bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: A Simple and Convenient Approach to the Synthesis of Aminofuropyrimidinediones.
Authors: Shaabani Ahamd , Teimouri Mohammad Bagher , Afgheh Mohammad , Eskandari Mehrdad
Published: May 2011

A facile and efficient route to the title furopyrimidinediones (17 examples), compounds of potential synthetic and biological interest, is given using one‐pot three‐component reactions of dimethylbarbituric acid with aromatic aldehydes and isocyanides.
ChemInform Abstract: A New Antifungal Yellow Pigment from Aspergillus nishimurae
Authors: Hosoe Tomoo , Mori Nobuaki , Kamano Kumi , Itabashi Takeshi , Yaguchi Takeshi , Kawai Ken‐ichi
Published: May 2011

structure elucidation, antifungal and cytotoxic activities of the new pigment, anishidiol (I)
ChemInform Abstract: Rubesanolides A and B: Diterpenoids from Isodon rubescens.
Authors: Zhang Hongjie , et al. et al.
Published: May 2011

For rubesanolide A (I), the absolute configuration is elaborated.
ChemInform Abstract: Two New Sesquiterpenes from Inula salsoloides and Their Inhibitory Activities Against NO Production.
Authors: Hu Xiao‐Jia , Jin Hui‐Zi , Liu Xiao‐Hua , Zhang Wei‐Dong
Published: May 2011

isolation and structure elucidation of inulasalene (I) and inulasalsolide B (II)
ChemInform Abstract: A Novel Sesquiterpenoid Glucoside from Hedyosmum orientale
Authors: Rao Gui‐Wei , Zhan Zha‐Jun , Li Cheng‐Ping , Shan Wei‐Guang
Published: May 2011

isolation of the novel sesquiterpenoid, hedyosmum F (I) along with three known sesquiterpenoids
ChemInform Abstract: Synthetic Studies of Lepranthin, a Lichen‐Produced Dimeric Macrolide. Stereoselective Synthesis of a seco‐Acid Based on Stereospecific Epoxide‐Opening Reactions.
Authors: Takada Hisashi , Nagumo Shinji , Yasui Eiko , Mizukami Megumi , Miyashita Masaaki
Published: May 2011

Seco‐acid derivative (I), the key monomer segment of lepranthin, is synthesized.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Antibacterial Activities of Pleuromutilin Derivatives with Quinazolinone and Thioether Groups.
Authors: Yao Yuan‐peng , Dai Fu‐ying , Dong Kui‐kui , Mao Qiang , Wang Yu‐liang , Chen Tian
Published: May 2011

Ten novel pleuromutilin derivatives (V) are synthesized, which all exhibit higher antibacterial activity against S.
ChemInform Abstract: Application of Moessbauer Spectroscopy to Distinguish Among Local Environments of Iron in Porous Silicates
Authors: Lazar Karoly
Published: May 2011

Review: 47 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Heavy Fermion Scaling: Uranium versus Cerium and Ytterbium Compounds
Authors: Lawrence J. M. , Wang C. H. , Christianson A. D. , Bauer E. D.
Published: May 2011

Review: 31 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: The Role of Metal—Support Bonding in Controlling the Particle Size of Ceria‐Supported Transition Metal Catalysts
Authors: Shiju N. Raveendran
Published: May 2011

Review: 12 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Hierarchical Porous Zeolites by Demetallation
Authors: Groen Johan C. , Perez‐Ramirez Javier
Published: May 2011

Review: 78 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Continuous‐Flow Syntheses of Heterocycles
Authors: Glasnov Toma N. , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: May 2011

Review: 75 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Cerium and Bismuth Catalysis Hand in Hand — Synthesis of a Eight‐Membered Ring Lactam Library
Authors: Christoffers Jens
Published: May 2011

Review: 49 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Nickel‐Catalyzed Multicomponent Coupling Reaction Using Ynones
Authors: Arai Takayoshi , Ikematsu Yui , Suemitsu Yuuki
Published: May 2011

Review: 32 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Chelation‐Assisted Carbonylation Reactions Catalyzed by Rh and Ru Complexes
Authors: Chatani Naoto , Inoue Satoshi , Yokota Kazuhiko , Tatamidani Hiroto , Fukumoto Yoshiya
Published: May 2011

Review: 48 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Mesoporous Solid Acid Catalysts
Authors: Chen Fang , Meng Xiangju , Xiao Feng‐Shou
Published: May 2011

Review: 174 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Polycyclic Rigid Molecules by Block Assembly Employing 3,6‐Disubstituted s‐Tetrazines
Authors: Margetic Davor
Published: May 2011

Review: 42 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Heterocycles Using Allylic Substitution with Heteroatom Nucleophiles
Authors: Yoshioka Eito , Kohtani Shigeru , Miyabe Hideto
Published: May 2011

Review: 125 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: 2‐Amino‐Substituted Benzothiazoles: Different Methods of the Synthesis
Authors: Malik Jitender K. , Manvi F. V. , Nanjwade B. K. , Singh Sanjiv , Purohit Pankaj
Published: May 2011

Review: 32 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Bioactive Heterocycles in Aqueous Media
Authors: Polshettiwar Vivek , Varma Rajender S.
Published: May 2011

Review: 75 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Heterofunctionalization Catalysis with Organometallic Complexes of Calcium, Strontium and Barium
Authors: Barrett Anthony G. M. , Crimmin Mark R. , Hill Michael S. , Procopiou Panayiotis A.
Published: May 2011

