bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF ORGANICALLY MODIFIED MONTMORILLONITE CLAY ON MORPHOLOGICAL, PHYSICOMECHANICAL, THERMAL STABILITY, AND WATER VAPOR TRANSMISSION RATE PROPERTIES OF BIIR-CO RUBBER NANOCOMPOSITE
Authors: Kumar S. , Nando G. B. , Nair Sujith , Unnikrishnan G. , Sreejesh A. , Chattopadhyay S.
Published: September 2014

Rubber nanocomposites based on bromobutyl rubber (BIIR), polyepichlorohydrin rubber (CO), carbon black (CB), and organically modified montmorillonite clay (NC) were prepared via melt compounding technique. Effects of NC dosage on various properties of the developed BIIR-CO nanocomposites were studied. Morphological characteristics of the BIIR-CO nanocomposite revealed a good level of clay dispersion. Scanning electron microscopy analyses of the tensile fractured surfaces of the nanocomposites revealed the existence of a good interaction between NC-CB. Hybrid microstructure development between NC and CB, clay exfoliation, and improved filler dispersion in the quaternary nanocomposite significantly contributed to the overall enhancement of properties. The addition of nanoclay increases the modulus up to 54%, tear strength up to 20%, and other physicomechanical properties of the rubber nanocomposite. However, higher nanoclay dose results in the agglomeration of clay particles predominantly. An increase in the volume fraction of nanoclay platelets depreciates the thermal degradation of the BIIR-CO nanocomposites. The tortuous path offered by NC is pivotal in the significant reduction in the water vapor transmission rate (up to 30% reduction). Contact angle measurements reveal the importance of nanoclay dispersion in subsiding the surface hydrophilic nature of the nanocomposite.
National Child Development Study (or 1958 Birth Cohort)
Authors: Brown Matt , Goodman Alissa
Published: September 2014

The National Child Development Study (NCDS) is one of Britain’s world-renowned national longitudinal birth cohort studies, three of which are run by the Centre for Longitudinal Studies at the Institute of Education, University of London.The study is an ongoing multi-disciplinary longitudinal study which follows the lives of around 17,000 people born in England, Scotland and Wales in a single week of 1958. Over the course of cohort members lives, the NCDS has collected information on health, physical, educational and social development, and economic circumstances among other factors.The broad aim of the study is to examine the impact that circumstances and experiences at one stage of life have on outcomes and achievements in later life. Since the birth survey in 1958, there have been ten ‘sweeps’ of all cohort members at ages 7, 11, 16, 23, 33, 42, 44/5 (a biomedical collection) 46, 50 and most recently at 55.Data has been collected from a number of different sources (the midwife present at birth, parents of the cohort members, teachers, doctors and the cohort members themselves). The data has been collected in a variety of ways including via paper and electronic questionnaires, clinical records, medical examinations, physical measurements, tests of ability and educational assessments.The information collected forms a high quality data resource for scientific investigations across a full range of domains of individuals’ lives and across different points in time in them. The study has been designed so as to ensure comparability with other major cohort studies so as permit the examination of links between social change and the changing experiences of different cohorts.The majority of NCDS survey data can be accessed by bona fide researchers through the UK Data Service at the University of Essex.
Preface Vol.13
Authors: Minjigmaa A , Bayarmaa B , Ariunaa A , Otgonjargal E
Published: September 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v13i0.150 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.13 2012
Biochemical study on the meat and oil of Mongolian fishes
Authors: Chantsalnyam B , Otgonbayar Ch , Odonmajig P , Tsevegsuren N
Published: September 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v13i0.152 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.13 2012: 12-15
Catalase, protease and urease activity in some types of soil
Authors: Purev D , Bayarmaa J , Ganchimeg B , Ankhtsetseg B , Anumandal O
Published: September 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v13i0.153 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.13 2012: 16-18
Chemical composition and quality of some river of Mongol Alta
Authors: Erdenechimeg G , Munguntsetseg Dr
Published: September 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v13i0.154 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.13 2012: 19-22
Coumarins of Peucedanum baicalense and cytotoxic activity of some isolated coumarins
Authors: Ganbaatar J , Shults EE , Petrova TN , Shakirova MM , Otgonsuren D , Munkhbat E , Badamkhand D , Tolstikov GA , Batsuren D
Published: September 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v13i0.155 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.13 2012: 23-27
Comparative study of essential oil constituents of Bupleurum species from Mongolia
Authors: Altantsetseg Sh , Shatar S , Javzmaa N
Published: September 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v13i0.156 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.13 2012: 28-30
Determination of phenolic compounds in Moravian wines
Authors: Badamtestseg S , Hoza Ignc , Valбšek Pavel , Kubбň Vlastimil
Published: September 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v13i0.158 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.13 2012: 37-40
Two new alkaloids from the aerial parts of Caryopteris mongolica Bunge
Authors: Dumaa M , Gerelt-Od Ya , Puzhao Zh , Yinggang L , Javzan S , Selenge D , Zhang G
Published: September 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v13i0.159 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.13 2012: 41-45
The comparison between novel reagent H-142, H-143, H-145 and xanthate for flotation behaviour of molybdenum-containing ores
Authors: Zolzaya Z , Burmaa G , Enkhtuul S , Khasbaatar D , Munkhshur M , Otgonjargal E
Published: September 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v13i0.160 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry Vol.13 2012: 46-48
Effect of Application of Micronutrients on Spotted Bollworm Earias vittella (Fabricius), Infestation and Yield Components in Cotton Crop
Authors: S. Shahzad Ali  , G.H. Abro  , M.A. Rustamani  , Shafi Mohammad Nizamani
Published: September 2014

