bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactions of C—H Bonds in Water
Authors: Herrerias Clara I. , Yao Xiaoquan , Li Zhiping , Li Chao‐Jun
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Enzyme Immobilization: The Quest for Optimum Performance
Authors: Sheldon Roger A.
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Diversity and Conservation of Interactions for Binding Heme in b‐Type Heme Proteins
Authors: Schneider Sabine , Marles‐Wright Jon , Sharp Katherine H. , Paolo Max
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Ionic Liquids for Soft Functional Materials with Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Fukushima Takanori , Aida Takuzo
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
DFT Study of Hydrogen‐Bonded 1,3,5‐Triazine‐Water Complexes
Authors: Li Quan , Hu Jing‐Dan , Zhao Ke‐Qing
Published: August 2007

The 1,3,5‐triazine‐water hydrogen bonding interactions have been investigated using the density functional theory B3LYP method and 6‐31++G** basis, obtaining one, two and seven energy minima of the ground states for the 1,3,5‐triazine‐water, 1,3,5‐triazine‐(water)2 and 1,3,5‐triazine‐(water)3 complexes respectively. The fully optimized geometries and binding energies were reported for the various stationary points. The global minima of 1,3,5‐triazine‐(water)2 and 1,3,5‐triazine‐(water)3 complexes have a hydrogen bond N···H–O and a chain of water molecules, terminated by a hydrogen bond O···H–C. The binding energies are 13.38, 39.52 and 67.79 kJ/mol for the most stable 1,3,5‐triazine‐water, 1,3,5‐triazine‐(water)2 and 1,3,5‐triazine‐(water)3 complexes respectively, after the basis set superposition error and zero point energy corrections. The H–O symmetric stretching modes of water in the complexes are red‐shifted relative to those of the monomer water. In addition, the NBO analysis indicates that inter‐molecule charge transfer is 0.02145 e, 0.02501 e and 0.02777 e for the most stable 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 complexes between 1,3,5‐triazine and water, respectively.
Electrodeposition of Silver Nanoparticles on MWCNT Film Electrodes for Hydrogen Peroxide Sensing
Authors: Ding Yan‐Feng , Jin Guan‐Ping , Yin Jun‐Guang
Published: August 2007

Silver (Ag) nanoparticles were directly electrodeposited on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in AgNO3/LiNO3 containing EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). The structure and nature of the resulting Ag/MWNT composite were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and the distribution shape of Ag nanoparticles was found to be dependent on the presence of EDTA. The modified electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic activity to redox reaction of hydrogen peroxide and the mechanism of hydrogen peroxide was partly reversible procession with oxidation and reduction peaks at 0.77 and −0.83 V, respectively. The oxidation and reduction peak currents were linearly related to hydrogen peroxide concentration in the range of 1×10−6–3×10−4 and 1×10−8–7×10−4 mol·L−1 with correlation coefficients of 0.996 and 0.986, and 3s‐detection limit of 9×10−7 and 7×10−9 mol·L−1.
Effect of CuO Doping on the Electrical Behavior of ZrO2
Authors: Saba Beg , Sarita  , Pooja Varshney
Published: August 2007

Electrical conductivity has been measured at different temperatures for ZrO2 doped with various molar ratios of CuO. The conductivity increases due to migration of vacancies, created by doping. The conductivity was found to increase with increase in temperature till 220 °C and thereafter decrease due to collapse of the fluorite framework. A second rise in conductivity around 500 °C was observed due to phase transition of ZrO2. X‐ray powder diffraction, DTA and IR studies were carried out for confirming doping effect and phase transition in ZrO2.
Crystal Structure, Thermal Stability and Luminescence of Coordination Polymer [Cd(BBP)(p‐PDOA)]n
Authors: Yang Yan , Zeng Ming‐Hua , Zhang Shu‐Hua , Liang Hong
Published: August 2007

Hydrothermal reaction of Cd(NO3)2·4H2O with bbp and p‐PDOAH2 at 140 °C yielded a novel 1D cadmium(II) coordination polymer, [Cd(bbp)(p‐PDOA)]n (bbp2,6‐bis(benzimidazol‐2‐yl)pyridine, p‐PDOAp‐phenylenedioxy‐ diacetate dianion), in which CdN3O4 pentagonal bipyramids were linked by p‐PDOA ligands in a bis‐bidentate mode to construct a zigzag chain with the adjacent Cd···Cd distance of 1.14(1) nm. There exists a 2D supramolecular network linked by π‐π stacking with a face‐to‐face distance of 0.35(1) nm between the 2,6‐bis(benzimidazol‐2‐yl) pyridine ligands and hydrogen‐bonding interactions (0.27(4) nm). A 3D supramolecular network was further constructed by these non‐covalent interactions between the zippers. The TG/DTG showed that its chain skeleton was thermally stable up to 389 °C and the blue fluorescent emission of the complex was determined at 428 nm in a solid state with its long decay lifetime of 7.24 ns.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Vibrational Spectroscopy and Thermal Behavior of the First Alkali Metal Hydrated Hexaborate:K2[B6O9(OH)2]
Authors: Li Hong‐Juan , Liu Zhi‐Hong , Sun Li‐Mei
Published: August 2007

