chen Jie , Cao Weiguo , Zhao Gang
Published: March 2012

The reaction is effective for aromatic and aliphatic α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes.
ChemInform Abstract: NHC‐Catalyzed Enantioselective [2 + 2] and [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloadditions of Ketenes with Isothiocyanates.
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Na , Shen Li‐Tao , Ye Song
Published: March 2012

The [2 + 2]‐cycloaddition reaction of the aromatic isothiocyanate (III) with ketenes proceeds at room temperature with formation of 4‐thioxo‐2‐azetidinones.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and in vitro Antimycobacterial Activity of Fluoroquinolone Derivatives Containing a Coumarin Moiety.
Authors: Guo Qiang , Liu Ming‐Liang , Feng Lian‐Shun , Lv Kai , Guan Yan , Guo Hui‐Yuan , Xiao Chun‐Ling
Published: March 2012

A variety of new gatifloxacin and ciprofloxacin coumarin derivatives with remarkable improved lipophilicity compared to the parent fluoroquinolone drugs is designed, synthesized and evaluated for antimycobacterial activity.
ChemInform Abstract: Microwave‐Assisted aza‐Prins Reaction. Part 1. Facile Preparation of Natural‐Like 3‐Azabicyclo[3.3.1]non‐6‐enes.
Authors: Parchinsky Vladislav , Shumsky Alexei , Krasavin Mikhail
Published: March 2012

The novel title compounds (III) are proposed to be useful substrates for the preparation of biologically active compounds [cf.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed Alkynylthiolation of Alkynes with Triisopropylsilylethynyl Sulfide.
Authors: Iwasaki Masayuki , Fujino Daishi , Wada Tatsuya , Kondoh Azusa , Yorimitsu Hideki , Oshima Koichiro
Published: March 2012

The reaction of terminal alkynes with sulfide (I) proceeds with complete regio‐ and stereoselectivities.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of a New Class of Macrocyclic Phosphonates.
Authors: Reddy G. Chandra Sekhar , Sankar A. Uma Ravi , Reddy M. Veera Narayana , Rani C. Radha , Reddy C. Suresh
Published: March 2012

Most of the new title compounds (III) (12 examples) show moderate to high antibacterial and antifungal activities.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper(II)‐Mediated Intramolecular Cyclization of (Z)‐Chalcogenoenynes: Synthesis of 3‐Halochalcogenophene Derivatives.
Authors: Barancelli Daniela A. , Schumacher Ricardo F. , Leite Marlon R. , Zeni Gilson
Published: March 2012

Intramolecular 5‐endo‐dig‐cyclization of various (Z)‐seleno‐ and thioenynes is mediated by CuBr2 or CuCl2 to afford 3‐bromo or 3‐chloroseleno‐ or thiophenes.
ChemInform Abstract: New Cannabinoid‐Like Chromane and Chromene Derivatives from Rhododendron anthopogonoides.
Authors: Iwata Naoki , Kitanaka Susumu
Published: March 2012

Anthopogocyclolic acid (I) and anthopogochromenic acid (II) are isolated along with 5 related compounds which are known as synthetic analogues of cannabinoids.
ChemInform Abstract: Bioactive Phenolic Constituents from the Seeds of Pharbitis nil.
Authors: Kim Ki Hyun , Ha Sang Keun , Choi Sang Un , Kim Sun Yeou , Lee Kang Ro
Published: March 2012

Pharsyringaresinol (I), pharbilignoside (II) and the new phenylethanoid glycoside pharbiniloside (III) are isolated along with 22 known compounds.
ChemInform Abstract: 4‐Methoxy‐3‐methylgoniothalamin from Marine‐Derived Fungi of the Genus Penicillium.
Authors: Smetanina O. F. , Yurchenko A. N. , Kalinovsky A. I. , Pushilin M. A. , Slinkina N. N. , Yurchenko E. A. , Afiyatullov Sh. Sh.
Published: March 2012

The new styrylpyrone derivative (I) and the known compound sulochrin are isolated from the fungi P.
ChemInform Abstract: Secolignans, Neolignans and Phenylpropanoids from Daphne feddei and Their Biological Activities.
Authors: Hu Qiu‐Fen , Mu Huai‐Xue , Huang Hai‐Tao , Lv Hua‐Ying , Li Shu‐Li , Tu Pen‐Fei , Li Gan‐Peng
Published: March 2012

Feddeiphenol A (Ia) and B (Ib), and the new neolignan, feddeiphenol C (II), are isolated from the leaves and stems along with 8 known constituents.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Chemistry of Cancrinite‐Group Minerals with an AB‐Type Framework: A Review and New Data. Part 1. Chemical and Structural Variations
Authors: Pekov Igor V. , Olysych Lyudmila V. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Zubkova Natalia V. , Pushcharovsky Dmitry Yu. , Van Konstantin V. , Giester Gerald , Tillmanns Ekkehart
Published: March 2012

