bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper(I) Isocyanide and Phosphane Complexes of Fluorinated Mono‐ and Bis(pyrazolyl)borates
Authors: Dias H. V. Rasika , Gioia Lobbia Giancarlo , Papini Grazia , Pellei Maura , Santini Carlo
Published: July 2009

New copper(I) complexes have been synthesized from the reaction between [Cu(CH3CN)4]PF6 or CuI, triphenylphosphane, tert‐butyl isocyanide or cyclohexyl isocyanide co‐ligands, and the fluorinated pyrazolylborate ligands sodium trihydro[5‐(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol‐1‐yl]borate and potassium dihydrobis[3‐(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol‐1‐yl]borate. These compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR and multinuclear (1H, 13C, 19F and 31P) NMR spectroscopy, and ESI mass spectrometry. The solid‐state structure of [{H3B[5‐(CF3)pz]}Cu(PPh3)2] is also reported. This complex features a κ2N,H‐bonded trihydro(pyrazolyl)borate ligand, a rare Cu–HB bond, and a distorted, pseudo‐tetrahedral copper atom with a large P–Cu–P angle. The solid state structures of [{H2B[3‐(CF3)pz]2}Cu(CNtBu)2] and [{H2B[3‐(CF3)pz]2}Cu(CNCy)2], which have pseudo‐tetrahedral copper sites, are also reported. The bis(pyrazolyl)borate ligand in these complexes acts as a κ2N,N′ donor and adopts a flattened boat conformation. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
“On‐Water”‐Promoted C‐Alkylation of Indoles with 2‐Aryl‐3‐nitro‐2H‐chromenes under Catalyst‐Free Conditions
Authors: Habib Pateliya Mujjamil , Kavala Veerababurao , Raju B. Rama , Kuo Chun‐Wei , Huang Wen‐Chang , Yao Ching‐Fa
Published: July 2009

An environmentally benign method for the synthesis of indolyl(nitro)chromans from indoles and 2‐aryl‐3‐nitro‐2H‐chromenes under catalyst‐free conditions by use of an “on‐water” concept is described. The salient features of the methodology are its clean reaction conditions, the eco‐friendly medium, and the easy isolation and excellent diastereoselectivities of the products.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Synthesis of New 1H‐Indazoles through Diels–Alder Transformations of 4‐Styrylpyrazoles under Microwave Irradiation Conditions
Authors: Silva Vera L. M. , Silva Artur M. S. , Pinto Diana C. G. A. , Elguero José , Cavaleiro José A. S.
Published: July 2009

Microwave irradiation under solvent‐free conditions induces 1‐acetyl‐4‐styrylpyrazoles to undergo Diels–Alder cycloaddition reactions with N‐methyl‐ or N‐phenylmaleimide to give tetrahydroindazoles in good yields and with high selectivities. With conventional heating, these reactions either do not occur or afford only traces of the cycloadducts. These cycloadducts were then converted into the corresponding 1H‐indazoles by dehydrogenation with DDQ in dry 1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene under microwave irradiation or classical heating conditions. The structures of all new derivatives and the stereochemistries of the cycloadducts were assigned by NMR spectroscopy. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Acetylacetone to Nitroolefins with Chiral Organocatalysts Derived from Both α‐Amino ­Acids and Carbohydrates
Authors: Pu Xuewei , Li Penghui , Peng Fangzhi , Li Xiaojiao , Zhang Hongbin , Shao Zhihui
Published: July 2009

Bifunctional chiral tertiary amine thioureas derived from both α‐amino acids and carbohydrates were developed. These organocatalysts promoted the enantioselective conjugate addition of acetylacetone to various aromatic and aliphatic nitroolefins at room temperature in good yields (up to 93 %) and with good enantioselectivity (up to 90 % ee). Furthermore, an interesting matched–mismatched effect of two different chiral units in a chiral organocatalyst was disclosed. Both enantiomers of a product can be achieved in almost the same enantiomeric excess with the “matched” and “mismatched” chiral organocatalysts simply by changing the solvent from THF to toluene. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
A high surface area magnetic photocatalyst with controlled pore size
Authors: Kostedt W.L. , Byrne H.E. , Mazyck D.W.
Published: July 2009

Magnetic photocatalysts have the benefit of recoverability or even confinement/agitation using an oscillating magnetic field. A high surface area magnetic photocatalyst (HSAMP) was developed consisting of silica‐coated barium ferrite and Degussa P25 titanium dioxide dispersed in an acid catalyzed silica xerogel. Through modifying the concentration of hydrofluoric acid catalyst during synthesis, three types of HSAMPs were developed with resulting BET specific surface areas of 374, 543, and 550 m2/g. These HSAMPs were assessed for their photocatalytic activity by oxidizing a 6.5 mg/L phenol solution in comparison to Degussa P25 alone. The resulting extent of photocatalysis was greater for the HSAMP than for Degussa P25 although the latter demonstrated a more rapid removal of the phenol parent compound. The HSAMP was capable of removing nearly 100% of the nonpurgeable dissolved organic carbon for 6 repeated uses. Nearly 99% of the HSAMP mass was recoverable with a permanent magnet. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2010
Microwave pretreatment for soluble phase mesophilic anaerobic digestion
Authors: Toreci Isil , Droste Ronald L. , Kennedy Kevin J.
Published: July 2009

