bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The diversity of FtsY‐lipid interactions
Authors: Reinau M. E. , Thøgersen I. B. , Enghild J. J. , Nielsen K. L. , Otzen D. E.
Published: February 2010

The bacterial signal recognition particle (SRP) receptor FtsY forms a complex with the SRP Ffh to target nascent polypeptide chains to the bacterial inner membrane. How FtsY interacts with lipids and associates to the membrane is unclear. Here, we show that vesicle binding leads to partial protection against proteolytic degradation and a change in secondary structure, which differs depending on whether the lipids are simple mixtures of zwitterionic and anionic lipids, mimics of Escherichia coli lipids, or lysolipids. Lipid binding alters the stability of FtsY. Thermal unfolding of FtsY in buffer shows two transitions, one occurring at ∼60°C and the other at ∼90°C. The thermal intermediate accumulating between 60 and 90°C has structural features in common with the state induced by binding to E. coli lipids. E. coli lipid extract induces a single transition around 70°C, anionic lipids have no effect while cooperative unfolding is completely removed in lysolipids. Thus, the lipid environment profoundly influences the dynamic properties of FtsY, leading to three different kinds of FtsY‐lipid interactions with different effects on structure, proteolytic protection, and stability, and is driven both by hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Trypsin digestion experiments highlight the central role of the N‐domain in lipid contacts, whereas the A‐ and G‐domains appear to play a more minor part. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 595–606, 2010.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Insight into the stability of cross‐β amyloid fibril from molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Chen Yue , He Yong‐Jie , Wu Maoying , Yan Guanwen , Li Yixue , Zhang Jian , Chen Hai‐Feng
Published: February 2010

Amyloid fibrils are considered to play causal roles in the pathogenesis of amyloid‐related degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, type II diabetes mellitus, the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, and prion disease. The mechanism of fibril formation is still hotly debated and remains an important open question. In this study, we utilized molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to analyze the stability of hexamer for eight class peptides. The MD results suggest that VEALYL and MVGGVV‐1 are the most stable ones, then SNQNNY, followed by LYQLEN, MVGGVV‐2, VQIVYK, SSTSAA, and GGVVIA. The statistics result indicates that hydrophobic residues play a key role in stabilizing the zipper interface. Single point and two linkage mutants of MVGGVV‐1 confirmed that both Met1 and Val2 are key hydrophobic residues. This is consistent with the statistics analysis. The stability results of oligomer for MVGGVV‐1 suggest that the intermediate state should be trimer (3‐0) and tetramer (2‐2). These methods can be used in stabilization study of other amyloid fibril. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 578–586, 2010.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Mechanical valve dysfunction after percutaneous perimitral leak closure: Salvage by percutaneous occluder retrieval
Authors: Brilakis Emmanouil S. , Collins Laura J. , Obel Owen , Banerjee Subhash
Published: February 2010

Percutaneous closure of perivalvular regurgitation may be complicated by prosthetic valve impingement and dysfunction. We describe a patient with two perimitral defects who developed severe mitral stenosis due to mitral leaflet impingement after percutaneous implantation of three amplatzer muscular ventricular septal defect occluder devices. The largest amplatzer occluder device was successfully snared with restoration of normal prosthetic valve motion. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combined mechanical and pharmacological approach to a thrombus‐containing lesion
Authors: Ben‐Dor Itsik , Pichard Augusto D. , Waksman Ron
Published: February 2010

Distal embolization during primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction is associated with impaired myocardial perfusion and poor outcome. Numerous pharmacological and mechanical strategies have been proposed to prevent and treat distal embolization. A successful combined mechanical and pharmacological approach to a large thrombus‐containing lesion in patients with acute coronary syndrome is described. A review of the current literature regarding the drugs and devices available for the prevention and treatment of large thrombus burden has also been performed. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Input Multiplicity Analysis in a Non‐Isothermal CSTR for Acid‐Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Acetic Anhydride
Authors: Jayakumar N. S. , Hashim M. A. , Thomas M. T.
Published: February 2010

Multiplicity analysis gives practical guidance for process design to eliminate difficult operating regions associated with input and output multiplicities. Continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) present challenging operational problems due to complex behavior such as input and output multiplicities, ignition/extinction, parametric sensitivity, and nonlinear oscillations. In the absence of a unified mathematical theory for representing various nonlinear system characteristics, the present study was aimed at understanding the dynamic behavior of CSTRs by means of experiments and to link the experimental data to theoretical considerations for further detection and elimination of operating problems. Theoretical modeling and analysis of a non‐isothermal CSTR with acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis of an acetic anhydride system for input multiplicity are discussed. Theoretical modeling of a non‐isothermal CSTR using a root‐finding technique was carried out for predicting steady‐state temperatures. Alternatively, a mathematical model for a non‐isothermal CSTR using unsteady‐state mass and energy balance equations is proposed. Computer‐based simulation was carried out using a program developed in MATLAB for final transient temperature and time‐temperature data of the CSTR system under investigation. The results of a theoretical analysis conducted for confirming the existence of input multiplicity in non‐isothermal CSTRs with acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis of acetic anhydride were compared with experimental investigations for validation.
Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Essential Oil from Algerian Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)
Authors: Zermane A. , Meniai A.‐H. , Barth D.
Published: February 2010

