bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Large Chromosome Segment Introgressions from Triticum turgidum subsp. dicoccoides into Bread Wheat with Simple Sequence Repeat Markers
Authors: Zhou Wei , Jiang Yurong , Zhang Wei , Xu Guifang , Rong Junkang
Published: June 2013

Libraries of large chromosome segment introgressions from wild relatives to crop species are valuable for assigning genes to specific chromosome segments and for interspecific transfers of useful genes. Using chromosome engineering, two sets of introgression lines (ILs) were created from chromosome segments of wild emmer [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. dicoccoides (Körn. ex Asch. & Graebn.) Thell. (TDIC)] in two cultivars of bread what (Triticum aestivum L.) by backcrosses to ditelocentrics. Segment identities were confirmed, and genetic lengths of segments and map positions of the translocation breakpoints were determined using 277 simple sequence repeat markers polymorphic between the recipients (bread wheat) and the wild donor (TDIC). The identities of all targeted chromosome arms in individual introgressions were confirmed. In addition, most lines also carried introgressed segments on nontargeted arms, most often the proximal parts of arms opposite to the targeted ones, which is consistent with the distribution of crossing over in wheat and are unavoidable when alien chromatin is introgressed by backcrosses to telocentrics. Using these ILs, some loci controlling important quantitative traits were located on specific TDIC chromosomes, such as loci with positive effects on thousand kernel weight (TKW) on chromosome arms 6AS, 4BS, 1BS, and 7A. These results indicate that these ILs might be a useful germplasm in allocating genes to chromosome arms and in wheat breeding.
Identification of Barley Breeding Lines Combining Preharvest Sprouting Resistance with “Canadian‐type” Malting Quality
Authors: Edney M. J. , Legge W. G. , Izydorczyk M. S. , Demeke T. , Rossnagel B. G.
Published: June 2013

Rapid onset of germination in Canadian malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) facilitates production of good quality malt but predisposes barley to preharvest sprouting (PHS). Dormancy can be bred into barley to avoid PHS but some dormancy genes negate the potential for the “Canadian‐type” malt quality associated with a rapid start to germination. The microsatellite marker, GMS001, identified lines with PHS resistance and “Canadian‐type” malt quality in a cross between an Australian cultivar, Baudin, with PHS resistance, and a Canadian malt barley breeding line, TR253, without PHS resistance. The resulting population was grown at three sites over 2 yr with select site/years malted and analyzed for quality. Rapid visco analysis indicated PHS in some barley lines with as little as 11 mm of rain near harvest. The rapid visco analysis results substantiated the importance of the marker on chromosome 5H as breeding lines with the Baudin allele were less susceptible to sprouting, although they exhibited variable malt quality. Lines with the TR253 allele were PHS susceptible but had better and more consistent malt quality. Among the lines with the Baudin allele, five with PHS resistance and consistently good malt quality were identified. Among the lines with the TR253 allele, one showed good PHS resistance and the desirable “Canadian‐type” malt quality. These lines could serve as potential parents of future genotypes combining PHS resistance with good “Canadian‐type” malting potential.
Spatial Adaptabilities of Spring Maize to Variation of Climatic Conditions
Authors: Liu Yuee , Hou Peng , Xie Ruizhi , Li Shaokun , Zhang Houbao , Ming Bo , Ma Daling , Liang Shumin
Published: June 2013

Environmental conditions have important effects on maize (Zea mays L.) growth. To examine spatial variation in maize yield and aboveground biomass and to understand differences in the response of maize yield and aboveground biomass to climatic factors under various ecological conditions, we conducted experiments from 2007 to 2010 at 34 locations in seven provinces in the spring maize region of northern China between 35°11′ N lat and 48°08′ N lat. We used a most widely cultivated maize hybrid ZD958. The maize yield and aboveground biomass (presilking and postsilking) were found to be strongly influenced by locations. A nonlinear relationship existed between the maize yields and latitude. Maize yield was the greatest (12.19 Mg ha–1) at 39°08′ N lat, and the corresponding presilking and postsilking aboveground biomass at this location were 143.41 and 215.35 g per plant, respectively. Variations in the harvest index (HI) and 1000‐kernel weight were the main reasons for yield latitudinal trends. Among the climatic factors, air temperature had the best relationships with variations in maize yield, HI, and 1000‐kernel weight. With latitudes increasing northward, presilking aboveground biomass affected by growth duration length and accumulated solar radiation increased significantly. The aboveground biomass of postsilking stage that was affected by the maximum temperature, daily mean temperature, and growing degree days decreased significantly with latitudes increasing northward. However, there were no significant changes of total aboveground biomass with latitudes increasing northward.
Raffinose and Stachyose Accumulate in Hypocotyls during Drying of Common Buckwheat Seedlings
Authors: Brenac Patrick , Horbowicz Marcin , Smith Margaret E. , Obendorf Ralph L.
Published: June 2013

