bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A t(7;12) balanced translocation with breakpoints overlapping those of the Williams–Beuren and 12q14 microdeletion syndromes
Authors: Gimelli Stefania , Chrast Jacqueline , Baban Anwar , Henrichsen Charlotte N. , Lerone Margherita , Zuffardi Orsetta , Gimelli Giorgio , Reymond Alexandre
Published: April 2010

The molecular characterization of balanced chromosomal rearrangements have always been of advantage in identifying disease‐causing genes. Here, we describe the breakpoint mapping of a de novo balanced translocation t(7;12)(q11.22;q14.2) in a patient presenting with a failure to thrive associated with moderate mental retardation, facial anomalies, and chronic constipation. The localization of the breakpoints and the co‐occurrence of Williams–Beuren syndrome and 12q14 microdeletion syndrome phenotypes suggested that the expression of some of the dosage‐sensitive genes of these two segmental aneuploidies were modified in cells of the proposita. However, we were unable to identify chromosomes 7 and/or 12‐mapping genes that showed disturbed expression in the lymphoblastoids of the proposita. This case showed that position‐effect might operate in some tissues, but not in others. It also illustrates the overlap of phenotypes presented by patients with the recently described 12q14 structural rearrangements. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutation of CANT1 causes Desbuquois dysplasia
Authors: Faden Maha , Al‐Zahrani Fatema , Arafah Dia , Alkuraya Fowzan S.
Published: April 2010

Desbuquois dysplasia is an autosomal recessive dysplasia characterized by severe growth restriction and distinct hand and proximal femur appearance in addition to cognitive impairment. The critical interval for this disease has been mapped to 17q25.3 using homozygosity mapping. We have identified a newborn with classical features of the disease whose parents are first cousins. Assuming genetic homogeneity of this disorder, we were able to narrow the critical interval to a region that only contained 10 annotated genes by combining the results of our homozygosity mapping with those of others. Serial sequencing of the genes contained within the interval revealed a 5 bp duplication in Calcium‐Activated Nucleotidase 1 gene (CANT1), consistent with the very recent report by Huber et al. [Huber et al. (2009); Am J Hum Genet 85:706–710]. This report cements the role of CANT1 in the causation of this dysplasia and demonstrates the high value of even single cases in the setting of genetically homogeneous disorders when homozygosity mapping is used. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of paramagnetic hybrid inorganic/organic thin films
Authors: Bhushan Abhinav , Han Huilan , Sutherland Alex , Boehme Stefanie , Yaghmaie Frank , Davis Cristina E.
Published: April 2010

There is a growing interest in developing advanced materials for thin film applications in biology, electronics, photonics and engineering. We report the development of hybrid inorganic/organic thin films containing nickel, iron and cobalt paramagnetic materials. By etching the resist in oxygen plasma after processing, most of the organic component of the resist was removed. The elemental chemical composition of the films was confirmed by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. This process can potentially lead to patterning paramagnetic thin films containing paramagnetic materials by following standard photolithography protocols, obviating the need for a wet or vacuum metal deposition. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of molecular weight and degree of acetylation on the release of nitric oxide from chitosan‐nitric oxide adducts
Authors: Wan Ajun , Gao Qun , Li Huili
Published: April 2010

A series of chitosans with different molecular weights and degrees of acetylation (DAs) are reacted with nitric oxide (NO) to form [NONO]− groups. The effects of molecular weight and DA on NO release are investigated by Griess assay. Heterogeneous reaction of NH2 groups of chitosan with NO was shown to be influenced greatly by the crystalline form of chitosan. Total NO release exhibited a bell‐shaped distribution at different DAs ranging from 6 to 95%, peaking at about 50%. When DA is held constant, total NO release is directly proportional to the molecular weight. X‐ray diffraction patterns indicate that the total NO release of chitosan‐NO adducts is in general agreement with the intensity of reflections at low Bragg angles (2θ = 8.6°–11.1°), and in turn, a relaxed hydration crystalline form and NO molecules could penetrate this crystal and react with the chitosan molecules. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Selective laser sintering of polyamide 12/potassium titanium whisker composites
Authors: Yang Jinsong , Shi Yusheng , Yan Chunze
Published: April 2010

The excellent performance of potassium titanium whiskers (PTWs) reinforced plastics has been recognized; however, because of their large length‐to‐diameter ratio, they have not been applied in selective laser sintering (SLS). This article reports a new method for preparing polyamide 12 (PA12)/PTWs composite (PPC) powders for applications in SLS that uses a dissolution–precipitation process. The characteristics of the powders were evaluated. The results indicated that when the PTWs content of the composites was low (<10 wt %), the shape of the powder became more regular, and the particle diameter distribution became narrower. The crystallinity of PPC was 13 wt % higher than that of PA12. The sintering characteristics and mechanical properties of PA12 powder, glass‐filled PA12 (GF–PA), and PPCs were compared. The results showed that the sintering characteristics of PPCs (10 or 20 wt % PTWs) were as good as those of PA12. The mechanical properties were greatly improved by PTWs. The maximum tensile strength, bending strength, and bending modulus of the composites containing 20 wt % PTW were 68.3 MPa, 110.9 MPa, and 2.83 GPa, respectively, and were much higher than those of PA12 and GF–PA. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
The thermoresponsive shape memory characteristics of polyurethane foam
Authors: Chung Seung Eun , Park Chung Hee
Published: April 2010

