bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Principles of and Reasons for Using Water as a Solvent for Green Chemistry
Authors: Breslow Ronald
Published: March 2010

Water is an environmentally benign solvent. It also has special properties useful in chemical and biochemical reactions: the hydrophobic effect can lead to altered selectivities and rate accelerations. Although these are commonly seen in water solutions – which require water solubility of the reactants – we have reported one example in which such effects were seen in the water suspension of a poorly soluble reactant. Here we describe examples, chiefly from our own work, in which the hydrophobic effect was used in substrate binding, in aromatic chlorination, in acylations by esters, in mimics of metalloenzymes and of ribonuclease, and amino acid syntheses and reactions, heterocyclic carbene chemistry, aldol condensations, Diels–Alder reactions, carbonyl reductions, and selective oxidations. The hydrophobic effect was also used to determine the geometries of transition states for some important reactions. With these attractive special advantages, including the green chemistry advantages, water should become a more usual solvent in chemical manufacturing.
Toward greener separations of rare earths: Bifunctional ionic liquid extractants in biodiesel
Authors: Liu Yinghui , Zhu Lili , Sun Xiaoqi , Chen Ji
Published: March 2010

Ionic liquids (ILs) containing quaternary phosphonium cations and phosphonic acid anions were explored as novel extractants for rare earths (RE) separation. They were considered to be bifunctional ionic liquid extractants (bif‐ILEs), since both cations and anions of ILs were involved in the extraction. Trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium bis 2,4,4‐trimethylpentylphosphinate (Cyphos IL 104), as a bif‐ILE, together with propylene carbonate (PC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and soybean oil methyl ester (SBME, biodiesel) as diluents was employed in the extraction of RE(III) from aqueous solutions. Acidified Cyphos IL 104 (HNO3‐Cyphos IL 104) exhibited high solubility in three diluents, and higher extraction efficiency than bis(2,4,4‐trimethylpentyl)phosphinic acid (Cyanex 272) because of the coextraction of RE(III) by quaternary phosphonium cation and phosphonic acid anion in organic phase. Additionally, this coextraction mechanism could eliminate the loss of IL. The physical properties and miscibility test results indicated that SBME was an excellent solvent for RE(III) extraction. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Identification of uniquely expressed transcription factors in highly purified B‐cell lymphoma samples
Authors: Andréasson Ulrika , Edén Patrik , Peterson Carsten , Högerkorp Carl‐Magnus , Jerkeman Mats , Andersen Niels , Berglund Mattias , Sundström Christer , Rosenquist Richard , Borrebaeck Carl A.K. , Ek Sara
Published: March 2010

Transcription factors (TFs) are critical for B‐cell differentiation, affecting gene expression both by repression and transcriptional activation. Still, this information is not used for classification of B‐cell lymphomas (BCLs). Traditionally, BCLs are diagnosed based on a phenotypic resemblance to normal B‐cells; assessed by immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry, by using a handful of phenotypic markers. In the last decade, diagnostic and prognostic evaluation has been facilitated by global gene expression profiling (GEP), providing a new powerful means for the classification, prediction of survival, and response to treatment of lymphomas. However, most GEP studies have typically been performed on whole tissue samples, containing varying degrees of tumor cell content, which results in uncertainties in data analysis. In this study, global GEP analyses were performed on highly purified, flow‐cytometry sorted tumor‐cells from eight subgroups of BCLs. This enabled identification of TFs that can be uniquely associated to the tumor cells of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), hairy cell leukemia (HCL), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The identified transcription factors influence both the global and specific gene expression of the BCLs and have possible implications for diagnosis and treatment. Am. J. Hematol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
C/EBPA gene mutation and C/EBPA promoter hypermethylation in acute myeloid leukemia with normal cytogenetics
Authors: Lu Ying , Chen Wengang , Chen Wei , Stein Anthony , Weiss Lawrence M. , Huang Qin
Published: March 2010