The present study presents experimental results concerning the supercritical CO2 extraction of essential oil from Algerian rosemary leaves. The effects of key operating parameters such as pressure, temperature, particle size and CO2 mass flow rate on the extraction yield were investigated. The obtained yields were in the range of 0.95–3.52 g oil/g dry rosemary, and the best value was observed at a pressure of 22 MPa, a temperature of 40 °C, a flow rate of 7 g/min, and a particle size of 1 mm. The performance of the local rosemary used was assessed by comparison of the obtained yields with values reported in the literature for essential oils derived from different rosemary sources. The GC and the GC‐MS analyses showed that the major compound detected in the essential oil was camphor, at 48.89 wt %.
Influence of Water and Supercooling on Permeability and Compressibility of Acrylic Acid Crystal Beds
Authors: Hengstermann A. , Harms S. , Jansens P.
Published: February 2010

The performance of a solid‐liquid separation process is often limited by size distribution and morphology of the crystals. To predict the filtration behavior, a robust and applicable model based only on crystallization process parameters is necessary. Therefore, a model has been successfully developed for the industrial system of aqueous acrylic acid melt to predict compressibility and permeability of a crystal bed. For this purpose, common equations are transferred successfully to nonspherical particles. Chord length distributions (CLDs) obtained from an inline focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) probe and crystal aspect ratios have been used in combination to determine the major input parameters for the model. Integration of a complex mathematical restoration of crystal size distribution (CSD) from CLD data by the use of existing models is avoided. Considering acceptable fault tolerances of the model, a simple approach used as a robust industrial application is employed. The adjustment of all required constants used in the permeability model was based on simple filtration tests.
A New Approach for Process Development of Plant‐Based Extraction Processes
Authors: Kassing M. , Jenelten U. , Schenk J. , Strube J.
Published: February 2010

Over the last few years the impact of products from natural sources in food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, flavors/fragrances, and also the pharmaceutical industry has increased due to the consumer demand for nature‐derived products. Meeting this demand requires that existing manufacturing processes have to be optimized and process development for a variety of new products, sometimes with short life cycles, has to be accelerated. A scientific literature review covering equipment and modeling for plant‐based extractions shows an enormous demand for new approaches in process design for solvent extraction, isolation, and purification of ingredients from botanical sources and its transfer from academic research into manageable solutions for industrial use. An approach combining the design of experiments and rigorous process modeling on the one hand and an intensified collaboration between different disciplines including process engineering, botany, and analytical chemistry on the other hand seems to be the only way forward to address the current issues and shortcomings systematically and efficiently. Hence, a standard apparatus for the assessment of the governing process parameters for plant‐based extraction processes is proposed.
Synthesis of Monomeric and Dimeric Repeating Units of the Zwitterionic Type 1 Capsular Polysaccharide from Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Wu Xiangyang , Cui Lina , Lipinski Tomasz , Bundle David R.
Published: February 2010

Zwitterionic polysaccharides (ZPSs) from Bacteroides fragilis and Streptococcus pneumoniae display unique T‐cell activities. The first synthesis of a hexasaccharide representing two repeating units of the zwitterionic capsular polysaccharide from S. pneumoniae type 1 (Sp1) is reported. Key elements of the approach are stereoselective construction of 1,4‐cis‐α‐galactose linkages based on a reactive trichloroacetimidate donor that incorporates a 6‐O‐acetyl group, which may contribute to the high α selectivity in glycosylation. After assembly of the fully protected hexasaccharide from five monosaccharide synthons 2–4, 24 and 25, selective deprotection of the primary hydroxyl groups of the four galactose residues followed by oxidation to the corresponding uronic acids provides hexasaccharide 19. The trisaccharide counterpart 1 was synthesized in similar fashion from three synthons, 2–4. This approach employed both conventional and dehydrative glycosylation methodologies and avoids the use of poorly reactive uronic acid derived glycosyl donors and acceptors.
Speciation of Aluminium in Mixtures of the Ionic Liquids [C3mpip][NTf2] and [C4mpyr][NTf2] with AlCl3: An Electrochemical and NMR Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Rodopoulos Theo , Smith Leanne , Horne Michael D. , Rüther Thomas
Published: February 2010

This paper reports on the electrodeposition of aluminium on several substrates from the air‐ and water‐stable ionic liquids 1‐propyl‐1‐methylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([C3mpip][NTf2]) and 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([C4mpyr][NTf2]), which contain anhydrous AlCl3. At an AlCl3 concentration of 0.75 molal, no evidence for aluminium electrodeposition was observed in either system at room temperature. However, aluminium electrodeposition becomes feasible upon heating the samples to 80 °C. Aluminium electrodeposition from bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide‐based ionic liquids that contain AlCl3 has previously been shown to be very dependent upon the AlCl3 concentration and has not been demonstrated at AlCl3 concentrations below 1.13 molal. The dissolution of AlCl3 in [C3mpip][NTf2] and [C4mpyr][NTf2] was studied by variable‐temperature 27Al NMR spectroscopy to gain insights on the electroactive species responsible for aluminium electrodeposition. A similar change in the aluminium speciation with temperature was observed in both ionic liquids, thereby indicating that the chemistry was similar in both. The electrodeposition of aluminium was shown to coincide with the formation of an asymmetric four‐coordinate aluminium‐containing species with an 27Al chemical shift of δ=94 and 92 ppm in the [C3mpip][NTf2]–AlCl3 and [C4mpyr][NTf2]–AlCl3 systems, respectively. It was concluded that the aluminium‐containing species that give rise to these resonances corresponds to the electroactive species and was assigned to [AlCl3(NTf2)]−.
Elucidation of Metal‐Ion Accumulation Induced by Hydrogen Bonds on Protein Surfaces by Using Porous Lysozyme Crystals Containing RhIIIIons as the Model Surfaces
Authors: Ueno Takafumi , Abe Satoshi , Koshiyama Tomomi , Ohki Takahiro , Hikage Tatsuo , Watanabe Yoshihito
Published: February 2010

