bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanofiltration membranes based on poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐chlorotrifluoroethylene)‐graft‐poly(styrene sulfonic acid)
Authors: Koh Joo Hwan , Kim Yong Woo , Park Jung Tae , Min Byoung Ryul , Kim Jong Hak
Published: June 2008

Graft copolymers comprising poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐chlorotrifluoroethylene) backbone and poly(styrene sulfonic acid) side chains, i.e. P(VDF‐co‐CTFE)‐g‐PSSA were synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) for composite nanofiltration (NF) membranes. Direct initiation of the secondary chlorinated site of CTFE units facilitates grafting of PSSA, as revealed by FT‐IR spectroscopy. The successful “grafting from” method and the microphase‐separated structure of the graft copolymer were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Wide angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) also showed the decrease in the crystallinity of P(VDF‐co‐CTFE) upon graft copolymerization. Composite NF membranes were prepared from P(VDF‐co‐CTFE)‐g‐PSSA as a top layer coated onto P(VDF‐co‐CTFE) ultrafiltration support membrane. Both the rejections and the flux of composite membranes increased with increasing PSSA concentration due to the increase in SO3H groups and membrane hydrophilicity, as supported by contact angle measurement. The rejections of NF membranes containing 47 wt% of PSSA were 83% for Na2SO4 and 28% for NaCl, and the solution flux were 18 and 32 L/m2 hr, respectively, at 0.3 MPa pressure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of pharmaceutical samples of Resina Draconis by HPLC‐PAD
Authors: Gong Wenjun , Cao Yuhua , Wang Yun
Published: June 2008

Introduction: The quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) represents a particular challenge owing to the complexity of the matrix, which renders separation and identification of the individual components extremely difficult. In recent years, fingerprinting of TCMs has played a dominant role in quality control. Resina Draconis was authorised as a new TCM in 1991, but a satisfactory HPLC fingerprint method for this preparation has not yet been published.

Objective: To develop a simple and reliable protocol for the quality control of Resina Draconis using an HPLC‐PAD method.

Methodology: The TCM was extracted with methanol at room temperature. Chromatography was carried out using a Lichrospher C18 column eluted with a linear gradient of acetonitrile (A) and water containing 0.1% phosphoric acid (B), initially at 30:70 (A:B) and changing to 60:40 in 90 min. UV (PAD) spectra were acquired in the range 210–400 nm.

Results: Four chromatograms of samples of Resina Draconis obtained from different pharmaceutical factories showed 20 peaks in common. The average chromatogram was taken as a template from which the correlation coefficients and cosine ratios of the samples were determined. Whereas the contents of individual components in each sample were different, overall the samples were extremely similar one to another, and the products from different pharmaceutical factories were consistent.

Conclusion: A reliable and validated HPLC method has been developed for the fingerprint analysis of Resina Draconis that can be applied for the quality control of this TCM. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparative isolation of closely‐related xanthones from Gentianella amarella ssp. acuta by High‐speed countercurrent chromatography
Authors: Urbain Aurélie , Marston Andrew , Batsuren Dulamjav , Purev Ondognii , Hostettmann Kurt
Published: June 2008

Introduction – A methanolic extract from Gentianella amarella ssp. acuta was shown to contain several xanthones exhibiting acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. These xanthones were difficult to separate by conventional LC techniques, which prevented the isolation of pure compounds in sufficient amounts to perform in‐depth biological testing.

Objective – To develop a suitable preparative method for the separation of closely related xanthones.

Methodology – The methanolic extract was first partitioned with solvents of increasing polarity, in order to separate glycosides from xanthone aglycones. High‐speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) methods were then optimised for the fractionation of both polar and non‐polar extracts.

Results – The use of HSCCC enabled the separation of xanthones which co‐eluted by HPLC. Ten closely related xanthones—three of which were isomeric—were successfully isolated by developing suitable solvent systems. All compounds were obtained in sufficient amounts to allow further biological assays (e.g. up to 250 mg), including even minor compounds that were not detectable by analytical HPLC.

Conclusion – The orthogonality of HSCCC with HPLC and the absence of solid‐phase supports enabled the detection, separation and preparative isolation of closely related compounds which were difficult to resolve by other techniques. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computerized definitions showed high positive predictive values for identifying hospitalizations for congestive heart failure and selected infections in Medicaid enrollees with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Grijalva Carlos G. , Chung Cecilia P. , Stein C. Michael , Gideon Patricia S. , Dyer Shannon M. , Mitchel Edward F. , Griffin Marie R.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

Computerized definitions are used to identify serious infections and congestive heart failure leading to hospitalizations in studies of medication safety. However, information on their accuracy is limited. We evaluated the ability of computerized definitions to identify these conditions as the reason for admission among patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Medical charts were randomly selected from a systematic sample of hospitalizations for selected conditions in a cohort of Medicaid patients with RA. We calculated positive predictive values (PPVs) for computerized definitions for community‐acquired pneumonia, invasive pneumococcal disease, sepsis, opportunistic mycoses, and congestive heart failure using charts reviews as gold standard and computed inter‐reviewer agreement statistics.