Studies were carried out on the effect of micronutrients on spotted bollworm, Earias vittella F. infestation and yield components in cotton crop under field conditions. Cotton variety (CRIS-134) was sown in randomized block design with seven treatments including control (check) and was replicated three times on May 22, 2004-2005. Three micronutrients Bonus®, Dawn ®and Power® were applied three times at 79, 95 and 109 days after sowing. The results indicated that there was no significant effect of removal of leaves and fruiting bodies on infestation of bollworm. However, application of micronutrients significantly affected the bollworm infestation. There was significant effect of micro-nutrients on boll volume and opening of bolls in different micronutrients applied plots. The maximum yield was obtained from Bonus® applied plots than other micronutrients applied plots.
Mafia Women: A Study on Language and Mental Representations of Women Engaged with Mafia Members
Authors: Schimmenti Adriano , Giunta Serena , Verso Girolamo Lo
Published: September 2014

For a long time, women in the Mafia were considered victims who were unaware of the activities of the men in their families. However, it has recently been demonstrated that these women may play an important role in the organisation, particularly in the transmission of Mafia values. In this study, we explored the representations of self, relationships, and the Mafia world in women engaged with Mafia members. This was done by means of in-depth interviews and computer-assisted text analysis. A cluster analysis was applied to words used by the women in the interviews. Three clusters emerged that accounted for 85% of the principal contents of the interviews. These were interpreted as “representations of family”, “representations of social relationships”, and “ideals and values”. The analysis of words included in each cluster suggested that Mafia women are deeply involved in the transmission of traditional Sicilian values to their offspring. These ideals and beliefs are deeply rooted in the Mafia organisation and they involve attributing a central role to family, religion, and honor within the Mafia culture. Findings of the study could be positively used for developing appropriate preventative and social measures that may help these women change their ideals and beliefs related to the Mafia world, thus breaking the transmission of Mafia values.
A Comparative Analysis of Human Trafficking: The United States of America (USA) and the Republic of South Africa (RSA)
Authors: Lanier Mark M. , Farrell C. Thomas , Bezuidenhout Christiaan
Published: September 2014

Human trafficking is a serious global problem that transcends international borders and disciplinary boundaries. It presents a conglomeration of problems generally dealt with by public health, criminal justice, social service and immigration agencies. Victim advocates state that millions are victimized each year. The data suggest that law enforcement agencies perceive human trafficking to be of greater, or equal, concern for the myriad of social institutions and participants affected by human trafficking than for law enforcement, itself. Policy recommendations are to refocus the law enforcement response - which may include various approaches that can simultaneously benefit public health - by incorporating an Epidemiological Criminology framework to help to guide the development of more systematic and integrative insight into the world of human trafficking.
Community Policing, Workplace Structure and Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men and their Civil Liberties
Authors: Bernstein Mary , Wulff Stephen
Published: September 2014

While criminal justice workplaces, such as the police and prisons, are noted for reproducing both gender inequality and inequality based on sexuality or sexual orientation, this paper examines whether reorganizing the workplace can alter those interactions and reduce inequality. We draw on survey data from a police department to theorize the likely impact of the move toward community policing and rehabilitative models of justice on the attitudes of heterosexual sworn officers and civilian employees toward lesbians and gay men and their civil rights. Our analysis shows that sworn officers and civilian employees’ attitudes toward community policing and rehabilitation significantly affect their views on lesbians and gay men and their civil liberties both directly and indirectly. We conclude by suggesting the policy implications of our findings and avenues for future research.
Social Disorganization and Neighborhood Crime in Argentine Shantytowns
Authors: Mí­guez Daniel
Published: September 2014

This study analyzes the effects of conflictive social networks on a particular form of neighborhood crime called ‘street harassment’ in Argentine shantytowns. The data for the study is provided by a victimization survey applied in six Argentine cities, comparing the association between crime and neighborhood cohesion in different social strata. The study is based on social disorganization theory, but it adds two new insights to this perspective by exploring the role of political leadership and culture. Its main conclusion is that while conflictive social networks are strongly associated with neighborhood crime, these are concentrated in small numbers of shantytown dwellers. In addition, results also reveal that ambivalent attitudes towards conventional social principles and lack of trust in local political leadership are associated with neighborhood conflicts and crime.
The scaffold protein Nde1 safeguards the brain genome during S phase of early neural progenitor differentiation
Authors: Houlihan Shauna L , Feng Yuanyi
Published: September 2014

