bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for phosphatase activity of p27SJ and its impact on the cell cycle
Authors: Darbinian Nune , Czernik Marta , Darbinyan Armine , Elias Mikael , Chabriere Eric , Bonasu Surekha , Khalili Kamel , Amini Shohreh
Published: April 2009

p27SJ, a novel protein isolated from St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), belongs to an emerging family of DING proteins that are related to a prokaryotic phosphate‐binding protein superfamily. Here we demonstrate that p27SJ exhibits phosphatase activity and that its expression in cells decreases the level of phosphorylated Erk1/2, a key protein of several signaling pathways. Treatment of p27SJ‐expressing cells with phosphatase inhibitors including okadaic acid, maintained Erk1/2 in its phosphorylated form, suggesting that dephosphorylation of Erk1/2 is mediated by p27SJ. Further, expression of p27SJ affects Erk1/2 downstream regulatory targets such as STAT3 and CREB. Moreover, the level of expression of cyclin A that associates with active ERK1/2 and is regulated by CREB, was modestly reduced in p27SJ‐expressing cells. Accordingly, results from in vitro kinase assays revealed a noticeable decrease in the activity of cyclin A in cells expressing p27SJ. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated dysregulation at S and G2/M phases in cells expressing p27SJ, supporting the notion that a decline in cyclin A activity by p27SJ has a biological impact on cell growth. These observations provide evidence that p27SJ alters the state of Erk1/2 phosphorylation, and impacts several biological events associated with cell growth and function. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 400–407, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of ecological adsorbent in the removal of reactive dyes from textile effluents
Authors: Vasques Andressa R. , de Souza Selene M. Guelli U. , Valle José A. B. , Ulson de Souza Antônio A.
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: The capacity and mechanism of adsorption of the reactive dyes monoazo (RR2) and diazo (RR141), using a new adsorbent with a strong ecological appeal developed from the sludge of the textile effluent treatment process, were investigated. The kinetics and adsorption isotherms were determined at different temperatures and salt concentrations. After determination of the best experimental conditions for adsorption for both dyes, tests were carried out in fixed‐bed adsorption columns.

RESULTS: For both dyes, there was a reduction in the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent developed when the system operated at temperatures above 40 °C. When 10% (by mass) of sodium chloride was added to the adsorbate RR141 the maximum adsorption increased from 66.67 mg g−1 to 78.74 mg g−1. For both dyes, the addition of sodium sulfate did not favor significantly the adsorption. The results obtained for scale‐up of the laboratory data for the adsorption columns indicated that the operating time with reactive dye diazo is 43.5% longer than that for monoazo.

CONCLUSION: The adsorbent studied was shown to be a very promising alternative in terms of an environmentally friendly process. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Heterocyclic compounds from 3,3‐dimercapto‐1 ‐aryl‐2‐propen‐1‐ones. Note 2. Condensation with o‐aminothophenol and o‐aminophenol
Authors: Nardi D. , Tajana A. , Pennini R.
Published: April 2009

The condensation of 3,3‐dimercapto‐1‐phenyl‐2‐propen‐1‐one with o‐aminothiophenol and o‐aminophenol in hot xylene gave 2‐phenacylbenzothiazole (3) and 2‐phenacylbenzoxazole (5). When the reaction with o‐aminophenol was carried out in hot benzene, 2‐beuzoylthioacctamidophenol (4) was obtained, which, heated in hot xylene gave 5. Ethyl benzoylacetale by reaction with o‐aminothiophenol gave 3, whereas by reaction with o‐aminophenol gave no heterocyclic compound. However, we were able to isolate 2‐benzoylacetamidophenol (6), ethyl β‐phenyl‐β‐(o‐hydroxy)phenyliminopropionate (7), and 2‐[β‐(o‐hydroxy)anilino] cinnamoylamidophenol (8). Ir and nmr spectra of synthesized compounds point out the existence of tautomers.
Studies on quinoline derivatives and related compounds. II. Synthesis of 5‐substituted 1‐ethyl‐1,4‐dihydro‐4‐oxo‐3‐quinolinecarboxylic acid
Authors: Agui Hideo , Komatsu Toshiaki , Nakagome Takenari
Published: April 2009

The cyclization of m‐substituted anilinomethylenemalonates (1) in the presence of polyphosphate ester and some other cyclizing agents gave mixtures of the isomeric ethyl 5‐ (2) and 7‐substituted 4‐hydroxy‐3‐quinolinecarboxylates (3), which led to mixtures of the corresponding quinolinecarboxylic acids (4 and 5) by hydrolysis. The proportions of 4 and 5 in the mixtures were determined on the basis of their nmr spectra. Novel 5‐chloro‐ (8a), 5‐methyl‐ (8b) and 5‐nitro‐1‐ethyl‐1,4‐dihydro‐4‐oxo‐3‐quinolinecarboxylic acids were prepared and evaluated for antimicrobial activities. No significant activity, however, was noted.
Etude du mécanisme de la réaction de hantzsch des thiazoles. I. Mise en évidence et détermination des produits intermédiaires et de dégradation
Authors: Babadjamian A. , Metzger J. , Chanon M.
Published: April 2009

Dans certaines conditions, la réaction de Hantzsch, des cétones à halogénées avec les thioamides, conduit à des intermédiaires isolables. Leur structure, thioimidate ouverte ou cyclique, déterminée principalement à l'aide de la RMN, dépend de la nature des substituants. La deshydratation de ces intermédiaires produit, à cǒté des thiazoles attendus, des composés de dégradation que nous avons déterminés et isolés dans certains cas. Ces composés sont selon les cas des à mercaptocétones et des thioesters à cétoniques issus de l'hydrolyse de la fonction thioimidate.
Recherches en série triazepine‐1,2,4: 1 ‐ détermination de la structure de la triazolotriazépinone obtenue par action de l'acétylacétate d'éthyle sur le diamino‐3,4 triazole‐1,2,4
Authors: Essassi E. M. , Lavergne J. P. , Viallefont Ph. , Daunis J.
Published: April 2009