Results

From 2667 hospitalizations, 336 (13%) records were selected for review. A total of 277 charts (82%) were available. Based on any discharge diagnosis, PPVs for hospitalizations due to community‐acquired pneumonia, invasive pneumococcal disease, sepsis, and opportunistic mycoses were 84, 100, 80, and 62%, respectively. Restricting definitions to principal diagnoses yielded higher PPVs, 95% for pneumonia and 100% for other diagnoses. The PPV of a principal diagnosis for congestive heart failure was 100%. Inter‐reviewer agreement was at least 77% for all outcomes.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that computerized definitions can identify congestive heart failure and selected infections leading to hospitalization in Medicaid patients with RA. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of growth phase‐dependent proteome profiles reveals differential regulation of mRNA and protein in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Choi Young Wook , Park Shin Ae , Lee Hyang Woo , Kim Dong Su , Lee Na Gyong
Published: June 2008

Helicobacter pylori is a slow growing, microaerophilic bacterium that causes various gastric diseases. To understand the growth phase‐dependent global regulation of protein in H. pylori, we analyzed the proteome profiles of H. pylori 26695 harvested during the course of in vitro culture. Temporal changes in protein profiles were assessed using three independent cultures harvested at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 h. Compared with the protein spots obtained at 6 h, 151 protein spots obtained at other time points exhibited significantly altered intensity, with 57 of these protein spots identified by MALDI‐TOF MS analysis. Clustering analysis showed that overall protein profile was coordinated in accordance with the growth phases of the culture. When we compared mRNA transcript levels of the identified proteins, obtained from RT‐PCR analysis, with their protein levels, we observed substantial discrepancies in their patterns, suggesting that the transcriptome and proteome of H. pylori were differentially regulated during in vitro culture. Proteomic analysis also suggested that several H. pylori proteins underwent PTMs, some of which were modulated as a function of the growth phase of the culture. These findings indicate that H. pylori utilizes modulation of protein regulation and PTM as mechanisms to cope with changing growth environments. These observations should provide insight into the adaptive mechanisms employed by H. pylori within the context of growth environments.
Dendritic cell‐derived interferon‐γ‐induced protein mediates tumor necrosis factor‐α stimulation of human lung fibroblasts
Authors: Liao Wupeng , Bao Zhang , Cheng Chang , Mok Yu‐Keung , Wong W. S. Fred
Published: June 2008

Lung fibroblast plays a pivotal role in lung repair and remodeling, and also contributes to lung inflammation. The present study investigated differential protein profiling of normal human lung fibroblasts stimulated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Total proteins from lung fibroblasts were separated by 2‐DE, and differentially expressed proteins were identified by MALDI‐TOF MS. TNF‐α was found for the first time to alter the expression levels of myxovirus resistance protein A, interferon‐stimulated gene 15, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐2, lysyl hydroxylase 2 (isoform a), and prolyl 4‐hydroxylase (α subunit) in human lung fibroblasts. In particular, dendritic cell‐derived interferon‐γ‐induced protein (DCIP) was upregulated by TNF‐α in lung fibroblasts and its biological function is at present unknown. We found that TNF‐α‐induced DCIP expression was dependent on the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor‐1. DCIP‐selective antisense oligodeoxynucleotide inhibited the expression of TNF‐α‐responsive gene targets including vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, IL‐6, IL‐8, IP‐10, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin. In a lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury mouse model, DCIP mRNA level was elevated together with that of TNF‐α. We have demonstrated for the first time that DCIP is upregulated by TNF‐α and also mediates TNF‐α stimulation of human lung fibroblasts. Further studies on the role of DCIP in airway inflammation and remodeling are warranted.
Differential proteomics in the aging Noble rat ventral prostate
Authors: Lam Ying Wai , Tam Neville N. C. , Evans James E. , Green Karin M. , Zhang Xiang , Ho Shuk‐Mei
Published: June 2008

Incidence of prostatic diseases increases dramatically with age which may be related to a decline in androgen support. However, the key mechanisms underlying prostate aging remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the aging process in the ventral prostate (VP) of Noble rats by identifying differentially expressed prostate proteins between 3‐ and 16‐month‐old animals using ICAT and MS. In total, 472 proteins were identified with less than a 1% false positive rate, among which 34 were determined to have a greater than two‐fold increase or 1.7‐fold decrease in expression in the aged VPs versus their younger counterparts. The majority of the differentially expressed proteins identified have not been previously reported to be associated with prostate aging, and they fall into specific functional categories, including oxidative stress/detoxification, chaperones, protein biosynthesis, vesicle transport, and intracellular trafficking. The expression of GST, ferritin, clusterin, kininogen, oxygen regulated protein 150, spermidine synthase, ADP ribosylation factor, and cyclophilin B was verified by Western blot analyses on samples used for the ICAT study, as well as on those obtained from an independent group of animals comprised of three age groups. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the proteome of the aging rat prostate.
Aberrant expression of developmentally important signaling molecules in cloned porcine extraembryonic tissues
Authors: Chae Jung‐Il , Yu Kweon , Cho Seong‐Keun , Kim Jin‐Hoi , Koo Deog‐Bon , Lee Kyung‐Kwang , Han Yong‐Mahn
Published: June 2008

Early embryonic losses are common in cloned embryos in the current cloning system. However, the reasons for embryonic losses in early developmental stages of cloned embryos remain unclear. To elucidate the cause of early defective development in cloned embryos, two porcine clones including extraembryonic tissues were obtained at 26 days of gestation. The expression of various molecules in developmentally important signaling pathways, including Notch, hedgehog (Hh), receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), wingless related (Wnt), and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), was then examined in the extraembryonic tissues. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of key molecules involved in the Notch, Hh, RTK, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways was downregulated, whereas most Wnt and TGF‐β signaling pathway molecules were upregulated in cloned extraembryonic tissues compared to normal extraembryonic tissues. These results indicate that unbalanced coordination of signaling pathways might impair the early development of cloned embryos postimplantation, thereby resulting in embryonic losses during the first trimester.
Infrared‐assisted tryptic proteolysis for peptide mapping
Authors: Wang Sheng , Zhang Luyan , Yang Pengyuan , Chen Gang
Published: June 2008

