bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Closer Look at Painted Beehive Front Panels. A Slovenian Phenomenon
Authors: Giesemann Gerhard
Published: April 2010

Ob bogatem raziskovalnem izročilu panjskih končnic so obravnavni elementi, ki so omogočili motivne prilagoditve obliki panjskih končnic (nesorazmerni širina in višina deščice, tj. 30 cm x 12,5 cm). Avtor se ob tem dotakne tudi drugih, že raziskanih vprašanj (vzroki za poslikave, ustvarjalci, izviri in predloge cerkvenih in posvetnih motivov, zgradba upodobitev). Za posvetno motiviko je pomembno vprašanje o presevanju socialne strukture – iz panjskih končnic je mogoče razbrati mizogine podobe, hierarhizacijo poklicev, karikaturo in satiro vsakdanjega življenja, večkrat predstavljenega v živalskih podobah (t. i. »narobe svet«). Prenašanje motivov s predlog je ustvarjalni dosežek poslikovalcev, ki so npr. moralne poante upodobili v značilnih kompozicijah (simetrična dvo- ali tridelna struktura) ali v bolj pomenskem podajanju.
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Beehive front panels have been researched by a number of authors. This study examines motifs that could be adapted to the rather unusual size of beehive panels (disproportionate width and height of the panel measured 30 centimeters by 12, 5 centimeters respectively). Addressed are some additional questions that have already been the topic of research: possible reasons for these paintings, their creators, sources, structure, and religious and secular motifs that served as a model for them. Secular motifs depicted on the panels reflect the social structure of the period in which they originated: misogynist images, professional hierarchy, and satirization of everyday life, often presented through animals (the so-called “topsy-turvy world”). When translating these motifs on beehive panels their crea­tors had to display a large amount of ingenuity. They depicted themes such as moral lessons, for example, in characteristic compositions (symmetrical twopartite or tripartite structure) or by presenting their meaning in a different manner.
Lung CD4−CD8− Double-Negative T Cells Are Prominent Producers of IL-17A and IFN-γ during Primary Respiratory Murine Infection with Francisella tularensis Live Vaccine Strain
Authors: Cowley Siobhán C. , Meierovics Anda I. , Frelinger Jeffrey A. , Iwakura Yoichiro , Elkins Karen L.
Published: April 2010

For several intracellular infections, pulmonary vaccination provides measurably better protection against pulmonary challenge. The unique factors that contribute to pulmonary immune responses are not well characterized. In this study, we show that CD4−CD8− double negative (DN) T cells are a major responding T cell subset in the lungs of mice during pulmonary Francisella tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS) infection. DN T cells were a minor (<2%) subset in spleens and lungs of mice during sublethal intradermal infection with LVS. In contrast, they were a major responding T cell subset in lungs during pulmonary LVS infection, producing large quantities of IFN-γ and IL-17A. The numbers of IL-17A+ DN T cells in the lungs exceeded that of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells on day 7 postinfection; by day 14 postinfection, all three IL-17A–producing T cell subsets were present in equivalent numbers. CD4+, CD8+, and DN T cell production of IL-17A was not observed in the spleens of pulmonary-infected mice or the lungs and spleens of intradermally infected mice. Correspondingly, IL-17A knockout mice were more susceptible to respiratory than intradermal LVS infection, with delayed clearance 1–3 wk postinfection. Finally, in vitro treatment of LVS-infected macrophages and alveolar type II epithelial cells with IFN-γ and IL-17A affected significantly greater LVS growth control than treatment with either cytokine alone. The data presented in this study demonstrate that DN cells contribute to production of IL-17A and IFN-γ in the lungs during inhalational Francisella infection and that these cytokines additively activate host cells to control LVS intracellular growth.
Regeneration of Bone- and Tendon/Ligament-Like Tissues Induced by Gene Transfer of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-12 in a Rat Bone Defect
Authors: Kuroda Shinji , Goto Nobuhiro , Suzuki Michiko , Kaneda Kazutaka , Ohya Keiichi , Shimokawa Hitoyata , Kasugai Shohei
Published: April 2010

Members of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family have diverse physiological roles. For instance, BMP-2 stimulates osteogenesis, while BMP-12 induces the formation of tendon/ligament-like tissues. Here, we designed a study to determine whether BMP-12 has bone and/or cartilage regeneration abilities similar to those of BMP-2. We implanted plasmid vectors encoding either BMP-2 or BMP-12 in rats with femur defects, and monitored the bone healing process for 8-weeks. The BMP-12 transgene induced prominent fibrogenesis by 2 weeks, with bone substitution occurring by 8 weeks. BMP-2, however, was associated predominantly with osteogenesis throughout the 8 week period. Thus, we conclude that BMP-12 does not function similarly to BMP-2 during bone healing. Further work is needed to better understand the mechanisms by which it stimulates bony growths to replace the connective tissues formed during the first stages of bone healing.
Protein Biotinylation
Authors: Elia Giuliano
Published: April 2010

Since its discovery in the first half of the twentieth century, the high‐affinity, noncovalent interaction between biotin (vitamin H) and the avian protein avidin (and its bacterial homologs) has been exploited for many diverse biotechnology applications. This unit provides several basic protocols for labeling various protein reactive groups with biotin. These protocols can be applied not only to labeling in vitro or in tissue culture, but also to in vivo labeling of whole laboratory animals or to ex vivo labeling of surgically resected organs.Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 60:3.6.1‐3.6.21. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Acrylonitrile
Authors: Bradzil James F.
Published: April 2010

