bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visible light induced free radical promoted cationic polymerization using thioxanthone derivatives
Authors: Yilmaz Gorkem , Beyazit Selim , Yagci Yusuf
Published: February 2011

The free radical promoted cationic polymerization cyclohexene oxide (CHO), was achieved by visible light irradiation (λinc = 430–490 nm) of methylene chloride solutions containing thioxanthone‐fluorene carboxylic acid (TX‐FLCOOH) or thioxanthone‐carbazole (TX‐C) and cationic salts, such as diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate (Ph2I+PF) or silver hexafluorophosphate (Ag+PF) in the presence of hydrogen donors. A feasible initiation mechanism involves the photogeneration of ketyl radicals by hydrogen abstraction in the first step. Subsequent oxidation of ketyl radicals by the oxidizing salts yields Bronsted acids capable of initiating the polymerization of CHO. In agreement with the proposed mechanism, the polymerization was completely inhibited by 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐1‐oxy and di‐2,6‐di‐tert‐butylpyridine as radical and acid scavengers, respectively. Additionally polymerization efficiency was directly related to the reduction potential of the cationic salts, that is, Ag+PF (E = +0.8 V) was found to be more efficient than Ph2I+PF (E = −0.2 V). In addition to CHO, vinyl monomers such as isobutyl vinyl ether and N‐vinyl carbazole, and a bisepoxide such as 3,4‐epoxycyclohexyl‐3′,4′‐epoxycyclohexene carboxylate, were polymerized in the presence of TX‐FLCOOH or TX‐C and iodonium salt with high efficiency. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Borohydrido rare earth based coordinative chain transfer copolymerization: A convenient tool for tuning the microstructure of isoprene/styrene copolymers
Authors: Valente Andreia , Zinck Philippe , Mortreux André , Visseaux Marc
Published: February 2011

A series of lanthanum and neodymium borohydrido complexes comprising the trisborohydrides Nd(BH4)3(THF)3 (1a) and La(BH4)3(THF)3 (1b) and the half‐lanthanidocenes Cp*Nd(BH4)2(THF)2 (2a) (Cp* = C5Me5) and Cp*La(BH4)2(THF)2 (2b) has been assessed for the chain transfer copolymerization of isoprene and styrene. A transmetalation process is occurring efficiently with the borohydride complexes in the presence of magnesium dialkyl. The transmetalation is accompanied by (i) a gradual decrease of the 1,4‐trans stereoselectivity of the reaction at the benefit of 3,4‐selectivity and (ii) an increase in the quantity of styrene inserted in the copolymer. This can be at least partially attributed to a magnesium induced co‐oligomerization of isoprene and styrene. By combining dialkylmagnesium and trialkylaluminum, a 1,4‐trans stereospecific reversible coordinative chain transfer copolymerization of isoprene and styrene is observed when the half‐lanthanocene 2b is used as precatalyst. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Easily available niobium(V) mixed chloro‐alkoxide complexes as catalytic precursors for ethylene polymerization
Authors: Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido , Patil Yogesh , Galletti Anna Maria Raspolli , Zacchini Stefano
Published: February 2011

The dinuclear [NbCln(OR)(5‐n)]2 (n = 4, R = Et, 1; n = 4, R = CH2Ph, 2; n = 3, R = Et, 3; n = 2, R = Et, 4; n = 2, R = , 5), and [Nb(OEt)5]2, 6, and the mononuclear niobium compounds NbCl4[κ2OCH2CH(R′)OR] (R = Me, R′ = H, 7; R = Et, R′ = H, 8; R = CH2Cl, R′ = H, 9; R = CH2CH2OMe, R′ = H, 10; R = R′ = Me, 11), NbBr4[κ2OCH2CH2OMe], 12, and NbCl3(κ2OCH2CH2OMe)(κ1OCH2CH2OMe), 13, were tested in ethylene polymerization. Optimized reaction conditions included the use of D‐MAO as co‐catalyst and chlorobenzene as solvent at 50 °C. Complex 7, whose X‐Ray structure is described here for the first time, exhibited the highest activity ever reported for a niobium catalyst in alkene polymerization [151 kgpolymer × molNb−1 × h−1 × bar−1]. Compounds 1, 3‐5, 8, 13 showed activities similar to that of 7. Linear polyethylenes (characterized by FT‐IR, NMR, GPC, and DSC analyses) with a broad polydispersivity were obtained. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Concerted reactions of aldehyde groups during polymerization of an aldehyde‐functional benzoxazine
Authors: Ran Qi‐Chao , Gu Yi
Published: February 2011

Polymerization reactions of a new aldehyde‐functional benzoxazine (4HBA‐a) were investigated in detail. The curing behavior of 4HBA‐a was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) methods. The results indicate that the disappearance of the aldehyde group from 4HBA‐a and the ring‐opening reaction of 4HBA‐a occur simultaneously. Gases evolved during the curing process of 4HBA‐a were analyzed by thermogravimetric analyzer interfaced with FTIR spectra. The elimination of CO2 is attributed to the oxidation and decarboxylation of the aldehyde groups. In addition, the crosslink sites of the aldehyde groups in the polymer structure are confirmed by model reactions. A possible reactive position should be sited in ortho position of phenol rather than ortho and/or para positions of N‐phenyl ring. Finally, the crosslinked structures of polymerized 4HBA‐a have been proposed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Functional benzoxazines containing ammonium salt of carboxylic acid: Synthesis and highly activated thermally induced ring‐opening polymerization
Authors: Sudo Atsushi , Kudoh Ryoichi , Endo Takeshi
Published: February 2011

