bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Definition Optical Coherence Tomography Features of Primary Vitreoretinal Lymphoma
Authors: Forooghian Farzin , Merkur Andrew B. , White Valerie A. , Shen Defen , Chan Chi-Chao
Published: September 2011

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma is a high-grade intraocular malignancy that presents as a vitritis with creamy subretinal lesions. In cases where the vitritis is dense, the characteristic subretinal lesions can be difficult to see on clinical examination. Novel high-definition imaging techniques that allow for deeper penetration through opaque media could have diagnostic utility in such cases. The authors present a case of a patient who presented with a dense vitritis that precluded visualization of fundus details. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography using high-definition raster imaging demonstrated subretinal deposits along with outer retinal atrophy. These findings were suggestive of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma and prompted diagnostic vitrectomy. Pathological examination of the vitreous specimen confirmed the diagnosis of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma.
On small deformations of paracomplex manifolds
Authors: Medori Costantino , Tomassini Adriano
Published: September 2011

A
paracomplex structure
on a manifold

M

is an endomorphism

K

of the tangent bundle

TM

such that

K^2= I

, whose

\pm 1

-eigenspaces have the same dimension and are involutive. By using the theory of differential graded Lie algebras, we describe small deformations of paracomplex structures. We also compute the space of invariant small deformations of 4-dimensional nilmanifolds endowed with a fixed paracomplex structure.
A classification of all finite index subfactors for a class of group-measure space $\mathrm{II}_1$ factors
Authors: Deprez Steven , Vaes Stefaan
Published: September 2011

We provide a family of group-measure space

\mathrm{II}_1

factors for which all finite index subfactors can be explicitly listed. In particular, the set of all indices of irreducible subfactors can be computed. Concrete examples show that this index set can be any set of natural numbers that is closed under taking divisors and least common multiples.
Universal suspension via noncommutative motives
Authors: Tabuada Gonçalo
Published: September 2011

In this article we further the study of noncommutative motives, initiated in [5], [6], [28]. Our main result is the construction of a simple model, given in terms of infinite matrices, for the suspension in the triangulated category of noncommutative motives. As a consequence, this simple model holds in all the classical invariants such as Hochschild homology, cyclic homology and its variants (periodic, negative, …), algebraic K-theory, topological Hochschild homology, topological cyclic homology, etc.
Fiscal Policy in Latin America: Countercyclical and Sustainable?
Authors: Daude Christian , Melguizo Ángel , Neut Alejandro
Published: September 2011

This paper analyses fiscal policy for several economies in Latin America, from the early nineties to the 2009 crisis. We present original estimates of cyclically-adjusted public revenues for Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay implementing the standardised OECD methodology and extending it to include commodity cycles, which have a direct and significant effect on the fiscal balance of several Latin American countries. Based on these estimates, we evaluate the size of automatic tax stabilisers and the cyclicality of discretionary fiscal policy. Additionally, we highlight the uncertainty stemming from the estimation of the output gap, due to large and simultaneous cyclical, temporary and permanent shocks in several Latin American economies.
Is God Obliged to Answer Prayers of Petition (Du'a)? The Response of Classical Sufis and Qur'anic Exegetes
Authors: Khalil Atif
Published: September 2011

The following article sets out to explore classical responses within the tradition of Qur’anic exegesis and Sufism to the theological problem of how it is that God responds to all prayers of petition. The basis of this problem rests on two Qur’anic verses in which such a guarantee is explicitly made. In Q 2:186, the Qur’an has God declare, “I answer the call [da‘wa] of the suppliant [da‘i] when he calls upon Me [da‘ani].” And in Q 40:60, the Qur’an has God state, “Call upon Me [ud‘uni], and I will answer.” The article presents an overview of the various strategies through which Muslim thinkers sought to resolve the underlying problem. In the process of exploring this question the article also demonstrates, by drawing on a wide range of classical texts, the interdependence of the Islamic subtraditions of Qur’anic commentary and Sufi thought, particularly in the latter’s more “practical” dimensions.
Speciation of Chromium in Soil and Sludge in the Surrounding Tannery Region, Ranipet, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Mandal Badal Kumar , Vankayala Raviraj , Uday Kumar L.
Published: September 2011

The distribution and mobility of chromium in the soils and sludge surrounding a tannery waste dumping area was investigated to evaluate its vertical and lateral movement of operational speciation which was determined in six steps to fractionate the material in the soil and sludge into (i) water soluble, (ii) exchangeable, (iii) carbonate bound, (iv) reducible, (v) oxidizable, and (vi) residual phases. The present study shows that about 63.7% of total chromium is mobilisable, and 36.3% of total chromium is nonbioavailable in soil, whereas about 30.2% of total chromium is mobilisable, and 69.8% of total chromium is non-bioavailable in sludge. In contaminated sites the concentration of chromium was found to be higher in the reducible phase in soils (31.3%) and oxidisable phases in sludge (56.3%) which act as the scavenger of chromium in polluted soils. These results also indicate that iron and manganese rich soil can hold chromium that will be bioavailable to plants and biota. Thus, results of this study can indicate the status of bioavailable of chromium in this area, using sequential extraction technique. So a suitable and proper management of handling tannery sludge in the said area will be urgently needed to the surrounding environment as well as ecosystems.
How Do Body Diagrams Affect the Accuracy and Consistency of Children's Reports of Bodily Touch Across Repeated Interviews?
Authors: Brown Deirdre , Pipe Margaret‐Ellen , Lewis Charlie , Lamb Michael E. , Orbach Yael
Published: September 2011