Review: 140 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Enlightened Enzymes: Strategies to Create Novel Photoresponsive Proteins
Authors: Krauss Ulrich , Drepper Thomas , Jaeger Karl‐Erich
Published: May 2011

Review: 52 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Light Operated Molecular Machines
Authors: Silvi Serena , Venturi Margherita , Credi Alberto
Published: May 2011

Review: 59 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: One‐Dimensional Magnetic Inorganic—Organic Hybrid Nanomaterials
Authors: Yuan Jiayin , Xu Youyong , Mueller Axel H. E.
Published: May 2011

Review: 52 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Hydrogen Exchange Mass Spectrometry for Studying Protein Structure and Dynamics
Authors: Konermann Lars , Pan Jingxi , Liu Yu‐Hong
Published: May 2011

Review: 77 refs.
Ultrafiltration for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Cost, Reimbursement, and Financial Impact
Authors: Ross Edward A. , Bellamy Frank B. , Hawig Scott , Kazory Amir
Published: May 2011

In addition to the proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms whereby ultrafiltration (UF) can be advantageous over diuretics in the treatment of heart failure, there can also be financial and resource‐utilization reasons for pursuing this extracorporeal strategy. In those cases in which the clinical outcomes would be equivalent, however, the decision whether to pursue UF will depend greatly on the anticipated hospitalization length of stay (LOS), the patient population's payor mix, the needs and costs for high‐acuity (eg, intensive care unit) care, and widely varying expenses for the equipment and disposable supplies. From a fiscal perspective, the financial viability of UF programs revolves around how improvements in LOS, resource utilization, and readmissions relate to the typical diagnosis‐driven (eg, diagnosis‐related group) reimbursement. We analyzed the impact of these various factors so as to better understand how the intensity (and expense) of pharmaceutical and extracorporeal therapies impacts a single admission, as well as to serve as the basis for developing strategies for optimizing long‐term care. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Ionic Liquids as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Authors: Ferraz Ricardo , Branco Luís C. , Prudêncio Cristina , Noronha João Paulo , Petrovski Željko
Published: May 2011

Ionic liquids (ILs) are ionic compounds that possess a melting temperature below 100 °C. Their physical and chemical properties are attractive for various applications. Several organic materials that are now classified as ionic liquids were described as far back as the mid‐19th century. The search for new and different ILs has led to the progressive development and application of three generations of ILs: 1) The focus of the first generation was mainly on their unique intrinsic physical and chemical properties, such as density, viscosity, conductivity, solubility, and high thermal and chemical stability. 2) The second generation of ILs offered the potential to tune some of these physical and chemical properties, allowing the formation of “task‐specific ionic liquids” which can have application as lubricants, energetic materials (in the case of selective separation and extraction processes), and as more environmentally friendly (greener) reaction solvents, among others. 3) The third and most recent generation of ILs involve active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), which are being used to produce ILs with biological activity. Herein we summarize recent developments in the area of third‐generation ionic liquids that are being used as APIs, with a particular focus on efforts to overcome current hurdles encountered by APIs. We also offer some innovative solutions in new medical treatment and delivery options.
On a continuum thermodynamics formulation and computational aspects of finite growth in soft tissues
Authors: Nedjar B.
Published: May 2011

In this paper, we try to settle the bases of a concise modelling of growth within the unified framework of continuum thermodynamics. Special emphasis is placed on the modelling of soft biological tissues at finite strains. For this, we adopt the nowadays well‐known kinematic assumption of a multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient into an elastic part and a growth part. It is shown how continuum thermodynamics is crucial in setting convenient forms for the coupling between stress and growth in general. The particularization to isotropy simplifies considerably the growth modelling from both the theoretical and the numerical points of view. Simple growth constitutive equations are proposed and embedded into a finite element context. Finally, representative numerical examples examining stress‐dependent growth and residual stress arising from growth and resorption close this study. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acetylene⋅⋅⋅Furan Trimer Formation at 0.37 K as a Model for Ultracold Aggregation of Non‐ and Weakly Polar Molecules
Authors: Metzelthin Anja , Sánchez‐García Elsa , Birer Özgür , Schwaab Gerhard , Thiel Walter , Sander Wolfram , Havenith Martina
Published: May 2011

We have studied the aggregation process of (C2H2)⋅⋅⋅furan trimers at ultracold temperatures (0.37 K) in helium nanodroplets. Computational sampling of the potential energy surface using the multiple‐minima‐hypersurface (MMH) approach yielded seven possible minimum structures, optimized at the MP2 level of theory with the cc‐pVTZ and 6‐311++G(d,p) basis sets. Experimentally, we could assign five transitions in the IR spectrum of acetylene‐furan aggregates in the acetylene CHasym stretch region between 3240 and 3300 cm−1 to vibrational bands of the 2:1 acetylene–furan trimer. The transitions were assigned to three ring structures that all contain the T‐shaped acetylene dimer as structural sub‐motif. Two of the structures form a nonplanar ring involving a CHAc⋅⋅⋅πFu bond, the third is a nearly planar ring containing a CHAc⋅⋅⋅OFu bond. This assignment was corroborated by quantum mechanical/molecular dynamics (QM/MD) simulations mimicking in detail the aggregation process of precooled monomers. The simulations provided evidence for a transition from a higher level local minimum to the global minimum state over a small barrier during the aggregation process. The experimentally observed structures can be explained by a step‐by‐step aggregation of moieties pre‐cooled to 0.37 K that are steered by intermediate and short‐range electrostatic interactions. Thus, we are able to unravel a special aggregation mechanism which differs from aggregation of molecules with large dipole moments where this aggregation process is dominated by long range 1/r3 dipole–dipole interaction (”electrostatic steering”). This mechanism is expected to be a general mechanism in ultracold chemistry.
Autobiographical Memories in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Claúdio Victor , Garcez Aurélio João , Machado Paulo P. P.
Published: May 2011