Acrylonitrile (also called acrylic acid nitrile, propylene nitrile, vinyl cyanide, and propenoic acid nitrile) is among the top 50 chemicals produced in the United States. It is used as a starting material for a wide range of chemical and polymer products. Acrylonitrile is an unsaturated molecule having a carbon‐carbon double bond conjugated with a nitrile group. It is miscible in a wide range or organic solvents, eg, acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, etc. Acrylonitrile is produced commercially almost exclusively by the vapor‐phase catalytic propylene ammoxidation process. Interest in the use of propane as the feedstock is increasing because of the high cost of propylene. Acrylonitrile undergoes a wide range of reactions at its two chemically active sites, the nitrile group and the carbon‐carbon double bond. Acrylontirile is highly toxic . It will polymerize violently in the absence of oxygen if initiated by heat, light pressure, peroxides or strong acids and bases. The principal uses of acrylonitrile are in the production of acrylic fiber, acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) resins, adiponitrile, nitrile rubbers, elastomers, styrene‐acrylonitrile resins (SAN), acrylamide, and polyacryonitrile
Ammonia
Authors: Eggeman Tim
Published: April 2010

Ammonia is a colorless gas, lighter than air and has a unique penetrating odor. it occur naturally throughout the universe. This article lists the important properties of ammonia and discusses its manufacture. Ammonia is produced by the steam reforming of methane. This process is discussed in detail along with other routes. Current technology from Udhe and KBR are touched on. Ammonia is a world‐class commodity. U.S. and world production data are given. Ammonia produced by steam reforming is relatively clean, but ammonia produced from heavy feedstocks can cause environmental problems. Ammonia is a strong local irritant. The largest use for ammonia is in the production of fertilizer. It is also used to produce chemicals such as caprolactam, acrylontirile, urea, and hydrogen cyanide.
Rhenium and Rhenium Compounds
Authors: Millensifer Tom A.
Published: April 2010

Rhenium remains one of the least abundant elements, existing in nature only in trace amounts. The major commercial source of rhenium is still molybdenite as a by‐ or coproduct of porphyry copper ores but also in the sediment‐hosted copper ores of Dzhezkazgan where the mineral was designated Dzhezkazganite after the name of the area. In the past three years, production has begun from similar copper deposits in Poland. Rhenium oxides are released during the roasting of the molybdenite or processing of the copper ores and captured by wet scrubbing followed by chemical processing of the scrub liquors to recover the rhenium as ammonium perrhenate, which then can be reduced to pure metal or converted to other rhenium chemicals.

The metal has many high temperature uses as a pure metal or as an alloy with the elements of molybdenum, tungsten, and nickel. Those uses include filaments in bulbs and mass spectrometers, in thermocouples, and in heating elements. Ammonium perrhenate and perrhenic acid are both used to produce petroleum and petrochemical catalysts. The greatest use today is in the production of rhenium bearing nickel‐based alloys for the production of aircraft and land‐based gas turbine blades to improve the heat resistance of those blades. The use has grown to the point of creating a deficit in availability. Consumption has exceeded production, causing an increase in price from the $1100/kg range a few years ago to as much as $1l,000/kg in early 2009. However, recovery from super alloy scrap and other recycling, as well as gas turbine engine makers reducing the level of rhenium in certain areas of the engines and eliminating it in others, has caused the price to fall back to the $6500/kg range.

Rhenium forms a wide variety of compounds in oxidation states from −1 to +7. High oxidation state compounds are the most common, whereas the lower oxidation states are primarily metal carbonyls and derivatives. Polynuclear compounds that have strong metal‐metal bonds are plentiful.

Very little is know about the toxicity of rhenium or its compounds primarily because they are available and are used in significantly smaller quantities than most other materials of commerce. There seems to be significant information available on the Internet concerning the experimental use of a radioactive isotope of rhenium, Re 186 HEDP (1,1 hydroxyethylidene diphosphate) to aid in the reduction of bone pain resulting from metastatic cancer.
Nanocomposites for Food Packaging
Authors: Sanchez‐Garcia M. D. , Lagaron J. M.
Published: April 2010

Nanoscale structures display a high‐surface‐to‐volume ratio, which becomes ideal for applications that involve composite materials, chemical reactions, drug delivery, controlled and immediate release of substances in active and functional packaging technologies and in energy storage. Companies are developing packaging materials based on nanotechnologies and claim to extend the shelf life of food and drinks. Information on the barrier technologies that have been developed for improving properties of thermoplastic materials is given. Most applications of nanocomposites in plastics have made use of laminar clays and in some cases, carbon nanotubes.
Structural Analysis of Hydroxylamines, Oximes and Hydroxamic Acids: Trends and Patterns
Authors: Politzer Peter , Murray Jane S.
Published: April 2010

Introduction

Gas Phase Structures

Crystal Phase Structures

Acknowledgment
ElectrophilicC‐Amination withO‐Substituted Hydroxylamines, Oximes andO‐Substituted Oximes
Authors: Erdik Ender
Published: April 2010