We examined the amount, accuracy, and consistency of information reported by 58 5‐ to 7‐year‐old children about a staged event that included physical contact/touching. Both 1 and 7 months following the event, children were asked both open and yes/no questions about touch [i] when provided with human body diagrams (HBDs), [ii] following instruction and practice using the HBDs, or [iii] without HBDs. Children interviewed with HBDs reported more information at 7 months, but a high proportion of inaccurate touches. Children seldom repeated touch‐related information across the two interviews and did not incorporate errors made in the 1‐month interview into their open‐ended accounts 6 months later. Asking children to talk about innocuous touch may lead them to report unreliable information, especially when HBDs are used as aids and repeated interviews are conducted across delays that resemble those typical of forensic contexts. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atlantoepistrophic magnetic resonance imaging involvement in early rheumatoid arthritis: An aggressive tight control therapy not fully arresting the disease
Authors: Zoli Angelo , Bosello Silvia , Magarelli Nicola , D'Antona Graziella , Amelia Rosanna , Fedele Annalaura , Peluso Giusy , Bonomo Lorenzo , Ferraccioli Gianfranco
Published: September 2011

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory disorder affecting the cervical spine. The purpose of this study was to characterize the atloaxial involvement with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with early RA at the moment of diagnosis and after 18 months of a tight control therapy.

Methods

Twenty consecutive patients with early RA without cervical symptoms and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. The patients underwent unenhanced and enhanced gadolinium MRI study of the upper cervical spine at diagnosis and after 18 months of therapy. The presence of pannus tissue at MRI was considered active synovitis.

Results

Five (25%) of the 20 patients presented craniocervical involvement with active synovitis at MRI. At onset, patients with cervical involvement presented higher levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, a higher swollen joint count, and a higher Disease Activity Score in 44 joints level. All 5 patients (100%) with cervical involvement presented already peripheral erosions. After 18 months, 1 of 5 patients with atloepistrophic synovial involvement at baseline presented complete regression of the enhancement of synovial periodontoid process, and 1 presented a decrease of this enhancement. None of the patients developed erosive process at the odontoid. The only patient with complete regression of the enhancement presented a very early disease (<3 months).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates involvement of the atloaxial junction in 25% of early RA patients, in particular in patients with active and erosive arthritis. An early diagnosis and aggressive treatment with a combination therapy, aiming for remission, does not always reduce atlantoaxial synovitis.
Thresholds in disease activity for switching biologics in rheumatoid arthritis patients: Experience from a large US cohort
Authors: Zhang Jie , Shan Ying , Reed George , Kremer Joel , Greenberg Jeffrey D. , Baumgartner Scott , Curtis Jeffrey R.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To examine the threshold in disease activity associated with switching biologic treatment regimens in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in real‐world clinical practice.

Methods

Using data from a prospective observational North American cohort of RA patients through December 30, 2009, patients who initiated a new anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti‐TNFα) agent with ≥6 months of followup were identified. Patients were classified as switchers or maintainers depending on whether they continued their anti‐TNF treatment or switched (including discontinuation) within 12 months. Level of disease activity measured by the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) at the time of the switch (corresponding followup visit for maintainers) was examined and random‐effect multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for covariates.

Results

Mean age and RA duration among 1,549 eligible patients were 56.1 and 9.6 years, respectively, 80% were women, 62% were initiating their first biologic, and 30% were initiating their second biologic. At the time of the switch, the median DAS28 and CDAI score were 3.1 and 8.4 among maintainers and 4.0 and 15.2 among switchers, respectively. Maintainers also experienced a greater amount of reduction in disease activity compared with switchers (CDAI: −7.7 versus −2.3, DAS28: −1.1 versus −0.3). The threshold to switch decreased over calendar time, with the greatest amount of reduction observed among patients with moderate disease activity.

Conclusion

On average, physicians and patients were willing to continue biologic treatment for patients who were at or near low disease activity. The threshold to switch decreased over time, especially among partial responders.
Diagnostic accuracy of range of motion measurements in early symptomatic hip and/or knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Holla Jasmijn F. M. , van der Leeden Marike , Roorda Leo D. , Bierma‐Zeinstra Sita M. A. , Damen Jurgen , Dekker Joost , Steultjens Martijn P. M.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To examine the diagnostic accuracy of hip internal rotation, hip flexion, and knee flexion measurements for the presence of osteophytosis and joint space narrowing (JSN) in early symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

The baseline data for 598 participants of the Cohort Hip & Cohort Knee study were used. Participants underwent a standardized physical and radiographic examination. The active range of motion (ROM) was assessed using a goniometer. The ROM cutoff with the highest discriminative ability for radiographic features of OA was defined by maximizing the sum of the sensitivity and specificity. Several diagnostic measures were calculated to establish the diagnostic accuracy of ROM measurements for the presence of radiographic features.