The objective of this research was to study the relation between the processing and recall of information in major depressive disorder. An autobiographical memory task was applied to 42 subjects with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, 28 subjects with a diagnosis of panic disorder and 51 subjects without any psychological disorder. We used clinical scales for the evaluation of depression and anxiety. The results of the three groups, and both assessment periods of depressed subjects, were compared. The results indicate the existence, in severely depressed subjects, of a bias in processing and recalling negative information. We associate this situation to the existence of negative contents in self‐schemas and processing and recall of information consistent with these schema contents. Based on the obtained results, we consider that the onset and maintenance of depression is more related to the information encoding and recall processes, controlled by the self's negative schemas, than with negative thoughts. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

The fact that depressed individuals predominantly recall categorical memories should alert therapists to their presence and the difficulties associated with eliciting specific memories. The importance of insisting upon a greater memory specificity as a means to interrupt the depressive bias and the importance of categorical memories as a possible diagnostic tool of severity of depression should be taken into consideration.

A greater focus upon positive memories should be beneficial in therapy.

An evaluation of the recall characteristics of autobiographical memories in depressed and panic patients allows for their use in the therapeutic process, in terms of the activation of such memories and the associations that can be fostered by the therapist.

The relation between early maladaptive schemas and autobiographical memories allows for a clarification of such schemas in therapy by means of the autobiographical memories recalled.

In a therapeutic setting, a relation can be established between autobiographical memories, attachment styles and interpersonal relations patterns, concerning panic and depressed patients.
Upgrading time domain FLIM using an adaptive Monte Carlo data inflation algorithm
Authors: Trinel Dave , Leray Aymeric , Spriet Corentin , Usson Yves , Héliot Laurent
Published: May 2011

Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) is a powerful technique to investigate the local environment of fluorophores in living cells. To correctly estimate all lifetime parameters, time domain FLIM imaging requires a high number of photons and consequently long laser exposure times. This is an issue because long exposure times are incompatible with the observation of dynamic molecular events and induce cellular stress. To minimize exposure time, we have developed an original approach that statistically inflates the number of collected photons. Our approach, called Adaptive Monte Carlo Data Inflation (AMDI), combines the well‐known bootstrap technique with an adaptive Parzen kernel. We here demonstrate using both Monte Carlo simulations and live cells that our robust method accurately estimate fluorescence lifetimes with exposure time reduced up to 50 times for monoexponential decays (corresponding to a minimum of 20 photons/pixel), and 10 times for biexponential decays (corresponding to a minimum of 5,000 photons/pixel), compared to standard fitting method. Thanks to AMDI, in Förster resonance energy transfer experiments, it is possible to estimate all fitting parameters accurately without constraining any parameters. By reducing the commonly used spatial binning factor, our technique also improves the spatial resolution of FLIM images. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Three‐dimensional reconstruction of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes and organelle distribution along the cell division cycle
Authors: Ramos Thiago Cesar Prata , Freymüller‐Haapalainen Edna , Schenkman Sergio
Published: May 2011

Trypanosoma cruzi is the protozoan that causes Chagas disease. It divides in the insect vector gut or in the cytosol of an infected mammalian cell. T. cruzi has one mitochondrion, one Golgi complex, one flagellum, and one cytostome. Here, we provide three‐dimensional (3D) models of this protozoan based on images obtained from serial sections on electron microscopy at different stages of the cell cycle. Ultrathin serial sections were obtained from Epon™ embedded parasites, photographed in a transmission electron microscope, and 3D models were generated using Reconstruct and Blender 3D modeling softwares. The localization and distribution of organelles was evaluated and attributed to specific morphological patterns and deduced by distribution of specific markers by immunofluorescence analysis. The new features found in the 3D reconstructions are (1) the electron‐dense chromatin is interconnected leaving an internal space for a centrally located nucleolus; (2) The kinetoplast is accommodated within a separated branch of the tubular and single mitochondrion; (3) The disk shaped kinetoplast, which is the mitochondrial DNA, duplicates from the interior in G2 phase; (4) The mitochondrion faces the external membrane and shrinks to accommodate an enlarged number of cytosolic vesicles from G1 to G2; (5) The cytostome progress from the parasite surface toward the posterior end contouring the kinetoplast and nucleus and retracts during cell cycle. These new observations might help understanding how organelles are formed and distributed in early divergent eukaryotic cells and provides a useful method to understand the organelle distribution in small eukaryotic cells. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Embryonic development of the emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae
Authors: Nagai Hiroki , Mak Siu‐Shan , Weng Wei , Nakaya Yukiko , Ladher Raj , Sheng Guojun
Published: May 2011

A stage HH38 emu embryo with extraembryonic tissues removed. The size of its vestigial wings is comparable to that of the middle toe at this stage. From Nagai et al., Developmental Dynamics 240:162–175, 2011.
The DigiBog peatland development model 1: rationale, conceptual model, and hydrological basis
Authors: Baird Andy J. , Morris Paul J. , Belyea Lisa R.
Published: May 2011

