bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nine Times Fluoride can be Good for your Syntheses. Not just Cheaper: Nonafluorobutanesulfonates as Intermediates for Transition Metal‐Catalyzed Reactions
Authors: Högermeier Jens , Reissig Hans‐Ulrich
Published: November 2009

How much fluoride is good for a strong electron‐withdrawing effect? In this review we summarize recent results on the use of perfluoroalkanesulfonates, in particular of the cost effective nonafluorobutanesulfonates (nonaflates), in transition metal‐catalyzed reactions and a few other typical transformations. During the last decade many advantages over the commonly used triflates have been discovered. The generation of alkenyl and (het)aryl nonaflates and their applications in metal‐catalyzed processes such as Heck, Suzuki, Sonogashira, Stille, and Negishi couplings or amination reactions are described. Although far from a systematic investigation, all the presented results clearly demonstrate the many advantages of nonaflates and of similar higher fluorinated sulfonates in laboratory and industrial scale organic synthesis.
Enantioselective Electrophilic Amination of α‐Cyanothioacetates with Azodicarboxylates Catalyzed by an Axially Chiral Guanidine Base
Authors: Terada Masahiro , Tsushima Daisuke , Nakano Megumi
Published: November 2009

An enantioselective electrophilic amination of α‐substituted cyanothioacetates with azodicarboxylate is demonstrated using an axially chiral guanidine as a chiral Brønsted base catalyst. The corresponding product, having a quaternary stereogenic center at the α‐carbon atom, is formed in excellent enantioselectivity.
The mean measure of divergence: Its utility in model‐free and model‐bound analyses relative to the Mahalanobis D2 distance for nonmetric traits
Authors: Irish Joel D.
Published: November 2009

The mean measure of divergence (MMD) distance statistic has been used by researchers for nearly 50 years to assess inter‐sample phenetic affinity. Its widespread and often successful use is well documented, especially in the study of cranial and dental nonmetric traits. However, the statistic has accumulated some undesired mathematical baggage through the years from various workers in their attempts to improve or alter its performance. Others may not fully understand how to apply the MMD or interpret its output, whereas some described a number of perceived shortcomings. As a result, the statistic and its sometimes flawed application(s) have taken several well‐aimed hits; a few researchers even argued that it should no longer be utilized or, at least, that its use be reevaluated. The objective of this report is to support the MMD, and in the process: (1) provide a brief history of the statistic, (2) review its attributes and applicability relative to the often‐used Mahalanobis D2 statistic for nonmetric traits, (3) compare results from MMD and D2 model‐free analyses of previously‐recorded sub‐Saharan African dental samples, and (4) investigate its utility for model‐bound analyses. In the latter instance, the ability of the D2 and other squared Euclidean‐based statistics to approximate a genetic relationship matrix and Sewall Wright's fixation index using phenotypic data, and the inability of the MMD to do so, is addressed. Three methods for obtaining such results with nonlinear MMD distances, as well as an assessment of the fit of the isolation‐by‐distance model, are presented. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selection in utero: A biological response to mass layoffs
Authors: Catalano Ralph , Zilko Claire E. Margerison , Saxton Katherine B. , Bruckner Tim
Published: November 2009

Most research describing the biological response to unemployment appears appropriately motivated by clinical or public health concerns and focuses on death, disease, and medical care. We argue that expanding the work to include other outcomes could contribute to basic science. As an example, we use the response to mass layoffs to discriminate between two explanations of low ratios of male to female live births in stressed populations. One explanation asserts that ambient stressors reduce the ratio of males to females conceived. The other argues that the maternal stress response selects against males in utero. We show that selection in utero better explains the observed data. We conclude that human adaptation to the economic environment deserves scrutiny from a wider array of scientists than it now receives. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of alumina flakes/polymer composites
Authors: Afsharimani Nasima S. , Iraji Zad Azam , Tafreshi Majid Jafar , Salartayefeh Saeed
Published: November 2009

Alumina flakes were prepared by solution combustion method and milled to provide powder. XRD and SEM data exhibited microsized flakes with 100 nm thickness and nanosized grains. Then the powders were dispersed in polystyrene (PS) and poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrixes and thin sheets of composites were produced by solution method. Mechanical properties of the composites were characterized using tensile test and their fracture surfaces, elemental composition and hydrophobic property were tested by SEM, EDX and contact angle techniques, respectively. The results exhibited better mechanical properties compared to pure polymer samples i.e. the elastic modulus in PMMA and PS composites, were increased about 107 and 109%, respectively. In addition the composite surfaces became more hydrophobic than pure polymer systems. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
A simple three‐descriptor model for the prediction of the glass‐transition temperatures of vinyl polymers
Authors: Yu Xinliang , Yu Wenhao , Wang Xueye
Published: November 2009