Lors de la eondensation de l'acétylacétate d'éthyle avec le diamino‐3,4triazole‐1,2,4 un seul produit est isolé dont la structure méthyl‐6‐dihydro‐8,9(7H)‐s‐triazolo[4,3‐b]triazépine‐1,2,4 one‐8 est déterminée par RMN et par identification de son site de méthylation.
Streponigrin and related compounds. II. Synthesis of the c‐ring precursors
Authors: Rao Koppaka V. , Venkateswarlu P.
Published: April 2009

Synthesis of the tricyclic analogue 1b of the antitumor antibiotic streptonigrin 1a by the application of Friedlander condensation required a substituted 2‐acetylpyridine (2) as the precursor for the C‐ring. A practical, 8‐step sequence was devised for its synthesis starting from 2,5‐lutidine.
Fluoroalkylthio five‐membered heteroaromatics
Authors: Croft Thomas S. , Mcbrady John J.
Published: April 2009

Fluoroalkylthio substituted five‐membered ring aromatic heterocycles were prepared by direct substitution with fluoroalkylsulfenyl chlorides.
Indoles polycycliques. I. Synthèse de dérivés oxo‐6 du benzo[a]pyrano‐[4,3‐b] indole et de l'indolo[3,2‐c] quinoléine à partir d'acides aryl‐2 indole carboxyliques‐3
Authors: Bourdais Jacques , Lorre Anne
Published: April 2009

Les dérivés d'indole tétracycliques du titre ont été préparés respectivement par lactonisation de l'acide méthyl‐1 (hydroxy‐2 phényl)‐2 indole carboxylique‐3 ou réduction cyclisante de l'acide méthyl‐1 (nitro‐2 phényl)‐2 indole carboxylique‐3. L'hydrolyse alcaline des méthyl‐1 aryl‐2 trifluoroacétyl‐3 indoles a permis de préparer ces acides, avec de bons rendements. Cette méthode apparaît générale pour obtenir les acides aryl‐2 indole carboxyliques‐3, à condition que l'azote pyrrolique soit substitué.
A solution of structural ambiguity: s‐Triazolo[1,5‐a] – and s‐triazolo[4.3‐a] pyrimidines
Authors: Novinson Thomas , Okabe Takayuki , Robins Roland K. , Dea Phoebe
Published: April 2009

The condensation of 3‐amino‐5‐benzylthio‐s‐triazole (2) with acetylacetone in refluxing acetic acid has been reported to have given 3‐benzylthio‐5,7‐dimethyl‐s‐triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrimidine (3). However, it has now been established, with the aid of 13C spectra and a modification of the original synthetic work, that only 2‐benzylthio‐5,7‐dimethyl‐s‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine (4) can be obtained by this method of condensation. The erroneously reported, but previously unknown 6 was synthesized and its structure and that of 4 was firmly established by ir, uv, pmr,13 C nmr, tlc and mixed melting point data. The correct structures of 3‐mercapto‐5,7‐dimethyl‐s‐triazolo‐[4,3‐a]pyrimidine (5) and 2‐mercapto‐5,7‐dimethyl‐s‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine (6) were also established and the facile rearrangement of 5 to 6 was demonstrated.
New routes to aroylthiadiazolines and arylazothiazoles from phenylglyoxalyl bromide arylhydrazones and phenacyl thiocyanate
Authors: Shawali A. Sami , Abdelhamid A. Osman
Published: April 2009

Reaction of phenylglyoxalyl bromide arylhydrazones (III) with thiourea in ethanol produces 2‐amino‐4‐phenyl‐5‐arylazothiazoles (XI) instead of the expected 2‐benzoyl‐4‐aryl‐5‐imino‐Δ2−1,3,4‐thiadiazolines (V) obtained from III and potassium thiocyanate. Phenacyl thiocyanate (IV) couples with diazotized anilines to give V. The mechanisms of formation of V and XI from VI and III, respectively, are postulated. Nitrosation of V gives the corresponding N‐nitroso derivatives (VII), which decompose upon refluxing in xylene to give 2,4‐disubstituted Δ2 −1,3,4‐thiadiazolin‐5‐ones (VIII). The thiadiazolines V give the respective N‐aeyl derivatives IX and X with acetic anhydride and benzoyl chloride in pyridine.
The crystal and molecular structure of an unusual49 heterocycle,62 2‐thia‐1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane 2,2‐dioxide51
Authors: Delerno J. R. , Trefonas L. M. , Majeste R. J.
Published: April 2009

The crystal and molecular structure of 2‐thia‐1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane 2,2‐dioxide (C5H10SPO2N3) has been determined by single crystal x‐ray diffraction techniques. The compound crystallizes in the space group P21/c with four formula weights per unit cell of dimensions a = 6.129 (1) Å, b = 12.440 (2) Å, c = 14.028 (2) Å, β = 127.31 (1)°. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined to a final value of R = 0.079.
Ethylenimine derivatives of some 1,2,4‐triazines
Authors: Keen Brian T. , Krass Dennis K. , Paudler W. W.
Published: April 2009

The first 3‐ethylenimino‐1,2,4‐triazines (9) have been synthesized from the corresponding 3‐(β‐chloroethyl)amino‐1,2,4‐triazines (8). In addition some 2,3‐dihydroimidazo[1,2‐b]‐1,2,4‐triazines and imidazo[1,2‐b]‐1,2,4‐triazines were obtained. The stability, properties and potential therapeutic value of these compounds are discussed.
New heterocyclic derivatives of 1′‐ and 3′‐amino‐5′,6′,7′,8′‐tetrahydro‐2′‐acetonaphthones
Authors: Prieto Jose , Vega Armando , Moragues Jacinto
Published: April 2009