The effect of microwave pretreatment on dewateribility of thickened waste activated sludge (TWAS) was determined by centrifuging it at an RCF of 6513 for 30 min for 6 and 11.85% TS concentrations. Supernatant of pretreated and untreated samples were filtered through 0.45‐μm GF/C grade binder free glass microfiber filters before biological methane potential (BMP) assay. It was found that microwave (MW) temperature had greater impact on removing supernatant from sludge than MW intensity. The highest biogas production was observed with pretreatment at 150°C with low MW intensity which improved biogas production 90% compared to the same volume of supernatant obtained from raw TWAS at 20th day of BMP assay. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2010
Degradation of AR 97 aqueous solution by combination of ultrasound and Fenton reagent
Authors: Li Ji‐Tai , Song Ya‐Li
Published: July 2009

An efficient and convenient degradation of AR 97 (C.I. Acid Red 97) in aqueous solution by the combination of ultrasound and Fenton reagent was reported. The various affecting factors were studied. Under ultrasound, the degradation ratio is 99.9% for the initial concentration of 50 mg L−1 using 1.57 mmol L−1 H2O2, 0.054 mmol L−1 Fe2+ at 40°C within 140 min. The combination method was more effective than sonolysis or Fenton reagent process treatment individually. In the combined process, the effect of the kind of anions (Cl−, SO42−, and H2PO4−) and Fenton‐like reagents (Cu2+/H2O2, Co2+/H2O2, and Mn2+/H2O2) on degradation was also observed. Except for SO42−, others had a negative effect on degradation. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2010
Empirical tests of canonical nonparametric American option‐pricing methods
Authors: Alcock Jamie , Auerswald Diana
Published: July 2009

Alcock and Carmichael (2008, The Journal of Futures Markets, 28, 717–748) introduce a nonparametric method for pricing American‐style options, that is derived from the canonical valuation developed by Stutzer (1996, The Journal of Finance, 51, 1633–1652). Although the statistical properties of this nonparametric pricing methodology have been studied in a controlled simulation environment, no study has yet examined the empirical validity of this method. We introduce an extension to this method that incorporates information contained in a small number of observed option prices. We explore the applicability of both the original method and our extension using a large sample of OEX American index options traded on the S&P100 index. Although the Alcock and Carmichael method fails to outperform a traditional implied‐volatility‐based Black–Scholes valuation or a binomial tree approach, our extension generates significantly lower pricing errors and performs comparably well to the implied‐volatility Black–Scholes pricing, in particular for out‐of‐the‐money American put options. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 30:509–532, 2010
Adeno‐associated virus–delivered short hairpin‐structured RNA for androgen receptor gene silencing induces tumor eradication of prostate cancer xenografts in nude mice: A preclinical study
Authors: Sun Aijing , Tang Jianxi , Terranova Paul F. , Zhang Xiaoming , Thrasher James Brantley , Li Benyi
Published: July 2009

The androgen receptor (AR) is the most critical factor in prostate cancer progression. We previously demonstrated that silencing the AR using 2 unique small interfering RNAs (no. 8 and no. 31 AR siRNA) induces apoptotic cell death in AR‐positive prostate cancer cells. To develop this AR siRNA technique into a therapy for prostate cancers, we generated an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vector to stably express a short hairpin‐structured RNA (shRNA) against the AR gene in vivo. In addition to the no. 8 AR shRNA (ARHP8), we also screened a group of AR shRNAs with different sequences and identified a less effective AR shRNA (ARHP4) that was used as an shRNA control. An empty AAV vector (AAV‐GFP) was used as a negative control. Intratumoral injection of AAV‐ARHP8 viruses significantly suppressed tumor growth of xenografts derived from either androgen‐responsive or castration‐resistant prostate cancer cells. Most interestingly, systemic delivery of the AAV‐ARHP8 but not AAV‐ARHP4 or AAV‐GFP viruses via tail vein injection eliminated xenografts within 10 days. Further analysis revealed that AAV‐ARHP8 viruses dramatically reduced the expression of AR‐regulated cellular survival genes and caused a dramatic apoptotic response. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that AAV‐ARHP8 viruses induced a strong AR gene silencing in vivo and that systemic delivery of ARHP8 siRNA via an AAV vector or any other means might be considered as novel gene therapy for prostate cancers.
EWS/Fli‐1 chimeric fusion gene upregulates vascular endothelial growth factor‐A
Authors: Nagano Akihito , Ohno Takatoshi , Shimizu Katsuji , Hara Akira , Yamamoto Takatoshi , Kawai Gou , Saitou Mitsuru , Takigami Iori , Matsuhashi Aya , Yamada Kazunari , Takei Yoshifumi
Published: July 2009