Introduction

ElectrophilicC‐Amination withO‐Substituted Hydroxylamines

ElectrophilicC‐Amination with Oximes andO‐Substituted Oximes

Overview and Concluding Remarks

Acknowledgements
Deposition of Functionalized Cr7Ni Molecular Rings on Graphite from the Liquid Phase
Authors: Ghirri Alberto , Corradini Valdis , Cervetti Christian , Candini Andrea , del Pennino Umberto , Timco Grigore , Pritchard Robin J. , Muryn Christopher A. , Winpenny Richard E. P. , Affronte Marco
Published: April 2010

Graphite is a clean substrate and its nanostructures hold great potential for applications. Anchoring large molecules on graphite represents a challenge for several reasons that essentially rise from the planar bonds of the packed honeycomb structure of carbon. Here, a systematic investigation by AFM and XPS on different derivatives of molecular Cr7Ni rings deposited on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) is reported. Cr7Ni is emerging as a prototipical example of molecular antiferromagnet on which quantum phenomena and coherence have been demonstrated. For the deposition of Cr7Ni on HOPG, two strategies are adopted: 1) Cr7Ni rings are functionalized with extended alkyl/benzene terminations and 2) a self‐assembled monolayer of alkyl chains with sulfonate terminations is deposited and then a cationic Cr7Ni derivative is used. In both cases the electronic bond with the carbon surface is soft, but the two‐step procedure is efficient, albeit indirect, in sticking molecular Cr7Ni on HOPG. These strategies can be easily extended to deposit other complex molecular aggregates on graphite from the liquid phase.
Digit ratio (2D:4D), sex differences, allometry, and finger length of 12–30‐year olds: Evidence from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) internet study
Authors: Manning John T.
Published: April 2010

Many studies have reported digit ratio (2D:4D) to be sexually dimorphic, (males lower 2D:4D than females). However, Kratochvíl and Flegr ([ 2009]: Biol Lett 5:643‐646) have suggested that 2D regressed on 4D has an allometric regression line with nonzero Y‐intercept that is shared by males and females. Thus, 2D is shorter than expected when 4D is long, and males have lower 2D:4D than females because they have longer fingers. In this study, it is shown that this suggestion may be incorrect because sex differences in slope were not considered. Participants were recruited in an Internet study and had an age range of 12–30 years. The expected sex difference in 2D:4D was found, and the regression of 2D on 4D showed a significant sex difference in slope (males lower than females). A comparison of 10 age groups (12 years, 13 years…, 21–30 years) showed that sexual dimorphism for fingers was age dependent, varying from monomorphic to very dimorphic. Changes in sexual dimorphism of 2D:4D were much less marked, but there was a significant reduction in mean 2D:4D with age. The tendency for slopes of 2D regressed on 4D to be lower in males compared with females was significant in eight age groups. Sex difference in 2D:4D varied across the age groups and was positively related to the magnitude of the difference in female and male slopes. In contrast to the report of Kratochvíl and Flegr, it was found that the regression of 2D on 4D showed sex differences in slope, and such differences gave rise to the sexual dimorphism in 2D:4D. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 22:604–608, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altered inflammatory responses in preterm children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Lin Chang‐Yi , Chang Ying‐Chao , Wang Shan‐Tair , Lee Ting‐Yang , Lin Chiou‐Feng , Huang Chao‐Ching
Published: April 2010

Objective

Perinatal inflammatory responses contribute to periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and cerebral palsy (CP) in preterm infants. Here, we examined whether preterm children with CP had altered inflammatory responses when school‐aged.

Methods

Thirty‐two preterm children with PVL‐induced CP (mean [±standard deviation] age, 7.2 ± 3.6 years) and 32 control preterm children with normal neurodevelopment (6.2 ± 2.2 years) and matched for gestational age were recruited. We measured tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α levels in the plasma and the supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) before and after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, and proinflammatory gene expression in the PBMCs.

Results

TNF‐α expression was significantly higher in the plasma (p< 0.001) and supernatants of LPS‐stimulated PBMCs (p= 0.003) in the CP group than in the control group. After LPS stimulation, the intracellular TNF‐α level in the PBMCs was significantly lower in the control group (p= 0.016) and significantly higher in the CP group (p= 0.01). The CP group also had, in their nonstimulated PBMCs, significantly higher mRNA levels of inflammatory molecules: toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4) (p= 0.0023), TNF‐α (p= 0.0016), transforming growth factor‐β–activated kinase 1 (p= 0.038), IκB kinase‐γ (p= 0.029), and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (p= 0.045). The TLR‐4 mRNA levels in the PBMCs were highly correlated with TNF‐α levels in LPS‐stimulated PBMCs (Spearman rank correlation = 0.38,p= 0.03).

Interpretation

The finding that preterm children with PVL‐induced CP have altered inflammatory responses indicates the possibility of programming effect of PVL or inflammation‐related events during early life. ANN NEUROL 2010;68:204–212
Coagulopathy and embolic signal in cancer patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Seok Jin Myoung , Kim Seon Gyeong , Kim Ji Won , Chung Chin‐Sang , Kim Gyeong‐Moon , Lee Kwang Ho , Bang Oh Young
Published: April 2010

Objective

It has been reported that embolic signal (ES) detected by transcranial Doppler (TCD) has clinical significance, especially in patients with recent stroke attributable to arterial or cardiac embolism. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine whether the prevalence of ES is high in ischemic stroke patients with cancer and related to hypercoagulopathy.