In this report, infrared (IR) radiation was employed to enhance the efficiency of tryptic proteolysis for peptide mapping. Protein solutions containing trypsin in sealed transparent Eppendorf tubes were allowed to digest under an IR lamp at 37ºC. The feasibility and performance of the novel proteolysis approach were demonstrated by the digestion of BSA and myoglobin (MYO) and the digestion time was significantly reduced to 5 min. The obtained digests were identified by MALDI‐TOF MS with the sequence coverages of 69% (BSA) and 90% (MYO) that were much better than those obtained by conventional in‐solution tryptic digestion. The present IR‐assisted proteolysis strategy is simple and efficient, offering great promise for high‐throughput protein identification.
Reasons for rapid readmission to general adult psychiatry wards
Authors: Chakraborty Nandini , Aryiku Charles
Published: June 2008

Rapid readmission to psychiatry wards (the ‘revolving doors’ scenario) is a common source of frustration to both patients and the teams treating them. However, the reasons behind these rapid readmissions have not been closely studied previously.Here, the authors describe their retrospective study investigating the reasons behind the readmissions that had taken place in the general adult psychiatry wards of a Scottishhospital within 30 days of the last discharge. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
The reality of bipolar disorder: views on management and impact
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: June 2008

Psychiatrists were encouraged to share their clinical experience of managing bipolar disorder in a satellite meeting held during the Latest Advances in Psychiatry SymposiumVII,in London,in April.Mark. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Causes and clinical characteristics of headache in ischaemic stroke
Authors: Raghunathan Senthil , Richard Bella , Khanna Pradeep
Published: June 2008

Headache is a common symptom of all types of stroke,including ischaemic stroke,but it is often overlooked as a result of clinicians concentrating on other clinical signs and the further management of the patient. In this article,the authors discuss the prevalence,possible aetiology and clinical characteristics of headache in ischaemic stroke. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Copolymers of methyl methacrylate and fluoroalkyl methacrylates: Effects of fluoroalkyl groups on the thermal and optical properties of the copolymers
Authors: Zhou Dingying , Teng Hongxiang , Koike Koutarou , Koike Yasuhiro , Okamoto Yoshiyuki
Published: June 2008

Fluoroalkyl methacrylates, 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate (1), hexafluoroisopropyl methacrylate (2), 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐methyl‐2‐propyl methacrylate (3), and perfluoro t‐butyl methacrylate (4) were synthesized. Homopolymers and copolymers of these fluoroalkyl methacrylates with methyl methacrylate (MMA) were prepared and characterized. With the exception of the copolymers of MMA and 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate (1), the glass transition temperatures (Tgs) of the copolymers were found to deviate positively from the Gordon‐Taylor equation. The positive deviation from the Gordon‐Taylor equation could be accounted for by the dipole–dipole intrachain interaction between the methyl ester group and the fluoroalkyl ester group of the monomer units. These Tg values of the copolymers were found to fit with the Schneider equation. The fitting parameters in the Schneider equation were calculated, and R2 values, the coefficients of determination, were almost 1.0. The refractive indices of the copolymers, measured at 532, 633, and 839 nm wavelengths, were lower than that of PMMA and showed a linear relationship with monomer composition in the copolymers. 2 and MMA have a tendency to polymerize in an alternating uniform monomer composition, resulting in less light scattering. This result suggests that the copolymer prepared with an equal molar ratio of 2 and MMA may have useful properties with applications in optical devices. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4748–4755, 2008
Synthesis of multiblock hyperbranched‐linear poly(ether sulfone) copolymers
Authors: Grunzinger Stephen J. , Hayakawa Teruaki , Kakimoto Masa‐Aki
Published: June 2008

Hyperbranched poly(ether sulfone) was prepared in the presence of an oligomeric linear poly(ether sulfone) to generate multiblock hyperbranched‐linear (LxHB) copolymers. The LxHB copolymers were prepared in a two‐step, one‐pot synthesis by first polymerizing AB monomer to generate a linear block of a desired molecular weight followed by addition of the AB2 monomer in a large excess (19:1, AB2:AB) to generate the hyperbranched block. NMR integration analysis indicates that AB2:AB ratio is independent of the reaction time. Because the molecular weight still increases with reaction time, these results suggest that polymer growth continues after consumption of monomer by condensation into a multiblock architecture. The LxHB poly(ether sulfone)s have better thermal stability (10% mass loss > 343 vs. 317 °C) and lower Tg (200 vs. > 250 °C) than the hyperbranched homopolymer, higher Tg than the linear homopolymer (<154 °C), while little difference in the solubility character was observed between the two polymers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4785–4793, 2008
An efficient process for synthesizing and hydrolyzing a phosphonated methacrylate: Investigation of the adhesive and anticorrosive properties
Authors: El Asri Zhor , Chougrani Kamel , Negrell‐Guirao Claire , David Ghislain , Boutevin Bernard , Loubat Cédric
Published: June 2008