Metal‐ion accumulation on protein surfaces is a crucial step in the initiation of small‐metal clusters and the formation of inorganic materials in nature. This event is expected to control the nucleation, growth, and position of the materials. There remain many unknowns, as to how proteins affect the initial process at the atomic level, although multistep assembly processes of the materials formation by both native and model systems have been clarified at the macroscopic level. Herein the cooperative effects of amino acids and hydrogen bonds promoting metal accumulation reactions are clarified by using porous hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) crystals containing RhIIIions, as model protein surfaces for the reactions. The experimental results reveal noteworthy implications for initiation of metal accumulation, which involve highly cooperative dynamics of amino acids and hydrogen bonds: i) Disruption of hydrogen bonds can induce conformational changes of amino‐acid residues to capture RhIIIions. ii) Water molecules pre‐organized by hydrogen bonds can stabilize RhIIIcoordination as aqua ligands. iii) Water molecules participating in hydrogen bonds with amino‐acid residues can be replaced by RhIIIions to form polynuclear structures with the residues. iv) RhIIIaqua complexes are retained on amino‐acid residues through stabilizing hydrogen bonds even at low pH (≈2). These metal–protein interactions including hydrogen bonds may promote native metal accumulation reactions and also may be useful in the preparation of new inorganic materials that incorporate proteins.
Ultrahydrophobe Oberflächen durch gezieltes Grenzflächendesign
Authors: Frenzel R. , Synytska A. , Nitschke M. , Stamm M. , Simon F. , Grundke K.
Published: February 2010

Für viele Anwendungen ist die gezielte Einstellung der Benetzbarkeit von Festkörperoberflächen von großer Bedeutung. Ein aktueller Forschungsschwerpunkt ist die Herstellung ultrahydrophober Oberflächen, deren Anwendungspotenzial sich von selbstreinigenden Beschichtungen bis hin zum oberflächenspannungskontrollierten Flüssigkeitstransport in der Mikrofluidik erstreckt. Im Folgenden werden ausgewählte Strategien zur Erzeugung ultrahydrophober Oberflächen vorgestellt und das Wechselspiel zwischen gezielter Änderung der chemischen Zusammensetzung und der Strukturierung der Festkörperoberfläche auf die Benetzbarkeit näher beleuchtet. Am Beispiel von Kern‐Schale‐Partikeln wurden zum einen die freie Oberflächenenergie der Partikel durch das Anbinden kovalenter Polymerbürsten gezielt verändert und zum anderen hochgeordnete, aber auch ungeordnete, Oberflächentopographien aus dicht gepackten Partikeln mit unterschiedlichen Rauheiten hergestellt. Dabei wurde die Rauheit durch Verwendung von Partikeln mit unterschiedlichem Durchmesser (200 nm bis 20 μm) variiert. Oberflächen mit hierarchisch rauen Topographien wurden durch eine anodische Oxidation von Aluminium erhalten. Auf solchen Oberflächen applizierte Copolymere unterliegen einer molekularen Selbstorganisation, bei der sich hydrophobe Segmente an der Grenzfläche Polymer/Luft anreichern und so dem Material ultrahydrophobe Eigenschaften verleihen. Hydrophile Segmente reichern sich in der Grenzschicht Metalloxid/Polymer an und sorgen so für eine gute Haftungfestigkeit der polymeren Beschichtung. Hierarchisch raue Oberflächen konnten auch durch ein Plasmaätzen von Polymeren erreicht werden. Binäre Polymerbürsten, die an so vorbehandelte Oberflächen kovalent angebunden wurden, ermöglichten ein reversibles Schalten zwischen vollständiger Benetzung und Ultrahydrophobie.
Mikrotrenntechnik: Entwicklungsstand und Perspektiven
Authors: Chasanis P. , Kern J. , Grünewald M. , Kenig E. Y.
Published: February 2010

Die Mikroverfahrenstechnik zeichnet sich durch den Einsatz von Mikrostrukturapparaten aus. Diese enthalten Strukturelemente im Mikrometerbereich. Für die Realisierung mikrotechnischer Produktionsprozesse ist die Entwicklung von Mikrotrennapparaten zur Durchführung fluidverfahrenstechnischer Grundoperationen unentbehrlich. In diesem Artikel wird ein Überblick über Forschungsentwicklungen auf dem Gebiet der Mikrotrenntechnik gegeben. Der Schwerpunkt wird hierbei auf die Grundoperationen Extraktion, Absorption/Desorption und Destillation gelegt.
Modellbasierte Bestimmung lokal gültiger Kinetiken chemischer Reaktionen in Flüssigphase mittels Flachbettmikroreaktor*
Authors: Warnecke H.‐J. , Bothe D. , Zrenner A. , Berth G. , Hüsch K.‐P.
Published: February 2010