New hydrated potassium hexaborate K2[B6O9(OH)2] has been synthesized under mild solvothermal conditions. The structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and further characterized by FT‐IR, Raman spectra and DTA‐TG. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system with space group P21/n, a=0.9036(2) nm, b=0.66052(18) nm, c=1.5997(4) nm, β=91.862(4)°, V=0.9543(4) nm3 and Z=4. Its crystal structure consists of K–O polyhedra and 1‐D stepped polyborate chains constructed by new [B6O9(OH)2]2− fundamental building blocks. 1‐D polyborate chains contain 3,8‐membered boron rings. Adjacent chains are further linked via H‐bonding interactions into 2‐D layers. The K+ cations reside not only between the layers but also in the 8‐membered boron rings of the chains, compensating the negative charges of the borate chains and holding the layers together into the 3‐D structure through bonding with oxygen atoms of the chains.
Binding Model and 3D‐QSAR of 3‐(2‐Chloropyrid‐5‐ylmethylamino)‐2‐cyanoacrylates as PSII Electron Transport Inhibitor
Authors: Han Xiao‐Feng , Liu Yu‐Xiu , Liu Ying , Lai Lu‐Hua , Huang Run‐Qiu , Wang Qing‐Min
Published: August 2007

The binding model of 3‐(2‐chloropyrid‐5‐ylmethylamino)‐2‐cyanoacrylate photosystem II (PSII) electron transport inhibitors with the D1 protein of PSII was built. The high herbicidal activity of this kind of inhibitors was explained by docking studies: in addition to usual factors, the N atom on the pyridine ring could form an H‐bond with the backbone amide of Phe265 on the D1 protein. 3D‐QSAR analysis on sixteen 3‐(2‐chloropyrid‐5‐ylmethylamino)‐2‐cyanoacrylate compounds was performed using CoMFA method to explain the nature of interactions between the compounds and D1 protein. These studies may provide useful insights for designing new PSII electron transport inhibitors.
Solution Structure and Behavior of Benzophenone‐based Achiral Bisphosphine Ligands in Noyori‐Type Ru(II)‐Catalysts
Authors: Jing Qing , Sandoval Christian A. , Yamaguchi Yoshiki , Kato Koichi , Ding Kui‐Ling
Published: August 2007

We herein report on solution structural studies of RuII catalysts (3a, 9) composed of achiral bisphosphine ligands (4, 8) and the enantiopure 1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine (DPEN). Complete chiral induction from enantiopure (R,R)‐DPEN to achiral bisphosphine ligand 3a was observed in solution, with the complex adopting a single, stable and non‐fluxional (even at 70 °C) configuration. The coordination of the CO moiety in 4 to the cationic RuII center is considered to be of key importance in providing the higher thermodynamic and kinetic rotation barrier for the flexible bisphosphine ligand in the complex. The obtained enantioselectivity (91% enantiomeric excess) and sense of chiral induction in the hydrogenation of acetophenone were found to be solely dependent on the chirality of the 1,2‐diamine. Consistent with the hydrogenation product, the (R,R)‐DPEN induces a M‐conformation (right‐handed) chirality for flexible phosphine ligand 4 in the complex, resulting in a λ,λ‐configuration about the RuII center.
Design and Synthesis of p/m‐[p‐(un)Substituted Phenylsulfonamido]phenyl β‐Diketo Acids and Quinoxalone Derivatives
Authors: Zeng Cheng‐Chu , Li Xue‐Mei , Yan Hong , Zhong Ru‐Gang
Published: August 2007

Diketo acid derivatives are potent and selective HIV‐1 integrase inhibitors. To investigate the detailed synthesis of those derivatives, a series of p/m‐[p‐(un)substituted phenylsulfonamido]phenyl β‐diketo acid derivatives have been designed and synthesized. The quinoxalone derivatives as the potential bioisosteres of the biologically labile β‐diketoacid pharmacophores have also been synthesized from reactions of the corresponding diketo acids with o‐phenylenediamine. The structures of all diketo acid (ester) and quinoxalone derivatives were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, HRMS and/or MS (ESI). X‐ray crystallographic analysis of 11b demonstrates a similar arrangement of the side chain of quinoxalone derivatives with the parent diketoacids due to the intramolecular hydrogen bond (O···H–N) and the sp2 hybridization configuration of the two nitrogen atoms of the quinoxalone ring.
Highly Efficient Pd/C‐Catalyzed Suzuki Coupling Reaction of p‐(un)Substituted Phenyl Halide with (p‐Substituted phenyl) Boronic Acid
Authors: Hu Ming‐Gang , An Zhong‐Wei , Du Wei‐Song , Li Jian , Gao Ai‐Ai
Published: August 2007

A highly efficient Pd/C‐catalyzed ligandless, heterogeneous Suzuki reaction of p‐(un)substituted phenyl halide with (p‐substituted phenyl)boronic acid in DMF/H2O solvent in a short reaction time (0.5 h) at 75 °C was developed. The key for such a catalytic system was the addition of 1 equivalent of tetrabutylammonium bromide. A wide variety of substituents can be tolerated and high yields of cross coupling products were achieved. The palladium catalyst can be easily recovered and reused without significantly decreasing its efficiency.
Synthesis and Properties of Novel Hemicyanine Dye‐β‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Wang Lan‐Ying , Li Feng‐Mei , Huang Yi , Mei Man‐Yu , Zhang Zu‐Xun
Published: August 2007

A series of novel hemicyanine dye‐β‐cyclodextrin compounds:mono‐6‐deoxy‐β‐cyclodextrin‐6‐[p‐(p‐substi‐ tuted styryl)pyridium] p‐totylfulfonates were synthesized by the condensation of mono‐6‐deoxy‐β‐ cyclodextrin‐6‐(p‐methyl pyridinium) p‐toluenesulfonate with (un)substituted benzaldehydes. Their structures were established by 1H NMR, IR, UV‐Vis and elemental analysis. The absorption and fluorescence properties of the novel compounds were measured in solution and the photostability of a selected hemicyanine dye‐β‐cyclodextrin compound was also investigated.
Synthesis and Properties of Novel Poly(amine ether)s
Authors: Chang Guan‐Jun , Xu Zhe , Lin Run‐Xiong , Luo Xuan
Published: August 2007