An artificial neural network (ANN) implementing a back‐propagation algorithm was applied for the prediction of the glass‐transition temperature (Tg) values of 84 polyacrylates and 21 polyvinyls. The experimental Tg data of the polymers were divided into a training set (50 polyacrylates) and a testing set (34 polyacrylates and 21 polyvinyls). Three molecule descriptors (mean atomic van der Waals volume, bond information content, and three‐dimensional molecule representation of structures based on electron diffraction descriptor for signal 13/weighted by atomic masses, Mor13m) were used as input parameters of the neural network. Simulated with the optimum back‐propagation ANN 3‐[3‐2]‐1, the root mean square (rms) error for the testing set was 17.7 K, and the correlation coefficient was 0.942, which were accurate in comparison with existing models. The ANN model could be used not only to reveal the quantitative relation between Tg and the molecular structure but also to predict the Tg values of the polyacrylates and polyvinyls. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Tensile tests of phenol formaldehyde glass‐powder‐reinforced composites: Pilot study
Authors: Ku H. , Trada M. , Cecil T. , Wong P.
Published: November 2009

Phenol formaldehyde was filled with glass powder (GP) to optimize the strength and impact toughness of the composite for structural applications by a research center at the University of Southern Queensland. To reduce costs, the center wished to fill as much of the glass microspheres as possible to maintain sufficient strength and impact toughness in the composites in structural applications. In this project, we varied the weight percentages of the GP in the composites, which were then subjected to tensile tests. The best weight percentage of GP that could be added to the phenolic resin to give the optimum yield, tensile strengths, Young's modulus, and cost was found to be about 10%. The contribution of this study was the finding that if the tensile properties are the most important factors to be considered in the applications of the composites, GP is not a suitable filler. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of crosslinking on the properties of sodium caseinate films
Authors: Pereda Mariana , Aranguren Mirta I. , Marcovich Norma E.
Published: November 2009

Protein films are used as effective lipid, oxygen, and aroma barriers at moderate relative humidity conditions. However, they perform poorly as moisture barriers. The introduction of crosslinks within or between protein chains by enzymatic or chemical modification has been proposed as an alternative means to achieving a stronger polymeric matrix structure, which would result in better functional film properties. In this article, we report the preparation and characterization of sodium caseinate (SC) films crosslinked by glutaraldehyde (GTA) or heat. The crosslinking density increased with GTA content. The thermal stability and tensile modulus and strength increased with GTA content, although films with a low crosslinking density exhibited lower properties than the uncrosslinked sample. Unexpectedly, water vapor permeability and absorption also increased with crosslinking density. The crosslinking of SC was also induced by simple heating. The resulting films showed enhanced thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties compared to the unmodified SC films and even the GTA‐crosslinked samples. GTA crosslinking was unable to reduce the high hydrophilicity of the SC films. Thermally induced crosslinking was revealed to be a valid alternative for improving the properties of SC films, without the inherent complications associated with the use of a chemical crosslinking agent. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) foams: Correlation between the polymer properties and the foaming process
Authors: Sorrentino L. , Di Maio E. , Iannace S.
Published: November 2009

The foamability of two food‐grade, high‐molecular‐weight poly(ethylene terephthalate)s (PETs) was investigated. Sorption tests were performed to determine the solubility and diffusivity of N2 and CO2 in molten polymers at 250°C with a magnetic suspension balance. Pressure‐volume‐temperature (pVT) data were also measured and used in the context of the Sanchez–Lacombe equation of state to predict the sorption isotherms. The thermal properties, in terms of the glass‐transition, melting, and crystallization temperatures, were measured by differential scanning calorimetry analysis on the two high‐molecular‐weight PETs and, for comparison, on a bottle‐grade PET. The rheological properties were measured to asses the improvement of the high‐molecular‐weight PET with respect to the bottle‐grade one. Expansion tests were performed on the two high‐molecular‐weight grades and bottle‐grade PETs with a batch foaming process with N2, CO2, and an 80–20 wt % N2–CO2 mixture used as blowing agents. The whole processing window was explored in terms of temperature, pressure drop rate, and saturation pressure. The results of the foaming experiments were correlated to gas sorption and the thermal and rheological properties of the polymers in the molten state. The results proved the feasibility of foam processing these two high‐molecular‐weight grades, which gave, when compared to the bottle grade at specific foaming conditions, very low densities and fine morphologies. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synergistic effect of melamine polyphosphate with macromolecular charring agent novolac in wollastonite filled PA66
Authors: Zhang Yixuan , Liu Yuan , Wang Qi
Published: November 2009

In this article, macromolecular charring agent linear novolac (NA) was served as a synergist with nitrogen‐phosphorous flame retardant melamine polyphosphate (MPP) for the flame‐resistance of wollastonite (WT) filled polyamide 66 (PA66). The investigations showed that MPP/NA system possessed obvious synergistic effects by increasing the charring rate and amount, therefore, showing much higher flame retardancy than the filled PA66 flame retarded with MPP alone. The corresponding char layer structure of MPP/WT/PA66 and MPP/NA/WT/PA66 was investigated and their difference was analyzed. In addition, as a multifunctional additive, NA could act as a compatibilizer and lubricant in the system, and endowed the material with improved mechanical performance and processability. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Pharmacological characterization of aBombyx moriα‐adrenergic‐like octopamine receptor stably expressed in a mammalian cell line
Authors: Huang Jia , Hamasaki Tomohiro , Ozoe Yoshihisa
Published: November 2009

