bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solitary chemosensory cells and bitter taste receptor signaling in human sinonasal mucosa
Authors: Barham Henry P. , Cooper Sarah E. , Anderson Catherine B. , Tizzano Marco , Kingdom Todd T. , Finger Tom E. , Kinnamon Sue C. , Ramakrishnan Vijay R.
Published: February 2013

Background

Solitary chemosensory cells (SCCs) are specialized cells in the respiratory epithelium that respond to noxious chemicals including bacterial signaling molecules. SCCs express components of bitter taste transduction including the taste receptor type 2 (TAS2R) bitter taste receptors and downstream signaling effectors: α‐Gustducin, phospholipase Cβ2 (PLCβ2), and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 5 (TRPM5). When activated, SCCs evoke neurogenic reflexes, resulting in local inflammation. The purpose of this study was to test for the presence SCCs in human sinonasal epithelium, and to test for a correlation with inflammatory disease processes such as allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis.

Methods

Patient demographics and biopsies of human sinonasal mucosa were obtained from control patients (n = 7) and those with allergic rhinitis and/or chronic rhinosinusitis (n = 15). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and immunohistochemistry were used to determine whether expression of signaling effectors was altered in diseased patients.

Results

RT‐PCR demonstrated that bitter taste receptors TAS2R4, TAS2R14, and TAS2R46, and downstream signaling effectors α‐Gustducin, PLCβ2, and TRPM5 are expressed in the inferior turbinate, middle turbinate, septum, and uncinate of both control and diseased patients. PLCβ2/TRPM5‐immunoreactive SCCs were identified in the sinonasal mucosa of both control and diseased patients. qPCR showed similar expression of α‐Gustducin and TRPM5 in the uncinate process of control and diseased groups, and there was no correlation between level of expression and 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcomes Test (SNOT‐22) or pain scores.

Conclusion

SCCs are present in human sinonasal mucosa in functionally relevant areas. Expression level of signaling effectors was similar in control and diseased patients and did not correlate with measures of pain and inflammation. Further study into these pathways may provide insight into nasal inflammatory diseases and may offer potential therapeutic targets.
Community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal abscesses in a lower socioeconomic urban population
Authors: Wang Andrea S. , Roure Rita M. , Pearlman Aaron N.
Published: February 2013

Background

To determine the prevalence of community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (CA‐MRSA) and methicillin‐sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) nasal abscesses in a lower socioeconomic status urban population over a 5‐year period.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 29 consecutive patients with nasal abscess cultures performed in the otolaryngology clinic from 2007 to 2012.

Results

Twenty‐nine cases of nasal abscesses were identified. All cultures grew S. aureus; 34.5% were MSSA and 65.5% were CA‐MRSA. Comparing CA‐MRSA and MSSA, there was no statistically significant increase in prevalence of CA‐MRSA over 5 years; and there was no statistical difference comparing gender, year, or age. There was a high rate of erythromycin resistance (15/19) and a low rate of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (2/19) and clindamycin (1/19) resistance in the CA‐MRSA cases.

Conclusion

In this population, the proportion of CA‐MRSA nasal abscesses is nearly twice that of MSSA nasal abscesses. The overall prevalence of CA‐MRSA appears to be stable over the past 5 years. This may represent a stabilization of CA‐MRSA colonization in this community. An awareness of the high proportion of CA‐MRSA will allow for the appropriate selection of antibiotic therapy.
Numerical simulation of electrohydrodynamic effect on natural convection through a vertical enclosure channel
Authors: Nahavandi Milad , Mehrabani‐Zeinabad Arjomand
Published: February 2013

An externally applied electric field beside a plane layer of dielectric liquid can induce secondary flows. This phenomenon is called electrohydrodynamic (EHD) effect and can result in heat transfer enhancement. In this study the effect of EHD force on natural convection heat transfer coefficient of water through a vertical enclosure channel is investigated by numerical simulation, using Comsol Multiphysics software. Also, the interaction between EHD force, fluid flow field, pressure field and temperature field was investigated by computational fluid dynamics technique. Flow pattern, temperature distribution, back pressure and pressure due to suddenly expanded flow are substantially affected by applied electric field, especially at low Rayleigh numbers. The results show that by increasing the temperature difference up to 40 K and the applied voltage up to 100 V, the heat transfer coefficient is increased by more than 1000 kW/cm2 K for three different enclosure channel lengths. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New applications for foam composites of polyurethane and recycled rubber
Authors: Cachaço André Guilherme , Afonso Maria Diná , Pinto Moisés Luzia
Published: February 2013

In Portugal, most end‐of‐life tires are recycled through a process involving a cryogenic grinding technology. The purpose of this work was to envisage new applications for recycling rubber from end‐of‐life tires. In this work, rubber was supported in a polyurethane matrix generating two new products of distinct characteristics and properties. The choice of these products was ruled by the requests of potential clients: (a) Floating trays to withstand the load of plants capable of cleansing polluted water from lagoons, ponds, or basins; (b) Compression‐absorbing buoys to dampen the shocks and the compressive stresses between ships and docks. The polyurethane formulations developed herein were based on methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and a trifunctional polyol such that the final foam would be flexible. As the floating trays' density should be lower than the water density, the best formulation found comprised 150% of rubber, 4% of water (relative to the polyol mass), with an isocyanate index of 105% and a density of 89 kg m−3. The foam that presented the optimal compression behavior to be applied in compression absorbing buoys, comprised 200% of rubber, 3% of water, with an isocyanate index of 105% and a density of 121 kg m−3. In both cases, the composite foam materials obtained showed final properties compatible with the envisaged applications, pointing out that the implied methodology may be used in the future to recycle rubber from end‐of‐life tires. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Current application of controlled degradation processes in polymer modification and functionalization
Authors: Gumel Ahmad Mohamad , Annuar M. Suffian M. , Heidelberg Thorsten
Published: February 2013