1,3‐Benzoxazine monomers having ammonium salt of carboxylic acid have been developed. These 1,3‐benzoxazines 1a and 1b were easily synthesized from the corresponding tetrabutylammonium salts of glycine and β‐alanine, respectively. The glycine‐derived benzoxazine 1a exhibited remarkably high reactivity, which allowed its thermally induced ring‐opening polymerization in bulk at 100 °C, at which N‐methyl‐1,3‐benzoxazine 1d did not undergo the polymerization at all. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Simultaneous in situ measurement of sorption and swelling of polymers in gases and supercritical fluids
Authors: Ruiz‐Alsop Rosa N. , Mueller Philipp A. , Richards John R. , Kao Chien‐Ping Chai , Brown Gary G.
Published: February 2011

In this work, a novel method to simultaneously measure in situ swelling and sorption of gases and supercritical fluids in polymers in a commercially available apparatus is proposed. A gravimetric approach reported recently is applied to measure sorption whereas swelling is determined in situ by direct visualization. The proposed method has been used to study the sorption and swelling of carbon dioxide in poly (methyl methacrylate) and the obtained results are compared to previously published literature data. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
What do 1281 distress screeners tell us about cancer patients in a community cancer center?
Authors: Kendall Jeff , Glaze Kelly , Oakland Shari , Hansen Jeanice , Parry Carla
Published: February 2011

Objective: The 2008 Institute of Medicine's Report, Cancer Care for the Whole Patient (IOM, 2008), recommends screening cancer patients for distress. Cancer programs throughout the United States are struggling to achieve this standard. The IOM report indicates that only 14% of 1000 randomly selected American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) members and eight of 15 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) centers reported screening for distress in at least some of their patients [J Natl Compr Cancer Netw 2007;5:99–103]. Without adequate screening, distress often goes unnoticed by cancer professionals and there is little information about the prevalence of distress. The main objective of this article is to present data from 1281 distress screenings completed by patients treated within a community cancer center. Specifically, this article reports the intensity of distress, frequency of problem endorsement, and requests for specific psychosocial providers by cancer patients.

Method: Medical and radiation oncology patients completed a distress screener before their first physician appointment. The screening instrument included the Distress Thermometer, a symptom checklist, and a list of psychosocial providers that the patient could request to meet.

Results: Thirty‐two percent of this sample rated distress above the threshold level. Worry was the most common problem endorsed followed by financial issues. Emotional concerns were endorsed by 59% of the sample. The cancer dietitian was the psychosocial professional most frequently requested by patients.

Conclusion: Distress screening can be accomplished within a community cancer center but the provision of psychosocial services is difficult given the high volume of need. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The detection and management of emotional distress in cancer patients: the views of health‐care professionals
Authors: Absolom Kate , Holch Patricia , Pini Simon , Hill Kate , Liu Alan , Sharpe Michael , Richardson Alison , Velikova Galina ,   on behalf of the NCRI COMPASS Supportive and Palliative Care Research Collaborative
Published: February 2011

Objective: Emotional distress (ED) is an under‐diagnosed problem in cancer patients and over the last decade a number of national guidelines have recommended an assessment and management model based on appropriate health professional response to a hierarchy of patient need. This study explores the views of cancer professionals regarding their current roles and responsibilities in the detection and management of ED, use of screening tools and access to expert psychological support.

Methods: Interviews with 23 professionals were conducted [6 clinical nurse specialists (CNS), 8 oncologists, 4 surgeons and 5 ward sisters] from hospitals in Yorkshire, UK. Data were evaluated using framework analysis.

Results: Detection of ED was seen to be the responsibility of the whole cancer team though nurses, particularly CNSs, are heavily depended upon to assess and manage distress. Experience of screening tools was limited and a number of reservations were expressed about routine implementation. A wide range of services are used to support distressed patients but a lack of referral guidance and access to specialist psychological care were reported to be a significant barrier to effective management.

Conclusions: Cancer professionals describe working within the fundamental principles of the guidance frameworks; however, access to specialist support do not appear to meet recommendations, leaving the CNS with considerable responsibility for the detection and management of ED. Support for ED may be improved by the introduction of routine screening along with appropriate training and implementation of referral guidelines to assist professionals in accessing specialist psychology services. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer Care Ontario's experience with implementation of routine physical and psychological symptom distress screening
Authors: Dudgeon Deborah , King Susan , Howell Doris , Green Esther , Gilbert Julie , Hughes Erin , Lalonde Brendon , Angus Helen , Sawka Carol
Published: February 2011

Objective: In late 2006, Cancer Care Ontario launched a quality improvement initiative to implement routine screening with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) for cancer patients seen in fourteen Regional Cancer Centres throughout the province.