In the current study, we investigated C/EBPA gene mutations and promoter hypermethylation in a series of 53 patients with CN‐AML. In addition, we also analyzed two other frequent mutations (FLT3/ITD and NPM1) in these patients and correlated them with C/EBPA gene alterations. 13/53 patients were FLT3/ITD+/NPM1‐, 11/53 patients were FLT3/ITD+/NPM1+, 9/53 patients were FLT3/ITD‐/NPM1+, and 20/53 patients were FLT3/ITD‐/NPM1‐. Four of 53 cases displayed C/EBPA mutations, whereas 49 cases had only C/EBPA wild‐type alleles. Of the four positive cases, three patients had N‐terminal mutations only, whereas one patient had mutations in both the N‐ and C‐terminal region. Two of the four positive cases also harbored both FLT3/ITD and NPM1 mutation simultaneously, whereas the other two patients had neither FLT3/ITD nor NPM1 mutations. Furthermore, 7/53 cases displayed C/EBPA promoter hypermethylation. Interestingly, they were all in CN‐AML cases without FLT3/ITD or NPM1 mutations. None of the seven patients with C/EBPA promoter hypermethylation showed C/EBPA mutation. In conclusion, C/EBPA mutation and promoter hypermethylation can be detected at a relatively low frequency in de novo CN‐AML patients, suggesting they may contribute to leukemogenesis. C/EBPA mutation appears to be seen in “high‐risk” AML (FLT3/ITD+/NPM1+; FLT3/ITD+/NPM1‐ or FLT3/ITD‐/NPM1‐), while C/EBPA hypermethylation appears to be more common in AML with FLT3/ITD‐ /NPM1‐ and is not associated with C/EBPA mutation. Am. J. Hematol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Embedding a strategic approach to river restoration in operational management processes — experiences in England
Authors: Mainstone Chris P. , Holmes Nigel T. H.
Published: March 2010

1. The restoration of riverine habitats that have been physically modified by man has gained momentum over the past two decades, driven by a number of objectives. Formalizing the planning and implementation of such activity, however, so that it demonstrably meets national and local environmental objectives without compromising essential societal needs such as flood risk management, has proved problematic.

2. This paper addresses the operational realities of river restoration in the UK as experienced in England by the authors, and in doing so attempts to provide a vision for how strategic planning and implementation of restoration measures sensitive to these realities might be introduced. Specifically, the paper explores:

the prevailing perspectives on river restoration, shaped by both legislative drivers for ecosystem and biodiversity protection and the multiple uses made of rivers, their floodplains and catchments;

how decisions have tended to be made to date and how the government agencies for environmental protection and biodiversity conservation in England are planning to make decisions in the future;

the key obstacles to putting in place scientifically and technically robust, large‐scale, long‐term, economically viable plans for river restoration;

the potential for using rivers with special conservation designations for wildlife as a springboard for a strategic approach to river restoration more widely.

3. The issues hindering a strategic operational approach to river restoration in England are common to the rest of the UK and other developed countries grappling with the enormity of the river restoration challenge. To make real progress with river restoration, an operational decision‐making framework is needed that promotes progressive and strategic action but at the same time gives everyone confidence that such action is realistic and worthwhile. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Platinum and Palladium‐triazole Complexes as Highly Potential Antitumor Agents
Authors: Al‐Masoudi Najim A. , Abdullah Bayazeed H. , Essa Ali H. , Loddo Roberta , LaColla Paolo
Published: March 2010