Using aromatic bis(4‐bromophenyl) ether and various aromatic diamines as the monomers, a series of novel poly(amine ether)s (PAEs) have been synthesized via palladium‐catalyzed aryl amination, which is the Hartwig‐Buchwald polycondensation reaction. Their structures were characterized by means of elemental analysis, FT‐IR, 1H NMR and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The results show a good agreement with the proposed structures. Their general properties were studied by DSC and TG, and it′s obvious that they show high glass transition temperatures (Tg>200 °C), good thermal stability with high decomposition temperatures (TD>500 °C) and excellent solubility. The mechanical behavior of these polymers suggested that they could be considered a new class of high‐performance polymers.
Forced vibration of symmetric structures
Authors: Rahami H. , Kaveh A.
Published: August 2007

In this paper, first a method is presented for calculating the eigenvectors for block matrices. Then from the discrete structure, relationships are extracted for continuum structures. Since the effect of earthquake on shear buildings is of considerable importance, therefore, simple relationships are derived for the analysis of this type of structures. For this purpose, after discussing the dynamic aspects of the structures, some material is added from earthquake engineering and spectral analysis of such structures is discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On‐line sample stacking and short‐end injection CE for the determination of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine in plasma: Method development and validation using experimental designs
Authors: Lu Chia‐Chia , Jong Yuh‐Jyh , Ferrance Jerome , Ko Wei‐Kung , Wu Shou‐Mei
Published: August 2007

A short‐end injection CE method combining field‐amplified sample stacking (FASS) is presented for the analysis of fluoxetine (FL) and norfluoxetine in plasma. In this study, FASS enhanced the sensitivity about 1100‐fold, while short‐end injection reduced the analysis time to less than 4 min. Parameters involved in the separations were investigated using a central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology to optimize the separation conditions in a total of only 32 runs. Samples injected into the capillary for 99.9 s at a voltage of –5 kV were stacked in a water plug (0.5 psi, 9 s). Baseline resolution of FL and its major metabolite was achieved using a BGE formulation consisting of phosphate–triethanolamine at low pH, and a separation voltage of –10 kV. Five percent methanol was added as organic modifier to enhance selectivity and resolution. The linear range was between 10 and 500 ng/mL (r >0.9946), covering the expected plasma therapeutic ranges. The LOD in plasma were 4 ng/mL (S/N = 3), a value comparable to that obtained using LC‐MS, showing the success of the on‐line stacking technique. Our method was also successfully validated in quantification and pharmacokinetic studies with three volunteer plasma samples and could be applied to pharmacogenetic studies.
A study of comparability in amplified fragment length polymorphism profiling using a simple model system
Authors: Partis Lina , Burns Malcolm , Chiba Koichi , Corbisier Philippe , Gancberg David , Holden Marcia J. , Wang Jing , Liu Qing Yan , Okunishi Tomoya , Yang Inchul , Vonsky Maxim , Emslie Kerry R.
Published: August 2007

A simple amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) model, using the bacteriophage lambda genome, was developed to test the reproducibility of this technique in an international comparative study. Using either non‐selective or selective primers, nine fragments or subsets of two or three fragments, respectively, were predicted using in silico software. Under optimized conditions, all predicted fragments were experimentally generated. The reproducibility of the AFLP model was tested by submitting both “unknown” DNA template that had been restricted and ligated with AFLP linkers (R/L mixture) and corresponding primer pairs to nine laboratories participating in the study. Participants completed the final PCR step and then used either slab gel electrophoresis or CE to detect the AFLP fragments. The predicted fragments were identified by the majority of participants with size estimates consistently up to 3 base pair (bp) larger for slab gel electrophoresis than for CE. Shadow fragments, 3 bp larger than the predicted fragments, were often observed by study participants and organizers. The nine AFLP fragments exhibited relative intensities ranging from less than 3% to 22% and, apart from the two weakest fragments, with a % CV of 16 to 25. Fragments containing the highest guanine‐cytosine (GC) content of 50–56% showed the greatest stability in the AFLP profiles.
Differential gene expression in melanocytic nevi with the V600E BRAF mutation
Authors: Bloethner Sandra , Snellman Erna , Bermejo Justo Lorenzo , Hiripi Eva , Gast Andreas , Thirumaran Ranjit K. , Wellenreuther Ruth , Hemminki Kari , Kumar Rajiv
Published: August 2007

We studied gene expression in 18 melanocytic nevi with and four nevi without the V600E mutation in the BRAF gene using HG‐U133A 2.0 microarray with 22,277 transcripts. Data analysis revealed 92 genes up‐regulated and 105 genes down‐regulated in nevi with the mutation compared to nevi without mutation. Pathway analysis showed that differentially regulated genes mapped to 10 genetic networks. The major network included genes involved in cell death, cell cycle, and cellular growth and proliferation. Up‐regulated genes in nevi with the mutation included CDKN2A, CDKN1C, and MITF; whereas down‐regulated genes included those involved in apoptotic and other pathways. Principal component analysis identified 22 probe sets (20 genes) that caused separate segregation of nevi with and without mutations. In conclusion, our data showed differences in gene expression between nevi with and without the V600E BRAF mutation. Moreover, nevi with mutations showed over‐expression of genes involved in melanocytic senescence and cell cycle inhibition. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FGFR1 over‐expression in primary rhabdomyosarcoma tumors is associated with hypomethylation of a 5′ CpG Island and abnormal expression of the AKT1, NOG, and BMP4 genes
Authors: Goldstein Myriam , Meller Isaac , Orr‐Urtreger Avi
Published: August 2007