Series of agonists and antagonists were examined for their actions on aBombyx moriα‐adrenergic‐like octopamine receptor (OAR) stably expressed in HEK‐293 cells. The rank order of potency of the agonists was clonidine>naphazoline>tolazoline in Ca2+mobilization assays, and that of the antagonists was chlorpromazine>yohimbine. These findings suggest that theB. moriOAR is more closely related to the class‐1 OAR in the intact tissue than to the other classes.N′‐(4‐Chloro‐o‐tolyl)‐N‐methylformamidine (DMCDM) and 2‐(2,6‐diethylphenylimino)imidazolidine (NC‐5) elevated the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) with EC50s of 92.8 µM and 15.2 nM, respectively. DMCDM and NC‐5 led to increases in intracellular cAMP concentration ([cAMP]i) with EC50s of 234 nM and 125 nM, respectively. The difference in DMCDM potencies between the cAMP and Ca2+assays might be due to “functional selectivity.” The Ca2+and cAMP assay results for DMCDM suggest that the elevation of [cAMP]i, but not that of [Ca2+]i, might account for the insecticidal effect of formamidine insecticides. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cognitive economy and satisficing in information seeking: A longitudinal study of undergraduate information behavior
Authors: Warwick Claire , Rimmer Jon , Blandford Ann , Gow Jeremy , Buchanan George
Published: November 2009

This article reports on a longitudinal study of information seeking by undergraduate information management students. It describes how they found and used information, and explores their motivation and decision making. We employed a use‐in‐context approach where students were observed conducting, and were interviewed about, information‐seeking tasks carried out during their academic work. We found that participants were reluctant to engage with a complex range of information sources, preferring to use the Internet. The main driver for progress in information seeking was the immediate demands of their work (e.g., assignments). Students used their growing expertise to justify a conservative information strategy, retaining established strategies as far as possible and completing tasks with minimum information‐seeking effort. The time cost of using library material limited the uptake of such resources. New methods for discovering and selecting information were adopted only when immediately relevant to the task at hand, and tasks were generally chosen or interpreted in ways that minimized the need to develop new strategies. Students were driven by the demands of the task to use different types of information resources, but remained reluctant to move beyond keyword searches, even when they proved ineffective. They also lacked confidence in evaluating the relative usefulness of resources. Whereas existing literature on satisficing has focused on stopping conditions, this work has highlighted a richer repertoire of satisficing behaviors.
The similarity heuristic
Authors: Read Daniel , Grushka‐Cockayne Yael
Published: November 2009

Decision makers often make snap judgments using fast‐and‐frugal decision rules called cognitive heuristics. Research into cognitive heuristics has been divided into two camps. One camp has emphasized the limitations and biases produced by the heuristics; another has focused on the accuracy of heuristics and their ecological validity. In this paper we investigate a heuristic proposed by the first camp, using the methods of the second. We investigate a subset of the representativeness heuristic we call the “similarity” heuristic, whereby decision makers who use it judge the likelihood that an instance is a member of one category rather than another by the degree to which it is similar to others in that category. We provide a mathematical model of the heuristic and test it experimentally in a trinomial environment. In this environment, the similarity heuristic turns out to be a reliable and accurate choice rule and both choice and response time data suggest it is also how choices are made. We conclude with a theoretical discussion of how our work fits in the broader “fast‐and‐frugal” heuristics program, and of the boundary conditions for the similarity heuristic. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling the impact of control on the attractiveness of risk in a prospect theory framework
Authors: Young Diana L. , Goodie Adam S. , Hall Daniel B.
Published: November 2009

Many decisions involve a degree of personal control over event outcomes, which is exerted through one's knowledge or skill. In three experiments we investigated differences in decision making between prospects based on (a) the outcome of random events and (b) the outcome of events characterized by control. In Experiment 1, participants estimated certainty equivalents (CEs) for bets based on either random events or the correctness of their answers to US state population questions across the probability spectrum. In Experiment 2, participants estimated CEs for bets based on random events, answers to US state population questions, or answers to questions about 2007 NCAA football game results. Experiment 3 extended the same procedure as Experiment 1 using a within‐subjects design. We modeled data from all experiments in a prospect theory (PT) framework to establish psychological mechanisms underlying decision behavior. Participants weighted the probabilities associated with bets characterized by control so as to reflect greater risk attractiveness relative to bets based on random events, as evidenced by more elevated weighting functions under conditions of control. This research elucidates possible cognitive mechanisms behind increased risk taking for decisions characterized by control, and implications for various literatures are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A‐ring ortho‐specific monohydroxylation of daidzein by cytochrome P450s of Nocardia farcinica IFM10152
Authors: Choi Kwon‐Young , Kim Tae‐jin , Koh Sung‐Ki , Roh Chang‐Hyun , Pandey Bishnu Prasad , Lee Nahum , Kim Byung‐Gee
Published: November 2009

