bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A plasmid display platform for the selection of peptides exhibiting a functional cell‐penetrating phenotype
Authors: Gao Shan , Simon Melissa J. , Morrison Barclay , Banta Scott
Published: August 2010

Cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) represent a promising nonviral platform for the delivery of therapeutic cargos to cells and tissues. However, these peptides are often nonspecific, and their mechanism of action is still a subject of debate, which hinders the design of new CPPs. The alternative to rational protein design is the combinatorial approach to protein engineering, whereby large libraries of peptides are created and a screening or selection procedure is used to identify members with the desired phenotype(s). Here we describe a novel procedure for selecting peptides with a CPP phenotype using a plasmid display (PD) platform to link the peptides to their encoding DNA sequences. The PD system is based on genetic fusions to a DNA binding domain. The plasmid was designed to concomitantly express a fluorescent reporter protein to serve as a mock therapeutic cargo indicating its functional delivery into a cell. We have demonstrated this selection strategy using a control CPP (the TAT peptide) in the PC12 neuronal‐like cell line. In the absence of transfection reagents, TAT was unable to deliver the protein/DNA complexes. The inclusion of the HA2 peptide from the hemagglutinin protein and the addition of polyethylenimine (PEI) were similarly ineffective. The addition of Lipofectamine, however, enabled the TAT‐mediated delivery of the protein/DNA complexes, which was significantly better than control experiments without a CPP. This new PD selection platform will be a valuable new approach for use in identifying unique CPPs from randomized libraries with novel abilities and specificities. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Improved recombinant protein yield using a codon deoptimized DHFR selectable marker in a CHEF1 expression plasmid
Authors: Westwood Amy D. , Rowe Daniel A. , Clarke Howard R. G.
Published: August 2010

The CHEF1® expression plasmid utilizes regulatory domains of the Chinese Hamster Elongation Factor 1 (CHEF1) housekeeping gene to drive stable recombinant protein expression in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. Rapid development of stable CHEF1 cell lines is possible, in part, because high titer pools are produced in the absence of methotrexate‐induced DHFR amplification. Inhibiting DHFR activity with methotrexate increases the selection pressure on transfected cells and can result in a compensatory event to ensure cell survival, such as dhfr gene amplification or integration into a transcriptionally active genomic site. Methotrexate amplification often results in improved cell line productivity but it is a time‐consuming process. Herein, we describe a novel mechanism to increase selection stringency via codon deoptimization of the mouse dhfr selectable marker utilizing hamster codon preference that results in improved expression of a linked recombinant protein compared to wild‐type DHFR selection. We show that deoptimizing the translatability of the dhfr gene reduces the expression level of the DHFR protein in CHO transfection pools and derived clones. Lower DHFR expression increases the transfection selection stringency, shown as lower transfection efficiency in pools, and correlates with increased recombinant protein expression in both pools and clones. These results demonstrate a new mechanism for increasing selection stringency and improving recombinant protein production during cell line development without time‐consuming gene amplification steps. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Selectivity and delignification kinetics for oxidative and nonoxidative lime pretreatment of poplar wood, part III: Long‐term
Authors: Sierra Rocio , Garcia Laura A. , Holtzapple Mark Thomas
Published: August 2010

Lime pretreatment is an effective method for improving lignocellulose digestibility by removing lignin. For several weeks, mixtures of poplar wood, water, and calcium hydroxide (lime) were submitted to temperatures from 25 to 65°C, with and without aeration. Kinetic models for lignin and carbohydrate degradation were obtained as functions of temperature, time, and aeration using first‐order kinetics in lignin and carbohydrates. Model 1 considered two reacting moieties (slow and fast), and Model 2 considered three (slow, medium, and fast). Model 1 was statistically better and was employed to determine differential and integral selectivities, which measure the ability of pretreatment to retain carbohydrates while removing lignin. During the first 2 weeks, when lignin content ≥0.80 g/g lignin in raw biomass, both glucan and xylan differential and integral selectivities decreased rapidly. Afterwards, selectivities were nearly constant ranging between 0 and 3 g lignin removed/g carbohydrate degraded. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Achieving high mass‐throughput of therapeutic proteins through parvovirus retentive filters
Authors: Bolton Glen R. , Basha Jonida , LaCasse Daniel P.
Published: August 2010