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma likely results from abnormal proliferation and differentiation during skeletal myogenesis. Multiple genetic alterations are associated with the three RMS histopathological subtypes, embryonal, alveolar, and pleomorphic adult variant. Recently, we reported the novel amplification of the FGFR1 gene in a RMS tumor. The involvement of FGFR1 in RMS was now further studied in primary tumors and RMS cell lines by mutation screening, quantitative RNA expression, and methylation analyses. No mutation was found by DHPLC and sequencing of the entire FGFR1 coding sequence and exon–intron boundaries. However, FGFR1 over‐expression was detected in all primary RMS tumors and cell lines tested. A hypomethylation of a CpG island upstream to FGFR1 exon 1 was identified in the primary RMS tumors, using sodium bisulfite modification method, suggesting a molecular mechanism to FGFR1 over‐expression. Expression analysis of additional genes, AKT1, NOG and its antagonist BMP4, which interact downstream to FGFR1, demonstrated expression differences between primary RMS tumors and normal skeletal muscles. Our data suggest an important role for FGFR1 and FGFR1‐downstream genes in RMS tumorigenesis and a possible association with the deregulation of proliferation and differentiation of skeletal myoblasts in RMS. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The sustainability challenge
Authors: Merkel James , Litten Larry H.
Published: August 2007

Why institutions of higher education need to develop a commitment to sustainability, what they will look like when they do, and why IR has essential roles to play.
The university case for sustainability
Authors: Bacow Lawrence , Moomaw William
Published: August 2007

A university president and environmental studies professor comment on the business case for sustainability from a university perspective.
New economic and financial indicators of sustainability
Authors: Pittman James , Wilhelm Kevin
Published: August 2007

Financial accounting methods fall short of fully accounting for the relative sustainability of college and university operations. Management of social, environmental, and economic performance will be aided by changes to and new developments in financial accounting practices to complement other indicators of sustainability.
Synthesis and low temperature transport properties of Mg2Ge1–ySby
Authors: Nolas G. S. , Wang D. , Lin X.
Published: August 2007

We report on the synthesis and low temperature transport of Mg2Ge1–y Sby with 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.33. In these materials Sb substitutes for Ge in the antifluorite structure. Electrical and thermal transport measurements indicate that as the Sb content increases, vacancies are formed on the Mg sites thereby contributing to variations in the transport properties. With increasing Sb content both the absolute Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity first decrease and then increase, while the thermal conductivity decreases monotonically. Hall measurements indicate this tendency is associated with vacancy formation at higher Sb concentrations. The lattice thermal conductivity is fitted using the Debye approximation in order to elucidate the effect of alloying. We discuss these results in terms of potential for thermoelectric applications. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Backscattering effect in quantitative AES sputter depth profiling of multilayers
Authors: Hofmann S. , Wang J. Y. , Zalar A.
Published: August 2007

AES sputter depth profiles of multilayers with constituents of very different backscattering factors show characteristic distortions in the shape of the intensity–depth profiles. These distortions are quantified by introducing an extension of the local effective backscattering factor concept developed in an earlier paper in the mixing‐roughness‐information depth (MRI) model for profile quantification. The extension is based on a linear superposition of two newly defined parameters, the effective backscattering factors for each interface that are diminished with distance from the respective interface by another characteristic parameter, the mean effective backscattering decay length. As shown for a Ni/C multilayer structure of six alternating layers of Ni (38 nm) and C (25 nm) on a Si substrate, AES intensity depth profiles calculated with the presented modification of the MRI model, yield an excellent agreement with the measured profile after some adjustment of the initial mean effective backscattering decay lengths and, sometimes, after a slight change of the backscattering factors given by the Ichimura–Shimizu relations. The backscattering effect is studied as a function of the single layer thickness. A critical layer thickness can be determined, below which the backscattering influence becomes negligible for typical AES depth profiling results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long chain carboxylic acids containing ether linkage: V. N‐methyl substituted glycine‐type amphoterics containing alkoxy radical
Authors: Abe Yoshiro , Osanai Shuichi , Matsushita Takao
Published: August 2007

The substituted glycine‐type amphoteric surfactants containing long chain alkoxy and methylated amino groups, such as N‐(2‐alkoxyethyl)methylaminoacetic acids and (N‐[2‐alkoxyethyl]‐N‐[carboxymethyl] dimethylammonium) chlorides, or N‐(N‐[2‐alkoxyethyl]‐2‐aminoethyl) aminoacetic acids were synthesized, and their growth inhibitory activities against g positive, g negative bacilli, and some fungi were studied. The effect of substitution of methyl groups upon the amino group of the long chain alkoxyaminoacetic acids on their antimicrobial activities was examined, and the increasing effect, due to methyl substitution, was confirmed. The introduction of an aminoethyl radical between the alkoxyethyl and amino radicals of the substituted glycines also increased their antimicrobial activities. Dimethylsubstituted betain‐type amphoterics showed less antimicrobial activities than the corresponding glycinetype amphoterics. Moreover, aqueous solution of these substituted glycine‐type amphoteric compounds showed better surface activities at pH 4.0, 10.0 than at neutral pH.
Homogeneous catalytic metathesis of unsaturated fatty esters: New synthetic method for preparation of unsaturated mono‐and dicarboxylic acids
Authors: Van Dam P. B. , Mittelmeijer M. C. , Boelhouwer C.
Published: August 2007