The bioconversion of the isoflavonoid daidzein using whole cell Nocardia farcinica IFM10152 showed two kinds of major metabolic modifications, i.e. mono‐hydroxylation and subsequent O‐methylation. The major hydroxylated products of daidzein prior to the O‐methylation reaction were 3',4',7‐trihydroxyisoflavone (3'‐ODI), 4',6,7‐trihydroxyisoflavone (6‐ODI) and 4',7,8‐trihydroxyisoflavone (8‐ODI), which are mono‐hydroxylated at the ortho position of each hydroxyl group of daidzein. To identify monooxygenases playing a key role in the monohydroxylation of the A‐ring of daidzein, all genes of 27 cytochrome P450s from N. farcinica IFM10152 were cloned and transformed into a E. coli BL21 (DE3) host system. By this enzymatic reaction using the mutants and the genome sequence analysis of N. farcinica IFM10152, it was revealed that nfa12130 and nfa33880 P450 genes clustered with their own ferredoxins and ferredoxin reductases (nfa12140+nfa12150 and nfa338870+nfa33860, respectively) are responsible for the hydroxylation of the A‐ring of daidzein, and their major reaction products were 6‐ODI and 8‐ODI, respectively.
Novel microfluidic platform for culturing neurons: Culturing and biochemical analysis of neuronal components
Authors: Park Jeong Won , Kim Hyung Joon , Byun Jae Hwan , Ryu Hyun Ryul , Jeon Noo Li
Published: November 2009

Neurons, one of the most polarized types of cells, are typically composed of cell bodies (soma), dendrites, and axons. Many events such as electric signal transmission, axonal transport, and local protein synthesis occur in the axon, so that a method for isolating axons from somata and dendrites is required for systematically investigating these axonal events. Based on a previously developed neuron culture method for isolating and directing the growth of central nervous system axons without introducing neutrophins, we report three modified microfluidic platforms: (1) for performing biochemical analysis of the pure axonal fraction, (2) for culturing tissue explants, and (3) a design that allows high content assay on same group of cells. The key feature of these newly developed platforms is that the devices incorporate a number of microgrooves for isolating axons from the cell body. They utilize an open cellculture area, unlike the enclosed channels of the previous design. This design has extended the axonal channel so that a sufficient amount of pure axonal fraction can be obtained to perform biochemical analysis. The design also addresses the drawback of the previous neuron culture device, which was not adaptable for culturing thick neuronal tissues such as brain explants, neurospheres, and embryoid bodies, which are essential model tissues in neuroscience research. The design has an open cellculture area in the center and four enclosed channels around open area, and is suitable for multiple drug screening assays.
Surface plasmon resonance for high‐throughput ligand screening of membrane‐bound proteins
Authors: Maynard Jennifer A. , Lindquist Nathan C. , Sutherland Jamie N. , Lesuffleur Antoine , Warrington Arthur E. , Rodriguez Moses , Oh Sang‐Hyun
Published: November 2009

Technologies based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) have allowed rapid, label‐free characterization of protein‐protein and protein‐small molecule interactions. SPR has become the gold standard in industrial and academic settings, in which the interaction between a pair of soluble binding partners is characterized in detail or a library of molecules is screened for binding against a single soluble protein. In spite of these successes, SPR is only beginning to be adapted to the needs of membrane‐bound proteins which are difficult to studyin situbut represent promising targets for drug and biomarker development. Existing technologies, such as BIAcoreTM, have been adapted for membrane protein analysis by building supported lipid layers or capturing lipid vesicles on existing chips. Newer technologies, still in development, will allow membrane proteins to be presented in native or near‐native formats. These include SPR nanopore arrays, in which lipid bilayers containing membrane proteins stably span small pores that are addressable from both sides of the bilayer. Here, we discuss current SPR instrumentation and the potential for SPR nanopore arrays to enable quantitative, high‐throughput screening of G protein coupled receptor ligands and applications in basic cellular biology.
Improving prediction of malignancy of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules
Authors: Tysome J R , Chandra A , Chang F , Puwanarajah P , Elliott M , Caroll P , Powrie J , Hubbard J G , Clarke S E M , Jeannon J P , Simo R
Published: November 2009

Background

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is essential in the investigation of thyroid nodules. The British Thyroid Association guidelines recommend clarification of whether follicular nodules are probable follicular neoplasms that require surgical excision. This study assessed the value of the subclassification of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules into either follicular neoplasms or other pathology.

Methods

The cytology reports of all thyroid FNAs performed between November 2005 and December 2007 at a single institution reported as Thy 3 (follicular lesions) were reviewed. They were reclassified as Thy 3A (probable follicular neoplasm) or Thy 3B (probable non-neoplastic lesion), and subsequently correlated with final clinical outcome to determine the predictive value of this subclassification.

Results

Forty-nine specimens were categorized as Thy 3A and 55 as Thy 3B. Of excised lesions, 14 (29 per cent) of 48 Thy 3A and 4 (10 per cent) of 42 Thy 3B nodules were malignant. If Thy 3A were to predict malignancy and Thy 3B benign disease, the sensitivity of the classification was 88 per cent, with a specificity of 55 per cent and negative predictive value of 91 per cent.