The purpose of this study is to develop a protective and thermally intelligent filler by optimizing the preparing conditions and the thermoresponsive property of PU foam. The specimens were polyurethane synthesized by a one step process with 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polycaprolactone and 1,4‐butanediol. After dissolving the polyurethane in tetrahydrofuran, the polyurethane foam was manufactured by the salt leaching method. The appearance, compressive property, and thermal property of the manufactured foam as well as the shape memory effects were evaluated. In addition, air and water vapor permeabilities and the thermal insulation property were measured to examine the basic properties of the foam. The cell sizes of the completed foam were distributed in the range of 400–1,000 μm. The compressive stress of the foam was low in the initial compressive strain but increased dramatically above a compressive strain of 70%. However, the foam showed a very low capacity for compressive stress compared with an electrospun web or a film manufactured by using the identical shape memory polyurethane. The transition temperature of the foam was 30°C. The shape recovery and shape retention were 98% or higher. The foam, with a porous structure, was found to be generally good in both air and water vapor permeability. In the case of the foam that maintained its compressed shape below the transition temperature, these permeabilities of the foam decreased slightly, but not significantly. Because of the porous structure of the foam, the shape memory effect did not noticeably influence the permeability change with a change in temperature. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Working mechanism of poly(vinyl alcohol) cement fluid loss additive
Authors: Plank Johann , Dugonjić‐Bilić Fatima , Lummer Nils Recalde , Taye Salami
Published: April 2010

The working mechanism of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA, Mw ∼ 200,000 g mol−1), a fluid loss control additive (FLA) applied in oil well cementing, was investigated. First, characteristic properties of PVA such as solubility and particle size in cold and hot water, minimum film forming temperature, adsorption on cement, viscosity of cement pore solution and static filtration properties of cement slurries treated with PVA were determined. It was found that the working mechanism of PVA relies on hydrated, but water‐insoluble PVA particles (d50 ∼ 2.4 μm). During cement slurry filtration, they coalesce into a polymer film. This film effectively plugs the pores of the cement filter cake. The sample studied here becomes water‐soluble at temperatures > 40°C (d50 decreases to ∼50 nm) and looses its effectiveness. Addition of highly anionic dispersants such as ß‐naphthalenesulfonate formaldehyde (BNS) or acetone formaldehyde sulfite (AFS) polycondensate extends the temperature range at which PVA works from 40°C to ∼60°C. This effect is ascribed to lower solubility of PVA in the presence of these dispersants. The study reveals that decreased performance of PVA caused by higher temperatures is not the result of thermal degradation of the polymer, but is owed to its increasing water‐solubility. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Specific rebinding property of protein macromolecularly imprinted polymer microspheres based on calcium alginate hydrogel via gas jetting‐dropping method
Authors: Ying Xiaoguang , Cheng Guoxiang , Liu Guipei , Qu Rongjun , Wang Yueqiang , Zhang Liguang
Published: April 2010

Alginate hydrogel polymer microspheres are usually prepared by inverse suspending method. The main problem is the remained suspending medium and surfactant on the beads. Syringe dropping or extruding method avoids using of the organic solvents. However, it is difficult to control the particle dimension and produce in large quantity. We have developed a new method called nitrogen gas jetting‐dropping (GJD) method for the preparation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) imprinted polymer microspheres based on calcium alginate hydrogel. The microspheres can be produced continuously without using any hydrophobic medium or surfactant. The particle diameter is controlled by adjusting pressure and needle dimension. BSA‐imprinted alginate microspheres were prepared by the GJD method and the rebinding tests were investigated. The equilibrium rebinding capacity ranged from 0.01 to 0.014 μmol/g. The imprinting efficiency towards BSA was from 1.46 to 2.17 with the greatest separation factor of 1.523 against a contrastive template ovalbumin (OVA). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Molecularly imprinted fluorescent polymers as chemosensors for the detection of mercury ions in aqueous media
Authors: Güney Orhan , Cebeci Fevzi Ç.
Published: April 2010

This article describes the investigation of molecularly imprinted fluorescent polymer membranes as sensing receptors for Hg2+ detection by an optical approach. The polymers were synthesized with 4‐vinylpyridine as a functional monomer and Hg2+ as a template; 9‐vinylcarbazole was used as both a complex‐forming agent and a fluorescence probe. The free‐radical polymerization was performed within a semicylindrical Teflon mold and was initiated by 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile at 60°C. The template, ion‐bonded to pyridine and carbazole groups in the polymer membrane, was removed by acid treatment. Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic measurements and scanning electron microscopy images were used to compare the chemistry and surface morphology, respectively, of both imprinted and nonimprinted polymer materials. The final polymer membranes with semicylindrical shapes were used directly to determine Hg2+ concentration in aqueous solutions by the monitoring of the fluorescence intensity of the carbazole groups quenched upon complex formation with metal ions. The values of the Hg2+ binding ratio for the imprinted and nonimprinted polymeric membranes were compared, and the results indicate the superior sensitivity and selectivity of the imprinted membranes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Chitosan/alginate nanoparticles stabilized by poloxamer for the controlled release of 5‐fluorouracil
Authors: Xing Jinfeng , Deng Liandong , Dong Anjie
Published: April 2010