A new phosphonated methacrylate, namely dimethyl(methacryloyloxy)methyl phosphonate (MAPC1), has been synthesized using paraformaldehyde and potassium carbonate according to the Pudovik reaction. The quantitative synthesis of MAPC1 was followed by selective hydrolysis of the ester group with sodium bromide to replace NaI (imparting non‐negligible ecological impact). Pure MAPC1(OH) was obtained in high yield and efficiently copolymerized with MMA. The r1 for MAPC1(OH)) and r2 (for MMA) values are 0.99 and 1.02, respectively, which indicates that the monophosphonic groups are statistically linked to the methacrylate backbone. When blended with PVDF, MMA/MAPC1(OH) copolymers show very good adhesion promoters in both dry and wet conditions and subsequently provide good anticorrosive properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4794–4803, 2008
ATRP synthesis and association properties of thermoresponsive anionic block copolymers
Authors: Masci Giancarlo , Diociaiuti Marco , Crescenzi Vittorio
Published: June 2008

Thermosensitive anionic block copolymers of sodium 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonate (AMPS) and N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAM) with different block lengths were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Controlled polymerization was achieved by using ethyl 2‐chloropropionate (ECP) as initiator and CuCl/CuCl2/tris(2‐dimethylaminoethyl)amine (Me6TREN) catalytic system in DMF:water 50:50 (v/v) mixtures at 20 °C. Blocks lengths ranging from 36 to 98 repeating units were obtained. The association properties in aqueous solutions at different NaCl ionic strengths were studied as a function of temperature and polymer concentration by dynamic light scattering, fluorescence spectroscopy, and energy‐filtered transmission electron microscopy. The block copolymers with a higher pNIPAAM/pAMPS ratio formed spherical core‐shell type micelles independently of the ionic strength. The block copolymers with lower pNIPAAM/pAMPS ratio formed core‐shell type micelles at high ionic strength. Larger particles were observed at low ionic strength, which could be due to the formation of vesicles or compound micelles/micellar clusters. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4830–4842, 2008
Benefits and challenges experienced by professional facilitators of online support groups for cancer survivors
Authors: Owen Jason E. , Bantum Erin O'Carroll , Golant Mitch
Published: June 2008

Objectives: The primary aim of the study was to identify specific strengths and challenges of facilitating online cancer support groups relative to face‐to‐face groups through the use of deductive qualitative analysis. A secondary aim was to quantitatively validate the identified strengths and challenges.

Methods: To better understand how facilitators' roles in online support groups (OSGs) might differ from face‐to‐face (F2F) support groups, we compared the professional experiences of facilitators from both F2F and OSGs at The Wellness Community. Transcripts from online supervision sessions among OSG facilitators were analyzed using deductive qualitative analysis. A pool of items was developed to measure the primary themes derived from the qualitative analysis and administered to a sample of both F2F and online cancer support group facilitators.

Results: Strengths and weaknesses of online support group leaders could be captured in three categories: group processes, structural elements, and facilitator roles. Positive perceptions of group processes, structural elements, and facilitator roles were significantly higher among F2F facilitators than OSG facilitators.

Conclusion: OSG facilitators described their online groups as helpful to participants and identified some aspects of online groups that promoted more active processing of cancer experiences among group participants. Additionally, they reported that learning how to facilitate an online group strengthened their skills in facilitating face‐to‐face groups. However, OSGs do appear to present significant challenges to facilitation. These challenges are discussed with particular attention given to ways in which online facilitators have developed “work‐arounds” for addressing shortcomings of the internet as a medium for delivering psychosocial services. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical properties of as‐grown and process‐induced stacking faults in 4H‐SiC
Authors: Camassel J. , Juillaguet S.
Published: June 2008

We present a review of recent photoluminescence, cathodoluminescence and micro‐photoluminescence studies that have been made to investigate the electronic properties of as‐grown and/or process‐induced stacking faults (SFs) in silicon carbide (SiC) epitaxial layers. For different polytypes and different acquisition conditions, we discuss the optical signature and compare with the results of model calculations. Since a SF is always a finite lamella of 3C or 8H polytype in a 4H or 6H matrix, we take successively into account the effect of the valence band offsets, internal polarizations and non‐homogeneity of the potential wells. In the case of cathodoluminescence and micro‐photoluminescence techniques, due to the higher pumping level, we show that some screening of the built‐in electric field can be reached. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
EPR identification of intrinsic defects in SiC
Authors: Isoya J. , Umeda T. , Mizuochi N. , Son N. T. , Janzén E. , Ohshima T.
Published: June 2008

The structure determination of intrinsic defects in 4H‐SiC, 6H‐SiC, and 3C‐SiC by means of EPR is based on measuring the angular dependence of the 29Si/13C hyperfine (HF) satellite lines, from which spin densities, sp‐hybrid ratio, and p‐orbital direction can be determined over major atoms comprising a defect. In most cases, not only the assignment of the variety due to the inequivalent sites (h ‐ and k ‐sites in 4H‐SiC) but also the identification of the defect species is accomplished through the comparison of the obtained HF parameters with those obtained from first principles calculations. Our works of identifying vacancy‐related defects such as the monovacancies, divacancies, and antisite‐vacancy pairs in 4H‐SiC are reviewed. In addition, it is demonstrated that the observation of the central line of the TV2a center of S = 3/2 has been achieved by pulsed‐ELDOR. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Methanol extract of Ficus leaf inhibits the production of nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines in LPS‐stimulated microglia via the MAPK pathway
Authors: Jung Hyo Won , Son Hye Young , Minh Chau Van , Kim Young Ho , Park Yong‐Ki
Published: June 2008