Successfully completing the S phase of each cell cycle ensures genome integrity. Impediment of DNA replication can lead to DNA damage and genomic disorders. In this study, we show a novel function for NDE1, whose mutations cause brain developmental disorders, in safeguarding the genome through S phase during early steps of neural progenitor fate restrictive differentiation. Nde1 mutant neural progenitors showed catastrophic DNA double strand breaks concurrent with the DNA replication. This evoked DNA damage responses, led to the activation of p53-dependent apoptosis, and resulted in the reduction of neurons in cortical layer II/III. We discovered a nuclear pool of Nde1, identified the interaction of Nde1 with cohesin and its associated chromatin remodeler, and showed that stalled DNA replication in Nde1 mutants specifically occurred in mid-late S phase at heterochromatin domains. These findings suggest that NDE1-mediated heterochromatin replication is indispensible for neuronal differentiation, and that the loss of NDE1 function may lead to genomic neurological disorders.
Changes in Rat Spinal Cord Gene Expression After Inflammatory Hyperalgesia of the Joint and Manual Therapy
Authors: Ruhlen Rachel L. , Singh Vineet K. , Pazdernik Vanessa K. , Towns Lex C. , Snider Eric J. , Sargentini Neil J. , Degenhardt Brian F.
Published: September 2014

Context:Mobilization of a joint affects local tissue directly but may also have other effects that are mediated through the central nervous system.

Objective:To identify differential gene expression in the spinal cords of rats with or without inflammatory joint injury after manual therapy or no treatment.

Methods:Rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: no injury and no touch (NI/NT), injury and no touch (I/NT), no injury and manual therapy (NI/MT), and injury and manual therapy (I/MT). We induced acute inflammatory joint injury in the rats by injecting carrageenan into an ankle. Rats in the no-injury groups did not receive carrageenan injection. One day after injury, rats received manual therapy to the knee of the injured limb. Rats in the no-touch groups were anesthetized without receiving manual therapy. Spinal cords were harvested 30 minutes after therapy or no touch, and spinal cord gene expression was analyzed by microarray for 3 comparisons: NI/NT vs I/NT, I/MT vs I/NT, and NI/NT vs NI/MT.

Results:Three rats were assigned to each group. Of 38,875 expressed sequence tags, 755 were differentially expressed in the NI/NT vs I/NT comparison. For the other comparisons, no expressed sequence tags were differentially expressed. Cluster analysis revealed that the differentially expressed sequence tags were over-represented in several categories, including ion homeostasis (enrichment score, 2.29), transmembrane (enrichment score, 1.55), and disulfide bond (enrichment score, 2.04).

Conclusions:An inflammatory injury to the ankle of rats caused differential expression of genes in the spinal cord. Consistent with other studies, genes involved in ion transport were among those affected. However, manual therapy to the knees of injured limbs or to rats without injury did not alter gene expression in the spinal cord. Thus, evidence for central nervous system mediation of manual therapy was not observed.
A turistificação da zona portuária do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: por um Turismo Situado no Morro da Conceição
Authors: Baker Botelho Ana Carolina , Egrejas Marisa , Bartholo Roberto
Published: September 2014

Este artigo traz análises e reflexões sobre uma concepção de turismo diferenciado e essencialmente relacional que considera a complexidade, a diversidade e as contingências associadas às dinâmicas do sítio e do cotidiano das pessoas que vivem no Morro da Conceição, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Para isso, apoia-se nas proposições teóricas Sítio Simbólico de Pertencimento e Turismo Situado, de Hassan Zaoual e Espaço Geográfico, de Milton Santos. A abordagem empírica desenvolveu-se à luz das experiências do Projeto Palácios do Rio, considerando-se observações participativas, entrevistas e revisão de fontes secundárias. Evidenciaram-se elementos e dinâmicas presentes no Morro da Conceição, ressaltando-se a trajetória histórica, o patrimônio e o cotidiano dos moradores do sítio; também, as condições que habilitam o Morro da Conceição ao Turismo Situado. Nas considerações finais, apresenta-se que é importante colocar em foco o relacionamento humano e social no desenvolvimento do turismo. Também, que a predominante indústria do turismo apoiada em intercâmbios superficiais e no lucro discrepante deve dar lugar a um turismo fortalecedor de valores humanos e sociais como autenticidade, solidariedade, confiança, empatia, curiosidade e tempo para o encontro.
Cultural dimensions and image: an essay on the impacts of masculinity and individualism on the interpretation of the sustainability of tourism destinations
Authors: Souza Anderson Gomes de , Farias Salomão Alencar de , Brito Marisa Paula de
Published: September 2014

The phenomenon of sustainability has been discussed systematically within academic settings since the 70’s. Even though some debates have already expanded significantly the approaching possibilities on the subject, there still seems to be a lack of discussion on its relationship with the cultural characteristics of different societies. Hence, the purpose of this essay is to discuss how the image of the sustainability of tourism destinations can vary across different social groups, whose values show opposite levels with regard to cultural aspects such as masculinity and individualism as proposed by Hofstede (1980). As suggested by the literature, both image and sustainability constructs are directly associated with cultural values (Milbrath, 1984; Mooij, 2010). In this sense, there is an opportunity for in-depth discussions regarding the possible relationships among those constructs. After a theoretical review and critical analysis it was possible to present topics for future research, such as how the interpretation of the sustainability of a destination can be embedded in the cultural influence on sustainable behavior.
Estratégias de gestão de pessoas e desempenho organizacional na hotelaria: o papel das capacidades organizacionais
Authors: Da Silva Barreto Leilianne Michelle Trindade , Albuquerque Lindolfo Galvão de , Medeiros Carlos Alberto Freire
Published: September 2014

