bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Hunter–MacDonald syndrome with expanded phenotype including risk of meningioma: An update and review
Authors: Armstrong Linlea , Graham Gail E. , Schimke R. Neil , Collins Debra L. , Kirse Daniel J. , Costello Fiona , Ardinger Holly H.
Published: October 2007

Hunter–MacDonald syndrome (HMS) is a rare, autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia with multiple malformations. The skeletal manifestations of HMS include short stature, scoliosis, epiphyseal dysplasia with early osteoarthritis leading to joint replacement, prominent humeral insertions for the deltoids, camptodactyly, subluxation of the thumbs, and malformed feet. Craniofacial manifestations include normal head circumference, tall forehead, bitemporal narrowing, ptosis, short palpebral fissures, and short philtrum. Decreased hearing acuity, transient cranial nerve palsies, congenital heart defects, and menigioma are also reported. Herein, we present two cases, and, through review of the manifestations of HMS in affected and at‐risk family members, we have observed that predisposition to brain tumor is a cardinal feature of this condition. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of oxygen uptake and aromatization on the skin–core morphology during the oxidative stabilization of polyacrylonitrile fibers
Authors: Yu Mei‐Jie , Wang Cheng‐Guo , Bai Yu‐Jun , Xu Yong , Zhu Bo
Published: October 2007

The isothermal oxidative stabilization of polyacrylonitrile fibers has been carried out at 210, 230, and 250°C. The stabilized fibers, treated for different times, have been characterized with elemental analysis, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. A parabola relationship has been established between the oxygen uptake and stabilization time, whereas the aromatization index shows a trend of moderate ascension, retention, and acceleration. With increasing temperature and time, the skin–core morphology of the stabilized fibers becomes more and more distinct, but the skin thickness is almost unchanged for 60 and 120 min at 250°C. The fracture mechanism is ductile fracture in the core but is brittle fracture in the skin. The results indicate that the initial rapid oxygen uptake at a high temperature and the subsequent intense aromatization are responsible for the formation of the skin–core morphology. On the basis of the isothermal stabilization, an onion‐like model is proposed for the structure of stabilized fibers that are treated by stepwise increasing temperatures in industrial production. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Electrospinning of ultrafine cellulose fibers and fabrication of poly(butylene succinate) biocomposites reinforced by them
Authors: Han Seong Ok , Son Won Keun , Youk Ji Ho , Park Won Ho
Published: October 2007

In this study, electrospinning conditions for ultrafine cellulose fibers was systematically studied and poly(butylene succinate) biocomposites reinforced by the ultrafine cellulose fibers (cellulose/PBS biocomposite) were fabricated. The ultrafine cellulose fibers were electrospun from cellulose (DP = 700) solutions in N‐methylmorpholine‐N‐oxide hydrate (85/15 w/w) at 100°C. The optimal electrospinning concentration of the cellulose solutions was determined to be 7 wt % and the average diameter of the resulting cellulose fibers was 560 nm. The cellulose I structure of the native cellulose was converted to the cellulose II structure after electrospinning. The ultrafine cellulose fibers showed a reinforcing effect in the cellulose/PBS biocomposite, suggesting that they have potential applications as reinforcement fibers for biocomposites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Recycled carbon fiber filled polyethylene composites
Authors: McNally Tony , Boyd Peter , McClory Caroline , Bien Daniel , Moore Ian , Millar Bronagh , Davidson John , Carroll Tony
Published: October 2007

Composites of recycled carbon fiber (CF) with up to 30 wt % loading with polyethylene (PE) were prepared via melt compounding. The morphology of the composites and the degree of dispersion of the CF in the PE matrix was examined using scanning electron microscopy, and revealed the CF to be highly dispersed at all loadings and strong interfacial adhesion to exist between the CF and PE. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy were used to characterize the surface chemistry and potential bonding sites of recycled CF. Both the Young's modulus and ultimate tensile stress increased with increasing CF loading, but the percentage stress at break was unchanged up to 5 wt % loading, then decreased with further successive addition of CF. The effect of CF on the elastic modulus of PE was examined using the Halpin‐Tsai and modified Cox models, the former giving a better fit with the values determined experimentally. The electrical conductivity of the PE matrix was enhanced by about 11 orders of magnitude on addition of recycled CF with a percolation threshold of 7 and 15 wt % for 500‐μm and 3‐mm thick samples. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Tensile behavior of PVC‐coated woven membrane materials under uni‐ and bi‐axial loads
Authors: Chen Shouhui , Ding Xin , Fangueiro Raul , Yi Honglei , Ni Jing
Published: October 2007