The preparation of 1′‐and 3′‐amino‐5′,6′,7′,8′‐tetrahydro‐2′‐acetonaphthones (IIIa and IIIb) is described, by reduction of the low temperature nitration products of 5′,6′,7′,8′‐tetrahydro‐2′‐acetonaphtone (I). The structures of the nitro isomers (IIa and IIb), and the reduction products, IIIa and IIIb, were elucidated spectroscopically. By known reactions, a series of new heterocyclic compounds prepared from the o‐aminoketones, IIIa and IIIb, resulted in two series of new heterocyclic compounds.
Protonierte fluorenon‐ionen aus N.N‐diarylsubstituierten 1.4‐diazaspiro[4.4]nonanen: Eine neue elektronenstossinduzierte arylwanderung
Authors: Schwarz H. , Schönberg A. , Singer E. , Rapp U. , Kaufmann H. , Meier S.
Published: April 2009

Using collisional activation mass spectrometry (CA) and suitable reference ions it can be shown that the title compounds rearrange to protonated fluorene ions. The mechanism of this novel aryl migration as well as possible alternative ion structures are discussed.
The reaction of enamines with β‐ketoesters: A route to γ‐pyrones
Authors: Monson Richard S.
Published: April 2009

β‐Ketoesters and enamines are found to react at elevated temperatures to give γ‐pyrones in yields of 10 to 50%.
Nucleosides CIII. Anhydropyrimidine‐C‐nueleosides. Synthesis of 4,2′‐anhydro‐5‐(β‐D‐arabinofuranosyl)‐ and 5‐(β‐D‐arabinofuranosyl)pyrimidine C‐nucleosides
Authors: Reichman U. , Chu C. K. , Wempen I. , Watanabe K. A. , Fox J. J.
Published: April 2009

4,2′‐Anhydro‐5‐(β‐D‐arabinofuranosyl)isocytosine and 4,2′‐anhydro‐5‐(β‐D‐arabinofuranosyl)‐uracil were synthesized. Treatment of Ψ‐isocytidine with either α‐acetoxyisobutyryl chloride or salicyloyl chloride in acetonitrile afforded the acylated anhydronucleoside. Deacylation of the product with methanol‐hydrogen chloride afforded 4,2′‐anhydro‐5‐(β‐D‐arabinofuranosyl)isocylosine hydrochloride in crystalline form. Analogous reaction of Ψ‐uridine with the acyl chloride reagents, however, always gave a mixture of the acylated anhydronucleoside and 2′‐chloro‐2′‐deoxy‐Ψ‐uridine. Treatment of these products either singly or as a mixture with sodium methoxide in methanol afforded 4,2′‐anhydro‐5‐(β‐D‐arabinofuranosyl)uracil in crystalline form in good yield.

5‐(β‐D‐Arabinofuranosyl)isocytosine was obtained upon treatment of the corresponding 4,2′‐anhydronucleoside with 10% sodium hydroxide under reflux for 30 minutes. Treatment of the anhydro uracil nucleoside with a small amount of Dowex 50(H+) in water at 50° gave 5‐(β‐D‐arabinofuranosyl)uracil.
Synthesis of oxetanes by photoaddition of carbonyl compounds to pyrrole derivatives
Authors: Rivas C. , Bolívar R. A.
Published: April 2009

Several electron attracting groups have been substituted on the nitrogen atom to decrease the electron density of the pyrrole ring in order to make it more suitable for photoaddition reactions. Once it was found that N‐benzoylpyrrole is the only compound of the series studied, capable of undergoing oxetane formation, other carbonyl compounds in addition to benzophenone were tested as possible addends to the ring. Successful additions were observed when 3‐ and 4‐benzoyl‐pyridine were used.
Heterocycles from ylides. Part V (1). Reactivity of 4‐arylmethylene‐Δ2 ‐isoxazolin‐5‐ones with stabilized sulfur ylides
Authors: Dalla Croce Piero
Published: April 2009

4‐Arylmethylene‐Δ2 ‐isoxazolin‐5‐ones react with carbonyl‐stabilized sulfur ylides yielding spiro[cyclopropane‐1,4′‐Δ2‐isoxazolin]‐5′‐ones identified from spectroscopic data and chemical behaviour.
Effects of various cover crops after peas on nitrate leaching and nitrogen supply to succeeding winter wheat or potato crops
Authors: Möller Kurt , Reents Hans‐Jürgen
Published: April 2009

In organic farming systems, it has been demonstrated that grain pulses such as peas often do not enhance soil N supply to the following crops. This may be due to large N removals via harvested grains as well as N‐leaching losses during winter. In two field‐trial series, the effects of legume (common vetch, hairy vetch, peas) and nonlegume (oil radish) cover crops (CC), and mixtures of both, sown after peas, on soil nitrate content, N uptake, and yield of following potatoes or winter wheat were studied. The overall objective of these experiments was to obtain detailed information on how to influence N availability after main‐crop peas by adapting cover‐cropping strategies. Cover crops accumulated 56 to 108 kg N ha–1 in aboveground biomass, and legume CC fixed 30–70 kg N ha–1 by N2 fixation, depending on the soil N supply and the length of the growing period of the CC. Nitrogen concentration in the aboveground biomass of legume CC was much higher and the C : N ratio much lower than in the nonlegume oil radish CC. At the time of CC incorporation (wheat series) as well as at the end of the growing season (potato series), soil nitrate content did not differ between the nonlegume CC species and mixtures, whereas pure stands of legume CC showed slightly increased soil nitrate content. When the CC were incorporated in autumn (beginning of October) nitrate leaching increased, especially from leguminous CC. However, most of the N leached only into soil layers down to 1.50 m and was recovered more or less by the following winter wheat. When CC were incorporated in late winter (February) no increase in nitrate leaching was observed. In spring, N availability for winter wheat or potatoes was much greater after legumes and, after mixtures containing legumes, resulting in significantly higher N uptake and yields in both crops. In conclusion, autumn‐incorporated CC mixtures of legumes and nonlegumes accomplished both: reduced nitrate leaching and larger N availability to the succeeding crop. When the CC were incorporated in winter and a spring‐sown main crop followed even pure stands of legume CC were able to achieve both goals.
Comparison of two procedures for particle‐size analysis: Köhn pipette and X‐ray granulometry
Authors: Müller Hans‐Werner , Dohrmann Reiner , Klosa Detlef , Rehder Sönke , Eckelmann Wolf
Published: April 2009

