bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Aloe secundiflora Crude Extracts on Ascaridia galli in Vitro
Authors: Kaingu Fredrick , Kibor Alfred , Waihenya Rebecca , Shivairo Robert , Mungai Lewis
Published: December 2012

Aloe secundiflora Synonym: Aloe floramaculata, Aloe marsabitensis, Aloe engleri belongs to the family Asphodelaceae. Aloe leaf gel and Aloe exudates are the main components. The gel is derived from parenchytomous cells while exudates are derived from the inner epidermal layers. The gel consists of mainly polysaccharides while the exudates consists of a mixture of phenolic compounds mainly athrones, chromones and phenyl pyrones. Leaf components of Aloe have been credited for antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral and anthelmintic medicinal properties. The effectiveness of Aloe secundiflora extracts on the most prevalent nematode of chicken Ascaridia galli was conducted in vitro. The results of this study indicate that Hexane, Ethylacetate, Acetone, Methanol and chloroform extracts were found active in hindering the development of Ascaridia galli eggs to larval stage three (L3), and this was dependent on the concentration of the crude extract. The lowest concentration of the various extracts (5 mg/ml) had an inhibition percent (IP), 75.52%, 79.60%, 87.21%, 86.13% and 43.6% respectively. The highest concentration of the extracts was (50 mg/ml), at this level the inhibition percent was found higher than in the lowest extracts concentrations i.e., 91.84%, 97.55%, 100%, 99.46% and 91.29% respectively. Aloe secundiflora extracts therefore have inhibitory effects on the Ascaridia galli larval development in vitro. Phytochemical tests on the extracts revealed the presence of various chemical compounds.
Custos da qualidade em uma indústria multinacionalautomotiva de grande porte
Authors: Scopinho Wilian , Chaves Carlos Aalberto
Published: December 2012

Neste trabalho, tem-se como objetivo aplicar um roteiro para implementação dos custos da qualidade em uma organização. Efetuou-se a análise de uma empresa automotiva multinacional de grande porte. Posteriormente, foi estabelecida uma sequência que sintetiza dez etapas para implementar o roteiro, iniciando pela definição da equipe multifuncional, pela obtenção de relatórios da situação atual e pela análise dos dados juntamente com alta direção e definição dos temas dos projetos de melhorias. Iniciou-se o desenvolvimento de três projetos baseados na metodologia Seis Sigma. Após o término desses projetos, observou-se melhoria de 43% no resultado global. As principais dificuldades de medição foram as relacionadas à insatisfação do cliente e ao comprometimento da imagem da empresa. A utilização da metodologia permitiu definir um sistema consistente para levantamento e gerenciamento dos custos, o qual se tornou importante para tomada de decisão, para o controle de custos e de qualidade e para melhoria dos processos.
Analise de posto e aplicação do MTM como ferramenta para padronização de tempo
Authors: Ribeiro Luiz Carlos De andrade , Chaves Carlos Alberto
Published: December 2012

Neste estudo de caso, analisa-se um posto de trabalho de uma empresa fabricante de veículos, denominado Posto ECOM, em que ocorre a liberação do veículo para comercialização. A fim de identificar melhorias e reduzir os desperdícios, foram mapeados os deslocamentos, o layout, as operações e os tempos referentes às operações, realizando um diagnóstico do processo de produção. Para realizar as melhorias pretendidas e a padronização do tempo, utilizou-se a ferramenta de análise de tempo MTM (Methods-Time Measurement), que é um sistema de tempos pré-determinados, utilizado por várias empresas e mundialmente conhecido. A redução de tempo é necessária para que a empresa atinja o objetivo de aumentar sua produção, no ano de 2012, passando a produzir de 29 a 40 veículos por hora. Com as melhorias propostas neste estudo, foi possível aumentar a capacidade produtiva do posto em 39,39%, superando as expectativas.
A Sensitive Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Method for the Determination of Patulin in Apple Juice
Authors: Xiao Hong , Fu Shanlin
Published: December 2012

A simple and sensitive GC/MS method was developed for the detection of patulin in apple juice. The method utilized a common laboratory chemical, 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol, as an internal standard. The calibration curve, ranging from 5 to 100 μg/L, showed good linearity with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The LOD and LOQ were 2 and 5 μg/L, respectively. The significant advantage of the method was removal of the need for in-house synthesis of appropriate internal standards as reported by other researchers. The method also eliminated the need for careful sample preparation procedures, as outlined in some AOAC methods in which no internal standard was utilized. The streamlined extraction process and the improved sensitivity warrant the developed method to be a useful alternative for drug testing laboratories, especially those with large specimen volume and throughput to determine patulin levels in apple juice.
The Characteristic Function, a Method-Specific Alternative to the Horwitz Function
Authors: Thompson Michael
Published: December 2012

The Horwitz function is compared with the characteristic function as a descriptor of the precision of individual analytical methods. The Horwitz function describes the trend of reproducibility SDs observed in collaborative trials in the food sector over a wide range of concentrations of the analyte. However, it is imperfectly adaptable for describing the precision of individual methods, which is the role of the characteristic function. An essential difference between the two functions is that the characteristic function can accommodate a detection limit. This makes it a useful alternative when the precision of a method down to a detection limit is of interest. Many characteristic functions have a simple mathematical form, the parameters of which can be estimated with the usual resources. The Horwitz function serves an additional role as a fitness-for-purpose criterion in the form of the Horwitz ratio (HorRat). This use also has some shortcomings. The functional form of the characteristic function (with suitable prescribed parameters) is better adapted to this task.
Samsung Salmonella Detection Kit
Authors: Li Jun , Cheung Win Den , Opdyke Jason , Harvey John , Chong Songchun , Moon Cheol Gon
Published: December 2012

