bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfuel Substitution and Energy Use in the U.K. Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Steinbuks Jevgenijs
Published: August 2011

This paper investigates interfuel substitution, separately accounting for different types of energy use in the U.K. manufacturing sector. Econometric models of interfuel substitution are applied to aggregate energy use, as well as to a specific energy use process—thermal heating—where interfuel substitution is technologically feasible. Compared to the aggregate data, the estimated own-price elasticities for all fuels and the cross-price elasticities for fossil fuels are considerably higher for thermal heating processes. Nonetheless, electricity is found to be a poor substitute for other fuels based on both aggregate data and, separately, for the heating process. An increase in real fuel prices from the Climate Change Levy in 2001 resulted in higher substitution elasticities based on aggregate data, and lower substitution elasticities for the thermal heating process. The results of a counterfactual decomposition of change in the estimated elasticities indicate that technological change was the major determinant of the differences in observed elasticities before and after the energy price increase.

doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol33-No1-1
The Impact of State Level Building Codes on Residential Electricity Consumption
Authors: Aroonruengsawat Anin , Auffhammer Maximilian , Sanstad Alan H.
Published: August 2011

This paper studies the impacts of state level residential building codes on per capita residential electricity consumption. We construct a timeline of when individual states first implemented residential building codes. Using panel data for 48 US states from 1970-2006, we exploit the temporal and spatial variation of building code implementation and issuance of building permits to identify the effect of the regulation on residential electricity consumption. Controlling for the effect of prices, income, and weather, we show that states that adopted building codes followed by a significant amount of new construction have experienced detectable decreases in per capita residential electricity consumption—ranging from 0.3-5% in the year 2006. Estimates are larger in states where codes are more stringent and more strictly enforced.

doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol33-No1-2
Willingness to Pay for a Climate Backstop: Liquid Fuel Producers and Direct CO2Air Capture
Authors: Nemet Gregory F. , Brandt Adam R.
Published: August 2011

We conduct a sensitivity analysis to describe conditions under which liquid fuel producers would fund the development of a climate backstop. We estimate (1) the cost to develop competitively priced direct CO2air capture technology, a possible climate backstop and (2) the effect of this technology on the value of liquid fuel reserves by country and fuel. Under most assumptions, development costs exceed individual benefits. A particularly robust result is that carbon prices generate large benefits for conventional oil producers—making a climate backstop unappealing for them. Unilateral investment does become more likely under: stringent carbon policy, social discount rates, improved technical outcomes, and high price elasticity of demand for liquid fuels. Early stage investment is inexpensive and could provide a hedge against such developments, particularly for fuels on the margin, such as tar sands and gas-to-liquids. Since only a few entities benefit, free riding is not an important disincentive to investment, although uncertainty about who benefits probably is.

doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol33-No1-3
Long-run Cost Functions for Electricity Transmission
Authors: Rosellón Juan , Vogelsang Ingo , Weigt Hannes
Published: August 2011

Electricity transmission has become the pivotal industry segment for electricity restructuring. Yet, little is known about the shape of transmission cost functions. Reasons for this can be a lack of consensus about the definition of transmission output and the complexitity of the relationship between optimal grid expansion and output expansion. Knowledge of transmission cost functions could help firms (Transcos) and regulators plan transmission expansion and could help design regulatory incentive mechanisms. We explore transmission cost functions when the transmission output is defined as point-to-point transactions or financial transmission right (FTR) obligations and particularly explore expansion under loop-flows. We test the behavior of FTR-based cost functions for distinct network topologies and find evidence that cost functions defined as FTR outputs are piecewise differentiable and that they contain sections with negative marginal costs. Simulations, however, illustrate that such unusual properties do not stand in the way of applying price-cap incentive mechanisms to real-world transmission expansion. doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol33-No1-6
Precisely Designed Gold Nanoparticles by Surface Polymerization – Artificial Molecules as Building Blocks for Novel Materials
Authors: Bokern Stefan , Gries Katharina , Görtz Hans‐Helmut , Warzelhan Volker , Agarwal Seema , Greiner Andreas
Published: August 2011

The synthesis of gold nanoparticles (2–4 nm) carrying a single functional polystyrene chain and its characterization by gel permeation chromatography are reported. This has been achieved by a new type of macromolecular azo‐initiator based on telechelic polystyrene with containing α,ω‐methylcoumarin endgroups and an azo group in the middle of the polystyrene. The structure and the near‐quantitative functionality of the initiator have been verified by performing NMR, GPC, and UV–vis measurements. This macroinitiator has been used to initiate a surface polymerization of 4‐vinylthiophenol molecules immobilized on the surface of gold nanoparticles. As a product, gold nanoparticles carrying exactly one polystyrene chain have been synthesized with functionalization degrees of up to 90% (crude yield). Proof and quantification of the functionalization degree have been demonstrated by application of a GPC setup with a diode array detector for online UV–vis spectra.
A tubular PLGA‐sandwiched cell/hydrogel fabrication technique based on a step‐by‐step mold/extraction process
Authors: WANG Xiaohong , Mäkitie Antti A. , Paloheimo Kaija‐stiina , Tuomi Jukka , Paloheimo Markku , Sui Shaochun
Published: August 2011