Conclusion

Subclassification of Thy 3 nodules into Thy 3A and Thy 3B improves the assessment of risk for thyroid malignancy.
In situ hypothermic liver preservation during radical liver resection with major vascular reconstruction
Authors: DuBay D , Gallinger S , Hawryluck L , Swallow C , McCluskey S , McGilvray I
Published: November 2009

Background

The in situ hypothermic liver preservation technique may allow a more aggressive approach to tumours of the caval confluence and/or all three hepatic veins, which would otherwise be deemed irresectable.

Methods

All descriptive data regarding patient demographics, operative characteristics, perioperative complications and outcomes of nine patients in whom this technique was used were collected prospectively.

Results

Seven patients underwent liver trisegmentectomy and two had primary retrohepatic venal caval resection. Total hepatic vascular occlusion with in situ hypothermic liver preservation was used for venous reconstruction in all patients. The vena cava was reconstructed with prosthetic graft in seven patients. All main hepatic veins were reconstructed in the seven liver resections. In situ hypothermic liver preservation was well tolerated as evidenced by preserved hepatic synthetic function early after operation. One patient died 66 days after surgery. There were two recurrences after a median follow-up of 14 (range 2–33) months; local recurrence was identified in one patient after 4 months and distant metastasis in another after 8 months.

Conclusion

The in situ hypothermic liver preservation technique appears to be a useful adjunct to radical hepatobiliary tumour excision procedures that require total hepatic vascular exclusion and major vascular reconstruction.
Multicentre study of the safety of laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer in the elderly
Authors: Cho G S , Kim W , Kim H H , Ryu S W , Kim M C , Ryu S Y
Published: November 2009

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and short-term value of laparoscopic gastrectomy in the elderly with gastric cancer compared with a younger cohort.

Methods

Data on all patients with gastric cancer undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy at ten institutions in Korea between May 1998 and December 2005 were collected. Patients under the age of 45 years and those undergoing total gastrectomy, proximal gastrectomy and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy were excluded. An analysis of clinicopathological data for patients aged 45–69 years (average-age group) and those aged 70 years or more (elderly group) was undertaken.

Results

Co-morbidity was more common and postoperative hospital stay was longer in elderly patients. Pre-existing pulmonary and cardiovascular disease in the elderly contributed to respiratory dysfunction and intraperitoneal complications respectively. Tumour size and location, stage, methods of reconstruction and the number of combined operations were similar in the two groups. There were no significant differences in postoperative morbidity or mortality.

Conclusion

Although elderly patients had greater co-morbidity, laparoscopic gastrectomy was a safe treatment for gastric cancer in this age group.
Letter 1: Prospective randomized trial using cost–utility analysis of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute gallbladder disease (Br J Surg 2009; 96: 1031–1040)
Authors: Hussey K , Witherspoon P
Published: November 2009

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.
Multifunctional siRNA delivery system: Polyelectrolyte complex micelles of six‐arm PEG conjugate of siRNA and cell penetrating peptide with crosslinked fusogenic peptide
Authors: Choi Sung Won , Lee Soo Hyeon , Mok Hyejung , Park Tae Gwan
Published: November 2009

For therapeutic applications of small interfering RNA (siRNA), serum stability, enhanced cellular uptake, and facile endosome escape are key issues for designing carriers. In this study, green fluorescent protein (GFP) siRNA was conjugated to a six‐arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative via a reducible disulfide linkage (6PEG‐siRNA). The 6PEG‐siRNA conjugate was also functionalized with a cell penetrating peptide, Hph1 to enhance its cellular uptake property (6PEG‐siRNA‐Hph1). The 6PEG‐siRNA‐Hph1 conjugate was electrostatically complexed with cationic self‐crosslinked fusogenic KALA peptide (cl‐KALA) to form multifunctional polyelectrolyte complex micelles for gene silencing. The resultant siRNA complex formulation with multiple PEG chains showed superior physical stability and resistance to enzymatic degradation. The 6PEG‐siRNA‐Hph1/cl‐KALA complexes exhibited enhanced GFP gene silencing efficiency for MDA‐MB‐435 cells in the serum containing condition. The current reducible and multifunctional polyelectrolyte complex micelles are expected to have high potential for efficient delivery of therapeutic siRNA. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Characterization of flow conditions in 2 L and 20 L wave bioreactors® using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Öncül Alper A. , Kalmbach Andreas , Genzel Yvonne , Reichl Udo , Thévenin Dominique
Published: November 2009

Characterization of flow conditions is of great importance to control cell growth and cell damage in animal cell culture because cell viability is influenced by the flow properties in bioreactors. Alternative reactor types like Wave Bioreactors® have been proposed in recent years, leading to markedly different results in cell growth and product formation. An advantage of Wave Bioreactors® is the disposability of the Polyethylenterephthalet‐bags after one single use (fast setup of new production facilities). Another expected advantage is a lower shear stress compared to classical stirred‐tank reactors, due to the gentle liquid motion in the rocking cellbag. This property would considerably reduce possible cell damage. The purpose of the present study is to investigate in a quantitative manner the key flow properties in Wave Bioreactors®, both numerically and experimentally. To describe accurately flow conditions and shear stress in Wave Bioreactors® using numerical simulations, it is necessary to compute the unsteady flow applying Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Corresponding computations for two reactor scales (2 L and 20 L cellbags) are presented using the CFD code ANSYS‐FLUENT®. To describe correctly the free liquid surface, the present simulations employ the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method. Additionally, experimental measurements have been carried out to determine liquid level, flow velocity and liquid shear stress, which are used as a validation of the present CFD simulations. It is shown that the obtained flows stay in the laminar regime. Furthermore, the obtained shear stress levels are well below known threshold values leading to damage of animal cells. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Improved secretion of molecular chaperone‐assisted human IgG in silkworm, and no alterations in their N‐linked glycan structures
Authors: Dojima Takashi , Nishina Takuya , Kato Tatsuya , Uno Tsuyoshi , Yagi Hirokazu , Kato Koichi , Ueda Hiroshi , Park Enoch Y.
Published: November 2009