Salmonella, one of the most common causes of foodborne illness, is a significant public health concern worldwide. There is a need in the food industry for methods that are simple, rapid, and sensitive for the detection of foodborne pathogens. In this study, the Samsung Salmonella Detection Kit, a realtime PCR assay for the detection of Salmonella, was evaluated according to the current AOAC guidelines. The validation consisted of lot-to-lot consistency, stability, robustness, and inclusivity/exclusivity studies, as well as a method comparison of 10 different food matrixes. In the validation, the Samsung Salmonella Detection Kit was used in conjunction with the Applied Biosystems StepOnePlus™ PCR system and the Samsung Food Testing Software for the detection of Salmonella species. The performance of the assays was compared to the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food Safety and Inspection Service-Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook (USDA/FSIS-MLG) 4.05: Isolation and Identification of Salmonella from Meat, Poultry, Pasteurized Egg, and Catfish and the and U.S. Food and Drug Administration/Bacteriological Analytical Manual (FDA/BAM) Chapter 5 Salmonella reference methods. The validation was conducted using an unpaired study design for detection of Salmonella spp. in raw ground beef, raw pork, raw ground pork, raw chicken wings, raw salmon, alfalfa sprouts, pasteurized orange juice, peanut butter, pasteurized whole milk, and shell eggs. The Samsung Salmonella Detection Kit demonstrated lot-to-lot consistency among three independent lots as well as ruggedness with minor modifications to changes in enrichment incubation time, enrichment incubation temperature, and DNA sample volume for PCR reaction. Stability was observed for 13 months at –20°C and 3 months at 5°C. For the inclusivity/exclusivity study, the Samsung Salmonella Detection Kit correctly identified 147 Salmonella species isolates out of 147 isolates tested from each of three different enrichment broths (a total of 441 isolates detected), and correctly excluded all 31 nontarget strains analyzed. For the method comparison, statistical analysis was conducted according to the Mantel-Haenszel Chi-square formula for unpaired test portions, and there was no significant difference in the number of positive samples detected between the Samsung Salmonella Detection Kit and the USDA/FSIS-MLG and FDA/BAM reference methods for all 10 food matrixes.
Performance of the AOAC Use-Dilution Method with Targeted Modifications: Collaborative Study
Authors: Tomasino Stephen F , Parker Albert E , Hamilton Martin A , Hamilton Gordon C
Published: December 2012

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with an industry work group, spearheaded a collaborative study designed to further enhance the AOAC use-dilution method (UDM). Based on feedback from laboratories that routinely conduct the UDM, improvements to the test culture preparation steps were prioritized. A set of modifications, largely based on culturing the test microbes on agar as specified in the AOAC hard surface carrier test method, were evaluated in a five-laboratory trial. The modifications targeted the preparation of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa test culture due to the difficulty in separating the pellicle from the broth in the current UDM. The proposed modifications (i.e., the modified UDM) were compared to the current UDM methodology for P. aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Salmonella choleraesuis was not included in the study. The goal was to determine if the modifications reduced method variability. Three efficacy response variables were statistically analyzed: the number of positive carriers, the log reduction, and the pass/fail outcome. The scope of the collaborative study was limited to testing one liquid disinfectant (an EPA-registered quaternary ammonium product) at two levels of presumed product efficacies, high and low. Test conditions included use of 400 ppm hard water as the product diluent and a 5% organic soil load (horse serum) added to the inoculum. Unfortunately, the study failed to support the adoption of the major modification (use of an agar-based approach to grow the test cultures) based on an analysis of method's variability. The repeatability and reproducibility standard deviations for the modified method were equal to or greater than those for the current method across the various test variables. However, the authors propose retaining the frozen stock preparation step of the modified method, and based on the statistical equivalency of the control log densities, support its adoption as a procedural change to the current UDM. The current UDM displayed acceptable responsiveness to changes in product efficacy; acceptable repeatability across multiple tests in each laboratory for the control counts and log reductions; and acceptable reproducibility across multiple laboratories for the control log density values and log reductions. Although the data do not support the adoption of all modifications, the UDM collaborative study data are valuable for assessing sources of method variability and a reassessment of the performance standard for the UDM.
Web Accessibility, Libraries, and the Law
Authors: Fulton Camilla
Published: December 2012

With an abundance of library resources being served on the web, researchers are finding that disabled people oftentimes do not have the same level of access to materials as their nondisabled peers. This paper discusses web accessibility in the context of United States’ federal laws most referenced in web accessibility lawsuits. Additionally, it reveals which states have statutes that mirror federal web accessibility guidelines and to what extent. Interestingly, fewer than half of the states have adopted statutes addressing web accessibility, and fewer than half of these reference Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 1.0. Regardless of sparse legislation surrounding web accessibility, librarians should consult the appropriate web accessibility resources to ensure that their specialized content reaches all.
Topological vs. lexical determination in English particle verbs (PVs)
Authors: Geld Renata
Published: December 2012