Strömungsbasierte Mischprozesse sind grundlegender Bestandteil vieler chemischer Prozesse. Realisierbare Mischzeiten reichen von einigen Millisekunden bis zu Sekunden, wobei die vollständige Homogenisierung oft nicht sichergestellt ist. Werden kinetische Parameter chemischer Reaktionen dieses Zeitskalenbereichs ohne Berücksichtigung der Mischprozesse bestimmt, sind sie mischungsmaskiert und geben die inhärente chemische Kinetik nicht wieder. In dieser Arbeit wird die Validierung und Anwendung einer Methode zur Bestimmung inhärenter chemischer Kinetiken von in Flüssigphase ablaufenden chemischen Reaktionen im stationären, laminaren Flachbettmikroreaktor vorgestellt. Der verfolgte Ansatz basiert auf der mechanistischen Modellierung der Molmengen unter Berücksichtigung von Konvektion, Diffusion und Reaktion und der Bestimmung der unbekannten Parameter durch Anpassung des Modells an experimentell ermittelte Konzentrationsverläufe.
CFD‐Anwendungen für Rührkesselreaktoren in der Bioverfahrenstechnik
Authors: Eslahpazir Esfandabadi M. , Hempel D. C. , Krull R.
Published: February 2010

In den vergangenen Jahren hat sich die numerische Strömungssimulation (Computational Fluid Dynamics, CFD) sehr schnell zu einem wichtigen Werkzeug der fluiddynamischen Beschreibung von einphasig und mehrphasig betriebenen Rührkesselreaktoren in der (Bio‐) Verfahrenstechnik entwickelt. So können CFD‐Simulationen recht zuverlässige Informationen, u. a. über die qualitative und quantitative Bestimmung von Strömungsfeldern, die Transportvorgänge zwischen den einzelnen Phasen, die Verbesserung der Produktivität durch Modifizierung der Rührergeometrie sowie den Einfluss der mechanischen Beanspruchung auf belebte oder unbelebte Partikelagglomerate, liefern. In diesem Artikel werden die Herausforderungen und Anwendungen bezüglich der Modellimplementierung, der Einflüsse der Reaktorgeometrie und der Gitterzellenzahl, der experimentellen Validierungsmethoden (Experimental Fluid Dynamics, EFD) sowie der Einbindung und Identifizierung von Quell‐ und Verbrauchstermen in die Impulsbilanz diskutiert.
Classification of a Novel Surface Phase Transition: The Knight‐Move Phase
Authors: Andrews Alison , Novenstern Matthew , Roelofs Lyle D.
Published: February 2010

The knight move or ${\left( {\sqrt 5 \times \sqrt 5 } \right)R27^ \circ }$ phase occurs on some surfaces relevant for growth of high‐Tc superconducting films and other technologically significant surfaces. The nature of the disordering transition of this phase has not been determined. We demonstrate via simulation that this disordering transition is first‐order (discontinuous), a result with important implications for preparation of the surfaces in question.
A Complex of 2‐Hydroxyisocaproyl‐Coenzyme A Dehydratase and its Activator from Clostridium difficile Stabilized by Aluminium Tetrafluoride‐Adenosine Diphosphate
Authors: Kim Jihoe , Pierik Antonio J. , Buckel Wolfgang
Published: February 2010

The dehydration of 2‐hydroxyisocaproyl‐CoA to isocaprenoyl‐CoA is the chemically most demanding step in the reduction of leucine to isocaproate by Clostridium difficile, because the β‐hydrogen of the substrate is not acidic (pKa ca. 40). A two‐component system, composed of a homodimeric activator and an heterodimeric dehydratase, catalyses this unusual α,β‐elimination of water. The reduced activator transfers an electron from its [4Fe‐4S]+ cluster to that of the dehydratase in an ATP‐dependent manner, similar to the iron protein of nitrogenase. Here we show that AlF4− × ADP traps the interaction of the activator with the dehydratase by forming a stable complex containing 1.0 mol homodimeric activator, 1.0 mol heterodimeric dehydratase and 1.2 mol ADP. The complex (148 kDa) was isolated by size exclusion chromatography, affinity chromatography using the Strep‐tag at the activator, or most conveniently by ultrafiltration (100 kDa cut off membrane). Kinetic and EPR‐spectroscopic experiments revealed that the complex formation proceeds much slower than the activation but in an almost irreversible manner. The isolated complex is devoid of any activity, because the dehydratase is in the oxidized form whereas the activator remains in the reduced state due to the presence of dithionite.
A systematic analysis of the N‐person chicken game
Authors: Szilagyi Miklos N. , Somogyi Iren
Published: February 2010