Using a literature review, we argue that new models of peatland development are needed. Many existing models do not account for potentially important ecohydrological feedbacks, and/or ignore spatial structure and heterogeneity. Existing models, including those that simulate a near total loss of the northern peatland carbon store under a warming climate, may produce misleading results because they rely upon oversimplified representations of ecological and hydrological processes. In this, the first of a pair of papers, we present the conceptual framework for a model of peatland development, DigiBog, which considers peatlands as complex adaptive systems. DigiBog accounts for the interactions between the processes which govern litter production and peat decay, peat soil hydraulic properties, and peatland water‐table behaviour, in a novel and genuinely ecohydrological manner. DigiBog consists of a number of interacting submodels, each representing a different aspect of peatland ecohydrology. Here we present in detail the mathematical and computational basis, as well as the implementation and testing, of the hydrological submodel. Remaining submodels are described and analysed in the accompanying paper. Tests of the hydrological submodel against analytical solutions for simple aquifers were highly successful: the greatest deviation between DigiBog and the analytical solutions was 2·83%. We also applied the hydrological submodel to irregularly shaped aquifers with heterogeneous hydraulic properties—situations for which no analytical solutions exist—and found the model's outputs to be plausible. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Actin‐independent exclusion of CD95 by PI3K/AKT signalling: Implications for apoptosis
Authors: Pizon Mathieu , Rampanarivo Hariniaina , Tauzin Sébastien , Chaigne‐Delalande Benjamin , Daburon Sophie , Castroviejo Michel , Moreau Patrick , Moreau Jean‐François , Legembre Patrick
Published: May 2011

The immune system eliminates infected or transformed cells through the activation of the death receptor CD95. CD95 engagement drives the recruitment of the adaptor protein Fas‐associated death domain protein (FADD), which in turn aggregates and activates initiator caspases‐8 and ‐10. The CD95‐mediated apoptotic signal relies on the capacity to form the CD95/FADD/caspases complex termed the death‐inducing signalling complex (DISC). Cells are classified according to the magnitude of DISC formation as either type I (efficient DISC formation) or type II (inefficient). CD95 localised to lipid rafts in type I cells, whereas the death receptor was excluded from these domains in type II cells. Here, we show that inhibition of both PI3K class IA and serine–threonine kinase Akt in type II cells promoted the redistribution of CD95 into lipid rafts, DISC formation and the initiation of the apoptotic signal. Strikingly, these molecular events took place independently of CD95L and the actin cytoskeleton. Overall, these findings highlight that the oncogenic PI3K/Akt signalling pathway participates in maintaining cells in a type II phenotype by excluding CD95 from lipid rafts.
NKT cells are required to induce high IL‐33 expression in hepatocytes during ConA‐induced acute hepatitis
Authors: Arshad Muhammad I. , Rauch Michel , L'Helgoualc'h Annie , Julia Valérie , Leite‐de‐Moraes Maria C. , Lucas‐Clerc Catherine , Piquet‐Pellorce Claire , Samson Michel
Published: May 2011

Interleukin‐33 (IL‐33) is thought to be released during cellular death as an alarmin cytokine during the acute phase of disease, but its regulation in vivo is poorly understood. We investigated the expression of IL‐33 in two mouse models of acute hepatitis by administering either carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or concanavalin A (ConA). IL‐33 was overexpressed in both models but with a stronger induction in ConA‐induced hepatitis. IL‐33 was weakly expressed in vascular and sinusoidal endothelial cells from normal liver and was clearly induced in CCl4‐treated mice. Surprisingly, we found that hepatocytes strongly expressed IL‐33 exclusively in the ConA model. CD1d knock‐out mice, which are deficient in NKT cells and resistant to ConA‐induced hepatitis, no longer expressed IL‐33 in hepatocytes following ConA administration. Interestingly, invariant NKT (iNKT) cells adoptively transferred into ConA‐treated CD1d KO mouse restored IL‐33 expression in hepatocytes. This strongly suggests that NKT cells are responsible for the induction of IL‐33 in hepatocytes.
Thermal Stability of High Performance Thermoelectric β‐Zn4Sb3 in Argon
Authors: Yin Hao , Pedersen Birgitte L. , Iversen Bo B.
Published: May 2011

The stability of the high performance thermoelectric β‐Zn4Sb3 is investigated by multi‐temperature high resolution synchrotron powder X‐ray diffraction. Contrary to previous claims β‐Zn4Sb3 is not stable when heated in argon and degradation is observed already at 500 K. Nevertheless, the thermal stability of β‐Zn4Sb3 is much improved in argon (ca. 5 wt.‐% degradation after three heating cycles to 625 K) relative to heating in atmospheric air (ca. 60 wt.‐% degradation). Based on identification of the decomposition products two specific degradation processes are proposed, and the excellent stability of β‐Zn4Sb3 synthesized by zone melting (equilibrium method) is discussed in relation to the poor stability of material synthesized by thermal quenching (non‐equilibrium process). The room temperature peak widths and unit cell parameters change significantly after three heating cycles to 625 K suggesting that the β‐Zn4Sb3 phase diagram could be more complex than currently believed.
Sulfinamides as Highly Effective Amine Protecting Groups and Their Use in the Conversion of Amino Alcohols into Morpholines
Authors: Fritz Sven P. , Mumtaz Amara , Yar Muhammad , McGarrigle Eoghan M. , Aggarwal Varinder K.
Published: May 2011