The palladium complexes [(dppe)Pd(L)2PdCl2], [(dppe)Pd(L)2PtCl2], [(dppp)Pd(L)2PdCl2], [(dppm) Pd(L)2NiCl2], and [(dppm)Pd(L)2SnCl4] 15–19 were prepared. The antiproliferative activity of the newly synthesized complexes as well as their previously prepared analogues 3–14 and 20–26 were screened against a large panel of human cancer cell lines derived from haematological CD4+ human T‐cells containing an integrated HTLV‐1 genome (MT‐4). The complex 12a, b exhibited remarkable antiproliferative activity against MT‐4, CD4+ human acute T‐lymphoblastic leukemia (CCRF‐CEM), human splenic B‐lymphoblastoid cells (WIL‐2NS), human acute B‐lymphoblastic leukemia (CCRF‐SB), skin melanoma (SK‐MEL‐28), and prostate carcinoma (DU145) cell lines (CC50 = 0.5 μM, 0.4 ± 0.05 μM, 0.6 ± 0.05 μM, 0.4 ± 0.1 μM, and 0.8 ± 0.2 μM, respectively), meanwhile, 9a, b, 14a, b, and 23 showed significant activity against the CCRF‐SB cell lines (CC50 = 0.6 ± 0.06 μM, 0.7 ± 0.05 μM, 0.6 ± 0.05 μM, and 0.8 ± 0.15 μM, respectively). Further, 19 exhibited activity against the CCRF‐CEM cell line (CC50 = 0.4 ± 0.05 μM).
Ring Expansions of Tetrahydroprotoberberines and Related Dibenzo[c,g]azecines Modulate the Dopamine Receptor Subtype Affinity and Selectivity
Authors: Schulze Maria , Siol Oliver , Meise Werner , Lehmann Jochen , Enzensperger Christoph
Published: March 2010

The affinities of tetrahydroprotoberberines for dopamine receptors dramatically decrease after cleaving the central C‐N bond to the analogous ten‐membered dibenzo[c,g]azecines [1]. In the present work, we also synthesized eleven‐membered homologues of these heterocycles and measured the affinities of the resulting dibenzazaundecenes and their underlying homoberberines for human dopamine receptors as well as the cytotoxic effects of all target compounds on human glia cells. The tetracyclic iso‐C‐homoberberine‐derivatives revealed to be D4‐selective antagonists, while all other active compounds showed a significant D1/D5 selectivity. Distances in energy‐minimized conformations were measured in order to explain our findings.
Adiponectin stimulates prostaglandin E2 production in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Kusunoki Natsuko , Kitahara Kanako , Kojima Fumiaki , Tanaka Nahoko , Kaneko Kaichi , Endo Hirahito , Suguro Toru , Kawai Shinichi
Published: March 2010

Objective

Adipokines may influence inflammatory and/or immune responses. This study was undertaken to examine whether adiponectin affects the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs).

Methods

Synovial tissue was obtained from patients with RA who were undergoing joint replacement surgery. Fibroblast‐like cells from the third or fourth passage were used as RASFs. Expression of adiponectin receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein was detected. PGE2 (converted from arachidonic acid) was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression of mRNA and protein for cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) and membrane‐associated PGE synthase 1 (mPGES‐1), key enzymes involved in PGE2 synthesis, was detected in RASFs. The effects of RNA interference (RNAi) targeting the adiponectin receptor genes and the receptor signal inhibitors were examined. The influence of adiponectin on NF‐κB activation in RASFs was measured with an ELISA kit.

Results

Adiponectin receptors were detected in RASFs. Adiponectin increased both COX‐2 and mPGES‐1 mRNA and protein expression by RASFs in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. PGE2 production by RASFs was also increased by the addition of adiponectin, and this increase was inhibited by RNAi for the adiponectin receptor gene, or coincubation with the receptor signal inhibitors. Enhancement of NF‐κB activation by adiponectin as well as by interleukin‐1β was observed in RASFs.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that adiponectin induces COX‐2 and mPGES‐1 expression, resulting in the enhancement of PGE2 production by RASFs. Thus, adiponectin may play a role in the pathogenesis of synovitis in RA patients.
Analysis of travel patterns between road and transit‐oriented development areas
Authors: Lee Seungjae , Lee Shinhae , Park Dongjoo , Lee Chungwon
Published: March 2010

The objectives of this study are to analyze the travel patterns based on social changes between 1996 and 2002, and then to identify main implications in transport policies in the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA). In SMA, there are many changes during 6 years. For example, SMA has changed the paradigm of transportation policy from car‐oriented policy to public‐oriented policy. So, this study examines the general travel pattern changes in the SMA and compares the travel patterns of regions invested in road construction (road‐invested areas) with those of regions invested in transit (transit‐invested areas). Study results show that while road investment had little effect on reducing congestion, the number of cars decreased in transit‐invested areas due to the modal shift to transit modes. This study suggests that transit‐oriented policies should be utilized as a solution to overcome severe traffic congestion. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Error correction of arrival time prediction in real time bus information system
Authors: Kim Seungil , Lee Chungwon , Kim Youngchan , Lee Seungjae , Park Dongjoo
Published: March 2010