Methods: A central team: created a provincial project plan and management and evaluation framework; developed common tools and provided expert coaching and guidance, provincial data analysis, progress reporting and program evaluation. Regional Steering Committees and Improvement teams were accountable for planning and coordination within each region and supported by a funded Regional Improvement Coordinator. A hybrid model for quality improvement facilitated process improvements and uptake of screening.

Results: Challenges to implementation included: lack of consensus on the chosen screening tool, lack of guidance for assessment or management of high scores, concern of inadequate time or resources to address issues identified by the screening, data entry was labour intensive, resistance to change and challenges to the traditional care model. Essential components for success were: centralized project management, a person dedicated to implementation of the project locally, clinical champions, clearly identified aims, monthly regional data reporting and implementation of quality improvement methodologies with expectations for performance. To achieve screening aims many centres engaged all members of the team, examined the roles of the different members and reorganized workflow and responsibilities and changed booking times. In March 2010, approximately 25,000 ESAS's were completed in the regional cancer centres across Ontario, with 60% of lung cancer patients and almost 40% of all other cancer patients who visited the Regional Cancer Centres screened.

Conclusion: Routine physical and psychological distress screening is possible within regional cancer centres. Although considerable effort and investment is required, it is worthwhile as it helps create a culture that is more patient‐centered. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
No improvement in distress and quality of life following psychosocial cancer rehabilitation. A randomised trial
Authors: Rottmann Nina , Dalton Susanne Oksbjerg , Bidstrup Pernille Envold , Würtzen Hanne , Høybye Mette Terp , Ross Lone , Christensen Jane , Frederiksen Kirsten , Hansen Dorte Gilså , Johansen Christoffer
Published: February 2011

Objective: Rehabilitation programmes are intended to help cancer patients achieve optimal functioning and live independently. We evaluated whether a psychosocial rehabilitation course was effective in relieving cancer patients' distress and improving their well‐being.

Methods: Patients with breast, prostate or colorectal cancer diagnosed within 2 years who had finished primary treatment were randomised to usual care or a 6‐day residential course of lectures, discussions and peer groups on issues related to treatment and living with cancer. Changes in self‐reported distress (POMS‐Sf) and quality of life (EORTC QLQ‐C30) from baseline to 1 and 6 months' follow‐up were measured. Analyses were adjusted for baseline scores of outcome, cancer site, time since diagnosis, gender, age and education.

Results: Of 507 patients, 452 were included in the analyses, 404 completed the 1‐month and 394 the 6‐month assessment. Patients in the control group showed greater decreases in total mood disturbance and subscales of the POMS‐Sf and showed more improvement in emotional, cognitive and social functioning at both 1 and 6 months and in role functioning at 6 months than the intervention group. A similar pattern was observed in analyses of breast cancer patients only.

Conclusion: A 6‐day residential rehabilitation course did not relieve cancer patients' distress or improve their well‐being. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Comparison between Gas and Atomized Liquid Precursor States in the Deposition of Functional Coatings by Pin Corona Plasma
Authors: Herbert Peter Anthony Fry , O'Neill Liam , Jaroszyńska‐Wolińska Justyna , Stallard Charlie Patrick , Ramamoorthy Amsarani , Dowling Denis Pius
Published: February 2011

This work directly compares vapour and liquid aerosol states for the deposition of perfluorocarbon coatings using an atmospheric pressure, non‐thermal equilibrium plasma jet system. The objective of the study is to evaluate how the physical state of the precursor (gas or liquid), influences the fragmentation of the monomer molecules in the plasma and the subsequent coating properties. Specifically the effect of gas or liquid aerosol precursor feed on the ability to achieve a soft plasma polymerization (SPP) is assessed with a view to producing a coating that exhibits minimal fragmentation, while being well cross‐linked. The precursor (perfluoro‐1‐decene) was introduced into a helium plasma and coatings deposited at rates of up to 50 nm · min−1. The deposited coatings were examined using XPS, FTIR, contact angle and ellipsometric measurements. These indicated that a controlled polymerization reaction through the vinyl group of the monomer had taken place in the case of the gas deposited samples with only minor fragmentation of the functional perfluoro chain. Furthermore, a high level of cross‐linking was achieved and the perfluorocarbon coatings were stable to a toluene wash. In contrast, while coatings deposited using the liquid deposition technique showed good retention of monomer molecular structure, they exhibited poor stability when immersed in toluene. This is attributed to lower levels of cross‐linking of the liquid precursor in the plasma, compared with coatings deposited using the gaseous precursor technique.

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Increased cancer cell proliferation in prostate cancer patients with high levels of serum folate
Authors: Tomaszewski Jeffrey J. , Cummings Jessica L. , Parwani Anil V. , Dhir Rajiv , Mason Joel B. , Nelson Joel B. , Bacich Dean J. , O'Keefe Denise S.
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND

A recent clinical trial revealed that folic acid supplementation is associated with an increased incidence of prostate cancer (Figueiredo et al., J Natl Cancer Inst 2009; 101(6): 432–435). As tumor cells in culture proliferate directly in response to available folic acid, the goal of our study was to determine if there is a similar relationship between patient folate status, and the proliferative capacity of tumors in men with prostate cancer.