We report computer simulation experiments based on our agent‐based simulation tool to model the multiperson Chicken dilemma game for the case when the agents are greedy simpletons who imitate the action of that of their neighbors who received the highest payoff for its previous action. The individual agents may cooperate with each other for the collective interest or may defect, i.e., pursue their selfish interests only. After a certain number of iterations the proportion of cooperators stabilizes to either a constant value or oscillates around such a value. The payoff (reward/penalty) functions are given as two straight lines: one for the cooperators and another for the defectors. The payoff curves are functions of the ratio of cooperators to the total number of agents. Even for linear payoff functions, we have four free parameters that determine the payoff functions that have the following properties: (1) Both payoff functions increase with the increasing number of cooperators. (2) In the region of low cooperation the cooperators have a higher reward than the defectors. (3) When the cooperation rate is high, there is a higher payoff for defecting behavior than for cooperating behavior. (4) As a consequence, the slope of the D function is greater than that of the C function and the two payoff functions intersect. (5) All agents receive a lower payoff if all defect than if all cooperate. We have investigated the behavior of the agents systematically. The results show that the solutions have predictable tendencies but they are nontrivial and quite irregular. The solutions show drastic changes in the parameter ranges 0.6 ≤ R ≤ 0.65 for all values of S and 0 ≤ S ≤ 0.2 when R < 0.6 (R is the reward for mutual cooperation and S is the sucker's payoff to a lonely cooperator). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2010
Opinion‐structure changes in non‐equilibrium model of social impact
Authors: Janutka Andrzej , Magnuszewski Piotr
Published: February 2010

We study relaxational dynamics of social systems within a kinetic binary‐choice (Ising‐like) model. On the basis of the assumptions of the deterministic social‐impact model in discrete time introduced by Nowak et al. (Psychol Rev 1990, 97, 362), we construct a probabilistic, continuous‐time description. Although there are no stationary (equilibrium) solutions of the model in general, the presence of strong leaders maintaining their opinions for a long‐time and strongly influencing other individuals leads to quasi‐stable (steady‐state) solutions. Analyzing closed individual chains, we discuss changes of the individual‐opinion structure while varying a global parameter of the model. Such a kind of a “critical” behaviour is possible although there is no true phase equilibrium. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2010
How to make dull cellular automata complex by adding memory: Rule 126 case study
Authors: Martínez Genaro J. , Adamatzky Andrew , Seck‐Tuoh‐Mora Juan C. , Alonso‐Sanz Ramon
Published: February 2010

Using Rule 126 elementary cellular automaton (ECA), we demonstrate that a chaotic discrete system — when enriched with memory — hence exhibits complex dynamics where such space exploits on an ample universe of periodic patterns induced from original information of the ahistorical system. First, we analyze classic ECA Rule 126 to identify basic characteristics with mean field theory, basins, and de Bruijn diagrams. To derive this complex dynamics, we use a kind of memory on Rule 126; from here interactions between gliders are studied for detecting stationary patterns, glider guns, and simulating specific simple computable functions produced by glider collisions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2010
Usefulness of a trauma‐focused treatment approach for travel phobia
Authors: de Jongh Ad , Holmshaw Manda , Carswell Wilson , van Wijk Arjen
Published: February 2010

Despite its prevalence and potential impact on functioning, there are surprisingly little data regarding the treatment responsiveness of travel phobia. The purpose of this non‐randomized study was to evaluate the usefulness of a trauma‐focused treatment approach for travel phobia, or milder travel anxiety arising as a result of a road traffic accident. Trauma‐focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF‐CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing were used to treat a sample of 184 patients, who were referred to a psychological rehabilitation provider. Patients in both treatment groups were encouraged to encounter their feared objects and situations between sessions. Specific (i.e., travel) phobia was diagnosed in 57% of cases. Patients in both treatment conditions showed equally large, and clinically significant, decreases in symptoms as indexed by three validated measures (Impact of Event Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and General Health Questionnaire), therapist ratings of treatment outcome, and a return to driving or travelling by car or motorbike. These improvements were obtained within an average course of 7.3 sessions of 1 hour each. Patients with travel phobia responded with a greater reduction of anxiety and post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms than those with milder travel anxiety. Passengers reported higher levels of trauma symptoms than drivers, but no difference in effectiveness of treatment was found between these groups. The results suggest that trauma‐focused psychological interventions can be a treatment alternative for patients with travel anxiety. Given the seriousness of the clinical problems related to road traffic accidents more rigorous outcome research is warranted and needed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message:

• As the literature on the treatment of travel phobia is largely limited to small‐n studies, this is the largest naturalistic outcome study of the treatment of patients with fear and avoidance of travel, subsequent to a traumatic event, to date.

• Travel phobia following road traffic accidents should be regarded as a treatable psychological condition requiring a limited number of sessions. In a significant minority of cases the condition is unlikely to remit spontaneously, potentially disrupting occupational, social and personal adjustment.

• Besides a purely exposure, in vivo‐based approach, a mainly trauma‐focused approach, such as imagery exposure or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, can be an effective intervention for both travel phobia and milder forms of travel anxiety, and for both drivers and passengers.
Podoplanin is a useful marker for identifying mesothelioma in malignant effusions
Authors: Hanna Atef , Pang Yijun , Bedrossian Carlos W. M. , Dejmek Annika , Michael Claire W.
Published: February 2010

The diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma in serosal effusions continues to be a major challenge because some of its cytomorphological features closely resemble adenocarcinomas. Immunohistochemistry is a valuable tool in the differentiation of epithelioid mesothelioma from metastatic adenocarcinomas. However, no single antibody has demonstrated absolute sensitivity or specificity. In this study, we evaluated the value of immunostaining pattern for podoplanin to differentiate mesothelioma from adenocarcinomas of various origins.