In this study, stable 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU)‐loaded chitosan (CS)/alginate (Alg) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared with poloxamer as a surfactant. The effects of the Alg concentration, CS/Alg weight ratio, and poloxamer concentration on the properties of the 5‐FU‐loaded CS/Alg NPs were studied. The results of dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy indicated that stable 5‐FU‐loaded CS/Alg NPs of around 200 nm with low‐size polydispersities were achieved. Furthermore, the in vitro release of the 5‐FU‐loaded CS/Alg NPs was investigated in phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.4. The results show that the encapsulation efficiency of 5‐FU depended on the drug feeding amount (DFA), poloxamer concentration, Alg concentration, and CS concentration. However, the in vitro release rate of the 5‐FU‐loaded CS/Alg NPs was only related to the DFA, Alg concentration, and CS concentration and was independent of the poloxamer concentration. The time of 5‐FU release from the CS/Alg NPs could becontrolled to be sustained for more than 12 h. According to this study, CS/Alg NPs stabilized by poloxamer could serve as a suitable candidate for the controlled release of 5‐FU. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Degradation kinetics of poly(HDDA‐co‐MMA)
Authors: Goswami Ankur , Umarji A. M. , Madras Giridhar
Published: April 2010

1,6‐hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were copolymerized in different weight ratios using UV light induced photo‐polymerization to give poly(HDDA‐co‐MMA). Differential scanning calorimetry shows that copolymer was formed. The thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric studies with different heating rates were carried out on these copolymers to understand the nature of degradation and to determine its kinetics. Different kinetic models were adopted to evaluate various parameters like the activation energy, the order, and the frequency factor. These analyses are important to study the binder removal from 3D‐shaped ceramic objects made by techniques like Solid free form fabrication. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Pervaporation separation of isopropanol/benzene mixtures using inorganic–organic hybrid membranes
Authors: Liu Junsheng , Ma Yue , Hu Keyan , He Hongmei , Shao Guoquan
Published: April 2010

A series of pervaporation hybrid membranes were prepared from polyethylene glycol (PEG) and phenylaminomethyl trimethoxysilane (PAMTMS) based on the sol‐gel process, in which PEG was used as an organic moiety to improve the affinity for organic alcohols and silicone of PAMTMS was used as inorganic moiety to increase the permeation flux of organic species. Their application to separate isopropanol/benzene mixtures was investigated. FTIR spectra confirmed the reaction products. DSC measurement revealed that the influence of PEG content on the Tg and thermal behavior of membranes A, B, and C. FE‐SEM images exhibited that phase‐separated structure has occurred when the PEG content elevated to some extent. Pervaporation experiments showed that the permeation flux increased and the separation factor decreased with an increase in isopropanol (IPA) content in feed at 30°C. Meanwhile, the separation factor increased with an increase in feed temperature at 60 vol % IPA content. Moreover, it was found that the permeation flux was independent of the feed temperature, suggesting that feed temperature has little impact on the thermal motion of polymer chains. The increasing cross‐linking degree in hybrid matrix might be responsible for such trend. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that these pervaporation hybrid membranes have potential applications in the separation of isopropanol/benzene binary mixtures. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Spirituality, mental health and the new physics
Authors: Shelton Charlotte
Published: April 2010

This article explores the integration of science and spirituality and the impact of this integration on the field of mental health. The article describes how universal spiritual principles are increasingly validated by scientific research in the areas of quantum physics and chaos theory. The author discusses the implications of the shifting scientific world‐view for traditional psychological theories and presents a quantum skill set that integrates the new sciences with timeless spiritual principles and widely accepted mental health practices. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Histomorphology of the Penis Bone (Baculum) in the Gray Long‐Eared Bat Plecotus austriacus (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Herdina Anna Nele , Herzig‐Straschil Barbara , Hilgers Helge , Metscher Brian D. , Plenk Hanns
Published: April 2010

For the first time, the histomorphology of the penis bone of a bat (Plecotus austriacus) was examined in detail. From Plecotus austriacus, 14 whole penes and 11 isolated bacula were studied and compared to bacula of Plecotus auritus and Plecotus macrobullaris. The baculum was located on specimen microradiographs and in micro‐CT images in the tip of the penis. Using serial semithin sections and surface‐stained, undecalcified ground sections, the types of bone and other tissues constituting the baculum were examined by light microscopy. 3D reconstructions were generated from the serial semithin sections and from micro‐CT images. The shaft and the proximal branches of the Y‐shaped baculum form a tubular bone around a medullary cavity. Since the small diameter of this channel and the main lamellar bone around it resemble a Haversian canal, the baculum is equivalent to a single‐osteon bone. Several oblique nutrient canals enter this medullary cavity in the shaft and branches. All ends of the baculum consist predominantly of woven bone. The collagen fiber bundles of the tunica albuginea of both corpora cavernosa insert via fibrocartilage into the woven bone of the branches. Thus, the microscopic structures support the hypothesis that the baculum functions as a stiffening element in the erect penis. In this study, several microscopic imaging techniques were evaluated for displaying the microscopic structures of the baculum. Specimen microradiography, but especially micro‐CT proved to be suitable nondestructive methods for accurate and reproducible demonstration and comparison of the three‐dimensional structures of the baculum in different bat species. Anat Rec 293:1248–1258, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computed Microtomography of Bone Specimens for Rapid Analysis of Bone Changes Associated With Malignancy
Authors: Chappard Daniel , Libouban Hélène , Legrand Erick , Ifrah Norbert , Masson Charles , Baslé Michel Felix , Audran Maurice
Published: April 2010