For successful blood vessel and organ manufacturing, it is critical to maintain the cell survival rate in an environment suitable for the appropriate inducement of regeneration. Mechanical properties and cell compatibilities of artificial grafts are equally critical for the long‐term structural and biological stabilization. By combining the advantages of both synthetic and natural polymers, a hybrid poly(dl‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) sandwiched adipose stem cell (ADSC)/fibrin construct is proposed in this study. A step‐by‐step mold/extraction method was developed for generating the smooth muscle tissue in vitro. Through the predesigned molds, two different material systems were arranged in a predefined space to act as different roles. The organic solvent in the PLGA/tetraglycol was easily extracted during the fabrication process, and no harmful effects were observed to the seeding cells. The technique holds the promise for wide use in complex organ manufacturing. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 30: 163–173, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20213
Preparation and characterization of grafted cellophane membranes for affinity separation of His‐tag Chitinase
Authors: Eldin M. S. Mohy , Rahman S. Abdel , Fawal G. F. El
Published: August 2011

Immobilized Cu2+ ions affinity cellophane membranes for affinity separation of His‐tag Chitinase were prepared. Cellophane membranes were first grafted with polymethacrylic acid, and the impacts of various grafting conditions on grafting process parameters were evaluated. Fourier transform infrared analysis and thermal gravimetric analysis provided evidences of grafting occurrence. The grafted membranes were then immobilized with copper ions as the last step before being tested in separation of chitinase enzyme from an equal protein mixture with bovine serum albumin (BSA). The membranes show high affinity toward the separation of chitinase enzyme, which adsorbed 80% of chitinase and only 28% of BSA from the 0.25% protein mixture solution. At lower concentrations, 0.025%–0.05%, the membranes show complete selectivity toward chitinase. No leakage of Cu2+ ions was detected in the elution solution, whereas 95% of chitinase and 90% of BSA were eluted. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 30: 191–202, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20216
Male lineages in South American native groups: Evidence of M19 traveling south
Authors: Toscanini Ulises , Gusmão Leonor , Berardi Gabriela , Gomes Verónica , Amorim António , Salas Antonio , Raimondi Eduardo
Published: August 2011

With this study, we aimed to determine the different male ancestral components of two Native American communities from Argentina, namely Toba and Colla. The analysis of 27 Y‐chromosome SNPs allowed us to identify seven different haplogroups in both samples. Chromosomes carrying the M3 mutation, which typically defines the Native American haplogroup Q1a3a, were seen most frequently in the Toba community (90%). Conversely, Q1a3a was represented in 34% of the Colla Y‐chromosomes, whereas haplogroup R1b1, the main representative of western European populations, exhibited the highest frequency in this population (41%). Different M3 sublineages in the Toba community could be identified by observing point mutations at both DYS385 and M19 loci. A microvariant at DYS385, named 16.1, has been characterized, which helps to further subdivide Q1a3a. It is the first time the M19 mutated allele is described in a population from Argentina. This finding supports the old age of the lineages carrying the M19 mutation, but it contradicts the previous hypothesis that the M19 mutated allele is confined to only two Equatorial‐Tucano population groups from the north region of South America. The detection of M19 further south than previously thought allows questioning of the hypothesis that this lineage serves as an example of isolation after colonization. This observation also affirms the strong genetic drift to which Native Americans have been subjected. Moreover, our study illustrates a heterogeneous contribution of Europeans to these populations and supports previous studies showing that most Native American groups were subjected to European admixture that primarily involved immigrant men. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Status and health in Roman Dorset: The effect of status on risk of mortality in post‐conquest populations
Authors: Redfern Rebecca C. , DeWitte Sharon N.
Published: August 2011

The Roman conquest of Britain was previously shown to have negatively impacted health, particularly for children, older adults, and men. We build upon this previous research by investigating the effect that status had on risks of mortality within the Roman Britain populations of Dorset. This study incorporates a sample of 291 individuals excavated from several cemeteries in the county of Dorset dating between the first to early fifth centuries AD. To assess the effect of status on risks of mortality, burial type was used as a proxy for status and modeled as a covariate affecting the Siler and Gompertz–Makeham models of mortality. The results of these analyses indicate that high‐status individuals, particularly children, had a lower mortality risk compared to lower‐status groups; and for those buried in urban cemeteries, higher‐status individuals of all age‐groups had a lower mortality risk. As with our previous study (Redfern and DeWitte: Am J Phys Anthropol 144 (2011) 269–285), we found that male mortality risk was higher than females, which we consider to reflect underlying sex‐differences in immunity and disease response. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
mtDNA diversity in azara's owl monkeys (Aotus azarai azarai) of the Argentinean Chaco
Authors: Babb Paul L. , Fernandez‐Duque Eduardo , Baiduc Caitlin A. , Gagneux Pascal , Evans Sian , Schurr Theodore G.
Published: August 2011