Results

In patients with hip symptoms, hip internal rotation <24° and flexion <114° were found to be the cutoffs with the highest discriminative ability to distinguish between patients with and without radiographic features. In patients with knee symptoms, knee flexion <132° was the cutoff with the highest discriminative ability. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criterion of hip internal rotation <15° increased the probability of the presence of osteophytosis or JSN from 25% to 58%. The diagnostic accuracy of hip and knee flexion measurements was low.

Conclusion

To reduce the number of patients that are not identified by the ACR criterion of hip internal rotation <15°, it is recommended to change the cutoff to internal rotation <24° in patients with early symptomatic OA. Individual hip and knee flexion measurements seem to be of little diagnostic value in early symptomatic OA.
Mechanical Control of Nanomaterials and Nanosystems
Authors: Ariga Katsuhiko , Mori Taizo , Hill Jonathan P.
Published: September 2011

In situations of power outage or shortage, such as periods just following a seismic disaster, the only reliable power source available is the most fundamental of forces i.e., manual mechanical stimuli. Although there are many macroscopic mechanical tools, mechanical control of nanomaterials and nanosystems has not been an easy subject to develop even by using advanced nanotechnological concepts. However, this challenge has now become a hot topic and many new ideas and strategies have been proposed recently. This report summarizes recent research examples of mechanical control of nanomaterials and nanosystems. Creation of macroscopic mechanical outputs by efficient accumulation of molecular‐level phenomena is first briefly introduced. We will then introduce the main subject: control of molecular systems by macroscopic mechanical stimuli. The research described is categorized according to the respective areas of mechanical control of molecular structure, molecular orientation, molecular interaction including cleavage and healing, and biological and micron‐level phenomena. Finally, we will introduce two more advanced approaches, namely, mechanical strategies for microdevice fabrication and mechanical control of molecular machines. As mechanical forces are much more reliable and widely applicable than other stimuli, we believe that development of mechanically responsive nanomaterials and nanosystems will make a significant contribution to fundamental improvements in our lifestyles and help to maintain and stabilize our society.
Covariance‐based hardware selection‐part III: Distributed parameter systems
Authors: Ahmed Syed K. , Peng Jui‐Kun , Chmielewski Donald J.
Published: September 2011

In this article, we propose a new method for the selection of control system hardware (sensors and actuators) for distributed parameter systems. The proposed design scheme seeks to minimize the capital cost of hardware while satisfying predefined performance constraints. Within this minimum capital cost framework, three design scenarios will be discussed; the closed‐loop full state information actuator selection problem, the open‐loop partial state information sensor selection problem, and the closed‐loop partial state information simultaneous sensor and actuator selection problem. The proposed method will be illustrated through application to a nonisothermal tubular reactor example. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Fractionated doses of gemtuzumab ozogamicin with escalated doses of daunorubicin and cytarabine as first acute myeloid leukemia salvage in patients aged 50–70‐year old: A phase 1/2 study of the acute leukemia French association
Authors: Farhat Hassan , Reman Oumedaly , Raffoux Emmanuel , Berthon Celine , Pautas Cécile , Kammoun Leila , Chantepie Sylvain , Gardin Claude , Rousselot Philippe , Chevret Sylvie , Dombret Hervé , Castaigne Sylvie
Published: September 2011

This Phase 1/2 study aimed to determine optimal doses of daunorubicin (DNR; mg/m2) and cytarabine (mg/m2) to be combined with fractionated doses of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO, Mylotarg®; 3 mg/m2 on day 1, 4, and 7) satisfying safety requirements. Three dose levels of DNR/AraC were investigated namely (45, 100), (60, 100), and (60, 200). Patients included were acute myeloid leukemia in first relapse, aged 50–70 years. Hematological recovery was 31 days for neutrophil and 32 days for platelet counts. A documented infectious episode > Grade 2 occurred in 11/20 patients (55%). None of the 20 patients had signs of veno‐occlusive disease. Overall, eleven patients reached complete remission (CR), two CR with incomplete platelets recovery. The results showed that combination of fractionated GO doses with DNR at 60 mg/m2/d for 3 days and cytarabine at 200 mg/m2/d for 7 days is tolerable and could be further investigated in the front‐line therapy. Am. J. Hematol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute kidney injury during leukocyte engraftment after autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with light‐chain amyloidosis
Authors: Irazabal Maria V. , Eirin Alfonso , Gertz Morie A. , Dispenzieri Angela , Kumar Shaji , Buadi Francis K. , Lacy Martha Q. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Dingli David , Hogan William J. , Gastineau Dennis A. , Glavey Siobhan V. , Amer Hatem , Leung Nelson
Published: September 2011