Methods

We prospectively studied cancer patients with acute ischemic stroke within the middle cerebral artery (MCA) distribution on diffusion‐weighted imaging. Conventional stroke mechanisms (CSMs) were determined using cardiologic and vascular studies. Additionally, the coagulation status was assessed based on the serum D‐dimer levels, and TCD monitoring was performed on both MCAs for 30 minutes to detect ES. Clinical features including vascular risk factors, characteristics of ischemic stroke, and cancer and laboratory findings associated with the presence of ES were evaluated.

Results

A total of 74 patients were finally included in this study. ES was more commonly observed in patients without CSMs (22 of 38 patients, 57.9%) than in those with CSMs (12 of 36 patients, 33.3%) (p = 0.034). Moreover, ES was more commonly detected in patients with high D‐dimer levels (p < 0.001), and D‐dimer levels were significantly correlated with the number of ESs in patients without CSMs (r = 0.732, p < 0.001), but were poorly correlated in patients with CSMs (r = 0.152, p = 0.375). Higher levels of D‐dimer (odds ratio [OR], 1.082 per 1μg/ml increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.014–1.154) and adenocarcinoma (OR, 3.829; 95% CI, 1.23–13.052) were independently associated with the presence of ES. The use of anticoagulants dramatically decreased the D‐dimer levels.

Interpretation

A high prevalence of ES was observed in cancer patients with ischemic stroke, especially in those without CSMs. Elevated D‐dimer levels were independently associated with ES, and decreased dramatically with the use of anticoagulants. ANN NEUROL 2010;68:213–219
Multiple sclerosis and viruses
Authors: Brahic Michel
Published: April 2010

Discussing the problem of multiple sclerosis and viruses should not be limited to reviewing the epidemiological evidence in favor, or against, a particular candidate, such as Epstein‐Barr virus or human herpes virus 6. In this text, I discuss the difficulty of going from association to causation in human epidemiology; the fact that viruses can trigger or prevent autoimmunity; the problem of our very limited knowledge of the viruses that we harbor as part of our metagenome; and the role of such viral flora in multifactorial diseases and also, possibly, in health. ANN NEUROL 2010;68:6–8
Problem‐based learning in regional anatomy education at Peking University
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Weiguang , Qin Lihua , Zhao Jing , Zhang Shuyong , Gu Jin , Zhou Changman
Published: April 2010

Problem‐based learning (PBL) has been introduced to medical schools around the world and has increasingly become a popular pedagogical technique in Asian countries since 1990. Gross anatomy is a fundamental basic science course in virtually all medical training programs, and the methods used to teach it are under frequent scrutiny and revision. Students often struggle with the vast collection of new terms and complex relationships between structures that they must learn. To help students with this process, our department teaches separate systemic and regional anatomy courses, the latter in a PBL format. After three years of using PBL in our regional anatomy course, we have worked out a set of effective instructions that we would like to share with other medical schools. We report here evidence that our clinical PBL approach stimulates students' interest in learning and enhances anatomy education in a way that can foster better practices in our future medical work force. Anat Sci Educ. © 2010 American Association of Anatomists.
Expression and purification of the membrane protein p7 from hepatitis C virus
Authors: Cook Gabriel A. , Stefer Susanne , Opella Stanley J.
Published: April 2010

A small 63‐residue membrane protein, p7, has essential roles in the infectivity of the hepatitis C virus in humans. This hydrophobic membrane protein forms homo‐oligomeric ion channels in bilayers, which can be blocked by known channel‐blocking compounds. To perform structural studies of p7 by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, it is necessary to produce milligram quantities of isotopically labeled protein; as is the case for most membrane‐associated proteins, this is challenging. We describe the successful expression of full‐length p7 and two truncated constructs in Escherichia coli using a fusion partner that directs the overexpressed protein to inclusion bodies. Following isolation of the fusion proteins by affinity chromatography, they were chemically cleaved with cyanogen bromide. The p7‐polypeptides were purified by size‐exclusion chromatography. Solution NMR two‐dimensional heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectra of uniformly 15N‐labeled p7‐polypeptides in 1,2‐dihexyl‐1‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine isotropic micelles are fully resolved, with a single resonance for each amide site. The solid‐state NMR spectra of the same polypeptides in magnetically aligned 14‐O‐PC/6‐O‐PC bicelles demonstrate their reconstitution into planar phospholipid bilayers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 96: 32–40, 2011.
Mixed‐mode solid‐phase extraction for sample cleanup in hair analysis for methadone and its main metabolite
Authors: Barroso M. , Dias M. , Vieira D. N. , López‐Rivadulla M. , Queiroz J. A.
Published: April 2010

A simple and rapid method for the determination of methadone and its main metabolite EDDP in hair has been developed and validated. The analytes were completely extracted from the matrix after a short alkaline incubation, and the extracts were further cleaned up by solid‐phase extraction using mixed‐mode cartridges. Linearity was obtained from 0.1 (lower limit of quantitation, LLOQ) to 30 ng/mg for both compounds, with correlation coefficients higher than 0.99. Intra‐ and interday precision and accuracy were in conformity with internationally accepted guidelines for bioanalytical method validation, and the cleanup procedure presented mean extraction efficiencies higher than 90% for both analytes. This high efficiency greatly contributed to the low limits of quantitation achieved, and therefore this method can be successfully applied in the determination of methadone and EDDP in hair samples in clinical and forensic scenarios where these compounds are involved. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Essential Oil Variation among Natural Populations of Lavandula multifida L. (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Chograni Hnia , Zaouali Yosr , Rajeb Chayma , Boussaid Mohamed
Published: April 2010

Volatiles from twelve wild Tunisian populations of Lavandula multifida L. growing in different bioclimatic zones were assessed by GC (RI) and GC/MS. Thirty‐six constituents, representing 83.48% of the total oil were identified. The major components at the species level were carvacrol (31.81%), β‐bisabolene (14.89%), and acrylic acid dodecyl ester (11.43%). These volatiles, together with α‐pinene, were also the main compounds discriminating the populations. According to these dominant compounds, one chemotype was revealed, a carvacrol/β‐bisabolene/acrylic acid dodecyl ester chemotype. However, a significant variation among the populations was observed for the majority of the constituents.