Owl monkeys (Aotus spp.) inhabit much of South America yet represent an enigmatic evolutionary branch among primates. While morphological, cytogenetic, and immunological evidence suggest that owl monkey populations have undergone isolation and diversification since their emergence in the New World, problems with adjacent species ranges, and sample provenance have complicated efforts to characterize genetic variation within the genus. As a result, the phylogeographic history of owl monkey species and subspecies remains unclear, and the extent of genetic diversity at the population level is unknown. To explore these issues, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mt DNA) variation in a population of wild Azara's owl monkeys (Aotus azarai azarai) living in the Gran Chaco region of Argentina. We sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome from one individual (16,585 base pairs (bp)) and analyzed 1,099 bp of the hypervariable control region (CR) and 696 bp of the cytochrome oxidase II (COII) gene in 117 others. In addition, we sequenced the mitochondrial genome (16,472 bp) of one Nancy Ma's owl monkey (A. nancymaae). Based on the whole mtDNA and COII data, we observed an ancient phylogeographic discontinuity amongAotusspecies living north, south, and west of the Amazon River that began more than eight million years ago. Our population analyses identified three major CR lineages and detected a high level of haplotypic diversity withinA. a. azarai. These data point to a recent expansion of Azara's owl monkeys into the Argentinean Chaco. Overall, we provide a detailed view of owl monkey mtDNA variation at genus, species, and population levels. © Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Die Pictet‐Spengler‐Reaktion in der Natur und der organischen Chemie
Authors: Stöckigt Joachim , Antonchick Andrey P. , Wu Fangrui , Waldmann Herbert
Published: August 2011

Alkaloide sind eine bedeutende Klasse von Naturstoffen, die in der Natur weit verbreitet sind und von vielen Organismen gebildet werden. Sie haben ein breites Spektrum an biologischen Wirkungen und wurden viele Jahre in der Volksmedizin angewendet. Auch heutzutage haben Alkaloide zahlreiche Anwendungen als medizinische Therapeutika und verfügen außerdem über einen hohen Stellenwert als Ausgangspunkt für die Wirkstoffsuche, weshalb ihre Synthese von beträchtlichem Interesse ist. Die wichtigste Methode für die Synthese von Alkaloidgerüsten ist die durch Pictet und Spengler entdeckte Kondensationsreaktion, deren Leistungsfähigkeit in der Synthese von stereochemisch und strukturell komplexen Alkaloiden überzeugend bewiesen wurde.
The Pictet–Spengler Reaction in Nature and in Organic Chemistry
Authors: Stöckigt Joachim , Antonchick Andrey P. , Wu Fangrui , Waldmann Herbert
Published: August 2011

Alkaloids are an important class of natural products that are widely distributed in nature and produced by a large variety of organisms. They have a wide spectrum of biological activity and for many years were used in folk medicine. These days, alkaloids also have numerous applications in medicine as therapeutic agents. The importance of these natural products in inspiring drug discovery programs is proven and, therefore, their continued synthesis is of significant interest. The condensation discovered by Pictet and Spengler is the most important method for the synthesis of alkaloid scaffolds. The power of this synthesis method has been convincingly proven in the construction of stereochemicaly and structurally complex alkaloids.
Morphology, reversible phase crystallization, and thermal sensitive shape memory effect of cellulose whisker/SMPU nano‐composites
Authors: Han Jianping , Zhu Yong , Hu Jinlian , Luo Hongsheng , Yeung Lap‐Yan , Li Wenguo , Meng Qinghao , Ye Guangdou , Zhang Sheng , Fan Ying
Published: August 2011

To investigate the morphology, crystallization properties of reversible phase and thermal sensitive shape memory properties of CW/SMPU (Cellulose Whisker/Shape Memory Polyurethane) nano‐composite, the CW/SMPU nano‐composite having CW contents of 0.1–3.8 wt % were prepared. SEM investigation showed the evolution of reversible phase morphology from spherolite crystallization structure to uniform matrix with tiny CW aggregates with the addition of CW into the SMPU matrix. DSC and isothermal crystallization kinetic method revealed the effect of CW on crystallization properties of reversible phase and fixed phase, suggesting that the effect of CW on the crystallization of hard segment phase is not comparable with thermal history; the more CW causes the higher crystallization rate of reversible phase; the crystallization mechanism of reversible phase in nano‐composite gradually evolves to heterogeneous nucleation and crystal growth in two dimensions with the increase of CW content; the excellent nucleation effect of CW for the reversible phase leads to the drop of activity energy from 134.1 kJ/mol (N‐0), to 95.1 kJ/mol (N‐4). Cyclic tensile tests illustrate the addition of CW content can engender rapid shape fixity ability after a relative short cooling time; the shape fixity ratio of nano‐composite and the control sample after sufficient cooling all can be identically high. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Nonisothermal cure of bisphenol epoxy resin with a nonlinear aliphatic polyamine hardener
Authors: Zhou Dapeng , Wang Hongmei , Wang Songsong , Liu Dan , Lian Yuan
Published: August 2011