Engraftment syndrome (ES) is a complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation characterized by fever, rash, and non‐cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been recognized but is considered a minor criterion in one and excluded another definition of ES. We have noted a high incidence of AKI in patients with immunoglobulin light‐chain amyloidosis (AL) undergoing autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) around the time of leukocyte engraftment. This study was conducted to further investigate the relationship between AKI and ES. Data were collected from 377 AL patients who underwent ASCT from 7/1997 to 10/2009. Patients who experienced an elevation of serum creatinine >0.5 mg/dL within 4 days of leukocyte engraftment and anyone who presented with signs associated with ES regardless of renal manifestations were included. Forty‐one patients met criteria. Twelve were excluded for positive cultures (10), acute interstitial nephritis (1), and acute cellular rejection (1). In addition to AKI (93.1%), patients also exhibit fever (82.7%), hypotension (51.7%), rash (48.2%), edema (93.1%), diarrhea (69.0%), conjunctival hemorrhage (31.0%), pulmonary edema (31.0%), pulmonary hemorrhage (13.8%), and transient encephalopathy (17.2%). Patient with pulmonary involvement were more likely to require dialysis but was not statistically significant. AKI was very common during leukocyte engraftment in AL patients. While infectious etiology accounted for some of the AKI, most appeared to be associated with ES. After infection is ruled out, ES should be considered in the differential diagnosis when evaluating AKI in this population. Am. J. Hematol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tail growth tracks the ontogeny of prehensile tail use in capuchin monkeys (Cebus albifronsandC. apella)
Authors: Russo Gabrielle A. , Young Jesse W.
Published: September 2011

Physical anthropologists have devoted considerable attention to the structure and function of the primate prehensile tail. Nevertheless, previous morphological studies have concentrated solely on adults, despite behavioral evidence that among many primate taxa, including capuchin monkeys, infants and juveniles use their prehensile tails during a greater number and greater variety of positional behaviors than do adults. In this study, we track caudal vertebral growth in a mixed longitudinal sample of white‐fronted and brown capuchin monkeys (Cebus albifronsandCebus apella). We hypothesized that young capuchins would have relatively robust caudal vertebrae, affording them greater tail strength for more frequent tail‐suspension behaviors. Our results supported this hypothesis. Caudal vertebral bending strength (measured as polar section modulus at midshaft) scaled to body mass with negative allometry, while craniocaudal length scaled to body mass with positive allometry, indicating that infant and juvenile capuchin monkeys are characterized by particularly strong caudal vertebrae for their body size. These findings complement previous results showing that long bone strength similarly scales with negative ontogenetic allometry in capuchin monkeys and add to a growing body of literature documenting the synergy between postcranial growth and the changing locomotor demands of maturing animals. Although expanded morphometric data on tail growth and behavioral data on locomotor development are required, the results of this study suggest that the adult capuchin prehensile‐tail phenotype may be attributable, at least in part, to selection on juvenile performance, a possibility that deserves further attention. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
One Hundred Years of the Fritz Haber Institute
Authors: Friedrich Bretislav , Hoffmann Dieter , James Jeremiah
Published: September 2011

We outline the institutional history and highlight aspects of the scientific history of the Fritz Haber Institute (FHI) of the Max Planck Society, successor to the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, from its founding in 1911 until about the turn of the 21st century. Established as one of the first two Kaiser Wilhelm Institutes, the Institute began as a much‐awaited remedy for what prominent German chemists warned was the waning of Germany’s scientific and technological superiority relative to the United States and to other European nations. The history of the Institute has largely paralleled that of 20th century Germany. It spearheaded the research and development of chemical weapons during World War I, then experienced a “golden era” during the 1920s and early 1930s, in spite of financial hardships. Under the National Socialists it suffered a purge of its scientific staff and a diversion of its research into the service of the new regime, accompanied by a breakdown in its international relations. In the immediate aftermath of World War II it suffered crippling material losses, from which it recovered slowly in the postwar era. In 1952, the Institute took the name of its founding director and the following year joined the fledgling Max Planck Society, successor to the Kaiser Wilhelm Society. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Institute supported diverse research into the structure of matter and electron microscopy in its geographically isolated and politically precarious location in West Berlin. In subsequent decades, as Berlin benefited from the policies of détente and later glasnost and the Max Planck Society continued to reassess its preferred model of a research institute, the FHI reorganized around a board of coequal scientific directors and renewed its focus on the investigation of elementary processes on surfaces and interfaces, topics of research that had been central to the work of Fritz Haber and the first “golden era” of the Institute. Throughout its one‐hundred‐year history, the Institute’s pace‐setting research has been shaped by dozens of distinguished scientists, among them seven Nobel laureates. Here we highlight the contributions made at the Institute to the fields of gas‐phase kinetics and dynamics, early quantum physics, colloid chemistry, electron microscopy, and surface chemistry, and we give an account of the key role the Institute played in implementing the Berlin Electron Synchrotron (BESSY I and II). Current research at the Institute in surface science and catalysis as well as molecular physics and spectroscopy is exemplified in this issue [Angew. Chem. 2011, 123, 10242; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2011, 50, 10064].
Glycine hydrochloride ionic liquid/aqueous solution system as a platform for the utilization of chitosan
Authors: Li Lu , Yuan Bing , Liu Shi‐Wei , Yu Shi‐Tao , Xie Cong‐Xia , Liu Fu‐Sheng , Guo Xian‐Ying , Liang Sheng
Published: September 2011

Glycine hydrochloride ([Gly]Cl), a room‐temperature ionic liquid (IL), is proposed as a new, good solvent for chitosan with different deacetylation degrees and molecular weights. However, considered from the viscosity of a solution of chitosan and [Gly]Cl, a 2% [Gly]Cl IL aqueous solution was selected as an optimum solvent system for dissolving chitosan. X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to visualize the modifications of the native structures of chitosan during the dissolution and the regeneration processes, morphological features, and properties of the reconstituted chitosan membranes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Catalytic activity of a reusable polymer‐anchored nickel(II)–phenanthroline complex on the oxidation of various organic substrates
Authors: Islam Sk Manirul , Mobarok Manir , Mondal Paramita , Roy Anupam Singha , Mondal Sanchita , Hossain Dildar
Published: September 2011