Excessive production of inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokines from activated microglia has been implicated in neurodegeneration in human brain diseases. Recently, it seems possible that treatment with antiinflammatory agents, including Oriental medicinal plants, might delay the progression of neurodegeneration through the inhibition of microglial activation. The present study evaluated the effect of a methanol extract of Ficus religiosa leaf (MFL) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced production of NO and proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐beta (IL‐1β) and IL‐6 in BV‐2 cells, a mouse microglial line. MFL inhibited LPS‐induced production of NO and proinflammatory cytokines in a dose‐dependent manner. MFL also attenuated the expression of mRNA and proteins of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and proinflammatory cytokines, suggesting the blockage of transcription levels, respectively.

The molecular mechanism of MFL‐mediated attenuation underlies the down‐regulation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and suppresses the nuclear factor kappaB (NF‐κB) activation. The results suggest that MFL exhibits antiinflammatory properties in LPS‐induced activation of BV2 microglial cells, and that might have a therapeutic potential for various neurodegenerative diseases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
α‐hederin potentiates 5‐FU antitumor activity in human colon adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Bun Sok‐Siya , Elias Riad , Baghdikian Béatrice , Ciccolini Joseph , Ollivier Evelyne , Balansard Guy
Published: June 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of α‐hederin to improve the efficacy of widely prescribed 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in a human colon adenocarcinoma model. Drug combinations of α‐hederin and 5‐FU using both fixed‐concentration and combination index methods were performed in vitro in HT‐29 cells. The results showed that α‐hederin at sub‐IC50 cytotoxic concentrations enhanced 5‐FU cytotoxicity about 3.3‐fold (p < 0.001). Simultaneous combination of α‐hederin and 5‐FU at their IC50 ratio showed either a synergistic effect at a moderate cytotoxic range (25% of cell growth inhibition) or an antagonistic effect at a high level of growth inhibition. The data indicate therefore that it is possible to optimize colorectal cancer cell sensitivity to 5‐FU with α‐hederin. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms of gastroprotective effect of eugenol in indomethacin‐induced ulcer in rats
Authors: Morsy Mohamed A. , Fouad Amr A.
Published: June 2008

Possible mechanisms underlying the gastroprotective effect of eugenol against indomethacin‐induced ulcer in rats were investigated. Pyloric ligation was performed for collection of gastric juice, and gastric ulceration was induced by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of indomethacin (30 mg/kg). Pretreatment with a single dose of eugenol (100 mg/kg, orally), 1 h before indomethacin administration caused significant reductions in gastric mucosal lesions, gastric acid outputs and pepsin activity associated with a significant increase in mucin concentration. Additionally, eugenol significantly attenuated the elevations in gastric mucosal malondialdehyde and total nitrite, and the decrease in reduced glutathione observed with indomethacin. The protective effect afforded by eugenol was significantly inhibited by prior administration of glibenclamide, the ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channel blocker, but not by prior use of ruthenium red, the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonist. The results indicate that the anti‐ulcer effect of eugenol is mediated by opening of KATP channels, scavenging free radicals, decreasing acid‐pepsin secretion, increasing mucin production, and preventing the deleterious rise in nitric oxide level. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative immunomodulating activities of polysaccharides isolated from Phellinus spp. on cell‐mediated immunity
Authors: Chang Zhi Qiang , Oh Byung Chul , Lee Sam Pin , Rhee Man Hee , Park Seung Chun
Published: June 2008

The comparison of potent immunomodulating activities of hot‐aqueous polysaccharides isolated from Phellinus spp., P. linteus (PL), P. baumii (PB) and P. gilvus (PG), on cellular immunity were investigated. The results showed that all three kinds of Phellinus spp. could stimulate the proliferation of murine splenocytes, and PG has more powerful stimulating activity than other Phellinus spp. Furthermore, PL and PB significantly increased the proliferation of the mixed splenocytes in a concentration‐response manner, and the stimulating effect of PL was significantly higher than that of PB at all concentrations used in the present study, but no stimulating effect was found with the addition of PG. The phagocytosis of both peritoneal macrophage and RAW264.7 cells was also increased in the presence of PG, PB or PL, and the stimulating activity of PG was higher than that of PB or PL at all concentrations tested. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Addressing the analytical throughput challenges in ADME screening using rapid ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry methodologies
Authors: Plumb Robert S. , Potts Warren B. , Rainville Paul D. , Alden Peter G. , Shave Darcy H. , Baynham Geneen , Mazzeo Jeffery R.
Published: June 2008

High‐throughput ADME screening for compound drug development properties has become an essential part of the modern drug discovery process, allowing more informed decisions to be made on the best compounds to take forward in the discovery/development process. This however is a time‐consuming process requiring multiple tests to be performed, demanding a significant amount of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) instrument time. This article focuses on the use of sub‐2 µm porous particle LC coupled to tandem quadrupole MS/MS mass spectrometry for the rapid screening of ADME properties. Using this approach analysis times from 30 s to 1 min were achievable allowing analysis times to be cut by 80%. The use of the small particles coupled to high flow rates allowed for sufficient resolution, even with very short analysis time, to resolve the analytes of interest from similar compounds that would interfere with the assay. The use of dedicated, intelligent, software packages allowed for the user‐free generation of MS/MS conditions and the processing of the data. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A reactor for high‐temperature pyrolysis and oxygen isotopic analysis of cellulose via induction heating
Authors: Evans Michael N.
Published: June 2008