Tensile characteristics are the most significant mechanical properties for coated woven fabrics as membrane materials used in lightweight constructions. Factors that might affect test results of the material under uni‐ and bi‐axial tensile loads are examined. After series of tensile tests on PVC‐coated membrane materials, it is demonstrated that (1) to measure the strains in the two perpendicular directions, the contact method by the needle extensometer does not interfere the correct data recording; (2) the positions where the strains are measured on specimens have a great influence on the test results of the stiffness and Poisson's ratio in warp direction under uni‐axial load; (3) to perform bi‐axial tensile tests the size of the cruciform specimen in bi‐axial tensile test can be much smaller than those suggested in the literature. The tensile behavior of coated membrane materials under bi‐axial loads are affected dramatically by the stress ratio in the warp and fill directions. Besides the residual strains of coated membrane materials are affected not only by the properties of the constituent yarns and woven structure but also by loading conditions during the coating process. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
The effect of the interface structure of different surface‐modified nano‐SiO2 on the mechanical properties of nylon 66 composites
Authors: Xu Xiangmin , Li Binjie , Lu Huimin , Zhang Zhijun , Wang Honggang
Published: October 2007

The nylon 66‐based nanocomposites containing two different surface‐modified and unmodified SiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by melt compounding. The interface structure formed in different composite system and their influences on material mechanical properties were investigated. The results indicated that the interfacial interactions differed between composite systems. The strong interfacial adhesion helped to increase tensile strength and elastic modulus of composites; whereas, the presence of modification layer in silica surface could enhance the toughness of composites, but the improvement of final material toughness was also correlated with the density of the adhered nylon 66 chains around silica nanoparticles. In addition, the results also indicated that the addition of surface‐modified silica nanoparticles has a distinct influence on the nonisothermal crystallization behavior of the nylon 66 matrix when compared with the unmodified silica nanoparticle. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Morphology and Neurochemistry of Descending and Ascending Myenteric Plexus Neurons of Sheep Ileum
Authors: Mazzuoli Gemma , Mazzoni Maurizio , Albanese Valeria , Clavenzani Paolo , Lalatta‐Costerbosa Giovanna , Lucchi Maria L. , Furness John B. , Chiocchetti Roberto
Published: October 2007

The specific patterns of gastrointestinal motility in large herbivores may relate to differences in the organization of enteric nerve circuits, compared with other mammals. To investigate this possibility, we characterized the morphologies, chemical phenotypes, and projections of myenteric plexus (MP) neurons of the sheep ileum. Morphologies and projections were investigated after application of the carbocyanine dye (1,1′, di‐octadecyl‐3,3,3′,3′,‐tetramethylindo‐carbocyanine perchlorate, DiI) to fixed tissues. To study chemical phenotypes, the fluorescent tracer Fast Blue (FB) was injected into the wall of the ileum, in vivo, 12–14 cm oral to the ileo‐caecal junction. Over 80% of the descending and ascending DiI‐labeled neurons had typical Dogiel type I morphology, whereas only a few Dogiel type II neurons were observed. Nevertheless, there were long projections (up to 10 cm) of Dogiel type II neurons in both directions. Both type II and type I neurons were neurofilament immunoreactive (IR). We observed long projections of descending (up to 18 cm) and ascending (up to 12–14 cm) FB‐labeled MP neurons. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS)‐IR, peripheral choline acetyltransferase (pChAT)‐IR, and substance P (SP)‐IR occurred in both descending and ascending myenteric neurons. NOS‐IR was in approximately 60% of FB‐labeled descending and ascending neurons, whereas those expressing pChAT‐IR were 67 ± 15% and 60 ± 14%, respectively. Descending neurons expressing SP‐IR were 48 ± 15% and ascending were 56 ± 12%. NOS‐IR and pChAT‐IR, and SP‐IR and pChAT‐IR were commonly colocalized in both ascending and descending pathways. In descending pathways, almost all SP‐IR neurons were also pChAT‐IR (98 ± 3%) and NOS‐IR (99 ± 2 NOS+/SP+/pChAT−). Many FB‐labeled descending neurons showed both NOS‐ and pChAT‐IR. Descending neurons may represent inhibitory motor neurons (NOS+/SP+/pChAT−) and two classes of interneurons (pChAT+/NOS−, and pChAT+/NOS+/SP+). In ascending pathways, most neurons are pChAT+/NOS+/SP+. Thus, in sheep, ascending interneurons and ascending excitatory motor neurons both have the same phenotype, and other markers are needed to distinguish them. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thirty years of action for energy efficiency in buildings: what are the results?
Authors: Hens Hugo
Published: October 2007

In the autumn of 1973 a first energy crisis swept over the industrialized world. In 1979 a second followed. The first reactions in the West reflected panic, but soon a correcting policy emerged with rational use of energy as one of the corner stones. From the beginning, buildings got special attention. Their share in the annual national end energy consumption, in fact, was unexpectedly high, while less consumption of highly valued energy sources looked affordable without jeopardizing building usability. On the contrary, better was possible with less.