Review: 38 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Atomic Layer Deposition of Nanostructured Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications
Authors: Marichy Catherine , Bechelany Mikhael , Pinna Nicola
Published: March 2012

Review: 196 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: CdSe Magic‐Sized Nuclei, Magic‐Sized Nanoclusters and Regular Nanocrystals: Monomer Effects on Nucleation and Growth
Authors: Yu Kui
Published: March 2012

Review: 84 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: The Photo‐dehydro‐Diels—Alder (PDDA) Reaction
Authors: Wessig Pablo , Matthes Annika , Pick Charlotte
Published: March 2012

Review: 54 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Truncated Aspidosperma Alkaloid‐Like Scaffolds: Unique Structures for the Discovery of New, Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Snyder John K. , et al. et al.
Published: March 2012

Review: 96 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recently Discovery Naturally Occurring Heterocyclic Organohalogen Compounds
Authors: Gribble Gordon W.
Published: March 2012

Review: e.g. alkaloids, terpenes, and peptides;180 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Developments in Palladium‐Catalyzed Alkene Aminoarylation Reactions for the Synthesis of Nitrogen Heterocycles
Authors: Schultz Danielle M. , Wolfe John P.
Published: March 2012

Review: about 50 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Scaffolding Catalysis: Expanding the Repertoire of Bifunctional Catalysts
Authors: Tan Kian L. , Sun Xixi , Worthy Amanda D.
Published: March 2012

Review: 45 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: N‐Heteropentacenes and N‐Heteropentacenequinones: From Molecular to Semiconductors
Authors: Miao Qian
Published: March 2012

Review: ca. 70 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Transformation of Fatty Acid Triglycerides and Their Derivatives to Fuel Hydrocarbons
Authors: Yakovlev V. A. , Khromova S. A. , Bukhtiyarov V. I.
Published: March 2012

Review: 130 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Ketoesters and Ketoacids of the Adamantane Series: Synthesis and Transformations
Authors: Shokova E. A. , Kovalev V. V.
Published: March 2012

Review: 105 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Cooperative Catalysis with First‐Row Late Transition Metals
Authors: van der Vlugt Jarl Ivar
Published: March 2012

Review: ca. 150 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Effect of Electron‐Withdrawing Protecting Groups at Remote Positions of Donors on Glycosylation Stereochemistry
Authors: Kim Kwan Soo , Suk Dae‐Hwan
Published: March 2012

Review: 81 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Metal—Organic Frameworks (MOFs): Routes to Various MOF Topologies, Morphologies, and Composites
Authors: Stock Norbert , Biswas Shyam
Published: March 2012

Review: 320 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Advances of Clar′s Aromatic Sextet Theory and Randic′s Conjugated Circuit Model
Authors: Zhang Fuji , Guo Xiaofeng , Zhang Heping
Published: March 2012

Review: 115 refs.
Stable and Water‐Dispersible Graphene Nanosheets: Sustainable Preparation, Functionalization, and High‐Performance Adsorbents for Pb2+
Authors: Song Hongjie , Hao Liying , Tian Yunfei , Wan Xiangyu , Zhang Lichun , Lv Yi
Published: March 2012

The present study outlines a one‐step route to the preparation and functionalization of graphene nanosheets from graphene oxide using tea polyphenols as a simultaneous reductant and functionalization reagent. This method uses a “green” reductant and is free of additional functionalization reagents, thus it is environmentally friendly, simple, and low‐cost. The resulting functionalized graphene nanosheets have a mostly single‐layer structure, are stable, and have very good water dispersibility. The structure, composition, and morphology of the resulting material were characterized by using various methods including, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV/Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, detailed X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Among other possible applications of the functionalized graphene, we discuss its use as an adsorbent for heavy‐metal ions in aqueous solutions.
Genetic testing for autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Bauer Sarah C. , Msall Michael E.
Published: March 2012

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have unique developmental and behavioral phenotypes, and they have specific challenges with communication, social skills, and repetitive behaviors. At this time, no single etiology for ASD has been identified. However, evidence from family studies and linkage analyses suggests that genetic factors play a pivotal role in the etiology of ASD. However, ASD appear to be influenced by complex genetic and environmental factors, and evidence suggests that this is not a single gene disorder. In particular, ASD has a complex behavioral phenotype, and this variation reflects complex genotypes under the influence of external factors. With these considerations in mind, it is important to recognize that genetic testing is a vital component of the diagnostic evaluation of children with ASD. For example, children with ASD who have definitive etiologies may be able to access more specific resources, they may be spared long, emotionally and financially exhausting diagnostic journeys, and associated medical conditions and comorbidities can be managed proactively. Most importantly, children with disabilities of unknown origin should have an ongoing evaluation of potential etiologies for their symptoms (Crocker, 1987). Our purpose is to describe current trends in genetic testing for ASD, potential genetic etiologies of ASD, known genetic disorders associated with ASD, and recommendations for genetic testing in ASD. We will also emphasize the importance of access to informed health professionals, especially in the contexts of stigma and community supports. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2011; 17:3–8.
Dangerous and expensive screening and treatment for rare childhood diseases: The case of krabbe disease
Authors: Lantos John D.
Published: March 2012