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A plays an important role in the pathological angiogenesis that occurs in soft‐tissue sarcoma and in about half of Ewing's sarcoma cases, where it is highly overexpressed. EWS/Fli‐1 is considered to be a transcriptional activator and to play a significant role in tumorigenesis of Ewing's sarcoma. However, the relationship between EWS/Fli‐1 and VEGF‐A is still unclear. The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between EWS/Fli‐1 and VEGF‐A, and to determine whether small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐targeting of VEGF‐A can be developed as a novel treatment for Ewing's sarcoma. Knockdown of EWS/Fli‐1 using siRNA on a Ewing's sarcoma cell line (A673) suppressed VEGF‐A expression, and transfection of EWS/Fli‐1 into a human osteosarcoma cell line increased VEGF‐A expression. To inhibit VEGF‐A secretion from Ewing's sarcoma, we developed a chemically synthesized siRNA that targets VEGF‐A. Transfection of the VEGF siRNA into the Ewing's sarcoma cell line significantly suppressed VEGF‐A secretion by up to 98% in vitro, compared with a control. In vivo, we established Ewing's sarcoma xenograft models and performed intratumoral injection of the siRNA mixed with atelocollagen. We observed that the inhibition of tumor growth occurs in a dose‐dependent manner. Histological examination revealed decreased microvessel density and morphological change around microvessels in the Ewing's sarcoma xenografts treated with the siRNA. It is considered that a combination of chemically synthesized siRNA that targets VEGF‐A and atelocollagen might be a novel and effective option for treating Ewing's sarcoma that secretes VEGF‐A.
Birth weight and mammographic density among postmenopausal women in Sweden
Authors: Tamimi Rulla M. , Eriksson Louise , Lagiou Pagona , Czene Kamila , Ekbom Anders , Hsieh Chung‐Cheng , Adami Hans‐Olov , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Hall Per
Published: July 2009

Birth weight is a significant predictor of breast cancer risk in adult life and mammary gland mass could be an intermediate stage in this long process. We have studied the association of birth size measurements with mammographic density, a marker of mammary gland mass. For a population‐based sample of 893 postmenopausal women without previous cancer in Sweden, we retrieved information on birth size from birth records and their most recent mammography. Film mammograms of the medio‐lateral oblique view were digitized and the Cumulus software was used for computer‐assisted semi‐automated thresholding of mammographic density. Results were analyzed using generalized linear models controlling for possible confounders. Mean percent mammographic density increased when comparing the extreme categories of birth weight (from 15.6% to 18.6%) and head circumference (from 15.5% to 20.4%), and the corresponding linear trends were statistically significant (p values 0.02 and 0.007, respectively). The associations were particularly strong when the cutoff for high versus low mammographic density was set at the relatively high value of 50%. Compared to women weighing 3001–3500 grams at birth, women with birth weights >4000g were at almost 3‐fold risk of developing high mammographic density (odds ratio: 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 7.9). No association with mammographic density was evident with respect to birth length which, however, is known to be less accurately measured. These results indicate that adult breast density, a powerful predictor of breast cancer risk, has intrauterine roots, as reflected in birth size.
Extraribosomal function of metallopanstimulin‐1: reducing paxillin in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and inhibiting tumor growth
Authors: Dai Yuemeng , Pierson Spencer E. , Dudney W. Cross , Stack Brendan C.
Published: July 2009

Metallopanstimulin‐1 (MPS‐1) is a multifunctional ribosomal protein RPS27 that contains a zinc finger domain of the C4 type. MPS‐1 has been found to be increased in the sera of a number of different cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, little is known about the effect of a high‐level MPS‐1 in regulating cancer cell behavior. In this study, we overexpressed MPS‐1 protein in the HNSCC cell line UMSCC‐1. We found MPS‐1 distributes not only in the cytosol, but also in the nuclei. In addition, MPS‐1 is secreted into the culture medium. In vitro and in vivo experiments show that growth of UMSCC‐1 cells transfected with MPS‐1 is dramatically inhibited. Moreover, we also found that with overexpressing MPS‐1, UMSCC‐1 cells were arrested on G0/G1 phase, cell proliferation rate was reduced, and tumor angiogenesis was impaired. Further gene array analysis, immunohistochemistry staining and Western blotting reveal that MPS‐1 reduces paxillin mRNA and protein levels in UMSCC‐1 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Together, these data indicate that when MPS‐1 is overexpressed, it has an extraribosomal function as a strong inhibitor of HNSCC tumor cell growth, which may be exerted by reduced paxillin gene expression.
Clearance of human papillomavirus infection after successful conization in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Kim Young‐Tak , Lee Jong Min , Hur Soo‐Young , Cho Chi‐Heum , Kim Young Tae , Kim Seung Cheol , Kang Soon Beom
Published: July 2009

The natural history of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HRHPV) infection after successful treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is not well known. This study was performed to evaluate the rate and pattern of HRHPV infection clearance after successful conization for CIN and to analyze factors associated with such clearance. A total of 287 patients who underwent loop electrosurgical excision procedures (LEEP) owing to HRHPV‐associated CIN were included. All patients had negative resection margins on LEEP specimens and underwent HPV testing with the hybrid capture II system at 3‐, 6‐, 9‐, 12‐, 18‐ and 24‐month follow‐up visits after LEEP. Persistent HPV infections were detected in 45.6%, 14.3%, 6.3%, 2.2%, 1.5% and 1.1% of patients at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months after LEEP, respectively. Clearance rates did not differ by age, parity or severity of cervical lesion. However, clearance rates were significantly slower in patients with HPV DNA loads >500 RLU/PC before LEEP (p = 0.040). During 2 years of follow‐up after LEEP, 24 patients had recurrent disease revealed by biopsy. The odds ratios for recurrent disease in patients with persistent HRHPV infection increased gradually from 5.17 at the 3‐month follow‐up visit to 12.54, 15.69 and 25.90 at 6‐, 9‐, 12‐ and 24‐month follow‐up visits, respectively. We conclude that HRHPV infection cleared gradually in most patients within 6 months of treatment. Clearance rates were significantly slower in patients with HPV DNA loads >500 RLU/PC. Persistent HPV infection was a significant positive predictor of recurrence.
The Swedish Family‐Cancer Database 2009: prospects for histology‐specific and immigrant studies
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Ji Jianguang , Brandt Andreas , Mousavi Seyed Mohsen , Sundquist Jan
Published: July 2009