Parvovirus retentive filters that assure removal of viruses and virus‐like particles during the production of therapeutic proteins significantly contribute to total manufacturing costs. Operational approaches that can increase throughput and reduce filtration area would result in a significant cost savings. A combination of methods was used to achieve high throughputs of an antibody or therapeutic protein solution through three parvovirus retentive filters. These methods included evaluation of diatomaceous earth or size‐based prefilters, the addition of additives, and the optimization of protein concentration, temperature, buffer composition, and solution pH. An optimum temperature of 35°C was found for maximizing throughput through the Virosart CPV and Viresolve Pro filters. Mass‐throughput values of 7.3, 26.4, and 76.2 kg/m2 were achieved through the Asahi Planova 20N, Virosart CPV, and Viresolve Pro filters, respectively, in 4 h of processing. Mass‐throughput values of 73, 137, and 192 kg/m2 were achieved through a Millipore Viresolve Pro filter in 4.0, 8.8, and 22.1 h of processing, respectively, during a single experiment. However, large‐scale parvovirus filtration operations are typically controlled to limit volumetric throughput to below the level achieved during small‐scale virus spiking experiments. The virus spike may cause significant filter plugging, limiting throughput. Therefore newer parvovirus filter spiking strategies should be adopted that may lead to more representative viral clearance data and higher utilization of large‐scale filter capacity. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Citrate and phosphate influence on green fluorescent protein thermal stability
Authors: de Lencastre Novaes Letícia C. , Mazzola Priscila G. , Pessoa Adalberto , Penna Thereza C. Vessoni
Published: August 2010

Protein structure and function can be regulated by no specific interactions, such as ionic interactions in the presence of salts. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) shows remarkable structural stability and high fluorescence; its stability can be directly related to its fluorescence output, among other characteristics. GFP is stable under increasing temperatures, and its thermal denaturation is highly reproducible. The aim of this study was to evaluate the thermal stability of GFP in the presence of different salts at several concentrations and exposed to constant temperatures, in a range of 70–95°C. Thermal stability was expressed in decimal reduction time. It was observed that the D‐values obtained were higher in the presence of citrate and phosphate, when compared with that obtained in their absence, indicating that these salts stabilized the protein against thermal denaturation. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Accelerating glycolytic flux of Torulopsis glabrata CCTCC M202019 at high oxidoreduction potential created using potassium ferricyanide
Authors: Qin Yi , Liu Li‐Ming , Li Chang‐Hao , Xu Sha , Chen Jian
Published: August 2010

This study aimed to increase the glycolytic flux of the multivitamin auxotrophic yeast Torulopsis glabrata by redirecting NADH oxidation from oxidative phosphorylation to membrane‐bound ferric reductase. We added potassium ferricyanide as electron acceptor to T. glabrata culture broth at 20% dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, which resulted in: (1) decreases in the NADH content, NADH/NAD+ ratio, and ATP level of 45.3%, 60.3%, and 15.2%, respectively; (2) high activities of the key glycolytic enzymes hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, and pyruvate kinase, as well as high expression levels of the genes encoding these enzymes; and (3) increases in the specific glucose consumption rate and pyruvate yield of T. glabrata was by 45.5% and 23.1%, respectively. Our results showed that membrane‐bound ferric reductase offers an alternative and efficient NADH oxidation pathway at lower DO concentration, which increases the glycolytic flux of T. glabrata. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Supermacroporous polymer‐based cryogel bioreactor for monoclonal antibody production in continuous culture using hybridoma cells
Authors: Jain Era , Karande Anjali A. , Kumar Ashok
Published: August 2010

Cryogel matrices composed of different polymeric blends were synthesized, yielding a unique combination of hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity with the presence or absence of charged surface. Four such cryogel matrices composed of polyacrylamide–chitosan (PAAC), poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)–chitosan, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) were tested for growth of different hybridoma cell lines and production of antibody in static culture. All the matrices were capable for the adherence of hybridoma cell lines 6A4D7, B7B10, and H9E10 to the polymeric surfaces as well as for the efficient monoclonal antibody (mAb) production. PAAC proved to be relatively better in terms of both mAb production and cell growth. Further, PAAC cryogel was designed into three different formats, monolith, disks, and beads, and used as packing material for packed‐bed bioreactor. Long‐term cultivation of 6A4D7 cell line on PAAC cryogel scaffold in all the three formats could be successfully done for a period of 6 weeks under static conditions. Continuous packed‐bed bioreactor was setup using 6A4D7 hybridoma cell line in the three reactor formats. The reactors ran continuously for a period of 60 days during which mAb production and metabolism of cells in the bioreactors were monitored periodically. The monolith bioreactor performed most efficiently over a period of 60 days and produced a total of 57.5 mg of antibody in the first 30 days (in 500 mL) with a highest concentration of 115 μg mL−1, which is fourfold higher than t‐flask culture. The results demonstrate that appropriate chemistry and geometry of the bioreactor matrix for cell growth and immobilization can enhance the reactor productivity. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Bionanoconjugate‐based composites for decontamination of nerve agents
Authors: Borkar Indrakant V. , Dinu Cerasela Zoica , Zhu Guangyu , Kane Ravi S. , Dordick Jonathan S.
Published: August 2010