Breast and prostate cancers are specially metastasizing to bone. Metastases from breast cancer usually exhibit a mixed osteolytic/osteosclerotic aspect, with osteolysis predominating. Osteosclerosis is a common finding in prostatic cancer although osteolysis occurs within the sclerotic lesions. B‐cell malignancies (lymphoma, myeloma) are also associated with marked osteolysis. Histopathological examination of bone biopsies was used for the diagnosis of malignancies and, prior to embedding, microcomputed tomography (microCT) was done on the bone specimens. Patients (247) who presented either a bone metastasis, an overt myeloma, a lymphoma or a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance were studied. All patients had a bone biopsy studied by 2D histomorphometry for the histopathology. During the fixation time, the bone cores were analyzed by microCT. On the 3D reconstructed models provided by microCT, signs of osteolysis/osteosclerosis were searched: excess of bone resorption, focal disorganization of microarchitecture, bone metaplasia, osteosclerosis. A strong agreement was obtained between histomorphometry and microCT results using Cohen's kappa test (κ = 0.713). MicroCT identified excess bone resorption on trabecular surfaces when eroded surfaces were >10.5% by histomorphometry. MicroCT failed to identify some patients with smoldering myeloma or some lymphomas with microresorption. MicroCT data are obtained within 4 hr and suggest the malignant invasion of bone marrow when excess of bone resorption/formation is obtained. MicroCT can be used in the immediate postbiopsy period making possible a fast identification of malignancy. However these signs are not specific and must be confirmed by histopathological analysis. Anat Rec 293:1125–1133, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Matrix metalloproteinase 13 loss associated with impaired extracellular matrix remodeling disrupts chondrocyte differentiation by concerted effects on multiple regulatory factors
Authors: Borzí Rosa Maria , Olivotto Eleonora , Pagani Stefania , Vitellozzi Roberta , Neri Simona , Battistelli Michela , Falcieri Elisabetta , Facchini Annalisa , Flamigni Flavio , Penzo Marianna , Platano Daniela , Santi Spartaco , Facchini Andrea , Marcu Kenneth B.
Published: April 2010

Objective

To link matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP‐13) activity and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling to alterations in regulatory factors leading to a disruption in chondrocyte homeostasis.

Methods

MMP‐13 expression was ablated in primary human chondrocytes by stable retrotransduction of short hairpin RNA. The effects of MMP‐13 knockdown on key regulators of chondrocyte differentiation (SOX9, runt‐related transcription factor 2 [RUNX‐2], and β‐catenin) and angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) were scored at the protein level (by immunohistochemical or Western blot analysis) and RNA level (by real‐time polymerase chain reaction) in high‐density monolayer and micromass cultures under mineralizing conditions. Effects on cellular viability in conjunction with chondrocyte progression toward a hypertrophic‐like state were assessed in micromass cultures. Alterations in SOX9 subcellular distribution were assessed using confocal microscopy in micromass cultures and also in osteoarthritic cartilage.

Results

Differentiation of control chondrocyte micromasses progressed up to a terminal phase, with calcium deposition in conjunction with reduced cell viability and scant ECM. MMP‐13 knockdown impaired ECM remodeling and suppressed differentiation in conjunction with reduced levels of RUNX‐2, β‐catenin, and VEGF. MMP‐13 levels in vitro and ECM remodeling in vitro and in vivo were linked to changes in SOX9 subcellular localization. SOX9 was largely excluded from the nuclei of chondrocytes with MMP‐13–remodeled or –degraded ECM, and exhibited an intranuclear staining pattern in chondrocytes with impaired MMP‐13 activity in vitro or with more intact ECM in vivo.

Conclusion

MMP‐13 loss leads to a breakdown in primary human articular chondrocyte differentiation by altering the expression of multiple regulatory factors.
Statistical validation of a global model for the distribution of the ultimate number of citations accrued by papers published in a scientific journal
Authors: Stringer Michael J. , Sales‐Pardo Marta , Amaral Luís A. Nunes
Published: April 2010

A central issue in evaluative bibliometrics is the characterization of the citation distribution of papers in the scientific literature. Here, we perform a large‐scale empirical analysis of journals from every field in Thomson Reuters' Web of Science database. We find that only 30 of the 2,184 journals have citation distributions that are inconsistent with a discrete lognormal distribution at the rejection threshold that controls the false discovery rate at 0.05. We find that large, multidisciplinary journals are over‐represented in this set of 30 journals, leading us to conclude that, within a discipline, citation distributions are lognormal. Our results strongly suggest that the discrete lognormal distribution is a globally accurate model for the distribution of “eventual impact” of scientific papers published in single‐discipline journal in a single year that is removed sufficiently from the present date.
Scaffold stiffness affects the contractile function of three‐dimensional engineered cardiac constructs
Authors: Marsano Anna , Maidhof Robert , Wan Leo Q. , Wang Yadong , Gao Jin , Tandon Nina , Vunjak‐Novakovic Gordana
Published: April 2010