The amino terminated polypropylenimine dendrimer (DAB‐dendri‐(NH2)4) was employed as a new nonlinear aliphatic curing agent for diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). Nonisothermal curing reaction kinetics of DGEBA/DAB was investigated with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The apparent reaction activation energy Ea is about 56.7 kJ/mol determined using the Kissinger equation, and a two‐parameter (m, n) autocatalytic model ([icirc]Sesták–Berggren equation) was confirmed to be able to well simulate the reaction kinetics in the light of the Málek method. In addition, the relation between reaction activation energy Ea and curing degree α was obtained by applying model‐free isoconversional analysis with the Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose (KAS) method. As α increases, Ea reduced quickly from >80 kJ/mol to ≈60 kJ/mol up to a ≈ 15%, then decreased slowly to 55 kJ/mol till a ∼ 75%, and finally dropped to 44 kJ/mol at full conversion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Precipitation polymerization of molecularly imprinted polymers for recognition of melamine molecule
Authors: Zhang Zhongcan , Cheng Zhiqiang , Zhang ChunFeng , Wang Hongyan , Li Junfeng
Published: August 2011

Molecular imprinted polymer microspheres (MIPs) were prepared by precipitation polymerization using melamine as template molecule, methacrylic acid (MAA) as functional monomer, trimethylol‐propane trimethacrylate (TRIM) as crosslinking agent, acetonitrile as solvent and dispersion medium. Release of the template was performed by continuous extraction with methanol containing 10% acetic acid. The microspheres were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The perfect microspheres were produced when the addition of crosslinker was 7.48 mmol. The binding capacity of MIPs was examined, Qmax = 68.36 μmol g−1, and the dissociation constant at binding site of MIPs, Kd = 0.761, was estimated. Compared with the performance of conventional imprinted polymer, the imprinted microspheres showed high selectivity in special binding to template molecule. The imprinted microspheres could be used as the stationary phase in HPLC or SPE for selective extraction of melamine in daily products. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of the microstructure parameters on the mullins softening in carbon‐black filled styrene–butadiene rubbers
Authors: Merckel Yannick , Diani Julie , Brieu Mathias , Gilormini Pierre , Caillard Julien
Published: August 2011

A quantitative estimate of the Mullins softening is proposed and tested on various carbon‐black filled styrene–butadiene rubbers. To model the behavior of elastomeric materials, some constitutive equations reported in the literature are based on the account of a strain amplification factor, which evolves with the maximum strain history. The amplification factor is grounded on the representation of filled rubbers as heterogeneous materials made of hard rigid domains and soft deformable domains. In this work, this factor is split into two parts with opposite effects that account for the Mullins softening and for the filler reinforcement, respectively. Evolutions of both parts are obtained through a direct analysis of cyclic uniaxial tensile tests performed on a series of materials. The Mullins softening part is shown to linearly depend on the filler volume fraction and on the maximum strain applied, when defined as the first invariant of the Hencky tensor. Its changes with the gum cross‐link density parameter are insignificant. The reinforcement part of the amplification factor shows quadratic dependence on the filler volume fraction. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Photo‐fabricated unsaturated polyester resin composites reinforced by kenaf fibers, synthesis and characterization
Authors: Hussein M. A. , Tay G. S. , Rozman H. D.
Published: August 2011

New bio‐fiber composites (UPRC) cured by ultraviolet radiation were produced using kenaf fiber as reinforcing agent and unsaturated polyester resins as matrix in the presence of styrene and IRGACURE 1800 as photoinitiator. Unsaturated polyester resins based on palm oil were prepared from various ratios of monoglyceride (MG)/maleic anhydride (MA) by the interaction of the corresponding MG monomer, with different equivalents of MA, in the presence of 2‐methylimidazole as catalyst. The various characteristics of the obtained bio‐fiber composites, including mechanical, gel content, water absorption and thickness swelling test, thermal analysis, were determined and the data were discussed. Bio‐fiber composite with MG: MA ratio (1 : 4 eq./eq.) showed better mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact strength) than other formulations. Gel content increased as the amount of MA was increased up to the MG: MA ratio was 1 : 4 (eq./eq.) then slightly decreased at the higher ratio formulation. Bio‐fiber composite (UPRCc) was considered the best prepared bio‐fiber composite which contained higher degree double bond, cross‐linking and thermal stability. Moreover, morphological study of selected examples of the formed bio‐fiber composites was also carried out and showed the evidence of the enhancement of the compatibility between fiber and polymer matrix. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
The virtual anatomy laboratory: Usability testing to improve an online learning resource for anatomy education
Authors: Doubleday Eldridge G. , O'Loughlin Valerie D. , Doubleday Alison F.
Published: August 2011