Ecological concerns over the accumulation of polymeric waste material and the demand for functionalized polymers in specialty applications have promoted extensive research on different controlled degradation processes and their use. The production of functionalized or modified polymers by conventional synthetic routes is expensive and time consuming. However, advances in degradation technology have become an enabling factor in the production of modified polymers and their functionalization. Mild irradiation, ozonization, and enzymatic routes are among the processes that have been explored for polymer modification. Biopolymers, such as chitosan, hyaluronic acids, and polyhydroxyalkanoates, are known to be suitable for a diverse number of applications, ranging from biomedical to organic‐electronics. At the same time, their high molecular weight, crystallinity, and shelf degradability limit their utility. Controlled degradation processes can be used to prepare these types of polymers with reasonably low molecular weights and to generate radical species that help to stabilize these polymers or to initiate further beneficial reactions. In this article, we review the application of controlled degradation processes for polymer modification and functionalization. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
The ‘killer shrimp’ Dikerogammarus villosus (Crustacea, Amphipoda) invading Alpine lakes: overland transport by recreational boats and scuba‐diving gear as potential entry vectors?
Authors: Bacela‐Spychalska Karolina , Grabowski Michal , Rewicz Tomasz , Konopacka Alicja , Wattier Remi
Published: February 2013

The alien freshwater amphipod of Ponto‐Caspian origin, Dikerogammarus villosus, also known as the killer shrimp, is recognized as being one of the worst invasive alien species in Europe, representing a major conservation problem.

Recently, the species has been reported to invade lakes in the Alps in putative association with overland transport linked with recreational activities.

This study provided a method to assess risk associated with this overland transport and an opportunity to set up a rationale for effective preventive conservation management.

A field survey of 60 lakes encompassing all the Alpine area has revealed the presence of killer shrimp in 12 lakes. Subsequent multivariate data analysis showed that the occurrence of the amphipod was associated predominantly with large lakes at low altitudes and high recreational boating activity, always inhabited by the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). The distribution pattern of killer shrimp was not associated with water conductivity and pH.

Laboratory experiments demonstrated that, compared with two other amphipods Gammarus pulex and G. roeselii, killer shrimp seems to attach itself more effectively to ropes used by boaters, as well as diving wetsuits. They remained attached to the ropes even while being strongly shaken for 5 min (mimicking movements associated with overland transport). Moreover, the species is able to survive up to three and a half days out of water, between the layers of diving wetsuits.

These results show that even in isolated Alpine lakes there is a high risk of overland spread of killer shrimp by recreational boats and diving wetsuits. Thus, even simple measures such as mechanical cleaning and washing of water sports gear would greatly reduce such risk.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THERMAL STRESS INDUCES HSP70 PROTEINS SYNTHESIS IN LARVAE OF THE COLD STREAM NON‐BITING MIDGE Diamesa cinerellaMeigen
Authors: Lencioni Valeria , Bernabò Paola , Cesari Michele , Rebecchi Lorena , Cesari Michele
Published: February 2013

Laboratory experiments on the cold stenothermal midge Diamesa cinerella (Diptera, Chironomidae) were performed to study the relationship between increasing temperature and heat shock proteins (HSP70) expression at translational level (Western blotting). Thermotolerance of IV instar larvae collected in nature at 1.5–4.3°C during seasons was analyzed through short‐term (1 h at ten different temperatures from 26°C to 35°C) and long‐term (1–14 h at 26°C and 1–4 h at 32°C) heat shocks. A high thermotolerance was detected (LT50 = 30.9–32.8°C and LT100 = 34.0–37.8°C). However, survival decreased consistently with increasing exposure time, especially at higher temperature (LTime50 = 7.64 h at 26°C and LTime50 = 1.73 h at 32°C). The relationship between such heat resistance and HSP70 expression appeared evident because a relationship between HSP70 level and larval survival rate was generally found. A heat shock response (HSR) was consistent only in the summer larvae. The absence of HSR in the other populations coupled with even higher amounts of HSP70 than in summer, led us to hypothesize that other macromolecules and other adaptive mechanisms, apart from biochemical ones, are involved in the response of D. cinerella larvae to high temperature. Altogether these results stressed how in this midge the HSP70 protein family confers resistance against cold, being detected under natural conditions in control larvae collected in all seasons, but also against warm under experimental heat shocks. These results give new insights into possible responses to climate changes in freshwater insects within the context of global warming.
Alkyne–Azide Cycloadditions with Copper Powder in a High‐Pressure Continuous‐Flow Reactor: High‐Temperature Conditions versus the Role of Additives
Authors: Ötvös Sándor B. , Mándity István M. , Kiss Lóránd , Fülöp Ferenc
Published: February 2013