We investigated the effects of the initial stiffness of a three‐dimensional elastomer scaffold—highly porous poly(glycerol sebacate)—on functional assembly of cardiomyocytes cultured with perfusion for 8 days. The polymer elasticity varied with the extent of polymer cross‐links, resulting in three different stiffness groups, with compressive modulus of 2.35 ± 0.03 (low), 5.28 ± 0.36 (medium), and 5.99 ± 0.40 (high) kPa. Laminin coating improved the efficiency of cell seeding (from 59 ± 15 to 90 ± 21%), resulting in markedly increased final cell density, construct contractility, and matrix deposition, likely because of enhanced cell interaction and spreading on scaffold surfaces. Compact tissue was formed in the low and medium stiffness groups, but not in the high stiffness group. In particular, the low stiffness group exhibited the greatest contraction amplitude in response to electric field pacing, and had the highest compressive modulus at the end of culture. A mathematical model was developed to establish a correlation between the contractile amplitude and the cell distribution within the scaffold. Taken together, our findings suggest that the contractile function of engineered cardiac constructs positively correlates with low compressive stiffness of the scaffold. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Development of Amino–Oxazoline and Amino–Thiazoline Organic Catalysts for the Ring‐Opening Polymerisation of Lactide
Authors: Becker Jan M. , Tempelaar Sarah , Stanford Matthew J. , Pounder Ryan J. , Covington James A. , Dove Andrew P.
Published: April 2010

The ring‐opening polymerisation of lactide by a range of amino–oxazoline and amino–thiazoline catalysts is reported. The more electron‐rich derivatives are demonstrated to be the most highly active and polymerisation is well controlled, as evidenced by the linear relationship between the molecular weight and both the monomer conversion and the monomer‐to‐initiator ratio. Mechanistic studies reveal significant interactions between the monomer, initiator and catalyst and that the polymerisation is first order with respect to each of these components. These observations indicate that the polymerisation operates by a general base/pseudo‐anionic mechanism.
MnOx Nanoparticles Supported on a New Mesostructured Silicate with Textural Porosity
Authors: Tušar Nataša Novak , Ristić Alenka , Mali Gregor , Mazaj Matjaž , Arčon Iztok , Arčon Denis , Kaučič Venčeslav , Logar Nataša Zabukovec
Published: April 2010

A two‐step synthesis of a novel mesostructured silicate, KIL‐2, and its manganese‐containing analogue, Mn/KIL‐2, has been developed. KIL‐2 possesses interparticle mesopores with pore dimensions between 5 and 60 nm and a surface area of 448 m2. The mesopores are formed by the aggregation of silica nanoparticles, which creates a network with interparticle voids. The particle size and the pore diameters depend on the temperature of the ageing step (first step) and on the solvothermal treatment in ethanol (second step), respectively. Mn/KIL‐2 contains octahedrally coordinated Mn3+ (80 %) and tetrahedrally coordinated Mn2+ (20 %) ions. Mn3+ ions are present in the extra‐framework MnOx nanoparticles with typical dimensions of 2 nm, which are homogeneously distributed throughout the material. Mn2+ ions occur as isolated manganese framework sites. The material is also able to retain its structure characteristics after the hydrothermal treatment in boiling water. Because of its non‐toxic nature and cost‐effective synthesis, Mn/KIL‐2 thus exhibits properties that are needed for an environment‐friendly catalyst.
Facile and Controllable Synthesis of Monodisperse CaF2 and CaF2:Ce3+/Tb3+ Hollow Spheres as Efficient Luminescent Materials and Smart Drug Carriers
Authors: Zhang Cuimiao , Li Chunxia , Peng Chong , Chai Ruitao , Huang Shanshan , Yang Dongmei , Cheng Ziyong , Lin Jun
Published: April 2010

Highly uniform and well‐dispersed CaF2 hollow spheres with tunable particle size (300–930 nm) have been synthesized by a facile hydrothermal process. Their shells are composed of numerous nanocrystals (about 40 nm in diameter). The morphology and size of the CaF2 products are strongly dependent on experimental parameters such as reaction time, pH value, and organic additives. The size of the CaF2 hollow spheres can be controlled from 300 to 930 nm by adjusting the pH value. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements suggest that mesopores (av 24.6 nm) exist in these hollow spheres. In addition, Ce3+/Tb3+‐codoped CaF2 hollow spheres can be prepared similarly, and show efficient energy transfer from Ce3+ to Tb3+ and strong green photoluminescence of Tb3+ (541 nm, 5D4→7F5 transition of Tb3+, the highest quantum efficiency reaches 77 %). The monodisperse CaF2:Ce3+/Tb3+ hollow spheres also have desirable properties as drug carriers. Ibuprofen‐loaded CaF2:Ce3+/Tb3+ samples still show green luminescence of Tb3+ under UV irradiation, and the emission intensity of Tb3+ in the drug‐carrier system varies with the released amount of ibuprofen, so that drug release can be easily tracked and monitored by means of the change in luminescence intensity. The formation mechanism and luminescent and drug‐release properties were studied in detail.
Asymmetric Organocatalytic Rearrangement Reactions
Authors: Moyano Albert , El‐Hamdouni Niama , Atlamsani Ahmed
Published: April 2010