A high chemical‐population structure, estimated both by principal component analysis (PCA) and unweighted pair group method with averaging (UPGMA) cluster analysis based on Euclidean distances, was observed. Both methods allowed separation of the populations in three groups defined rather by minor than by major compounds. The population groups were not strictly concordant with their bioclimatic or geographic location.

Conservation strategies should concern all populations, because of their low size and their high level of destruction. Populations exhibiting particular compounds other than the major ones should be protected first.
The Intrasectional Chemotaxonomic Placement of Hypericum elegansStephan ex Willd. Inferred from the Essential‐Oil Chemical Composition
Authors: Radulović Niko S. , Ðorðević Aleksandra S. , Palić Radosav M.
Published: April 2010

Here we report, for the first time, the results of detailed GC and GC/MS analyses of the essential oil of a rare taxon in Serbia, Hypericum elegans Stephan ex Willd. One hundred and sixty two constituents identified accounted for 98.6% of the oil. The major components of the oil were undecane (31.9%), α‐pinene (16.7%), nonane (6.1%), bicyclogermacrene (5.8%), 2‐methyloctane (3.7%), and germacrene D (3.6%). Non‐terpenoids as chemotaxonomic markers constituted the main fraction of H. elegans oil, whereby n‐alkanes were the most abundant contributors of this fraction. Based on these results and previously published ones, we performed an intrasectional multivariate statistical comparison of corresponding essential‐oil chemical compositions. Principal component analysis (PCA) and agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) of the data on the volatile profiles of section Hypericum taxa revealed that H. elegans either represents an oil chemotype of its own (AHC) or could be considered related to H. perforatum (PCA).
Mechanistic Studies on Hydrocyanation Reactions
Authors: Bini Laura , Müller Christian , Vogt Dieter
Published: April 2010

This Review summarizes the state of the art in transition metal‐catalyzed alkene hydrocyanation with special emphasis on mechanistic studies. Due to its importance for the DuPont adiponitrile process, most of the literature deals with the nickel‐catalyzed hydrocyanation. Ligand electronic and steric effects, as well as the bite angle of chelating ligands, play a dominant role for the catalyst performance. The ligand properties have a major effect on the catalyst stability and on the rate limiting step—the reductive elimination of the products. The DuPont process, comprises three separate steps: a) the hydrocyanation of 1,3‐butadiene and other conjugated dienes, b) the isomerization of 2‐methyl‐3‐butenenitrile to 3‐pentenenitrile, and c) the hydrocyanation of 3‐pentenenitrile and other monoalkenes. Existing knowledge of these steps is summarized and elucidated. For the latter reactions, Lewis acid cocatalysts are imperative, and their influence on the regioselectivity and the catalyst performance will be discussed. Asymmetric alkene hydrocyanation has attracted considerable interest recently and is covered from a mechanistic viewpoint. Finally, a short account is given on other metals applied in alkene hydrocyanation. More detailed mechanistic understanding is still required for the improvement of catalyst performance and to develop this reaction to its full potential in organic synthesis.
Tandem β‐Boration/Arylation of α,β‐Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds by Using a Single Palladium Complex To Catalyse Both Steps
Authors: Bonet Amadeu , Gulyás Henrik , Koshevoy Igor O. , Estevan Francisco , Sanaú Mercedes , Úbeda M. Angeles , Fernández Elena
Published: April 2010

Diphenyl(3‐methyl‐2‐indolyl)phosphine (C9H8NPPh2, 1) gives stable dimeric palladium(II) complexes that contain the phosphine in P,N‐bridging coordination mode. On treating 1 with [Pd(O2CCH3)2], the new complexes [Pd(μ‐C9H7NPPh2)(NCCH3)]2 (2) or [Pd(μ‐C9H7NPPh2)(μ‐O2CCH3)]2 (3) were isolated, depending on the solvent used, acetonitrile or toluene, respectively. Further reaction of 3 with the ammonium salt of 1 led to the substitution of one carboxylate ligand to afford [Pd(μ‐C9H7NPPh2)3(μ‐O2CCH3)] (4), in which the bimetallic unit is bonded by three C9H7NPPh2− moieties and one carboxylate group. Using this methodology, [Pd2(μ‐C6H4PPh2)2(μ‐C9H7NPPh2)(μ‐O2CCX3)] (X=H (7); X=F (8)) were synthesised from the ortho‐metalated compounds [Pd(C6H4PPh2)(μ‐O2CCX3)]2 (X=H (5); X=F (6)). Complexes 3, 4, 7, and 8 have been found to be active in the catalytic β‐boration of α,β‐unsaturated esters and ketones under mild reaction conditions. Hindrance of the carbonyl moiety has an influence on the reaction rate, but quantitative conversion was achieved in many cases. More remarkably, when aryl bromides were added to the reaction media, complex 7 induced a highly successful consecutive β‐boration/cross‐coupling reaction with dimethyl acrylamide as the substrate (99 % conversion, 89 % isolated yield).
Lignin Chemistry: Biosynthetic Study and Structural Characterisation of Coniferyl Alcohol Oligomers Formed In Vitro in a Micellar Environment
Authors: Reale Samantha , Attanasio Francesca , Spreti Nicoletta , De Angelis Francesco
Published: April 2010