Many large cities in Korea have either implemented or are planning to install a bus information system (BIS) in order to improve the quality of service for bus passengers. This is mainly being conducted by providing bus arrival times at bus stops. In these systems, similar systematic errors occur in the estimation of bus arrival times, which are influenced by the information updating time (cycle length) taken to identify each bus location, the information processing time, and the cycle length required to update the bus arrival information on each terminal. The systematic errors can occur in the collection of data, information processing, and in the passenger waiting time. This study investigated these systematic errors and developed a statistical method for correcting these errors in order to improve the accuracy of the BIS information. The proposed method is based on probability density functions and the random incidence concept. The developed method was then applied to the BIS of a city in Korea in order to verify the efficacy of the method. Through the verification results, there was a 23% error reduction after applying the error correction method to the BIS. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Co‐occurrence of achondroplasia and Down syndrome: Genotype/phenotype association
Authors: de Azevedo Moreira Lilia Maria , Matos Marcos A. , Schiper Patricia P. , Carvalho Acácia F.L. , Gomes Ivalda C. , Rolemberg José C. , de Lima Renata L.L. Ferreira , Toralles Maria B.P.
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND

This report describes the sixth case of an unusual association: Down syndrome with achondroplasia. It also analyzes the effects of both of these disorders on patient phenotype.

METHODS

A male infant was evaluated for Down syndrome. His appearance also suggested a diagnosis of achondroplasia. The child was evaluated by physical examination, radiography, cytogenetic study, and mutation analysis.

RESULTS

Chromosome analysis showed a karyotype of 47,XY,+21 in all 30 cells analyzed. Radiographic examination showed typical findings of achondroplasia, such as disproportionately large skull, shortening of limb segments, and lumbar lordosis. FGFR3 screening showed a heterozygous G1138A mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

The interaction of these two distinct genetic disorders in the same patient produces a phenotype typical of each syndrome with some overlapping signs. This case represents de novo origin of two disorders that both may be parental‐age related. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
mRNA stability and antibody production in CHO cells: Improvement through gene optimization
Authors: Hung Finn , Deng Liang , Ravnikar Paula , Condon Russ , Li Benson , Do Lien , Saha Deba , Tsao Yung‐Shyeng , Merchant Ankit , Liu Zhong , Shi Shuangping
Published: March 2010

The productivity of stably transfected cell lines is of critical importance for the manufacturing of therapeutic proteins. Various methods have been successfully implemented to increase the production output of mammalian cell cultures. Increasing evidence suggests that optimization of the gene coding sequences of an expression vector can improve specific cell line yield of the recombinant protein. Here we demonstrate that gene optimization substantially enhances antibody production in Chinese hamster ovary cells. When gene optimization was applied to the heavy and light chain genes of a therapeutic antibody, we observed increased antibody production in transient transfection. Elevated heavy chain mRNA level was associated with the increase of antibody production. Further analysis suggested that the increased antibody expression is attributable to enhanced mRNA stability resulting from gene optimization. Gene optimization also led to increased antibody production in stable clones.
Functional glass surface displaying a glutamyl donor substrate for transglutaminase‐mediated protein immobilization
Authors: Sung Kyunga , Kamiya Noriho , Kawata Noriyuki , Kamiya Shinji , Goto Masahiro
Published: March 2010