The Swedish Family‐Cancer Database comprises a total of 11.8 million individuals covering the Swedish population of the past 100 years. Version VIII of the Database is described in the present article. Cancer cases were retrieved from the Swedish Cancer Registry for the period 1958–2006, including more than 1 million first primary cancers. The number of familial cancers in offspring is 14,000 when a parent was diagnosed with a concordant (same) cancer and the number of concordant siblings was 6,000. From the year 1993 onwards histopathological data according to the SNOMED classification were used, which entails advantages for certain cancers, such as breast cancer. Even though the specific morphological classification only covers a limited number of years, it does cover most familial cancers in the offspring generation. The Database records the country of birth for each subject. A total of 1.79 million individuals were foreign born, Finns and other Scandinavians being the largest immigrant groups. The cancer incidence in the first‐generation immigrants was compared to that in native Swedes using standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) to measure relative risk. The SIRs ranged widely between the immigrant groups, from 1.9‐fold for myeloma to 25‐fold for melanoma. The differences in SIRs were smaller in the second‐generation immigrants. The usefulness and the possible applications of the Family‐Cancer Database have increased with increasing numbers of cases, and the numerous applications have been described in some 300 publications. Familial cancer studies are in the stimulating interphase of the flourishing disciplines of genetics and epidemiology.
Suppression of ABCG2 inhibits cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Chen Zhong , Liu Fang , Ren Qian , Zhao Qinjun , Ren Hongying , Lu Shihong , Zhang Lei , Han Zhongchao
Published: July 2009

The ATP‐binding cassette efflux transporter, ABCG2, is widely expressed in a variety of normal tissues, stem cells, as well as cancer cells. Existing data suggest that ABCG2 plays an important role in the maintenance of the stem cell phenotype and multidrug resistance of cancer cells. However, the potential role of ABCG2 in other cellular processes remains speculative and poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that ABCG2 is involved in the proliferation of cancer cells. We used RNA interference approach to efficiently and specifically down‐regulate ABCG2 protein levels in MCF‐7/MX and A549 cells. We showed that knockdown of ABCG2 significantly inhibited the proliferation of these cells. Suppression of ABCG2 reduced the percentage of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle and enhanced G0/G1 accumulation. The G0/G1 growth arrest was associated with down‐regulation of cyclin D3 and up‐regulation of p21. Furthermore, blocking of ABCG2 function by chemical inhibitor fumitremorgin C also inhibited cell proliferation via the prolonged G0/G1 interval. Taken together, these findings suggest that ABCG2 correlates with cell cycle progression, highlighting a novel function of ABCG2 in cancer cell proliferation.
Elevated MAL expression is accompanied by promoter hypomethylation and platinum resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Lee Paula S. , Teaberry Vanessa S. , Bland Amy E. , Huang Zhiqing , Whitaker Regina S. , Baba Tsukasa , Fujii Shingo , Secord Angeles Alvarez , Berchuck Andrew , Murphy Susan K.
Published: July 2009

We previously found that the gene encoding the Myelin and Lymphocyte protein, MAL, was among the most highly expressed genes in serous ovarian cancers from short‐term survivors (<3 years) relative to those of long‐term survivors (>7 years). In the present study, we have found that this difference in expression is partially attributable to differences in DNA methylation at a specific region within the MAL promoter CpG island. While MAL was largely unmethylated at the transcription start site (Region 1; −48 to +73 bp) in primary serous ovarian cancers, methylation of an upstream region (Region 2; −452 to −266 bp) was inversely correlated with MAL transcription in the primary cancers (R = −0.463) and ovarian cancer cell lines (R = −0.444). Following treatment of the OVCA432 cell line with 5‐azacytidine, methylation of Region 2 decreased from 73.3% to 34.7% (p = 0.007) while Region 1 was unaffected. This was accompanied by a 10‐fold increase in MAL expression. Since MAL transcripts are elevated in tumors from short‐term survivors, all of whom were treated with platinum‐based therapy, MAL may have a role in cisplatin response. We therefore determined the 50% growth inhibitory dose of cisplatin in 30 ovarian cancer cell lines and compared this to MAL expression. MAL transcript levels were higher in the resistant ovarian cell lines (p = 0.04). MAL methylation status may therefore serve as a marker of platinum sensitivity while MAL protein may be a target for development of novel therapies aimed at enhancing sensitivity to platinum‐based drugs in ovarian cancer.
General‐interest versus specialty journals: Using intellectual influence of econometrics research to rank economics journals and articles
Authors: Bao Yong , Lo Melody , Mixon Franklin G.
Published: July 2009