We have developed enzyme‐based composites that rapidly and effectively detoxify simulants of V‐ and G‐type chemical warfare nerve agents. The approach was based on the efficient immobilization of organophosphorus hydrolase onto carbon nanotubes to form active and stable conjugates that were easily entrapped in commercially available paints. The resulting catalytic‐based composites showed no enzyme leaching and rendered >99% decontamination of 10 g/m2 paraoxon, a simulant of the V‐type nerve agent, in 30 minutes and >95% decontamination of diisopropylfluorophosphate, a simulant of G‐type nerve agent, in 45 minutes. The formulations are expected to be environmentally friendly and to offer an easy to use, on demand, decontamination alternative to chemical approaches for sustainable material self‐decontamination. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Improved particle counting and size distribution determination of aggregated virus populations by asymmetric flow field‐flow fractionation and multiangle light scattering techniques
Authors: McEvoy Matt , Razinkov Vladimir , Wei Ziping , Casas‐Finet Jose R. , Tous Guillermo I. , Schenerman Mark A.
Published: August 2010

A method using a combination of asymmetric flow field‐flow fractionation (AFFFF) and multiangle light scattering (MALS) techniques has been shown to improve the estimation of virus particle counts and the amount of aggregated virus in laboratory samples. The method is based on the spherical particle counting approach given by Wyatt and Weida in 2004, with additional modifications. The new method was tested by analyzing polystyrene beads and adenovirus samples, both having a well‐characterized particle size and concentration. Influenza virus samples were analyzed by the new AFFFF‐MALS technique, and particle size and aggregate state were compared with results from atomic force microscopy analysis. The limitations and source of possible errors for the new AFFFF‐MALS analysis are discussed. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Qualification of a novel inline spiking method for virus filter validation
Authors: Lutz Herbert , Chang Wayne , Blandl Tamas , Ramsey Gisela , Parella Joe , Fisher John , Gefroh Eva
Published: August 2010

Virus filters are widely used in bioprocessing to reduce the risk of virus contamination in therapeutics. The small pores required to retain viruses are sensitive to plugging by trace contaminants and frequently require inline adsorptive prefiltration. Virus spiking studies are required to demonstrate virus removal capabilities of the virus filter using scale down filters. If prefiltration removes viruses and interferes with the measurement of virus filter LRV, the standard approach is to batch prefilter the protein solution, spike with virus, and then virus filter. For a number of proteins, batch prefiltration leads to increased plugging and significantly lower throughputs than inline prefiltration. A novel inline spiking method was developed to overcome this problem. This method allows the use of inline prefiltration with direct measurement of virus filter removal capabilities. The equipment and its operation are described. The method was tested with three different protein feeds, two different parvovirus filters, two virus injection rates; a salt spike, a bacteriophage spike, and two mammalian virus spikes: MMV and xMuLV. The novel inline method can reliably measure LRV at throughputs representative of the manufacturing process. It is recommended for applications where prefiltration is needed to improve throughput, prefiltration significantly reduces virus titer, and virus filter throughput is significantly reduced using batch vs. inline prefiltration. It can even help for the case where the virus preparation causes premature plugging. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Enzymatic fragmentation of cation exchange membrane bound immunoglobulin G
Authors: Yu Deqiang , Ghosh Raja
Published: August 2010

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) was immobilized on a stack of microporous cation‐exchange membranes and pulsed with pepsin solution. Fc fragment and its sub‐fragments thus produced were removed along with the reaction flow‐through, whereas F(ab′)2 which remained membrane bound could subsequently be eluted in a pure form using salt. The extent of IgG fragmentation and the apparent reaction rate constant were both significantly higher than in equivalent liquid phase reaction, presumably due to a combination of mass transport, steric, and substrate concentration effects. This approach of using a membrane surface as molecule cutting board could be attractive in niche applications such as integrated enzymatic reaction and purification processes involving macromolecular substrates. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Sexual abuse in sport: a model to prevent and protect athletes
Authors: Parent Sylvie , Demers Guylaine
Published: August 2010

Several studies clearly show that sexual abuse exists in sport. Currently, very few studies have examined the prevention and management of this problem in sports organisations. This article explores the measures used to prevent sexual abuse in sports organisations as well as the perceptions of the sports actors affected by these measures (parents, athletes, administrators and coaches). The results demonstrate that several factors affect the implementation of measures and the management of this problem in sports organisations. Moreover, few measures exist to prevent and manage cases of sexual abuse in these organisations, thus jeopardising the protection of athletes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Haptic‐constraint modeling based on interactive metaballs
Authors: Chen Hui , Sun Hanqiu , Jin Xiaogang
Published: August 2010