O objetivo geral desta pesquisa foi estabelecer relações entre configurações de estratégias de gestão de pessoas, capacidades organizacionais e desempenho organizacional na hotelaria. Foi desenvolvido um estudo descritivo e relacional, de abordagem quantitativa, nos hotéis dos principais destinos turísticos de quatro estados do Nordeste do Brasil. As relações encontradas confirmam a sobreposição proposta por Cameron e Quinn (2006) entre as estratégias de gestão de pessoas do Modelo de Valores Competitivos e as capacidades organizacionais do Modelo de Múltiplos Papéis de Ulrich (1998). Análises complementares atestaram que os hotéis que conseguem desenvolver as quatro capacidades organizacionais de forma equilibrada alcançam um desempenho superior.
Periodic time‐dependent parameters improving forecasting abilities of biological ocean models
Authors: Mattern Jann Paul , Fennel Katja , Dowd Michael
Published: September 2014

Using two emulator‐based procedures, we estimate time‐dependent values for two key plankton parameters in a three‐dimensional biogeochemical (BGC) ocean model. The estimation is based on a 4 year time series of daily surface satellite chlorophyll observations. The estimated parameters display an annual periodicity that can be explained by the succession of plankton groups in the study region. Model simulations using these parameters show improved fit to observations and better forecasting abilities compared to simulations with constant optimal parameters; the newly introduced sequential parameter estimation procedure creates the strongest improvement. The inclusion of time‐dependent parameters represents a simple way to improve the predictive skill of BGC models and their representation of plankton dynamics.
High Pressure Liquid Chromatography Analysis of Plant Alkaloids
Authors: de Oliveira Brás Heleno
Published: September 2014

Alkaloids have been used in medicine for centuries because of their biological properties and are obtained mainly from plants. Many have beneficial pharmacological properties, some are psychotropic, and others are toxic to humans and animals. These properties have led to the development of methods for their analysis in plant materials and pharmaceutical products. HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) is the technique of choice by many analysts for the analysis of alkaloids in various scientific areas. The continuous development of new and more efficient stationary phases and detection systems has provided the conditions for the successful analysis of various classes of alkaloids. This chapter shows examples of HPLC analysis of important classes of alkaloids. Most examples involve pharmacologically useful alkaloids. Examples of toxic and psychotropic alkaloids are also covered in separate sections. The analytical conditions are shown in tabular form, and the data provided in each example may be sufficient as a starting point for the practical analyst.
Identification and Characterization of Trimeric Proanthocyanidins of Two Members of theRhododendronGenus (Ericaceae) by Liquid Chromatography Multi‐Stage Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Jaiswal Rakesh , Karar Mohamed G.E. , Kuhnert Nikolai
Published: September 2014

The trimeric proanthocyanidins of the leaves of two taxa of theRhododendrongenus (Ericaceae),R. ‘Catawbiense Grandiflorum’ andR. ‘Cunningham's White’ were investigated qualitatively by LC–MSn. Twenty‐five trimeric proanthocyanidins based on (epi)catechin and (epi)gallocatechin were detected and characterized on the basis of their unique fragmentation pattern in the negative ion mode tandem MS spectra. All of them were extracted for the first time from these sources and 10 of them were not reported previously in nature. The position of the galloyl residue was assigned based on the retro‐Diels–Alder (RDA) fragmentation and on the dehydrated RDA fragmentation; it resulted from the loss of gallic acid as a neutral loss in the negative ion mode.
Coumarins: Analytical and Preparative Techniques
Authors: Skalicka‐Woźniak Krystyna , Głowniak Kazimierz
Published: September 2014

Coumarins are, nowadays, an important group of organic compounds from natural and synthetic sources, possessing a wide range of pharmacological activities. Coumarins comprise a large group of phenolic substances, which occur in plants as secondary metabolites. On account of the significance of this group of compounds, the development of effective methods for the extraction, separation, qualitative and quantitative analyses, and purification remains of high importance. The purpose of the chapter is to present information about methods of analysis and separation of this important group of naturally occurring compounds.
Naphthoquinones and Anthraquinones: Chemical, Analytical, and Biological Overview
Authors: El‐Najjar Nahed , Gali‐Muhtasib Hala , Vuorela Pia , Urtti Arto , Vuorela Heikki
Published: September 2014

Naphthoquinones and anthraquinones are a well‐studied class of molecules that play a role in preventing and treating various illnesses. A thorough literature search shows that these molecules are potent antifungal, anticancer, antidiabetes, and neuroprotective agents. In addition to their beneficial properties, naphtho‐ and anthraquinones have toxicological effects mainly due to their presence as photoproducts in air pollutants. The analytical detection of naphtho‐ and anthraquinones is problematic because of the following properties: first is their ability to undergo fast redox cycling and second is their potential to bind thiol, amine, and hydroxyl groups. The possibility of using labeled compounds along with the recent advances of the available analytical techniques facilitated their detection and allowed a better understanding of their mechanism of action. This chapter summarizes the current knowledge with respect to the biological activities of naphtho‐ and anthraquinones as well as their chemical reactivity in an attempt to understand the mechanism by which they exert their effects. An overview about their analytical detection is also presented.
Identification of Medicinal Plants UsingDNABarcoding Technique
Authors: Pang Xiaohui , Chen Shilin
Published: September 2014