This paper demonstrates the potential problem in using existing economics journal rankings to evaluate the research productivity of scholars by constructing a new ranking of economics journals and articles. Based on 2142 econometrics sample articles published from 2000 to 2005, our ranking results show that the intellectual influence of an econometrics article published in several econometrics/statistics journals is much higher than if it were published in the most prestigious general‐interest journal. Given that a study's potential influence is integrated into the submission decision, this suggests a substantial downward bias toward econometricians when existing rankings are used to evaluate their research productivity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of polymer chemistry and fabrication method on protein release and stability from polyanhydride microspheres
Authors: Lopac Senja K. , Torres Maria P. , Wilson‐Welder Jennifer H. , Wannemuehler Michael J. , Narasimhan Balaji
Published: July 2009

The release kinetics and stability of ovalbumin encapsulated into polyanhydride microspheres with varying chemistries were studied. Polymers based on the anhydride monomers sebacic acid (SA), 1,6‐bis(p‐carboxyphenoxy)hexane (CPH), and 1,8‐bis (p‐carboxyphenoxy)‐3,6‐dioxaoctane (CPTEG) were utilized. Microspheres were fabricated using two non‐aqueous methods: a solid/oil/oil double emulsion technique and cryogenic atomization. The studies showed that the two fabrication methods did not significantly affect the release kinetics of ovalbumin, even though the burst release of the protein was a function of the fabrication method and the polymer chemistry. Antigenic stability of ovalbumin released from microspheres prepared by cryogenic atomization was studied by western blot analysis. These studies indicate that the amphiphilic CPTEG:CPH polyanhydrides preserved protein structure and enhanced protein stability by preserving the immunological epitopes of released protein. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Enhancing the stability of power generation of single‐chamber microbial fuel cells using an anion exchange membrane
Authors: Mo Yinghui , Liang Peng , Huang Xia , Wang Huiyong , Cao Xiaoxin
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUD: A decreased power density could be observed in a single‐chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) with a cation exchange membrane (CEM), as a result of pH‐associated problem and a precipitated salt‐associated problem, due to the transport of cations other than protons through the membrane to the cathode. To inhibit cation transport and enhance the stability of power generation, an anion exchange membranes (AEM) was applied in a single‐chamber MFC.

RESULTS: After 70 days' operation, the power density dropped 29% in the MFC with an AEM (AMFC), smaller than 48% in the MFC with a cation exchange membrane (CMFC). The reason for this difference lay in internal resistance development. Membrane resistance in the AMFC remained the same but that in the CMFC was increased by 67 Ω, and the cathode resistance increase in the AMFC was 54 Ω, while that in the CMFC was 123 Ω. The precipitated cations on the cathode catalyst surface in the CMFC, which accounted for the resistance increase, were up to 84 times larger than that in the AMFC.

CONCLUSION: Because of its capacity for inhibiting cations, the AMFC possessed more stable membrane and cathode resistances; thus an enhanced power generation was obtained. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Regenerating titanium ventricular assist device surfaces after gold/palladium coating for scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Achneck Hardean E. , Serpe Michael J. , Jamiolkowski Ryan M. , Eibest Leslie M. , Craig Stephen L. , Lawson Jeffrey H.
Published: July 2009

Titanium is one of the most commonly used materials for implantable devices in humans. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) serves as an important tool for imaging titanium surfaces and analyzing cells and other organic matter adhering to titanium implants. However, high‐vacuum SEM imaging of a nonconductive sample requires a conductive coating on the surface. A gold/palladium coating is commonly used and to date no method has been described to “clean” such gold/palladium covered surfaces for repeated experiments without etching the titanium itself. This constitutes a major problem with titanium‐based implantable devices which are very expensive and thus in short supply. Our objective was to devise a protocol to regenerate titaniumsurfaces after SEM analysis. In a series of experiments, titanium samples from implantable cardiac assist devices were coated with fibronectin, seeded with cells and then coated with gold/palladium for SEM analysis. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra were obtained before and after five different cleaning protocols. Treatment with aqua regia (a 1:3 solution of concentrated nitric and hydrochloric acid), with or without ozonolysis, followed by sonication in soap solution and sonication in deionized water, allowed regenerating titanium surfaces to their original state. Atomic force microscopy confirmed that the established protocol did not alter the titanium microstructure. The protocol described herein is applicable to almost all titanium surfaces used in biomedical sciences and because of its short exposure time to aqua regia, will likely work for many titanium alloys as well. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of phospholipase A2 activity in serum of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Merchant Mark , Heard Raphiel , Monroe Caleb
Published: July 2009