A reactor for converting cellulose into carbon monoxide for subsequent oxygen isotopic analysis via continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry is described. The system employs an induction heater to produce temperatures ≥1500°C within a molybdenum foil crucible positioned by boron nitride (BN) spacers within a quartz outer sleeve. For samples of a homogeneous working standard cellulose between 300 and 400 µg in size, the blank/signal ratio is <5%, and the long‐term precision is 0.30‰ (N = 232). For samples of 30 to 100 µg in size, a gas pressure sintered silicon nitride (Si3N4) outer sleeve replaces the quartz sleeve, the BN spacers are not used, and 6.0‐grade carrier He must be used to minimize the blank signal. With these modifications a blank/sample ratio of <5% and long‐term precision of 0.30‰ (N = 144) are obtained. These results are similar to those achieved using standard high‐temperature furnaces, but the reactor is simpler to pack, the system is more economical to run, and samples as small as 30 µg cellulose may be measured. For both reactors memory is significant in the subsequent sample and is believed to be due to exchange with reactor oxygen at temperatures above 1000°C. Further applications might include online preparation of other materials requiring temperatures of 1500–2600°C. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fade correlation and diversity effects in satellite broadcasting to mobile users in S‐band
Authors: Heuberger Albert
Published: June 2008

In this paper, we present measurement results for fade correlation in time and space of signals from two satellites in geostationary orbit with 30° separation. Fade data for urban, residential and rural environments are analyzed. In addition to fade cumulative distribution function, rice factor and coherence length of individual fade signals, also the joint probability density function and the cross‐correlation for the fade from the two satellites are presented. The coherence length of single satellite fades extends to about 18 m in the urban area and is around 2 m in the rural area. The correlation coefficient of dual satellite fades is below 0.3 in the residential and rural area. In the urban area larger correlations around 0.7 occur. Based on the measured fade data the diversity gain for various network configurations are determined by simulation for a forward error correction scheme using concatenated codes in combination with random interleavers. Network configurations of interest are single‐satellite space diversity, two‐satellite space diversity, one‐satellite time diversity and two‐satellite space and time diversity. For short interleavers of 5 m the diversity gain is in the residential area of 2.3 dB for the two‐satellite space diversity, 0.3 dB for one‐satellite time diversity and 4.1 dB for two‐satellite space and time diversity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Second‐trimester routine ultrasound screening: expectations and experiences in a nationwide Swedish sample
Authors: Georgsson Öhman S. , Waldenström U.
Published: June 2008

Objectives

To investigate, in a large nationwide Swedish sample, pregnant women's expectations of the routine second‐trimester ultrasound examination, with participants expressing themselves in their own words, and to determine whether they had been given sufficient information about why and how the examination was performed, and about possible risks. We focused specifically on reasons for women not having a positive experience.

Method

Of 4600 eligible Swedish‐speaking women, 3061 were recruited to the study in early pregnancy, during three 1‐week periods spread evenly over 1 year (1999–2000), and these women completed a questionnaire at a mean of 16 weeks' gestation. A follow‐up questionnaire at 2 months after delivery was completed by 2730 women. The representativeness of the sample was assessed by comparison with the total Swedish birth cohort of 1999.

Results

The most prominent expectation about the up‐coming scan was confirmation that the baby was well, followed by confirmation that the pregnancy was real. Detailed information, such as date of delivery and sex of the baby, was mentioned less often, and very few wrote about the examination as an exciting and joyful experience. After the birth, a large majority was satisfied with information about why (88%) and how (87%) the examination was performed, but only 58% said they had received sufficient information about possible risks. 94% had a positive experience of the scan, and those who had not had more ambivalent feelings about their pregnancy. Women with negative feelings about the scan were more often single and of non‐Swedish background, and emotional problems were more common in this group.

Conclusion

Women's expectations of the routine second‐trimester scan differ from those of caregivers, focusing on general reassurance rather than specific information. Level of satisfaction with the scan was high, but information given about risks could be improved. Women with ambivalent or negative feelings about pregnancy may have difficulties enjoying the examination. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transobturator mesh for cystocele repair: a short‐ to medium‐term follow‐up using 3D/4D ultrasound
Authors: Shek K. L. , Dietz H. P. , Rane A. , Balakrishnan S.
Published: June 2008

Objective

Anterior colporrhaphy has been shown to have limited medium‐term success rates in cystocele repair. Many clinicians use mesh implants, but their safety and efficacy are controversial. We therefore performed an external surgical audit using three‐ and four‐dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound to study the short‐ to medium‐term results of transobturator mesh placement.

Methods

Forty‐six women who had undergone transobturator mesh anterior repair using the PerigeeTM system were invited back for a follow‐up appointment conducted by two non‐surgeons. The appointment consisted of a standardized interview, clinical examination using the International Continence Society Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system (ICS POP‐Q) and translabial ultrasound examination.

Results

The mean follow‐up time was 10 (range, 2–24) months. There had been no major intra‐ or postoperative complications. Thirty‐six (78%) patients were subjectively satisfied with the outcome of the procedure. Cystocele recurrence (Stage 2 or 3) was observed in six (13%) patients. There were three (6.5%) cases of mesh erosion. On translabial ultrasound, we observed cystocele recurrence dorsal to the mesh in five women, associated with a marked change in mesh axis on Valsalva, implying dislodgment of the superior anchoring arms. The mesh was measured at a mean of 21 (range, 8.8–37.3; SD, 7.0) mm in length.