During seed maturation, common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) embryos accumulate sucrose and α‐galactosides of d‐chiro‐inositol (named fagopyritols), which are rare in plant tissues. Although fagopyritols are degraded rapidly during germination, buckwheat seedlings survive desiccation with resumption of growth of hypocotyl tissues but not radicle tissues on rehydration. The objectives were to determine if changes in soluble carbohydrates in hypocotyl and radicle tissues of buckwheat correlated with differential tissue survival after drying seedlings to 0.06 g of water g−1 fresh weight. Buckwheat seeds completed germination between 12 and 24 h after the start of imbibition (HAI) coincident with the loss of survival of radicle tissues after drying. By contrast, hypocotyl tissues of the seedlings at 24, 36, and 48 HAI survived drying and on rehydration formed adventitious roots. During buckwheat seed maturation, embryo axis tissues accumulated sucrose and fagopyritols (64 and 81 mg g−1 dry weight) but little raffinose and stachyose (0.2 and 1.7 mg g−1). During seed hydration, fagopyritols in axis tissues were hydrolyzed before the completion of germination. Sucrose, myo‐inositol, and d‐chiro‐inositol are present in both hypocotyls and radicles before and after drying. During drying of 48‐HAI buckwheat seedlings, hypocotyl tissues accumulated much more raffinose (23.2 mg g−1) and stachyose (8.3 mg g−1) than fagopyritols (2.8 mg g−1) whereas none of these compounds accumulated in radicle tissues that were sensitive to drying. An apparent shift in biosynthetic pathways within hypocotyls resulted in raffinose and stachyose accumulation but not fagopyritols during drying of common buckwheat seedlings. The survival of hypocotyl tissues correlated with an increase in concentrations of raffinose, stachyose, and sucrose.
Dual‐Purpose Wheat Grain Yield as Affected by Growth Habit and Simulated Grazing Intensity
Authors: Butchee J. Dillon , Edwards Jeffrey T.
Published: June 2013

Cattle stocking density and variety selection influence dual‐purpose winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and grain yield. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of growth habit and simulated grazing intensity on dual‐purpose, hard red winter wheat canopy closure, fertile spike number, and grain yield. Experiments were conducted during the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 wheat production seasons at Stillwater and Lahoma, OK. Grazing intensity was simulated by mowing two hard red winter wheat varieties with differing growth habits (prostrate or erect) to 3‐, 7.5‐, and 12‐cm heights at approximately 4‐wk intervals. Mowing was initiated in early November and terminated at first hollow stem (Feekes 5–6) in the spring, which correspond to typical cattle (Bos taurus) placement and removal from wheat pasture in the region. Simulated grazing to a 12‐cm height did not affect winter wheat grain yield at either location, but the 3‐cm mowing height reduced grain yield of winter wheat compared with the nondefoliated treatment regardless of growth habit or variety. Fractional canopy closure of at least 0.53 before winter dormancy (Feekes 3–4) or 0.62 at grazing termination was required to obtain 95% of asymptotic yield potential within an early‐sown, dual‐purpose production system. Grazing to a height of 3 cm significantly reduced wheat ability to achieve these critical values and grazing at a 12‐cm height generally ensured that these critical fractional canopy closure values would be maintained.
A Comparison of a Maleic‐Itaconic Polymer and N‐(n‐butyl) Thiophosphoric Triamide as Urease Inhibitors
Authors: Jay Goos R.
Published: June 2013

A maleic‐itaconic polymer (MIP) is claimed to inactivate soil urease by nickel removal from the enzyme. Four studies were conducted to compare the urease inhibition properties of two commercial formulations of MIP with a commercial formulation of N‐(n‐butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT). In the first study, addition of MIP at 1, 5, or 50 mg kg–1 provided 0 to 2% inhibition of urea hydrolysis, averaged across three soils. At 500 mg kg–1, MIP inhibited urea hydrolysis by 7 to 9%, averaged across three soils. By contrast, addition of NBPT at 1 or 5 mg kg–1 inhibited urea hydrolysis by an average of 64 and 72%, respectively. In a second study, 13 carboxylic acids of known nickel sequestration properties, two MIP formulations, and NBPT were evaluated as soil urease inhibitors. Averaged across three soils, MIP and the other carboxylic acids provided <5% inhibition of urea hydrolysis when applied at 50 mg kg–1. Addition of NBPT at 1 and 5 mg kg–1 provided an average of 62 and 72% inhibition. In two additional studies using purified jackbean [Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC.] urease in the absence of soil, NBPT provided complete inhibition at a concentration of 1 mg L–1 in the reaction mixture. Adding MIP at rates up to 100 mg L–1 either did not inhibit urease, or stimulated urea hydrolysis. It was concluded that MIP was not an effective inhibitor of soil or jackbean urease. It was also concluded that nickel sequestration by carboxylic acids is an unlikely mode of action for soil urease inhibition.
Formation and Dissolution of Vivianite in Paddy Field Soil
Authors: Nanzyo Masami , Onodera Hirotoshi , Hasegawa Eiichi , Ito Kumiko , Kanno Hitoshi
Published: June 2013

We present visual evidence of vivianite formation based on rice root samples from the plow layer soil of an ordinary paddy field. Vivianite crystal aggregates were colorless when sampled but turned blue within a few hours under an optical microscope. The modal size of the crystal aggregates was approximately 0.05 mm in diameter. Their X‐ray microdiffraction pattern was identical to that reported previously, and the elemental composition was very similar to that of vivianite according to energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. Furthermore, we found that the amount of vivianite on the roots can be estimated on the basis of the difference in the amount of P extractable from the rice roots in 0.1 mol L−1 HCl–1 mol L−1 acetic acid (AcOH) before and after heating at 378 K for 48 h. Rice roots sampled from the flooded and reduced paddy field soil contained 2.0 to 4.5 g P kg−1 as vivianite on an oven‐dry basis. We also found that vivianite content decreased significantly after water drainage from the rice field in fall. This study suggests that the formation and dissolution of vivianite crystals could be repeated each year depending on the water management system employed in the plow layer soil of paddy fields.
Chemical Speciation of Cadmium and Sulfur K‐Edge XANES Spectroscopy in Flooded Paddy Soils Amended with Zerovalent Iron
Authors: Hashimoto Yohey , Yamaguchi Noriko
Published: June 2013