Model coniferyl alcohol lignin (the so‐called dehydrogenative polymerisate, DHP) was produced in water under homogeneous conditions guaranteed by the presence of a micellised cationic surfactant. A complete study of the activity of the enzymatic system peroxidase/H2O2 under our reaction conditions was reported and all the reaction products up to the pentamer were characterised by 1H NMR spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry. Our system, and the molecules that have been generated in it, represent a closer mimicry of the natural microenvironment since an enzyme, under micellar conditions, reproduces the cell system better than in buffer alone. On the basis of the oligomers structures a new biosynthetic perspective was proposed that focused attention on a coniferyl alcohol dimeric quinone methide as the key intermediate of the reaction. A formal, strictly alternate sequence of a radical and an ionic step underlines the reaction, thus generating ordered oligolignols structures. Alternatively to other model lignins, our olignols present a lower degree of radical coupling between oligomeric units. This offers a closer biosynthetic situation to the observation of a low rate of radical generation in the cell wall.
Removal of the Alphazurine FG Dye from Simulated Solution by Electrocoagulation
Authors: Olad Ali , Amani‐Ghadim Ali Reza , Dorraji Mir Saeed Seyed , Rasoulifard Mohammad Hosein
Published: April 2010

The removal of Alphazurine FG (AF) dye from water by an electrocoagulation process has been studied. The effect of some operational parameters, such as anode material, current density, initial dye concentration, pH of solution, conductivity, and inter‐electrode distance, on the removal efficiency was investigated. Iron and aluminum were used as anodes in the electrocoagulation cell. It was found that the efficiency of the iron anode was better than that of the aluminum anode for AF removal. The factors that affected the removal efficiency were the current density and the initial dye concentration. The removal efficiency increased from about 35% at 25 A m–2 to about 97% at 100 A m–2, during 4 min of electrocoagulation. The results exhibited pseudo‐first‐order kinetics for AF removal by electrocoagulation. In addition, a mathematical model was successfully established for predicting the removal efficiency. A comparison between the model results and experimental data gave a high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.9925), which indicates that the model is able to predict the removal efficiency of AF.
Malachite Green Adsorption onto Chitosan Coated Bentonite Beads: Isotherms, Kinetics and Mechanism
Authors: Wan Ngah Wan Saime , Ariff Noorul Farhana Md , Hashim Azhan , Hanafiah Megat Ahmad Kamal Megat
Published: April 2010

The removal of Malachite green (MG) from aqueous solutions by cross‐linked chitosan coated bentonite (CCB) beads was investigated and the CCB beads were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Solubility and swelling tests were performed in order to determine the stability of the CCB beads in acidic solution, basic solution and distilled water. The amount of MG adsorbed was shown to be influenced by the initial pH of the solution, contact time and the initial MG concentration. A kinetic study indicated that a pseudo‐second‐order model agreed well with the experimental data. From the Langmuir isotherm model, the maximum adsorption capacity of MG was found to be 435.0 mg g–1. Desorption tests were carried out at different concentrations of EDTA, H2SO4 and NaOH. However, all desorbing solutions showed zero recovery of MG at all concentrations.
Bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone as induction therapy for patients with symptomatic multiple myeloma
Authors: Kaufman Jonathan L. , Nooka Ajay , Vrana Mark , Gleason Charise , Heffner L. Thompson , Lonial Sagar
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

This single‐center retrospective study determined the efficacy of bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (BTD) as induction for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who were eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT).

METHODS:

Patients with symptomatic MM who had received BTD induction before stem cell collection at Winship Cancer Institute were included. BTD induction comprised up to 8 3‐week cycles of bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11; thalidomide 100 mg daily; and dexamethasone 40 mg on Days 1 through 4 and Days 9 through 12. Stem cell mobilization involved granulocyte‐colony–stimulating factor and/or cyclophosphamide. Response was assessed according to European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation criteria.

RESULTS:

Review of medical records identified 44 eligible patients (34 patients who were treated in the front‐line setting and 10 patients who were treated for recurrent disease) who received a median of 4 BTD cycles. The overall response rate (ORR) was 91%, which included a greater than or equal to very good partial response (≥VGPR) rate of 57% (including 20% stringent complete responses/complete response [sCR/CR] rate). In front‐line patients, the ORR was 94%, which included a 56% ≥VGPR rate (24% sCR/CR). The median CD34‐positive stem cell collection was 10.67 × 106/kg. The ORR after ASCT in 34 patients who were evaluable for response was 100%, including a 76% ≥VGPR rate (53% sCR/CR). Among all 44 patients, the median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 27.4 months. The median overall survival (OS) was not reached after a median follow‐up of 25 months, and the 2‐year OS rate was 82%. There were no significant differences in PFS (27.4 months vs 23.5 months) or in 2‐year survival (80% vs 90%) between patients who did and did not undergo ASCT, respectively. Twenty patients (45%) developed neuropathy, including 4 (9%) with grade 3 neuropathy episodes, and 1 patient developed deep vein thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