The catalytic metathesis of unsaturated fatty esters is a new, versatile method for the synthesis of a variety of fatty derivatives and alkenes. Monounsaturated esters are converted into unsaturated dicarboxylic esters which might be important technologically for the production of new polyesters and polyamides, and for the synthesis of civetone‐type perfumes. Metathesis of linoleate and linolenate leads to a variety of hydrocarbons and mono‐ and dicarboxylates of different unsaturation. Joint reactions of unsaturated esters and alkenes are a useful means for the synthesis of homologues of oleic acid and other fatty acids. Metathesis of unsaturated fatty oils (olive, soybean, linseed, etc.) leads to the formation of high molecular dicarboxylic acid glyceryl esters with improved drying properties.
Catalytic carboxylation of fats: Carboxy acids from polyunsaturates
Authors: Frankel E. N. , Thomas F. L. , Kwolek W. F.
Published: August 2007

Studies with a palladium chloride‐triphenylphosphine catalyst have been extended to the carboxylation of polyunsaturated fats. Linseed, soybean, and safflower oils, acids, and esters were carboxylated catalytically with water‐carbon monoxide (4000 psig) at 120–160 C with or without acetone as a solvent. Main products were monocarboxy, 1,3‐ and 1,4‐dicarboxy and tricarboxy acids. Minor products were carbomethoxy esters and disubstituted 2‐cyclopentenone. Optimum reaction conditions were determined for the carboxylation of linseed oil and methyl esters by statistically designed experiments. Yields of total carboxy and tricarboxy acids were maximized at low triphenylphosphine and water levels, low temperatures, and high palladium‐chloride concentrations. Carboxylated soybean esters were separated by ether extraction of the palladium catalyst from sodium carbonate or hydroxide carboxylate salts. This salt extraction permits catalyst recycling.
Analysis and monitoring oftrans‐isomerization by IR attenuated total reflectance spectrophotometry
Authors: Dutton H. J.
Published: August 2007

Attenuated total reflectance for IR determination oftrans‐isomers in fats appears to have distinct advantages over procedures currently used. The AOCS standard method CD 14‐61 requires weighing and quantitative dilution of a sample with carbon disulfide before spectrophotometric analysis at 10.3 μm. In contrast, according to the attenuated total reflectance analytical procedure, one neither weighs nor dilutes but merely fills the cell with oil and reads at 10.3 μm. In addition to analyses fortrans‐isomers in liquid oils, margarines and shortenings, attenuated total reflectance enables one to monitortrans‐development continuously during hydrogenation. The presence of catalyst in unfiltered hydrogenated oils does not interfere with attenuated total reflectance measurements in contrast to classical transmission measurements. Unfiltered oil from the hydrogenator can be circulated through the attenuated total reflectance cell to recordtrans‐isomerization during the reaction.
Newborn screening: Experiences in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Saadallah A. A. , Rashed M. S.
Published: August 2007

This review presents the current experiences with newborn screening in the Middle East and North Africa region. The population in the region is about 400 million, with high birth rate and an estimated 10 million newborns per year. The majority of the population is of the Islamic faith and mostly Arab. The population is characterized by a high consanguinity (25–70%) and a high percentage of first‐cousin marriages. Haemoglobin disorders, inherited metabolic disorders, neurogenetic disorders and birth defects are relatively common among the population. There is a rather slow progress in developing and implementing preventive genetic programmes owing to legal, cultural, political and financial issues. Although research spending is rather soft in the region, there are numerous pilot studies that highlighted the high incidence of genetic defects and the need for newborn screening programmes. Currently, there are only four countries that are executing national newborn screening but they vary from one disease to 23 and coverage is not complete. The region needs to take big steps towards developing national strategies for prevention and should learn from experiences of regional and international screening programmes.
LC‐MS/MS determination of dibasic amino acids for the diagnosis of cystinuria. Application in a family affected by a novel splice‐acceptor site mutation in the SLC7A9 gene
Authors: Al‐Dirbashi O. Y. , Abu‐Amero K. K. , Alswaid A. F. , Hoffmann G. F. , Al‐Qahtani K. , Rashed M. S.
Published: August 2007

Cystinuria is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by defective transport of cystine and the dibasic amino acids ornithine, lysine and arginine across cell membranes. Poor solubility of cystine in urine leads to kidney stones and associated symptoms and complications. Mutations of genes SLC3A1 and SLC7A9 encoding for amino acid transport systems are responsible for different types of cystinuria. In this study we describe a new LC‐MS/MS assay for these amino acids in urine. Moreover, we report a novel splice‐acceptor site mutation in the SLC7A9 gene that we believe is the cause of the phenotype observed in four siblings from a first‐cousin marriage. Into the wells of a 96‐well microtitre plate, 10 μl of urine was mixed with 90 μl of a solution containing [2H4]cystine, [2H2]ornithine, [13C,2H4]arginine and [2H5]glutamine that was used as an internal standard for lysine. Chromatographic separation was achieved isocratically and detection was in the selected‐reaction monitoring mode. The injection‐to‐injection time was 8 min. Calibration curves were linear up to 1000 μmol/L. Intra‐day (n = 10) and inter‐day (n = 6) variations (750 and 10 μmol/L) were less than 11.4%. Urine samples from healthy individuals (n = 135) were analysed and age‐matched reference ranges were generated. The method was applied retrospectively and prospectively to analyse samples (n = 13) from nine cystinuria patients. The mutation reported here was not found in 100 controls with similar ethnicity to the studied family and is believed to have consequences for the transcribed mature RNA and protein structure and function.
Parental Narratives About Genetic Testing for Hearing Loss: A One Year Follow Up Study
Authors: Kaimal Girija , Steinberg Annie G. , Ennis Sara , Harasink Sue Moyer , Ewing Rachel , Li Yuelin
Published: August 2007