Cell blocks from previously collected paraffin‐embedded cell blocks of 86 effusions (18 mesothelioma, 35 reactive mesothelium, 9 breast adenocarcinoma, 14 ovarian adenocarcinoma, and 10 lung adenocarcinoma) were retrieved from the file of the Department of Pathology at University of Michigan and Lund University in Sweden and were used for the study. Slides prepared from the cell blocks were stained for podoplanin. The percentage of immunostained cells was recorded as follows: 1+ (5–25%), 2+ (26–50%), and 3+ (>50%). A stain result involving <5% of cells was considered negative. The intensity of positive results was evaluated as strong, moderate, or weak.

Podoplanin is expressed in 94% of malignant mesothelioma cases (17/18), 97% (30/31) of cases of reactive mesothelial, 0% of lung adenocarcinoma cases (0/9), 0% of breast adenocarcinoma (0/9), and 7% of ovarian adenocarcinoma (1/14). All positive cases of malignant mesothelioma and reactive mesothelium showed strong membranous reactivity to podoplanin. The one positive case of ovarian adenocarcinoma showed a weak membranous podoplanin immunostaining.

On the basis of our results and published data, we believe that membranous podoplanin immunoreactivity, in conjunction with calretinin, would be more specific than CK5/6 and WT‐1 in differentiating epithelioid malignant mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma of the lung, breast, and ovary. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of propranolol HCl based on oxidation bromination reactions
Authors: El‐Didamony Akram M.
Published: February 2010

Three new, simple, sensitive, rapid and economical spectrophotometric methods (A, B and C) have been developed for the determination of propranolol hydrochloride (PRO) in bulk drug and dosage forms. These methods are based on oxidation‐bromination reaction of PRO by bromine, generated in situ by the action of acid on a bromate‐bromide mixture, followed by determination of unreacted bromine by three different reaction schemes. In method A, the determination of the residual bromine is based on its ability to bleach the indigo carmine dye and by measuring the absorbance at 610 nm. The residual bromine (in method B), is treated with excess of iron(II) and the resulting iron(III) is complexed with thiocyanate and the absorbance is measured at 480 nm. Method C involves treating the unreacted bromine with a measured excess of iron(II) and the remaining iron(II) is complexed with 1,10‐phenanthroline and the increase in absorbance is measured at 510 nm. In all three methods, the amount of bromine reacted corresponds to the drug content. The different experimental parameters affecting the development and stability of the colour are carefully studied and optimized. Beer's Law is valid within a concentration range of 1–13, 4–12 and 2–9 µg ml−1 for methods A, B, and C, respectively. The molar absorptivity, Sandell's sensitivity, detection and quantification limits are calculated. Common excipients used as additives in pharmaceutical preparations do not interfere in the proposed methods. The proposed methods have been successfully applied to the determination of PRO in pharmaceutical preparations and the results were statistically compared with those of the official method by applying the Student's t‐test and F‐test. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved validated ultra high pressure liquid chromatography method for separation of tacrolimus impurities and its tautomers
Authors: Subasranjan Acharya , C Srinivasulu , Hemant Raoutray
Published: February 2010

A selective, specific and sensitive ultra high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method was developed for determination of tacrolimus degradation products and tautomers in the preparation of pharmaceuticals. The chromatographic separation was performed on Waters ACQUITY UPLC system and BEH C8 column using gradient elution of mobile phase A (90:10 v/v of 0.1% v/v triflouroacetic acid solution and Acetonitrile) and mobile phase B (90:10 v/v acetonitrile and water) at a flow rate of 0.6 mL min−1. Ultraviolet detection was performed at 210 nm. Tacrolimus, tautomers and impurities were chromatographed with a total run time of 25 min. Calibration showed that the response of impurity was a linear function of concentration over the range 0.3–6 µg mL−1 (r2 ≥ 0.999) and the method was validated over this range for precision, intermediate precision, accuracy, linearity and specificity. For precision study, percentage relative standard deviation of each impurity was < 15% (n = 6). The method was found to be precise, accurate, linear and specific. The proposed method was successfully employed for estimation of tacrolimus impurities in pharmaceutical preparations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of some chemometric methods in conventional and derivative spectrophotometric analysis of acetaminophen and ascorbic acid
Authors: Khajehsharifi H. , Eskandari Z. , Asadipour A.
Published: February 2010

The multivariate methods, principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares (PLS) were tested as a calibration procedure for simultaneous ultraviolet spectrophotometric determination of acetaminophen (AC) and ascorbic acid (AA). Determination of these compounds is important because of their pharmacotherapeutic advantages. Due to spectral overlapping of AC and AA, PCR and PLS were used for construction of the calibration sets. The concentration linear range of AC and AA were 1.5–24.2 and 1.8–21.1 µg mL−1 respectively. The absorption spectra were recorded from 215–310 nm. The minimum root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) was 1.3507 and 0.4088 for AC and AA, by PLS, 0.7525 and 0.4015 by PCR in original data and 0.9454 and 0.2875, by PLS and 1.0386 and 0.4000 by PCR in derivative data. The procedure allows the simultaneous determination of AC and AA in synthetic mixtures and real sample solutions made up from pharmaceutical products, human serum and urine. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability‐indicating methods for the determination of famciclovir in the presence of its alkaline‐induced degradation product
Authors: Lotfy Hayam Mahmoud , Abd el‐Moneim Abosen Mona M. , EL‐Bardicy Mohamed Galal
Published: February 2010