A chemically modified glass surface displaying a glutamyl donor substrate peptide (Z‐QG) was developed for microbial transglutaminase (MTG)‐mediated immobilization of recombinant proteins tagged with an MTG‐reactive lysine‐containing substrate peptide (K‐tag). To evaluate the surface modification conditions affecting the enzymatic protein immobilization, we employed an amino‐modified 96‐well glass plate as a base and prepared three types of glass surfaces displaying Z‐QG. Validation of the Z‐QG modified glass surfaces with recombinant enhanced green fluorescent proteins revealed that the insertion of a di(ethylene glycol) linker between the terminal Z‐QG moiety and the base not only enhances enzymatic protein immobilization efficiency but also decreases nonselective protein adsorption. A bacterial alkaline phosphatase fused with a K‐tag at the N terminus was also successfully immobilized to the designed glass surface, suggesting that the chemically modified glass surface displaying a spatially controlled glutamyl donor substrate is a potential platform for MTG‐mediated fabrication of protein‐based solid biomaterials.
The Squaramide versus Urea Contest for Anion Recognition
Authors: Amendola Valeria , Bergamaschi Greta , Boiocchi Massimo , Fabbrizzi Luigi , Milani Michele
Published: March 2010

The interaction of a neutral squaramide‐based receptor, equipped with two 4‐nitrophenyl substituents (Rsq), with halides and oxoanions has been studied in MeCN. UV/Vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy titration experiments clearly indicated the formation of 1:1 hydrogen bonding [Rsq⋅⋅⋅X]+ complexes with all the investigated anions. X‐ray diffraction studies on the chloride and bromide complex salts confirmed the 1:1 stoichiometry and indicated the establishment of bifurcated hydrogen‐bond interactions between the squaramide‐based receptor and the halide anion that involved both 1) amide NH and 2) aryl proximate CH fragments, for a total of four bonds. Probably due to the contribution of CH fragments, complexes of Rsq with halides are 1 to 2 orders of magnitude more stable than the corresponding ones with the analogous urea‐based receptor that contains two 4‐nitrophenyl substituents (Rur). In the case of oxoanions, Rsq forms complexes, the stability of which decreases with the decreasing basicity of the anion (H2PO4−>NO2−≈HSO4−>NO3−), and is comparable to that of complexes of the urea‐based receptor Rur. Such a behaviour is ascribed to the predominance of different contributions: electrostatic interaction for halides, acid‐to‐base ‘frozen’ proton transfer for oxoanions. Finally, with the strongly basic anions F− and CH3COO−, Rsq first gives genuine hydrogen‐bond complexes of 1:1 stoichiometry; then, upon addition of a second anion equivalent, it undergoes deprotonation of one NH fragment, with the simultaneous formation of the dianion hydrogen‐bond complexes, [HF2]− and [CH3COOH⋅⋅⋅CH3COO]−, respectively. In the case of the urea‐based derivative Rur, deprotonation takes place with fluoride but not with acetate. The apparently higher Brønsted acidity of Rsq with respect to Rur reflects the capability of the squaramide receptor to delocalise the negative charge formed on NH deprotonation over the cyclobutene‐1,2‐dione ring and the entire molecular framework.
An Unexpected Michael–Aldol–Smiles Rearrangement Sequence for the Synthesis of Versatile Optically Active Bicyclic Structures by Using Asymmetric Organocatalysis
Authors: Holub Nicole , Jiang Hao , Paixão Marcio W. , Tiberi Caterina , Jørgensen Karl A.
Published: March 2010

A facile and simple organocatalytic procedure to generate optically active 6‐alkyl‐ and 6‐aryl‐substituted bicyclo[2.2.2]oct‐5‐en‐2‐ones is presented. The reaction is catalysed by a 9‐amino‐9‐deoxyepiquinine trifluoroacetic acid salt, which activates α,β‐unsaturated cyclic ketones for the 1,4‐addition of β‐keto benzothiazoyl sulfones in a stereoselective fashion. Subsequent intramolecular aldol reaction and Smiles rearrangement gives rise to important optically active bicycles, which are a common motif in natural products, ligands in asymmetric catalysis and substrates for Cope rearrangements, photochemical reactions, radical cyclisations and metathesis. Different bicyclic structures were obtained by utilisation of various cyclic enones or by performing ring‐expanding reactions. Furthermore, two possible mechanistic pathways are outlined and discussed.
Catalytic Hydrogenation of meso‐Octamethylporphyrinogen (Calix[4]pyrrole)
Authors: Journot Guillaume , Letondor Christophe , Neier Reinhard , Stoeckli‐Evans Helen , Savoia Diego , Gualandi Andrea
Published: March 2010