1,2‐Amino alcohols have been converted into morpholines by using sulfinamides as temporary protecting/activating groups on the amine. We have developed a procedure for the selective synthesis of monoprotected N‐sulfinyl amino alcohols through a double sulfinylation/hydrolysis strategy. Following the reaction of the sulfinamides with bromoethyldiphenylsulfonium triflate, protected morpholines were obtained in high yields. Subsequent treatment with HCl liberated the morpholine hydrochloride salts. The usefulness of this high yielding and efficient methodology has been demonstrated in the formal synthesis of the antidepressant drug (S,S)‐reboxetine.
Stereoselective Copper‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Alkene Aminooxygenation: Effects of Substrate and Ligand Structure on Selectivity
Authors: Paderes Monissa C. , Chemler Sherry R.
Published: May 2011

A new protocol for diastereoselective copper‐catalyzed intramolecular alkene aminooxygenation, which provides methyleneoxy‐functionalized disubstituted pyrrolidines and five‐membered cyclic ureas from the corresponding γ‐alkenylsulfonamides and N‐allylureas, is reported. In addition, some success was achieved in enantioselective desymmetrizations reactions. We discovered that the level of enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity could be tuned by choice of copper(II) ligands and substrate N‐substituent.
Vulnerability to disease is associated with a domain‐specific preference for symmetrical faces relative to symmetrical non‐face stimuli
Authors: Young Steven G. , Sacco Donald F. , Hugenberg Kurt
Published: May 2011

Two experiments tested the hypothesis that the accessibility of disease concerns would be associated with a preference for faces high in symmetry, a cue to good health and pathogen resistance. Disease concerns (perceived vulnerability to disease) were measured as an individual difference in Experiment 1 and were situationally primed in Experiment 2. Across both studies, heightened disease sensitivity predicted a preference for symmetrical faces. Importantly, this increased preference for symmetrical faces when disease threats were salient did not generalize to non‐face stimuli. These results suggest a domain‐specific preference for symmetry in human faces, an adaptive response due to the ability of faces to signal resistance to infectious diseases in individuals and situations where disease is a salient threat. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemical Determination of Norepinephrine on Cathodically Pretreated Poly(1,5‐diaminonaphthalene) Modified Electrode
Authors: Guedes da Silva Quésia , Vieira Barbosa Nathália , de Pieri Troiani Estela , Censi Faria Ronaldo
Published: May 2011

A sensitive and simple electrochemical method for norepinephrine (NE) determination was developed based on a poly(1,5‐diaminonaphthalene) film electrode (PDAN). Cathodically pretreated PDAN presents good selectivity, sensitivity, and reproducibility for NE. The polymer film can be easily electropolymerized onto a platinum electrode by cyclic voltammetry in 1.0 M HClO4. A cathodic pretreatment, consisting of the application of a potential of −0.7 V for 3 s (vs. Ag/AgCl) to PDAN before each voltammetric measurement, enhanced the electrochemical activity of NE with no inference of ascorbic acid (AA). In optimized conditions, PDAN presents linear responses for NE in the range of 9.90 to 90.9 µM by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) with a detection limit of 1.82 µM. A relative standard deviation of 3.0 % was obtained for 10 consecutive measurements of 40.0 µM NE solutions. The cathodically pretreated PDAN was successfully applied for NE determination in pharmaceutical formulation samples.
Humidity Sensing Properties of Flower‐Like VO2(B) and VO2(M) Nanostructures
Authors: Yin Haihong , Yu Ke , Zhang Zhengli , Zeng Min , Lou Lei , Zhu Ziqiang
Published: May 2011

VO2(B) nanoflowers were synthesized via hydrothermal method, and VO2(M) nanoflowers were obtained through heat‐transformation. Two sensors based on VO2(B) and VO2(M) nanoflowers were fabricated and their humidity characteristics were studied. It was found that these sensors exhibited fast response and recovery, perfect reproducibility and good stability. The VO2(M) type sensor is more sensitive at high RH and can be used for high humidity detection. On the contrary, the VO2(B) type sensor has a higher sensitivity at low RH, and can be used for low humidity detection, which is difficult for humidity sensors based on many other semiconductor oxides.
Arsenic speciation and effect of arsenate inhibition in a Microcystis aeruginosa culture medium under different phosphate regimes
Authors: Guo Pengran , Gong Yan , Wang Chang , Liu Xi , Liu Jiantong
Published: May 2011

To assess the ecological impact of arsenic pollution during cyanobacterial blooms, As speciation and cyanobacterial growth in phosphate-modified Microcystis aeruginosa cultures treated with arsenate were investigated under laboratory conditions. Marked growth inhibition was observed when arsenate was added. The inhibition effect of 1 µM arsenate was lower than that of 10 µM arsenate. Increasing phosphate supply (0–175 µM) in the medium decreased the inhibition of As. In the medium, arsenate, arsenite, and dimethylarsenicals (DMA) occurred under phosphate-deprivation (0 µM) and phosphate-excess (175 µM) conditions. However, only arsenate and DMA were detected under phosphate-limited (1 µM) and phosphate-rich (10 µM) conditions. Moreover, arsenite and DMA concentrations had significantly positive correlation with the biomass production of M. aeruginosa in the existence of phosphate. Arsenic speciation was more significantly affected by phosphate levels than arsenate concentrations. Recovery of total As content in M. aeruginosa culture medium increased with the increasing phosphate supply. The duration of arsenate contamination in the culture of M. aeruginosa had no influence on the variation of As species but affected the concentration of them in the medium under the phosphate-excess condition. This demonstrated that the effect of M. aeruginosa on As speciation was not related to the duration of As contamination under the phosphate-excess condition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1754–1759. © 2011 SETAC
PBDE developmental effects on embryonic zebrafish
Authors: Usenko Crystal Y , Robinson Eleanor M , Usenko Sascha , Brooks Bryan W , Bruce Erica D
Published: May 2011