Author/s

Renata GeldUniversity of Zagreb, Croatia

 

ABSTRACT

The central aim of this work is to describe semantic determination, i.e., topological vs. lexical determination, by investigating aspects of construal (Langacker 1987) in English PVs with in and out. The paper focuses on L2 processing related to what we might call strategic thinking about linguistic meaning. More specifically, it attempts to demonstrate the following: a) how the nature of verbs affects the overall semantic determination of particle verb constructions, and b) if/how the users of English make sense of particle verbs, and how much they rely on topological/grammatical components in the process of constructing meaning. The results suggest that the nature of verbs does affect the users’ strategic meaning construal – it differs in terms of their tendency towards one of the following types of semantic determination: a) topological, b) lexical, and, c) compositional.
Ressources muséales, TIC et univers social au primaire : résultats d’une recherche collaborative
Authors: Larouche Marie-Claude , Meunier Anik , Lebrun Nicole
Published: December 2012

Cette recherche collaborative porte sur l’utilisation, l’application et l’intégration des ressources pédagogiques en ligne du musée McCord dans l’enseignement de l’univers social au troisième cycle du primaire. La première partie fait état du peu de ressources pédagogiques en ligne pour répondre adéquatement aux besoins et aux exigences du milieu scolaire. Elle identifie également des liens entre les technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC) et le programme de formation au primaire pour soutenir le développement des compétences dans le domaine de l’univers social. Nous traitons ensuite de la place de plus en plus importante qu’occupent les ressources muséales dans l’enseignement et l’apprentissage et, plus particulièrement, de l’expertise du musée McCord en ce domaine. La deuxième partie décrit la méthode de recherche développée, ainsi que la démarche d’élaboration, de mise à l’essai et de validation des ressources pédagogiques en ligne sur le site du Musée. La troisième partie présente les résultats à propos de l’appropriation des ressources, l’apprentissage des élèves et la pertinence des ressources web. Enfin, en quatrième partie, nous formulons quelques recommandations en vue d’une intégration efficace et efficiente en milieu scolaire des ressources pédagogiques en ligne dont il est question dans cette étude.
Constats et défis à relever en matière d’intégration et d’interdisciplinarité : résultats partiels d’une recension d’écrits
Authors: Samson Ghislain , Hasni Abdelkrim , Ducharme-Rivard Alexandre
Published: December 2012

Le texte porte sur les résultats partiels d’une recension des écrits professionnels et scientifiques concernant les approches intégratives (intégration et interdisciplinarité) dans le contexte des liens entre sciences, technologies et mathématiques au secondaire. Des définitions des principaux concepts d’intégration et d’interdisciplinarité, pris au sens strict, sont proposées du point de vue de leur utilisation dans les curriculums scolaires en recherche et dans le cadre des activités professionnelles. Certains des résultats, sous la forme de constats, sont présentés. Puis, des défis à relever dans l’implantation d’approches intégratives d’une manière générale, et celles dites interdisciplinaires en particulier, sont soulignés et discutés. Parmi les résultats présentés, notons que l’interdisciplinarité demeure un concept plutôt flou alors que les justifications quant à son utilisation sont nombreuses, touchant notamment la contextualisation du savoir et la motivation.
Beyond training: New ideas for military forces operating beyond war
Authors: Cornell‐d'Echert Blaise
Published: December 2012

This chapter explores the imperative for change in the military training and education paradigm. Contemporary opponents that leverage capability gaps force this change as do realizations of formerly unquestioned assumptions about preparing military personnel for success in the 21st century.
Understanding the military spouse learner using theory and personal narratives
Authors: Gleiman Ashley , Swearengen Stacy
Published: December 2012

The military spouse student population can be an overlooked source of human and intellectual capital in the classroom and is often lumped together with other military learners. The authors describe personal narratives and experiences within higher education and describe specific examples of how adult educators can better understand and serve this unique student population.
Iron‐Catalyzed Tandem One‐Pot Addition and Cyclization of the Blaise Reaction Intermediate and Nitroolefins: Synthesis of Substituted NH‐Pyrroles from Nitriles
Authors: Zhao Mi‐Na , Liang Hao , Ren Zhi‐Hui , Guan Zheng‐Hui
Published: December 2012

The iron‐catalyzed addition and cyclization of the Blaise reaction intermediate and nitroolefins to synthesize highly functionalized NH‐pyrroles in a tandem one‐pot manner from nitriles has been developed. This reaction shows good functional group tolerance and affords a broad spectrum of substituted NH‐pyrroles in good yields.
Co‐existence of 9p deletion and Silver‐Russell syndromes in a patient with maternally inherited cryptic complex chromosome rearrangement involving chromosomes 4, 9, and 11
Authors: Hu Jie , Sathanoori Malini , Kochmar Sally , Madan‐Khetarpal Suneeta , McGuire Marianne , Surti Urvashi
Published: December 2012