Public policy surrounding newborn screening is in flux. New technology allows more screening for more diseases at lower cost. Traditional criteria for target diseases have been criticized by leading health policymakers. The example of newborn screening for Krabbe disease highlights many of the dilemmas associated with population‐based screening programs. Krabbe is difficult to diagnose, variable in its natural history, and does not always respond to treatment. The only available treatment is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which is expensive, risky, and of uncertain efficacy. This article analyzes the debate about Krabbe as an example of the sorts of debates that will likely arise for many more diseases over the next decade. I conclude that pilot programs in pioneer states should be carefully evaluated before testing for Krabbe is universalized. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2011; 17:15–18.
Health policy and the community safety net for individuals with intellectual disability
Authors: Pollack Harold A.
Published: March 2012

This article explores social policy developments in the arena of intellectual and developmental disabilities. It begins by summarizing the challenges facing persons with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers in 1945. Families depended on a patchwork of over‐crowded and under‐funded large state institutions. Children with intellectual disabilities were marginalized from education and public services. Shame and stigma, along with the lack of community‐based services, led many parents to institutionalize a child. The federal government provided almost no specific assistance for disabled individuals or to their families. Postwar America provided fertile ground for parents to act collectively through the emergence of the National Association of Retarded Children (NARC). Partly as a consequence of such organizing, the 1950s marked a surprising turning‐point, in which the federal government expanded income support to disabled persons through measures such as Social Security's “Disabled Adult Child” program and, by the early 1970s, the advent of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It also reviews the growth of Medicaid as the dominant payer of medical and social services at the boundaries between personal medical services, case management, education, and other social services. The article ends by summarizing current challenges in intellectual disability policy. It notes that the size, complexity, and expense of I/DD services poses inherent challenges, particularly to state and local governments in the current recession. Adjusting for inflation, 23 states actually reduced real spending on I/DD services between 2008 and 2009. Controlling for local conditions, politically conservative states enacted deeper cuts and spent a smaller fraction of state income on intellectual disability services than other states. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2011; 17:44–51.
Clenbuterol – regional food contamination a possible source for inadvertent doping in sports
Authors: Guddat S. , Fußhöller G. , Geyer H. , Thomas A. , Braun H. , Haenelt N. , Schwenke A. , Klose C. , Thevis M. , Schänzer W.
Published: March 2012

The misuse of the sympathomimetic and anabolic agent clenbuterol has been frequently reported in professional sport and in the livestock industry. In 2010, a team of athletes returned from competition in China and regular doping control samples were taken within the next two days. All urine samples contained low amounts (pg/ml) of clenbuterol, drawing the attention to a well‐known problem: the possibility of an unintended clenbuterol intake with food. A warning that Chinese meat is possibly contaminated with prohibited substances according to international anti‐doping regulations was also given by Chinese officials just before the Bejing Olympic Games in 2008.

To investigate if clenbuterol can be found in human urine, a study was initiated comprising 28 volunteers collecting urine samples after their return from China. For the quantification of clenbuterol at a low pg/ml level, a very sensitive and specific isotope dilution liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) assay was developed using liquid/liquid re‐extraction for clean‐up with a limit of detection and quantification of 1 and 3 pg/ml, respectively. The method was validated demonstrating good precision (intra‐day: 2.9–5.5 %; inter‐day: 5.1–8.8%), accuracy (89.5–102.5%) and mean recovery (81.4%). Clenbuterol was detectable in 22 (79%) of the analyzed samples, indicating a general food contamination problem despite an official clenbuterol prohibition in China for livestock. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative detection of inhaled formoterol in human urine and relevance to doping control analysis
Authors: Deventer K. , Pozo O. J. , Delbeke F. T. , Van Eenoo P.
Published: March 2012

Formoterol is a frequently prescribed β2‐agonist used for the treatment of asthma. Due to performance‐enhancing effects of some β2‐agonists, formoterol appears on the prohibited list, published by the World Anti‐doping Agency (WADA). Its therapeutic use is allowed but restricted to inhalation. Since the data on urinary concentrations originating from therapeutic use is limited, no discrimination can be made between use and misuse when a routine sample is found to contain formoterol. Therefore the urinary excretion of six volunteers after inhalation of 18 µg of formoterol was investigated.

A liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of formoterol in urine samples. Sample preparation consists of an enzymatic hydrolysis of the urine samples, followed by a liquid‐liquid extraction at pH 9.5 with diethyl ether/isopropanol (5/1, v/v). Analysis was performed using selected reaction monitoring after electrospray ionization. The method was linear in the range of 0.5–50 ng/ml. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.5 ng/ml. The bias ranged between ‐1.0 and ‐6.8 %. Results for the urinary excretion show that formoterol could be detected for 72 h. The maximum urinary concentration detected was 8.5 ng/ml without and 11.4 ng/ml after enzymatic hydrolysis. Cumulative data showed that maximum 11.5% and 23% of the administered dose is excreted as parent drug within the first 12 h, respectively, non‐conjugated and conjugated.