Few studies examine whether and how parental attitudes towards genetic testing change over time. In this study we interviewed parents of 14 children with newly identified hearing loss at two time points: after referral to genetics and 1 year later. Qualitative analyses of parental narratives indicate that parental attitudes did not change significantly over this time. Parents who perceived genetic testing to be useful continued to value it after testing, while parents who did not perceive it as being useful for their child's future held the same view a year later. The only parents who changed their views regarding the usefulness of genetic testing for hearing loss were those who reported that their children underwent significant changes in their hearing loss or were faced with other life threatening conditions. Parents were also often unaware of the role of the genetic counselor and how genetic counseling could help address many of their lingering questions and concerns. These emergent themes indicate the need for geneticists and genetic counselors to be aware of and sensitized to the questions and attitudes that bring parents to a genetic evaluation, as well as the reasons why parents may not follow up with genetic testing for hearing loss when recommended.
An Investigation of Genetic Counselor Experiences in Peer Group Supervision
Authors: Zahm Kimberly W. , McCarthy Veach Patricia , LeRoy Bonnie S.
Published: August 2007

Peer supervision groups have been studied in counseling fields including psychotherapy and social work. However, limited research exists regarding genetic counselor peer supervision groups. In the present study five major research questions were investigated: (1) How prevalent is peer group supervision among genetic counselors? (2) What motivates genetic counselors to join and continue to seek peer group supervision? (3) What comprises the content, agenda, and structure of group meetings? (4) What are participants’ perceptions of group dynamics, including conflicts, cohesion, and leadership? and (5) What are the perceived benefits and limitations of participating in peer group supervision? A total of 214 genetic counselors completed an online survey, and 70 (34.8%) reported being involved currently in peer group supervision. Fifteen of these 70 respondents were interviewed regarding their experiences in peer group supervision. Inductive analysis of their responses yielded 11 domains and 37 categories. Practice implications and research recommendations are discussed.
Layers of Metal Nanoparticles on Semiconductors Deposited by Electrophoresis from Solutions with Reverse Micelles
Authors: Zdansky K , Kacerovsky P , Zavadil J , Lorincik J , Fojtik A
Published: August 2007

Pd nanoparticles were prepared with reverse micelles of water/AOT/isooctane solution and deposited onto silicon or InP substrates by electrophoresis. A large change of capacitance-voltage characteristics of mercury contacts on a semiconductor was found after Pd deposition. This change could be modified when the Pd deposition is followed by a partial removal of the deposited AOT. The deposited Pd nanoparticles were investigated by optical mictroscopy, SIMS and SEM. Finally, Schottky diodes with barrier height as high as 1.07 eV were prepared by deposition of Pd nanoparticles on n-type InP and by a partial removal of superfluous AOT. These diodes are prospective structures for further testing as hydrogen sensors.
A Whole Body, In Vivo, Fatty Acid Balance Method to Quantify PUFA Metabolism (Desaturation, Elongation and Beta‐oxidation)
Authors: Turchini Giovanni M. , Francis David S. , De Silva Sena S.
Published: August 2007

Currently there are several contrasting methods utilized for estimating elongation and desaturation of fatty acids and their general metabolism. The majority of these methods involve an ex vivo approach, requiring expensive and sophisticated equipment, likely to result in considerable variation in enzyme activity between and within species. In the present paper we introduce a further development of the whole‐body fatty acid balance method for the estimation of the elongation and desaturation of fatty acids. This method though receiving considerable attention because of its simplicity and reliability has yet to be presented in detail. Theoretically, the whole‐body fatty acid balance method can potentially be applied to any organism and requires little more than a gas chromatography unit for fatty acid analysis and elementary calculations. As such in this paper we attempt to spell out in detail the theoretical basis and the methods of application drawing specific examples. Using the present method it is possible to measure the fate of individual fatty acids towards desaturation, elongation and oxidation and calculate the elongase, Δ‐6 desaturase and Δ‐5 desaturase activities.
Specificity of thioredoxins and glutaredoxins as electron donors to two distinct classes of Arabidopsis plastidial methionine sulfoxide reductases B
Authors: Vieira Dos Santos Christina , Laugier Edith , Tarrago Lionel , Massot Vincent , Issakidis-Bourguet Emmanuelle , Rouhier Nicolas , Rey Pascal
Published: August 2007

Methionine sulfoxide reductases (MSRs) A and B reduce methionine sulfoxide (MetSO) S‐ and R‐diastereomers, respectively, back to Met using electrons generally supplied by thioredoxin. The physiological reductants for MSRBs remain unknown in plants, which display a remarkable variety of thioredoxins (Trxs) and glutaredoxins (Grxs). Using recombinant proteins, we show that Arabidopsis plastidial MSRB1 and MSRB2, which differ regarding the number of presumed redox‐active cysteines, possess specific reductants. Most simple‐module Trxs, especially Trx m1 and Trx y2, are preferential and efficient electron donors towards MSRB2, while the double‐module CDSP32 Trx and Grxs can reduce only MSRB1. This study identifies novel types of reductants, related to Grxs and peculiar Trxs, for MSRB proteins displaying only one redox‐active cysteine.
Capsaicin, a spicy component of hot peppers, modulates adipokine gene expression and protein release from obese‐mouse adipose tissues and isolated adipocytes, and suppresses the inflammatory responses of adipose tissue macrophages
Authors: Kang Ji-Hye , Kim Chu-Sook , Han In-Seob , Kawada Teruo , Yu Rina
Published: August 2007