METHODS

Serum folate and/or prostate tissue folate was determined in 87 randomly selected patients undergoing surgery for prostate cancer, and compared to tumor proliferation in a subset.

RESULTS

Fasting serum folate levels were positively correlated with prostate tumor tissue folate content (n = 15; r = 0.577, P < 0.03). Mean serum folate was 62.6 nM (7.5–145.2 nM), 39.5% of patients used supplements containing folic acid (n = 86). The top quartile of patients had serum folates above 82 nM, six times the level considered adequate. Of these, 48% reported no supplement use. Among 50 patients with Gleason 7 disease, the mean proliferation index as determined by Ki67 staining was 6.17 ± 3.2% and 0.86 ± 0.92% in the tumors from patients in the highest (117 ± 15 nM) and lowest (18 ± 9 nM) quintiles for serum folate, respectively (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased cancer cell proliferation in men with higher serum folate concentrations is consistent with an increase in prostate cancer incidence observed with folate supplementation. Unexpectedly, more than 25% of patients had serum folate levels greater than sixfold adequate. Nearly half of these men reported no supplement use, suggesting either altered folate metabolism and/or sustained consumption of folic acid from fortified foods. Prostate 71:1287–1293, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biological properties of androgen receptor pure antagonist for treatment of castration‐resistant prostate cancer: Optimization from lead compound to CH5137291
Authors: Kawata Hiromitsu , Arai Shinichi , Nakagawa Toshito , Ishikura Nobuyuki , Nishimoto Ayako , Yoshino Hitoshi , Shiraishi Takuya , Tachibana Kazutaka , Nakamura Ryo , Sato Haruhiko
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND

Castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is still dependent on androgen receptor (AR) signaling. We previously reported that a novel nonsteroidal AR pure antagonist, CH4933468, which is a thiohydantoin derivative with a sulfonamide side chain, provided in vitro proof of concept but did not in vivo.

METHODS

We developed other derivatives, CH5137291, CH5138514, and CH5166623, and their pharmacological properties were compared with CH4933468 and bicalutamide. Agonist/antagonist activities in AR‐mediated transactivation, cell proliferation against LNCaP and LNCaP‐BC2, and AR translocation were evaluated. Agonist metabolite was monitored in liver microsomes and in pharmacokinetics experiments. Antitumor activities in CRPC xenograft models were examined using LNCaP‐BC2 and VCaP‐CRPC.

RESULTS

All CH compounds completely inhibited AR‐mediated transactivation and proliferation of LNCaP and LNCaP‐BC2. In contrast bicalutamide showed a partial inhibition of AR‐mediated transactivation and a proliferation of LNCaP‐BC2. AR translocation to nucleus was inhibited by CH compounds, but stimulated by bicalutamide. In the LNCaP‐BC2 xenograft model, however, only CH5137291 showed significant inhibition of plasma PSA level and antitumor activity. The other three CH compounds were metabolized to their core structure which had agonist activity. CH5137291 also exhibited antitumor activity in a VCaP‐CRPC xenograft model, but bicalutamide did not.

CONCLUSIONS

The molecular mechanism of the CH compounds, inhibition of AR translocation, was different from bicalutamide and this action could contribute to AR pure antagonist activity. Agonist metabolite diminished the antitumor activity of AR pure antagonist. CH5137291 exhibited antitumor activity in LNCaP‐BC2 and VCaP‐CRPC xenograft models, suggesting that the compound has potential for the treatment of CRPC. Prostate 71:1344–1356, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SOCS‐3 antagonizes pro‐apoptotic effects of TRAIL and resveratrol in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Horndasch Manuela , Culig Zoran
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND

Therapy for advanced prostate cancer is only palliative and its improvement could be achieved by sensitization to pro‐apoptotic agents to which resveratrol belongs. We investigated the interaction between the tumor‐selective apoptosis inducer tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS‐3), an antiapoptotic molecule which is up‐regulated in prostate cancer.

METHODS

Expression of SOCS‐3 and TRAIL (death) receptors was determined by Western blot after treatment with TRAIL in prostate cancer cell lines. Binding of SOCS‐3 to death receptors was investigated by immunoprecipitation. Apoptosis rate was determined by a propidium iodide assay after treatment by TRAIL and resveratrol.

RESULTS

SOCS‐3, whose expression was differentially regulated by TRAIL in androgen‐insensitive prostate cell lines, binds to death receptor 4. Overexpression of SOCS‐3 reduced apoptosis in TRAIL‐ and resveratrol‐treated DU145 cells and SOCS‐3 siRNA increased apoptosis in TRAIL‐treated PC‐3 and LNCaP‐IL‐6+ cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results strongly suggest that SOCS‐3 is one of the proteins which influence the ability of TRAIL and resveratrol to cause programmed cell death in prostate cancer. Prostate 71:1357–1366, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Associations between arachidonic acid metabolism gene polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk
Authors: Amirian E. Susan , Ittmann Michael M. , Scheurer Michael E.
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND

The arachidonic acid (AA) pathway is suspected to be involved in the development of various cancers, including prostate cancer. However, the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of AA pathway genes remains unclear. The purpose of this case–control study was to evaluate the association between prostate cancer risk and 14 such SNPs in the PTGS2, PTGES2, ALOX5, ALOX5AP, and LTA4H genes.