PLA2 is a diverse class of enzymes with a broad spectrum of physiological functions. Secretory PLA2 isoforms have been reported to exhibit important innate immune function in higher vertebrates. This study was conducted to characterize PLA2 activity in the serum of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). We used a glycerophospholipid with a fatty acid in the sn‐2 position labeled with a fluorescent probe (BODIPY) to detect and quantify alligator serum PLA2 activity. Incubation of BODIPY‐labeled bacteria with different concentrations of alligator serum resulted in a concentration‐dependent detection of PLA2 activity. Kinetic studies showed that product formation was rapid, with substantial activity within 5 min, and maximal activity at approximately 20 min. The alligator PLA2 activity was temperature‐dependent, with activity at lower temperatures (5−10°C) approximately half of that observed at temperatures of 30–40°C. In addition, the generation of fluorescent product was reduced by a specific inhibitor (p‐bromophenacyl bromide) of secretory PLA2 in a concentration‐dependent manner, enforcing the idea that the observed activities are due to a secretory PLA2 enzyme in alligator serum. J. Exp. Zool. 311A: 662–666, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental plasticity in fish exposed to a water velocity gradient: a complex response
Authors: Fischer‐Rousseau Laurence , Chu Kevin Pokwah , Cloutier Richard
Published: July 2009

Developmental plasticity plays a major role in evolution and provides an excellent context for unravelling the ecological implication of variation in abiotic factors to which developing fish are subjected. Water velocity has been known to induce plasticity in salmonids, but the ontogenetic component of these changes is poorly documented. Newly hatched specimens of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were reared in four constant water velocity treatments (0.4, 0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 cm/sec) for a period of 100 days. Traditional and geometric morphometrics were used complementarily to characterize morphological changes among treatments throughout ontogeny and demonstrated early and complex developmental plasticity inO. mykiss. Certain traits display a constant direction of change, whereas other traits present a break point at 20–25 mm (∼40–60 dph) indicating a modification in the nature of changes between developmental stages. Plasticity in response to water velocity was detected from very early on (15–20 mm; ∼20–40 dph) and concerned mostly fin‐related traits. Body‐related traits did not respond conformingly to functional expectations as fishes reared in the fastest velocity treatment show a robust body shape more comparable to that of fish from the slowest treatment than do fish from the intermediate velocity. The noncongruence between treatment and response gradient suggests that different combinations of water velocity have the potential to lead to diverging interpretation of plasticity, both in an ecological and evolutionary context. Overall, the complex shape changes observed inO. mykissstress the importance of paying better attention to actual functional requirements and adaptations that occur at levels other than hydrodynamics.J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:67–85, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development's invisible hands: Introduction to special issue
Authors: Thomas Alan , Sumner Andy , Tribe Michael
Published: July 2009

This Special Issue comes from the Development Studies Association (DSA) 30th Anniversary conference in 2008. The theme was ‘Development's Invisible Hands’, focusing on the forces likely to influence global change and re‐shape development agendas over the next 30 years. The first section comprises brief invited thinkpieces mainly from DSA past presidents. Interestingly, while some focus on Adam Smith's original ‘invisible hand’ analogy and others discuss a range of non‐market issues, several invoke Karl Polanyi on the limitations of market society. The second and third sections consist, respectively, of ‘synthesis’ papers on parallel panel themes and papers developed from the best panel presentations. The papers demonstrate the range of issues raised by questioning the future of development and development studies—while the limitations of future gazing are pointed up by the unexpected challenge to current development models presented since the conference by the global financial crisis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Where we stand and what we stand for: The DSA now and in the future
Authors: Bown Lalage
Published: July 2009

The paper looks at some visible and invisible challenges to development studies—seen as comprising a policy‐related field—in relation to the UK and the DSA and against the background of world economic turmoil. They include: a revaluation of the multi‐disciplinary and inter‐disciplinary nature of the subject, to retain its broad base; the need to work within a comparative framework, linking poor and rich countries and the importance of a value base for development research. A strong appeal is made for better efforts to educate a wider public, especially in collaboration with the Development Education Association. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drivers of development over the next 30 years: Some speculations
Authors: Harriss John
Published: July 2009

Class relationships are amongst the fundamental drivers of development, and it is argued here that over the next 30 years a major influence on the pattern and path of development will be exerted by the rise of the ‘new middle classes’ of Asia. At the same time, in the context of the blocked transition of the present, it seems unlikely that those who are marginalised and excluded will be able adequately to organise resistance, much less change structures of power, but poverty will be managed through welfare interventions like India's National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Putting aid in its place: Insights from early structuralists on aid and balance of payments and lessons for contemporary aid debates
Authors: Fischer Andrew M.
Published: July 2009

Recent debates on aid and development are waged on narrow terms in comparison to earlier debates in the 1950s and 1960s. The principal concern of the ‘structuralist’ pioneers of development economics, and the key absence in the current debates, was an understanding of the structural impediments faced by countries going through late industrialisation and rapid urban growth. These result in chronic trade deficits, shortages of foreign exchange and persistent balance of payments disequilibria. The positive potential of aid was understood to lie in its ability to mediate these imbalances in the context of national industrialisation strategies. By the same logic, this potential is lost if countries run trade surpluses. Current debates on aid mostly overlook this dual logic, despite the fact that both positive and negative experiences of post‐war development largely vindicate these structuralist insights, particularly in light of current global financial imbalances. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A combined atomic force microscopy imaging and docking study to investigate the complex between p53 DNA binding domain and Azurin
Authors: Bizzarri Anna Rita , Di Agostino Silvia , Andolfi Laura , Cannistraro Salvatore
Published: July 2009