A safe and efficient flow‐chemistry‐based procedure is presented for 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions between organic azides and acetylenes. This simple and inexpensive technique eliminates the need for costly special apparatus and utilizes Cu powder as a plausible CuI source. To maximize the reaction rates, high‐pressure/high‐temperature conditions are utilized; alternatively, the harsh reaction conditions can be moderated at room temperature by the joint application of basic and acidic additives. A comparison of the performance of these two approaches in a series of model reactions has resulted in the formation of useful 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles in excellent yields. The risks that are associated with the handling of azides are lowered, thanks to the benefits of flow processing, and gram‐scale production has been safely implemented. The synthetic capability of this continuous‐flow technique is demonstrated by the efficient syntheses of some highly functionalized derivatives of the antifungal cispentacin.
Analysis of human brain exposure to low‐frequency magnetic fields: A numerical assessment of spatially averaged electric fields and exposure limits
Authors: Chen Xi‐Lin , Benkler Stefan , Chavannes Nicholas , De Santis Valerio , Bakker Jurriaan , van Rhoon Gerard , Mosig Juan , Kuster Niels
Published: February 2013

Compliance with the established exposure limits for the electric field (E‐field) induced in the human brain due to low‐frequency magnetic field (B‐field) induction is demonstrated by numerical dosimetry. The objective of this study is to investigate the dependency of dosimetric compliance assessments on the applied methodology and segmentations. The dependency of the discretization uncertainty (i.e., staircasing and field singularity) on the spatially averaged peak E‐field values is first determined using canonical and anatomical models. Because spatial averaging with a grid size of 0.5 mm or smaller sufficiently reduces the impact of artifacts regardless of tissue size, it is a superior approach to other proposed methods such as the 99th percentile or smearing of conductivity contrast. Through a canonical model, it is demonstrated that under the same uniform B‐field exposure condition, the peak spatially averaged E‐fields in a heterogeneous model can be significantly underestimated by a homogeneous model. The frequency scaling technique is found to introduce substantial error if the relative change in tissue conductivity is significant in the investigated frequency range. Lastly, the peak induced E‐fields in the brain tissues of five high‐resolution anatomically realistic models exposed to a uniform B‐field at ICNIRP and IEEE reference levels in the frequency range of 10 Hz to 100 kHz show that the reference levels are not always compliant with the basic restrictions. Based on the results of this study, a revision is recommended for the guidelines/standards to achieve technically sound exposure limits that can be applied without ambiguity. Bioelectromagnetics 34:375–384, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyaluronan synthesis in cultured tobacco cells (BY‐2) expressing a chlorovirus enzyme: Cytological studies
Authors: Rakkhumkaew Numfon , Shibatani Shigeo , Kawasaki Takeru , Fujie Makoto , Yamada Takashi
Published: February 2013

Extraction of hyaluronan from animals or microbial fermentation has risks including contamination with pathogens and microbial toxins. In this work, tobacco cultured‐cells (BY‐2) were successfully transformed with a chloroviral hyaluronan synthase (cvHAS) gene to produce hyaluronan. Cytological studies revealed accumulation of HA on the cells, and also in subcellular fractions (protoplasts, miniplasts, vacuoplasts, and vacuoles). Transgenic BY‐2 cells harboring a vSPO‐cvHAS construct containing the vacuolar targeting signal of sporamin connected to the N‐terminus of cvHAS accumulated significant amounts of HA in vacuoles. These results suggested that cvHAS successfully functions on the vacuolar membrane and synthesizes/transports HA into vacuoles. Efficient synthesis of HA using this system provides a new method for practical production of HA. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1174–1179. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic compressive loading differentially regulates chondrocyte anabolic and catabolic activity with age
Authors: Farnsworth Nikki. L. , Antunez Lorena R. , Bryant Stephanie J.
Published: February 2013

Dynamic loading has emerged as an important part of cartilage tissue engineering strategies for enhancing tissue production and producing cartilage with functionally competent mechanical properties. As patients in need of cartilage span a range of age groups, questions arise as to the role of age in a cell's ability to respond to dynamic loading. Therefore, this study's goal was to characterize age‐related anabolic and catabolic responses of chondrocytes to dynamic compressive loading. Bovine chondrocytes isolated from juvenile (3‐week‐old) and adult (2‐ to 3‐year‐old) donors were encapsulated in poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels and subjected to dynamic loading applied intermittently in a sinusoidal waveform at 1 or 0.3 Hz with 5 or 10% amplitude strain up to 2 weeks. Loading significantly enhanced total sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) production by 220% for juvenile chondrocytes with 0.3 Hz/5% loading and by 88% for adult chondrocytes with 1 Hz/5% loading, while all other loading regimes did not affect or inhibited total sGAG production. Contrarily, deposition of larger matrix molecules of aggrecan and collagen II was either not affected or inhibited by loading. Collagen VI deposition was significantly upregulated by loading but only in adult chondrocytes and under different loading regimes (1 Hz/10% and 0.3 Hz/5%) when compared to total sGAGs. Both cell populations displayed catabolic activity, which appeared to be stimulated by loading. Taken together, findings from this study suggest that loading differentially regulates matrix synthesis and the response is highly dependent on donor age. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 2046–2057. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Engineered thermostable fungal Cel6A and Cel7A cellobiohydrolases hydrolyze cellulose efficiently at elevated temperatures
Authors: Wu Indira , Arnold Frances H.
Published: February 2013