A microcosm experiment using cadmium (Cd) spiked soils with contrastingly different sulfur (S) contents (low‐S and high‐S soils, pH 6) were conducted to determine how zerovalent iron (ZVI) alters Cd solubility and speciation in relation to soil S and redox processes. Synchrotron‐based X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy was used to determine both Cd and S speciation, particularly focusing on the relative proportion of CdS and other species in oxidized surface and reduced subsurface paddy soils. Along with rapid soil reduction (approximately −200 mV in 5 d), additions of ZVI decreased Cd in the soil solution and soil's exchangeable fractions. Compared to low‐S soil, high‐S soil with three times greater amount of available S showed more rapid removal of Cd from the soil solution and a smaller proportion of Cd in exchangeable fractions. Linear combination fitting on Cd K‐edge XANES spectra of soil found that (i) at least 55% of Cd was present in association with soil colloids including kaolinite, ferrihydrite and humus, rather than precipitates with hydroxide, carbonate, and sulfate, and (ii) CdS occurred more in the subsurface than surface soil profiles and more in high‐S soil (45%) than low‐S soil (32%) in the presence of ZVI. Sulfur K‐edge XANES analysis indicated the reduction of intermediate S species with increasing depth in the soil microcosm. Overall, ZVI enhanced CdS formations and reduced Cd in exchangeable fraction and in soil solution, and such effects appeared notably more in high‐S than low‐S soils.
Culturally Responsive Assessment Practices: Examples from an Intercultural Multilingual Early Learning Program for Newcomer Children
Authors: Kirova Anna , Hennig Kelly
Published: June 2013

Situated in an intercultural multilingual early learning program for newcomer children in Canada, this article describes emerging practice-based approaches to culturally responsive assessment. It explores practices that identify family and child-specific strengths and needs, and includes the perspectives of parents, educators and cultural brokers, who provide insights into key cultural practices and expectations. Within these approaches, assessment becomes a pedagogical tool that assists in creating space from which culturally responsive programming can emerge.
Migration and Adult Education: Time, Place and Power – Polish Migrants in Reykjavik, Iceland
Authors: Zielińska Małgorzata
Published: June 2013

Adult education courses for migrants – especially language and citizenship courses – are a controversial issue in Europe. They can be seen as empowering migrants by teaching them necessary skills for social mobility, but whenever introduced by right-wing parties and made obligatory, they can also become a tool whereby states control their new citizens by exercising symbolic power over their lives. This article focuses on Polish adult migrants in Reykjavik, Iceland, their educational needs and their opinions about various forms of adult learning. It is based on a qualitative study – observations and 30 semi-structured interviews with Polish migrants – as well as on a study of adult education courses available in Reykjavik. The results of this study are achieved by analysing adult education, as well as migrants' educational needs, through the prisms of place, time and power.
Whose Empowerment? The Dynamics of Power and Choice in Managing Student Access to Personalised Key Stage 4 Options
Authors: Martin Jennifer , Lawson Tony
Published: June 2013

Within a framework of the roles of ‘empowerment’ and ‘personalisation’ in facilitating neo-liberal policy reform, this article analyses 14-year-old students' decision-making about their subject choices at the end of Key Stage 3 in secondary education in the United Kingdom. Evidence from research carried out in an 11–16 comprehensive school on both pastoral staff and students' viewpoints is analysed using contemporary interpretations of empowerment theory. This analysis reveals the dynamics and limitations of student and teacher empowerment in negotiating the management of this process and the differing outcomes of student voice strategies.
Weight Cycling Increases T-Cell Accumulation in Adipose Tissue and Impairs Systemic Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Anderson Emily K. , Gutierrez Dario A. , Kennedy Arion , Hasty Alyssa H.
Published: June 2013

Obesity is one of the leading causes of morbidity in the U.S. Accumulation of proinflammatory immune cells in adipose tissue (AT) contributes to the development of obesity-associated disorders. Weight loss is the ideal method to counteract the negative consequences of obesity; however, losses are rarely maintained, leading to bouts of weight cycling. Fluctuations in weight have been associated with worsened metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes; yet, the mechanisms explaining this potential correlation are not known. For determination of whether weight cycling modulates AT immune cell populations, inflammation, and insulin resistance, mice were subjected to a diet-switch protocol designed to induce weight cycling. Weight-cycled mice displayed decreased systemic glucose tolerance and impaired AT insulin sensitivity when compared with mice that gained weight but did not cycle. AT macrophage number and polarization were not modulated by weight cycling. However, weight cycling did increase the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in AT. Expression of multiple T helper 1–associated cytokines was also elevated subsequent to weight cycling. Additionally, CD8+ effector memory T cells were present in AT of both obese and weight-cycled mice. These studies indicate that an exaggerated adaptive immune response in AT may contribute to metabolic dysfunction during weight cycling.
Asymmetric deformation of bubble shape: cause or effect of vortex-shedding?
Authors: Wichterle Kamil , Večeř Marek , Růžička Marek
Published: June 2013