METHODS

Genotyping was conducted on 585 white prostate cancer cases and 585 healthy, age‐matched controls. The best genetic model for each SNP was determined using Akaike's information criterion. Odds ratios for the association between each SNP and prostate cancer risk were calculated, both overall and stratified by obesity (BMI ≥ 30). Haplotype analysis was conducted for the PTGES2 SNPs.

RESULTS

LTA4H rs1978331 was inversely associated with prostate cancer risk overall (unadjusted, overdominant model OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.51–0.91 for TC vs. TT/CC). Among non‐obese individuals, the GG genotype of PTGES2 rs10987883 was associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer (unadjusted, recessive model OR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.27–8.23).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that SNPs in certain AA metabolism genes may influence prostate cancer susceptibility. Furthermore, it is possible that obesity, which induces a chronic state of low‐level inflammation in addition to several metabolic sequelae, may modify the impact of these SNPs. These findings should be confirmed in a larger study with power to detect differential effects by obesity. Prostate 71:1382–1389, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Docetaxel‐mediated apoptosis in myeloid progenitor TF‐1 cells is mitigated by zinc: Potential implication for prostate cancer therapy
Authors: Makhov Peter , Kutikov Alexander , Golovine Konstantin , Uzzo Robert G. , Canter Daniel J. , Kolenko Vladimir M.
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND

Docetaxel‐based combination chemotherapy is approved by the FDA for the treatment of metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer. Unfortunately, docetaxel's efficacy is significantly limited by its considerable toxicity on hematopoietic progenitor cells, thus necessitating dose reduction or even discontinuation of the chemotherapy. Induction of pre‐mitotic arrest protects cells against docetaxel‐mediated toxicity and affords therapeutic opportunities.

METHODS

Cell cycle progression was examined by propidium iodide staining. Zinc uptake was determined by FluoZin‐3 AM staining. Apoptotic DNA fragmentation was detected using APO‐BRDU kit.

RESULTS

In the course of our current work, we treated the myeloid progenitor TF‐1 cells and the castration‐resistant PC‐3 and DU‐145 prostate cancer cells with physiologically relevant concentrations of zinc. In doing so, we were able to prevent docetaxel‐mediated mitotic arrest in zinc accumulating myeloid progenitor TF‐1 cells but not in castration‐resistant PC‐3 and DU‐145 prostate cancer cells. Moreover, pre‐treatment with zinc abolished docetaxel‐induced apoptosis in TF‐1 cells, whereas such treatment had no effect on apoptosis in PC‐3 and DU‐145 prostate cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that zinc can protect myeloid progenitor cells against docetaxel‐induced toxicity without compromising the drug's anti‐tumor activity. Prostate 71:1413–1419, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toxicity of thiamethoxam to Tetranychus urticae Koch and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot (Acari Tetranychidae, Phytoseiidae) through different routes of exposure
Authors: Pozzebon Alberto , Duso Carlo , Tirello Paola , Ortiz Paulina Bermudez
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the impact of insecticides on Tetranychus urticae Koch and its predator Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot is crucial for IPM. This study evaluates the effect of thiamethoxam on T. urticae and its predator by considering different routes of exposure (topical, residual and contaminated food exposures) and their combinations.

RESULTS: Thiamethoxam effects on T. urticae were higher when residual and contaminated food exposures were considered. The total effect was higher than 90% where contaminated food exposure was involved. On P. persimilis, the total effect was higher in residual and contaminated prey exposures compared with topical exposure, and all combinations of routes of exposure attained a total effect higher than 90%.

CONCLUSION: Thiamethoxam was found to be toxic to T. urticae and P. persimilis; however, the impact of the insecticide depended on the routes of exposure and their combinations. Lethal and sublethal effects occurred in residual and contaminated food exposures, while only sublethal effects occurred in topical exposure of predators and prey. The toxicity of thiamethoxam on prey and predator increased with the number of exposure routes involved. By limiting exposure to thiamethoxam to ingestion of contaminated food only, the impact of the pesticide was more favourable to P. persimilis than to its prey. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Axorid: new NSAID formulation with built‐in GI protection
Authors: Norman Anthony , Hawkey Christopher
Published: February 2011

Axorid is a new modifiedrelease combination of ketoprofen and omeprazole for patients with a previous history or at risk of NSAID‐associated GI ulceration. Here, Dr Anthony Norman and Professor Christopher Hawkey discuss its place in therapy. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
A Review of Traditional Remedies of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in the Pacific
Authors: Kumar‐Roiné Shilpa , Taiana Darius H. , Matsui Mariko , Fabre Nicolas , Haddad Mohamed , Chinain Mireille , Pauillac Serge , Laurent Dominique
Published: February 2011