One may expect that three decennia later, the results of such policy should be visible in terms of less energy consumed in buildings. This is not the case, at least not in Flanders, Belgium. Many reasons explain that anomaly. The average principal, designer, builder and contractor is not interested in energy efficiency. Investment costs and not future annual costs are the main concern. Legislation has been introduced reflecting a far too optimistic view on citizenship and thus, without any enforcement policy. The housing and tertiary building stock still expands, with a clear prosperity‐linked trend towards detached dwellings with low compactness and large floor area. Urban planning remains business as usual. And finally, policy makers forgot to consider rebound effects and the impact of lazy workmanship when predicting the efficiency of fabric and building services related measures, resulting in an overestimation of future avoided energy use, while at the same time they underestimated the inertia of such large system as the existing building stock, given the low retrofit and substitution rate.
Retrofitting of the Slovene Ethnographic Museum
Authors: Krainer Alesš , Perdan Rudi , Krainer Gal
Published: October 2007

The paper presents the technological part of activities executed in the framework of MUSEUMS Project. Astonishingly good results are only the visible part of an iceberg. The working process reveals that the R&D part of the efforts was in our case positively oriented activity, while the real problems appeared on the side of performance of birocracy on all levels, engineering management, designers not being used to new approaches and companies involved in the construction works, especially installations. There were two main fields of interventions: construction with new envelope design, new heating‐cooling wall panels system, which replaced the originally designed air condition system, and ventilation which is used for physiological and cooling purposes, as well as control and management system taking care as much as possible harmonization of the demands regarding temperature, humidity and air quality level, upgraded with permanent monitoring system. The authors are obliged to stress that the success of such projects depends on extensive collaboration of all involved partners from the very beginning.
Zur raumakustischen Situation des Orchester‐Dirigenten
Authors: Meyer Jürgen
Published: October 2007

Der Klangeindruck, den ein Dirigent hat, wenn er im Konzertsaal vor einem Orchester steht, wird in erheblichem Maße durch das raumakustische Umfeld geprägt. Daher sind unter den vielfältigen Teil aspekten seiner klanglichen Gestaltung einige besonders anfällig für eine günstige oder ungünstige akustische Situation an seinem Pult. Es sind dies insbesondere die Beurteilung der Homogenität des Streicherklanges innerhalb der einzelnen Gruppen, die dynamische Balance zwischen den unterschiedlichen Instrumentengruppen, vor allem zwischen Bläsern und Streichern sowie eine Abschätzung der “Räumlichkeit” des Klanges, wie sie sich im Zuhörerbereich einstellt. Der Einfluss früher Wand‐ und Deckenreflexionen aus dem Nahbereich des Orchesters auf diese Teil aspekte wird im einzelnen dargestellt, wobei sich letztlich auch ergibt, dass sich die Anforderungen an eine optimale akustische Situation für den Dirigenten einerseits und die Spieler andererseits keineswegs in allen Punkten decken.
Künstliche Neuronale Netzwerke – ein Modelltyp mit Zukunft in der Bauphysik?
Authors: Schmid Margareta , Schmid Bernhard H.
Published: October 2007

Künstliche Neuronale Netzwerke (Artificial Neural Networks, ANN) sind eine Gruppe von mathematischen Modellen, die erst vor wenigen Jahren in das Bauwesen allgemein und in die Bauphysik im besonderen Eingang gefunden hat. Aufgrund ihrer ausgeprägten Flexibilität werden ANNs auf eine laufend anwachsende Zahl verschiedenster Aufgabenstellungen angewandt. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt zunächst die Funktionsweise und Eigenschaften des im Bauingenieurwesen meistverwendeten ANN‐Typs, des sogenannten Multilayer Perceptrons (MLP), und erörtert darauf aufbauend potentielle Anwendungsgebiete und einige bereits vorliegende Erfahrungen in der Bauphysik. Auf der Grundlage des derzeitigen Entwicklungsstands auf diesem Gebiet können Künstliche Neuronale Netzwerke als ein intelligenter und flexibler Berechnungsansatz vom Typ der ‘Black Box’‐Modelle charakterisiert werden, dessen Anwendungspotential in der Bauphysik sicherlich noch nicht ausgeschöpft ist.
Mental budgeting versus marginal decision making: training, experience and justification effects on decisions involving sunk costs
Authors: Fennema M. G. , Perkins Jon D.
Published: October 2007

Many studies have shown that individuals make economically irrational decisions by using, rather than ignoring, sunk cost information. In this study, the effects of relevant academic training, financial experience and decision justification on investment decisions involving sunk costs were examined. Data on both the process (strategy) and outcome of the decisions were collected. The results indicate that practicing Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Masters of Business Administration students (MBAs) and undergraduate accounting students perform better than undergraduate psychology students. The level of training, as measured by the number of college courses in managerial accounting, was found to be positively correlated with performance, while the level of experience, as measured by years of financially‐related work, was not. Justification was found to improve decisions only for those participants with significant work experience (MBAs and CPAs). Strategies used in this type of decision were examined with the surprising finding that economically rational decisions can be made even if sunk costs are not ignored. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incidental environmental anchors
Authors: Critcher Clayton R. , Gilovich Thomas
Published: October 2007