Conclusions

At 10‐month follow‐up the Perigee procedure seems to be safe and effective for cystocele repair, with a satisfaction rate of 78%. In some women recurrence may occur due to dislodgment of the superior anchoring arms. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal and Molecular Structure of [2,6‐(Me2NCH2)2C6H3]2SnF2, an Intramolecularly Coordinated Diorganotin Difluoride
Authors: Rotar Adina , Schürmann Markus , Varga Richard A. , Silvestru Cristian , Jurkschat Klaus
Published: June 2008

Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis of [2,6‐(Me2NCH2)2C6H3]2SnF2 reveals that only one of the two dimethylaminomethyl groups of each pincer‐type ligands [2,6‐(CH2NMe2)2C6H3]− is coordinated to the tin atom at Sn‐N distances of 2.576(2) and 2.470(2) Å, inducing chirality of the latter. The tin atom exhibits a distorted octahedral trans(C,C)cis(N,N)cis(F,F) configuration. Extensive intra‐ and intermolecular C‐H···F hydrogen bonding is observed with the latter giving rise to formation of polymeric chains.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Rubidium Scandium Telluride RbSc5Te8
Authors: Babo Jean‐Marie , Schleid Thomas
Published: June 2008

During attempts to synthesize the rubidium dicopper triscandium hexatelluride RbCu2Sc3Te6 in analogy to CsCu2Sc3Te6 from 2:3:6‐molar mixtures of the elements (Cu, Sc and Te) with an excess of RbBr as flux and rubidium source, after 14 days at 900 °C in torch‐sealed evacuated silica tubes brown lath‐shaped crystals of RbSc5Te8 did form instead. This new compound crystallizes monoclinically in space group C2/m (no. 12) with two formula units in a unit cell of the dimensions a = 2130.61(9) pm, b = 413.94(2) pm, c = 1022.03(5) pm and β = 104.392(4)°. The crystal structure of RbSc5Te8 consists of a three‐dimensional anionic framework $^{3}_{\infty}\rm \{[Sc_{5}Te_{8}]^{-}\}$ of face‐, edge‐ and vertex‐sharing [ScTe6]9− octahedra that provides one‐dimensional tunnels with a distorted square shape. For charge compensation they are occupied with Rb+ cations (CN = 10) coordinated in a trans‐face bicapped cubic fashion by Te2− anions.
A New Complex as a Dimer of a Silver Ion with AMTTO and Phosphane Ligands. The Crystal Structure of {[(AMTTO)Ag(PPh3)2]NO3}2·0.5CH3OH·0.5H2O
Authors: Adhami Forogh , Tabatabaee Masomeh , Gassemzadeh Mitra , Neumüller Bernhard
Published: June 2008

Reaction of 4‐amino‐6‐methyl‐1,2,4‐triazine‐3‐thione‐5‐on (AMTTO) as a bidentate ligand with silver nitrate and triphenyl phosphine as the co‐ligand make the centrosymmetric dimeric complex {[(AMTTO)Ag(PPh3)2]NO3}2·0.5CH3OH·0.5H2O (1). 1 was characterized by elemental analyses, IR‐ and NMR spectroscopy as well as X‐ray diffraction studies. The silver atom in 1 has distorted tetrahedral coordination. 1 crystallizes in triclinic space group $P{\bar 1}$. Crystal data for 1 at −80 °C: a = 1185.8(1), b = 1314.6(1), c = 1385.3(1) pm, α = 97.78(1)°, β = 111.38(1)°, γ = 92.41(1)°, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0377.
A 2‐D 3d–4f Heterometallic Compound: Hydrothermal Synthesis, Structure and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Wang Ning , Yue Shan‐Tang , Liu Ying‐Liang
Published: June 2008

A novel two‐dimensional 3d–4f heterometallic inorganic compound with the formula [CuII3GdIII(μ3‐OH)6(μ3‐SH)(SO4)(H2O)3] (1) was synthesized by treating gadolinium nitrate, copper chloride and DTSA under hydrothermal conditions. The structure was determined by X‐ray crystallography. The crystal is of orthorhombic, space group P212121 with a = 6.63090(1) Å, b = 11.3145(3) Å, c = 15.7869(3) Å, Cu3GdH13O13S2, M = 633.09, Z =4, V = 1184.42(4) Å3, F(000) = 1200, R1 = 0.0244 and ωR = 0.0522. The solid‐state dc magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed antiferromagnetic interactions between the paramagnetic metal center ions.
Synthesis and Characterization of Gallium(III) and Germanium(II) Chlorides Bearing the C6F5‐Substituted β‐Diketiminate HC[(CMe)(NC6F5)]2 Ligand
Authors: Yang Zhi , Ma Xiaoli , Roesky Herbert W. , Yang Ying , Zhu Hongping , Magull Jörg , Ringe Arne
Published: June 2008

The germanium(II) and gallium(III) organochlorides containing the C6F5‐substituted β‐diketiminate ligand LGeCl (2) and LGaCl2 (3) (L = HC[(CMe)(NC6F5)]2) were synthesized. Salt elimination reactions of the C6F5‐substituted β‐diketiminato lithium salt with the corresponding germanium(II) and gallium(III) chlorides led to the organochlorides respectively. Compounds 2 and 3 were characterized by spectroscopic and elemental analyses, and 2 was further investigated by single crystal X‐ray structural analysis.
Synthesis and Chloride Affinity of Sterically Demanding Ditopic Lithium Bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borates
Authors: Morawitz Thorsten , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram , Wagner Matthias
Published: June 2008