Thermostability is an important feature in industrial enzymes: it increases biocatalyst lifetime and enables reactions at higher temperatures, where faster rates and other advantages ultimately reduce the cost of biocatalysis. Here we report the thermostabilization of a chimeric fungal family 6 cellobiohydrolase (HJPlus) by directed evolution using random mutagenesis and recombination of beneficial mutations. Thermostable variant 3C6P has a half‐life of 280 min at 75°C and a T50 of 80.1°C, a ∼15°C increase over the thermostable Cel6A from Humicola insolens (HiCel6A) and a ∼20°C increase over that from Hypocrea jecorina (HjCel6A). Most of the mutations also stabilize the less‐stable HjCel6A, the wild‐type Cel6A closest in sequence to 3C6P. During a 60‐h Avicel hydrolysis, 3C6P released 2.4 times more cellobiose equivalents at its optimum temperature (Topt) of 75°C than HiCel6A at its Topt of 60°C. The total cellobiose equivalents released by HiCel6A at 60°C after 60 h is equivalent to the total released by 3C6P at 75°C after ∼6 h, a 10‐fold reduction in hydrolysis time. A binary mixture of thermostable Cel6A and Cel7A hydrolyzes Avicel synergistically and released 1.8 times more cellobiose equivalents than the wild‐type mixture, both mixtures assessed at their respective Topt. Crystal structures of HJPlus and 3C6P, determined at 1.5 and 1.2 Å resolution, indicate that the stabilization comes from improved hydrophobic interactions and restricted loop conformations by introduced proline residues. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1874–1883. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early experience with laparoscopic lavage for perforated diverticulitis
Authors: Swank H A , Mulder I M , Hoofwijk A G M , Nienhuijs S W , Lange J F , Bemelman W A
Published: February 2013

Background

Laparoscopic lavage has recently emerged as a promising alternative to sigmoid resection in the treatment of perforated diverticulitis. This study examined an early experience with this technique.

Methods

The files of all patients with complicated diverticulitis were searched in 34 teaching hospitals of the Netherlands. Patients with perforated diverticulitis treated with laparoscopic lavage between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2010 were included.

Results

Treatment with laparoscopic lavage was performed in only 38 patients in ten hospitals. Lavage was successful in controlling sepsis in 31 of the 38 included patients, with 32 per cent morbidity (10 of 31 patients) and fast recovery. Overall, 17 of 38 patients developed complications, of whom two had a missed overt sigmoid perforation. Two patients died from multiple organ failure and one from aspiration pneumonia; one other patient died after palliative management of inoperable lung carcinoma. Three patients in whom lavage was successful underwent subsequent sigmoid resection for recurrent diverticulitis. Patients in whom lavage was unsuccessful tended to have more co-morbidities, a higher preoperative C-reactive protein concentration and a higher Mannheim Peritonitis Index.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic lavage for perforated diverticulitis was feasible in the majority of patients, but identification of an overt sigmoid perforation and patient selection are of critical importance. © 2013 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct Nucleophilic Substitution of Free Allylic Alcohols in Water Catalyzed by FeCl3⋅6 H2O: Which is the Real Catalyst?
Authors: Trillo Paz , Baeza Alejandro , Nájera Carmen
Published: February 2013

The allylic substitution reaction, and particularly the direct allylic amination reaction, of free allylic alcohols in water catalyzed by FeCl3⋅6 H2O is described. This novel environmentally‐friendly methodology allows the use of a wide variety of nitrogenated nucleophiles such as sulfonamides, carbamates, benzamides, anilines, benzotriazoles, and azides, generally giving good yields of the corresponding substitution products. The synthetic applicability of the process is also demonstrated because the reaction can be performed on gram‐scale. Additionally, carbon nucleophiles such as silylated nucleophiles, aromatic compounds, and malonates also proved to be suitable for this transformation. Finally, the nature of the catalytic species present in aqueous media is unveiled, pointing towards the formation of hexaaquo iron(III) complexes.
The homo‐PADAM Protocol: Stereoselective and Operationally Simple Synthesis of α‐Oxo‐ or α‐Hydroxy‐γ‐acylaminoamides and Chromanes
Authors: Morana Fabio , Basso Andrea , Riva Renata , Rocca Valeria , Banfi Luca
Published: February 2013

A straightforward and fully stereoselective synthesis of a new class of peptidomimetics, that is α‐oxo‐γ‐acylaminoamides, was achieved starting from various benzaldehydes by a sequence of 1) an asymmetric organocatalytic Mannich reaction, 2) a Passerini multicomponent reaction, 3) an amine deprotection–acyl migration protocol, and 4) a final oxidation. The whole sequence can be performed without purification of the intermediates and represents the first example of a homo‐Passerini–amine deprotection–acyl migration (PADAM) strategy. Highly stereoselective reduction of the α‐oxo‐γ‐acylaminoamides afforded α‐hydroxy‐γ‐acylaminoamides as well. In some cases both diastereomers were obtained by simply changing the reducing agent. Finally, starting from protected salicylaldehyde, the same sequence, followed by a Mitsunobu cyclization, afforded highly substituted chromanes.
Prevention of Recurrent Pericarditis With Colchicine in 2012
Authors: Markel Gal , Imazio Massimo , Brucato Antonio , Adler Yehuda
Published: February 2013