Analysis of 82 routine doping samples, declared positive for formoterol during routine analysis, did not exhibit concentrations which could be attributed to misuse. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public Governance, Human Capital and Environmental Outcomes: an Analysis Based on Self‐Organizing Maps
Authors: Carlei Vittorio , Marra Alessandro , Pozzi Cesare
Published: March 2012

This paper intends to map on a large‐n basis the existing links between public governance and human capital to find out the most significant rules from an environmental perspective. Following an introduction, the second section describes the theoretical background at the intersection between political science, economics and public administration. The next section proposes a definition of public governance and emphasizes the need for a multivariate analysis. The fourth section attempts to link public governance, human capital and environmental outcomes in a more comprehensive and systemic manner making use of self‐organizing maps. The fifth section discusses main results and puts emphasis on those rules between governance and human capital that are more associated with environmental outcomes: supervision and human capital, coordination versus human capital and supervision versus coordination. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Macrocyclic [M2L(μ‐L′)]+ Complexes (M = NiII, ZnII; L′ = Cl– or RCO2–) Incorporating Thiophenolate and Phenylsulfonate Donor Units: Preparation, Reactivity, Structure, and Stability
Authors: Käss Steffen , Kersting Berthold
Published: March 2012

The effect of de‐tert‐butylation on the coordinating properties of the 24‐membered hexaazadithiophenolate macrocycle 13,27‐bis(tert‐butyl)‐3,6,9,17,20,23‐hexaazatricyclo[23.3.1.11.15]triaconta‐1(28),11,13,15(30),25,26‐hexaene‐29,30‐dithiol (H2L1) has been examined. For this purpose, a series of mixed‐ligand NiII and ZnII complexes of the de‐tert‐butylated hexaaminedithiophenolate macrocycle H2L2were prepared and characterized, namely, [NiII2L2(Cl)]+(1b), [ZnII2L2(OAc)]+ (2b), [NiII2L2(O2CCH=CHPh)]+ (3b), [ZnII2L2(O2CCH=CHPh)]+ (4b), [NiII2L2(O2CC14H17)]+ (5b), [ZnII2L2(O2CC14H17)]+ (6b, in which C14H17CO2– =3,4‐dimethyl‐6‐phenylcyclohex‐3‐enecarboxylate), [NiII2L2(O2CC6H4‐3‐OMe)]+ (7b), and [ZnII2L2(O2CC6H4‐3‐OMe)]+ (8b). The synthesis and characterization data for complexes [NiII2L4(O2CC6H4‐3‐OMe)]+ (7d) and [ZnII2L4(O2CC6H4‐3‐OMe)]+ (8d), in which H2L4 represents the S‐oxygenated (bis‐sulfonate) derivative of H2L2 are also reported. The de‐tert‐butylated macrocycles H2L2 (and H2L4) behave essentially in the same fashion as H2L1 (and H2L3) producing dinuclear mixed‐ligand [M2L(μ‐L′)]+ complexes with analogous bioctahedral core structures in similar good yields and reaction times. The spectroscopic features of the [M2L2(μ‐L′)]+ and [M2L4(μ‐L′)]+ complexes resemble those of theanalogous complexes supported by the tert‐butylated derivatives H2L1 and H2L3. One major difference between the [M2L1,3(μ‐L′)]+ and [M2L2,4(μ‐L′)]+ complexes concerns the depth of the binding pocket of the compounds, which is significantly reduced upon removing the tert‐butyl substituents. Another significant difference associated with removal of the tert‐butyl substituent concerns the less pronounced differences of the relative stability constants for the carboxylato‐bridged [M2L2(μ‐O2CR)]+ complexes {as compared to the [M2L1(μ‐O2CR)]+ complexes}. These stability differences can be qualitatively explained in terms of less pronounced intramolecular CH···π and/or van der Waals interactions in the de‐tert‐butylated complex systems.
Facile Diastereoselective Entry to 4β‐Acylamidation of Neu5Ac2en Glycals Using Their N‐Perfluoroacylated Congeners as Key Tools
Authors: Rota Paola , Agnolin Irene S. , Allevi Pietro , Anastasia Mario
Published: March 2012

An efficient protocol for the 4β‐acylamidation of the N‐acylated glycals of Neu5Ac by using the corresponding N‐perfluoroacylated congeners as key tools has been developed and applied to the synthesis of glycals combining the features of the molecules with antiviral properties.
Fuel and chemical products from biomass syngas: A comparison of gas fermentation to thermochemical conversion routes
Authors: Griffin Derek W. , Schultz Michael A.
Published: March 2012