Knowledge on particle‐size distribution (PSD) is crucial to the classification and description of soils and sediments. Since the early 1900s, various methods of PSD analysis have been in use. In Germany, analysis of PSD is conducted according to DIN ISO 11277:2002‐08. This procedure involves a combination of sieving (particles 63 μm to 2000 μm) and sedimentation (particles <63 μm). Köhn pipette is the standard procedure for sedimentation. It is still conducted manually and is very time‐consuming. As an automated alternative method, X‐ray granulometry (XRG) was tested using the SediGraph 5100™ particle‐size analyzer. With this device, the gravity‐induced settling rates of different‐size particles can be measured. The method is based on the same principles used in Köhn pipette (Stokes' law). However, work is carried out through X‐ray absorption of particles in a suspension instead of pipetting and weighing.

For this study, both methods were applied to approx. 500 samples from various locations in Germany. Care was taken in making sure these samples are representative of important patterns of particle‐size distribution in soils of Central Europe. Based on statistical methods of calculation, nonlinear regression functions became apparent. Therefore, XRG data can be recalculated into approximate data potentially derived from an analysis per Köhn pipette with an acceptable degree of accuracy and precision. Usually, use of XRG generates slightly higher clay contents. Currently, automated Köhn pipette devices with greater measuring capacities are in use. This eliminates the disadvantages posed by manual operation.
Biostimulant activity of two protein hydrolyzates in the growth and nitrogen metabolism of maize seedlings
Authors: Ertani Andrea , Cavani Luciano , Pizzeghello Diego , Brandellero Elena , Altissimo Adriano , Ciavatta Claudio , Nardi Serenella
Published: April 2009

Two protein hydrolyzate–based fertilizers (PHFs), one from alfalfa (AH) and one from meat flour (MFH), were studied chemically and biologically. AH and MFH revealed a different degree of hydrolysis and a different amino acid composition. The biostimulant activity was investigated using two specific and sensitive bioassays of auxins and gibberellins. Extracts of AH and MFH elicited a gibberellin‐like activity and a weak auxin‐like one. To improve our understanding of the biostimulant activity, AH and MFH were supplied to maize plants and their effect on growth and nitrate metabolism was studied. Both PHFs increased root and leaf growth and induced morphological changes in root architecture. Besides, the treatments increased nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS) activities, suggesting a positive role of the two hydrolyzates in the induction of nitrate conversion into organic nitrogen. Moreover, treatments enhanced GS1 and GS2 isoforms in maize leaves. The latter isoform, amounting to 5‐ to 7‐fold the level of the former, appears to be a superior form in the assimilation of ammonia. The high NR and GS activities together with the high induction of GS isoforms indicate a stimulatory effect of the two PHFs on the assimilation of nitrate. In addition, a role of amino acids and small peptides of the two PHFs is suggested in the regulation of the hormone‐like activity and nitrogen pathway.
Chemical structure of phosphazenes in relation to the tribological properties of a steel‐on‐steel system
Authors: Zhu Jiamei , Chu Ruizhi , Meng Xianliang
Published: April 2009

The tribological behaviours of a steel‐on‐steel contact lubricated by three different fluids: (i) tetrakis(3‐trifluoromethylphenoxy)‐bis(4‐fluorophenoxy)‐cyclotriphosphazene (X‐1P), (ii) a synthetic bridged cyclotriphosphazene, and (iii) linear phosphazene derivative as base fluids were comparatively investigated on an Optimol SRV oscillating friction and wear tester. The results show that X‐1P records the lowest friction coefficient, and linear phosphazene oligomer gives the lowest wear volume loss of the steel among the investigated lubricants. Moreover, the bridged cyclotriphosphazene shows much better anti‐wear ability than cyclotriphosphazene (X‐1P) at both room and elevated temperatures. The worn surfaces were analysed by means of scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the protective layer originated from the tribochemical reaction together with the adsorbed boundary lubricating layer containing organic F‐containing compounds; nitrogen oxide and FeF2 played an important role in improving the friction and wear behavior of the steel‐on‐steel system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Die Prozessindustrie trifft sich
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2009

Die Aussteller haben zur Achema viel Neues angekündigt, sie werden zudem Bewährtes zeigen und scheinen von der Wirtschaftskrise unbeeindruckt. Dazu gibt es Vorträge zu Themen von Biotechnik bis Hochschule sowie Foren für Mitarbeiter‐ und Stellungsuchende und für Wirtschaftsfachleute.
”Auch ein Kamel hat Zornausbrüche“
Authors: Guggolz Ernst , Schami Rafik , Fadel Suheil
Published: April 2009

Rafik Schami studierte in Damaskus und Heidelberg Chemie. Seine erste Leidenschaft, das Schreiben und Erzählen, hat er bald darauf zu seinem Beruf gemacht. Die Nachrichten aus der Chemie sprachen mit dem weltweit erfolgreichen Autor übers Studieren, Kochen, Schreiben, über Jugend forscht, E‐Books, Friedrich Schiller, die Phantasie und die Bedeutung seines Studiums für die literarische Arbeit.
Vom Chemiebaukasten in der Zelle zum Krebsmedikament
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: April 2009