A polymer‐anchored nickel(II)–phenanthroline complex [polyNi(II)–phen] was synthesized and used effectively as a reusable catalyst in various oxidation reactions in the presence of tert‐butylhydroperoxide as an oxidant in acetonitrile medium. The catalyst was characterized with elemental analysis, atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and spectrometric methods such as diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The study of the effects of the time, temperature, oxidant, catalyst concentration, molar ratio of substrate to oxidant, and solvent in the oxidation of styrene individually gave the optimized reaction conditions. Under optimized conditions, the catalyst exhibited good conversions for the oxidation reactions of various olefins, alkanes, aromatic alcohols, and thioethers. The catalyst was easily recovered by simple filtration and reused for more than five times with consistent catalytic activity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The Cultural Revolution–a Traumatic Chinese Experience and Subsequent Transgenerational Transmission: Some Thoughts About Inter‐Cultural Interpretation
Authors: Markert Friedrich
Published: September 2011

Shortened interviews with a Chinese father, born 1930, and his son, born in 1968 are presented, in order to discuss the traumatic experience of the Cultural Revolution, its Transgenerational Transmission and some Problems of Inter‐cultural Interpretation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant, Cytotoxic Activities, and Structure–Activity Relationship of Gallic Acid‐based Indole Derivatives
Authors: Khaledi Hamid , Alhadi Abeer A. , Yehye Wagee A. , Ali Hapipah Mohd , Abdulla Mahmood A. , Hassandarvish Pouya
Published: September 2011

A new series of gallic hydrazones containing an indole moiety was synthesized through the reaction of gallic hydrazide and different indole carboxaldehydes. Their antioxidant activities were determined on DPPH radical scavenging and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The in‐vitro cytotoxic activities of the compounds were evaluated against HCT‐116 (human colon cancer cell line) and MCF‐7 (estrogen‐dependent human breast cancer cell line) by the MTT method. An attempt to correlate the biological results with their structural characteristics has been done. A limited positive structure activity relationship was found between cytotoxic and antioxidant activities.
Decreased collagen‐induced arthritis severity and adaptive immunity in MKK‐6–deficient mice
Authors: Hammaker Deepa , Topolewski Katharyn , Edgar Meghan , Yoshizawa Toshio , Fukushima Akihisa , Boyle David L. , Burak Esther Cory , Sah Robert L. , Firestein Gary S.
Published: September 2011

Objective

The MAPK kinases MKK‐3 and MKK‐6 regulate p38 MAPK activation in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous studies demonstrated that MKK‐3 or MKK‐6 deficiency inhibits K/BxN serum–induced arthritis. However, the role of these kinases in adaptive immunity–dependent models of chronic arthritis is not known. The goal of this study was to evaluate MKK‐3 and MKK‐6 deficiency in the collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) model.

Methods

Wild‐type (WT), MKK‐3–/–, and MKK‐6–/– mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen. Disease activity was evaluated by semiquantitative scoring, histologic assessment, and micro–computed tomography. Serum anticollagen antibody levels were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In vitro T cell cytokine response was measured by flow cytometry and multiplex analysis. Expression of joint cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

MKK‐6 deficiency markedly reduced arthritis severity compared with that in WT mice, while the absence of MKK‐3 had an intermediate effect. Joint damage was minimal in arthritic MKK‐6–/– mice and intermediate in MKK‐3–/– mice compared with WT mice. MKK‐6–/– mice had modestly lower levels of pathogenic anticollagen antibodies than did WT or MKK‐3–/– mice. In vitro T cell assays showed reduced proliferation and interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) production by lymph node cells from MKK‐6–/– mice in response to type II collagen. Gene expression of synovial IL‐6, MMP‐3, and MMP‐13 was significantly inhibited in MKK‐6–deficient mice.

Conclusion

Reduced disease severity in MKK‐6–/– mice correlated with decreased anticollagen antibody responses, indicating that MKK‐6 is a crucial regulator of inflammatory joint destruction in CIA. MKK‐6 is a potential therapeutic target in complex diseases involving adaptive immune responses, such as RA.
Indene Formation under Single‐Collision Conditions from the Reaction of Phenyl Radicals with Allene and Methylacetylene—A Crossed Molecular Beam and Ab Initio Study
Authors: Parker Dr Dorian S. N. , Zhang Dr Fangtong , Kaiser Dr Ralf I. , Kislov Dr Vadim V. , Mebel Dr Alexander M.
Published: September 2011