We report a patient with a maternally inherited unbalanced complex chromosomal rearrangement (CCR) involving chromosomes 4, 9, and 11 detected by microarray comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). This patient presents with clinical features of 9p deletion syndrome and Silver‐Russell syndrome (SRS). Chromosome analysis performed in 2000 showed what appeared to be a simple terminal deletion of chromosome 9p22.1. aCGH performed in 2010 revealed a 1.63 Mb duplication at 4q28.3, a 15.48 Mb deletion at 9p24.3p22.3, and a 1.95 Mb duplication at 11p15.5. FISH analysis revealed a derivative chromosome 9 resulting from an unbalanced translocation between chromosomes 9 and 11, a chromosome 4 fragment inserted near the breakpoint of the translocation. The 4q28.3 duplication does not contain any currently known genes. The 9p24.3p22.3 deletion region contains 36 OMIM genes including a 3.5 Mb critical region for the 9p‐phenotype. The 11p15.5 duplication contains 49 OMIM genes including H19 and IGF2. Maternal aCGH was normal. However, maternal chromosomal and FISH analyses revealed an apparently balanced CCR involving chromosomes 4, 9, and 11. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with maternally inherited trans‐duplication of the entire imprinting control region 1 (ICR1) among the 11p15.5 duplications reported in SRS patients. This report supports the hypothesis that the trans‐duplication of the maternal copy of ICR1 alone is sufficient for the clinical manifestation of SRS and demonstrates the usefulness of combining aCGH with karyotyping and FISH for detecting cryptic genomic imbalances. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebellar and posterior fossa malformations in patients with autism‐associated chromosome 22q13 terminal deletion
Authors: Aldinger Kimberly A. , Kogan Jillene , Kimonis Virginia , Fernandez Bridget , Horn Denise , Klopocki Eva , Chung Brian , Toutain Annick , Weksberg Rosanna , Millen Kathleen J. , Barkovich A. James , Dobyns William B.
Published: December 2012

The 22q13.3 deletion causes a neurodevelopmental syndrome, also known as Phelan‐McDermid syndrome (MIM #606232), characterized by developmental delay and severe delay or absence of expressive speech. Two patients with hemizygous chromosome 22q13.3 telomeric deletion were referred to us when brain‐imaging studies revealed cerebellar vermis hypoplasia (CBVH). To determine whether developmental abnormalities of the cerebellum are a consistent feature of the 22q13.3 deletion syndrome, we examined brain‐imaging studies for 10 unrelated subjects with 22q13 terminal deletion. In seven cases where the availability of DNA and array technology allowed, we mapped deletion boundaries using comparative intensity analysis with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays. Approximate deletion boundaries for three additional cases were derived from clinical or published molecular data. We also examined brain‐imaging studies for a patient with an intragenic SHANK3 mutation. We report the first brain‐imaging data showing that some patients with 22q13 deletions have severe posterior CBVH, and one individual with a SHANK3 mutation has a normal cerebellum. This genotype–phenotype study suggests that the 22q13 deletion phenotype includes abnormal posterior fossa structures that are unlikely to be attributed to SHANK3 disruption. Other genes in the region, including PLXNB2 and MAPK8IP2, display brain expression patterns and mouse mutant phenotypes critical for proper cerebellar development. Future studies of these genes may elucidate their relationship to 22q13.3 deletion phenotypes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unique pressure‐crystallized structures in ternary bisphenol‐a polycarbonate/dioctyl phthalate/fullerene C60 composites
Authors: Tian Jiaojiao , Liu Guodong , Chen Xin , Lu Jun , Zhou Zuowan , Huang Rui
Published: December 2012

We report pressure‐controlled fast growth of unique crystalline structures of bisphenol‐A polycarbonate (PC) was achieved by the introduction of both dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and fullerene C60. PC/DOP/C60 ternary composites with an overall good C60 dispersion were prepared by an easy physical and mechanical route, and then crystallized in a piston‐cylinder high‐pressure apparatus by varying temperature, pressure, crystallization time and composite composition. The crystallization of PC was greatly hastened by the blending with DOP and C60, and its melting point was increased to 288.25 degrees centigrade by the subsequent high‐pressure treatment, which was around 40° centigrade higher than that of the samples crystallized at normal pressure. Three‐dimensional spiky crystalline spheres were formed with the increase of crystallization temperature, which began with zero‐dimensional nanogranules, and then developed by merging process through the stages of one‐dimensional lamellar crystallites and two‐dimensional dendrites. With pressure increased, the granules merged first into plate crystals, and then into micro‐spheres with rugged surfaces or porous structures. Also, sometimes the granules organized into rugged crystalline nanoballs, and peony‐like stereo‐open structures were observed by changing composite composition. The as‐prepared three‐dimensional crystalline structures, with their large specific areas, may diversify niche functional applications as surface active materials. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
CHARACTERIZATION OF ADAPTOR PROTEIN COMPLEX‐1 IN THE SILKWORM, Bombyx mori
Authors: Niu Yan‐shan , Cai Zi‐zheng , Lu Yan , Wang Mei‐xian , Liang Shuang , Zhou Fang , Miao Yun‐gen
Published: December 2012