An increasing number of instructors are seeking to provide students with online anatomy resources. Many researchers have attempted to identify associations between resource use and student learning but few studies discuss the importance of usability testing in resource design and modification. Usability testing provides information about ease of use and resource flexibility and indicates navigational issues that contribute to extraneous cognitive load for the user. An example of usability testing for modification of an online anatomy resource called the “Virtual Lab” is presented. Usability testing was used to determine whether increased content would impair navigation through the interface. Subjects with varying levels of experience with anatomy content were recruited to assess efficiency and effectiveness (defined by usability standards) of the original resource and of the redesigned resource. Comparisons between usability evaluation of the original “Virtual Lab” (OVL) and of the redesigned “Virtual Lab” (RVL) revealed that subjects were better able to successfully complete tasks using the RVL than they were with the OVL. Results also demonstrated that subjects did not take significantly more time to successfully complete tasks with the RVL. Additionally, usability testing revealed that subjects were able to successfully complete tasks using the RVL regardless of whether they possessed prior experience with anatomy content or not. Results of this study suggest that the modified resource is more effective for users. The example presented here underscores the need for usability testing prior to resource implementation and whenever significant changes are made to a resource interface. Anat Sci Educ. © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.
The changes of stemness biomarkers expression in human adipose‐derived stem cells during long‐term manipulation
Authors: Wan Safwani Wan Kamarul Zaman , Makpol Suzana , Sathapan Somasundaram , Chua Kien Hui
Published: August 2011

One of the advantages of human adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) in regenerative medicine is that they can be harvested in abundance. However, the stemness biomarkers, which marked the safety and efficacy of ASCs in accordance with the good manufacturing practice guidelines, is not yet well established. This study was designed to investigate the effect of long‐term culture on the stemness properties of ASCs using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry. Results showed the growth rate of ASCs was at its peak when they reached P10 (population doubling; PD = 26) but started to decrease when they were expanded to P15 (PD = 36) and P20 (PD = 46). The ASCs can be culture expanded with minimal alteration in the stemness genes and cluster of differentiation (CD) markers expression up to P10. Expression level of Sox2, Nestin, and Nanog3 was significantly decreased at later passage. CD31, CD45, CD117, and human leukocyte antigen DR, DQ, and DP were lowly expressed at P5 and P10 but their expressions increased significantly at P15 or P20. The differentiation ability of ASCs (adipogenesis, osteogenesis, and neurogenesis) also decreased in long‐term culture. Our findings suggested that P10 (PD = 26) should be the “cutoff point” for clinical usage because ASCs at passage 15 onward showed significant changes in the stemness genes, CD markers expression, and differentiation capability.
The Chiampo River 30 Years Later: Long‐Term Effects of Environmental Regulations on Social Representations
Authors: Brondi Sonia , Sarrica Mauro , Cibin Roberto , Neresini Federico , Contarello Alberta
Published: August 2011

With the aim of addressing environmental concerns from an applied social psychological perspective, this study explores how regulations aimed at reducing industrial pollution contribute to short‐term and long‐term changes in social representations. The local river in a Valley characterised by strong interactions between industries and communities was the focus of concern. Three features of the representations were examined: images, emotional experiences and practices. The research followed a multi‐method approach, using reports completed by 11‐to 14‐year‐old school pupils and collected in three periods: 1974–1977; 1978–1980; 2007–2009. In the third time period, interviews and surveys were also collected. Textual data underwent lexicometric analyses and qualitative content analyses; quantitative data underwent descriptive and inferential analyses. Results show that effective regulations contributed to positive change in social representations of the river. After 30 years, however, tensions between elements of the representation are present. Images and emotional experiences of the river considerably improved, so much so that the river almost disappears from the focus of attention. Practices however are consistent with old representations of the water as noxious, indicating persistent concerns about potential pollution. Results suggest the desirability of continuing participatory engagement between citizens and local/environmental authorities, not only as new regulations are introduced but also after they have been enacted. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pilot study for the characterization of pharmacogenetically relevant CYP2D6, CYP2C19 and ABCB1 gene polymorphisms in the Hungarian population
Authors: Rideg Orsolya , Háber Ágota , Botz Lajos , Szücs Ferenc , Várnai Réka , Miseta Attila , Kovács Gábor L.
Published: August 2011

Polymorphisms of CYP450 metabolizer enzymes and transport proteins play crucial roles in the inter‐individual variability of drug efficiency. The aim of our study was to predict the frequency of functional variants of CYP2D6, CYP2C19 and ABCB1 genes in the Hungarian population. One hundred twelve unrelated healthy subjects donated DNA sample in the study. ABCB1 C3435T and G2677T/A single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined by LightCycler polymerase chain reaction. Because only limited amount of data is available on the rare allelic variants of CYP2D6 in the European populations, our study applied an expanded set of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 alleles by using AmpliChip test. Our results show that the CYP2D6 phenotypes were 1.9% ultra‐rapid metabolizer, 6.5% intermediate metabolizer (IM), 8.3% poor metabolizer (PM) and 83.3% extensive metabolizer (EM), and the CYP2C19 phenotypes were 1.8% PM, 31.2% IM and 67% EM. The prevalence of the commonly observed CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 alleles in our study corresponds with that of other European populations. Nevertheless, our study confirms that extending the CYP2D6 allele set with loss‐of‐function variants such as CYP2D6*7, *9, *41 is worth considering. Frequency of the wild type ABCB1 3435C was 42.8% whereas the prevelance of 2677 G was 50.4%. Although frequency data of G2677T/A SNP in the European area are limited, some discrepancies with other studies were found. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SH3KBP1‐binding protein 1 prevents epidermal growth factor receptor degradation by the interruption of c‐Cbl‐CIN85 complex
Authors: Feng Lifeng , Wang Jin‐Tao , Jin Hongchuan , Qian Kaixian , Geng Jian‐Guo
Published: August 2011