Three studies examined whether potential anchor values that are incidentally present in the environment can affect a person's numerical estimates. In Study 1, estimates of an athlete's performance were influenced by the number on his jersey. In Study 2, estimates of the proportion of sales in the domestic market were influenced by a product's model number. In Study 3, participants' estimates of how much they would spend at a restaurant were influenced by whether the restaurant was named “Studio 17” or “Studio 97.” These effects were not qualified by participants' expertise in the relevant domain (Study 1) or by their ability to subsequently recall the anchor value (Study 3). These findings document the existence of a new form of “basic anchoring” and suggest that not all basic anchoring effects are as fragile as the existing anchoring literature suggests. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A recombinant triblock protein polymer with dispersant and binding properties for digital printing
Authors: Qi Min , O'Brien John P. , Yang Jianjun
Published: October 2007

A structured triblock protein was designed to explore the potential of engineered peptides to function as high‐performance ink dispersants and binders. The protein consists of three functional elements, including a pigment binding domain, a hydrophilic linker, and a printing surface binding domain. To construct such a chimeric protein, a carbon black binding peptide, FHENWPS, and a cellulose binding peptide, THKTSTQRLLAA, were identified from phage display libraries through biopanning, based on their strong and specific binding affinities to carbon black and cellulose. They were used as carbon black and cellulose binding domains, respectively, in a recombinant triblock protein. A linker sequence, PTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTPTP, was adapted from endoglucanase A of the bacterium Cellulomonas fimi, as a small, rigid, and hydrophilic interdomain linker. When incorporated into the triblock structure between the carbon black and cellulose binding sequences, the linker sufficiently isolates these two elements and allows dual binding activity. The structured triblock protein was shown to disperse carbon black particles and attach it to paper surfaces. Thus, the utility of structured proteins having useful dispersant and binding properties for digital printing inks was demonstrated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 90: 28–36, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Metabolic flux analysis in Escherichia coli by integrating isotopic dynamic and isotopic stationary 13C labeling data
Authors: Schaub Jochen , Mauch Klaus , Reuss Matthias
Published: October 2007

The novel concept of isotopic dynamic 13C metabolic flux analysis (ID‐13C MFA) enables integrated analysis of isotopomer data from isotopic transient and/or isotopic stationary phase of a 13C labeling experiment, short‐time experiments, and an extended range of applications of 13C MFA. In the presented work, an experimental and computational framework consisting of short‐time 13C labeling, an integrated rapid sampling procedure, a LC‐MS analytical method, numerical integration of the system of isotopomer differential equations, and estimation of metabolic fluxes was developed and applied to determine intracellular fluxes in glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), and citric acid cycle (TCA) in Escherichia coli grown in aerobic, glucose‐limited chemostat culture at a dilution rate of D = 0.10 h−1. Intracellular steady state concentrations were quantified for 12 metabolic intermediates. A total of 90 LC‐MS mass isotopomers were quantified at sampling times t = 0, 91, 226, 346, 589 s and at isotopic stationary conditions. Isotopic stationarity was reached within 10 min in glycolytic and PPP metabolites. Consistent flux solutions were obtained by ID‐13C MFA using isotopic dynamic and isotopic stationary 13C labeling data and by isotopic stationary 13C MFA (IS‐13C MFA) using solely isotopic stationary data. It is demonstrated that integration of dynamic 13C labeling data increases the sensitivity of flux estimation, particularly at the glucose‐6‐phosphate branch point. The identified split ratio between glycolysis and PPP was 55%:44%. These results were confirmed by IS‐13C MFA additionally using labeling data in proteinogenic amino acids (GC‐MS) obtained after 5 h from sampled biomass. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1170–1185. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amphotropic retrovirus transduction is inhibited by high doses of particle‐associated envelope proteins
Authors: Landázuri Natalia , Le Doux Joseph M.
Published: October 2007

Using a panel of amphotropic murine leukemia virus packaging cell lines that differed only in their levels of envelope protein (gp70) expression, we examined the relationship between transduction and the number of envelope proteins per virus. We generated virus stocks that contained different levels of virus‐associated envelope proteins, purified them from gp70 that was not associated with the viruses, quantified their titers, and measured the efficiency with which they transduced NIH 3T3, TE671, and HeLa cells. As expected, titers increased monotonically with viral envelope protein number. Titers are measured using highly dilute virus, however, and are often not predictive of gene transfer when high doses of virus are used, as is done in gene therapy protocols. Interestingly, when we used high doses of virus, we observed significantly different trends: gene transfer increased, reached a maximum, and then declined sharply as the number of envelope proteins per virus increased. The highest levels of gene transfer occurred when cells were transduced with a moderate dose of virus that contained low levels of envelope protein. Our results indicate that transduction is inhibited when viruses that contain large numbers of envelope proteins are used. This is most likely because each virus, when it binds to a cell, delivers a large payload of envelope proteins that occupy or inactivate multiple virus receptors, reducing or eliminating the susceptibility of the cell to being transduced by additional viruses. The implications of our findings for the design of improved retroviral vectors for human gene therapy are discussed. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1205–1215. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biorecovery of gold by Escherichia coli and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans
Authors: Deplanche K. , Macaskie L.E.
Published: October 2007