Human 29IJ6 IgG was expressed in silkworm using a Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) bacmid system. The mean amounts of 296IJ6 IgG produced in larval hemolymph and whole pupae were 30.1 μg/larva and 78.0 μg/pupa, respectively. The use of molecular chaperones including calreticulin (CRT), calnexin (CNX), and immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BiP, GRP78) improved the production of 296IJ6 IgG secretion in the larvae fivefold. The total yield of recombinant 29IJ6 IgG was 239 μg/mL when coexpressed with CRT. However, the overexpression of molecular chaperones had negative effects on secretion. The N‐linked glycans of secreted 296IJ6 IgG in silkworm hemolymph were dominated by paucimannose structures. Small amounts of GlcNAc residues linked to the Manα1,3 branch were detected. When molecular chaperones were coexpressed, the compositions of N‐linked glycans in the IgG1 produced were unchanged compared with those produced without them. This suggests that N‐glycosylation is controlled by a regulatory function in the Golgi apparatus even though the post‐translational modification of 296IJ6 IgG was assisted by the coexpression of molecular chaperones. Therefore, if the glycosylation pathways that coexpress N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase, galactosyltransferase, and sialyltransferase could be improved, silkworm larvae might prove a useful system for producing human antibodies. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Stabilization of invertase by molecular engineering
Authors: Tananchai Pattamawadee , Chisti Yusuf
Published: November 2009

Extracellular invertase (EC 3.2.1.26) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was stabilized against thermal denaturation by intermolecular and intramolecular crosslinking of the surface nucleophilic functional groups with diisocyanate homobifunctional reagents (OCN(CH2)nNCO) of various lengths (n = 4, 6, 8). Crosslinking with 1,4‐diisocyanatobutane (n = 4) proved most effective in enhancing thermostability. Stability was improved dramatically by crosslinking 0.5 mg/mL of protein with 30 μmol/mL of the reagent. Molecular engineering by crosslinking reduced the first‐order thermal denaturation constant at 60°C from 1.567 min−1 (for the native enzyme) to 0.437 min−1 (for the stabilized enzyme). Similarly, the best crosslinking treatment increased the activation energy for denaturation from 391 kJ mol−1 (for the native protein) to 466 kJ mol−1 (for the stabilized enzyme). Crosslinking was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
A proteomic approach for identifying cellular proteins interacting with erythropoietin in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Kim Jee Yon , Kim Yeon‐Gu , Baik Jong Youn , Joo Eun Jin , Kim Young Hwan , Lee Gyun Min
Published: November 2009

Identification of the cellular proteins interacting with incompletely folded and unfolded forms of erythropoietin (EPO) in recombinant CHO (rCHO) cells leads to better insight into the possible genetic manipulation approaches for increasing EPO production. To do so, a pull‐down assay was performed with dual‐tagged (N‐terminal GST‐ and C‐terminal hexahistidine‐tagged) EPO expressed in E. coli as bait proteins and cell lysates of rCHO cells (DG44) as prey proteins. Cellular proteins interacting with dual‐tagged EPO were then resolved by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) and identified by MALDI‐TOF MS/MS. A total of 27 protein spots including glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78) were successfully identified. Western blot analysis of GRP78 confirmed the results of the MS analyses. Taken together, a pull‐down assay followed by a proteomic approach is found to be an efficient means to identify cellular proteins interacting with foreign protein in rCHO cells. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Locating the arcuate line of Douglas: Is it of surgical relevance?
Authors: Mwachaka P.M. , Saidi H.S. , Odula P.O. , Awori K.O. , Kaisha W.O.
Published: November 2009

Ventral hernia formation is a common complication of rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap harvest. The site and extent of harvest of the flap are known contributing factors. Therefore, an accurate location of the arcuate line of Douglas, which marks the lower extent of the posterior wall of the rectus sheath, may be relevant before harvesting the flap. This study is aimed at determining the position of the arcuate line in relation to anatomical landmarks of the anterior abdominal wall. Arcuate lines were examined in 80 (44 male, 36 female) subjects, aged between 18 and 70 years, during autopsies and dissection. The position of the arcuate line was determined in relation to the umbilicus, pubic symphysis, and intersections of rectus abdominis muscle. Sixty four (80.4%) cases had the arcuate line. In most cases (52), this line was located in the upper half of a line between the umbilicus and the pubic symphysis. Most males (93%) had the arcuate line, while more than a third of females did not have it. In all these cases, the line occurred bilaterally as a single arcade, constantly at the most distal intersection of the rectus abdominis muscle. Consequently, the arcuate line is most reliably marked superficially by the distal tendinous intersection of the rectus abdominis muscle. Harvesting of the muscle cranial to this point will minimize defects in the anterior abdominal wall that may lead to hernia formation. Clin. Anat. 23:84–86, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Topographical anatomy of the transverse facial artery
Authors: Yang Hee‐Jun , Gil Young‐Chun , Lee Hye‐Yeon
Published: November 2009