Rearrangement reactions often lead to the regio‐ and stereoselective formation of carbon–carbon or carbon–heteroatom bonds, and allow the construction of otherwise hard‐to‐access molecular frameworks. Research disclosed in the present decade, especially in the last two years, has shown that organocatalytic modes of activation can be successfully applied to a variety of rearrangements. In this Minireview we discuss the advances achieved so far in asymmetric organocatalytic rearrangement reactions.
Anion‐Assisted Complexation of Paraquat by Cryptands Based on Bis(m‐phenylene)‐[32]crown‐10
Authors: Zhu Kelong , Wu Ling , Yan Xuzhou , Zheng Bo , Zhang Mingming , Huang Feihe
Published: April 2010

The complexation of tightly ion‐paired divalent salts such as paraquat dichloride by cryptands based on crown ethers can be improved by the introduction of ion‐pair recognition as a means of also binding the counteranions. A series of diamide‐based cryptands derived from bis(m‐phenylene)‐[32]crown‐10 and designed to complex the bipyridinium dication with anion assistance was synthesized. The ion‐pair recognition process was fully characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and single crystal X‐ray analysis. 1H NMR spectroscopy demonstrated that these new heteroditopic cryptand hosts can complex both the positive and negative components of the paraquat dichloride salt. UV/Vis spectroscopy showed that the addition of chloride anion into equimolar solutions of cryptands 3 c or 3 g with paraquat bis(hexafluorophosphate) salt (2 a) improves the binding of the cryptands to the paraquat guest. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis confirmed the 1:1 stoichiometries and ion‐pair recognition of these cryptand/paraquat complexes. It was found that the cryptand 3 g, with 13 atoms and an isophthalamide moiety in the third chain, exhibited the best binding affinity for tightly ion‐paired paraquat dichloride (2 b), due to the combination of its spatial compatibility and additional anion‐binding site.
Synthesis of Sugar‐Based Silica Gels by Copper‐Catalysed Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition via a Single‐Step Azido‐Activated Silica Intermediate and the Use of the Gels in Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography
Authors: Moni Lisa , Ciogli Alessia , D'Acquarica Ilaria , Dondoni Alessandro , Gasparrini Francesco , Marra Alberto
Published: April 2010

Novel sugar‐based silica gels were prepared by exploiting the copper‐catalysed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) of two different sugar alkynes, namely, ethynyl C‐galactoside 1 and propargyl O‐lactoside 2, with new single‐step azido‐activated silica gels. The fully characterised stationary phases were generally used for hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC), with particular application in the stereoselective separation of monosaccharides. Dynamic HILIC (DHILIC) experiments were performed to evaluate the influence of mutarotation on the chromatographic peak shapes of two interconverting sugar anomers. The potential of such materials was shown in the separation of other highly polar compounds, including amino acids and flavonoids.
2‐(p‐Tolylsulfinyl)benzyl Halides as Efficient Precursors of Optically Pure trans‐2,3‐Disubstituted Aziridines
Authors: Arroyo Yolanda , Meana Ángela , Sanz‐Tejedor M. Ascensión , Alonso Inés , García Ruano José Luis
Published: April 2010

Aziridination of (R)‐N‐sulfinylaldimines (aryl, heteroaryl and alkenyl derivatives) with 2‐(p‐tolyl sulfinyl)benzyl iodide in the presence of sodium hexamethyl disilazide takes place with almost complete control of the stereoselectivity (facial and anti/syn) and with very high yields affording optically pure N‐sulfinyl trans‐2,3‐disubstituted aziridines 7. Simultaneous removal of both C‐ and N‐p‐tolylsulfinyl groups with tBuLi provides the corresponding trans‐NH aziridines 8 without affecting their optical purity. Some experimental results suggest these processes evolve through benzyl halocarbenoids as intermediates, whereas theoretical calculations support the formation of benzyl carbanions. These results have served for revising the mechanistic aspects of the reactions of substituted 2‐p‐tolylsulfinyl benzylcarbanions with electrophiles.
Hybrid Porous Materials with High Surface Area Derived from Bromophenylethenyl‐Functionalized Cubic Siloxane‐Based Building Units
Authors: Chaikittisilp Watcharop , Sugawara Ayae , Shimojima Atsushi , Okubo Tatsuya
Published: April 2010

Sonogashira cross‐coupling of bromophenylethenyl‐terminated cubic, double four‐ring, siloxane cages with di‐/triethynyl compounds results in microporous poly(ethynylene aryleneethenylene silsesquioxane) networks, simply termed as polyorganosiloxane networks (PSNs). In comparison with porous organic polymers reported previously, these PSNs show relatively high surface area and comparable thermal stability. Their apparent BET specific surface areas vary in the range of 850–1040 m2 g−1 depending on the length and the connectable sites of the ethynyl compounds. Analyses of pore size distribution revealed bimodal micropores with relatively narrow distribution. The degree of cross‐linking affects the degree of cleavage of the siloxane bonds, and this suggests that partial cleavage of the siloxane cages is mainly a result of cage distortion. Hydrogen adsorption was performed to evaluate potential of the PSNs as hydrogen storage media. Uptakes of up to 1.19 wt % at 77 K and 760 Torr and initial isosteric heats of adsorption as high as 8.0 kJ mol−1 were observed. These materials have been obtained by a combination of structural, synthetic organic, and materials chemistry, which can exploited to synthesize porous hybrid materials with specifically designed structures and functions.
From the Technical Lime Cycle to a Sea Shell – Qualitative and Quantitative Experiments Related to Lime
Authors: Rudloff Tina , Heimann Rebekka
Published: April 2010