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants with potential for bioaccumulation and maternal-fetal transfer that has led to regulatory bans and/or phasing out of several technical mixtures of PBDEs. In the present study, six PBDE congeners (BDE 28, BDE 47, BDE 99, BDE 100, BDE 153, BDE 183) were evaluated for developmental effects on embryonic zebrafish. These congeners were chosen because they are environmentally relevant and cover a wide range of physical-chemical properties. Alterations in behavior, physical malformations, and mortality were scored daily until 168 h postfertilization (hpf). A concentration-dependent increase in spontaneous movement indicated an early onset of behavioral responses to PBDE exposures. Spontaneous movement was affected the most by BDE 47 and BDE 28, whereas BDE 183 did not alter behavior at any concentration tested. Swimming rates were significantly increased by BDE 28 at 96 and 120 hpf, but decreased swimming activity at 168 hpf. Additionally, BDE 47 significantly decreased the swimming rate at 168 hpf. Other endpoints included malformations and mortality. Congeners with fewer bromines (BDE 28, 47, 99, and 100) also induced a curved body axis starting around 120 hpf, which was followed by mortality. BDEs 153 and 183, however, did not elicit these adverse effects. A relationship was found between log KOW and median lethal concentration (LC50) and median effective concentration (EC50). Structure–activity relationships in this study suggest that PBDE acute toxicity results from a receptor-mediated effect and further studies are necessary to determine these pathways. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1865–1872. © 2011 SETAC
Effects of predator cues on pesticide toxicity: Toward an understanding of the mechanism of the interaction
Authors: Qin Guangqiu , Presley Steven M , Anderson Todd A , Gao Weimin , Maul Jonathan D
Published: May 2011

Pesticide toxicity may be modified by a number of co-occurring environmental and ecological stressors. Coexposure to predator cues has been shown to potentiate and/or synergize toxicity of pesticides. However, the mechanisms behind these interactions are not well understood. Here we examine the effects of fish predator (bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus) cues on toxicity of five different pesticides to the freshwater cladoceran, Ceriodaphnia dubia. The purpose for examining patterns among pesticides was to test the idea that the mechanism of the interaction could be explained by a general stress response; that is, the interaction patterns would be similar regardless of the pesticide's mechanism of action [MOA]). Acute 96-h concentration–response experiments were conducted for pesticides with and without fish cues. Predator cues influenced the toxicity of pesticides and the interaction patterns varied among pesticides. Fipronil exhibited a synergistic interaction, while predator cues interacted antagonistically for bifenthrin and thiacloprid. Other compounds previously reported to potentiate toxicity (malathion) were found to act additively. The results demonstrate that factors such as pesticide bioavailability, KOC, and exposure concentration may be important for predicting the occurrence of these interactions and that patterns were not consistent among pesticides varying in MOA. Predator stress is an important component for structuring communities and ecosystem processes. Fully understanding how this process may interact with organic contaminants may best be achieved by examination at toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic scales. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1926–1934. © 2011 SETAC
Hedging under model misspecification: All risk factors are equal, but some are more equal than others …
Authors: Branger Nicole , Krautheim Eva , Schlag Christian , Seeger Norman
Published: May 2011

It is often difficult to distinguish among different option pricing models that consider stochastic volatility and/or jumps based on a cross‐section of European option prices. This can result in model misspecification. We analyze the hedging error induced by model misspecification and show that it can be economically significant in the cases of a delta hedge, a minimum‐variance hedge, and a delta‐vega hedge. Furthermore, we explain the surprisingly good performance of a simple ad‐hoc Black‐Scholes hedge. We compare realized hedging errors (an incorrect hedge model is applied) and anticipated hedging errors (the hedge model is the true one) and find that there are substantial differences between the two distributions, particularly depending on whether stochastic volatility is included in the hedge model. Therefore, hedging errors can be useful for identifying model misspecification. Furthermore, model risk has severe implications for risk measurement and can lead to a significant misestimation, specifically underestimation, of the risk to which a hedged position is exposed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark
Independent component analysis of DTI reveals multivariate microstructural correlations of white matter in the human brain
Authors: Li Yi‐Ou , Yang Fanpei G. , Nguyen Christopher T. , Cooper Shelly R. , LaHue Sara C. , Venugopal Sandya , Mukherjee Pratik
Published: May 2011