Increasing demand for renewable feedstock‐based biofuels is driving the interest and rapid development of processes to produce fuels and chemicals from biomass‐generated syngas. Biomass is gasified to produce syngas that can be converted via thermochemical routes to fuels and chemicals such as alcohols, olefins, and fuel grade hydrocarbons. An alternate route to produce liquid products from syngas is through gas fermentation, a hybrid thermochemical/ biochemical process. Biomass gasification, thermochemical syngas conversion routes, and gas fermentation are described including a comparison for converting biomass to ethanol via thecurrent thermochemical route versus gas fermentation. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2012
Determination of optimum insulation thickness, energy savings, and environmental impact for different climatic regions of Turkey
Authors: Çay Yusuf , Gürel Ali Etem
Published: March 2012

In this study, optimum insulation thicknesses, energy savings, and payback periods have been investigated based on life‐cycle cost analysis for an external wall in four various cities from four climate zones of Turkey. Also, the study have been analyzed the effect of insulation thickness on release of CO2 and SO2 emissions. The results show that insulation thicknesses vary between 0.045 and 0.195 m, life‐cycle energy savings between 13.26 and 248.9 $/m2, payback periods between 1.19 and 1.97 years when used extruded polystyrene as insulation material. When the optimum insulation thickness was used, emissions were reduced by 62–92% depending on the city, fuel type, and insulation material. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 365‐372, 2013
Construction of engineering microorganism degrading chlorophenol efficiently by protoplast fusion technique
Authors: Chen Honglei , Zhan Huaiyu , Chen Yuancai , Fu Shiyu
Published: March 2012

Protoplast fusion is an important technique for engineering microbial strains. It has been used to combine genes from different organisms to create new strains with desired properties. This investigation was aimed to construct a new strain with an ability of degrading chlorophenols efficiently by protoplast fusion between Pseudomonas putida and Psathyrella candolleana. Twenty recombinant strains were screened and used to degrade pentachlorophenol (PCP) synthetic wastewater in order to determine their capabilities of chlorophenol degradation. To rapidly and accurately measure PCP content in synthetic wastewater after treatment by different strains, a new method quantifying PCP was proposed based on derivative spectroscopy. Chlorophenol biodegradability of different strains could be measured rapidly according to the new method. The results showed that PCP degradation % of four recombinant strains viz., Xz 6‐1, Xz 6‐3, Xz 6‐5, Xz 8‐2 were 78.98%, 69.12%, 31.40%, 46.26%, respectively, and that of parent strain (Pseudomonas putida.) was 57.27%, which indicated that the degradation % of Xz 6‐1 is the highest and improved by 21.71% compared with Pseudomonas putida. Furthermore, the colony morphologies and microscopic feature of Xz 6‐1 and Pseudomonas putida were compared in this article. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 443–448, 2013
Enzymatic decolorization of Orange II: Optimization by response surface methodology and pathway
Authors: Zhang Anping , Fang Li , Wang Junliang , Liu Weiping
Published: March 2012

Statistics‐based experimental design with response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the operating conditions in decolorization of Orange II by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the presence of H2O2. Four critical factors (i.e., HRP concentration, H2O2 concentration, pH, and reaction time) were used for the optimization of enzymatic decolorization using RSM. The optimized conditions of the enzymatic degradation of Orange II were as follows: HRP concentration, 0.80 U/mL; H2O2 concentration, 0.70 mM; pH, 9.0; reaction time, 40 min. The maximal decolorization efficiency of 95.83% was achieved at the optimized conditions. The analysis of UV–vis spectra and electrospray ionization–time of flight–mass spectrometry indicated that both decomposition and coupling reaction occurred in the enzymatic decolorization. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 294‐301, 2013
Molecular genetic analysis of the hepatocyte growth factor/MET signaling pathway in pediatric medulloblastoma
Authors: Onvani Sara , Terakawa Yuzo , Smith Christian , Northcott Paul , Taylor Michael , Rutka James
Published: March 2012

The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/MET pathway plays a critical role in the development of the nervous system and has been implicated in medulloblastoma pathogenesis. Recent studies have shown a role for gene amplification of activators of this pathway, as well as silencing of its inhibitors in medulloblastoma pathogenesis. We analyzed exon array data from a cohort of 103 primary medulloblastomas to show that HGF/MET pathway elements are dysregulated in tumors compared to normal cerebellum. To determine if mutation of HGF/MET pathway genes is a mechanism for pathway dysregulation, we conducted a mutational analysis by exon resequencing of three key components of this pathway, including serine protease inhibitor Kunitz‐type 1 (SPINT1), serine protease inhibitor Kunitz‐type 2 (SPINT2), and MET, in 32 primary human medulloblastoma specimens. From this analysis, we identified multiple coding synonymous and nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in these genes among the 32 tumor samples. Interestingly, we also discovered two unreported sequence variants in SPINT1 and SPINT2 in two tumors that resulted in Arginine to Histidine amino acid substitutions at codons 418 and 233, respectively. However, conservation assessment and functional assays of these two variants indicate that they involve nonconserved residues and that they do not affect the function of SPINT1 and SPINT2 as tumor suppressor genes. In conclusion, our data suggest that mutation alone plays a minor role in causing aberrancies of the HGF/MET pathway in medulloblastoma in comparison with other malignancies such as breast, hepatocellular, renal, and lung carcinomas. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain activity during sympathetic response in anticipation and experience of pain
Authors: Seifert Frank , Schuberth Nadine , De Col Roberto , Peltz Elena , Nickel Florian T. , Maihöfner Christian
Published: March 2012