The most troublesome complication of acute pericarditis is recurrent pericardial inflammation, which occurs in 15%–32% of cases. The optimal method for prevention has not been fully established; accepted modalities include nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and pericardiectomy. Over the last years, objective clinical evidence has matured and clearly indicates the important role and beneficial clinical effect of colchicine therapy in preventing recurrent pericarditis caused by various etiologies. Colchicine‐treated patients consistently display significantly fewer recurrences and longer symptom‐free periods, and even when attacks occur, they are weaker and shorter in nature. Notably, pretreatment with corticosteroids substantially attenuates the efficacy of colchicine, causing significantly more recurrences and longer therapy periods. The safety profile seems superior to other drugs, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Colchicine is a safe and effective modality for the treatment and prevention of recurrent pericarditis, especially as an adjunct to other modalities, because it provides a sustained benefit, superior to all current modalities.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Optimization of Marine Triterpene Sipholenols as Inhibitors of Breast Cancer Migration and Invasion
Authors: Foudah Ahmed I. , Jain Sandeep , Busnena Belnaser A. , El Sayed Khalid A.
Published: February 2013

Sipholenol A, a sipholane triterpene isolated from the Red Sea sponge Callyspongia siphonella, has the ability to reverse multidrug resistance in cancer cells that overexpress P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp). Here, the antimigratory activity of sipholenol A and analogues are reported against the highly metastatic human breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐231 in a wound‐healing assay. Sipholenol A and sipholenone A were semisynthetically optimized using ligand‐based strategies to generate structurally diverse analogues in an attempt to maximize their antimigratory activity. A total of 22 semisynthetic ester, ether, oxime, and carbamate analogues were generated and identified by extensive one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy and high‐resolution mass spectrometry analyses. Sipholenol A 4β‐4‐chlorobenzoate and 19,20‐anhydrosipholenol A 4β‐4‐chlorobenzoate esters were the most potent of all tested analogues in the wound‐healing assay, with IC50 values of 5.3 and 5.9 μM, respectively. Generally, ester derivatives showed better antimigratory activities than the carbamate analogues. A KINOMEscan of 19,20‐anhydrosipholenol A 4β‐benzoate ester against 451 human protein kinases identified protein tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6) as a potential target. In breast tumor cells, PTK6 promotes growth factor signaling and migration, and as such the semisynthetic sipholanes were evaluated for their ability to inhibit PTK6 phosphorylation in vitro. The two analogues with the highest antimigratory activities, sipholenol A 4β‐4‐chlorobenzoate and 19,20‐anhydrosipholenol A 4β‐4‐chlorobenzoate esters, also exhibited the most potent inhibition of PTK6 phosphorylation inhibition. None of the compounds exhibited cytotoxicity in a normal epithelial breast cell line. These derivatives were evaluated in an in vitro invasion assay, where sipholenol A succinate potently inhibited MDA‐MB‐231 cell invasion at 10 μM. These results highlight sipholane triterpenoids as novel antimigratory marine natural products with potential for further development as agents for the control of metastatic breast malignancies.
An event view specification approach for Supporting Service process collaboration
Authors: Cao Jian , Wang Jie , Zhao Haiyan , Li Minglu
Published: February 2013

Designing and implementing an interoperable and flexible service process collaboration strategy is one of key issues for business to business integrations. To better support service process collaboration, an event view model is proposed, which is composed of a set of event types and their dependency relationships. It provides a general and flexible way to define a public view of a service process model and serves as the basis for defining service process collaboration protocols. In the paper, the basic concepts and a system framework for event‐based service process collaboration are first introduced. The definitions of event and the dependency relationships among event types are then presented. Especially, how to identify dependency relationships among composite event types is studied in detail. After discussing the definition of event view and its specifying approach, a procedure for transforming a BPEL process model into an event model and deriving dependencies among events is given. Finally, a case study is presented, and some implementation issues for defining and publishing an event view are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fractionation of Organosolv Lignin from Olive Tree Clippings and its Valorization to Simple Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Toledano Ana , Serrano Luis , Balu Alina Mariana , Luque Rafael , Pineda Antonio , Labidi Jalel
Published: February 2013

Lignin valorization practices have attracted a great deal of interest in recent years due to the large excess of lignin produced by the pulp and paper industry, together with second‐generation bioethanol plants. In this work, a new lignin valorization approach is proposed. It involves ultrafiltration as a fractionation process to separate different molecular weight lignin fractions followed by a hydrogen‐free, mild, hydrogenolytic, heterogeneously catalyzed methodology assisted by microwave irradiation to obtain simple phenolic, monomeric products by depolymerization using a nickel‐based catalyst. The main products obtained were desaspidinol, syringaldehyde, and syringol; this proves the efficiency of the depolymerization conditions applied. The concentration of these observed compounds increased when the molecular weights of the lignin fractions increased. The applied depolymerization conditions, which take advantage of the use of formic acid as a hydrogen‐donating solvent, did not generate any biochar in the systems.
Alumina and Yttria Powder and Yttria Coatings Made by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Santos Abreu Alexandre , Knoll Matthias , Moosburger‐Will Judith , Konrad Armin , Tidecks Reinhard , Horn Siegfried
Published: February 2013