Two perpendicular projections of rising bubbles were observed in counter-current downstream diverging flow. Evidently, the bubbles did not enter the boundary layer at the channel wall and a plug liquid flow assumption was acceptable in our experimental equipment. This confirmed that the experiment was appropriate for simulation of bubble rises in a quiescent liquid column. Recent data obtained by a high-speed camera permitted recording over a period of 60 s. Image analysis by a tailor-made program provided a time-series of quantities related to the position, size, and shape of bubbles. In addition to determination of the aspect ratio of the equivalent oblate ellipsoid, deviation from this shape was investigated in respect of the difference between the bubble’s centre of mass and the geometrical centre of bubble projection. Autocorrelation of the data indicated that the bubble inclination oscillated harmonically with a frequency of 5–10 Hz; cross correlation showed that the horizontal shift of the centre of mass, as well as the horizontal velocity, increased with increasing bubble inclination, and the vertical shift of the centre of mass increased with an increases in the absolute value of the bubble inclination. There is no significant phase shift in the oscillation of these quantities. The bulky bottom side of the bubbles is in accordance with the model of bubble oscillation induced by instability of the equilibrium of gravity and surface tension forces. The oscillation frequency dependence on surface forces (Eötvös number) is evident, while viscosity does not play a significant role in low-viscosity liquids. Therefore, vortex-shedding is more likely to be an effect of the oscillation and not its cause.
Immobilisation of Clostridium spp. for production of solvents and organic acids
Authors: Dolejš Igor , Rebroš Martin , Rosenberg Michal
Published: June 2013

This review summarises the high potential of immobilised cells systems for the fermentative production of compounds, mainly produced by representatives of the Clostridium genus. Microorganisms of Clostridium species are recognised as good producers of a wide range of chemicals in almost every sector of industry. The combination of this microorganism with its immobilisation opens up new possibilities and renders the fermentation process more sophisticated than in a free-cell system. This review provides a comprehensive summary of techniques used in immobilisation of Clostridium species with regard to specific products and types of fermentation. In addition, comparisons of particular types of immobilisation techniques used in fermentation processes are summarised by specific products.
5-Bromo- and 3,5-dibromo-2-hydroxy-N-phenylbenzamides — inhibitors of photosynthesis
Authors: Kráľová Katarína , Šeršeň František , Peško Matúš , Waisser Karel , Kubicová Lenka
Published: June 2013

5-Bromo-(Br-PBA) and 3,5-dibromo-2-hydroxy-N-phenylbenzamides (Br2-PBA) inhibited photosynthetic electron transport (PET) and their inhibitory efficiency depended on the compound lipophilicity as well as on the electronic properties of the R substituent in the N-phenyl moiety. Br-PBA showed higher PET inhibiting activity than Br2-PBA with the same R substituent. The most effective inhibitors in the tested series were the derivatives with R = 3-F (Br-PBA; IC50 = 4.3 μmol dm−3) and R = 3-Cl (Br2-PBA; IC50 = 8.6 μmol dm−3). Bilinear dependence of the PET inhibiting activity on the lipophilicity of the compounds as well as on the Hammett constant, σ, of the R substituent was observed for both investigated series. Using EPR spectroscopy it was found that the site of action of the tested compounds in the photosynthetic apparatus is situated on the donor side of PS 2, in D· or in the Z·/D· intermediates. Interaction of the studied compounds with chlorophyll a and aromatic amino acids present in the pigment-protein complexes mainly in photosystem 2 was documented by fluorescence spectroscopy.
Thermal stability, antioxidant activity, and photo-oxidation of natural polyphenols
Authors: Volf Irina , Ignat Ioana , Neamtu Mariana , Popa Valentin
Published: June 2013

The thermal stability (60°C, 80°C, 100°C), antioxidant activity, and ultraviolet C light (UV-C) stability of standard polyphenols solutions (catechin, gallic acid, and vanillic acid) and of vegetal extracts from spruce bark and grape seeds were investigated. Exposure of the standard solutions and vegetal extracts to high temperatures revealed that phenolic compounds were also relatively stable (degradations ranged from 15 % to 30 % after 4 h of exposure). The highest antioxidant activity was obtained for ascorbic acid and gallic acid followed by catechin and caffeic acid and the grape seeds. The results show that, after 3 h of UV-C exposure, approximately 40 % of vanillic acid, 50 % of gallic acid, and 83 % of catechin were removed. Similar degradation rates were observed for vegetal extracts, with the exception of the degradation of catechin (40 %) from grape seeds. In addition, the photo-oxidation of polyphenols in the presence of food constituents such as citric acid, ascorbic acid, sodium chloride, and sodium nitrate was assessed.
Anomalous fading and crystalline structure: Studies on individual chondrules from the same parent body
Authors: Biswas Rabiul , Singhvi Ashok
Published: June 2013

Plagioclase feldspar is the major luminescent mineral in meteorites. Thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics, peak temperature (Tm), full width at half maximum (FWHM), ratio of high (HT) to low temperature (LT) peak, and TL sensitivity (TL/dose/mass) to an extent reflect degree of crystallinity of the mineral. The present study explores and establishes a correlation between quantum mechanical anomalous (athermal) fading and structural state by examining TL of individual chondrules. Chondrules were separated using freeze-thaw technique from a single fragment of Dhajala meteorite. The results show large variation in Tm (155−230°C), FWHM (80−210°C) and HT/LT (0.07–0.47) and seem to be positively correlated. TL sensitivity (ranging from 14 to 554 counts/s/Gy/mg) decreases with increasing Tm and FWHM. Large variations in TL parameters (Tm, FWHM, HT/LT, and Sensitivty) suggest that individual chondrules had different degree of crystallization. Thermal annealing experiments suggest that comparatively ordered form of feldspar can be converted to a disordered form by annealing the sample at high temperatures (1000°C) for long time (10 hr) in vacuum (1 mbar pressure) condition and rapidly cooling it. Measured anomalous fading suggest that fading rate increases as the crystal form changes from an ordered state to a disordered state. However, the fading rate becomes nearly negligible for the most disordered feldspars.
An Efficient Synthesis of 1-chloro-2,2-difluoroethylene via the Reductive Dechlorination of 1,2,2-trichloro-1,1-difluoroethane
Authors: Wang Nong , Yang Lijuan , Xiang Shaoji
Published: June 2013