BTD was highly effective and well tolerated as induction for MM patients who were eligible for ASCT. Long‐term outcomes appeared to be similar with or without ASCT consolidation. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
The dusp1 immediate early gene is regulated by natural stimuli predominantly in sensory input neurons
Authors: Horita Haruhito , Wada Kazuhiro , Rivas Miriam V. , Hara Erina , Jarvis Erich D.
Published: April 2010

Many immediate early genes (IEGs) have activity‐dependent induction in a subset of brain subdivisions or neuron types. However, none have been reported yet with regulation specific to thalamic‐recipient sensory neurons of the telencephalon or in the thalamic sensory input neurons themselves. Here, we report the first such gene, dual specificity phosphatase 1 (dusp1). Dusp1 is an inactivator of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and MAPK activates expression of egr1, one of the most commonly studied IEGs, as determined in cultured cells. We found that in the brain of naturally behaving songbirds and other avian species, hearing song, seeing visual stimuli, or performing motor behavior caused high dusp1 upregulation, respectively, in auditory, visual, and somatosensory input cell populations of the thalamus and thalamic‐recipient sensory neurons of the telencephalic pallium, whereas high egr1 upregulation occurred only in subsequently connected secondary and tertiary sensory neuronal populations of these same pathways. Motor behavior did not induce high levels of dusp1 expression in the motor‐associated areas adjacent to song nuclei, where egr1 is upregulated in response to movement. Our analysis of dusp1 expression in mouse brain suggests similar regulation in the sensory input neurons of the thalamus and thalamic‐recipient layer IV and VI neurons of the cortex. These findings suggest that dusp1 has specialized regulation to sensory input neurons of the thalamus and telencephalon; they further suggest that this regulation may serve to attenuate stimulus‐induced expression of egr1 and other IEGs, leading to unique molecular properties of forebrain sensory input neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:2873–2901, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coexpression of VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 in trigeminothalamic projection neurons in the principal sensory trigeminal nucleus of the rat
Authors: Ge Shun‐Nan , Ma Yun‐Fei , Hioki Hiroyuki , Wei Yan‐Yan , Kaneko Takeshi , Mizuno Noboru , Gao Guo‐Dong , Li Jin‐Lian
Published: April 2010

VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 have been reported to show complementary distributions in most brain regions and have been assumed to define distinct functional elements. In the present study, we first investigated the expression of VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 in the trigeminal sensory nuclear complex of the rat by dual‐fluorescence in situ hybridization. Although VGLUT1 and/or VGLUT2 mRNA signals were detected in all the nuclei, colocalization was found only in the principal sensory trigeminal nucleus (Vp). About 64% of glutamatergic Vp neurons coexpressed VGLUT1 and VGLUT2, and the others expressed either VGLUT1 or VGLUT2, indicating that Vp neurons might be divided into three groups. We then injected retrograde tracer into the thalamic regions, including the posteromedial ventral nucleus (VPM) and posterior nuclei (Po), and observed that the majority of both VGLUT1‐ and VGLUT2‐expressing Vp neurons were retrogradely labeled with the tracer. We further performed anterograde labeling of Vp neurons and observed immunoreactivies for anterograde tracer, VGLUT1, and VGLUT2 in the VPM and Po. Most anterogradely labeled axon terminals showed immunoreactivities for both VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 in the VPM and made asymmetric synapses with dendritic profiles of VPM neurons. On the other hand, in the Po, only a few axon terminals were labeled with anterograde tracer, and they were positive only for VGLUT2. The results indicated that Vp neurons expressing VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 project to the VPM, but not to the Po, although the functional differences of three distinct populations of Vp neurons, VGLUT1‐, VGLUT2‐, and VGLUT1/VGLUT2‐expressing ones, remain unsettled. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:3149–3168, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Corticosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone have opposing effects on adult neuroplasticity in the avian song control system
Authors: Newman Amy E.M. , MacDougall‐Shackleton Scott A. , An Yong‐Seok , Kriengwatana Buddhamas , Soma Kiran K.
Published: April 2010

Chronic elevations in glucocorticoids can decrease the production and survival of new cells in the adult brain. In rat hippocampus, supraphysiological doses of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; a sex steroid precursor synthesized in the gonads, adrenals, and brain) have antiglucocorticoid properties. With male song sparrows (Melospiza melodia), we examined the effects of physiological doses of corticosterone, the primary circulating glucocorticoid in birds, and DHEA on adult neuroplasticity. We treated four groups of nonbreeding sparrows for 28 days with empty (control), corticosterone, DHEA, or corticosterone + DHEA implants. Subjects were injected with BrdU on days 3 and 4. In HVC, a critical song control nucleus, corticosterone and DHEA had independent, additive effects. Corticosterone decreased, whereas DHEA increased, HVC volume, NeuN+ cell number, and BrdU+ cell number. Coadministration of DHEA completely reversed the neurodegenerative effects of chronic corticosterone treatment. In an efferent target of HVC, the robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA), DHEA increased RA volume, but this effect was blocked by coadministration of corticosterone. There were similar antagonistic interactions between corticosterone and DHEA on BrdU+ cell number in the hippocampus and ventricular zone. This is the first report on the effects of corticosterone treatment on the adult song control circuit, and HVC was the most corticosterone‐sensitive song nucleus examined. In HVC, DHEA is neuroprotective and counteracts several pronounced effects of corticosterone. Within brain regions that are particularly vulnerable to corticosterone, such as the songbird HVC and rat hippocampus, DHEA appears to be a potent native antiglucocorticoid. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:3662–3678, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural, Compositional and Electrochemical Characterization of Pt–Co Oxygen‐Reduction Catalysts
Authors: Axnanda S. , Cummins K. D. , He T. , Goodman D. W. , Soriaga M. P.
Published: April 2010