Ultrasonic spray pyrolysis is used to produce metal oxide powders (alumina, yttria, and mixtures of these) from nitrate precursors at temperatures below 500 °C. Moreover, yttria powder coatings on soda‐lime glass and fused silica substrates are generated. The as‐prepared powders and coatings are examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
MOCVD of C‐oriented Bi2Te3 Films on SiO2 Substrates using Triethyl Bismuth and Di‐tertiarybutyl Tellurium
Authors: Kang Sang‐Woo , Jeon Ki‐Moon , Shin Jae‐Soo , Chun Je‐Ran , Kim Young‐Heon , Lee Sang Jun , Yun Ju‐Young
Published: February 2013

Metal‐organic (MO)CVD of bismuth telluride thin films is investigated by using a combination of optimized bismuth and tellurium precursors along with H2 as a reactant gas. Good quality films are obtained, even at 300 °C. The Bi precursors are trimethyl bismuth (Bi(CH3)3, Bi(Me3)) and triethyl bismuth (Bi(C2H5)3, Bi(Et)3), and the Te precursors are diethyl tellurium (Te(C2H5)2, Te(Et)2), di‐isopropyl tellurium (Te(C3H7)2, Te(iPr)2), and di‐tertiarybutyl tellurium (Te(C4H9)2, Te(tBu)2). The integrated absorbance area of C‐H stretching vibrations in the range 2800–3200 cm−1 is estimated to determine the decomposition rate of the Bi and Te precursors. C‐oriented Bi2Te3 films are obtained at 300 °C and under 2.5 Torr using Bi(Et)3 and Te(tBu)2 and characterized. Further, the microstructure, crystallinity, and surface morphology of the films are determined. The appropriate stoichiometry of the bismuth telluride films is obtained as Bi/Te = 2:3. The combination of Bi(Et)3 and Te(tBu)2 is the most effective for low‐temperature deposition because, compared to the other precursors, the decomposition of these precursors starts at a lower temperature. Investigations of the precursor decomposition behavior show that the absorbance of C‐H stretching vibrations of ligands in precursors in the gas phase is sensitive to the analysis conditions.
Col‐F, a fluorescent probe for ex vivo confocal imaging of collagen and elastin in animal tissues
Authors: Biela Ewa , Galas Jerzy , Lee Brian , Johnson Gary L. , Darzynkiewicz Zbigniew , Dobrucki Jurek W.
Published: February 2013

A new low‐molecular‐weight fluorescent probe, Col‐F, that exhibits affinity to collagen and elastin, was used successfully in imaging of extracellular matrix in freshly excised animal tissues. Col‐F readily penetrates between live cells into tissues and binds to fibers of collagen and elastin by a noncovalent mechanism. Fibers of collagen and elastin have been stained in a variety of tissues, including tendon, skeletal muscle, connective tissue, and arteries. Cells migrating in a Col‐F‐stained collagenous biomaterial were also imaged. No phototoxic effects were detected when live keratocytes were imaged in the in vitro culture in the presence of Col‐F. In conclusion, Col‐F provides a simple and convenient tool for fluorescence three‐dimensional imaging of intricate collagenous and elastic structures in live and fixed animal tissues, as well as in collagen‐containing biomaterials. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
The effects of sustained forest use on hillslope soil hydraulic conductivity in the Middle Mountains of Central Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Chandra Prasad , Bruijnzeel L. Adrian , Bonell Mike , Coles Neil , Lubczynski Maciek W. , Gilmour Don A.
Published: February 2013

This work investigated the multi‐decadal changes in field saturated hydraulic conductivity, Kfs, beneath severely degraded pasture, natural forest and two mature planted Pinus roxburghii stands between two sets of measurements made in 1986 and 2011 at the same locations in the Middle Mountains of Central Nepal. Multiple measurements of Kfs were made at the four sites, both at the surface and at depths of 0·05–0·15, 0·15–0·25 and 0·25–0·50 m. The Kfs results were subsequently combined with rainfall intensities associated with different time intervals to infer multi‐decadal changes in dominant hillslope stormflow pathways.

The widely assumed hydrological benefits of reforesting degraded land through the enhancement of near‐surface permeability due to such factors as the incorporation of a greater amount of organic matter, formation of macropores, as well as root development were not observed in this study. Continued heavy use of the natural and planted forests of the Middle Mountains, particularly the removal of understory vegetation and leaf litter, and cattle grazing, are considered to be the chief causal factors of the presently observed deterioration in forest hydrological functioning. This situation is typical not only of the Middle Mountain Zone across the Himalaya but is also observed in other densely populated parts of South and South‐East Asia.

The key conclusion of this work is that simply planting trees in degraded landscapes is not sufficient in itself to restore watershed hydrological functioning. Attention also needs to be given to on‐going management of the reforested areas to balance product usage with watershed functions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
trans‐1,2‐Diphenylethylene Linked Isoindoline–Salicylaldiminato Nickel(II) Halide Complexes: Synthesis, Structure, Dehydrogenation, and Catalytic Activity toward Olefin Homopolymerization
Authors: Wang Jinyang , Wan Li , Zhang Dao , Wang Quanrui , Chen Zhenxia
Published: February 2013