Five sensitive, selective and precise stability‐indicating methods are presented for the determination of famciclovir (FCV) in the presence of its alkaline‐induced degradation product. Method A utilizes the first derivative spectrophotometry at 321 nm. Method B depends on using the first derivative of the ratio spectrophotometry (DD1) by measurement of the amplitude at 256 nm. Method C is based on the reaction of FCV with hydroxylamine to form hydroxamic acid, causing the hydroxamic acid to react with triferric ion to form ferric hydroxamate that is measured at 503 nm. Method D is based on the separation of FCV from its degradation product followed by densitometric measurement of the bands at 304 nm. The separation was carried out on silica gel 60 F254, using chloroform: methanol (70:30, v/v) as a mobile phase. Method E is based on a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) separation of FCV from its degradation product using an ODS column with a mobile phase consisting of methanol–50 mM dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (25:75, v/v, pH 3.0)with UV detection at 304 nm. Regression analysis showed good correlation in the concentration ranges 16–72 µg/ml, 40–240 µg/ml, 40–240 µg/ml, 0.75–5.25 µg/band and 20–240 µg/ml with percentage recoveries of 99.65 ± 0.85, 100.27 ± 0.91, 99.72 ± 0.84, 100.65 ± 1.52 and 99.88 ± 0.50 for methods A, B, C, D and E, respectively. These methods are suitable as stability‐indicating methods for the determination of FCV in the presence of its degradation product either in bulk powder or in pharmaceutical formulation. Statistical analysis of the results has been carried out revealing high accuracy and good precision. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhaled fluoride, magnesium salt and l‐arginine reverse bronchospasma
Authors: Rouatbi Sonia , Guandia Fadoua , Laatiri Imed , Tabka Zouhair , Guénard Hervé
Published: February 2010

In vitrostudies showed that fluoride and magnesium salts relax bronchial smooth muscle cells. Their combined administration could have potential interest. Magnesium fluoride salt (MgF2) is nearly insoluble. A soluble derivate can be obtained by introducing L‐arginineinine (L‐arginine) between the ions. L‐arginine, being the substrate leading to the release of NO, might add another relaxing effect to this derivate. Relaxing effects of NaF, MgSO4, L‐arginine, NaF+MgSO4and MgF2+L‐arginine given via the inhaled route were studied on rats challenged with acetylmethylcholine (ACMCH) following eight successive doses. Tested salts were given at the fourth dose of ACMCH. Changes in bronchial resistances (R) were measured and compared to results obtained in a control group, receiving ACMCH alone. NaF, MgSO4, and L‐arginine led to significant bronchorelaxing effects (p < 0.05). The association NaF+MgSO4gave a greater decrease in bronchial resistance compared to that obtained with each salt (fluoride and magnesium) separately. (MgF2, 2L‐arginine) induced a significant fall in R at the fourth dose of ACMCH just after its inhalation. R values obtained with (MgF2, 2L‐arginine) were significantly lower than L‐arginine alone at the sixth dose of ACMCH (p < 0.05). (MgF2, 2L‐arginine) is a triple combination able to induce a significant and constant bronchodilating effect through three different pathways. The effect looked partly additive. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of harpy/Rca1/emi1 mutants: Patterning in the absence of cell division
Authors: Riley Bruce B. , Sweet Elly M. , Heck Rebecca , Evans Adrienne , McFarland Karen N. , Warga Rachel M. , Kane Donald A.
Published: February 2010

We have characterized mutations in the early arrest gene, harpy (hrp), and show that they introduce premature stops in the coding region of early mitotic inhibitor1 (Rca1/emi1). In harpy mutants, cells stop dividing during early gastrulation. Lineage analysis confirms that there is little change in cell number after approximately cycle‐14. Gross patterning occurs relatively normally, and many organ primordia are produced on time but with smaller numbers of cells. Despite the lack of cell division, some organ systems continue to increase in cell number, suggesting recruitment from surrounding areas. Analysis of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation shows that endoreduplication continues in many cells well past the first day of development, but cells cease endoreduplication once they begin to differentiate and express cell‐type markers. Despite relatively normal gross patterning, harpy mutants show several defects in morphogenesis, cell migration and differentiation resulting directly or indirectly from the arrest of cell division. Developmental Dynamics 239:828–843, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic expression of a LEF‐EGFP Wnt reporter in mouse development and cancer
Authors: Currier Nicolas , Chea Kathleen , Hlavacova Mirka , Sussman Daniel J. , Seldin David C. , Dominguez Isabel
Published: February 2010

We have characterized a transgenic mouse line in which enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) is expressed under the control of multimerized LEF‐1 responsive elements. In embryos, EGFP was detected in known sites of Wnt activation, including the primitive streak, mesoderm, neural tube, somites, heart, limb buds, mammary placodes, and whisker follicles. In vitro cultured transgenic embryonic fibroblasts upregulated EGFP expression in response to activation of Wnt signaling by GSK3β inhibition. Mammary tumor cell lines derived from female LEF‐EGFP transgenic mice treated with the carcinogen 7, 12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) also express EGFP. Thus, this transgenic line is useful for ex vivo and in vitro studies of Wnt signaling in development and cancer. genesis 48:183–194, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zebrafish gene knockdowns imply roles for human YWHAG in infantile spasms and cardiomegaly
Authors: Komoike Yuta , Fujii Katsunori , Nishimura Akira , Hiraki Yoko , Hayashidani Michiko , Shimojima Keiko , Nishizawa Tsutomu , Higashi Kouji , Yasukawa Kumi , Saitsu Hirotomo , Miyake Noriko , Mizuguchi Takeshi , Matsumoto Naomichi , Osawa Makiko , Kohno Yoichi , Higashinakagawa Toru , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: February 2010