Die Enzyme der Cytochrom‐P450‐Familie katalysieren Oxidationsreaktionen. Ein Enzym, die Aromatase, ist bei hormonabhängigen Krebserkrankungen aktiv. Die Kenntnis der Kristallstruktur der menschlichen Aromatase nützt deshalb Medikamentenentwicklern.
Alles schnell wissen
Authors: Lippold Björn
Published: April 2009

Im Web 2.0 sind Nutzer aktiver als im bisher bekannten Internet. Ob im Blog einer chemischen Gesellschaft, beim Mikroblogging über eine Fachzeitschrift oder mit RSS‐Feeds von Unternehmen — Chemiker sind informiert.
Die Mitglieder hatten das Wort
Authors: Karger Gerhard
Published: April 2009

”Eher zufrieden“ sind die Mitglieder der GDCh mit ihrer Fachgesellschaft, und ”eher stark“ fühlen sie sich mit ihr verbunden. Das Resultat der Online‐Mitgliederumfrage der GDCh vom vergangenen Herbst positioniert die GDCh mit ihren Leistungen im Idealbereich und zeigt, dass die GDCh darüber hinaus vieles, aber noch nicht alles richtig macht.
A metric study of three types of artificial cranial modification from north‐central Peru
Authors: Pomeroy Emma , Stock Jay T. , Zakrzewski Sonia R. , Lahr Marta Mirazón
Published: April 2009

Artificial cranial modification (ACM) involves the alteration of cranial vault shape by cultural means, and is performed during infancy while the cranial bones remain soft and malleable. The direction of normal cranial growth is altered through the application of external forces. In this study, three types of ACM from north‐central Peru (posterior flattening, bilobed and circumferential) were analysed using standard craniometric techniques. The aim was to determine the effects of these forms of ACM on craniofacial morphology, and the extent to which different types of ACM could be distinguished from one another and unmodified crania on the basis of these measurements. Significant differences between artificially modified and unmodified crania, and between different types of ACM, were demonstrated in cranial vault shape for all types. Significant differences in facial morphology were found only in the bilobed group compared with the unmodified crania. Canonical variates analysis (discriminant analysis) confirmed that major differences between modification types and unmodified crania were in measurements and angles of the cranial vault. While the results show some similarities to previous studies, they add to the variability in the patterns and extent of differences documented to date. It is suggested, based on these results and visual observations, that interpopulation variation in ACM within major modification categories may explain some of the variability in results between studies, an explanation which has previously received insufficient recognition but which remains to be tested since varied methodology between studies may also be a contributory factor. While previous studies have often sought to generalise about the effects of ACM, the examination of the differences between populations even within major ACM categories may offer new insight into cultural variation in modification techniques between populations and the nature of craniofacial development. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health status at long‐term follow‐up in patients treated for extremity localized Ewing Sarcoma or osteosarcoma: A Scandinavian sarcoma group study
Authors: Aksnes L.H. , Bauer H.C.F. , Dahl A.A. , Fosså S.D. , Hjorth L. , Jebsen N. , Lernedal H. , Hall K. Sundby
Published: April 2009

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate late effects and symptom complaints in long‐term survivors (>5 years) of Extremity Bone Sarcoma (EBS survivors). The results were compared with findings in age‐ and gender‐matched individuals from the general population (NORMs).

Patients and Methods

Among 155 EBS survivors approached, 133 (86%) were included, and 110 of them (83%) attended an outpatient examination. Health status was evaluated by a mailed questionnaire concerning demographic and current health issues, and physical examinations at the outpatient clinic. Age‐ and gender‐adjusted normative controls were drawn from participants of the Health Study of Nord‐Trøndelag County (HUNT 2).

Results

Median age at follow‐up was 29 (15–57) years. Median follow‐up was 12 (6–22) years. Of EBS survivors 42% had ≥1 somatic disease, 33% had ototoxicity and 13% had reduced renal function. EBS survivors were more likely to have heart disease (odds ratio [OR], 7.9; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.5–25.3; P = 0.001), hypertension (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.1–10.1; P = 0.03) and thyroid disease (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.1–8.3; P = 0.04) compared to NORMs. EBS survivors reported more diarrhoea (29% vs. 19%, P = 0.02), palpitations (23% vs. 13%, P = 0.01) and shortness of breath (11% vs. 5%, P = 0.01) than NORMs.

Conclusions

EBS survivors have poorer health status compared to age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Long‐term follow‐up of these patients is therefore mandatory. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:84–89. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comprehensive analysis of the Brassica juncea root proteome in response to cadmium exposure by complementary proteomic approaches
Authors: Alvarez Sophie , Berla Bertram M. , Sheffield Jeanne , Cahoon Rebecca E. , Jez Joseph M. , Hicks Leslie M.
Published: April 2009

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is known to both accumulate and tolerate high levels of heavy metals from polluted soils. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the effect of cadmium (Cd) treatment on B. juncea roots, two quantitative proteomics approaches – fluorescence two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2‐D DIGE) and multiplexed isobaric tagging technology (iTRAQ) – were implemented. Several proteins involved in sulfur assimilation, redox homeostasis, and xenobiotic detoxification were found to be up‐regulated. Multiple proteins involved in protein synthesis and processing were down‐regulated. While the two proteomics approaches identified different sets of proteins, the proteins identified in both datasets are involved in similar biological processes. We show that 2‐D DIGE and iTRAQ results are complementary, that the data obtained independently using the two techniques validate one another, and that the quality of iTRAQ results depends on both the number of biological replicates and the number of sample injections. This study determined the involvement of enzymes such as peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase and 2‐nitropropane dioxygenase in alternatives redox‐regulation mechanisms, as well as O‐acetylserine sulfhydrylase, glutathione‐S‐transferase and glutathione‐conjugate membrane transporter, as essential players in the Cd hyperaccumation and tolerance of B. juncea.
The algal metabolite yessotoxin affects heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins in HepG2 cells
Authors: Young Clifford , Truman Penelope , Boucher Magalie , Keyzers Robert A. , Northcote Peter , Jordan T. William
Published: April 2009