Tridentate ligands 4‐R1‐6‐R2‐2‐{[trans‐2‐(isoindolin‐2‐yl)‐1,2‐diphenylethylimino]methyl}phenol [R1 = R2 = H, H(La); R1 = R2 = tert‐butyl, H(Lb); R1 = Ph, R2 = H, H(Lc)] in which a substituted salicylaldimine moiety and an isoindoline are linked by a trans‐1,2‐diphenylethylene moiety have been prepared. Deprotonation of these tridentate ligands H(La)–H(Lc) by NaH at room temperature in tetrahydrofuran (THF), followed by treatment with 1 equiv. of [(PPh3)2NiX2] (X = Cl, Br, I) at room temperature afforded the desired nickel complexes [(L)NiX] (X = Cl, L = La, 1; X = Cl, L = Lb, 2; X = Cl, L = Lc, 3; X = Br, L = Lb, 4; X = I, L = Lb, 5) in moderate yields. The structures of 2 and 4 were unequivocally confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction in the solid state. The metal atom has a distorted square‐planar coordination geometry and is coordinated to the two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom from the tridentate ligand and one halide atom. Dehydrogenation of the chelate tridentate ligand (Lb) in the presence of oxygen afforded the corresponding nickel complexes [(Lb*)NiX] (X = Br, 6; X = I, 7). X‐ray analysis showed that in these complexes the two bridged benzylic carbon atoms of (Lb)– were oxidized and a cis‐stilbene moiety, which includes a C=C double bond (1.205–1.268 Å) was formed. These nickel complexes with such trans‐1,2‐diphenylethylene bridged tridentate ligands proved to be active catalysts for ethylene oligomerization in the presence of methylaluminoxane (MAO) and produced butene and hexene with catalytic activities of 0.49 × 105–3.25 × 105 g mol–1 Ni h–1 at 30 °C, under 20 bar of ethylene, and with an MAO/Ni ratio of 250. They were also active catalysts for the homopolymerization of norbornene and styrene and displayed activities of up to 1.89 × 105 and 7.36 × 105 g mol–1 Ni h–1, respectively.
The galactolipase activity of some microbial lipases and pancreatic enzymes
Authors: Amara Sawsan , Lafont Dominique , Parsiegla Goetz , Point Vanessa , Chabannes Aurélie , Rousset Audric , Carrière Frédéric
Published: February 2013

Several well known microbial lipases were screened for their ability to hydrolyze synthetic medium chain monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG). Fusarium solani cutinase and Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL) were found to hydrolyze MGDG at high rates (984 ± 62 and 450 ± 41 U/mg, respectively). These activities remained however lower than those measured with pancreatic lipase‐related protein 2 (PLRP2) on the same substrate. As previously observed with PLRP2, galactolipid–bile salt mixed micelles were found to be the best substrate form for microbial enzymes. The galactolipid to bile salt molar ratios for measuring maximum galactolipase activities were found to be similar to those previously established with PLRP2, suggesting that bile salts have mainly an effect on the substrate and not on the enzyme itself. The galactolipase activity of cutinase and TLL, as well as human and guinea pig PLRP2s were also measured using galactolipid monomolecular films. Enzymes having a lid (TLL and human PLRP2) were found to act at higher surface pressures than those with no lid (cutinase and guinea pig PLRP2). In silico docking of medium chain MGDG and DGDG in the active site of guinea pig PLRP2 and TLL reveals some structural analogies between these enzymes.

Practical applications: Galactolipase activity already finds applications in baking process with the partial lipolysis of galactolipids present in wheat flour and the in situ production of emulsifier molecules. More generally, these enzymes could be used for the enzymatic modification of galactolipids, the main plant lipids. These lipids are considered to be the most abundant at the surface of the earth and thus constitute the largest resource of fatty acids.
Efficient and First Regio‐ and Stereoselective Direct C‐Glycosylation of a Flavanone Catalysed by Pr(OTf)3 Under Conventional Heating or Ultrasound Irradiation
Authors: Santos Rui G. , Xavier Nuno M. , Bordado João C. , Rauter Amélia P.
Published: February 2013

A simple, regio‐ and stereoselective one‐step methodology for the mono‐C‐glycosylation of flavanone has been established. Naringenin was directly C‐glycosylated with D‐glucose by catalysis with rare‐earth metal triflates in acetonitrile/water. Different reaction conditions, namely the solvent system, reaction time, energy source and catalyst were studied. Commercially available lanthanide triflates were evaluated as catalysts and praseodymium triflate proved to be the most effective for this coupling reaction. The optimized reaction conditions were applied to other monosaccharidyl donors, such as D‐mannose, D‐galactose and L‐rhamnose, as well as disaccharides, such as lactose and maltose, leading regio‐ and stereoselectively to 8‐C‐glycosyl derivatives with equatorial glycosidic bonds in yields ranging from 28 to 38 %. Ultrasound irradiation was used to enhance the reaction outcome and a considerable improvement in reaction time and efficiency was achieved, allowing selective access to the target C‐glycosylflavanones in yields of 43–56 %.
Iodoetherification of Isosorbide‐Derived Glycals: Access to a Variety of O‐Alkyl or O‐Aryl Isosorbide Derivatives
Authors: Berini Christophe , Lavergne Aurélie , Molinier Valérie , Capet Frédéric , Deniau Eric , Aubry Jean‐Marie
Published: February 2013

A set of O‐alkylated or O‐arylated β‐iodo ethers has been synthesized from isosorbide. Isosorbide is a competitive starting material for various valuable derivatives by functionalization and/or substitution since it is a renewable and carbon neutral material that is produced on an industrial scale from sorbitol. The key step was the iodoetherification of isosorbide‐derived glycals with a variety of oxygenated nucleophiles in the presence of N‐iodosuccinimide. trans‐Iodo ethers and acetate were obtained in good yields and the removal of iodide affords isosorbide derivatives. The usefulness of this new approach is illustrated by the synthesis of a surfactant having a dimer of isosorbide as hydrophilic group and by the preparation of a structurally unusual bicyclic anhydro carbohydrate.
Closer look at the operating definition of protein recovery in CE
Authors: Espinal Jose H. , Gómez Jorge E. , Sandoval Junior E.
Published: February 2013