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is an illness caused by eating tropical coral fish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs). The clinical management of patients with CFP is generally supportive and symptomatic in nature as no antidote exists. Of the many drugs prescribed, several have been claimed to be efficient in small, uncontrolled studies, but the outcomes of treatments with these medicines are often contradictory. In New Caledonia, traditional remedies are commonly employed in the treatment of CFP and of the 90 plant species catalogued as useful in CFP, the most popular herbal remedy by far is a decoction prepared from the leaves of Heliotropium foertherianum Diane & Hilger (Boraginaceae). Other important plants used in the treatment of CFP include Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae) and Vitex L. sp. (Lamiaceae). This review focuses on the evidence for efficacy of these species and pharmacological studies which support their use. Other plants used in CFP and the conventional treatment of CFP are also discussed briefly. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening of Medicinal Plants from Iranian Traditional Medicine for Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition
Authors: Adhami Hamid‐Reza , Farsam Hassan , Krenn Liselotte
Published: February 2011

To find new herbal compounds with an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effect, this study focused on herbal drugs and resins which have been used in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of cognitive disorders. Forty drugs were selected from authoritative written documents of Iranian traditional medicine. Each drug was extracted by accelerated solvent extraction using dichloromethane followed by methanol. The 80 extracts were screened for AChE inhibitory activity by a TLC bioautography method. The inhibiting effect of the 32 most active extracts was measured by a microplate colorimetric assay. Due to the best activity, the seeds of Peganum harmala L. were investigated in detail. From the TLC bioautography assay the alkaloids harmaline and harmine were identified as active compounds. This result was confirmed by means of HPLC‐DAD. The IC50 values were 41.2 μg/mL for the methanol extract, 95.5 μg/mL for the dichloromethane extract, 8.4 μg/mL for harmaline and 10.9 μg/mL for harmine. The concentrations of active compounds in the extracts were determined by a fast and precise HPLC method. As the amounts of harmaline and harmine in the extracts were correlated with the IC50 values of the extracts, it can be concluded that these two alkaloids are responsible for the AChE inhibitory activity of P. harmala. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water chain encapsulated in carbon nanotube revealed by density functional theory
Authors: Wang Y. J. , Wang L. Y.
Published: February 2011

The noncovalent interactions between encapsulated water chains and single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) are studied using a self‐consistent charge density functional tight binding method with dispersion correction. The most interesting and important feature we observe is the diameter shrinking of CNTs when water chains are confined inside SWCNT. The diameter shrinking of CNTs can be suggested to the original of the van der Waals and H‐π interaction between water chains and CNTs. The calculated Raman spectra show the interactions between SWCNTs and water chains probably give rise to a kind of “mode hardening effect,” which agrees with the diameter shrinking of CNTs when water chains are confined inside SWCNT. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011.
Ball‐Milling Modification of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Purification, Cutting, and Functionalization
Authors: Rubio Noelia , Fabbro Chiara , Herrero M. Antonia , de la Hoz Antonio , Meneghetti Moreno , Fierro Jose L. G. , Prato Maurizio , Vázquez Ester
Published: February 2011

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) can be successfully cut with relatively homogeneous sizes using a planetary mill. The optimized conditions produce highly dispersible SWNTs that can be efficiently functionalized in a variety of synthetic ways. As clearly shown by Raman spectroscopy, the milling/cutting procedure compares very favorably with the most common way of purifying SWNTs, namely, treatment with strong oxidizing acids. Moreover a similar milling process can be used to functionalize and cut pristine SWNTs by one‐step nitrene chemistry.
A practical use of model checking for synthesis: generating a dam controller for flood management
Authors: Gallardo M. M. , Merino P. , Panizo L. , Linares A.
Published: February 2011

Program synthesis with automated methods has been an active research area for many years; however, we still lack well‐known and accepted techniques for this software engineering task. In this case, the design space to be considered is infinite, even when the solution is restricted to software that meets the requirements. In this paper we propose the use of model checking (MC) techniques to automatically synthesize controllers. Given a goal in the evolution of a plant, MC can be used to search for acceptable software controllers that enable the plant to evolve as desired. We also develop a realistic application in the context of a joint project with a major water reservoir management company. This application generates controllers for dam management during flood seasons. The controllers give the proper orders (open or close the outflow elements) at precise times in order to avoid disasters and to preserve the water level in the dam. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DOLAR: virtualizing heterogeneous information spaces to support their expansion
Authors: Saidis Kostas , Smaragdakis Yannis , Delis Alex
Published: February 2011

Users expect applications to successfully cope with the expansion of information as necessitated by the continuous inclusion of novel types of content. Given that such content may originate from ‘not‐seen thus far’ data collections and/or data sources, the challenging issue is to achieve the return of investment on existing services, adapting to new information without changing existing business‐logic implementation. To address this need, we introduce DOLAR (Data Object Language And Runtime), a service‐neutral framework which virtualizes the information space to avoid invasive, time‐consuming, and expensive source‐code extensions that frequently break applications. Specifically, DOLAR automates the introduction of new business‐logic objects in terms of the proposed virtual ‘content objects’. Such user‐specified virtual objects align to storage artifacts and help realize uniform ‘store‐to‐user’ data flows atop heterogeneous sources, while offering the reverse ‘user‐to‐store’ flows with identical effectiveness and ease of use. In addition, the suggested virtual object composition schemes help decouple business logic from any content origin, storage and/or structural details, allowing applications to support novel types of items without modifying their service provisions. We expect that content‐rich applications will benefit from our approach and demonstrate how DOLAR has assisted in the cost‐effective development and gradual expansion of a production‐quality digital library. Experimentation shows that our approach imposes minimal overheads and DOLAR‐based applications scale as well as any underlying datastore(s). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying spatio‐temporal patterns of articulated criminal offending: An application using phenomenologically meaningful police jurisdictional geographies
Authors: Porter Jeremy R.
Published: February 2011