The tumor suppressor p53 interacts with the redox copper protein Azurin (AZ) forming a complex which is of some relevance in biomedicine and cancer therapy. To obtain information on the spatial organization of this complex when it is immobilized on a substrate, we have used tapping mode‐atomic force microscopy (TM‐AFM) imaging combined with computational docking. The vertical dimension and the bearing volume of the DNA binding domain (DBD) of p53, anchored to functionalized gold substrate through exposed lysine residues, alone and after deposing AZ, have been measured by TM‐AFM. By a computational docking approach, a three‐dimensional model for the DBD of p53, before and after addition of AZ, have been predicted. Then we have calculated the possible arrangements of these biomolecular systems on gold substrate by finding a good agreement with the related experimental distribution of the height. The potentiality of the approach combining TM‐AFM imaging and computational docking for the study of biomolecular complexes immobilized on substrates is briefly discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intraarterially delivered human umbilical cord blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in canine cerebral ischemia
Authors: Chung Dai‐Jung , Choi Chi‐Bong , Lee Sung‐Ho , Kang Eun‐Hee , Lee Jae‐Hoon , Hwang Soo‐Han , Han Hoon , Lee Jong‐Hwan , Choe Bo‐Young , Lee Soo‐Yeol , Kim Hwi‐Yool
Published: July 2009

The present study examined the effects of human umbilical cord blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUCB‐derived MSCs) delivered through the basilar artery in a canine thromboembolic brain ischemia model. Cerebral ischemia was induced through occlusion of the middle cerebral artery by injecting thrombus emboli into 10 beagles. In the HUCBC group (n = 5), 1 × 106 HUCB‐derived MSCs were transplanted through the basilar artery 1 day after ischemic induction using an endovascular interventional approach. In the control group (n = 5), phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) was injected in the same manner in as the HUCBC group. Upon neurobehavioral examination, earlier recovery was observed in the HUCBC group. The HUCBC group showed a decrease in the infarction volume at 1 week after cerebral ischemic induction, whereas the control group showed an increase in the infarction volume at 1 week, by magnetic resonance image analysis. Transplanted cells had differentiated into neurons and astrocytes and were observed in and around endothelial cells that were positive for von Willebrand factor (vWF). HUCB‐derived MSCs expressed neuroprotective factors, such as brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), at 4 weeks after the transplantation. The transplanted cells demonstrated their efficacy by reducing the infarction lesion volume and through earlier recovery from the neurological deficit. These results suggest that intraarterial transplantation of HUCB‐derived MSCs could be useful in clinical treatment of cerebral ischemia. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutant huntingtin and glycogen synthase kinase 3‐β accumulate in neuronal lipid rafts of a presymptomatic knock‐in mouse model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Valencia Antonio , Reeves Patrick B. , Sapp Ellen , Li Xueyi , Alexander Jonathan , Kegel Kimberly B. , Chase Kathryn , Aronin Neil , DiFiglia Marian
Published: July 2009

Patients with Huntington's disease have an expanded polyglutamine tract in huntingtin and suffer severe brain atrophy and neurodegeneration. Because membrane dysfunction can occur in Huntington's disease, we addressed whether mutant huntingtin in brain and primary neurons is present in lipid rafts, which are cholesterol‐enriched membrane domains that mediate growth and survival signals. Biochemical analysis of detergent‐resistant membranes from brains and primary neurons of wild‐type and presymptomatic Huntington's disease knock‐in mice showed that wild‐type and mutant huntingtin were recovered in lipid raft‐enriched detergent‐resistant membranes. The association with lipid rafts was stronger for mutant huntingtin than wild‐type huntingtin. Lipid rafts extracted from Huntington's disease mice had normal levels of lipid raft markers (Gαq, Ras, and flotillin) but significantly more glycogen synthase kinase 3‐β. Increases in glycogen synthase kinase 3‐β have been associated with apoptotic cell death. Treating Huntington's disease primary neurons with inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase 3‐β reduced neuronal death. We speculate that accumulation of mutant huntingtin and glycogen synthase kinase 3‐β in lipid rafts of presymptomatic Huntington's disease mouse neurons contributes to neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immuno‐capture as ultimate sample cleanup in LC‐MS/MS determination of the early stage biomarker ProGRP
Authors: Winther Bjørn , Nordlund Marianne , Paus Elisabeth , Reubsaet Léon , Halvorsen Trine Grønhaug
Published: July 2009

This paper presents a selective and efficient sample preparation procedure for NLLGLIEAK, signature peptide for the small cell lung cancer (SCLC) biomarker ProGRP, in human serum. The procedure is based on immuno‐capture of ProGRP in 96‐wells microtiter plates coated with the mAb E146. After immuno‐capture and thorough rinse, trypsin was added for in‐well digestion. Subsequently the signature peptide was enriched by SPE and determined by LC‐MS/MS. Various steps in the procedure were optimized to achieve a low LOD such as dilution of sample, tryptic digestion, and SPE cleanup and peptide enrichment conditions. A single quadropole MS was used during optimization of the method. A triple quadropole MS was used in the method evaluation in order to improve sensitivity. The evaluation showed good repeatability (RSD, 11.9–17.5%), accuracy (3.0–6.6%), and linearity (r2 = 0.995) in the tested range (0.5–50 ng/mL). LOD and LOQ were in the pg/mL area (0.20 and 0.33 ng/mL, respectively), enabling the determination of clinically relevant concentrations. The method was applied to two patient samples and showed good agreement with an established immunological reference method. The final method was compared to a previous published LC‐MS method for the determination of ProGRP in serum based on protein precipitation and online sample cleanup. Both showed acceptable method performance, however, the immuno‐capture LC‐MS method was superior with respect to sensitivity. This illustrates the large potential of immuno‐capture sample preparation prior to LC‐MS in protein biomarker quantification.
Simultaneous spectrophotometric and chemometric determination of lipids in synthetic mixtures and human serum
Authors: Dumancas Gerard G. , Muriuki Mary , Purdie Neil , Reilly Lisa
Published: July 2009