It has recently been demonstrated that specific patterns of correlation exist in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters across white matter tracts in the normal human brain. These microstructural correlations are thought to reflect phylogenetic and functional similarities between different axonal fiber pathways. However, this earlier work was limited in three major respects: (1) the analysis was restricted to only a dozen selected tracts; (2) the DTI measurements were averaged across whole tracts, whereas metrics such as fractional anisotropy (FA) are known to vary considerably within single tracts; and (3) a univariate measure of correlation was used. In this investigation, we perform an automated multivariate whole‐brain voxel‐based study of white matter FA correlations using independent component analysis (ICA) of tract‐based spatial statistics computed from 3T DTI in 53 healthy adult volunteers. The resulting spatial maps of the independent components show voxels for which the FA values within each map co‐vary across individuals. The strongest FA correlations were found in anatomically recognizable tracts and tract segments, either singly or in homologous pairs. Hence, ICA of DTI provides an automated unsupervised decomposition of the normal human brain into multiple separable microstructurally correlated white matter regions, many of which correspond to anatomically familiar classes of white matter pathways. Further research is needed to determine whether whole‐brain ICA of DTI represents a novel alternative to tractography for feature extraction in studying the normal microstructure of human white matter as well as the abnormal white matter microstructure found in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Power spectrum scale invariance identifies prefrontal dysregulation in paranoid schizophrenia
Authors: Radulescu Anca R. , Rubin Denis , Strey Helmut H. , Mujica‐Parodi Lilianne R.
Published: May 2011

Theory and experimental evidence suggest that complex living systems function close to the boundary of chaos, with erroneous organization to an improper dynamical range (too stiff or chaotic) underlying system‐wide dysregulation and disease. We hypothesized that erroneous organization might therefore also characterize paranoid schizophrenia, via optimization abnormalities in the prefrontal‐limbic circuit regulating emotion. To test this, we acquired fMRI scans from 35 subjects (N= 9 patients with paranoid schizophrenia andN= 26 healthy controls), while they viewed affect‐valent stimuli. To quantify dynamic regulation, we analyzed the power spectrum scale invariance (PSSI) of fMRI time‐courses and computed the geometry of time‐delay (Poincaré) maps, a measure of variability. Patients and controls showed distinct PSSI in two clusters (k1:Z= 4.3215,P= 0.00002 andk2:Z= 3.9441,P= 0.00008), localized to the orbitofrontal/medial prefrontal cortex (Brodmann Area 10), represented by β close to white noise in patients (β ≈ 0) and in the pink noise range in controls (β ≈ −1). Interpreting the meaning of PSSI differences, the Poincaré maps indicated less variability in patients than controls (Z= −1.9437,P= 0.05 fork1;Z= −2.5099,P= 0.01 fork2). That the dynamics identified Brodmann Area 10 is consistent with previous schizophrenia research, which implicates this area in deficits of working memory, executive functioning, emotional regulation and underlying biological abnormalities in synaptic (glutamatergic) transmission. Our results additionally cohere with a large body of work finding pink noise to be the normal range of central function at the synaptic, cellular, and small network levels, and suggest that patients show less supple responsivity of this region. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New quinoline‐2, ‐3, and 4‐yl‐(amino) methylphosphonates: Synthesis and study on the CP bond cleavage in quinoline‐2 and ‐4 derivatives under acidic conditions
Authors: Michalska Joanna , Boduszek Bogdan , Olszewski Tomasz K.
Published: May 2011

Synthesis of new quinoline‐(amino)methylphosphonic acids, their phosphonate esters, and phosphine oxides is presented. The desired new compounds were efficiently obtained by nucleophilic addition of phosphorous species to quinoline‐derived Schiff bases. In addition, it was discovered that heating of quinolin‐2 and quinolin‐4‐yl‐(amino)‐methylphosphonates with aqueous HCl leads to their decomposition resulting in a rupture of the CP bond, rejecting of the phosphorus containing fragment, and formation of the corresponding secondary quinoline‐2 and quinoline‐4‐alkylamines. Two alternative mechanistic pathways for this cleavage are postulated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 22:617–624, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.20704
WEIGHT‐LOSS DIETING BEHAVIOR: AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Authors: Rosin Odelia
Published: May 2011

In light of the widespread phenomena of diet failure and excessive dieting, this paper presents a theoretical economic analysis of the decision‐making process of weight‐loss dieting. The paper incorporates behavioral elements involved in the process of dieting: effort exerted in dieting, influence of social norms concerning body weight, time‐inconsistent present biased preferences, and a distinction between naiveté and sophistication. The model explains cyclic dieting and provides interesting insights on the extent of weight‐loss dieting. The extent of dieting is an increasing function of initial body weight and a decreasing function of the effort exerted in dieting and the strength of social norms concerning ideal weight. Income and diet strictness have an ambiguous effect. In addition, greater dieting efforts are not necessarily balanced against a slowdown in body metabolism or a higher initial body weight. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A key role for Pre–B cell colony–enhancing factor in experimental hepatitis
Authors: Moschen Alexander R. , Gerner Romana , Schroll Andrea , Fritz Teresa , Kaser Arthur , Tilg Herbert
Published: May 2011

Pre–B cell colony–enhancing factor (PBEF), also known as nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase or visfatin, plays an important role in metabolic, inflammatory, and malignant diseases. Recent evidence suggests that blocking its enzymatic activity using a specific small-molecule inhibitor (FK866) might be beneficial in acute experimental inflammation. We investigated the role of PBEF in human liver disease and experimental hepatitis. PBEF serum levels and hepatic expression were determined in patients with chronic liver diseases. These studies were followed by

in vivo

experiments using concanavalin A (ConA) and D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) models of experimental hepatitis. PBEF was either overexpressed by hydrodynamic perfusion or inhibited by FK866.

In vivo

findings were corroborated studying inflammatory responses of lentivirally PBEF-silenced or control FL83B mouse hepatocytes. Here, we demonstrate that PBEF serum levels were increased in patients with chronic liver diseases irrespective of disease stage and etiology. In particular, we observed enhanced PBEF expression in hepatocytes. Liver-targeted overexpression of PBEF rendered mice more susceptible to ConA- and D-galactosamine/LPS–induced hepatitis compared with control animals. In contrast, inhibition of PBEF using FK866 protected mice from ConA-induced liver damage and apoptosis. Administration of FK866 resulted in depletion of liver nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+ levels and reduced proinflammatory cytokine expression. Additionally, FK866 protected mice in the D-galactosamine/LPS model of acute hepatitis.