Adding interactive haptic‐constraint sensations is important in interactive computer gaming and 3D shape design. Usually constraints are set on vertices of the object to drive the deformation. How to simulate dynamic force constraints in interactive design is still a challenging task. In this paper, we propose a novel haptic‐constraint modeling method based on interactive metaballs, during which the haptic‐constraint tools are attracted to the target location and then control the touch‐enabled deformation within the constrained areas. The interactive force feedbacks facilitate designers to accurately deform the target regions and fine carve the details as their intention on the objects. Our work studies how to apply touch sensation in such constrained deformations using interactive metaballs, thus users can truly feel and control the soft‐touch objects during the deforming interactions. Experimental results show that the dynamic sense of touch during the haptic manipulation is intuitively simulated to users, via the interacting interface we have developed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender differences in re‐offending among psychiatrically examined Swedish offenders
Authors: Alm Charlotte , Berman Anne H. , Kristiansson Marianne , Lindqvist Per , Palmstierna Tom , Gumpert Clara Hellner
Published: August 2010

Background The gender gap for violent offending is narrowing in the general population. Substance abuse and mental health problems are known risk factors for criminality. While substance abuse treatment has been associated with reduced risk of re‐offending, women seem less likely to engage than men. People misusing substances tend to be high users of emergency room (ER) services. Such use may be an indicator both of treatment failure for substance misuse and offending. Little is known about gender differences in this respect.

Aims This study aims to test for gender differences in re‐offending, use of substance abuse treatment, and hospital ER visits among offenders referred for forensic psychiatric assessment in Sweden.

Method The study used a longitudinal retrospective design. Data on all 31 women from a 2‐year (2000–2001) cohort of serious offenders referred for forensic psychiatric assessment in Stockholm county, and 31 men from the same cohort, were extracted from forensic service and national records. Selection of the men was by initial random sampling followed by matching on age and substance misuse. The two resulting samples were compared on health service use and re‐offending data between release and the census date (30 April 2004).

Results There were no gender differences for violent re‐offending or for engagement in planned substance abuse treatment, in spite of longer time at risk for the men. Re‐offending was reduced for women but not men who did not present in the ER with physical health problems.

Conclusions Our study is limited by sample size, although it included all women referred to the specialist forensic psychiatric service over 2 years, but it does indicate that differences between men and women in this situation are likely, and worthy of further study. The only way of achieving adequate sample sizes is likely to be through multi‐centre collaboration. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personality structure among prisoners: How valid is the five‐factor model, and can it offer support for Eysenck's theory of criminality?
Authors: Ireland Jane L. , Ireland Carol A.
Published: August 2010

Background Research with offenders has tended to use a categorical system of diagnosis or a three‐factor model. There is growing evidence among non‐offending groups that a five‐factor model (FFM), which is more holistic and emphasises strengths as well as limitations, may be more clinically useful.

Aim The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the FFM of personality in a sample of adult male prisoners. It was predicted that they would show higher scores for extraversion (E) and lower scores for emotional stability (ES) [the equivalent of higher neuroticism (N)], that E would be predicted by prison experience and age and that the FFM would be confirmed as a better fit to the data over Eysenck's three‐factor [P(psychoticism)EN] model.

Methods Two independent samples of adult male prisoners were asked to complete the International Personality Item Pool while locked in their cells over the lunchtime period. Parallel and confirmatory factor analyses were used to test the hypotheses.

Results There was a 65 and 75% response rate across the independent samples, resulting in samples of 259 and 183, respectively. Overall, more positive personality traits were evidenced across both samples. E was not predicted by prison experience or age, with increased ES related to increased age in only one sample. The best‐fitting model comprised five factors, but represented a variant of the FFM.

Conclusions and implications for practice The value of applying broad conceptualisations of personality to special samples is discussed, with the importance of accounting for positive, as well as negative, traits acknowledged. The presence of increased positive traits in comparison to negative traits is not in keeping with Eysenck's original personality theory of criminal behaviour, with the study highlighting value in accounting more for environmental factors. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triply troubled: Criminal behaviour and mental health in a cohort of teenage pregnant substance misusers in treatment
Authors: Barnes Wesley , Ismail Khaled M. K. , Crome Ilana B.
Published: August 2010

Background Teenage substance misuse and pregnancy are major public health problems in the UK, where the most recent figures on maternal deaths suggest that they have doubled among young substance misusers. In general, little is known about their pregnancy outcomes.

Aims The aims of this study were to describe the characteristics of a sample of teenage pregnant drug users in the UK, to examine their psychosocial risk and complicating factors at presentation, to evaluate adherence to current national guidelines and to assess the adequacy of guidelines in relation to identified characteristics.

Methods A six‐year records survey of young people attending a specialist adolescent drug misuse service in the west midlands of the UK.

Results Ten pregnant adolescents were identified from records. These girls have had unstable or abusive experiences through childhood, half having other substance misusers in the family. All were with substantially older partners, who were also substance misusers. All had required a mental health assessment and 90% had a history of self‐harm. There were no maternal or neonatal deaths, and only one girl had a miscarriage, but in four cases, the child had to be fostered.

Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first analysis of this kind in the UK. Available guidelines were followed, but our findings suggest that more detailed and comprehensive guidelines are required. Preventive measures through education are likely to be hampered by the early age at which these girls cease attending school. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Young serious and vulnerable offenders in the Netherlands: A cohort follow‐up study after completion of a PIJ (detention) order
Authors: van Marle Hjalmar J.C. , Hempel Inge S. , Buck Nicole M.L.
Published: August 2010

Background About 150–200 ‘Placement in an Institution for Juveniles Orders’ (PIJ orders) are imposed each year in the Netherlands. Many of the young people under these orders have mental disorders or ‘threatened psychological development’ and are thought to be at high risk of recidivism. There are no previous studies of the range of judicial, correctional or psychiatric contacts after the PIJ order, but this could extend understanding of any links between post‐treatment psychological development of these young offenders and their reoffending or desistence from it.

Aims To examine reoffending and judicial, correctional or psychiatric contacts of juveniles after a PIJ order, any relationship between seriousness of the index offence and first reoffence, and to test the hypothesis that ‘threatened psychological development’ is associated with higher recidivism rates.

Methods A records‐based follow‐up study of a 9‐year (1995–2003) national release cohort of 781 Dutch juvenile offenders finishing a PIJ order under the Juvenile Entrustment Act. Descriptive statistics were used to show patterns of reoffending and the reoffending and non‐reoffending groups compared.

Results The mean length of the PIJ order was 2.5 years, and mean time subsequently at risk for offending was 83.5 months (range 51–135 months). After treatment under a PIJ order, serious criminal offending was reduced by 50%, and there was a trend towards less serious property offences. Contrary to prediction, ‘threatened psychological development’ was not associated with worse outcomes.

Conclusions The data offer support for the value of the PIJ order. The recidivism rate remains high, and although the trend to less serious offending is encouraging, the findings raise questions about whether criminogenic needs are sufficiently met. By contrast, the apparently low rates of adult mental disorder, even among those regarded as having had ‘threatened psychological development’, suggest that PIJ institutions are doing a good job with respect to mental health. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Dipyridamole versus verapamil for treatment of no‐reflow during primary angioplasty
Authors: Tanzilli Gaetano , Greco Cesare , Pasceri Vincenzo , Pelliccia Francesco , Arrivi Alessio , Placanica Attilio , Mangieri Enrico
Published: August 2010

Background: No previous study has assessed the possible role of dipyridamole for treatment of no‐reflow during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods and Results: Forty‐six consecutive patients (age 64 ± 13 years, 37 men) with no reflow during primary percutaneous coronary intervention were randomized to initial treatment with either dipyridamole (0.56 mg/kg i.c.) or verapamil (1 mg i.c.). Patients with unsuccessful response to the first drug were then switched to the second one (from dipyridamole to verapamil and vice versa). Angiographic end‐points were similar in the two groups: TIMI flow was 2.9 ± 0.3 versus 2.8 ± 0.4 (P = 0.28), corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC) 26.4 ± 8.8 versus 31.6 ± 11.4 (P = 0.14) and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) 2.1 ± 1.2 versus 1.7 ± 1.2 (P = 0.12) in dipydidamole and verapamil group, respectively. Optimal myocardial perfusion (TMPG‐3) was achieved by 56% of patients with dipyridamole and 39% with verapamil (P = 0.38). In patients with persistent no‐reflow administration of dipyridamole on top of verapamil resulted in a significant further improvement of cTFC (from 31.6 ± 11.4 to 24.6 ±5.7 P = 0.009) and of TMPG (from 1.7 ± 1.2 to 2.6 ± 0.7, P = 0.007). Conversely, verapamil did not induce a significant improvement in coronary flow (cTFC changed from 26.4 ± 8.8 to 24.5 ± 8.5, P = 0.28 and TMPG from 2.1 ± 1.2 to 2.4 ± 1.2, P = 0.13). There were no significant side effects induced by dipyridamole, while verapamil caused AV block in 9% of cases. Conclusions: Dipyridamole is a safe and effective first‐line drug for treatment of no‐reflow. Dipyridamole can also be successfully used in patients with incomplete response to verapamil. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Total Syntheses of Tubulysins
Authors: Shibue Taku , Hirai Toshihiro , Okamoto Iwao , Morita Nobuyoshi , Masu Hyuma , Azumaya Isao , Tamura Osamu
Published: August 2010