Adipokines are involved in the obesity‐induced chronic inflammatory response that plays a crucial role in the development of obesity‐related pathologies such as type II diabetes and atherosclerosis. We here demonstrate that capsaicin, a naturally occurring phytochemical, can suppress obesity‐induced inflammation by modulating adipokine release from and macrophage behavior in obese mice adipose tissues. Capsaicin inhibited the expressions of IL‐6 and MCP‐1 mRNAs and protein release from the adipose tissues and adipocytes of obese mice, whereas it enhanced the expression of the adiponectin gene and protein. The action of capsaicin is associated with NF‐κB inactivation and/or PPARγ activation. Moreover, capsaicin suppressed not only macrophage migration induced by the adipose tissue‐conditioned medium, but also macrophage activation to release proinflammatory mediators. Capsaicin may be a useful phytochemical for attenuating obesity‐induced inflammation and obesity‐related complications.
The double‐strand RNA‐dependent protein kinase PKR plays a significant role in a sustained ER stress‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Lee Eun-Soo , Yoon Cheol-Hee , Kim Yeon-Soo , Bae Yong-Soo
Published: August 2007

Sustained ER stress leads to apoptosis. However, the exact mechanism still remains to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that the double strand RNA‐dependent protein kinase (PKR) is involved in the ER stress‐mediated signaling pathway. ER stress rapidly activated PKR, inducing the phosphorylation of eIF2α, followed by the activation of the ATF4/CHOP pathway. ER‐stress‐mediated eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP signaling and associated cell death was markedly reduced by PKR knockdown. We also found that PKR activation was mediated by PACT, the expression of which was elevated by ER‐stress. These results indicate that the ER‐stress‐mediated eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP/cell death pathway is, to some degree, dependent on PACT‐mediated PKR activation apart from the PERK pathway.
Cytokinesis is not controlled by calmodulin or myosin light chain kinase in the Caenorhabditis elegans early embryo
Authors: Batchelder Ellen L. , Thomas-Virnig Christina L. , Hardin Jeffery D. , White John G.
Published: August 2007

Furrow ingression in animal cell cytokinesis is controlled by phosphorylation of myosin II regulatory light chain (mRLC). In Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, Rho‐dependent Kinase (RhoK) is involved in, but not absolutely required for, this phosphorylation. The calmodulin effector myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) can also phosphorylate mRLC and is widely regarded as a candidate for redundant function with RhoK. However, our results show that RNA mediated interference against C. elegans calmodulin and candidate MLCKs had no effect on cytokinesis in wild‐type or RhoK mutant embryos, ruling out the calmodulin/MLCK pathway as the missing regulator of cytokinesis in the C. elegans early embryo.
Children's estimates of food portion size: the development and evaluation of three portion size assessment tools for use with children
Authors: Foster E. , Matthews J. N. S. , Lloyd J. , Marshall L. , Mathers J. C. , Nelson M. , Barton K. L. , Wrieden W. L. , Cornelissen P. , Harris J. , Adamson A. J.
Published: August 2007

A number of methods have been developed to assist subjects in providing an estimate of portion size but their application in improving portion size estimation by children has not been investigated systematically. The aim was to develop portion size assessment tools for use with children and to assess the accuracy of children's estimates of portion size using the tools. The tools were food photographs, food models and an interactive portion size assessment system (IPSAS). Children (n201), aged 4–16 years, were supplied with known quantities of food to eat, in school. Food leftovers were weighed. Children estimated the amount of each food using each tool, 24 h after consuming the food. The age-specific portion sizes represented were based on portion sizes consumed by children in a national survey. Significant differences were found between the accuracy of estimates using the three tools. Children of all ages performed well using the IPSAS and food photographs. The accuracy and precision of estimates made using the food models were poor. For all tools, estimates of the amount of food served were more accurate than estimates of the amount consumed. Issues relating to reporting of foods left over which impact on estimates of the amounts of foods actually consumed require further study. The IPSAS has shown potential for assessment of dietary intake with children. Before practical application in assessment of dietary intake of children the tool would need to be expanded to cover a wider range of foods and to be validated in a ‘real-life’ situation.
Asian plantain (Plantago asiatica) essential oils suppress 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-co-enzyme A reductase expressionin vitroandin vivoand show hypocholesterolaemic properties in mice
Authors: Chung Mi Ja , Woo Park Kuen , Heon Kim Kyoung , Kim Cheong-Tae , Pill Baek Jun , Bang Kyong-Hwan , Choi Young-Mi , Lee Sung-Joon
Published: August 2007