Analyte recovery is an important figure to assess protein adsorption on fused‐silica capillaries. In 1991, Regnier et al. estimated recovery by assuming the loss of analyte from adsorption and thus the decrease in peak area measured by two detectors to be proportional to the length of the capillary section between them. In this report, we closely examine this concept and its adaptation to commercial CE instruments to determine protein recovery. We hypothesize that, once a steady‐state migration is reached, protein adsorption is a first‐order process with respect to protein concentration and surface density of adsorbing sites. This hypothesis is shown to be valid over a reasonably wide range of capillary effective length and, as a result, protein recovery decreases exponentially with the migrated distance. However, unlike the traditional recovery figure obtained through a conventional spike process, protein recovery measured by this approach does not have the same merit since it is strongly dependent from capillary dimensions and applied electric field. Nevertheless, protein recovery and the slope of the logarithmic protein peak area versus length plot are useful figures to compare protein adsorption on different capillary surfaces. Several literature reports dealing with the application of Regnier concept to calculate protein recovery are discussed.
Detection of mosaicism for the polymorphic variants in the 5′‐UTR of hOGG1 by cloning and sequence analysis and pyrosequencing
Authors: Cao Lili , Li Tianfeng , Zhu Yanbei , Zhou Wei , Guo Wenwen , Cai Zhenming , Xie Yuan , He Xuan , Li Xinxiu , Zhu Dalong , Wang Yaping
Published: February 2013

Mosaicism refers to the presence of genetically distinct cell lines within an organism or a tissue. Somatic mosaicism exists in distinct populations of somatic cells and commonly arises as a result of somatic mutations, mainly in early embryonic development. SNPs are important markers that distinguish between different individuals in heterogeneous biological samples and contribute greatly to disease risk association studies. In this work, we investigated the relationship between the functional variants in the 5′‐UTR of the hOGG1 gene and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Upon detection of the polymorphisms c.‐53G>C, c.‐23A>G, and c.‐18G>T in the hOGG1 gene, we found that mosaicism was present in 3/28 (10.71%), 7/51 (13.73%), and 1/44 (2.27%) patients respectively, who were carriers of these single nucleotide variations, by cloning and sequence analysis and pyrosequencing. Statistical analysis showed that the frequency of the variation c.‐23A>G in the hOGG1 5′‐UTR in type 2 diabetic patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls. However, sequencing of the mutant alleles in mosaic individuals showed weak peaks that may affect detection of the SNPs and impair association‐based investigations.
Direct Experience and the Course of Eating Disorders in Patients on Partial Hospitalization: A Pilot Study
Authors: Soler Joaquim , Soriano José , Ferraz Liliana , Grasa Eva , Carmona Cristina , Portella Maria J. , Seto Victoria , Alvarez Enric , Pérez Víctor
Published: February 2013

Awareness of sensory experience in the present moment is central to mindfulness practice. This type of information processing, in contrast to an analytical evaluative style of processing, could be more beneficial for the course of those psychiatric disorders characterized by ruminative and content‐centred processing, such as eating disorders (EDs). We performed a pilot study to assess the relation between patients' approach to information processing and the duration and severity of EDs. Fifty‐seven patients with a diagnosed ED were included in the study and participated in a self‐guided eating activity to asses the primary information processing mode based on mindfulness concepts of ‘Direct Experience’ and ‘Thinking About’. Additionally, dispositional mindfulness was assessed by the Five Factors Mindfulness Questionnaire, and anxiety during the experiment was determined by means of a 10‐point visual analogue scale. We found that a higher level of self‐reported Direct Experience was inversely associated with several severity variables and with anxiety levels. Direct Experience was predicted by a low anxiety level, less severe illness, and higher scores on one mindfulness facet (Observing). Our results suggest that a Direct Experience processing approach is associated with better ED outcomes. Future studies should be carried out to clarify the repercussion of mindfulness training on EDs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Achieving high diversity and multiplexing gains in the asynchronous parallel relay network
Authors: Dai Mingjun , Wan Sung Chi
Published: February 2013

A single source‐destination pair communicating via a layer of parallel relay nodes under quasi‐static slow fading environment is investigated. The time delays from the source to the destination via different relays are assumed to be different. For such an asynchronous environment, a new transmission scheme is constructed so as to achieve better diversity‐multiplexing tradeoff (DMT). More specifically, both the source and the destination adopts orthogonal frequency division multiplexing technique to solve the asynchronous problem; the relays cooperatively apply the distributed generalised complex orthogonal design, a form of orthogonal space–time coding, for high‐rate transmission. Each relay is assumed to use the adaptive amplify‐and‐forward relaying strategy. To optimise its outage performance, a distributed on‐off power control rule applied to the relays is analytically derived and is proved to yield full spatial diversity order. Compared with an existing protocol, our proposed scheme is shown to achieve the same DMT when there are four relay nodes and better DMT when there are more. Besides, the DMT gap between our scheme and the existing one increases with the number of relay nodes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.