The transverse facial artery (TFA) is found in the lateral face and supplies the parotid gland and duct, facial nerve, facial muscles, and skin. To better understand the cutaneous vascularization of the lateral face and to better characterize the topography and other anatomical features of the TFA, microsurgical dissection was performed in 44 cadavers. The number of TFAs present ranged from one to three, and a single TFA was most common (70.5%). The TFA originated from the superficial temporal artery at or above the level of crossing by the temporofacial trunk of the facial nerve in the parotid gland (57.6%). The TFA divided into superior and inferior trunks in the gland, and continued as emerging branch. The superior emerging branch emerged from the gland superior to the parotid duct and divided into many branches. It supplied the malar area, crossed the parotid duct, terminated as perforator, vasa nervorum, or artery to the parotid duct or muscle. The inferior trunk in 72.5% continued as emerging branch instead of terminating in the gland. TFAs were classified into four types; the most common type was Type A in which the superior and inferior emerging branches and the duct‐crossing branch were present. The mean number of perforators to the superficial cutaneous layer was 1.9. Most perforators extended from the superior emerging branches (77.9%). The most common perforating site was below the duct on the anterior third of the masseter muscle. In two cases, the TFA formed an anastomosis with the facial artery. Clin. Anat. 23:168–178, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adductor magnus: A post‐operative illustration of its dual nerve supply
Authors: Barrett Tristan , Arthurs Owen J.
Published: November 2009

We present a case in which MRI clearly demonstrated the function of the sciatic nerve by highlighting the complications of its involvement by disease and subsequent surgery. In this clinical case, the underlying diagnosis of a nerve sheath tumour had been established and treated surgically, and subsequent follow‐up imaging confirmed the expected features of sciatic nerve transection. Six months following the removal of the tumour, atrophy was seen in the muscle groups supplied by the branches of this nerve. This was manifested as muscle wasting and high signal on T1 and T2‐weighted MRI affecting the biceps femoris (short and long heads), semimembranosus, semitendinosus, and the hamstring (ischiocondylar) part of the adductor magnus, but the adductor part of the adductor magnus, supplied by the obturator nerve, was spared and appeared normal. Clin. Anat. 23:115–119, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cervical lymph nodes are found in direct relationship with the internal carotid artery: Significance for the lymphatic drainage of the brain
Authors: Clapham R. , O'Sullivan E. , Weller R.O. , Carare R.O.
Published: November 2009

The brain has no conventional lymphatics, but solutes injected into it drain along artery walls and reach lymph nodes in the neck. This study seeks to identify cervical lymph nodes related to the human internal carotid artery (ICA) that could act as the first regional lymph nodes for the brain. Bilateral dissections were carried out on four embalmed human heads, from the level of the carotid bifurcation in the neck, to the base of the skull. Lymph nodes from every specimen were processed for histological examination. A total of 51 deep cervical lymph nodes were identified: 12 lymph nodes (confirmed by histological examination) were observed to be in direct relationship with the ICA. These lymph nodes were found within the carotid sheath and had average diameters of 13.5 × 4.8 mm. Solutes and interstitial fluid from the brain may drain along the walls of cerebral arteries and reach these lymph nodes. They may be sites of stimulation of immune responses against antigens from the brain. Clin. Anat. 23:43–47, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomic position of the asterion in Kenyans for posterolateral surgical approaches to cranial cavity
Authors: Mwachaka P.M. , Hassanali J. , Odula P.O.
Published: November 2009

The asterion, defined as the junction between lambdoid, parietomastoid, and occipitomastoid sutures, has been used as a landmark in posterolateral approaches to the posterior fossa. Its reliability however has been put into question due to its population‐specific variability in position, using external palpable landmarks and its relation to the transverse–sigmoid sinus complex. This study aimed at determining the anatomic position of the asterion in a Kenyan population. Measurements from the asterion to the root of zygoma and the tip of mastoid process, respectively were taken on both left and right sides of 90 (51 male, 39 female) human skulls. The relation of the asterion to the transverse–sigmoid sinus junction was also determined. The distances on the right and left sides from the asterion to the root of the zygoma were 58.85 ± 2.50 mm and 58.44 ± 2.12 mm, respectively. The asterion was 47.89 ± 3.72 mm above the tip of mastoid process on the right side and 47.62 ± 2.87 mm on the left side. This point was significantly higher in males (48.36 ± 2.72 mm) than in females (46.62 ± 3.37 mm) with a P‐value of 0.041. Regarding its position from the transverse–sigmoid sinus junction, it was at the junction in 72 cases, below it in 17 cases (average 3.68 mm) and only one case had the asterion above this junction (2.57 mm). The asterion therefore can reliably be ascertained using the parameters from the root of the zygoma and the tip of the mastoid process. The safest approach would be posteroinferior to the asterion so as to avoid lacerating the transverse–sigmoid sinus complex. Clin. Anat. 23:30–33, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The position of the mandibular canal and histologic feature of the inferior alveolar nerve
Authors: Kilic C. , Kamburoğlu K. , Ozen T. , Balcioglu H.A. , Kurt B. , Kutoglu T. , Ozan H.
Published: November 2009