To investigate the function of adaptor protein complex‐1 (AP‐1) in the silkworm, we characterized AP‐1 in the silkworm by RNAi technique and co‐localization methods. As a result, AP‐1 was found to exist as cytosolic form and membrane‐bound form distinguished by phosphate status, showing molecular mass difference. There was relatively more cytosolic form of AP‐1 than its membrane‐bound counterpart in the silkworm. However, AP‐1 distributed predominantly as cytosolic form in BmN cells. Interruption of AP‐1 expression via DsRNA was more efficient in BmN cells than in the insect larval, which led to a tendency to dissociation between subcellular organelles like the Golgi apparatus and the mitochondria. Environmental condition changes like relatively higher temperature and treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide can lead to expression variance of AP‐1 both in mRNA and protein level. In BmN cells, both the heavy chain γ and light chain σ could clearly co‐localize with AP‐1 β, mostly forming pits in cytoplasm. Two isoforms of AP‐1 σ corresponded to distinct subcellular distribution pattern, possibly due to C‐terminal amino acids difference.
Evaluation of intravenous immunoglobulin resistance and coronary artery lesions in relation to Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles in patients with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Wang Yujia , Wang Wei , Gong Fangqi , Fu Songling , Zhang Qing , Hu Jian , Qi Yanqi , Xie Chunhong , Zhang Yiying
Published: December 2012

Objective

To investigate the roles of serum Th1 and Th2 cytokines in Kawasaki disease (KD) and determine whether the Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles in children with KD may be involved in intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance and development of coronary artery lesions (CALs).

Methods

Serum Th1 and Th2 cytokines, including interferon‐γ (IFNγ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), IL‐6, IL‐4, and IL‐2, were measured using a cytometric bead array in the serum of 143 patients with KD before and after treatment with IVIG (pre‐IVIG, at 3 days after temperature normalization following IVIG treatment [post‐IVIG], and 1 month posttreatment).

Results

Levels of IL‐6, IL‐10, TNFα, and IFNγ were significantly increased in KD patients pre‐IVIG. Post‐IVIG, the levels of IL‐6, IL‐10, and IFNγ quickly decreased. The levels of TNFα decreased significantly after IVIG treatment in KD patients without CALs post‐IVIG and in KD patients who were IVIG responders, but increased slightly in KD patients with CALs post‐IVIG and in KD patients who were IVIG nonresponders. Before IVIG treatment, the levels of IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, and IFNγ were significantly higher in KD patients with CALs than in those without CALs. The post‐IVIG levels of IL‐6 and IL‐10 were significantly higher in IVIG nonresponders than in IVIG responders. Pre‐IVIG, an IL‐10 level >8 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 64.4% for predicting CALs, while a TNFα level <2 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 74.2% for predicting IVIG resistance. Post‐IVIG, an IL‐6 level >10 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 67.9% and a specificity of 81.7% for predicting CALs, while an IL‐10 level >6 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 53.6% and a specificity of 86% for predicting CALs.

Conclusion

Determination of the serum Th1/Th2 cytokine profile may be helpful for predicting the disease prognosis and targeting treatment strategies in patients with KD.
Tumor necrosis factor α– and interleukin‐1β–dependent induction of CCL3 expression by nucleus pulposus cells promotes macrophage migration through CCR1
Authors: Wang Jianru , Tian Ye , Phillips Kate L. E. , Chiverton Neil , Haddock Gail , Bunning Rowena A. , Cross Alison K. , Shapiro Irving M. , Le Maitre Christine L. , Risbud Makarand V.
Published: December 2012

Objective

To investigate tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) regulation of CCL3 expression in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and in macrophage migration.

Methods

Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to measure CCL3 expression in NP cells. Transfections were used to determine the role of NF‐κB, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBPβ), and MAPK on cytokine‐mediated CCL3 promoter activity. The effect of NP‐conditioned medium on macrophage migration was measured using a Transwell system.

Results

An increase in CCL3 expression and promoter activity was observed in NP cells after TNFα or IL‐1β treatment. Treatment of cells with NF‐κB and MAPK inhibitors abolished the effect of the cytokines on CCL3 expression. The inductive effect of p65 and C/EBPβ on the CCL3 promoter was confirmed through gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function studies. Notably, cotransfection with p50 completely blocked cytokine‐ and p65‐dependent induction. In contrast, c‐Rel and RelB had little effect on promoter activity. Lentiviral transduction with short hairpin RNA for p65 (shp65) and shIKKβ significantly decreased the TNFα‐dependent increase in CCL3 expression. Analysis of degenerated human NP tissue samples showed that CCL3, but not CCL4, expression correlated positively with the grade of tissue degeneration. Importantly, treatment of macrophages with conditioned medium of NP cells treated with TNFα or IL‐1β promoted their migration. Pretreatment of macrophages with an antagonist of CCR1, the primary receptor for CCL3 and CCL4, blocked cytokine‐mediated migration.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that TNFα and IL‐1β modulate the expression of CCL3 in NP cells by controlling the activation of MAPK, NF‐κB, and C/EBPβ signaling. The CCL3–CCR1 axis may play an important role in promoting macrophage infiltration in degenerated, herniated discs.
Longitudinal Risk Factors for Cyberbullying in Adolescence
Authors: Sticca Fabio , Ruggieri Sabrina , Alsaker Françoise , Perren Sonja
Published: December 2012