The binding of Cbl‐interacting protein of 85 kDa (CIN85) to c‐Cbl is important to endocytosis and degradation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The proline–arginine motif PXXXPR in c‐Cbl and SH3 domains of CIN85 are essential to this interaction. Here, we demonstrated that SH3KBP1‐binding protein 1 (SHKBP1), which also contains two PXXXPR motifs, constitutively bound to SH3 domains of CIN85. Importantly, the binding of SHKBP1 prevented the interaction of CIN85 with c‐Cbl and inhibited the translocation of CIN85 to EGFR‐containing vesicles, thus reducing EGFR degradation and enhancing EGF‐induced serum response element transcription activity. Therefore, our results indicated that SHKBP1 could promote EGFR signaling pathway by interrupting c‐Cbl‐CIN85 complex and inhibiting EGFR degradation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Violet‐to‐Blue Tunable Emission of Aryl‐Substituted Dispirofluorene–Indenofluorene Isomers by Conformationally‐Controllable Intramolecular Excimer Formation
Authors: Thirion Damien , Poriel Cyril , Métivier Rémi , Rault‐Berthelot Joëlle , Barrière Frédéric , Jeannin Olivier
Published: August 2011

Two series of DiSpiroFluorene–IndenoFluorene (DSF‐IF) positional isomers, namely dispiro[2,7‐diarylfluorene‐9′,6,9′′,12‐indeno[1,2‐b]fluorenes], (1,2‐b)‐DSF‐IFs 1 and dispiro[2,7‐diarylfluorene‐9′,6,9′′,12‐indeno[2,1‐a]fluorenes], (2,1‐a)‐DSF‐IFs 2 have been synthesized. These violet‐to‐blue fluorescent emitters possess a 3π‐2spiro architecture, which combines via two spiro links two different indenofluorene cores, that is, (1,2‐b)‐IF or (2,1‐a)‐IF and 2,7‐substituted‐diaryl‐fluorene units. Due to their different geometric profiles, the two families of positional isomers present drastically different properties. The marked difference observed between the properties of (1,2‐b)‐DSF‐IF (1) and (2,1‐a)‐DSF‐IF (2) is discussed in terms of intramolecular π–π interactions occurring in (2,1‐a)‐DSF‐IF (2) leading to conformationally‐controllable intramolecular excimer formation. Indeed, the original geometry of the (2,1‐a)‐DSF‐IF (2) family, with face‐to‐face “aryl‐fluorene‐aryl” moieties, leads to remarkable excimer emission through intramolecular π–π interactions in the excited state. Furthermore, the emission wavelengths can be gradually modulated by the control of the steric hindrance between the adjacent substituted phenyl rings. Thus, through a comparative and detailed study of the 1H NMR, electrochemical and photophysical properties of DSF‐IFs 1 and 2, we have evidenced the intramolecular π–π interactions occurring between the two “aryl‐fluorene‐aryl” moieties in the ground state and in the excited state. These properties have been finally correlated to the spectacular conformational change modeled by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Indeed, the two “aryl‐fluorene‐aryl” moieties switch from a staggered conformation in the ground state to an eclipsed conformation in the first excited state.
Cyanide‐Bridged [Fe8M6] Clusters Displaying Single‐Molecule Magnetism (M=Ni) and Electron‐Transfer‐Coupled Spin Transitions (M=Co)
Authors: Mitsumoto Kiyotaka , Oshiro Emiko , Nishikawa Hiroyuki , Shiga Takuya , Yamamura Yasuhisa , Saito Kazuya , Oshio Hiroki
Published: August 2011

Cyanide‐bridged metal complexes of [Fe8M6(μ‐CN)14(CN)10 (tp)8(HL)10(CH3CN)2][PF6]4⋅n CH3CN⋅m H2O (HL=3‐(2‐pyridyl)‐5‐[4‐(diphenylamino)phenyl]‐1H‐pyrazole), tp−=hydrotris(pyrazolylborate), 1: M=Ni with n=11 and m=7, and 2: M=Co with n=14 and m=5) were prepared. Complexes 1 and 2 are isomorphous, and crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/n. They have tetradecanuclear cores composed of eight low‐spin (LS) FeIII and six high‐spin (HS) MII ions (M=Ni and Co), all of which are bridged by cyanide ions, to form a crown‐like core structure. Magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed that intramolecular ferro‐ and antiferromagnetic interactions are operative in 1 and in a fresh sample of 2, respectively. Ac magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1 showed frequency‐dependent in‐ and out‐of‐phase signals, characteristic of single‐molecule magnetism (SMM), while desolvated samples of 2 showed thermal‐ and photoinduced intramolecular electron‐transfer‐coupled spin transition (ETCST) between the [(LS‐FeII)3(LS‐FeIII)5(HS‐CoII)3(LS‐CoIII)3] and the [(LS‐FeIII)8(HS‐CoII)6] states.
Retinal input influences the size and corticocortical connectivity of visual cortex during postnatal development in the ferret
Authors: Bock A.S. , Kroenke C.D. , Taber E.N. , Olavarria J.F.
Published: August 2011