Es werden einerseits qualitative Experimente beschrieben, mit denen der Kalkkreislauf problemorientiert und phänomenologisch erarbeitet werden kann. Zum anderen wird ein einfaches quantitatives Experiment zur Ermittlung des Kalkgehalts biologischer Materialien wie Eierschalen und Muscheln vorgestellt, das mit einfachen Berechnungen ausgewertet werden kann.
Clinical Significance of Awake Oscillatory Ventilation in Patients with Heart Failure and Effects of Open‐Heart Surgery
Authors: Ueshima Kenji , Kobayashi Noboru , Yamazaki Takuya , Saitoh Masahiko , Nakamura Motoyuki , Nakao Kazuwa
Published: April 2010

Background

Although sleep apnea has recently become a concern in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), some patients with CHF exhibit characteristic oscillatory ventilation (OV) even when they are awake. We investigated the clinical significance of OV in patients with CHF, and effects of open‐heart surgery on the OV.

Hypothesis

OV is an indicator of the severity of CHF, and this abnormal respiratory pattern improves with hemodynamic changes after open‐heart surgery.

Methods

According to respiratory pattern in the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) before cardiac surgery, 50 patients with CHF were divided into 14 patients of OV‐positive (OV+) and 36 patients of OV‐negative (OV−). Then, the several indices of CPX before surgey, 1 week and 6 months after surgery were compared between the 2 groups.

Results

The peak VO2 before surgery was lower in OV+ patients than those in OV− patients (15.3 vs 18.8 m1/min/kg, p < 0.05). One week after surgery, anaerobic threshold (AT) and end‐tidal C02 (ETC02) were lower in OV+ patients than those in OV− patients (AT: 9.5 vs 10,7 ml/min/kg, p < 0.05, ETCO2: 5.3 vs 5.6%, p < 0.05). However, 6 months after surgery, the statistical differences of these CPX parameters between the 2 groups were not found, and OV disappeared in 79% of OV+ patients.

Conclusions

These data suggest that OV is an indicator of the severity of CHF, and gradually improved with the open‐heart surgery. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early 21st Century renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lazzeri Massimo , Guazzoni Giorgio
Published: April 2010

Individuals involved in the management of patients with small renal masses should acknowledge the role and the importance of active surveillance in older populations (aged >75 years) and minimally invasive ablative therapies. These new therapeutic strategies should be inculcated during medical training and practice so that they may become just as embedded as the emphasis on the oncologic outcome of standard treatment.
High‐Field2H‐Mims‐ENDOR Spectroscopy on PSII Single Crystals: Hydrogen Bonding of YD.
Authors: Keßen Sven , Teutloff Christian , Kern Jan , Zouni Athina , Bittl Robert
Published: April 2010

Hydrogen bonds are key determinants for protein structures and the fine‐tuning of active‐site properties. For example, they are responsible for the redox potential variability of protein‐imbedded chromophores. By applying high‐field (94 GHz) Mims‐ENDOR spectroscopy on deuterium‐exchanged frozen‐solution samples and single crystals of photosystem II fromTh. elongatus, we identified the hydrogen‐bonding partner of the tyrosyl radical D2‐Tyr160, YD., directly by the strength and orientation of the deuterium hyperfine coupling as D2‐His189, that is, without relying on the disappearance of a hyperfine coupling interaction upon deletion of D2‐His189. No indications for additional hydrogen bonds can be found in the spectra, thereby eliminating hypotheses about a water network as hydrogen‐binding partner of YD..
Cellular retinol binding protein 1 modulates photoreceptor outer segment folding in the isolated eye
Authors: Wang XiaoFei , Tong Yiai , Giorgianni Francesco , Beranova‐Giorgianni Sarka , Penn John S. , Jablonski Monica M.
Published: April 2010

In a previous study, we used differential proteomics to identify retinal proteins whose steady‐state levels were altered in an experimental system in which photoreceptor outer segments were improperly folded. We determined that the steady‐state level of cellular retinol binding protein 1 (CRBP1) was downregulated in eyes lacking organized outer segments. The purpose of this study was to determine if CRBP1 is a plausible candidate for regulating outer segment assembly. We used Morpholinos to directly test the hypothesis that a decreased level of CRBP1 protein was associated with the misfolding of outer segments. Results from these studies indicate that downregulation of CRBP1 protein resulted in aberrant assembly of outer segments. Because CRBP1 plays a dual role in the retina—retinal recycling and generation of retinoic acid—we evaluated both possibilities. Our data demonstrate that outer segment folding was not modified by 11‐cis retinal supplementation, suggesting that CRBP1 influences outer segment assembly through a mechanism unrelated to rhodopsin regeneration. In contrast, retinoic acid is required for the proper organization of nascent outer segment membranes. The localization of CRBP1 within Muller cells and the RPE and its demonstrated role in modulating the proper folding of nascent outer segment membranes through retinoic acid further elucidates the role of these cells in directly influencing photoreceptor physiology. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70: 623–635, 2010
Evolution of programmed cell fusion: Common mechanisms and distinct functions
Authors: Oren‐Suissa Meital , Podbilewicz Benjamin
Published: April 2010