The synthesis and full characterization of the sterically demanding ditopic lithium bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borates Li2[p‐C6H4(B(Ph)pzR2)2] is reported (pzR = 3‐phenylpyrazol‐1‐yl (3Ph), 3‐t‐butylpyrazol‐1‐yl (3tBu)). Compound 3Ph crystallizes from THF as THF‐adduct 3Ph(THF)4 which features a straight conformation with a long Li···Li distance of 12.68(1) Å. Compound 3tBu was found to function as efficient and selective scavenger of chloride ions. In the presence of LiCl it forms anionic complexes [3tBuCl]− with a central Li‐Cl‐Li core (Li···Li = 3.75(1) Å).
[(bdp)FeBr]: Structural Determination of a Polymorphic Iron Chelate with an Open‐Chain Tetrapyrrolic Ligand
Authors: Bröring Martin , Köhler Silke
Published: June 2008

Bromido‐(3,3′,4,4′,8,8′,9,9′‐octaethyl‐2,2′‐bidipyrrinato)iron(III) crystallizes in two different polymorphs, space groups $P{\bar 1}$ and C2/c, with Z = 2 and 8, respectively, and slightly different densities. The Fe‐N and Fe‐Br bond lengths vary significantly with the polymorph indicating the presence of intermediate spin (S = 3/2) species admixed with different amounts of high spin (S = 5/2) iron(III) compounds in the triclinic resp. monoclinic form.
BF2‐Chelate Complexes of 6‐(4‐Iodophenyl)‐2,3,4,8,9,10‐hexamethyldipyrrin and 2‐(4‐Iodobenzoyl)‐3,4,5‐trimethylpyrrole: Fluorescent Dyes with a Chemical Anchor Group
Authors: Bröring Martin , Krüger Robin , Kleeberg Christian
Published: June 2008

The one‐pot condensation/coordination reaction of 4‐iodobenzoylchloride, 2,3,4‐trimethylpyrrole and BF3 × Et2O yields the BF2 chelate complexes of the 1:1 condensation product 2‐(4‐iodobenzoyl)‐3,4,5‐trimethylpyrrole and of the 1:2 product 6‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐2,3,4,8,9,10‐hexamethyldipyrrin, as separable compounds in 6 and 38 % yield, respectively. Both new boron derivatives are fluorescent already upon exitation with ambient light. While the fluorescence quantum yield of the benzoyl derivative is very low, this value is significantly higher for the related boron dipyrrin (BODIPY) derivative. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies of both compounds reveal that the reason for these deviating physical properties are structural in nature. For the BODIPY an essentially flat structure of the fluorophor has been established, in addition to restricted rotation of the 4‐iodophenyl substituent, so that no conformational dynamic facilitates radiationless deactivations. The 1:1 condensation product on the other hand allows a fast equilibration of the photophysical exitation by dynamic processes and therefore exhibits a low fluorescence quantum yield. Both luminophores contain an iodoaryl moiety with potential uses for further functionalization and bioconjugation.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Structurally Analogous Phenylimido and Oxo Complexes of Rhenium(V) with N,N‐Dialkyl‐N′‐benzoylthioureas
Authors: Huy Nguyen Hung , Abram Ulrich
Published: June 2008

[ReOCl3(PPh3)2] and [Re(NPh)Br3(PPh3)2] react at room temperature with equivalent amounts of N,N‐dialkyl‐N′‐benzoylthioureas (HR1R2btu) in CH2Cl2 under formation of the rhenium(V) complexes [ReOCl2(R1R1btu)(PPh3)] and [Re(NPh)Br2(R1R2btu)(PPh3)], respectively. The products are structurally analogous with the oxygen atoms of the benzoylthioureas binding in trans positions to the oxo or phenylimido ligands.

Prolonged reaction times result in the reduction of the oxo compound by the released PPh3 and the formation of rhenium(III) complexes of the composition [ReCl2(PPh3)2(R1R2btu)], while such a second reaction path is excluded for the phenylimido compound. Phenylimido species with more than one N,N‐dialkyl‐N′‐benzoylthioureato ligand could not be isolated, even when a large excess of HR1R2btu was used during the reaction.
Synthesis, Structure and Properties of a Trinuclear μ‐Cyano Tetracyanodinitrosylferrate Copper Complex
Authors: Cavichiolo Leandro J. , Hörner Manfredo , dos Reis Crespan Estela , Vaz Maria G. F. , Evans David J. , Nunes Fábio S.
Published: June 2008

Nitroprusside reacts with [Cu(dohpn)(H2O)]ClO4 (dohpn = 2,3,9,10‐tetramethyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazaundecane‐1,3,8,10‐tetraen‐11‐ol‐1‐olate) in methanol to produce the title complex. Single‐crystal structure analysis shows a neutral discrete trinuclear molecule containing two [Cu(dohpn)]+ units linked by one [Fe(CN)4(NO)2]2− anion through bridging‐cyanide ligands. Mössbauer data and magnetic measurements are consistent with a low‐spin iron(II) configuration. The observed paramagnetic behavior is in quantitative agreement with two isolated copper(II) (S = 1/2) sites with a very weak antiferromagnetic interaction.