In vitro
, PBEF-silenced mouse hepatocytes showed decreased responses after stimulation with LPS, lipoteichoic acid, and tumor necrosis factor α. In primary murine Kupffer cells, FK866 suppressed LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-6 production, whereas incubation with recombinant PBEF resulted in increased IL-6 release.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that PBEF is of key importance in experimental hepatitis. Its specific inhibition might be considered a novel treatment option for inflammatory liver diseases. (Hepatology 2011;)
Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta ameliorates liver ischemia reperfusion injury by way of an interleukin-10-mediated immune regulatory mechanism
Authors: Ren Feng , Duan Zhongping , Cheng Qiao , Shen Xiuda , Gao Feng , Bai Li , Liu Jun , Busuttil Ronald W. , Kupiec-Weglinski Jerzy W. , Zhai Yuan
Published: May 2011

The ubiquitous serine/threonine kinase glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (Gsk3β) differentially regulates macrophage Toll-like receptor (TLR)-triggered pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine programs. This study was designed to determine the

in vivo

role and therapeutic potential of Gsk3β modulation in tissue inflammation and injury in a murine model of liver partial warm ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). As a constitutively activated liver kinase, Gsk3β became quickly inactivated (phosphorylated) following IR. The active Gsk3β, however, was essential for the development of IRI pathology, as administration of its specific inhibitor, SB216763, ameliorated the hepatocellular damage, evidenced by reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (sALT) levels and well-preserved liver architecture compared with controls. The liver protective effect of Gsk3β inhibition was dependent on an immune regulatory mechanism, rather than direct cytoprotection via mitochondria permeability transition pores (MPTP). Indeed: (1) coadministration of SB216763 and atractyloside (MPTP opener) failed to abrogate a local cytoprotective Gsk3β inhibition effect; (2) SB216763 selectively inhibited IR-triggered liver pro-inflammatory, but spared interleukin (IL)-10, gene induction programs; and (3) IL-10 neutralization restored liver inflammation and IRI in SB216763-treated mice. Gsk3β inactivation by IR was a self-regulatory mechanism in liver homeostasis, critically dependent on phosphoinositide 3 (PI3)-kinase activation, as administration of a PI3 kinase inhibitor, wortmannin, reduced Gsk3 phosphorylation and augmented liver damage.

In vitro
, IL-10 was critical for the suppression of pro-inflammatory gene programs by Gsk3 inhibition in bone marrow-derived macrophages in response to TLR4 stimulation.

Conclusion:

Our novel findings document the key immune regulatory function of Gsk3β signaling in the pathophysiology of liver IRI, and provide a rationale to target Gsk3β as a refined therapeutic strategy to ameliorate liver IRI. (Hepatology 2011;)
Hyperhomocysteinemia from trimethylation of hepatic phosphatidylethanolamine during cholesterol cholelithogenesis in inbred mice
Authors: Zhang Ji , Handy Diane E. , Wang Yufang , Bouchard Guylaine , Selhub Jacob , Loscalzo Joseph , Carey Martin C.
Published: May 2011

Because hyperhomocysteinemia can occur in cholesterol gallstone disease, we hypothesized that this may result from trimethylation of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), which partakes in biliary phosphatidylcholine (PC) hypersecretion during cholesterol cholelithogenesis. We fed murine strains C57L/J, C57BL/6J, SWR/J, AKR/J, PE

N

-methyltransferase (PEMT) knockout (KO), PEMT heterozygous (HET), and wildtype (WT) mice a cholesterol/cholic acid lithogenic diet (LD) for up to 56 days and documented biliary lipid phase transitions and secretion rates. We quantified plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), folate, and vitamin B12 in plasma and liver, as well as biliary tHcy and cysteine secretion rates. Rate-limiting enzyme activities of PC synthesis, PEMT and cytidine triphosphate: phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (PCT),

S

-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and

S

-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) were measured in liver homogenates. Other potential sources of plasma tHcy, glycine

N

-methyltransferase (GNMT) and guanidinoacetate

N

-methyltransferase (GAMT), were assayed by gene expression. Plasma tHcy and PEMT activities became elevated during cholelithogenesis in gallstone-susceptible C57L, C57BL/6, and SWR mice but not in the gallstone-resistant AKR mice. Persisting in C57L mice, which exhibit the greatest

Lith

gene burden, these increases were accompanied by elevated hepatic SAM/SAH ratios and augmented biliary tHcy secretion rates. Counter-regulation included remethylation of Hcy to methionine concurrent with decreased folate and vitamin B12 levels and Hcy transsulfuration to cysteine. Concomitantly, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (

Mthfr

), betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (

Bhmt

), and cystathionine-β-synthase (

Cbs

) were up-regulated, but

Gnmt

and

Gamt

genes were down-regulated. PEMT KO and HET mice displayed biliary lipid secretion rates and high gallstone prevalence rates similar to WT mice without any elevation in plasma tHcy levels.

Conclusion:

This work implicates up-regulation of PC synthesis by the PEMT pathway as a source of elevated plasma and bile tHcy during cholesterol cholelithogenesis. (Hepatology 2011;)