1-Chloro-2,2-difluoroethylene was prepared from 1,2,2-trichloro-1,1-difluoroethane by reductive dechlorination in the presence of zero-valent zinc. Eleven different solvents were investigated and the best results were obtained in methanol, dimethyl formamide and ethanol at 80 °C. A large-scale experiment using ethanol as a solvent gave 1-chloro-2,2-difluoroethylene in high yield. These results provide a method for producing 1-chloro-2,2-difluoroethylen e on an industrial scale because 1,2,2-trichloro-1,1-difluoroethane is the waste material arising from 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane production. These results can also provide a method for solving the recycling problem of 1,2,2-trichloro-1,1-difluoroethane in 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane production.
Mechanisms of Horseradish Peroxidase and α-Chymotrypsin
Authors: Dunford H. Brian
Published: June 2013

The pH range for Compound I formation of horseradish peroxidase (2.5 to 11) is the largest for any known enzyme reaction. A key part of the reaction is proton transfer from hydrogen peroxide to distal His42. This proton is retained to complete formation of a water leaving group as the ferryl porphyrin π-cation radical is formed. How can the imidazolium side chain of His42 retain a proton at very high pH? And how can it give up the proton when required at very low pH? The answer is rearrangement of electronic charge through Electron Density Circuits (EDCs) in the protein matrix. An increase of at least 9 p Ka units, which occurs on the imidazole side chain of His42 as the Compound I reactive intermediate is formed, is facilitated by an EDC. A reverse EDC facilitates proton transfer to form the water leaving group. The pathway of the EDC involves the heme, its propionate side chains, Arg41, and His42. The occurrence of EDCs in chymotrypsin reactions reinforces the nucleophilic attack, and the subsequent electron and proton transfers. They also can shift p Ka values. The catalytic triad of chymotrypsin is Ser195, His57, and Asp102. The currently accepted one-proton transfer mechanism involves Ser195 and His57, with Asp102 being regarded as too acidic to accept a proton. A comparatively small shift in the p Ka value of Asp102 is all that is required to make it a proton acceptor from His57 so a two-proton mechanism may occur.
Non-Current-Field Induced Photocatalysis: Efficient Enhancement of Photooxidation of Organic Compounds with TiO2 Film Electrodes
Authors: Wang Baohui , Ji Lei , Wu Hongjun , Liu Shuzhi , Chen Ying , Song Hua , Sui Xin
Published: June 2013

Using field induced surface photovoltage spectroscopy (FISPS) and photocatalysis, the effect of non-current field induction on photocatalysis has been studied. Enhancement has been observed for the photocatalytic oxidation of organic compounds (phenol as a model molecule) with TiO2 film electrodes under non-current field. With this technique, photocatalysis displays an efficient, power-saving and stable performance. The FISPS technique has been developed to explain some of the experimental observations. It is concluded that the effect of non-current field induction on photocatalysis is mainly due more efficient charge separation resulting in an increase in surface photovoltage.
Theoretical investigation of the mechanism of forming a silicic bis-heterocyclic compound between dichlorosilylenesilylene [Cl2Si = Si:] and ethylene
Authors: Sun Xiangting , Che Xin , Jun Gao , Feng Dacheng , Liu Chengbu
Published: June 2013

The mechanism of the cycloaddition reaction between singlet state unsaturated silylene dichlorosilylenesilylene [Cl2Si = Si:] and ethylene, which generates a silicic bis-heterocyclic compound, has been investigated with the CCSD(T)// MP2/6-31G* method. The calculations show that the dominant reaction pathway consists of three steps. (I) The 3p unoccupied orbital of the Si atom in dichlorosilylenesilylene [Cl2Si = Si:] (R1) and the π-orbital of ethylene (R2) firstly form a π → p donor–acceptor bond, which makes the two reactants generate a three-membered cyclic intermediates (INT) through a barrier-free exothermic reaction of 127.7 kJ mol−1. (II) INT then isomerises to a four-membered cyclic silylene (P1) by the ring-expansion effect, which is via a transition state (TS1) with an energy barrier of 6.4 kJ mol−1. (III) sp3 hybridisation of the Si atom finally makes P1 react directly with ethylene to form a silicic bis-heterocyclic compound (P2) without any intermediates and transition states, and this step is also a barrier-free exothermic reaction of 138.6 kJ mol−1.
Syntheses, Characterisation and Electrochemical Properties of C70-metal Cluster Complexes
Authors: Lee Chang Yeon
Published: June 2013

The complexes [Os3(CO)9( μ3- η2: η2: η2-C70)] and [Re3( μ-H)3(CO)9( μ3- η2: η2: η2-C70)] have been prepared by reaction of C70 with [Os3(CO)10(NCMe)2] or [Re3( μ-H)3(CO)11(NCMe)] and their electrochemical properties studied by cyclic voltammetry in chlorobenzene solutions. The complex [Re3( μ-H)3(CO)8(CNCH2Ph)( μ3- η2: η2: η2-C70)] has also been synthesised by reaction between [Re3( μ-H)3(CO)9( μ3- η2: η2: η2-C70)] and PhCH2N=PPh3.
Pd-catalysed ortho-C-H Acylation/cross Coupling of 2-arylbenzo[d]thiazoles with Aldehydes Using tert-butyl Hydroperoxide as Oxidant
Authors: Wang Jian , Nie Ziyi , Li Yan , Tan Shuang , Jiang Jiantao , Jiang Pusheng , Ding Qiuping
Published: June 2013