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are regarded as key intermediates in the molecular growth process that forms soot from incomplete fossil fuel combustion. Although heavily researched, the reaction mechanisms for PAH formation have only been investigated through bulk experiments; therefore, current models remain conjectural. We report the first observation of a directed synthesis of a PAH under single‐collision conditions. By using a crossed‐molecular‐beam apparatus, phenyl radicals react with C3H4 isomers, methylacetylene and allene, to form indene at collision energies of 45 kJ mol−1. The reaction dynamics supported by theoretical calculations show that both isomers decay through the same collision complex, are indirect, have long lifetimes, and form indene in high yields. Through the use of deuterium‐substituted reactants, we were able to identify the reaction pathway to indene.
Genetic studies of the cystathionine beta‐synthase gene and myelomeningocele
Authors: Tilley Melissa M. , Northrup Hope , Au Kit Sing
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Among infants born with spina bifida, the most common defect is myelomeningocele (MM). The prevention of MM by maternal periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation has been studied extensively. The protective effect provided by FA suggests that the genes involved in folate metabolism, such as cystathionine beta‐synthase (CBS), warrant further investigation. METHODS: This study sequenced the DNA from 96 patients with MM to identify novel potential disease‐causing variants across the 17 exons of the CBS gene. The frequencies of known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, and sequences that differed from the reference sequences were considered novel variants. Statistical analysis was performed using two‐sided Fisher's exact test to compare frequencies of SNPs between groups of patients and the known population frequencies. RESULTS: We found a new variant in exon 3 in one patient that results in a G/A change subsequently encoding a stop codon. In addition, we found a new variant in the 3′‐UTR of exon 17. Allele frequencies for 10 known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined: rs234706, rs72058776, rs1801181, rs6582281, rs71872941, rs12613, rs706208, rs706209, rs73906420, and rs9982921. Of the remaining 48 known SNPs, all tested DNAs were homozygous for the major allele. CONCLUSION: We identified a previously undescribed variant in exon 3 that encodes a stop codon, thus halting downstream translation of the CBS protein. According to the Human Splicing Finder, the 3′‐UTR variant found in exon 17 is predicted to abolish the recognition sites for two splice binding factors, SRp40 and SF2/ASF. The functional significance of the 3′‐UTR mutation needs to be investigated. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolation of a new strain of Picochlorum sp and characterization of its potential biotechnological applications
Authors: de la Vega M. , Díaz E. , Vila M. , León R.
Published: September 2011

Selection of new autochthon strains is necessary, and for the moment the best strategy, to find microalgae well adapted to the local climatological conditions able to simultaneously produce several compounds of biotechnological interest and grow at high rates. We describe the isolation and characterization of a new microalgal strain isolated from the marshlands of the Odiel River in the Southwest of Spain. The new microalga belongs to the genus Picochlorum, as deduced from the analysis of its 18S rRNA encoding gene, is able to grow at a high growth rate and thrive with adverse conditions. It has an appreciable constitutive level of lutein (3.5 mg g−1 DW) and zeaxanthin (0.4 mg g−1 DW) which is increased to 1.8 mg g−1 DW at high light intensities. This strain is also characterized by a very low level of linolenic acid (3.8% of total fatty acids) and no polyunsaturated fatty acids with four or more double bonds. Although the total lipid content is not particularly high, 23% of the dry weight, its fatty acid profile makes of Picochlorum sp HM1 a promising candidate for biodiesel production, and the high content in the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin indicates that the microalga could also be a good source for natural eye vitamin supplements, which could be obtained as co‐products. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Modeling of an aerobic biofilm reactor with double‐limiting substrate kinetics: Bifurcational and dynamical analysis
Authors: Olivieri Giuseppe , Russo Maria Elena , Marzocchella Antonio , Salatino Piero
Published: September 2011

A mathematical model of an aerobic biofilm reactor is presented to investigate the bifurcational patterns and the dynamical behavior of the reactor as a function of different key operating parameters. Suspended cells and biofilm are assumed to grow according to double limiting kinetics with phenol inhibition (carbon source) and oxygen limitation. The model presented by Russo et al. is extended to embody key features of the phenomenology of the granular‐supported biofilm: biofilm growth and detachment, gas–liquid oxygen transport, phenol, and oxygen uptake by both suspended and immobilized cells, and substrate diffusion into the biofilm. Steady‐state conditions and stability, and local dynamic behavior have been characterized. The multiplicity of steady states and their stability depend on key operating parameter values (dilution rate, gas–liquid mass transfer coefficient, biofilm detachment rate, and inlet substrate concentration). Small changes in the operating conditions may be coupled with a drastic change of the steady‐state scenario with transcritical and saddle‐node bifurcations. The relevance of concentration profiles establishing within the biofilm is also addressed. When the oxygen level in the liquid phase is <10% of the saturation level, the biofilm undergoes oxygen starvation and the active biofilm fraction becomes independent of the dilution rate. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Effects of desipramine on the antioxidant status in rat tissues at carrageenan‐induced paw inflammation
Authors: Vircheva Stefani , Nenkova Galina , Georgieva Almira , Alexandrova Albena , Tzvetanova Elina , Mateeva Polina , Zamfirova Rositsa , Kirkova Margarita
Published: September 2011