The dinoflagellate metabolite yessotoxin (YTX) is produced by several species of algae and accumulates in marine food chains, leading to concerns about possible affects on aquaculture industries and human health. In mice used for toxicity testing, YTX is lethal by the intraperitoneal route, but is considerably less toxic when orally administered. The mode of action of YTX and its potential effect on humans is unclear and we therefore conducted the first proteomic analysis of the effects of this compound. We used 2‐DE to examine protein changes in HepG2 cell cultures exposed to 1.4 μM YTX for 3, 12.5, 18 and 24 h. After selecting proteins that changed more than three‐fold after YTX exposure, 55 spots were deemed significantly affected by the toxin (p<0.05). Major groups of affected proteins include members from the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP), lamin, cathepsin and heat shock protein families that often are associated with apoptosis. We therefore confirmed apoptosis using Annexin‐V‐FLUOS staining of phosphatidylserine exposed at the surface of apoptotic cells. Ingenuity pathways analysis also indicated effects on pathways involved in protein processing, cell cycling and cell death.
Anatomic site‐specific proteomic signatures of gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Suehara Yoshiyuki , Kikuta Kazutaka , Nakayama Robert , Fujii Kiyonaga , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Seki Kunihiko , Hasegawa Tadashi , Gotoh Masahiro , Tochigi Naobumi , Shimoda Tadakazu , Shimada Yasuhiro , Sano Takeshi , Beppu Yasuo , Kurosawa Hisashi , Hirohashi Setsuo , Kawai Akira , Kondo Tadashi
Published: April 2009

The gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. Its clinical course ranges widely from a curable disorder to a highly malignant disease. Although its clinical and molecular characteristics depend on the anatomic site of origin, the molecular background of GIST arising in different anatomical site has not been studied yet. To investigate the proteomic background of GIST, we examined the proteomic features corresponding to the anatomic site of tumor origin. Comparison of the proteomic profile of gastric (23 cases) and small intestinal (9 cases) GIST by 2‐DE revealed 105 protein spots with significantly different intensity (p <0.01) between the two groups. Mass spectrometric study identified 68 distinct proteins for these 105 protein spots, including cancer‐associated ones such as prohibitin, pigment epithelium‐derived factor, and alpha‐actinin 4. The intensity of 37/105 (35.2%) protein spots was significantly concordant with the corresponding mRNA levels (p <0.01). Although both 2‐D DIGE and microarray experiments showed significant up‐regulation of vimentin expression in small intestinal GIST, Western blotting did not show a significant difference between the two groups. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the proteins specially expressed in GIST depending on their site of origin, as well as the unique advantage offered by use of proteomics to acquire such data. The identified proteins may provide clues to understanding the different characteristics of GIST depending on their site of origin.
Automatic extraction of proximal femur contours from calibrated X‐ray images using 3D statistical models: anin vitrostudy
Authors: Dong Xiao , Zheng Guoyan
Published: April 2009

Background

Accurate extraction of bone contours from two‐dimensional (2D) projective X‐ray images is an important component for computer‐assisted diagnosis, planning or three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction.

Methods

We propose a 3D statistical model‐based, fully automatic segmentation framework for extracting the proximal femur contours from calibrated X‐ray images. The automatic initialization is an estimation of a Bayesian network algorithm to fit a multiple‐component geometrical model to the X‐ray data. The contour extraction is accomplished by a non‐rigid 2D/3D registration between the statistical model and the X‐ray images, in which bone contours are extracted by a graphical model‐based Bayesian inference.

Results

The contour extraction algorithm was verified on both cadaver and clinical datasets, visually and quantitatively. Compared to the ‘gold standard’, a mean error of 1.6 mm was observed when the automatically extracted contours were used to reconstruct a patient‐specific surface model.

Conclusions

Our statistical model‐based bone contour extraction approach holds the potential to facilitate the application of 2D/3D reconstruction in surgical navigation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Artesunate induced morphological and mechanical changes of Jurkat cell studied by AFM
Authors: Cai Xiaofang , Gao Shijun , Cai Jiye , Wu Yangzhe , Deng Hua
Published: April 2009

In this study, we have used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study the morphology and mechanical property changes of Jurkat cells exposed to different concentrations of Artesunate (ART) for 24 h at single cellular level. Cell viability and proliferation assays were performed by using the Cell Counting Kit‐8. The concentration of ART, which resulted in the inhibition rate >50% was selected. The AFM images revealed that the cell membrane changed and the ultrastructure also became complex. Mechanical properties of individual cell were tracked with AFM‐based force spectroscopy. The force curves revealed that when a cell was exposed to the ART, the mechanical properties changed obviously. Treated cells had a lower adhesion force of 416.8±37.9 pN, whereas control group had a higher adhesion force of 1064.2±97.0 pN. The Young's modulus decreased to nearly one‐third, from control group of 0.648±0.037 kPa to treated group of 0.254±0.035 kPa and the stiffness increased to nearly 1.5 times, from control group of 1.231±0.084 mN/m to treated group of 1.917±0.137 mN/m. These results suggest that ART can inhibit the proliferation of Jurkat and induce changes in the morphological structure and mechanical properties of Jurkat cells. The high resolution and high sensitivity of AFM can be used to detect morphological and mechanical properties of cells exposed to ART. The AFM may be developed to be a useful tool for detecting the cell death and evaluating the anti‐carcinogen efficacy against tumor cell. SCANNING 31: 83–89, 2009. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plasmabehandlung von Glasfasergelege
Authors: Ermel V. , Kurrat M.
Published: April 2009