The accurate identification of medicinal plants in relation to their purity and quality as well as safe application has become increasingly important. DNA barcoding is an established technique that uses the sequence diversity in short, standard DNA regions for species‐level identification. It is primarily used to identify known species by comparing their unique barcode sequences to reference sequences in public databases, as well as to facilitate species discovery. DNA barcoding provides a more rapid, subjective, and accurate identification compared with traditional methods. Thus, it has rapidly become a widely recognized tool for species identification. Chenet al. provided a comprehensive evaluation of different DNA regions for the authentication of medicinal plants. They found that the second internal transcriber spacer (ITS2) region could be used as a universal barcode for plant authentication. The ITS2 barcode has been tested recently in a wide range of taxa. It has been proven to be effective for identifying medicinal plants. In this study, we introduce the DNA barcoding technique and determine its usage in discriminating medicinal plants, as well as its advantages and limitations.
Metabolomics: Experimental Design, Methodology and Data Analysis
Authors: Schripsema Jan , Dagnino Denise
Published: September 2014

Metabolomics can be defined as the area of research that strives to obtain complete metabolic fingerprints, to detect differences between them and to provide hypothesis to explain those differences. This area of research is still rapidly developing into a powerful tool in the study of all types of organisms.

This chapter focuses on the practical and efficient application of metabolomics. All different aspects of a metabolomic study are discussed, ranging from the initial questions and experimental design to the instrumental methods and data analysis.
Oculoectodermal syndrome: Report of a new case with a broad clinical spectrum
Authors: Aslan Deniz , Akata Rustu Fikret , Schröder Julia , Happle Rudolf , Moog Ute , Bartsch Oliver
Published: September 2014

Oculoectodermal syndrome (OMIM 600268) is rare and characterized by aplasia cutis congenita, epibulbar dermoids, and other abnormalities. We report herein on a newly recognized patient with oculoectodermal syndrome, which is the 19th reported patient with OES. The boy aged six years demonstrated a broad clinical spectrum of this condition, including aplasia cutis congenita, epibulbar dermoids, hyperkeratotic papule, mildly enlarged cisterna magna, and an enlarged fluid space in the quadrigeminal cistern, suggesting a cyst. He also manifested anomalies not reported associated with this disorder, including systematized epidermal nevus following Blaschko's lines, hypopigmented skin lesions, and mild digital anomaly. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prozessive Katalyse
Authors: van Dongen Stijn F. M. , Elemans Johannes A. A. W. , Rowan Alan E. , Nolte Roeland J. M.
Published: September 2014

Die Enzyme natürlicher Systeme haben Naturwissenschaftler schon immer inspiriert. Die komplexen Prozesse, auf denen ihre Selektivität und Effizienz beruhen, kommen langsam ans Tageslicht. Viele biomimetische Katalysatoren wurden nach ihrem Vorbild entworfen, allerdings liegt fast immer der Schwerpunkt auf der Umwandlung niedermolekularer Substrate. Die Natur hingegen kennt viele katalytische Systeme, die ganze Polymere modifizieren, replizieren oder abbauen, und das oft in prozessiver Weise. Beispielsweise kann das Anklammern des Katalysators an das Polymersubstrat zu einer solchen Prozessivität führen und, als Folge einer großen effektiven Molarität, die Geschwindigkeit der Katalyse erhöhen. Dieser Kurzaufsatz stellt verschiedene Strategien der Prozessivität in natürlichen Systemen und deren Eigenschaften vor. Zudem werden die Erfolge beschrieben, die Chemiker bei der Nachahmung eines der großartigsten Tricks der Natur bislang verbuchen konnten.
Spurlose Herstellung C‐terminaler α‐Ketosäuren zur chemischen Proteinsynthese mittels α‐Ketoäure‐Hydroxylamin‐Ligation: Synthese von SUMO2/3
Authors: Wucherpfennig Thomas G. , Pattabiraman Vijaya R. , Limberg Felix R. P. , Ruiz‐Rodríguez Javier , Bode Jeffrey W.
Published: September 2014

Eine neue Schutzgruppe für enantiomerenreine α‐Ketosäuren ergibt direkt Peptide mit C‐terminalen α‐Ketosäuren bei der Abspaltung von der Festphase und ermöglicht die Gegenwart aller kanonischen Aminosäuren im Peptid, einschließlich Cystein und Methionin. Unter Benutzung dieses Ansatzes und mittels der KAHA‐Ligation mit 5‐Oxaprolin wurden die Proteine SUMO2 und SUMO3 hergestellt. Die synthetischen Proteine, welche Homoserin‐Reste enthalten, wurden durch SUMOlierungsenzyme erkannt und mit RanGAP1 konjugiert.
Improving Physical Properties via CH Oxidation: Chemical and Enzymatic Approaches
Authors: Michaudel Quentin , Journot Guillaume , Regueiro‐Ren Alicia , Goswami Animesh , Guo Zhiwei , Tully Thomas P. , Zou Lufeng , Ramabhadran Raghunath O. , Houk Kendall N. , Baran Phil S.
Published: September 2014