The pathogenesis of many diseases and different pathological conditions, including inflammation, is associated with excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the antidepressant desipramine (DES) on carrageenan (CG)‐induced inflammation, as well as on the endogenous levels of cell enzyme and non‐enzyme antioxidants in rat liver and spleen, 4 and 24 h after CG injection. The intra‐plantar CG injection into the right hind paw resulted in a time‐dependent increase in the paw volume; the maximum of CG‐induced edema peak was in 2–4 h. A single DES dose of 20 mg·kg−1, administered 30 min before CG, had no effect on paw edema, whereas the higher drug dose used (50 mg·kg−1) suppressed the edematous response to CG. The latter drug dose protected CG‐induced decrease of glutathione (non‐enzyme antioxidant) in the liver; it did not affect CG‐unchanged activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (enzyme antioxidants) and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (enzyme, important for the activity of glutathione‐conjugated antioxidant enzymes) in both liver and spleen. The drug showed an efficient antioxidant capacity in ROS‐generating chemical systems; it was higher than that of fluoxetine (another type of antidepressant). The present results suggest that the good antioxidant activity of DES might contribute to its beneficial effects in liver injuries. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly Efficient Blue Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on 2‐(Diphenylamino)fluoren‐7‐ylvinylarene Derivatives that Bear a tert‐Butyl Group
Authors: Lee Kum Hee , Kwon Young Soo , Lee Jin Yong , Kang Sunwoo , Yook Kyoung Soo , Jeon Soon Ok , Lee Jun Yeob , Yoon Seung Soo
Published: September 2011

Blue fluorescent materials with a 2‐(diphenylamino)fluoren‐7‐ylvinylarene emitting unit and tert‐butyl‐based blocking units were synthesized. The photophysical properties of these materials, including UV/Vis absorption, photoluminescent properties, and HOMO–LUMO energy levels, were characterized and rationalized with quantum‐mechanical DFT calculations. The electroluminescent properties of these molecules were examined through the fabrication of multilayer devices with a structure of indium–tin oxide, 4,4′‐bis{N‐[4‐(N,N‐di‐m‐tolylamino)phenyl]‐N‐phenylamino}biphenyl, 4′‐bis[N‐(1‐naphthyl)‐N‐phenylamino]biphenyl, and blue materials doped in 2‐methyl‐9,10‐di(2‐naphthyl)anthracene/tris(8‐quinolinolato)aluminum/LiF/Al. All devices exhibit highly efficient blue electroluminescence with high external quantum efficiency (3.20–7.72 % at 20 mA cm−2). A deep‐blue device with Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.15, 0.11) that uses 7‐[2‐(3′,5′‐di‐tert‐butylbiphenyl‐4‐yl)vinyl]‐9,9‐diethyl‐2‐N‐(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐2,4‐difluorobenzenamino‐9H‐fluorene as a dopant in the emitting layer showed a luminous efficiency and external quantum efficiency of 3.95 cd A−1 and 4.23 % at 20 mA cm−2, respectively. Furthermore, a highly efficient sky‐blue device that uses the dopant 7‐{2‐[2‐(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene‐7‐yl]vinyl}‐9,9‐diethyl‐2‐N,N‐diphenylamino‐9H‐fluorene exhibited a luminous efficiency and high quantum efficiency of 10.3 cd A−1 and 7.7 % at 20 mA cm−2, respectively, with CIE coordinates of (0.15, 0.20).
Competitive Reactions of Organophosphorus Radicals on Coke Surfaces
Authors: Catak Saron , Hemelsoet Karen , Hermosilla Laura , Waroquier Michel , Van Speybroeck Veronique
Published: September 2011

The efficacy of organophosphorus radicals as anticoking agents was subjected to a computational study in which a representative set of radicals derived from industrially relevant organophosphorus additives was used to explore competitive reaction pathways on the graphene‐like coke surface formed during thermal cracking. The aim was to investigate the nature of the competing reactions of different organophosphorus radicals on coke surfaces, and elucidate their mode of attack and inhibiting effect on the forming coke layer by use of contemporary computational methods. Density functional calculations on benzene and a larger polyaromatic hydrocarbon, namely, ovalene, showed that organophosphorus radicals have a high propensity to add to the periphery of the coke surface, inhibiting methyl radical induced hydrogen abstraction, which is known to be a key step in coke growth. Low addition barriers reported for a phosphatidyl radical suggest competitive aptitude against coke formation. Moreover, organophosphorus additives bearing aromatic substituents, which were shown to interact with the coke surface through dispersive π–π stacking interactions, are suggested to play a nontrivial role in hindering further stacking among coke surfaces. This may be the underlying rationale behind experimental observation of softer coke in the presence of organophosphorus radicals. The ultimate goal is to provide information that will be useful in building single‐event microkinetic models. This study presents pertinent information on potential reactions that could be taken up in these models.
Solvent/Base Effects in the Selective Domino Synthesis of Phenanthridinones That Involves High‐Valent Palladium Species: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Donati Ludovic , Leproux Pascale , Prost Elise , Michel Sylvie , Tillequin François , Gandon Vincent , Porée François‐Hugues
Published: September 2011

The domino reaction of o‐bromobenzamides 1 a–m in the presence of K2CO3 and the [PdCl2(PPh3)2] catalyst granted a selective access to phenanthridinones 2 or to the new 1‐carboxamide phenanthridinones 3 depending on the solvent, DMF or 1,4‐dioxane, respectively. Investigations of the reaction parameters provided the first example of a direct correlation between the base dissociation and the solvent polarity on the selectivity observed. Moreover, mechanistic studies (NMR spectroscopy and ESI‐MS monitoring) allowed us to characterize PdII palladacycle 4 and biaryl species as common intermediates for these two domino processes. On that basis, C(sp2)C(sp2) bond formation is envisaged by generation of a PdIV complex after oxidative addition of 1 into PdII palladacycle 4, a rationale that is supported by DFT calculations. A general catalytic cycle is proposed to account for these observations.
Potassium Silanide (KSiH3): A Reversible Hydrogen Storage Material
Authors: Chotard Jean‐Noël , Tang Wan Si , Raybaud Pascal , Janot Raphaël
Published: September 2011