Pt–Co thin‐film electrocatalysts have been characterized using low‐energy ion‐scattering spectroscopy (LEISS), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), low‐energy electron diffraction (LEED), temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD) and electrochemistry (EC). For comparative purposes, LEISS and EC were also carried out on a bulk Pt3Co(111) single crystal. The extensive experimental work resulted in the establishment of the surface phase diagram of the alloy film marked by a substantial divergence between the composition at the interface and that in the interior. When a dual‐layer deposit of Pt and Co was annealed at high temperatures, alloy formation transpired in which the outermost layer became single‐crystalline and enriched in Pt. The preferential surface segregation of Pt, however, was not sufficient to generate a platinum‐only overlayer or “skin”. Invariably, Co was found to co‐exist with Pt, independent of the substrate [Mo(110) or Ru(0001)] employed; Pt3Co was the most favored composition. The same result, the absence of a Pt skin, was likewise indicated at the post‐thermally‐annealed surface of the bulk Pt3Co(111) monocrystal. For alloy‐film surfaces more enriched in Pt than Pt3Co, the topmost layer was constituted primarily, but not exclusively, of Pt(111) domains. The proclivities of the alloys towards enhanced catalysis of the oxygen‐reduction reaction were assessed in terms of their voltage efficiencies, as manifested by the open‐circuit potential (OCP) in O2‐saturated sulfuric acid electrolyte. The Pt3Co surface, whether from the thin film or the bulk single crystal, exhibited the highest OCP, a significant improvement over pure Pt but still appreciably lower than the thermodynamic limit. The degradation of the Pt3Co thin‐film surface was predominantly due to Co corrosion. A minimal amount was spontaneously dissolved upon simple immersion in solution; slightly higher dissolution occurred at potentials above the OCP. The fraction that was not immediately corroded proved to be stable even after prolonged periods at potentials more positive than the OCP.
Properties of Ionic Liquid Confined in Porous Silica Matrix
Authors: Singh Manish Pratap , Singh Rajendra Kumar , Chandra Suresh
Published: April 2010

Porous silica matrices of different pore sizes with confined ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate) [BMIM] [PF6] were prepared by sol‐gel technique using a tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) precursor with an aim to study the changes in physico‐chemical properties of ionic liquid on confinement. It is found that on confinement 1) melting point decreases, 2) fluorescence spectra shows a red shift and 3) the vibrational bands are affected particularly those of imadazolium ring, which interacts more with the walls of the silica matrix. Preliminary theoretical calculations suggest that SiO2 matrix interact more with the heterocyclic group of [BMIM] cation than the tail alkyl chain end group resulting in significant changes in the aromatic vibrations.
Heightened sensitivity to reward and punishment in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Jappe Leah M. , Frank Guido K.W. , Shott Megan E. , Rollin Michael D.H. , Pryor Tamara , Hagman Jennifer O. , Yang Tony T. , Davis Elizabeth
Published: April 2010

Objective:

The objective of this study is to test whether females with anorexia nervosa (AN) have increased sensitivity to punishing or rewarding stimuli, behaviors that could drive high self‐control and anxious, avoidant behaviors.

Method:

Sixty‐four females completed the study: 33 control females (CFs, mean age 19.7 years) and 31 females with AN (mean age 19.6 years). Participants completed diagnostic exams, questionnaires for eating disorder severity and personality, and the Sensitivity to Punishment/Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ).

Results:

Females with AN scored higher than CFs on SPSRQ sensitivity to punishment (p < 0.00001) and sensitivity to reward (p = 0.005). Females with AN without anxiety or depression continued to have increased SPSRQ scores compared to CFs.

Discussion:

This is the first study comparing the SPSRQ in females with AN and CFs. Results suggest that reward and punishment sensitivity are increased in females with AN and could be potential trait markers. It is possible that harm‐avoidant, anxious behaviors in females with AN are related to this heightened sensitivity. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2011; 44:317–324)
Relationship between current waveform just before current zero and interruption ability of high‐speed VCB
Authors: Niwa Yoshimitsu , Matsuzaki Jun , Yokokura Kunio
Published: April 2010

A high‐speed vacuum circuit breaker which forces the fault current to zero was investigated. The test circuit breaker consisted of a vacuum interrupter and a high‐frequency current source. A vacuum interrupter with an axial magnetic field electrode and a disk‐shaped electrode was tested. The arcing period of the high‐speed vacuum circuit breaker is much shorter than that of a conventional circuit breaker. The arc behavior of the test electrodes immediately after the contact separation was observed by a high‐speed video recorder. The relation between the current waveform just before the current zero point and the interruption ability was investigated experimentally by varying the high‐frequency current source. The results demonstrate the interruption ability and the arc behavior of the high‐speed vacuum circuit breaker. Effective current interruption is made possible by a low current period just before the current zero point, even though the arcing time is short and the arc is concentrated. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 172(2): 20–27, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20915