An efficient palladium-catalysed protocol for direct C–H bond acylation by cross coupling of 2-arylbenzo[d]thiazoles and aldehydes using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant is reported. The process provides a useful method for the synthesis of aromatic ketones directly from aldehydes. In addition, the reaction can tolerate various functional groups in good yield with high regioselectivity.
Synthesis and Spectral Characterisation of Dicyanopyrazine-related Cyanoheterocycles
Authors: Song Cheol Jun , Jang Chun Keun , Yao Wang , Jaung Jae Yun
Published: June 2013

Four dicyanopyrazine-related cyanoheterocycles have been synthesised and characterised; they show different absorption maxima values and molar absorptivity in absorption spectra. HOMO and LUMO energy levels have been obtained by electrochemical measurements and DMol3 calculation and show little difference in HOMO values but big differences in LUMO values. Their UV-Vis absorbance and fluorescence spectra have been investigated in chloroform and toluene and their aggregation decreases as the concentration decreases in toluene.
Stereo-controlled Deamination of Ketoaziridines Using Ph3P/I2
Authors: Samimi Heshmat Allah , Kiyani Hamzeh , Shams Zahra
Published: June 2013

PPh3/I2 is an efficient reagent for the stereo-controlled deamination of non-activated aziridines, N–H and N-alkyl aziridines, using. The method works gives the corresponding trans-alkenes from both cis and trans-aziridines. A plausible mechanism is proposed for the ring opening and deamination of keto-aziridines in the presence of Ph3P/I2.
A New Prenylated Stilbene Derivative from the Roots of Cudrania Tricuspidata
Authors: Shan Wei-Guang , Shi Ling-Ling , Ying You-Min , Hou Xiao-Rong , Zhan Zha-Jun
Published: June 2013

A new prenylated stilbene, 2-dimethylallyl-3,5,2’,4′-tetrahydroxy-( E)-stilbene, cudrastilbene, and five known compounds, oxyresveratrol, naringenin, steppogenin, aromadendrin, and genistein were isolated from the roots of Cudrania tricuspidata. The structure of the new compound was established by spectroscopic methods. All the compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against three human tumour cell lines (HepG2, HCT-116, and SGC-7901). Cudrastilbene showed weak cytotoxic activity against the HepG2 cell line with an IC50 of 40.19 μM.
Synthesis of Schiff Bases from Substitute Aromatic Aldehydes and 2-(4-aminophenyl)acetonitrile Catalysed by 3,5-difluoroarylboronic Acid
Authors: Du Zhiping , Shen Tianhua , Dang Haibo , Fu Zhenfang , Song Qingbao
Published: June 2013

A simple efficient method for synthesis of Schiff bases in good yields from aromatic aldehydes and 2-(4-aminophenyl)acetonitrile catalysed by 3,5-difluoroarylboric acid at room temperature for 2 hours is reported.
Total Synthesis of a Novel Isoquinolinone Alkaloid Marinamide and its Methyl Ester
Authors: Zhang Shuguang , Feng Chengliang , Cai Jin , Chen Junqing , Ji Min
Published: June 2013

A naturally occurring isoquinolinone alkaloid marinamide and its methyl ester were synthesised from phthalic anhydride over eight steps in 46% and 52% overall yield. The key intermediate methyl 2-(1-benzyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonyl) benzoate was synthesised from the acid chloride of mono methyl phthalate and 1-benzyl-1H-pyrrole catalysed by Zinc oxide under solvent-free conditions at room temperature.
PdCl2(1-methylimidazole)2-catalysed Suzuki–Miyaura and Mizoroki–Heck Reactions Performed in Neat Water
Authors: Li Yao , Lin Xiao-Fang , Liu Meng-Yuan , Zhang Lu-Lu , Jin Ai-Ping , Lu Jian-Mei
Published: June 2013

PdCl2(1-methylimidazole)2 was an effective catalyst in neat water for the Suzuki–Miyaura and Mizoroki–Heck reactions of aryl bromides and iodides with, respectively, arylboronic acids and acrylic acid. Under optimal conditions, the products, variously substituted biphenyls and monosubstituted trans-cinnamic acids, respectively, were formed in good to almost quantitative yields.
An Alternative Procedure for the Synthesis of 1,8-dimethyl-5-methoxytetralin-6-ol
Authors: Banerjee Ajoy K. , Poon Po S. , Bedoya Liadis
Published: June 2013

The commercially available 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde 3 was subjected to hydrogenation and protection to give the methoxy methyl ether of 2-methoxy-5-methylphenol. This was converted to 1,8-dimethyl-5-methoxytetralin-6-ol by alkylation with 5-bromopent-1-ene, cyclisation and deprotection.
A Simple and Efficient Synthesis of Diaryl Ureas with Reduction of the Intermediate Isocyanate by Triethylamine
Authors: Zhou Shuguang , Yao Ting , Yi Jicheng , Li Dashuai , Xiong Jing
Published: June 2013

Thirty symmetrical diaryl urea derivatives were synthesised in moderate to excellent yields from arylamine and triphosgene with triethylamine as a reducing agent for the intermediate, isocyanate. It was significant that part of the products could be collected in almost quantitative yield without column chromatography. The procedure under mild reaction conditions was tolerant of a wide range of functional groups. The structures of the compounds were determined by NMR, MS and X-ray crystallographic analyses.
Synthesis of Some Monoselenolipoic Acid Derivatives and Their Biological Evaluation as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Xu Feng , Yang Zhen Zhen , Jiang Jun Rong
Published: June 2013