Glasfasergelege wurden an einer DBD‐Messeranordnung in Luft bei Atmosphärendruck behandelt. Die Entladungen entwickeln sich im Mikrohohlraum eines Rovings im ns‐Bereich als kalte Plasmawellen, deren Elektronendichte auf 1013cm‐3 steigt. Mit der CCD‐Kamera aufgenommene Lichterscheinungen der Barrierenentladungen verteilen sich stochastisch entlang der Messerelektrode anhand der Zusammensetzung des äußeren Feldes und der lokalen Felder der aufgeladenen Barrierenoberflächen. Die in einem Plasmabereich entstehenden Barrierenentladungen gewährleisten eine gleichmäßige Behandlung der Festkörperoberfläche. Die Benetzbarkeit der plasmabehandelten Glasfasergelege wurde nach dem dynamischen Kapillarkrafttest optisch erfasst. Die Strömungsgeschwindigkeit der in den Hohlraum eindringenden Testflüssigkeit entspricht den berechneten Verläufen für die Steighöhe der Kapillarsäule bei dem Kontaktwinkel von 70°. Die optische Aufnahme einer in Testflüssigkeit untergetauchten einzelnen Glasfaser liefert kongruente Werte. Der Doppeltauch‐Kapillartest bietet ein einfaches Meßverfahren zur vergleichenden Bewertung des Behandlungsgrades. Eine Plasmabehandlung mit der Energieeinspeisung von 100 J/cm2 verbessert die Steighöhe der Kapillarsäule um 30‐60%.
Nanostrukturierte Oberflächen Optimierung der Langzeitbeständigkeit struktureller Aluminiumklebungen
Authors: Emrich Stefan , Kopnarski Michael
Published: April 2009

Aluminiumknetlegierungen werden beispielsweise im Rahmen von Leichtbaukonzepten aufgrund ihres günstigen Festigkeits‐Gewichts‐Verhältnisses, aber auch wegen ihrer Korrosionsbeständigkeit und guter Umformbarkeit eingesetzt. Die Klebtechnik stellt in diesem Zusammenhang – wie aus der Luftfahrt‐ und Automobilindustrie hinlänglich bekannt – ein ebenso adäquates wie innovatives Fügeverfahren dar.
Abnormal tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites in isovaleric acidaemia
Authors: Loots D. T.
Published: April 2009

Background

Although a number of abnormal diagnostic metabolites have previously been described in the urine of patients with isovaleric acidaemia (IVA), they do not fully explain the clinical symptoms associated with this disease.

Methods

On the basis of our current understanding of the TCA cycle and IVA, we predicted a number of abnormal methylated TCA cycle metabolites, initiated by methylsuccinic acid. We subsequently obtained characteristic gas chromatography–mass spectrometry elution times and mass spectra of the chemically synthesized predicted compounds and screened the urine of 6 IVA patients and 24 age‐matched controls. Further proof for our findings was generated from a series of in vitro enzyme reactions using the chemically synthesized standards as substrates to their respective TCA cycle enzymes.

Results

Apart from the previously described methylsuccinic and methylfumaric acid, 3‐methylmalic acid, (2R,3S)‐ and (2R,3R)‐methylcitric acid and 2‐methyl‐cis‐aconitic acid were detected in the urine of all 6 IVA patients in increased amounts. Additionally, although not directly determined, the in vitro enzyme reaction using of 3‐methylmalic acid and malate dehydrogenase, in conjunction with the detection of 2‐ketobutyric acid in the urine of all 6 IVA patients, strongly suggests an additional synthesis of 3‐methyloxaloacetic acid by the same cycle.

Conclusion

Not only do these newly identified metabolites serve as additional diagnostic markers to those previously identified in IVA, but due to the structural arrangements of the (2R,3R)‐methylcitric acid and 2‐methyl‐cis‐aconitinic acid‐derived 2‐methylisocitric acid, inhibition of normal TCA cycle metabolism results at citrate synthase and isocitrate dehydrogenase, respectively.

Synopsis

Methylsuccinic acid acts as the initiating substrate to a series of abnormal, potentially harmful, methylated tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites in isovaleric acidaemia.
Growth and size-structure of Stegophiura sp. (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) on the continental slope off central Chile: a comparison between cold seep and non-seep sites
Authors: Quiroga Eduardo , Sellanes Javier
Published: April 2009

The growth and size-structure of the bathyal ophiuroid brittle star, Stegophiura sp., were analysed from skeletal growth bands and disc diameter frequencies. Specimens were collected in trawl samples taken on the continental slope off central Chile (~36°S) at two sites within the recently discovered Concepción Methane Seep Area (CMSA) and at two control non-seep sites. Growth bands were measured as radii of vertebral ossicles from scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs and used to provide size-at-age data. The von Bertalanffy and the Gompertz growth models provided good fit to size-at-age data. The size-structure distributions observed in the study area suggest that small-bodied (<10 mm disc diameter) individuals of Stegophiura sp. are more abundant near seep sites, probably attracted there by the presence of methane-derived authigenic carbonates, which provide a preferred habitat for ophiuroids and benthic fauna in general. Furthermore, size-at-age data from measurements of the ossicle growth bands indicate relatively rapid growth of Stegophiura sp. populations at seep sites. Assuming that the growth rings are annual, the maximum Stegophiura sp. age was estimated to be 15 years. The growth performance of this species falls within the range of values reported for sub-Antarctic and bathyal species.
Reproductive periodicity of the tropical intertidal chiton Acanthopleura gemmata at One Tree Island, Great Barrier Reef, near its southern latitudinal limit
Authors: Barbosa S.S. , Byrne M. , Kelaher B.P.
Published: April 2009