Pain is a multidimensional phenomenon with sensory, affective, and autonomic components. Here, we used parametric functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to correlate regional brain activity with autonomic responses to (i) painful stimuli and to (ii) anticipation of pain. The autonomic parameters used for correlation were (i) skin blood flow (SBF) and (ii) skin conductance response (SCR). During (i) experience of pain and (ii) anticipation of pain, activity in the insular cortex, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), prefrontal cortex (PFC), posterior parietal cortex (PPC), secondary somatosensory cortex (S2), thalamus, and midbrain correlated with sympathetic outflow. A conjunction analysis revealed a common central sympathetic network for (i) pain experience and (ii) pain anticipation with similar correlations between brain activity and sympathetic parameters in the anterior insula, prefrontal cortex, thalamus, midbrain, and temporoparietal junction. Therefore, we here describe shared central neural networks involved in the central autonomic processing of the experience and anticipation of pain. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
STATISTICAL METHODS FOR COST‐EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSES THAT USE OBSERVATIONAL DATA: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL TOOL AND REVIEW OF CURRENT PRACTICE
Authors: Kreif Noémi , Grieve Richard , Sadique M. Zia
Published: March 2012

Many cost‐effectiveness analyses (CEAs) use data from observational studies. Statistical methods can only address selection bias if they make plausible assumptions. No quality assessment tool is available for appraising CEAs that use observational studies. We developed a new checklist to assess statistical methods for addressing selection bias in CEAs that use observational data.

The checklist criteria were informed by a conceptual review and applied in a systematic review of economic evaluations. Criteria included whether the study assessed the ‘no unobserved confounding’ assumption, overlap of baseline covariates between the treatment groups and the specification of the regression models. The checklist also considered structural uncertainty from the choice of statistical approach.

We found 81 studies that met the inclusion criteria: studies tended to use regression (51%), matching on individual covariates (25%) or matching on the propensity score (22%). Most studies (77%) did not assess the ‘no observed confounding’ assumption, and few studies (16%) fully considered structural uncertainty from the choice of statistical approach.

We conclude that published CEAs do not assess the main assumptions behind statistical methods for addressing selection bias. This checklist can raise awareness about the assumptions behind statistical methods for addressing selection bias and can complement existing method guidelines for CEAs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dietary intake of iron, heme‐iron and magnesium and pancreatic cancer risk in the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition cohort
Authors: Molina‐Montes Esther , Wark Petra A. , Sánchez María‐José , Norat Teresa , Jakszyn Paula , Luján‐Barroso Leila , Michaud Dominique S. , Crowe Francesca , Allen Naomi , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Wareham Nicholas , Trichopoulou Antonia , Adarakis George , Katarachia Helen , Skeie Guri , Henningsen Maria , Broderstad Ann Ragnhild , Berrino Franco , Tumino Rosario , Palli Domenico , Mattiello Amalia , Vineis Paolo , Amiano Pilar , Barricarte Aurelio , Huerta José‐María , Duell Eric J. , Quirós José‐Ramón , Ye Weimin , Sund Malin , Lindkvist Björn , Johansen Dorthe , Overvad Kim , Tjønneland Anne , Roswall Nina , Li Kuanrong , Grote Verena A. , Steffen Annika , Boeing Heiner , Racine Antoine , Boutron‐Ruault Marie‐Christine , Carbonnel Franck , Peeters Petra HM , Siersema Peter D. , Fedirko Veronika , Jenab Mazda , Riboli Elio , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita Bas
Published: March 2012

Several studies support a protective effect of dietary magnesium against type 2 diabetes, but a harmful effect for iron. As diabetes has been linked to pancreatic cancer, intake of these nutrients may be also associated with this cancer. We examined the association between dietary intake of magnesium, total iron and heme‐iron and pancreatic cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. In total, 142,203 men and 334,999 women, recruited between 1992 and 2000, were included. After an average follow‐up of 11.3 years, 396 men and 469 women developed exocrine pancreatic cancer. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using Cox regression stratified by age and center, and adjusted for energy intake, smoking status, height, weight, and self‐reported diabetes status. Neither intake of magnesium, total iron nor heme‐iron was associated with pancreatic cancer risk. In stratified analyses, a borderline inverse association was observed among overweight men (body mass index, ≥25 kg/m2) with magnesium (HRper 100 mg/day increase = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.63–1.01) although this was less apparent using calibrated intake. In female smokers, a higher intake of heme‐iron was associated with a higher pancreatic cancer risk (HR per 1 mg/day increase = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.10–1.74). After calibration, this risk increased significantly to 2.5‐fold (95% CI = 1.22–5.28). Overall, dietary magnesium, total iron and heme‐iron were not associated with pancreatic cancer risk during the follow‐up period. Our observation that heme‐iron was associated with increased pancreatic cancer risk in female smokers warrants replication in additional study populations.
Biomechanical characterization of aortic valve tissue in humans and common animal models
Authors: Martin Caitlin , Sun Wei
Published: March 2012