6-Selenolipoic acid was synthesised from ethyl 6, 8-dichlorooctanoate in a one pot reaction with water as solvent, and was further converted in three steps to 14 N-substituted benzylidene-5-(1, 2-thiaselenolan-3-yl) pentanehydr-azides. The compounds exhibited moderate to high anticancer activities, some of them showing activity comparable to that of cisplatin.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Characterisation of two Crystals of 5-[4′-(bromomethyl)biphenyl-2-yl]-2-trityl-2H-tetrazole
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wang Yang-hui , Lou Ming , Sun Bai-wang
Published: June 2013

Two polymorphs of 5-[4′-(bromomethyl)biphenyl-2-yl]-2-trityl-2 H-tetrazole can be characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Hirschfeld surface analysis. Both polymorphs crystallise in the monoclinic space group P21/ c, but their cell parameters are different. The interatomic distances of phase A and B are different, and the arrangements of the dipolymers in phase A and B are remarkably different for the molecular orientation and interatomic distances according to their different π···π stacking interactions. Additionally, the size and shape of a Hirschfeld surface also reflects the interplay between different atoms and intermolecular contacts in a crystal. From the Hirschfeld surfaces of phase A and B, we can interpret the different proportions of interaction.
Role of Topoisomerases in Pediatric High Grade Osteosarcomas: TOP2A Gene Is One of the Unique Molecular Biomarkers of Chemoresponse
Authors: Nguyen Aurelia , Lasthaus Christelle , Guerin Eric , Marcellin Luc , Pencreach Erwan , Gaub Marie-Pierre , Guenot Dominique , Entz-Werle Natacha
Published: June 2013

Currently, the treatment of pediatric high-grade osteosarcomas systematically includes one topoisomerase IIα inhibitor. This chemotherapy is usually adapted to the response to the neo-adjuvant therapy after surgery. The current and unique marker of chemoresponsiveness is the percentage of viable residual cells in the surgical resection. This late patient management marker has to be evaluated earlier in the therapeutic history of the patients on initial biopsy. Therefore, new biomarkers, especially those involved in the topoisomerase IIα inhibitor response might be good candidates. Therefore, our study was designed to target TOP1, TOP2A and TOP2B genes in 105 fresh-frozen diagnostic biopsies by allelotyping and real-time quantitative PCR. Our analyses in those pediatric osteosarcomas, homogeneously treated, highlighted the frequent involvement of topo-isomerase genes. The main and most important observation was the statistical link between the presence of TOP2A amplification and the good response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Compared to adult cancers, the 17q21 amplicon, including TOP2A and ERBB2 genes, seems to be differentially implicated in the osteosarcoma chemoresponsiveness. Surprisingly, there is no ERBB2 gene co-amplification and the patients harboring TOP2A amplification tend to show a worse survival, so TOP2A analyses remain a preliminary, but a good molecular approach for the evaluation at diagnosis of pediatric osteosarcoma chemoresponsiveness.
Entropy Harvesting
Authors: Bormashenko Edward
Published: June 2013

The paper introduces the notion of “entropy harvesting” in physical and biological systems. Various physical and natural systems demonstrate the ability to decrease entropy under external stimuli. These systems, including stretched synthetic polymers, muscles, osmotic membranes and suspensions containing small hydrophobic particles, are called “entropic harvesters”. Entropic force acting in these systems increases with temperature. Harvested entropy may be released as mechanical work. The efficiency of entropy harvesting increases when the temperature is decreased. Natural and artificial energy harvesters are presented. Gravity as an entropic effect is discussed.
Multi-Granulation Entropy and Its Applications
Authors: Zeng Kai , She Kun , Niu Xinzheng
Published: June 2013

In the view of granular computing, some general uncertainty measures are proposed through single-granulation by generalizing Shannon’s entropy. However, in the practical environment we need to describe concurrently a target concept through multiple binary relations. In this paper, we extend the classical information entropy model to a multi-granulation entropy model (MGE) by using a series of general binary relations. Two types of MGE are discussed. Moreover, a number of theorems are obtained. It can be concluded that the single-granulation entropy is the special instance of MGE. We employ the proposed model to evaluate the significance of the attributes for classification. A forward greedy search algorithm for feature selection is constructed. The experimental results show that the proposed method presents an effective solution for feature analysis.
Altered Ca2+ Homeostasis and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Muscle Cells
Authors: Botta Annalisa , Malena Adriana , Loro Emanuele , Del Moro Giulia , Suman Matteo , Pantic Boris , Szabadkai Gyorgy , Vergani Lodovica
Published: June 2013

The pathogenesis of Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is linked to unstable CTG repeats in the DMPK gene which induce the mis-splicing to fetal/neonatal isoforms of many transcripts, including those involved in cellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Here we monitored the splicing of three genes encoding for Ca2+ transporters and channels (RyR1, SERCA1 and CACN1S) during maturation of primary DM1 muscle cells in parallel with the functionality of the Excitation-Contraction (EC) coupling machinery. At 15 days of differentiation, fetal isoforms of SERCA1 and CACN1S mRNA were significantly higher in DM1 myotubes compared to controls. Parallel functional studies showed that the cytosolic Ca2+ response to depolarization in DM1 myotubes did not increase during the progression of differentiation, in contrast to control myotubes. While we observed no differences in the size of intracellular Ca2+ stores, DM1 myotubes showed significantly reduced RyR1 protein levels, uncoupling between the segregated ER/SR Ca2+ store and the voltage-induced Ca2+ release machinery, parallel with induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers. In conclusion, our data suggest that perturbed Ca2+ homeostasis, via activation of ER stress, contributes to muscle degeneration in DM1 muscle cells likely representing a premature senescence phenotype.
Genome-Wide Investigation of Multifocal and Unifocal Prostate Cancer — Are They Genetically Different?
Authors: Ibeawuchi Chinyere , Schmidt Hartmut , Voss Reinhard , Titze Ulf , Abbas Mahmoud , Neumann Joerg , Eltze Elke , Hoogland Agnes , Jenster Guido , Brandt Burkhard , Semjonow Axel
Published: June 2013