The inferior alveolar nerve is the one of the large branches of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. It is vulnerable during surgical procedures of the mandible. Despite its importance, no anatomical and histological examination has been conducted to provide a detailed cross‐sectional morphology of the mandibular canal according to dental status. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the position of the mandibular canal through direct measurement and to determine the branches of the inferior alveolar nerve through histologic examination. The area between the anterior margin of the third molar and the anterior margin of the second premolar of dentulous, partially dentulous, and edentulous hemimandible specimens (n = 49) from 26 human cadavers was serially sectioned into seven segments, and specific distances were measured using digital calipers. Following this, 5‐μm cross‐sections were prepared along the mandibular canal and mental foramen, and examined by fluorescence microscopy. The mandibular canal was located at a mean distance of 10.52 mm above the inferior margin of the mandible. The mean maximum diameters of the mandibular canal, inferior alveolar nerve, inferior alveolar artery, and inferior alveolar vein were 2.52, 1.84, 0.42, and 0.58 mm, respectively. This study found that the inferior alveolar nerve often gives rise to several branches at each level (range 0–3). To minimize the risk of injury, knowledge of the small branches of the nerve and of the detailed findings regarding the position of the mandibular canal reported here should be considered when planning mandibular surgery, especially during implant placement. Clin. Anat. 23:34–42, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of the Detailed Configuration of Hydrated Lanthanoid(III) Ions in Aqueous Solution and Crystalline Salts by Using K‐ and L3‐Edge XANES Spectroscopy
Authors: D'Angelo Paola , Zitolo Andrea , Migliorati Valentina , Persson Ingmar
Published: November 2009

The structural properties of the hydrated lanthanoid(III) ions in aqueous solution and in the isostructural trifluoromethanesulfonate salts have been investigated by a quantitative analysis of the X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectra at the K‐ and L3‐edges. The XANES analysis has provided a clear description of the variation of lanthanoid(III) hydration properties across the series. It was found that all of the lanthanoid(III) hydration complexes retain a tricapped trigonal prism (TTP) geometry, and along the series two of the capping water molecules become less and less strongly bound, before finally, on average, one of them leaves the hydration cluster. This gives rise to an eight‐coordinated distorted bicapped trigonal prism with two different LnO capping distances for the smallest lanthanoid(III) ions. This systematic study has shown that for lanthanoid compounds more accurate structural information is obtained from the analysis of the L3‐edge than from K‐edge XANES data. Moreover, whereas the second hydration shells provide a detectable contribution to the L3‐edge XANES spectra of the lighter lanthanoid ions, the K‐edge spectra are insensitive to the more distant coordination spheres.
Design and Synthesis of a Highly Sensitive Off–On Fluorescent Chemosensor for Zinc Ions Utilizing Internal Charge Transfer
Authors: Hanaoka Kenjiro , Muramatsu Yasuaki , Urano Yasuteru , Terai Takuya , Nagano Tetsuo
Published: November 2009

Fluorescence imaging is a powerful tool for the visualization of biological molecules in living cells, tissue slices, and whole bodies, and is important for elucidating biological phenomena. Furthermore, zinc (Zn2+) is the second most abundant heavy metal ion in the human body after iron, and detection of chelatable Zn2+ in biological studies has attracted much attention. Herein, we present a novel, highly sensitive off–on fluorescent chemosensor for Zn2+ by using the internal charge transfer (ICT) mechanism. The rationale of our approach to highly sensitive sensor molecules is as follows. If fluorescence can be completely quenched in the absence of Zn2+, chemosensors would offer a better signal‐to‐noise ratio. However, it is difficult to quench the fluorescence completely before Zn2+ binding, and most sensor molecules still show very weak fluorescence in the absence of Zn2+. But even though the sensor shows a weak fluorescence in the absence of Zn2+, this fluorescence can be further suppressed by selecting an excitation wavelength that is barely absorbed by the Zn2+‐free sensor molecule. Focusing on careful control of ICT within the 4‐amino‐1,8‐naphthalimide dye platform, we designed and synthesized a new chemosensor (1) that shows a pronounced fluorescence enhancement with a blueshift in the absorption spectrum upon addition of Zn2+. The usefulness of 1 for monitoring Zn2+ changes was confirmed in living HeLa cells. There have been several reports on 4‐amino‐1,8‐naphthalimide‐based fluorescent sensor molecules. However, 1 is the first Zn2+‐sensitive off–on fluorescent sensor molecule that employs the ICT mechanism; most off–on sensor molecules for Zn2+ employ the photoinduced electron transfer (PeT) mechanism.