Hydrogenation of meso‐octamethylporphyrinogen (calix[4]pyrrole) with a number of heterogeneous catalysts under different experimental conditions has been investigated. GC‐MS analyses of the reaction mixtures showed the formation of one to four products in low to moderate yields: three of them were diastereoisomers of the product derived from half‐hydrogenation of the substrate, and displayed alternating pyrrolidine and pyrrole rings, while the fourth was the all‐cis saturated product. An acidic medium was necessary to achieve hydrogenation. However, the use of too strongly acidic solvents or additives was detrimental to the stability of the substrate and/or the catalyst.
Removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions using powdered corn cobs
Authors: Adie D. B. , Olarinoye N. O. , Oke I. A. , Ismail A. , Lukman S. , Otun J. A.
Published: March 2010

This paper is a report on an investigation conducted on adsorption of lead ions (Pb2+) onto powdered corn cobs (PCC). Corn cobs were collected from a selected location in Nigeria. The corn cobs were crushed and pulverised into different particle sizes. Its compositions and adsorption properties of Pb2+ onto PCC were studied. The effects of pH, particle size of PCC, and initial concentration of Pb2+ on the adsorption properties were monitored. The adsorption capacities were analysed by using standard adsorption models. The models were evaluated statistically (total error, coefficient of determination (CD), model of selection criterion (MSC), and root mean square error). The study revealed that PCC contained 2.33%, 86.89%, 10.78%, 0.52%, and 4.56% ash, volatile, moisture, solubility in water, and solubility in 0.25 M of HCl by mass, respectively. Acid digestion of a gram of PCC indicated that PCC contained no chromium and lead, but contained 131 mg Fe, 54.79% carbon, 8.03% hydrogen, 0.41% nitrogen, 0.010 mg of Al, and 1.70 mg calcium. The isotherm models parameters were 28.509 L/mg and 0.141 mg/g; 0.138 mg/g and 11.494 L/mg; 0.142 L/mg and 0.013 mg/g; 0.129 mg/g and 25.641 L/mg, 28.509 L/mg, 3.795 mg/g and 2.336 for Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, activated sludge, and Redlich–Peterson. The PCC particle size, initial pH, and initial Pb2+ concentration had effects on the adsorption parameters. The statistical evaluations showed that the best model for adsorption of lead ions from raw water onto PCC based on lower errors, high CD (0.88), reliability (97.5%), and MSC (1.86) was Freundlich and followed by activated sludge model. It was concluded that PCC is a good adsorbent like powdered eggshell and other carbon‐based materials.
Design and In vitro Evaluation of Branched Peptide Conjugates: Turning Nonspecific Cytotoxic Drugs into Tumor‐Selective Agents
Authors: Falciani Chiara , Brunetti Jlenia , Pagliuca Chiara , Menichetti Stefano , Vitellozzi Lucia , Lelli Barbara , Pini Alessandro , Bracci Luisa
Published: March 2010

The use of peptide receptors as targets for tumor‐selective therapies was envisaged years ago with the findings that receptors for different endogenous regulatory peptides are overexpressed in several primary and metastatic human tumors, and can be used as tumor antigens. Branched peptides can retain or even increase, through multivalent binding, the biological activity of a peptide and are very resistant to proteolysis, thus having a markedly higher in vivo activity compared with the corresponding monomeric peptides. Oligo‐branched peptides, containing the human regulatory peptide neurotensin (NT) sequence, have been used as tumor‐specific targeting agents. These peptides are able to selectively and specifically deliver effector units, for cell imaging or killing, to tumor cells that overexpress NT receptors. Results obtained with branched NT conjugated to different functional units for tumor imaging and therapy indicate that branched peptides are promising novel multifunctional targeting molecules. This study is focused on the role of the releasing pattern of drug‐conjugated branched NT peptides. We present results obtained with oligo‐branched neurotensin peptides conjugated to 6‐mercaptopurin (6‐MP), combretastain A‐4 (CA4) and monastrol (MON). Drugs were conjugated to oligo‐branched neurotensin through different linkers, and the mode‐of‐release, together with cytotoxicity, was studied in different human cancer cell lines. The results show that branched peptides are very promising pharmacodelivery options. Among our drug‐armed branched peptides, NT4–CA4 was identified as a candidate for further development and evaluation in preclinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. This peptide–drug exhibits significant activity against pancreas and prostate human cancer cells. Consequently, this derivative is of considerable interest due to the high mortality rates of pancreas neuroendocrine tumors and the high incidence of prostate cancer.
A meshless Total Lagrangian explicit dynamics algorithm for surgical simulation
Authors: Horton Ashley , Wittek Adam , Joldes Grand Roman , Miller Karol
Published: March 2010