The total syntheses of tetrapeptides tubulysins D (1 b), U (1 c), and V (1 d), which are potent tubulin polymerization inhibitors, are described. The synthesis of Tuv (2), an unusual amino acid constituent of tubulysins, includes an 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of chiral nitrone D‐6 derived from D‐gulose with N‐acryloyl camphor sultam (−)‐9 employing the double asymmetric induction, whereas the synthesis of Tup (20), another unusual amino acid, involves a stereoselective Evans aldol reaction of (Z)‐boron enolate generated from (S)‐4‐isopropyl‐3‐propionyl‐2‐oxazolidinone with N‐protected phenylalaninal and a subsequent Barton deoxygenation protocol. We accomplished the total syntheses of tubulysins U (1 c) and V (1 d) by using these methodologies, in which the isoxazolidine ring was used as the effective protective group for γ‐amido alcohol functionality. Furthermore, to understand the structure‐activity relationship of tubulysins, we synthesized tubulysin D (1 b) and cyclo‐tubulysin D (1 e) from 2‐Me and 20, and ent‐tubulysin D (ent‐1 d) from ent‐2‐Me and ent‐20, respectively. The preliminary results regarding their biological activities are also reported.
Oxidative Coupling of Aromatic Substrates with Alkynes and Alkenes under Rhodium Catalysis
Authors: Satoh Tetsuya , Miura Masahiro
Published: August 2010

Aromatic substrates with oxygen‐ and nitrogen‐containing substituents undergo oxidative coupling with alkynes and alkenes under rhodium catalysis through regioselective CH bond cleavage. Coordination of the substituents to the rhodium center is the key to activate the CH bonds effectively. Various fused‐ring systems can be constructed through these reactions.
Formation of Metal‐Assisted Stable Double Helices in Dimers of Cyclic Bis‐Tetrapyrroles that Exhibit Spring‐Like Motion
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Nishimura Takuma , Lim Jong Min , Kim Dongho , Maeda Hiromitsu
Published: August 2010

Bidipyrrin‐bridged macrocycles, prepared from NiII‐bridged dipyrrin‐based nanorings by intramolecular oxidative biaryl coupling reactions, yielded [2+4]‐type ZnII‐assisted stable twisted‐ring dimers comprising two double helices. These [2+4]‐type metal complexes can be optically resolved by chiral HPLC and exhibit tunable electronic and optical properties as a result of spring‐like motions. The double helices behave as glue to connect two macrocycles and as the screws of hinges to form thermally responsive synchronized spring systems.
ChemInform Abstract: Investigations on the Synthesis and Properties of Some N‐ Arylpiperazinylalkyl Derivatives of Imides of 3,4‐Pyridinedicarboxylic Acids.
Authors: SLADOWSKA H.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Ba4(WN4)Cl2: The First Nitridotungstate(VI) Chloride.
Authors: WACHSMANN CH. , JACOBS H.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A New Coupling Reaction of Alkyl Iodides with a,β‐Unsaturated Esters Using Ni2B(cat.)‐BER in Methanol.
Authors: SIM T. B. , CHOI J. , YOON N. M.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Structure, and Absorption Spectra of the Well‐Defined 1,1′‐ Bicyclopentadiene Derivatives.
Authors: YAMAGUCHI S. , TAMAO K.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Utilization of a Novel Glycine‐Derived Chiral Precursor, Based on a Recyclable L‐Prolinol Auxiliary, for the Enantioselective Preparation of α‐Amino Acids and Their N‐Methyl Derivatives.
Authors: PANDEY G. , REDDY P. Y. , DAS P.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: The First Complete Set of Authentic Functional β‐Cyclodextrins with One Imidazolyl Group Specifically Attached to C‐2 or C‐3.
Authors: YUAN D.‐Q. , OHTA K. , FUJITA K.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthetic Cyclic Oligosaccharides. Part 1. Syntheses and Structural Properties of Cyclo((1 → 4)‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 . fwdarw. 4)‐α‐D‐mannopyranosyl)trioside and ‐tetraoside.
Authors: ASHTON P. R. , BROWN C. L. , MENZER S. , NEPOGODIEV S. A. , STODDART J. F. , WILLIAMS D. J.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Molecular Reactions of Protein Phosphatases — Insights from Structure and Chemistry
Authors: Jackson Michael D. , Denu John M.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
The impact of stock split handling rules on returns: Evidence from Canada
Authors: Smith Brian F. , Zhu Yunhua
Published: August 2010

Canadian and US stock split handling rules differ. In the US, buying shares is inconvenient before the ex‐date. In Canada, sellers face a miniscule probability of a big loss if the split is cancelled between the ex‐date and payable date. On the ex‐date, Canadian stock returns are positive and the proportion of seller‐initiated trading declines. After the payable date, returns are negative and the proportion of seller‐initiated trading increases. For cross‐listed shares, effects of US and Canadian rules are offsetting as returns are insignificant. We conclude that rules associated with a remote possibility of large losses affect investor behaviour. Copyright © 2010 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Credibility of corporate announcements and market reaction: evidence from Canadian share repurchase programs
Authors: Mishra Dev , Racine Marie D. , Schmidt Luke
Published: August 2010