Improving our understanding of the differentials, articulation and mobility of criminal offending within and between urban and rural areas may ultimately have important policy implications for the allocation of valuable federal, state and local resources. This paper introduces a new comprehensive place level system delineation, which corresponds directly to meaningful police jurisdictional coverage areas. This coverage allows for the implementation of a multivariate spatial econometric technique that has the potential to contribute to law enforcement's ability to combat criminal offending through the introduction of an algorithm for the tracking of the almost ‘real time’ spatial mobility of crime. The results suggest a more robust application of spatial clustering statistics in identifying spatio‐temporal relationships in the spatial mobility of crime. It is expected that the ability to track criminal offending in a more ‘real‐time’ manner can have direct implications on future research concerned with the simulation of crime‐specific offending patterns. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concise Review: Culture Mediated Changes in Fate and/or Potency of Stem Cells
Authors: Roobrouck Valerie D. , Vanuytsel Kim , Verfaillie Catherine M.
Published: February 2011

Although Gurdon demonstrated already in 1958 that the nucleus of intestinal epithelial cells could be reprogrammed to give rise to adult frogs, the field of cellular reprogramming has only recently come of age with the description by Takahashi and Yamanaka in 2006, which defined transcription factors can reprogram fibroblasts to an embryonic stem cell-like fate. With the mounting interest in the use of human pluripotent stem cells and culture-expanded somatic stem/progenitor cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells, increasing attention has been given to the effect of changes in the in vitro microenvironment on the fate of stem cells. These studies have demonstrated that changes in culture conditions may change the potency of pluripotent stem cells or reprogram adult stem/progenitor cells to endow them with a broader differentiation potential. The mechanisms underlying these fate and potency changes by ex vivo culture should be further investigated and considered when designing clinical therapies with stem/progenitor cells.
LacdiNAc (GalNAcβ1-4GlcNAc) Contributes to Self-Renewal of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells by Regulating Leukemia Inhibitory Factor/STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Sasaki Norihiko , Shinomi Masahito , Hirano Kazumi , Ui-Tei Kumiko , Nishihara Shoko
Published: February 2011

Self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) is maintained by leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) signaling. However, this signaling control does not function in neither mouse epiblast stem cells (mEpiSCs) nor human ESCs (hESCs) or human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). To date, the underlying molecular mechanisms that determine this differential LIF-responsiveness have not been clarified. Here, we show that the cell surface glycan LacdiNAc (GalNAcβ1-4GlcNAc) is required for LIF/STAT3 signaling. Undifferentiated state mESCs expressed LacdiNAc at a higher level than differentiated state cells. Knockdown of β4GalNAc-T3 reduced LacdiNAc expression and caused a decrease in LIF/STAT3 signaling that lessened the rate of self-renewal of mESCs. A biochemical analysis showed that LacdiNAc expression on LIF receptor (LIFR) and gp130 was required for the stable localization of the receptors with lipid raft/caveolar components, such as caveolin-1. This localization is required for transduction of a sufficiently strong LIF/STAT3 signal. In primed state pluripotent stem cells, such as hiPSCs and mEpiSC-like cells produced from mESCs, LacdiNAc expression on LIFR and gp130 was extremely weak and the level of localization of these receptors on rafts/caveolae was also low. Furthermore, knockdown of β4GalNAc-T3 decreased LacdiNAc expression and reduced the efficiency of reversion of primed state mEpiSC-like cells into naïve state mESCs. These findings show that the different LIF-responsiveness of naïve state (mESCs) and primed state (mEpiSCs, hESCs, and hiPSCs) cells is dependent on the expression of LacdiNAc on LIFR and gp130 and that this expression is required for the induction and maintenance of the naïve state.
Absolute abundances and affinity states of dopamine receptors in mammalian brain: A review
Authors: Cumming Paul
Published: February 2011