KSi silicide can absorb hydrogen to directly form the ternary KSiH3 hydride. The full structure of α‐KSiD3, which has been solved by using neutron powder diffraction (NPD), shows an unusually short SiD lengths of 1.47 Å. Through a combination of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental methods, the thermodynamic and structural properties of the KSi/α‐KSiH3 system are determined. This system is able to store 4.3 wt % of hydrogen reversibly within a good P–T window; a 0.1 MPa hydrogen equilibrium pressure can be obtained at around 414 K. The DFT calculations and the measurements of hydrogen equilibrium pressures at different temperatures give similar values for the dehydrogenation enthalpy (≈23 kJ mol−1 H2) and entropy (≈54 J K−1 mol−1 H2). Owing to its relatively high hydrogen storage capacity and its good thermodynamic values, this KSi/α‐KSiH3 system is a promising candidate for reversible hydrogen storage.
Passive Mixing Elements for Electrolyte Convection in Flooded Lead‐Acid Batteries
Authors: Ebner Ellen , Wark Michael , Börger Alexander
Published: September 2011

Blei‐Säure‐Nassbatterien für Mikro‐Hybrid‐Fahrzeuge, die im Start‐Stopp‐Betrieb und damit in einem Teilladezustand betrieben werden, unterliegen einer starken zyklischen Belastung. Daraus resultiert unter anderem eine inhomogene Säuredichteverteilung, die zu frühzeitigem Kapazitätsverlust führt. Zum Ausgleich von Inhomogenitäten innerhalb des Elektrolyten wurden passive Mischelemente eingesetzt. Zur Beurteilung der Wirksamkeit dieser passiven Mischelemente wurden Blei‐Säure‐Nassbatterien im Labor gealtert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Mischelemente zu einer Homogensierung des Elektrolyten und damit zu einer um den Faktor 6 verlängerten Lebensdauer führen, wobei die Wirkung der Mischelemente umso stärker ist, je höher die Beschleunigungen im Fahrzeug sind, denen die Batterie ausgesetzt ist.
Estimation of Stability Constants of Copper(II) Complexes with α‐Amino Acids Using Connectivity Index 3χv. Common Model for the Binary and Ternary Complexes
Authors: Milic̆ević Ante , Raos Nenad
Published: September 2011

Models for estimation of the first (K1), second (K2), and overall stability constant (β2) of copper(II) chelates with naturally occurring amino acids, based on the valence connectivity index of the 3rd order (3χv), were improved by introduction of a square term and a new graph representation for mono‐complexes (MLcor). The models gave SE=0.07, 0.05–0.07 and 0.05–0.08 for lg K1, lg K2 and lg β2 constants, respectively; models that encompass both binary and ternary bis‐complexes included indicator variable. We also validated our models on the test set which included two mono‐, two binary and two ternary Cu(II) chelates with α‐aminobutanoic acid and α‐aminopentanoic acid, not included into the calibration. The absolute differences between experimental and predicted stability constants were in the range of 0.01–0.16.
A Convenient Method for the Preparation of 1,5‐Diaryl‐3‐(arylamino)‐1H‐pyrrol‐2(5H)‐ones
Authors: Ghashang Majid , Zheng Yan‐Song , Shaterian Hamid Reza
Published: September 2011

A simple and eco‐friendly method for the preparation of 1,5‐diaryl‐3‐(arylamino)‐1H‐pyrrol‐2(5H)‐ones via the cyclo‐condensation reaction of aldehydes, amines and ethyl pyruvate in the presence of silica supported ferric chloride (SiO2‐FeCl3) as reusable heterogeneous catalyst is described. The present methodology offers several advantages such as excellent yields, simple procedure and short reaction times.
Covalent and Non‐covalent Chemical Modification of Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes with Tetra‐(4‐hydroxylphenyl)porphyrin and Its Complexes
Authors: Zhao Hongbin , Wang Hongke , Chang Hui , Qiu Shijun , Deng Biyun , Liao Junxu
Published: September 2011

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were covalently and non‐covalently functionalized with tetra‐(4‐hydroxylphenyl) porphyrin (THPPH2) and its complexes (ZnTHPP) forming dispersible nanohybrids in organic solution. The morphology of the nanohybrids was observed with transmission electron microscopy. The structure of the product was characterized by FT‐IR, UV‐Vis spectrophotometer, fluorescence spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The photo‐induced electron‐transfer process of the nanohybrids in organic solution was also revealed.
A One‐pot Green Synthesis of Alkylidenesuccinimides
Authors: Yan Lin , Yang Wenguo , Li Lixin , Shen Yang , Jiang Zhiyong
Published: September 2011

A mild and facile Wittig reaction between N‐substituted maleimides and aldehydes has been developed. Various synthetically valuable alkylidenesuccinimides were obtained from this one‐pot reaction in high yields (up to 99%). The product was obtained by simple filtration and no extra purification was necessary. Ethanol, an environment‐benign solvent, was found to be a suitable reaction medium.