Do market participants evaluate the credibility of a firm's share repurchase announcement based on the firm's share repurchase history? Using a sample of 1,507 share repurchase programs for firms listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange from 1994 to 2005, we find that 69% of firms fail to acquire the target number of shares specified at announcement and many firms fail to repurchase any shares. We develop credibility indices and find a positive relationship between current announcement abnormal returns and completion credibility of previous announcements. We conclude that the market prices completion credibility of past share repurchase announcements in reacting to current repurchase announcements. Copyright © 2010 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leadership, sourcing modes and IT project management
Authors: Roy Vital , Bernier Carmen , Danis Martin
Published: August 2010

Information technology (IT) project management has always been a major concern for firms. Researchers have demonstrated that the different characteristics of a project directly affect project management practices and have suggested that different leadership profiles are better suited to different project conditions. The aim of the proposed model is to aid in the understanding of the relationship between the type of IT project (represented by its sourcing mode) and the leadership profile adopted by a project manager. Using a case approach, we studied four successful IT projects. Our results suggest that projects using a partnership or recuperation sourcing mode require a more flexible profile of management than projects characterized by internal governance or outsourcing, which require a more control‐oriented profile of management. Copyright © 2010 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Work is my passion”: The different affective, behavioural, and cognitive consequences of harmonious and obsessive passion toward work
Authors: Forest Jacques , Mageau Geneviève A. , Sarrazin Claude , Morin Estelle M.
Published: August 2010

This study applies the dualistic model of passion (Vallerand et al., 2003) to the work setting and examines the relationships between harmonious passion (characterized by a strong but controllable desire to engage in an activity), obsessive passion (characterized by an internal pressure to carry out an activity), and optimal functioning outcomes at work. Harmonious passion associated positively with: mental health; three elements of flow (i.e., concentration, control, and autotelic experience); vitality, and affective commitment. These relationships were partly mediated by satisfaction of the basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. In contrast, obsessive passion directly and negatively predicted mental health and weakly but positively predicted autotelic experience. Theoretical and applied implications are discussed. Copyright ©2010 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic Treatment Response of Olive Mills Wastewater Using Series of Adsorption Steps
Authors: Azzam Mohammed‐Osama J. , Al‐Malah Kamal , Al‐Gazzawi Ziad , Al‐Omari Saad A.
Published: August 2010

Olive mills wastewater (OMW) is a critical environmental problem in the Mediterranean area due to its extremely high levels of COD and phenols. In this study, a group of adsorption experiments were conducted to investigate the dynamic response of the pH, COD, phenols, TSS, TDS, and TS concentrations of pretreated OMW, using different concentrations of activated carbon as adsorbent. The pretreatment included sedimentation and filtration of OMW. The pretreated OMW was then subjected to adsorption. A series of adsorption steps in stirred batch vessels were studied, namely, one stage, two‐stage countercurrent, and three‐stage countercurrent adsorption systems. A combined two‐ two‐stage countercurrent adsorption steps were also studied. Experimental results showed that such treatment protocols were promising. For example, a treatment protocol composed of a three‐stage countercurrent adsorption process using activated carbon of concentration of 24 g/L of OMW was able to reduce the COD from 60 000 mg/L down to 22 300 mg/L, while phenols were reduced from 450 to 15 mg/L.
Removal of Cadmium from Aqueous Solution Using Castor Seed Hull: A Kinetic and Equilibrium Study
Authors: Sen Tushar Kanti , Mohammod Masita , Maitra Saikat , Dutta Binay K.
Published: August 2010

The effects of various parameters such as initial concentration, adsorbent loading, pH, and contact time on kinetics and equilibrium of adsorption of Cd2+ metal ion from its aqueous solution by castor seed hull (CSH) and also by activated carbon have been investigated by batch adsorption experiments. The amount of adsorption increases with initial metal ion concentration, contact time, solution pH, and the loading of adsorbent for both the systems. Kinetic experiments indicate that adsorption of cadmium metal ion on both CSH and on activated carbon consists of three steps – a rapid adsorption of cadmium metal ion, a transition phase, and an almost flat plateau region. This has also been confirmed by the intraparticle diffusion model. The lumped kinetic results show that the cadmium adsorption process follows a pseudo‐second order rate law. The kinetic parameters including the rate constant are determined at different initial metal ion concentrations, pH, amount, and type of adsorbent, respectively. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models are used to describe the experimental data. The Langmuir model yields a better correlation coefficient than the other model. A comparison of the monolayer adsorption capacity (qm) of CSH, activated carbon, and several other reported adsorbents has been provided. The value of separation factor (RL) calculated from the Langmuir equation also gives an indication of favorable adsorption of the metal ion. From comparative studies, it has been found that CSH is a potentially attractive adsorbent than commercial activated carbon for cadmium metal ion (Cd2+) removal.
Modeling and Optimization of Fluoride and Cadmium Trapping in Phosphogypsum Using Design Methodology
Authors: Hajem Besma , Djebali Kais , M'nif Adel
Published: August 2010