Aortic valve disease develops in an escalating fashion in elderly patients. Current treatments including total valve replacement and valve repair techniques are still suboptimal. A thorough understanding of the animal and human valve tissue properties, particularly their differences, is crucial for the establishment of preclinical animal models and strategies for evaluating new valve treatment techniques, such as transcatheter valve intervention and tissue engineered valves. The goal of this study was to characterize and compare the biomechanical properties and histological structure of healthy ovine, porcine, and human aortic valve leaflets. The biaxial mechanical properties of the aortic valve leaflets of 10 ovine (∼1 year), 10 porcine (6–9 months), and 10 aged human (80.6 ± 8.34) hearts were quantified. Tissue microstructure was analyzed via histological techniques. Aged human aortic valve leaflets were significantly less compliant than both ovine and porcine leaflets, with the ovine leaflets being the most compliant. Histological analysis revealed structural differences between the species: the human and porcine leaflets contained more collagen and elastin than the ovine leaflets. Significant mechanical and structural differences in the aortic valve tissues of 6‐ to 9‐month‐old porcine models and 1‐year‐old ovine models with respect to those of aged humans, suggest that these animal models may not be representative of the typical patient undergoing aortic valve replacement. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Student award for outstanding research winner in the Ph.D. category for the 9th World Biomaterials Congress, Chengdu, China, June 1–5, 2012
Authors: Tibbitt Mark W. , Han Bruce W. , Kloxin April M. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: March 2012

In this study, the authors present a photodegradable microparticle system that can be used to entrap and deliver bioactive proteins to cells during culture. By using a photosensitive delivery system, experimenters can achieve a wide variety of spatiotemporally regulated release profiles with a single microparticle formulation, thereby, enabling one to probe many questions as to how protein presentation can be manipulated to regulate cell function. Photodegradable microparticles were synthesized via inverse suspension polymerization with a mean diameter of 22 μm, and degradation was demonstrated upon exposure to several irradiation conditions. The protein‐loaded depots were incorporated into cell cultures and release of bioactive protein was quantified during the photodegradation process. This phototriggered release allowed for the delivery of TGF‐β1 to stimulate PE25 cells and for the delivery of fluorescently labeled Annexin V to assay apoptotic 3T3 fibroblasts during culture. By incorporating these photoresponsive protein delivery depots into cell culture, new types of experiments are now possible to test hypotheses about how individual or multiple soluble factors might affect cell function when presented in a uniform, temporally varying, or gradient manner. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 2012.
Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of a heparin‐benzalkonium chloride‐graphite oxide/polymethylvinyl siloxane nanocomposite
Authors: Zhou Ninglin , Xu Dong , Zhang Jun , Ma Yinchen , Yuan Jiang , Shen Jian
Published: March 2012

A heparin (Hep)—benzalkonium chloride (C12)‐graphite oxide (GO)/polymethylvinyl siloxane (PMVS) nancomposite was prepared via melting intercalation at different temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the Hep‐C12‐GO was well dispersed into PMVS processed at 100°C. Mechanical properties measurement demonstrated that the addition of Hep‐C12‐GO maintained its strength. XRD data indicated that Hep‐C12‐GO lost its layer structure completely. FTIR results suggested that Hep‐C12‐GO interacted with PMVS strongly. Antibacterial activity of resulting nanocomposite was evaluated using zone of inhibition and bacteria adhesion methods. The results demonstrated that Hep‐C12‐GO/PMVS had a good capability against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antithrombogenic properties were assessed using platelet adhesion experiment and the results showed that Hep‐C12‐GO/PMVS was blood‐compatible. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 2012.
Collagen‐infiltrated porous hydroxyapatite coating and its osteogenic properties: In vitro and in vivo study
Authors: He Jing , Huang Tao , Gan Lu , Zhou Zongke , Jiang Bo , Wu Yao , Wu Fang , Gu Zhongwei
Published: March 2012