Microbial precipitation of gold was achieved using Escherichia coli and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans provided with H2 as the electron donor. No precipitation was observed using H2 alone or with heat‐killed cells. Reduction of aqueous Au(III) ions by both strains was demonstrated at pH 7 using 2 mM HAuCl4 solution and the concept was successfully applied to recover 100% of the gold from acidic leachate (115 ppm of Au(III)) obtained from jewellery waste. Bioreductive recovery of gold from aqueous solution was achieved within 2 h, giving crystalline Au(0) particles (20–50 nm), in the periplasmic space and on the cell surface, and small intracellular nanoparticles. The nanoparticle size was smaller (red suspension) at acidic pH (2.0) as compared to that obtained at pH 6.0 and 7.0 (purple) and 9.0 (dark blue). Comparable nanoparticles were obtained from Au(III) test solutions and jewellery leachate. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1055–1064. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using nanovibrations to monitor biofouling
Authors: Pereira Ana , Mendes Joaquim , Melo Luis F.
Published: October 2007

The article proposes the use of the mechatronic surface sensor (MSS) to detect surface contamination. This methodology is based on the analysis of the vibration response of the monitored surface. In the present work a comparison between the responses of the MSS to different structural deposits build‐up (Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilm—formed under turbulent and laminar flow and a silica deposit) were made. The results showed that the MSS response depends not only on the amount but also on the viscoelasticity of the attached deposit—different responses were obtained for the deposits according to their viscoelasticity. Another important conclusion is that the MSS response is not highly affected by solids that are not really attached to its surface. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1407–1415. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scale‐up of Escherichia coli growth and recombinant protein expression conditions from microwell to laboratory and pilot scale based on matched kLa
Authors: Islam R.S. , Tisi D. , Levy M.S. , Lye G.J.
Published: October 2007

Fermentation optimization experiments are ideally performed at small scale to reduce time, cost and resource requirements. Currently microwell plates (MWPs) are under investigation for this purpose as the format is ideally suited to automated high‐throughput experimentation. In order to translate an optimized small‐scale fermentation process to laboratory and pilot scale stirred‐tank reactors (STRs) it is necessary to characterize key engineering parameters at both scales given the differences in geometry and the mechanisms of aeration and agitation. In this study oxygen mass transfer coefficients are determined in three MWP formats and in 7.5 L and 75 L STRs. kLa values were determined in cell‐free media using the dynamic gassing‐out technique over a range of agitation conditions. Previously optimized culture conditions at the MWP scale were then scaled up to the larger STR scales on the basis of matched kLa values. The accurate reproduction of MWP (3 mL) E. coli BL21 (DE3) culture kinetics at the two larger scales was shown in terms of cell growth, protein expression, and substrate utilization for kLa values that provided effective mixing and gas–liquid distribution at each scale. This work suggests that kLa provides a useful initial scale‐up criterion for MWP culture conditions which enabled a 15,000‐fold scale translation in this particular case. This work complements our earlier studies on the application of DoE techniques to MWP fermentation optimization and in so doing provides a generic framework for the generation of large quantities of soluble protein in a rapid and cost‐effective manner. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1128–1139. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A perfusable 3D cell–matrix tissue culture chamber for in situ evaluation of nanoparticle vehicle penetration and transport
Authors: Ng Chee Ping , Pun Suzie Hwang
Published: October 2007

A key factor in gene or drug therapy is the development of carriers that can efficiently reach targeted cells from a distal administration. In many gene/drug delivery studies, results obtained in 2D cultures fail to translate to similar results in vivo. In this work, we developed a perfusable 3D chamber for studying nanoparticle penetration and transport in cell–gel soft tissue cultures. The compartmented chamber is made of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) top layer with the chamber features, created using micromachined lithography, bonded to a bottom glass coverslip. A solution of cells embedded in a hydrogel is loaded in the chamber between PDMS posts that serve as anchors to the cell–matrix at the gel‐media interface. The chamber offers the following unique features: (i) rapid fabrication and simplicity in assembly, (ii) direct in situ cell imaging in a plane normal to the direction of flow or action, (iii) an easily configurable and controllable environment conducive cell culture under static or interstitial flow conditions, and (iv) facile recovery of live cells from chambers for post‐experimental analysis. To assess the chamber, we delivered fluorescently labeled nanoparticles of three distinct sizes to cells‐embedded Matrigels in the 3D chamber under flow and static conditions. Penetration of nanoparticles were enhanced under interstitial flow while live cell imaging and flow cytometry of recovered cells revealed particle size restrictions to efficient delivery. Although designed for delivery studies, the chamber is versatile and can be easily modified. Thus it may have broad applications for biological, tissue engineering, and therapeutic studies. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1490–1501. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A compact computational model for cell construct development in perfusion culture
Authors: Chung C.A. , Chen C.P. , Lin T.H. , Tseng C.S.
Published: October 2007