Asian plantain (Plantago asiatica) essential oil (PAEO) contains multiple bioactive compounds, but its potential effects on lipid metabolism have not been examined. PAEO was found to be mostly composed of oxygenated monoterpenes, with linalool as the major component (82·5 %, w/w), measured using GC–MS. Incubation of 0–200 μg PAEO/ml with HepG2 cells for 24 h resulted in no significant toxicity. Incubation with 0·2 mg PAEO/ml altered the expression of LDL receptor (+83 %;P < 0·05) and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase ( − 37 %;P < 0·05), as assessed using RT-PCR. LDL oxidation was markedly inhibited by PAEO treatment due to the prevalence of linalool compounds in PAEO. Oral administration of PAEO for 3 weeks in C57BL/6 mice significantly reduced plasma total cholesterol and TAG concentrations by 29 and 46 %, respectively. The mRNA (+58 %;P < 0·05), but not protein, levels of the LDL receptor were significantly higher, whereas both mRNA and protein levels of HMG-CoA reductase were significantly lower ( − 46 and − 11 %, respectively;P < 0·05) in the liver of PAEO-fed than of control mice. The mRNA levels of CYP7A1 were marginally reduced in HepG2 cells, but not in mouse liver after PAEO treatment. Thus, PAEO may have hypocholesterolaemic effects by altering the expression of HMG-CoA reductase. Reduced TAG and oxidised LDL may provide additional cardiovascular protective benefits.
Effect of high and low glycaemic index recovery diets on intramuscular lipid oxidation during aerobic exercise
Authors: Trenell Michael I. , Stevenson Emma , Stockmann Karola , Brand-Miller Jennie
Published: August 2007

Intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and plasma NEFA are important skeletal muscle fuel sources. By raising blood insulin concentrations, carbohydrate ingestion inhibits lypolysis and reduces circulating NEFA. We hypothesised that differences in the postprandial glycaemic and insulin response to carbohydrates (i.e. glycaemic index; GI) could alter NEFA availability and IMCL use during subsequent exercise. Endurance-trained individuals (n 7) cycled for 90 min at 70 % V˙O2peak and then consumed either high GI (HGI) or low GI (LGI) meals over the following 12 h. The following day after an overnight fast, the 90 min cycle was repeated. IMCL content of the vastus lateralis was quantified using magnetic resonance spectroscopy before and after exercise. Blood samples were collected at 15 min intervals throughout exercise and analysed for NEFA, glycerol, glucose, insulin, and lactate. Substrate oxidation was calculated from expired air samples. The 90 min cycle resulted in >2-fold greater reduction in IMCL in the HGI trial (3·5 (sem 1·0) mm/kg wet weight) than the LGI trial (1·6 (sem 0·3) mm/kg wet weight, P < 0·05). During exercise, NEFA availability was reduced in the HGI trial compared to the LGI trial (area under curve 2·36 (sem 0·14) mEq/l per h v. 3·14 (sem 0·28) mEq/l per h, P < 0·05 respectively). No other differences were significant. The findings suggest that HGI carbohydrates reduce NEFA availability during exercise and increase reliance on IMCL as a substrate source during moderate intensity exercise.
Graves' disease, with and without nodules, and the risk of thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Erbil Y , Barbaros U , Özbey N , Kapran Y , Tükenmez M , Bozbora A , Özarmağan S
Published: August 2007

Objective:

Thyroid nodules are frequently present in Graves' disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of thyroid carcinoma in Graves' disease patients, with and without ultrasonographically identified nodules, who subsequently underwent surgical treatment.

Design:

The study group included 150 consecutive patients with diagnosed Graves' disease who subsequently underwent surgery.

Subjects:

The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the pre-operative ultrasound scan showed diffuse parenchyma (group one; n = 70) or nodules (group two; n = 80).

Results:

Of the 150 patients, 18 (12 per cent) were found to have papillary thyroid carcinoma. Papillary carcinoma was found in seven patients (10 per cent) in group one and in 11 patients (1.7 per cent) in group two. After evaluating the overall groups, the incidence of carcinoma in the parenchyma outside a nodule was 67 per cent, whereas the incidence of carcinoma in a nodule was 33 per cent.

Conclusion:

Carcinoma can occur in Graves' disease patients without nodules, and the absence of nodules on ultrasonographic examination does not reduce the risk of malignancy.
Evidence-based review of aetiopathogenic theories of congenital and acquired cholesteatoma
Authors: Persaud R , Hajioff D , Trinidade A , Khemani S , Bhattacharyya M N , Papadimitriou N , Kalan A , Bhattacharyya A K
Published: August 2007

Cholesteatoma is a non-neoplastic, keratinising lesion which has two forms: congenital and acquired. Congenital cholesteatoma develops behind a normal, intact tympanic membrane, whilst acquired cholesteatoma is associated with a defect in the tympanic membrane. The pathological substrate of cholesteatoma is keratinising stratified squamous epithelium, but the origin of this epidermal tissue in the middle ear is controversial. Here, we review the most relevant and recent evidence for the principal aetiopathogenic theories of both forms of cholesteatoma, in the light of recent otopathological findings.

Congenital cholesteatoma is most plausibly explained by the persistence of fetal epidermoid formation. Conclusive ‘proof’ awaits the unambiguous demonstration of the metamorphosis of an epidermoid nidus into a lesionin vivo.

Acquired cholesteatoma may develop by various mechanisms: immigration, basal hyperplasia, retraction pocket and/or trauma (iatrogenic or non-iatrogenic). However, squamous metaplasia of the normal cuboidal epithelium of the middle ear is a highly unlikely explanation. Chronic inflammation seems to play a fundamental role in multiple aetiopathogenic mechanisms of acquired cholesteatoma. Therefore early treatment of inflammatory conditions might reduce their sequelae, perhaps by preventing the development of hyperplastic papillary protrusions.

Continued otopathological, cellular and molecular research would enhance our limited understanding of cholesteatoma and may lead to new therapeutic strategies for this erosive disease, which often defies surgical treatment.