Reproduction in the pantropical chiton Acanthopleura gemmata was examined at One Tree Island, Great Barrier Reef, near the southern limit of its distribution, using gonad histology and gonad index (GI). Gonad growth was associated with the onset of gametogenesis in mid-spring. Fully mature gonads were present from early summer until late autumn. During these months gametes at various stages of development were present in the gonads indicating a continuous pattern of gamete development and release over the six month spawning season. Following the maximum GI (March/April) there was a sharp drop in the index marking the end of spawning. In winter, the gonads entered a rest period and remained small in size. The reproductive pattern of A. gemmata at its southern limit is similar and 6 months out of phase to that reported for populations in the Gulf of Suez, at the northern limit of its distribution. This suggests that photoperiod may be an important factor in modulating reproduction. Reproduction of A. gemmata at One Tree Island is also similar to that for populations in the northern Great Barrier Reef.
Spatial pattern of rocky intertidal barnacle recruitment: comparison over multiple tidal levels and years
Authors: Munroe Daphne M. , Noda Takashi
Published: April 2009

Recently developed methods allow quantification and examination of point patterns. Understanding patterns of aggregation or regularity of larval recruits at various spatial scales can help in identifying underlying ecological and biological processes determining their distribution. A rocky shore plot (30 cm wide × 100 cm tall) in southern Hokkaido, Japan was cleared each summer. Barnacle (Chthamallus challengeri) recruitment, after a period of approximately 134 days, was recorded using 40 photographs (25 cm2); 8 photographs per 20 cm horizontal band of tidal height, 5 bands total. Barnacle recruits within each photograph were mapped and co-ordinates used to analyse aggregation at scales from 0–2 cm using Ripley's K statistic and neighbourhood density function (NDF) (both models assumed heterogeneity of first-order density). Quadrat density counts at scales from 20–50 cm provided estimates of aggregation using Morisita's standardized index. These analyses showed that barnacle recruits demonstrate ordered spacing up to a distance of 6 mm. From 6 mm to 2 cm recruits show random spacing based on NDF, but ordered distribution based on the Ripley's K statistic. This discrepancy is likely a result of the cumulative nature of the Ripley's K statistic. At larger scales, Morisita's standardized index indicated aggregation. This result may be explained biologically by the trade off between maximizing need for space at small spatial scales, however being constrained by copulation with neighbours, resulting in aggregation at scales larger than the maximum penis length. The observed pattern was consistent among years with different recruitment densities and among tidal levels, indicating site specific characteristics and interspecific interactions may have a larger influence than desiccation stress or density dependence on spacing of recruits.
The extent of grazing release from epiphytism forSargassum muticum(Phaeophyceae) within the invaded range
Authors: Strong James A. , Maggs Christine A. , Johnson Mark P.
Published: April 2009

The overall biotic pressure on a newly introduced species may be less than that experienced within its native range, facilitating invasion. The brown algaSargassum muticum(Yendo) Fensholt is a conspicuous and successful invasive species originally from Japan and China. We comparedS. muticumand native macroalgae with respect to the biotic pressures of mesoherbivore grazing and ectocarpoid fouling. In Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland,S. muticumthalli were as heavily overgrown with seasonal blooms of epiphytic algae as native macroalgal species were. The herbivorous amphipodDexamine spinosawas much more abundant onS. muticumthan on any native macroalga. When cultured with this amphipod,S. muticumlost more tissue than three native macroalgae,Saccharina latissima(Linnaeus) Laneet al.,Halidrys siliquosa(Linnaeus) Lyngbye andFucus serratusLinnaeus.Sargassum muticumcultured with both ectocarpoid fouling and amphipods showed a severe impact, consistent with our previous findings of large declines in the density ofS. muticumobserved in the field during the peak of fouling. Despite being a recent introduction into the macroalgal community in Strangford Lough,S. muticumappears to be under biotic pressure at least equal to that on native species, suggesting that release from grazing and epiphytism does not contribute to the invasiveness of this species in Strangford Lough.
Unipolarity, Status Competition, and Great Power War
Authors: Wohlforth William C.
Published: April 2009

Most scholars hold that the consequences of unipolarity for great power conflict are indeterminate and that a power shift resulting in a return to bipolarity or multipolarity will not raise the specter of great power war. This article calls into question the core assumptions underlying the consensus: (1) that people are mainly motivated by the instrumental pursuit of tangible ends such as physical security and material prosperity and (2) that major powers' satisfaction with the status quo is relatively independent of the distribution of capabilities. in fact, it is known that people are motivated powerfully by a noninstrumental concern for relative status, and there is strong empirical evidence linking the salience of those concerns to distributions of resources. If the status of states depends in some measure on their relative capabilities and if states derive utility from status, then different distributions of capabilities may affect levels of satisfaction, just as different income distributions may affect levels of status competition in domestic settings. Building on research in psychology and sociology, the author argues that even capabilities distributions among major powers foster ambiguous status hierarchies, which generate more dissatisfaction and clashes over the status quo. and the more stratified the distribution of capabilities, the less likely such status competition is. Unipolarity thus augurs for great power peace, and a shift back to bipolarity or multipolarity raises the probability of war even among great powers with little material cause to fight.
Time‐dependent inversion of three‐component continuous GPS for steady and transient sources in northern Cascadia
Authors: McCaffrey Robert
Published: April 2009

An approach to invert GPS time series to estimate crustal block rotations, fault locking and strain rates while simultaneously solving for transient slow slip events is described and applied to the northern Cascadia subduction zone. The method can use continuous or survey mode GPS time series or both. I invert 5.6 years of 3‐component continuous GPS time series at 53 sites from Cascadia to estimate simultaneously the block motions and strains, locking on the subduction zone and source parameters of the four most recent slow‐slip events. Over the time period and section of the Cascadia margin sampled, the strain released in slow slip was 7 to 10% of the accumulated subduction strain but at the base of and immediately downdip of the locked zone beneath the Olympic Peninsula.