A problem nowadays tissue engineers encounter in developing sizable tissue implants is the nonuniform spread of cells and/or extracellular matrices. Research shows such a nutrients transport restriction may be improved by employing hydrodynamic culture systems. We propose a compact model for the simulation of cell growth in a porous construct under direct perfusion. Unlike the previous model proposed in the literature, which composes a cellular scaffold sandwiched between two culture media layers, the current model includes only the scaffold layer to simplify the mathematical and computational complex. Results show the present single‐layer model can predict cell spreads and the nutrient and metabolic waste distribution as accurately as does the three‐layer model. Only if the hydrodynamic aspects such as the pressure and viscous stress are prominent to know, should the more sophisticated analyses with the three‐layer model be employed. The compact model provides comparable investigations for the tissue‐engineering construct developments. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1535–1541. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Linear copolymeric poly(thia‐alkanedioates) by lipase‐catalyzed esterification and transesterification of 3,3′‐thiodipropionic acid and its dimethyl ester with α,ω‐alkanediols
Authors: Fehling E. , Klein E. , Vosmann K. , Bergander K. , Weber N.
Published: October 2007

Linear copolymeric polyesters (polyoxoesters) containing thioether functions [poly(3,3′‐thiodipropionic acid‐co‐α,ω‐alkanediols)] were formed in good yield by esterification of an equimolar mixture of 3,3′‐thiodipropionic acid (4‐thiaheptane‐1,7‐dioic acid) and 1,6‐hexanediol (weight average molecular mass, MW >600 Da: ∼81% after 6 h) or 1,12‐dodecanediol (MW > 900 Da: ∼90% after 6 h) catalyzed by immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica (Novozym 435) for up to 336 h in moderate vacuo without a solvent or drying reagent in the reaction mixture. Poly (3,3′‐thiodipropionic acid‐co‐1,6‐hexanediol) and poly (3,3′‐thiodipropionic acid‐co‐1,12‐dodecanediol) were extracted from the reaction mixtures using tetrahydrofurane and precipitated from tetrahydrofurane—iso‐hexane (1:1, v/v) at ∼0°C. The precipitate of poly(3,3′‐thiodipropionic acid‐co‐1,6‐hexanediol) showed a maximum molecular weight of 6 × 105 Da corresponding to a MW of ∼24,200 Da and a degree of polymerization of up to 2,150 monomer units. The precipitated poly(3,3′‐thiodipropionic acid‐co‐1,12‐dodecanediol) showed a maximum molecular weight of 8 × 105 Da corresponding to a MW of ∼27,200 Da and a maximum degree of polymerization of up to 2,200 monomer units. The chemical structures of both polyesters containing thioether functions were confirmed by chemical derivatization and NMR spectrometry. The chemical structures of various low‐molecular weight reaction intermediates of the esterification of 3,3′‐thiodipropionic acid with 1,6‐hexanediol were elucidated by GC–MS. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1074–1084. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A microplate‐based evaluation of complex denaturation pathways: Structural stability of Escherichia coli transketolase
Authors: Aucamp Jean P. , Martinez‐Torres Ruben J. , Hibbert Edward G. , Dalby Paul A.
Published: October 2007

We have previously developed a rapid microplate‐based approach for measuring the denaturation curves by intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence for simple monomeric and two‐state unfolding proteins. Here we demonstrate that it can accurately resolve the multiple conformational transitions that occur during the denaturation of a complex multimeric and cofactor associated protein. We have also analyzed the effect of two active‐site mutations, D381A and Y440A upon the denaturation pathway of transketolase using intrinsic fluorescence measurements, and we compare the results from classical and microplate‐based instrumentation. This work shows that the rapid assay is able to identify changes in the denaturation pathway, due to mutations or removal of cofactors, which affect the stability of the native and intermediate states. This would be of significant benefit for the directed evolution of protein stability, optimizing enzyme stability under biocatalytic process conditions, and also for engineering specific transitions in protein unfolding pathways. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1303–1310. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Systematic review of minimally invasive resection for gastro-oesophageal cancer
Authors: Gemmill E H , McCulloch P
Published: October 2007

Background

This article reviews the evidence on the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgery for gastric and oesophageal cancer.

Methods

An electronic search of the literature between 1997 and 2007 was undertaken to identify primary studies and systematic reviews; studies were retrieved and analysed using predetermined criteria. Information on the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgery for gastric and oesophageal cancer was recorded and analysed.