Retinal input plays an important role in the specification of topographically organized circuits and neuronal response properties, but the mechanism and timing of this effect is not known in most species. A system that shows dramatic dependence on retinal influences is the interhemispheric connection through the corpus callosum. Using ferrets, we analyzed the extent to which development of the visual callosal pattern depends on retinal influences, and explored the period during which these influences are required for normal pattern formation. We studied the mature callosal patterns in normal ferrets and in ferrets bilaterally enucleated (BE) at postnatal day 7 (P7) or P20. Callosal patterns were revealed in tangential sections from unfolded and flattened brains following multiple injections of horseradish peroxidase in the opposite hemisphere. We also estimated the effect of enucleation on the surface areas of striate and extrastriate visual cortex by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from intact brains. In BEP7 ferrets we found that the pattern of callosal connections was highly anomalous and the sizes of both striate and extrastriate visual cortex were significantly reduced. In contrast, enucleation at P20 had no significant effect on the callosal pattern, but it still caused a reduction in the size of striate and extrastriate visual cortex. Finally, retinal deafferentation had no significant effect on the number of visual callosal neurons. These results indicate that the critical period during which the eyes influence the development of callosal patterns, but not the size of visual cortex, ends by P20 in the ferret. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:914–932, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Onecut 1 and Onecut 2 are potential regulators of mouse retinal development
Authors: Wu Fuguo , Sapkota Darshan , Li Renzhong , Mu Xiuqian
Published: August 2011

Our current study focuses on the expression of two members of the onecut transcription factor family, Onecut1 (Oc1) and Onecut2 (Oc2), in the developing mouse retina. By immunofluorescence staining, we found that Oc1 and Oc2 had very similar expression patterns throughout retinal development. Both factors started to be expressed in the retina at around embryonic day (E) 11.5. At early stages (E11.5 and E12.5), they were expressed in both the neuroblast layer (NBL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL). As development progressed (from E14.5 to postnatal day [P] 0), expression diminished in the retinal progenitor cells and became more restricted to the GCL. By P5, Oc1 and Oc2 were expressed at very low levels in the GCL. By co‐labeling with transcription factors known to be involved in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) development, we found that Oc1 and Oc2 had extensive overlap with Math5 in the NBL, and that they completely overlapped with Pou4f2 and Isl1 in the GCL, but only partially in the NBL. Co‐labeling of Oc1 with cell cycle markers confirmed that Oc1 was expressed in both proliferating retinal progenitors and postmitotic retinal cells. In addition, we demonstrated that expression of Oc1 and Oc2 did not require Math5, Isl1, or Pou4f2. Thus, Oc1 and Oc2 may regulate the formation of RGCs in a pathway independent of Math5, Pou4f2, and Isl1. Furthermore, we showed that Oc1 and Oc2 were expressed in both developing and mature horizontal cells (HCs). Therefore the two factors may also function in the genesis and maintenance of HCs. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:952–969, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metamorphosis of a clock: Remodeling of the circadian timing system in the brain of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera) during larval‐adult development
Authors: Vafopoulou Xanthe , Steel Colin G.H.
Published: August 2011

The rhythmic phenomena expressed by organisms change over their lifetimes, but little is known of accompanying reorganization of the central circadian timing system in the brain. Especially dramatic changes in overt rhythms and morphology occur during transformation of larval insects into the adult form (metamorphosis). In Rhodnius prolixus, both the physiology of metamorphosis and its hormonal control are known in detail. Here we report changes in the brain timing system as revealed by pigment dispersing factor immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. Most of the features of the larval system are retained, but new clock cells differentiate and the arborizations of their axons increase in complexity, as do pathways connecting the lateral (LNs) and dorsal (DNs) groups of clock neurons. Early in metamorphosis, the LNs increase from 8 to 11 in number, becoming five small and six large LNs. Two large LNs then migrate to new positions in the protocerebrum. Another clock cell differentiates in the posterior protocerebrum. Each change occurs at a characteristic concentration of the ecdysteroid molting hormones that regulate metamorphosis. Clock cell axons invade the mushroom body and corpus allatum and travel down the ventral nerve cord. New overt rhythms develop during metamorphosis, in which these structures participate. The neuroendocrine cells of the brain receive more extensive branches of clock cell axons than in larvae. These increases in size and complexity of the circadian system during metamorphosis imply a greater complexity and diversity of outputs from it to both behavioral and hormonal rhythms in the adult. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1146–1164, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ON ganglion cells are intrinsically photosensitive in the tiger salamander retina
Authors: Rajaraman Kaveri
Published: August 2011

Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) have been well characterized in mammalian systems, both morphologically and electrophysiologically. They show slow, sustained responses to bright light in the absence of photoreceptor‐based input, mediated by the photopigment melanopsin. Only one mammalian melanopsin gene is expressed in a small fraction of the retinal ganglion cell population, but there are two genes for melanopsin among nonmammalian vertebrates that are widely expressed in a variety of retinal and extraretinal cell types, along with other photosensitive pigments. The current study provides an electrophysiological study of ipRGCs in the larval tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), a nonmammalian vertebrate with a well‐characterized retina. The results show that the ipRGC population is equivalent to the ON ganglion cell population in the tiger salamander retina. This sheds light on the evolutionary trajectory and functional significance of intrinsic photosensitivity through the vertebrate lineage and also affects our understanding of ON cell activity and development. We have characterized the nature of the intrinsic responses of the ON cell population, compared intrinsic and synaptically based receptive fields, and quantified the spectrum of the intrinsic activity. A wider action spectrum of intrinsic photosensitivity was obtained than would be expected for a single opsin photopigment, suggesting the expression of multiple photopigments in the salamander ipRGC. J. Comp. Neurol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodials, Inc.
Quantum dynamics in continuum for proton transport II: Variational solvent–solute interface
Authors: Chen Duan , Chen Zhan , Wei Guo‐Wei
Published: August 2011

Proton transport plays an important role in biological energy transduction and sensory systems. Therefore, it has attracted much attention in biological science and biomedical engineering in the past few decades. The present work proposes a multiscale/multiphysics model for the understanding of the molecular mechanism of proton transport in transmembrane proteins involving continuum, atomic, and quantum descriptions, assisted with the evolution, formation, and visualization of membrane channel surfaces. We describe proton dynamics quantum mechanically via a new density functional theory based on the Boltzmann statistics, while implicitly model numerous solvent molecules as a dielectric continuum to reduce the number of degrees of freedom. The density of all other ions in the solvent is assumed to obey the Boltzmann distribution in a dynamic manner. The impact of protein molecular structure and its charge polarization on the proton transport is considered explicitly at the atomic scale. A variational solute–solvent interface is designed to separate the explicit molecule and implicit solvent regions. We formulate a total free‐energy functional to put proton kinetic and potential energies, the free energy of all other ions, and the polar and nonpolar energies of the whole system on an equal footing. The variational principle is employed to derive coupled governing equations for the proton transport system. Generalized Laplace–Beltrami equation, generalized Poisson–Boltzmann equation, and generalized Kohn–Sham equation are obtained from the present variational framework. The variational solvent–solute interface is generated and visualized to facilitate the multiscale discrete/continuum/quantum descriptions. Theoretical formulations for the proton density and conductance are constructed based on fundamental laws of physics. A number of mathematical algorithms, including the Dirichlet‐to‐Neumann mapping, matched interface and boundary method, Gummel iteration, and Krylov space techniques are utilized to implement the proposed model in a computationally efficient manner. The gramicidin A channel is used to validate the performance of the proposed proton transport model and demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed mathematical algorithms. The proton channel conductances are studied over a number of applied voltages and reference concentrations. A comparison with experimental data verifies the present model predictions and confirms the proposed model. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive–behavioural group therapy versus guided self‐help for compulsive buying disorder: A preliminary study
Authors: Müller A. , Arikian A. , de Zwaan M. , Mitchell J.E.
Published: August 2011

Compulsive buying (CB) is defined as extreme preoccupation with buying/shopping and frequent buying that causes substantial negative psychological, social, occupational and financial consequences. There exists preliminary evidence that group cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective in the treatment of CB. The present pilot study made a first attempt to compare group CBT for CB with telephone‐guided self‐help (GSH). Fifty‐six patients were allocated randomly to one of the three conditions: (1) group CBT (n = 22); (2) GSH (n = 20); and (3) a waiting list condition (n = 14). The results indicate that face‐to‐face group CBT is superior not only to the waiting list condition but also to GSH. Patients who received GSH tended to have more success in overcoming CB compared with the waiting list controls. Given the sample size, the results must be considered as preliminary and further research is needed to address the topic whether GSH also could be a helpful intervention in reducing CB. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Group cognitive–behavioural therapy is effective in the treatment of compulsive buying and superior to telephone‐guided self‐help.

Preliminary data suggest that individuals who received telephone‐guided self‐help reported some improvement in compulsive buying compared with a waiting list condition.

Further research is needed to investigate whether guided‐self help is effective in overcoming compulsive buying.
The importance of residual renal function in peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Curran Simon P. , Bargman Joanne M.
Published: August 2011

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an important form of renal replacement therapy. The contribution of residual renal function (RRF) to the adequacy of PD is well recognized, but of greater importance is the association it has with reduced mortality and other important outcomes. This article reviews the evidence linking RRF with these outcomes, and discusses how we can best preserve it. Dial. Transplant. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.