Cyberbullying has emerged as a new form of antisocial behaviour in the context of online communication over the last decade. The present study investigates potential longitudinal risk factors for cyberbullying. A total of 835 Swiss seventh graders participated in a short‐term longitudinal study (two assessments 6 months apart). Students reported on the frequency of cyberbullying, traditional bullying, rule‐breaking behaviour, cybervictimisation, traditional victimisation, and frequency of online communication (interpersonal characteristics). In addition, we assessed moral disengagement, empathic concern, and global self‐esteem (intrapersonal characteristics). Results showed that traditional bullying, rule‐breaking behaviour, and frequency of online communication are longitudinal risk factors for involvement in cyberbullying as a bully. Thus, cyberbullying is strongly linked to real‐world antisocial behaviours. Frequent online communication may be seen as an exposure factor that increases the likelihood of engaging in cyberbullying. In contrast, experiences of victimisation and intrapersonal characteristics were not found to increase the longitudinal risk for cyberbullying over and above antisocial behaviour and frequency of online communication. Implications of the findings for the prevention of cyberbullying are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxidative Folding of Peptides with Cystine‐Knot Architectures: Kinetic Studies and Optimization of Folding Conditions
Authors: Reinwarth Michael , Glotzbach Bernhard , Tomaszowski Michael , Fabritz Sebastian , Avrutina Olga , Kolmar Harald
Published: December 2012

Bioactive peptides often contain several disulfide bonds that provide the main contribution to conformational rigidity and structural, thermal, or biological stability. Among them, cystine‐knot peptides—commonly named “knottins”—make up a subclass with several thousand natural members. Hence, they are considered promising frameworks for peptide‐based pharmaceuticals. Although cystine‐knot peptides are available through chemical and recombinant synthetic routes, oxidative folding to afford the bioactive isomers still remains a crucial step. We therefore investigated the oxidative folding of ten protease‐inhibiting peptides from two knottin families, as well as that of an HIV entry inhibitor and of aprotinin, under two conventional sets of folding conditions and by a newly developed procedure. Kinetic studies identified folding conditions that resulted in correctly folded miniproteins with high rates of conversion even for highly hydrophobic and aggregation‐prone peptides in concentrated solutions.
Stabilized Laccases as Heterogeneous Bioelectrocatalysts
Authors: Betancor Lorena , Johnson Glenn R. , Luckarift Heather R.
Published: December 2012

Typically, the use of heterogeneous enzyme catalysis is aimed at sustainability, reusability, or enhanced functionality of the biocatalyst and is achieved by immobilizing enzymes onto a support matrix or at a defined interface. Controlled enzyme immobilization is particularly important in bioelectrocatalysis because the catalyst must be effectively connected to a transducer to exploit its activity. This Review discusses what must be addressed for coupling biocatalysts to an electrode and the toolbox of methods that are available for achieving this outcome. As an illustration, we focus on the immobilization and stabilization of laccases at electronic interfaces. Historically, laccases have been used for the decolorization of dyes and for the synthesis of bio‐organic compounds; however, more recently, they have been applied to the fields of sensing and energy harvesting.1–3 There is an ever‐increasing focus on the development of new energy technologies, in which laccases find application (e.g., as cathodic catalysts in enzymatic fuel cells). Herein, we discuss the heterogeneous laccase biocatalysts that have been reported over the past 10–15 years and discuss why laccases continue to be biotechnologically relevant enzymes. Various methods for the immobilization of laccases are described, including the use of nanoscale supports and a range of encapsulation and cross‐linking chemistries. We consider the application of immobilized laccases to the food industry, in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, and in environmental applications, specifically in cases in which stabilization through heterogenization of the enzyme is critical to the application. We also include a consideration of electrochemical biosensors and the specific incorporation of laccases on the surfaces of transducers.
Organometallic Ruthenium Nanoparticles: A Comparative Study of the Influence of the Stabilizer on their Characteristics and Reactivity
Authors: Lara Patricia , Philippot Karine , Chaudret Bruno
Published: December 2012

The use of metal nanoparticles as catalysts is a topic of growing interest at the frontier between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Metal nanoparticles are highly interesting systems owing to their high number of surface atoms, which give rise to numerous active sites. Furthermore, the surface properties of metal nanoparticles can be tuned by the addition of a stabilizer, for example, a polymer, a surfactant, or a ligand, or by combining a metal with a support to take profit of their synergy to orientate a catalytic reaction. Significant efforts are being made towards the synthesis of metal nanoparticles in general and, more precisely, towards the preparation of ligand‐stabilized nanoparticles in which the size, shape, and surface state are controlled. Since ligands can modulate both the electronic and steric environment at the surface of the particles, numerous studies are presently devoted to analyze the influence of ligands on the stabilization of nanoparticles and on their surface properties. Such studies are of key importance to develop more active and selective nanocatalysts. In that context, ruthenium nanoparticles are candidates of choice as they can be characterized inter alia by nuclear magnetic resonance, as ruthenium displays little or no Knight shift and since they are active catalysts for hydrogenation reactions of, for example, arenes, olefins, and alkynes. In this Review, we present an overview of our group’s efforts in the synthesis of ligand‐stabilized ruthenium nanoparticles of controlled size and surface state using different types of ligands. We report the influence of nitrogen‐, sulfur‐, silicon‐, phosphorus‐ and carbon‐ containing ligands as coordinating atoms to the metal surface, on their stabilization, as well as on their surface reactivity, in comparison with sterically‐stabilized Ru nanoparticles prepared following the same organometallic approach, but using polymers or “nanoreactors” made of alcohols or ionic liquids that allow for control of the growth of the particles by a confinement effect. Nanoparticles of other metals are also described when appropriate.
Micronization of the Pharmaceutically Active Agent Genipin by an Antisolvent Precipitation Process
Authors: Zhao X. , Song K. , Wang S. , Zu Y. , Li N. , Yu X.
Published: December 2012