Prostate cancer is widely observed to be biologically heterogeneous. Its heterogeneity is manifested histologically as multifocal prostate cancer, which is observed more frequently than unifocal prostate cancer. The clinical and prognostic significance of either focal cancer type is not fully established. To investigate prostate cancer heterogeneity, the genetic profiles of multifocal and unifocal prostate cancers were compared. Here, we report observations deduced from tumor-tumor comparison of copy number alteration data of both focal categories. Forty-one fresh frozen prostate cancer foci from 14 multifocal prostate cancers and eight unifocal prostate cancers were subjected to copy number variation analysis with the Affymetrix SNP 6.0 microarray tool. With the investigated cases, tumors obtained from a single prostate exhibited different genetic profiles of variable degrees. Further comparison identified no distinct genetic pattern or signatures specific to multifocal or unifocal prostate cancer. Our findings suggest that samples obtained from multiple sites of a single unifocal prostate cancer show as much genetic heterogeneity and variability as separate tumors obtained from a single multifocal prostate cancer.
Versatile Redox Chemistry Complicates Antioxidant Capacity Assessment: Flavonoids as Milieu-Dependent Anti- and Pro-Oxidants
Authors: Chobot Vladimir , Kubicova Lenka , Bachmann Gert , Hadacek Franz
Published: June 2013

Some antioxidants have been shown to possess additional pro-oxidant effects. Diverse methodologies exist for studying redox properties of synthetic and natural chemicals. The latter are substantial components of our diet. Exploration of their contribution to life-extending or -compromising effects is mandatory. Among reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydroxyl radical (•OH) is the most damaging species. Due to its short half-life, the assay has to contain a specific generation system. Plants synthesize flavonoids, phenolic compounds recognized as counter-agents to coronary heart disease. Their antioxidant activities are affected by their hydroxylation patterns. Moreover, in the plant, they mainly occur as glycosides. We chose three derivatives, quercetin, luteolin, and rutin, in attempts to explore their redox chemistry in contrasting hydrogen peroxide environments. Initial addition of hydrogen peroxide in high concentration or gradual development constituted a main factor affecting their redox chemical properties, especially in case of quercetin. Our study exemplifies that a combination of a chemical assay (deoxyribose degradation) with an electrochemical method (square-wave voltammetry) provides insightful data. The ambiguity of the tested flavonoids to act either as anti- or pro-oxidant may complicate categorization, but probably contributed to their evolution as components of a successful metabolic system that benefits both producer and consumer.
Inhibition Effects of a Synthesized Novel 4-Aminoantipyrine Derivative on the Corrosion of Mild Steel in Hydrochloric Acid Solution together with Quantum Chemical Studies
Authors: Junaedi Sutiana , Al-Amiery Ahmed , Kadihum Abdulhadi , Kadhum Abdul , Mohamad Abu
Published: June 2013

1,5-Dimethyl-4-((2-methylbenzylidene)amino)-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-one (DMPO) was synthesized to be evaluated as a corrosion inhibitor. The corrosion inhibitory effects of DMPO on mild steel in 1.0 M HCl were investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization, open circuit potential (OCP) and electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM). The results showed that DMPO inhibited mild steel corrosion in acid solution and indicated that the inhibition efficiency increased with increasing inhibitor concentration. Changes in the impedance parameters suggested an adsorption of DMPO onto the mild steel surface, leading to the formation of protective films. The novel synthesized corrosion inhibitor was characterized using UV-Vis, FT-IR and NMR spectral analyses. Electronic properties such as highest occupied molecular orbital energy, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy (EHOMO and ELUMO, respectively) and dipole moment (μ) were calculated and discussed. The results showed that the corrosion inhibition efficiency increased with an increase in the EHOMO values but with a decrease in the ELUMO value.
Enhanced Inhibition of Prostate Tumor Growth by Dual Targeting the Androgen Receptor and the Regulatory Subunit Type Iα of Protein Kinase A in Vivo
Authors: Eder Iris , Egger Martina , Neuwirt Hannes , Seifarth Christof , Maddalo Danilo , Desiniotis Andreas , Schäfer Georg , Puhr Martin , Bektic Jasmin , Cato Andrew , Klocker Helmut
Published: June 2013

Progression to castration resistance is a major problem in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer and is likely to be driven by activation of several molecular pathways, including androgen receptor (AR) and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). In this study, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of a combined inhibition of the AR and the regulatory subunit type Iα (RIα) of protein kinase A with second generation antisense oligonucleotides (ODNs) in androgen-sensitive LNCaP and castration-resistant LNCaPabl tumors in vivo. We found that targeting the AR alone inhibited LNCaP, as well as LNCaPabl tumors. Combined inhibition resulted in an improved response over single targeting and even a complete tumor remission in LNCaPabl. Western blot analysis revealed that both ODNs were effective in reducing their target proteins when administered alone or in combination. In addition, treatment with the ODNs was associated with an induction of apoptosis. Our data suggest that dual targeting of the AR and PKARIα is more effective in inhibiting LNCaP and LNCaPabl tumor growth than single treatment and may give a treatment benefit, especially in castration-resistant prostate cancers.