The manufacturing of phosphoric acid from natural calcium phosphate generates a solid residue containing 25–30% humidity. This solid residue (phosphogypsum) generates acidic solution (pH ≈ 2.5) containing several toxic ionic species, that coat its grains. Fluorides and heavy metals such as cadmium are considered the most harmful species contained in the released solution from phosphogypsum. The purpose of this work is to study the trapping of fluorides and cadmium in phosphogypsum as well as effluent neutralization before its discharge into natural recipient. Therefore, calcium carbonate finely ground was added and fully mixed with wet phosphogypsum. A four factors central composite design was used to model and to optimize the operating parameters that govern the process. The studied factors were temperature, reaction time, mass, and grains size of CaCO3. Considered responses were pH, F−, and Cd2+ concentrations in the released solution after reaction with CaCO3. The optimum operating conditions were quite efficient to trap, respectively, 99% Cd2+ and 97% of F− with a final pH of 6.66. So an original, easy, simple, and cost effective method to trap some toxic species on phosphogypsum through CaCO3 addition would likely to be integrated in phosphoric acid manufacturing plant.
The actin gene family: Function follows isoform
Authors: Perrin Benjamin J. , Ervasti James M.
Published: August 2010

Although actin is often thought of as a single protein, in mammals it actually consists of six different isoforms encoded by separate genes. Each isoform is remarkably similar to every other isoform, with only slight variations in amino acid sequence. Nevertheless, recent work indicates that actin isoforms carry out unique cellular functions. Here, we review evidence drawn from localization studies, mouse models, and biochemical characterization to suggest a model for how in vivo mixing of actin isoforms may influence cytoskeletal function in cells. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic regulation of sarcomeric actin filaments in striated muscle
Authors: Ono Shoichiro
Published: August 2010

In striated muscle, the actin cytoskeleton is differentiated into myofibrils. Actin and myosin filaments are organized in sarcomeres and specialized for producing contractile forces. Regular arrangement of actin filaments with uniform length and polarity is critical for the contractile function. However, the mechanisms of assembly and maintenance of sarcomeric actin filaments in striated muscle are not completely understood. Live imaging of actin in striated muscle has revealed that actin subunits within sarcomeric actin filaments are dynamically exchanged without altering overall sarcomeric structures. A number of regulators for actin dynamics have been identified, and malfunction of these regulators often result in disorganization of myofibril structures or muscle diseases. Therefore, proper regulation of actin dynamics in striated muscle is critical for assembly and maintenance of functional myofibrils. Recent studies have suggested that both enhancers of actin dynamics and stabilizers of actin filaments are important for sarcomeric actin organization. Further investigation of the regulatory mechanism of actin dynamics in striated muscle should be a key to understanding how myofibrils develop and operate. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Abl and Arg non‐receptor tyrosine kinases regulate different zones of stress fiber, focal adhesion, and contractile network localization in spreading fibroblasts
Authors: Peacock Justin G. , Couch Brian A. , Koleske Anthony J.
Published: August 2010

Directed cell migration requires precise spatial control of F‐actin‐based leading edge protrusion, focal adhesion (FA) dynamics, and actomyosin contractility. In spreading fibroblasts, the Abl family kinases, Abl and Arg, primarily localize to the nucleus and cell periphery, respectively. Here we provide evidence that Abl and Arg exert different spatial regulation on cellular contractile and adhesive structures. Loss of Abl function reduces FA, F‐actin, and phosphorylated myosin light chain (pMLC) staining at the cell periphery, shifting the distribution of these elements more to the center of the cell than in wild‐type (WT) and arg−/− cells. Conversely, loss of Arg function shifts the distribution of these contractile and adhesion elements more to the cell periphery relative to WT and abl−/− cells. Abl/Arg‐dependent phosphorylation of p190RhoGAP (p190) promotes its binding to p120RasGAP (p120) to form a functional RhoA GTPase inhibitory complex, which attenuates RhoA activity and downstream pMLC and FA formation. p120 and p190 colocalize both in the central region and at the cell periphery in WT cells. This p120:p190 colocalization redistributes to a more peripheral distribution in abl−/− cells and to a more centralized distribution in arg−/− cells, and these altered distributions can be restored to WT patterns via re‐expression of Abl or Arg, respectively. Thus, the altered p120:p190 distribution in the mutant cells correlates inversely with the redistribution in adhesions, actin, and pMLC staining in these cells. Our studies suggest that Abl and Arg exert different spatial regulation on actomyosin contractility and focal adhesions within cells. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.