Bone–implant interface is critical for the early fixation of orthopedic implants. In this study, porous hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings were prepared through a liquid precursor plasma spraying process and were infiltrated with the collagen, alone and with the additional incorporation of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) and RGD peptide (RGD). The results showed significantly improved mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation on collagen‐modified HA coatings, partially benefited from the formation of a fibrous network due to the self‐reconstitution of collagen on the HA surface. Further enhancements on MSC proliferation and differentiation were generally observed through the additional incorporation of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and RGD. The osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties of the collagen/BMP‐modified HA coatings were studied in vivo. Clear ectopic bone formation and significantly accelerated bone growth rate (29% increase, p < 0.05) have been observed after 1‐month implantation of HA–collagen/rhBMP‐2‐coated Ti alloy samples into the rabbit muscle and dog femora, respectively. Overall, our results suggest that collagen‐modified HA coating surface is a far superior substrate for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation, and collagen can be used an efficient carrier for BMP in vivo. Therefore, modification of HA coating with collagen is a simple but effective biomimetic approach to enhancing the osteointegration and early fixation of bone–implant interface. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
An enhanced protocol for expression and purification of heat‐stable enterotoxin of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Aref Nasr‐Eldin M. , Saeed A. Mahdi
Published: March 2012

We present an improved protocol for expression and purification of heat‐stable enterotoxin (STa) of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). In this protocol, controlled growth conditions at different pHs (7.4, 8.0, and 8.6) were adopted using a bioreactor. In addition, specific adsorbent resins, methacrylate, were used for STa purification. The bioreactor provided optimal ETEC growth at pH 7.4 with high STa production. Furthermore, methacrylate bounded specifically to STa and dramatically enhanced the purification process of STa. The STa‐specific activity was high (8.9 × 106 units/mg protein), and the minimal effective dose of STa required for production of gut weight to remaining body weight ratio ≥ 0.083 was recorded as less than 0.2 ng in 2–3 days old suckling mice. The protocol presented, produces highly purified STa as documented by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectroscopy/. Also, as compared with the traditional methods, this procedure is trouble‐free and practical for scale‐up production and purification of STa peptides. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:168–175, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21406
Legumain: A biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of human ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang Lina , Chen Si , Zhang Mingna , Li Na , Chen Yanan , Su Weijun , Liu Yanhua , Lu Dan , Li Sanglin , Yang Yixuan , Li Zongjin , Stupack Dwayne , Qu Pengpeng , Hu Huaidong , Xiang Rong
Published: March 2012

Legumain is a member of the asparaginyl endopeptidase family that is over‐expressed in response to hypoxic stress on mammary adenocarcinoma, colorectal cancer, proliferating endothelial cells, and tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs). Here, we demonstrate that elevated expression of legumain in ovarian cancer by a proteomic approach using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) followed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). To investigate the relationship between legumain expression and ovarian cancer development, we tested legumain expression in malignant human ovarian tumors (n = 60), borderline ovarian tumors (n = 20), benign ovarian tumors (n = 20), and normal ovary samples (n = 20) using immunohistochemical assay (IHC). A correlation between legumain expression, and clinocopathologic and biological variables was also established. Importantly, increased legumain expression was validated by real‐time PCR and Western blots, correlated positively with an increased malignancy of ovarian tumors (P < 0.01). In fact, patients with strong legumain expression had a worse prognosis (P = 0.03). In addition, results of in vitro experiments revealed that over‐expression of legumain correlates with increased cell migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Although legumain's functional role and clinical utility remain to be established, our results indicated that a sensitive assay for early expression of legumain may serve as both a potential biomarker and a molecular target for treatment of ovarian cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2679–2686, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cell proliferation and apoptosis in gill filaments of the lucinid Codakia orbiculata (Montagu, 1808) (Mollusca: Bivalvia) during bacterial decolonization and recolonization
Authors: Elisabeth Nathalie H. , Gustave Sylvie D.D. , Gros Olivier
Published: March 2012

The shallow‐water bivalve Codakia orbiculata which harbors gill‐endosymbiotic sulfur‐oxidizing γ‐proteobacteria can lose and acquire its endosymbionts throughout its life. Long‐term starvation and recolonization experiments led to changes in the organization of cells in the lateral zone of gill filaments. This plasticity is linked to the presence or absence of gill‐endosymbionts. Herein, we propose that this reorganization can be explained by three hypotheses: (a) a variation in the number of bacteriocytes and granule cells due to proliferation or apoptosis processes, (b) a variation of the volume of these two cell types without modification in the number, and (c) a combination of both number and cell volume variation. To test these hypotheses, we analyzed cell reorganization in terms of proliferation and apoptosis in adults submitted to starvation and returned to the field using catalyzed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and structural analyses. We observed that cell and tissue reorganization in gills filaments is due to a variation in cell relative abundance that maybe associated with a variation in cell apparent volume and depends on the environment. In fact, bacteriocytes mostly multiply in freshly collected and newly recolonized individuals, and excess bacteriocytes are eliminated in later recolonization stages. We highlight that host tissue regeneration in gill filaments of this symbiotic bivalve can occur by both replication of existing cells and division of undifferentiated cells localized in tissular bridges, which might be a tissue‐specific multipotent stem cell zone. © Microsc. Res. Tech. 75:1136–1146, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.