This article describes the development of a new paradigm in lipid testing wherein seven major human plasma lipids are determined simultaneously without the need for analytical separations. Included are cholesterol and the esters of linoleic, conjugated linoleic (CLA), arachidonic, linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, (EPA), and docosohexaenoic acids, (DHA). The simple quantitative colorimetric assay is rapid, rugged, inexpensive and specific to the ‐CH=CH‐CH2‐ functional group in both cyclic and acyclic structures. The critical moiety in the functional group is the α‐methylene (allylic) group that triggers the reaction. Without it, a double or triple bond is not reactive. The visible spectrum for a typical plasma sample turned out to be the linear sum of the weighted contributions from all seven analytes that – given the heterogeneity of blood samples – leads to a broad diversity in the spectral patterns. To resolve the spectral data, a number of chemometric techniques were investigated. Initially, calculations were made on spectral data that originated from prepared synthetic mixtures whose molar concentrations were known. The most encouraging algorithms employed are: coupling ridge regression (RR) with K‐matrix, partial least squares regression (PLS), and generalized standard addition method (GSAM). An attempt to apply GSAM to serum samples is validated using GC‐MS. The same serum samples are analyzed using GC‐MS and spectrophotometry and the ratios of omega‐6 to omega‐3 obtained from the analyses are compared. Results using both methods correspond very well. (The reaction between acetyl chloride and olefinic systems is described as a Friedel‐Crafts reaction but the mechanism of this process, the structure of the products, and the nature of the resulting chromophore remains to be fully identified.)
Prognostic value of computerized quantification of liver fibrosis in children with biliary atresia
Authors: Pape Lars , Olsson Karen , Petersen Claus , von Wasilewski Reinhard , Melter Michael
Published: July 2009

Biliary atresia (BA) is the leading indication for liver transplantation (LTx) during childhood. Predictive markers for progression are lacking. We investigated the correlation between quantified fibrosis of the liver at the time of Kasai hepatic portoenterostomy (KPE) and the clinical course. Liver tissue was obtained at the time of KPE in 53 children and stained with Picrosirius red. The mean volume of fibrosis per number of periportal fields (Vfib) and the Ishak score were calculated. Vfib was 3.9%. Transplant-free survival was significantly higher in those patients with Vfib < 2.5% (P < 0.05, Kaplan-Meier analysis). Vfib < 2.5% predicted transplant-free survival with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 48% (positive predictive value: 100%, negative predictive value: 17%). Vfib was correlated with bilirubin 6 months after KPE (Bili6m). The negative predictive value could be enhanced to 23% if Vfib < 2.5% was combined with Bili6m < 20 μmol/L. The Ishak score showed no correlation with transplant-free survival or Vfib. Detection of Vfib at the time of KPE is a valid marker in predicting transplant-free survival in children with BA. This method should be considered an integral part of scoring systems predicting the indication for LTx. Liver Transpl 15:876–882, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
The inhibition of neutrophil elastase ameliorates mouse liver damage due to ischemia and reperfusion
Authors: Uchida Yoichiro , Freitas Maria Cecilia S. , Zhao Danyun , Busuttil Ronald W. , Kupiec-Weglinski Jerzy W.
Published: July 2009

Neutrophils are considered crucial effector cells in the pathophysiology of organ ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Although neutrophil elastase (NE) accounts for a substantial portion of the neutrophil activity, the function of NE in liver IRI remains unclear. This study focuses on the role of NE in the mechanism of liver IRI. Partial warm ischemia was produced in the left and middle hepatic lobes of C57BL/6 mice for 90 minutes, and this was followed by 6 to 24 hours of reperfusion. Mice were treated with neutrophil elastase inhibitor (NEI; 2 mg/kg per os) at 60 minutes prior to the ischemia insult. NEI treatment significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase levels in comparison with controls. Histological examination of liver sections revealed that unlike in controls, NEI treatment ameliorated hepatocellular damage and decreased local neutrophil infiltration, as assessed by myeloperoxidase assay, naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase stains, and immunohistochemistry (anti–Ly-6G). The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6) and chemokines [chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL-1), CXCL-2, and CXCL-10] was significantly reduced in the NEI treatment group, along with diminished apoptosis, according to terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining and caspase-3 activity. In addition, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression was diminished in NEI-pretreated livers, and this implies a putative role of NE in the TLR4 signal transduction pathway. Thus, targeting NE represents a useful approach for preventing liver IRI and hence expanding the organ donor pool and improving the overall success of liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 15:939–947, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.