Williams‐Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder presenting with an elfin‐like face, supravalvular aortic stenosis, a specific cognitive‐behavioral profile, and infantile hypercalcemia. We encountered two WBS patients presenting with infantile spasms, which is extremely rare in WBS. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses revealed atypical 5.7‐Mb and 4.1‐Mb deletions at 7q11.23 in the two patients, including the WBS critical region and expanding into the proximal side and the telomeric side, respectively. On the proximal side, AUTS2 and CALN1 may contribute to the phenotype. On the telomeric side, there are two candidate genes HIP1 and YWHAG. Because detailed information of them was unavailable, we investigated their functions using gene knockdowns of zebrafish. When zebrafish ywhag1 was knocked down, reduced brain size and increased diameter of the heart tube were observed, indicating that the infantile spasms and cardiomegaly seen in the patient with the telomeric deletion may be derived from haploinsufficiency of YWHAG. genesis 48:233–243, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimation of backward impedance on low‐voltage distribution system using measured resonant current
Authors: Miki Toru , Konishi Kazuki , Morimoto Koji , Nagaoka Naoto , Ametani Akihiro
Published: February 2010

Two estimation methods for a backward impedance of a power distribution system are proposed in this paper. According to the first method, the backward impedance is estimated based on information obtained from the frequency response of a transient current flowing into a capacitor connected to a distribution line. The backward impedance is determined from the attenuation constant and the resonant frequency calculated using the capacitance and the impedance of the power distribution system. These parameters can be reliably obtained from a frequency response of the transient current using the least square method. The accuracy of the method strongly depends on the origin on the time axis for Fourier transform. An additional estimate of the time‐origin is required for an accurate estimation of the backward impedance. The second method estimates the backward impedance using two transient current waveforms obtained by alternately connecting different capacitors to a distribution line. The backward impedance can be represented as a function of the frequency responses of these currents. Since this method is independent from the time‐origin, it is suitable for automatic measurements of the backward impedance. Proposed methods are applicable to the estimation of harmonic currents in distribution systems. In this paper, harmonic currents flowing through a distribution line are calculated based on the estimated backward impedance and on the measured values of voltage harmonics obtained by the instrument developed by the authors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 171(3): 28–40, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20900
A method to determine direct‐ and quadrature‐axis inductances of permanent magnet synchronous motors
Authors: Yamamoto Shu , Kano Takashi , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro , Ara Takahiro
Published: February 2010

The equivalent circuit constants of permanent magnet synchronous motors are needed in the calculation of operation characteristics, construction of a control system, etc. These constants can be computed from the data on structural form and materials. However, measurements are necessary to obtain highly precise values. Methods for measurement of the d‐ and q‐axis inductances can be roughly divided into rotational and standstill methods. The standstill methods have the advantage that they are easy to carry out. However, it is difficult to consider magnetic saturation and distortion of the change in the armature winding inductance. The accuracy of the standstill method can be improved if these effects can be readily taken into account.

This paper describes a standstill method for measuring accurate d‐ and q‐axis synchronous inductances of permanent magnet synchronous motors. By utilizing the fact that the EMF interference terms in the motor voltage equation considering the distortion of the inductance change are equal to zero when the rotor is in a specific position, the proposed method determines the inductances considering both magnetic saturation and inductance distortion effects from simple off‐line standstill testing. In addition, this method is capable of taking cross‐magnetic saturation into account when used with the necessary testing equipment. The proposed method was implemented on a 0.4‐kW interior permanent magnet synchronous motor with concentrated stator winding. The validity of the proposed method was demonstrated by comparing the measured and calculated results of the no‐load and on‐load characteristics. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 171(3): 41–50, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20969
Total Synthesis of (–)‐Fasicularin and (–)‐Lepadiformine A Based on Zn‐Mediated Allylation of Chiral N‐tert‐Butanesulfinyl Ketimine
Authors: Mei San‐Lin , Zhao Gang
Published: February 2010

The stereoselective total synthesis of fasicularin (1) andlepadiformine A (2) is described, which features the utilization of a Zn‐mediated allylation of a chiral, aliphatic, N‐tert‐butanesulfinyl ketimine to construct the amino‐substituted quaternary carbon center in good yield and with excellent diastereoselectivity. The azaspirocyclic scaffold was installed sequentially by a Sharpless dihydroxylation and an internal epoxide‐opening reaction, and this scaffold was further converted into common intermediate 5. Removing the tosyl (Ts) protecting group of 5 and reductively aminating usingLuche's reagent completed the synthesis of (–)‐fasicularin (1), while reducing 5 using L‐selectride, deprotecting the Ts group, and finishing with an intramolecular amino alcohol cyclocondensation completed the total synthesis of (–)‐lepadiformine A (2).