Due to its low water solubility and slow dissolution rate, genipin was micronized by an antisolvent precipitation process using ethanol as solvent and n‐hexane as antisolvent. The effects of various experimental parameters on the mean particle size (MPS) of micronized genipin were investigated. By analysis of variance, only the concentration of the genipin solution has a significant effect on the MPS in genipin micronization. Under the optimum conditions, micronized genipin with an MPS of 1.8 μm was obtained. The micronized genipin was characterized by various methods, e.g., scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetry. The analysis results indicated that the chemical structure of micronized genipin was not changed, but the crystallinity was reduced. The dissolution rate and solubility of the micronized genipin were 2.08 and 1.64 times that of the raw drug. In addition, the residual amounts of n‐hexane and ethanol were less than the International Conference on Harmonization limit for solvents.
Estimation of Mixing Ratio for Saturated Air over Water
Authors: Bahadori A. , Zendehboudi S. , Zahedi G.
Published: December 2012

The role that water vapor plays in atmospheric phenomena is extremely important. Saturation of moist air at a given temperature and pressure occurs if its mixing ratio is such that the moist air can coexist in a stable condition with an associated condensed phase at the same temperature and pressure. The saturation mixing ratio is useful to calculate the relative humidity which is a ratio, expressed in percent, of the amount of water vapor in the air (actual mixing ratio) compared to the amount of water vapor the air can hold (saturation mixing ratio). In this work, an attempt has been made to develop a simple‐to‐use Arrhenius‐type function to estimate the mixing ratio for saturated air over water as a function of pressure and temperature. Estimations have been found to be in excellent agreement with the data reported in the literature, with the average absolute deviation being around 0.4 %.
Macrocyclic Mechanism‐Based Inhibitor for Neuraminidases
Authors: Kai Hirokazu , Hinou Hiroshi , Naruchi Kentaro , Matsushita Takahiko , Nishimura Shin‐Ichiro
Published: December 2012

A macrocyclic mechanism‐based inhibitor for neuraminidases (NAs) bearing a 2‐difluoromethylphenyl aglycone and a linker between the aglycone and C‐9 positions of sialic acid was synthesized and evaluated. The macrocyclic structure was designed to keep the aglycone moiety in the active site of the neuraminidase after cleavage of the glycoside bond. When Vibrio chorelae neuraminidase (VCNA) was treated with a similar acyclic derivative in the presence of detergent, the irreversible inhibition property was disabled. In contrast, this macrocyclic compound acted as an irreversible inhibitor for VCNA in the presence of detergent. Inhibition assay for various NAs using this macrocyclic compound revealed that the irreversible inhibition property depends on the kcat of the neuraminidase treated. NAs having small kcat values, such as Influenza viruses, Clostridium, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Human, were also inhibited irreversibly. However, Salmonella typhimurium NA, which has an extremely high kcat, was not affected irreversibly by the inhibitor. Interestingly, in contrast to common kcat inhibitors, the irreversibility of inhibition by this macrocyclic compound is inversely proportional to the kcat of the target neuraminidase.
Selective Anchoring of GdIII Chelates on the External Surface of Organo‐Modified Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: A New Chemical Strategy To Enhance Relaxivity
Authors: Carniato Fabio , Tei Lorenzo , Arrais Aldo , Marchese Leonardo , Botta Mauro
Published: December 2012

The optimization of the physico‐chemical properties of both GdIII chelates and nanocarriers is of great importance for the development of effective nanosystems for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications. With this aim, macrocyclic GdIII chelates were selectively attached to the pendant amino groups exposed to the external surface of spheroidal mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). This was achieved by treating the metal complexes with MSNs that contained the templating surfactant molecules confined within the silica channels (hexadecyltrimethylammonium (CTA)/MSN), followed by extraction of the surfactant. The nanoparticles showed greatly improved 1H relaxometric efficiency relative to corresponding systems that also feature GdIII chelates conjugated inside the pores. A further significant relaxivity enhancement was observed after chemical transformation of the free amino groups into amides. The ionic relaxivity of the final nanoparticles (r1p=79.1 mM−1 s−1; 0.5 T, 310 K) is one of the highest reported so far.
Synthesis, One‐ and Two‐Photon Photophysical and Excited‐State Properties, and Sensing Application of a New Phosphorescent Dinuclear Cationic Iridium(III) Complex
Authors: Xu Wen‐Juan , Liu Shu‐Juan , Zhao Xin , Zhao Ning , Liu Zhi‐Qiang , Xu Hang , Liang Hua , Zhao Qiang , Yu Xiao‐Qiang , Huang Wei
Published: December 2012