Results

From 188 abstracts reviewed, 46 eligible studies were identified, 23 on oesophagectomy and 23 on gastrectomy. There were 35 case series, eight case-matched studies and three randomized controlled trials. Compared with the contemporary results of open surgery, reports on minimally invasive surgery indicate potentially favourable outcomes in terms of operative blood loss, recovery of gastrointestinal function and hospital stay. However, the quality of the data was generally poor, with many potential sources of bias.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive surgery is feasible but evidence of benefit is currently weak.
Probing Hydroxyl Radicals and Their Imaging in Living Cells by Use of FAM–DNA–Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Tang Bo , Zhang Ning , Chen Zhenzhen , Xu Kehua , Zhuo Linhai , An Liguo , Yang Guiwen
Published: October 2007

The incorporation of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) as quencher modules in fluorescent probes for DNA damage caused by intracellular hydroxyl radicals (HO.) is reported. Au NPs of 15 nm diameter were decorated with DNA oligomers terminating in thiol functions in their 3′ positions and possessing 5′ fluorophore modifications. The Au NPs, which have high extinction coefficients, functioned as excellent fluorescent quenchers in the fluorophore–Au NP composites. FRET is switched off as a factor of HO.‐induced strand breakage in the single‐stranded DNAs, restoring the fluorescence of the quenched fluorophores, which can be followed by spectrofluorimetry. In vitro assays with HO.‐generating Fenton reagent demonstrated increases in fluorescence intensity with a linear range from 8.0 nM to 1.0 μM and a detection limit as low as 2.4 nM. Confocal microscopic imaging of macrophages and HepG2 revealed that the probe is cell‐permeable and intracellular HO.‐responsive. The unique combination of good selectivity and high sensitivity establishes the potential value of the probe for facilitating investigations of HO.‐mediated cellular homeostasis and injury.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Characterization, and DFT Study of Seventeen C70(CF3)n Derivatives (n=2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12)
Authors: Popov Alexey A. , Kareev Ivan E. , Shustova Natalia B. , Lebedkin Sergey F. , Strauss Steven H. , Boltalina Olga V. , Dunsch Lothar
Published: October 2007

Eight new C70(CF3)n derivatives (n=2, 6, 10, 12) have been synthesized and characterized by UV/Vis and 19F NMR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and quantum chemical calculations at the DFT level of theory. Nine previously known derivatives of C70(CF3)n with n=2–12 were also studied by cyclic voltammetry (and seven of them by UV/Vis spectroscopy for the first time). Most of the 17 compounds exhibited two or three reversible reductions at scan rates from 20 mV s−1 up to 5.0 V s−1. In general, reduction potentials for the 0/− couple are shifted anodically relative to the C700/− couple. However, the 0/− E1/2 values for a given composition are strongly dependent on the addition pattern of the CF3 groups. The data show that the addition pattern is as important, if not more important in some cases, than the number of substituents, n, in determining E1/2 values. An analysis of the DFT‐predicted LUMOs indicates that addition patterns that have non‐terminal double bonds in pentagons result in derivatives that are strong electron acceptors.
Asymmetric Iodocyclization Catalyzed by Salen–CrIIICl: Its Synthetic Application to Swainsonine
Authors: Kwon Hyo Young , Park Chul Min , Lee Sung Bae , Youn Joo‐Hack , Kang Sung Ho
Published: October 2007

The previously developed enantioselective iodocyclization of γ‐hydroxy‐cis‐alkenes required 30 mol % of (R,R)‐salen–CoII complex as chiral catalyst and 0.75 equivalent of N‐chlorosuccinimide (NCS) as activator to produce 2‐substituted tetrahydrofurans with 61 to 90 % ee. Due to the considerable loading amount of the CoII complex, another more effective catalyst was pursued by screening (R,R)‐salen–transition metal complexes. When 10 mol % of the catalysts were applied with 0.5 equivalent of NCS, a higher level of stereoselectivity was attained with the corresponding CrIIICl (84 % ee), MnIICl (52 % ee) and CoII complexes (66 % ee). Refinement of the conditions established a novel catalytic enantioselective iodocyclization protocol using iodine in the presence of 7 mol % of (R,R)‐salen–CrIIICl complex activated by 0.7 equivalent of NCS in toluene to induce 74 to 93 % ee.
Isomeric Control of Protein Recognition with Amino Acid‐ and Dipeptide‐Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: You Chang‐Cheng , Agasti Sarit S. , Rotello Vincent M.
Published: October 2007