The abundances of dopamine (DA) D1and D2receptors have been assayed with radioligands in membrane preparations and by autoradiography in vitro, and also in living brain using positron emission tomography (PET). This review compares the saturation binding parameters (BmaxandKD) obtained in striatum by these several methods, and in different species. Some uncertainty in quantitation is derived from the incomplete specificities of commonly used ligands, especially Sch 23,390 for D1sites and spiperone for D2‐like sites. In striatal membrane preparations, the D1Bmaxranges from 10 to 139 pmol g−1tissue, whereas the D2Bmaxranges from 8 to 42 pmol g−1tissue. Receptor concentrations in human material, despite the more extended post mortem interval, are roughly similar to those reported in rodent and nonhuman primate. Estimates ofBmaxby quantitative autoradiography are generally five times higher than corresponding results for similar ligands in membrane preparations. The saturation binding parameters in living striatum have been estimated by serial PET studies with ligands over a range of specific activities. The few PET estimates of D1Bmax, (40–80 pmol g−1) and numerous PET estimates of D2Bmax(20–40 pmol g−1) are in general agreement with membrane estimates, but fall far short of the mean of autoradiographic results in vitro. Apparent affinities for D1and D2ligands in vivo are typically 10 times lower than for corresponding in vitro studies, presumably because the unbound ligand concentration is not corrected for the free fraction in living brain tissue. The disparateBmaxresults by method suggest the presence of a large reservoir or reserve of D1and D2receptors in intact brain sections, which are unavailable to PET ligands in vivo, and which may be lost during the preparation of washed membranes. A subset of receptors existing in a high affinity state for agonists is detected in washed membrane preparations, in which the coupling to intracellular G‐proteins may have become artificially limiting. However, in most PET and autoradiographic studies in vitro, agonist and antagonist ligands have similarBmax. Discrepancies in the literature highlight the need for a better understanding of affinity states in vivo and trafficking of G‐protein coupled receptors between plasma membrane and intracellular compartments. Synapse, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cocaine alters dendritic spine density in cortical and subcortical brain regions of the postpartum and virgin female rat
Authors: Frankfurt Maya , Salas‐Ramirez Kaliris , Friedman Eitan , Luine Victoria
Published: February 2011

Cocaine use during pregnancy induces profound neural and behavioral deficits in both mother and offspring. The present study was designed to compare the effects of cocaine exposure on spine density of postpartum and virgin female rat brains. Timed, pregnant, primiparous rats were injected with either cocaine (30 mg/kg) or saline, once daily, from gestational day 8 to 20. Twenty‐four hours after giving birth, dam brains were processed for Golgi‐impregnation. Virgin females were also injected with the same dose of cocaine or saline for 12 days and sacrificed 24 h after the last injection for comparison. Pregnant rats had significantly greater spine density in the medial amygdala (MeA) and medial preoptic area (MPOA) and lower spine density in CA1 than virgin females independent of cocaine treatment. Cocaine significantly increased dendritic spine density on the apical branch of pyramidal cells in the prefrontal cortex (PFC, 15%), both apical (13%) and basal (14.8%) branches of CA1 and cells in the MeA (28%) of pregnant rats. In the MPOA, cocaine administration resulted in a decrease in dendritic spine density (14%) in pregnant rats. In virgin females, cocaine had fewer effects but did increase dendritic spine density on both branches of CA1 neurons and in the MeA. The present study is the first to demonstrate that spine density differs between pregnant and virgin females and that pregnancy makes the brain more vulnerable to cocaine, which has important clinical implications. Synapse, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[76Br]BMK‐152, a nonpeptide analogue, with high affinity and low nonspecific binding for the corticotropin‐releasing factor type 1 receptor
Authors: Jagoda Elaine M. , Lang Lixin , Mccullough Karen , Contoreggi Carlo , Kim B. Moon , Ma Ying , Rice Kenner C. , Szajek Lawrence P. , Eckelman William C. , Kiesewetter Dale O.
Published: February 2011

Corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF), a neuropeptide, regulates endocrine and autonomic responses to stress through G‐protein coupled receptors, CRF1 or CRF2. A PET ligand able to monitor changes in CRF1 receptor occupancy in vivo would aid in understanding the pathophysiology of stress‐related diseases as well as in the clinical development of nonpeptide antagonists with therapeutic value. We have radiolabeled the CRF1 receptor ligand, [8‐(4‐bromo‐2,6‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐2,7‐dimethylpyrazolo[1,5‐α][1,3,5]triazin‐4‐yl]‐N,N‐bis‐(2‐methoxyethyl)amine (BMK‐152) (ClogP = 2.6), at both the 3 and 4 position with [76Br]. Using in vitro autoradiography saturation studies the 4‐[76Br]BMK‐152 exhibited high affinity binding to both rat (Kd = 0.23 ± 0.07 nM; n = 3) and monkey frontal cortex (Kd = 0.31 ± 0.08 nM; n = 3) consistent with CRF1 receptor regional distribution whereas with the 3‐[76Br]BMK‐152, the Kds could not be determined due to high nonspecific binding. In vitro autoradiography competition studies using [125I]Tyr0‐o‐CRF confirmed that 3‐Br‐BMK‐152 (Ki = 24.4 ± 4.9 nM; n = 3) had lower affinity (70‐fold) than 4‐Br‐BMK‐152 (Ki = 0.35 ± 0.07 nM; n = 3) in monkey frontal cortex and similiar studies using [125I]Sauvagine confirmed CRF1 receptor selectivity. In vivo studies with P‐glycoprotein (PGP) knockout mice (KO) and their wild‐type littermates (WT) showed that the brain uptake of 3‐[76Br]BMK/4‐[76Br]BMK was increased less than twofold in KO versus WT indicating that 3‐[76Br]BMK‐152/4‐[76Br]BMK was not a Pgp substrate. Rat brain uptakes of 4‐[76Br] BMK‐152 from ex vivo autoradiography studies showed regional localization consistent with known published CRF1 receptor distribution and potential as a PET ligand for in vivo imaging of CRF1 receptors. Synapse 2011. Published 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.