Physicochemical properties constitute a key factor for the success of a drug candidate. Whereas many strategies to improve the physicochemical properties of small heterocycle‐type leads exist, complex hydrocarbon skeletons are more challenging to derivatize because of the absence of functional groups. A variety of CH oxidation methods have been explored on the betulin skeleton to improve the solubility of this very bioactive, yet poorly water‐soluble, natural product. Capitalizing on the innate reactivity of the molecule, as well as the few molecular handles present on the core, allowed oxidations at different positions across the pentacyclic structure. Enzymatic oxidations afforded several orthogonal oxidations to chemical methods. Solubility measurements showed an enhancement for many of the synthesized compounds.
Conformational Flexibility Tunes the Propensity of Transthyretin to Form Fibrils Through Non‐Native Intermediate States
Authors: Das Jitendra K. , Mall Shyam S. , Bej Aritra , Mukherjee Sujoy
Published: September 2014

The formation of partially unfolded intermediates through conformational excursions out of the native state is the starting point of many diseases involving protein aggregation. Therapeutic strategies often aim to stabilize the native structure and prevent the formation of intermediates that are also cytotoxic in vivo. However, their transient nature and low population makes it difficult to characterize these intermediates. We have probed the backbone dynamics of transthyretin (TTR) over an extended timescale by using NMR spectroscopy and MD simulations. The location and extent of these motions indicates that the backbone flexibility of TTR is a cause of dissociation and destabilization, both of which are responsible for fibril formation. Importantly, approximately 10 % of wild‐type TTR exists in an intermediate state, which increased to up to 28 % for pathogenic TTR mutants, for which the formation of the intermediate state is shown to be energetically more favorable compared to the wild type. This result suggests an important role for the intermediates in TTR amyloidosis.
Non‐Heme Dioxygenase Catalyzes Atypical Oxidations of 6,7‐Bicyclic Systems To Form the 6,6‐Quinolone Core of Viridicatin‐Type Fungal Alkaloids
Authors: Ishikawa Noriyasu , Tanaka Hidenori , Koyama Fumi , Noguchi Hiroshi , Wang Clay C. C. , Hotta Kinya , Watanabe Kenji
Published: September 2014

The 6,6‐quinolone scaffold of the viridicatin‐type of fungal alkaloids are found in various quinolone alkaloids which often exhibit useful biological activities. Thus, it is of interest to identify viridicatin‐forming enzymes and understand how such alkaloids are biosynthesized. Here an Aspergillal gene cluster responsible for the biosynthesis of 4′‐methoxyviridicatin was identified. Detailed in vitro studies led to the discovery of the dioxygenase AsqJ which performs two distinct oxidations: first desaturation to form a double bond and then monooxygenation of the double bond to install an epoxide. Interestingly, the epoxidation promotes non‐enzymatic rearrangement of the 6,7‐bicyclic core of 4′‐methoxycyclopenin into the 6,6‐quinolone viridicatin scaffold to yield 4′‐methoxyviridicatin. The finding provides new insight into the biosynthesis of the viridicatin scaffold and suggests dioxygenase as a potential tool for 6,6‐quinolone synthesis by epoxidation of benzodiazepinediones.
Dioxygen Reactivity with a Ferrocene–Lewis Acid Pairing: Reduction to a Boron Peroxide in the Presence of Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane
Authors: Henthorn Justin T. , Agapie Theodor
Published: September 2014

Ferrocenes, which are typically air‐stable outer‐sphere single‐electron transfer reagents, were found to react with dioxygen in the presence of B(C6F5)3, a Lewis acid unreactive to O2, to generate bis(borane) peroxide. Although several Group 13 peroxides have been reported, boron‐supported peroxides are rare, with no structurally characterized examples of the BO2B moiety. The synthesis of a bis(borane)‐supported peroxide anion and its structural and electrochemical characterization are described.
Metal‐Catalyzed Dealkoxylative CarylC Cross‐Coupling—Replacement of Aromatic Methoxy Groups of Aryl Ethers by Employing a Functionalized Nucleophile
Authors: Leiendecker Matthias , Hsiao Chien‐Chi , Guo Lin , Alandini Nurtalya , Rueping Magnus
Published: September 2014

The direct replacement of aromatic methoxy groups with activated carbon nucleophiles would give rise to novel synthetic pathways for targeted and diversity‐oriented syntheses. We demonstrate here that this transformation can be achieved in a one‐step reaction involving a bifunctional organolithium nucleophile in combination with a CArOMe bond‐cleaving nickel catalyst. The resulting products are stable, α‐CH active, and suitable for various further modifications.
Superbenzene–Porphyrin Conjugates
Authors: Lungerich Dominik , Hitzenberger Jakob F. , Marcia Mario , Hampel Frank , Drewello Thomas , Jux Norbert
Published: September 2014

A free‐base porphyrin carrying two hexabenzocoronene (HBC) substituents in a trans arrangement and its zinc complex have been prepared. The compounds were characterized extensively and found to form tricationic dimers in the gas phase. X‐ray crystallography confirms for the zinc complex a profound π‐stacking of the HBC moieties. In contrast, the free‐base porphyrin incarcerates n‐heptane which essentially prevents π‐stacking. Upon excitation of the HBC substituents, efficient energy transfer to the central porphyrin is observed.
Clathrin‐Mediated Endocytosis of Gold Nanoparticles In Vitro
Authors: Ng Cheng Teng , Tang Florence Mei Ai , Li Jasmine Jia'en , Ong Cynthia , Yung Lanry Lin Yue , Bay Boon Huat
Published: September 2014