Eukaryotic cells have evolved diverged mechanisms to merge cells. Here, we discuss three types of cell fusion: (1) Non‐self‐fusion, cells with different genetic contents fuse to start a new organism and fusion between enveloped viruses and host cells; (2) Self‐fusion, genetically identical cells fuse to form a multinucleated cell; and (3) Auto‐fusion, a single cell fuses with itself by bringing specialized cell membrane domains into contact and transforming itself into a ring‐shaped cell. This is a new type of selfish fusion discovered in C. elegans. We divide cell fusion into three stages: (1) Specification of the cell‐fusion fate; (2) Cell attraction, attachment, and recognition; (3) Execution of plasma membrane fusion, cytoplasmic mixing and cytoskeletal rearrangements. We analyze cell fusion in diverse biological systems in development and disease emphasizing the mechanistic contributions of C. elegans to the understanding of programmed cell fusion, a genetically encoded pathway to merge specific cells. Developmental Dynamics 239:1515–1528, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for stem cell biology
Authors: Joshi Pradeep M. , Riddle Misty R. , Djabrayan Nareg J.V. , Rothman Joel H.
Published: April 2010

An adult transgenic C. elegans expressing membrane targeted GFP and mCherry::Histone 2B fusion proteins that demarcate the cell membrane boundaries and nuclei respectively. Strong expression is seen throughout the germline and perdures through embryonic development. From Joshi et al., Developmental Dynamics 239:1539–1554, 2010.
A compact multilayer diplexer in LTCC substrate using LPF with multiple attenuation poles and wideband BPF
Authors: Oshima Shimpei , Wada Kouji , Murata Ryuji , Shimakata Yukihiro
Published: April 2010

Recently, compact wideband BPFs for a UWB system have been studied actively. In this paper we propose a compact diplexer built into an LTCC substrate for a UWB system and 2.4‐GHz wireless systems. First, a wideband BPF for a UWB system and an LPF with multiple attenuation poles for 2.4‐GHz wireless systems are described. Second, we design matching circuits of a common port to retain the basic performance of both the BPF and the LPF. Third, in accordance with the results of the study, we design a compact diplexer built into an LTCC substrate. Finally, we verify the effectiveness of the proposed method by experiments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(5): 24–32, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10210
Development of an evaluation method for controlling skill of a myoelectric control hand
Authors: Hara Yoshizaki , Matsubara Hiroyuki , Shibata Yaeko , Mizobe Futoshi , Fukazawa Yoshihiro , Okamoto Makiko , Chin Takaaki , Minato Kotaro , Yoshida Masaki
Published: April 2010

The aim of this study was to develop a new evaluation method for controlling skill of a myoelectric control hand (MCH). Four amputees who daily used the MCH participated in this study. Measurement of two signals which were needed to control motion of the MCH was made. The two signals were assigned as the average rectified electromyograms of the forearm extensors and flexors. The values of the signals increased depending on the muscle contraction level. Therapy for using the MCH was performed to improve the ability to produce separate contractions of two muscles. This ability was defined as the skill in controlling the motion of the MCH. The skill in each motion was evaluated by the regression coefficient, which was calculated by the least squares method. The regression coefficient was inversely proportional to the skill. A quantitative index of skill can be provided by the newly developed method, and should be useful in developing efficient therapy to improve the skill in controlling the MCH. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(5): 15–23, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10255
A revision of extended division algorithm for polynomial matrices and its applications
Authors: Kase Wataru
Published: April 2010

In this paper, the extended division algorithm for polynomial matrices proposed in Ref. 2 will be revised. The revised version of the algorithm divides the polynomial matrix part and the strictly proper transfer function matrix part for a given improper transfer function matrix, which is useful for analysis and synthesis. Using the new version, a calculation of stabilizing controllers corresponding to the design in state space will be discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(5): 1–7, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10298
Obstacle avoidance control on omnidirectional vehicle robots using range sensor
Authors: Shimada Akira , Kiddee Prasarn , Nishi Yujiro
Published: April 2010

There is a strong demand for intelligent vehicle robots in many fields. They are expected to assist in our daily lives. In order to implement them in practice, the robots should include useful functions such as path planning, navigation, and obstacle avoidance. This paper focuses on obstacle avoidance control techniques for multiple obstacles. The vehicle used as a platform is a mecanum wheel omnidirectional vehicle, which is driven on floors and includes a mounted scanner range sensor. The presented algorithm has the advantage of reducing multiple obstacle avoidance control to a single obstacle avoidance control scheme. Finally, experimental results are presented in order to evaluate the avoidance algorithms. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 172(1): 58–68, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20933
Optical measurement of electric field distributions with time in a liquid at DC pulse voltage
Authors: Ihori Haruo , Ohnishi Atsushi , Ninomiya Sei , Fujii Masaharu
Published: April 2010

For electrical insulation diagnosis, it is necessary to obtain information about the electric field distribution and the space charge distribution in insulation materials. We have investigated the measurement of nonuniform electric field vector distributions in liquid dielectrics using an original method based on the electrooptic Kerr effect and the CT method. We developed an optical system that could measure electric field distributions in about 1 ms. In this study, when a DC voltage pulse of 50 ms width was applied to a sphere‐to‐plane electrode system, electric field distributions on some measurement planes were measured at intervals of 1 ms. The distribution a short time after application of the voltage pulse seemed to be disturbed. It is inferred that the “disturbance” was caused by changes in the density of the liquid due to movement of certain carriers in the liquid. Observation of the time of onset of the disturbance would make it possible to determine the behavior and electric characteristics of the liquid. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 172(1): 1–9, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20940