Amino acid and dipeptide‐functionalized gold nanoparticles (NPs) possessing L/D‐leucine and/or L/D‐phenylalanine residues have been constructed in order to target the surfaces of α‐chymotrypsin (ChT) and cytochrome c (CytC). Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was conducted to evaluate the binding thermodynamics and selectivity of these NP–protein interactions. The chirality of the NP end‐groups substantially affects the resultant complex stability, with up to 20‐fold differences seen between particles of identical hydrophobicity, demonstrating that structural information from the ligands can be used to control protein recognition.
Strontium Tetrafluoridoborate and Barium Tetrafluoridoborate.
Authors: Bunic Tina , Tavcar Gasper , Goreshnik Evgeny , Zemva Boris
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
An Efficient Route to Vinylsubstituted Oxadiazoles and Triazoles Using Phenylselanyl Derivatives as Precursor.
Authors: Wang Yu‐Guang , Huang Xian , Wu Yu‐Zhou
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Efficient Regio‐ and Stereoselective Cleavage of Aziridines and Epoxides Using an Ionic Liquid as Reagent and Reaction Medium.
Authors: Ranu Brindaban C. , Adak Laksmikanta , Banerjee Subhash
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A Simple Reduction Method of Azo‐Compounds to Amines Using Fe Powder in the Presence of NH4Cl.
Authors: Mobinikhaledi Akbar , Foroughifar Naser , Jirandehi Hasan Fathinejad
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Behavior of 3(3‐Indolylmethylene)‐5‐aryl‐2(3H)‐furanones as Alkylating Agents: Intra‐ versus Intermolecular Alkylation.
Authors: Abou‐Elmagd Wael S. I.
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Solventless Wittig Olefination with Fluorinated Benzaldehydes.
Authors: Thiemann Thies
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Hybrid Organic‐Inorganic Materials Derived from a Monosilylated Hoveyda‐Type Ligand as Recyclable Diene and Enyne Metathesis Catalysts.
Authors: Elias Xavier , Pleixats Roser , Man Michel Wong Chi , Moreau Joel J. E.
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
[(NHC)Au(I)]‐Catalyzed Formation of Conjugated Enones and Enals: An Experimental and Computational Study.
Authors: Marion Nicolas , Carlqvist Peter , Gealageas Ronan , de Fremont Pierre , Maseras Feliu , Nolan Steven P.
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Alkylation of Active Methylene Compounds with Alcohols Catalyzed by an Iridium Complex.
Authors: Morita Masao , Obora Yasushi , Ishii Yasutaka
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
L‐Proline‐Derived Triamine as a Highly Stereoselective Organocatalyst for Asymmetric Michael Addition of Cyclohexanone to Nitroolefins.
Authors: Chen Haibin , Wang Yu , Wei Siyu , Sun Jian
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of C,N‐Diaryl Nitrones from the Reduction of Nitroarene with Aromatic Aldehydes Promoted by Metallic Samarium.
Authors: Jia Xueshun , Li Dafeng , Huang Qing , Zhu Li , Li Jian
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Preparation and Decarboxylative Rearrangement of (Z)‐Enyne Esters.
Authors: Woo Jacqueline C. S. , Walker Shawn D. , Faul Margaret M.
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Direct Conversion of Aldehydes to Acyl Azides Using tert‐Butyl Hypochlorite.
Authors: Arote Nitin D. , Akamanchi Krishnacharya G.
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Easily Accessible and Highly Tunable Indolyl Phosphine Ligands for Suzuki—Miyaura Coupling of Aryl Chlorides.
Authors: So Chau Ming , Lau Chak Po , Kwong Fuk Yee
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A Practical and Efficient Synthesis of 5′‐Substituted m‐Terphenyls.
Authors: Kehlbeck Joanne D. , Dimise Eric J. , Sparks Sarah M. , Ferrara Skylar , Tanski Joseph M. , Anderson Craig M.
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A New Approach to the Synthesis of Benzylidene Derivatives of 1‐(α‐Aminobenzyl)‐2‐naphthols (Betti Bases), Promising Chiral Inductors.
Authors: Zheltukhin Victor F. , Metlushka Kirill E. , Sadkova Dilyara N. , McKenna Charles E. , Kashemirov Boris A. , Alfonsov Vladimir A.
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydroamination of N‐Allenyl Carbamates.
Authors: Zhang Zhibin , Bender Christopher F. , Widenhoefer Ross A.
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
2‐Aminopyridinium Ions Activate Nitroalkenes Through Hydrogen Bonding.
Authors: Takenaka Norito , Sarangthem Robindro Singh , Seerla Sreehari Kumar
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis and Herbicidal Activities of a Series of Di(aminopyrazolyl) Ketone Derivatives.
Authors: Li Jun‐fei , Zhu You‐quan , Wang Xin , Yang Hua‐zheng
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Phase‐Transfer Catalytic Synthesis and Hypocholesterolemic Activity of Thiazino[3,2‐a]benzimidazole and Its Silicon Analogue.
Authors: Abele E. , Abele R. , Arsenyan P. , Belyakov S. , Veveris M. , Lukevics E.
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Coumarins via Potassium Carbonate Catalyzed Knoevenagel Condensation in 1‐n‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium Bromide Ionic Liquid.
Authors: Valizadeh Hassan , Shockravi Abbas , Gholipur H.
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis and Antimycobacterial Activity of 4‐(5‐Substituted‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)pyridines.
Authors: Navarrete‐Vazquez Gabriel , Molina‐Salinas Gloria , Duarte‐Fajardo Zetel Vahi , Vargas‐Villarreal Javier , Estrada‐Soto Samuel , Gonzalez‐Salazar Francisco , Hernandez‐Nunez Emanuel , Said‐Fernandez Salvador
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.