A new phosphorescent dinuclear cationic iridium(III) complex (Ir1) with a donor–acceptor–π‐bridge–acceptor–donor (DAπAD)‐conjugated oligomer (L1) as a N^N ligand and a triarylboron compound as a C^N ligand has been synthesized. The photophysical and excited‐state properties of Ir1 and L1 were investigated by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and molecular‐orbital calculations, and they were compared with those of the mononuclear iridium(III) complex [Ir(Bpq)2(bpy)]+PF6− (Ir0). Compared with Ir0, complex Ir1 shows a more‐intense optical‐absorption capability, especially in the visible‐light region. For example, complex Ir1 shows an intense absorption band that is centered at λ=448 nm with a molar extinction coefficient (ε) of about 104, which is rarely observed for iridium(III) complexes. Complex Ir1 displays highly efficient orange–red phosphorescent emission with an emission wavelength of 606 nm and a quantum efficiency of 0.13 at room temperature. We also investigated the two‐photon‐absorption properties of complexes Ir0, Ir1, and L1. The free ligand (L1) has a relatively small two‐photon absorption cross‐section (δmax=195 GM), but, when complexed with iridium(III) to afford dinuclear complex Ir1, it exhibits a higher two‐photon‐absorption cross‐section than ligand L1 in the near‐infrared region and an intense two‐photon‐excited phosphorescent emission. The maximum two‐photon‐absorption cross‐section of Ir1 is 481 GM, which is also significantly larger than that of Ir0. In addition, because the strong BF interaction between the dimesitylboryl groups and F− ions interrupts the extended π‐conjugation, complex Ir1 can be used as an excellent one‐ and two‐photon‐excited “ON–OFF” phosphorescent probe for F− ions.
The Role of a Dipeptide Outer‐Coordination Sphere on H2‐Production Catalysts: Influence on Catalytic Rates and Electron Transfer
Authors: Reback Matthew L. , Ginovska‐Pangovska Bojana , Ho Ming‐Hsun , Jain Avijita , Squier Thomas C. , Raugei Simone , Roberts John A. S. , Shaw Wendy J.
Published: December 2012

The outer‐coordination sphere of enzymes acts to fine‐tune the active site reactivity and control catalytic rates, suggesting that incorporation of analogous structural elements into molecular catalysts may be necessary to achieve rates comparable to those observed in enzyme systems at low overpotentials. In this work, we evaluate the effect of an amino acid and dipeptide outer‐coordination sphere on [Ni(PPh2NPh‐R2)2]2+ hydrogen production catalysts. A series of 12 new complexes containing non‐natural amino acids or dipeptides was prepared to test the effects of positioning, size, polarity and aromaticity on catalytic activity. The non‐natural amino acid was either 3‐(meta‐ or para‐aminophenyl)propionic acid terminated as an acid, an ester or an amide. Dipeptides consisted of one of the non‐natural amino acids coupled to one of four amino acid esters: alanine, serine, phenylalanine or tyrosine. All of the catalysts are active for hydrogen production, with rates averaging ∼1000 s−1, 40 % faster than the unmodified catalyst. Structure and polarity of the aliphatic or aromatic side chains of the C‐terminal peptide do not strongly influence rates. However, the presence of an amide bond increases rates, suggesting a role for the amide in assisting catalysis. Overpotentials were lower with substituents at the N‐phenyl meta position. This is consistent with slower electron transfer in the less compact, para‐substituted complexes, as shown in digital simulations of catalyst cyclic voltammograms and computational modeling of the complexes. Combining the current results with insights from previous results, we propose a mechanism for the role of the amino acid and dipeptide based outer‐coordination sphere in molecular hydrogen production catalysts.
Elevating the Triplet Energy Levels of Dibenzofuran‐Based Ambipolar Phosphine Oxide Hosts for Ultralow‐Voltage‐Driven Efficient Blue Electrophosphorescence: From DA to DπA Systems
Authors: Han Chunmiao , Zhang Zhensong , Xu Hui , Li Jing , Zhao Yi , Yan Pengfei , Liu Shiyong
Published: December 2012

A series of donor (D)–π–acceptor (A)‐type phosphine‐oxide hosts (DBFxPOPhCzn), which were composed of phenylcarbazole, dibenzofuran (DBF), and diphenylphosphine‐oxide (DPPO) moieties, were designed and synthesized. Phenyl π‐spacer groups were inserted between the carbazolyl and DBF groups, which effectively weakened the charge transfer and triplet‐excited‐state extension. As the result, the first triplet energy levels (T1) of DBFxPOPhCzn are elevated to about 3.0 eV, 0.1 eV higher than their DA‐type analogues. Nevertheless, the electrochemical analysis and DFT calculations demonstrated the ambipolar characteristics of DBFxPOPhCzn. The phenyl π spacers hardly influenced the frontier molecular orbital (FMO) energy levels and the carrier‐transporting ability of the materials. Therefore, these DπA systems are endowed with higher T1 states, as well as comparable electrical properties to DA systems. Phosphorescent blue‐light‐emitting diodes (PHOLEDs) that were based on DBFxPOPhCzn not only inherited the ultralow driving voltages (2.4 V for onset, about 2.8 V at 200 cd m−2, and <3.4 V at 1000 cd m−2) but also had much‐improved efficiencies, including about 26 cd A−1 for current efficiency, 30 Lm W−1 for power efficiency, and 13 % for external quantum efficiency, which were more than twice the values of devices that are based on conventional unipolar host materials. This performance makes DBFDPOPhCzn among the best hosts for ultralow‐voltage‐driven blue PHOLEDs reported so far.
Synthesis toward the Lindenane‐type Sesquiterpenoid Monomer of Chlorahololide A
Authors: Zhang Haizhen , Nan Fajun
Published: December 2012

An investigation toward the synthesis of the lindenane‐type sesquiterpenoid monomer of Chlorahololide A using a Yamamoto rearrangement, intramolecular cyclopropanation reaction, 1,3‐dipolar cyclization, and an intramolecular Heck reaction gave the pivotal intermediate 20. This gives a practical synthetic route that could generate further natural products of the Chloranthaceae family.