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have potential biomedical and scientific applications. In this study, we evaluated the uptake and internalization of FBS‐coated 20 nm AuNPs into lung fibroblasts and liver cells by different microscopy techniques. AuNP aggregates were observed inside MRC5 lung fibroblasts and Chang liver cells under light microscopy, especially after enhancement with automegallography. Clusters of AuNPs were observed to be adsorbed on the cell surface by scanning electron microscopy. Ultrathin sections showed that AuNPs were mainly enclosed within cytoplasmic vesicles when viewed under transmission electron microscopy. We also investigated the mechanism of uptake for AuNPs, using endocytosis inhibitors and quantification of Au with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cells treated with concanavalin A and chlorpromazine showed significant decrease of Au uptake in MRC5 lung fibroblasts and Chang liver cells, respectively, implying that the uptake of AuNPs was facilitated by clathrin‐mediated endocytosis. It would therefore appear that uptake of 20 nm AuNPs in both cell types with different tissues of origin, was dependent upon clathrin‐mediated endocytosis. Anat Rec, 298:418–427, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rotation gene set testing for longitudinal expression data
Authors: Dørum Guro , Snipen Lars , Solheim Margrete , Sæbø Solve
Published: September 2014

Gene set analysis methods are popular tools for identifying differentially expressed gene sets in microarray data. Most existing methods use a permutation test to assess significance for each gene set. The permutation test's assumption of exchangeable samples is often not satisfied for time‐series data and complex experimental designs, and in addition it requires a certain number of samples to compute p‐values accurately. The method presented here uses a rotation test rather than a permutation test to assess significance. The rotation test can compute accurate p‐values also for very small sample sizes. The method can handle complex designs and is particularly suited for longitudinal microarray data where the samples may have complex correlation structures. Dependencies between genes, modeled with the use of gene networks, are incorporated in the estimation of correlations between samples. In addition, the method can test for both gene sets that are differentially expressed and gene sets that show strong time trends. We show on simulated longitudinal data that the ability to identify important gene sets may be improved by taking the correlation structure between samples into account. Applied to real data, the method identifies both gene sets with constant expression and gene sets with strong time trends.
Reading acceleration training changes brain circuitry in children with reading difficulties
Authors: Horowitz‐Kraus Tzipi , Vannest Jennifer J. , Kadis Darren , Cicchino Nicole , Wang Yingying Y. , Holland Scott K.
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Dyslexia is characterized by slow, inaccurate reading. Previous studies have shown that the Reading Acceleration Program (RAP) improves reading speed and accuracy in children and adults with dyslexia and in typical readers across different orthographies. However, the effect of the RAP on the neural circuitry of reading has not been established. In the current study, we examined the effect of the RAP training on regions of interest in the neural circuitry for reading using a lexical decision task during fMRI in children with reading difficulties and typical readers.

Methods

Children (8–12 years old) with reading difficulties and typical readers were studied before and after 4 weeks of training with the RAP in both groups.

Results

In addition to improvements in oral and silent contextual reading speed, training‐related gains were associated with increased activation of the left hemisphere in both children with reading difficulties and typical readers. However, only children with reading difficulties showed improvements in reading comprehension, which were associated with significant increases in right frontal lobe activation.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate differential effects of the RAP on neural circuits supporting reading in both children with reading difficulties and typical readers and suggest that the intervention may stimulate use of typical neural circuits for reading and engage compensatory pathways to support reading in the developing brain of children with reading difficulties.
Involvement of Ralfuranone Production in the Virulence of Ralstonia solanacearum OE1‐1
Authors: Kai Kenji , Ohnishi Hideyuki , Mori Yuka , Kiba Akinori , Ohnishi Kouhei , Hikichi Yasufumi
Published: September 2014

Ralstonia solanacearum causes a destructive disease called “bacterial wilt” in numerous plant species. Its virulence is controlled by the transcriptional regulator PhcA, the activity of which is, in turn, regulated in a cell‐density dependent manner, termed quorum sensing. We herein described the identification and characterization of ralfuranones J–L, new PhcA‐regulated secondary metabolites, and the known derivatives, ralfuranones A and B, from R. solanacearum strain OE1‐1. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. These ralfuranones were also detected in vascular exudates from host plants infected with OE1‐1. Deletion of ralA, which encodes an enzyme for ralfuranone biosynthesis, reduced the virulence of OE1‐1 in tomato plants. Virulence was restored by complementation of the ralA gene. The results suggest that ralfuranones play important roles in the virulence of OE1‐1.
Human herpesvirus 6B immediate‐early I protein contains functional HLA‐A*02, HLA‐A*03, and HLA‐B*07 class I restricted CD8+ T‐cell epitopes
Authors: Iampietro Mathieu , Morissette Guillaume , Gravel Annie , Dubuc Isabelle , Rousseau Matthieu , Hasan Aisha , O'Reilly Richard J. , Flamand Louis
Published: September 2014

Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV‐6B) is a ubiquitous pathogen with frequent reactivation observed in immunocompromised patients such as BM transplant (BMT) recipients. Adoptive immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic avenue for the treatment of opportunistic infections, including herpesviruses. While T‐cell immunotherapy can successfully control CMV and EBV reactivations in BMT recipients, such therapy is not available for HHV‐6 infections, in part due to a lack of identified protective CD8+ T‐cell epitopes. Our goal was to identify CD8+ T‐cell viral epitopes derived from the HHV‐6B immediate‐early protein I and presented by common human leukocyte Ag (HLA) class I alleles including HLA‐A*02, HLA‐A*03, and HLA‐B*07. These epitopes were functionally tested for their ability to induce CD8+ T‐cell expansion and kill HHV‐6‐infected autologous cells. Cross‐reactivity of specific HHV‐6B‐expanded T cells against HHV‐6A‐infected cells was also confirmed for a conserved epitope presented by HLA‐A*02 molecule. Our findings will help push forward the field of adoptive immunotherapy for the treatment and/or the prevention of HHV‐6 reactivation in BMT recipients.
Management of Marcellus Shale Produced Water in Pennsylvania: A Review of Current Strategies and Perspectives
Authors: He Can , Zhang Tieyuan , Zheng Xuan , Li Yang , Vidic Radisav D.
Published: September 2014

The reuse of produced water generated by natural gas extraction from Marcellus Shale for hydraulic fracturing is the dominant management option in Pennsylvania (PA), USA. The advantages and disadvantages of this management approach are reviewed and discussed together with long‐term concerns and technology development needs. Abandoned mine drainage is a promising alternative make‐up water, but high sulfate concentrations will lead to barite precipitation once it is mixed with the produced water. Bench‐scale studies were conducted to optimize barite separation from this mixture that meets the finished water quality criteria for sulfate. Conventional separation processes are very effective in removing these solids but radium (Ra) co‐precipitation may be a concern for their disposal in municipal landfills. If the produced water volume exceeds the reuse capacity for hydraulic fracturing, lime–soda ash softening can be used to remove divalent cations, including radium, to enable the production of pure salts using subsequent thermal processes.
Effects of variations in incident heat flux when using cone calorimeter test data for prediction of full‐scale heat release rates of polyurethane foam
Authors: Robson Luke D. , Torvi David A. , Obach Matthew R. , Weckman Elizabeth J.
Published: September 2014

The development of methods to predict full‐scale fire behaviour using small‐scale test data is of great interest to the fire community. This study evaluated the ability of one model, originally developed during the European Combustion Behaviour of Upholstered Furniture (CBUF) project, to predict heat release rates. Polyurethane foam specimens were tested in the furniture calorimeter using both centre and edge ignition locations. Input data were obtained using cone calorimeter tests and infrared video‐based flame area measurements. Two particular issues were investigated: how variations in incident heat flux in cone calorimeter tests impact heat release rate predictions, and the ability of the model to predict results for different foam thicknesses. Heat release rate predictions showed good agreement with experimental results, particularly during the growth phase of the fire. The model was more successful in predicting results for edge ignition tests than for centre ignition tests and in predicting results for thinner foams. Results indicated that because of sensitivity of the burning behaviour to foam specimen geometry and ignition location, a single incident heat flux could not be specified for generating input for the CBUF model. Potential methods to determine appropriate cone calorimeter input for various geometries and ignition locations are discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental Finance: Environmental Compliance Can Be Profitable
Authors: Richardson Robert
Published: September 2014

Environmental compliance is a necessity, but it does not need to be expensive, and in some cases, it can even be profitable. For example, industries that meet the requirement outlined below can use a process now available that removes essentially all nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) and thus makes available a large number of Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs). These can be sold.
Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma presenting as a hypopharyngeal mass
Authors: Crane Ryan A. , Johnson Christopher M. , Grice Guerard P. , Mullin David P. , Bach Kevin K.
Published: September 2014

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare malignancy derived from skeletal muscle with approximately 40% of cases involving the head and neck. The pleomorphic variant, however, most commonly occurs in the extremities and has never, to our knowledge, been described in the pharynx.

Methods

A 46‐year‐old man with no significant medical history presented to the emergency department complaining of hemoptysis. A CT scan of the head and neck revealed a hypopharyngeal mass originally favored to be a benign process.

Results

Operative endoscopy revealed a previously unseen mucosal ulceration, and subsequent biopsy resulted in the final diagnosis of pleomorphic RMS.

Conclusion

Although quite rare, RMS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a hypopharyngeal mass. This articleis a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Head Neck 37: E85–E87, 2015
Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action
Authors: Lopresti Adrian L. , Drummond Peter D.
Published: September 2014

Background

Saffron, a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, has now undergone several trials examining its antidepressant effects and, in a recent meta‐analysis, was confirmed to be effective for the treatment of major depression.

Objective

To provide an expanded systematic analysis of the completed clinical studies on saffron and depression, detailing dosages, extract sources, standardisations, safety profile and treatment duration; and, through a narrative review, to examine its potential antidepressant mechanisms of action.

Design

In the systematic review of clinical trials, electronic databases were searched for high‐quality, randomised, double‐blind studies, with placebo or antidepressant controls. A narrative review of in vivo and in vitro studies was conducted to examine its potential antidepressant mechanisms of action.

Results

In the systematic review, six studies were identified. In the placebo‐comparison trials, saffron had large treatment effects and, when compared with antidepressant medications, had similar antidepressant efficacy. Saffron's antidepressant effects potentially are due to its serotonergic, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, neuro‐endocrine and neuroprotective effects.

Conclusions

Research conducted so far provides initial support for the use of saffron for the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate depression. Further research is required to expand our understanding of the role and actions of saffron in major depression. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.