A method is presented for computing deformation of very soft tissue. The method is motivated by the need for simple, automatic model creation for real‐time simulation. The method is meshless in the sense that deformation is calculated at nodes that are not part of an element mesh. Node placement is almost arbitrary. Fully geometrically nonlinear Total Lagrangian formulation is used. Geometric integration is performed over a regular background grid that does not conform to the simulation geometry. Explicit time integration is used via the central difference method. As an example the simple but fully nonlinear Neo‐Hookean material model is employed. The results are compared with a finite element simulation to verify the usefulness of the method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An n‐sided polygonal edge‐based smoothed finite element method (nES‐FEM) for solid mechanics
Authors: Nguyen‐Thoi T. , Liu G. R. , Nguyen‐Xuan H.
Published: March 2010

An edge‐based smoothed finite element method (ES‐FEM) using triangular elements was recently proposed to improve the accuracy and convergence rate of the existing standard finite element method (FEM) for the elastic solid mechanics problems. In this paper the ES‐FEM is further extended to a more general case, n‐sided polygonal edge‐based smoothed finite element method (nES‐FEM), in which the problem domain can be discretized by a set of polygons, each with an arbitrary number of sides. The simple averaging point interpolation method is suggested to construct nES‐FEM shape functions. In addition, a novel domain‐based selective scheme of a combined nES/NS‐FEM model is also proposed to avoid volumetric locking. Several numerical examples are investigated and the results of the nES‐FEM are found to agree well with exact solutions and are much better than those of others existing methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of random material and geometrical properties on structural safety of steel–concrete composite systems
Authors: Çavdar Özlem , Bayraktar Alemdar , Çavdar Ahmet
Published: March 2010

A stochastic finite element‐based algorithm for probabilistic analysis of structural systems made of composite sections with random material and geometrical properties under earthquake forces is proposed in this paper. Uncertainties in the structural parameters can be taken into account in this algorithm. For the perturbation‐based stochastic finite element method, only the first two moments of random variables need to be known, and is numerically much more efficient and feasible than simulation techniques. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed algorithm are validated by comparison with results of Monte Carlo simulation method. A summary of stiffness matrix formulation and perturbation‐based stochastic finite element dynamic analysis formulation of structural systems made of composite sections is given. These are followed by suitable numerical examples, which indicate that employment of such a dynamic stochastic finite element method leads to significant economical, efficient and accurate solutions for the dynamic analysis of composite structures with stochastic parameters under earthquake forces. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Scalasca performance toolset architecture
Authors: Geimer Markus , Wolf Felix , Wylie Brian J. N. , Ábrahám Erika , Becker Daniel , Mohr Bernd
Published: March 2010

Scalasca is a performance toolset that has been specifically designed to analyze parallel application execution behavior on large‐scale systems with many thousands of processors. It offers an incremental performance‐analysis procedure that integrates runtime summaries with in‐depth studies of concurrent behavior via event tracing, adopting a strategy of successively refined measurement configurations. Distinctive features are its ability to identify wait states in applications with very large numbers of processes and to combine these with efficiently summarized local measurements. In this article, we review the current toolset architecture, emphasizing its scalable design and the role of the different components in transforming raw measurement data into knowledge of application execution behavior. The scalability and effectiveness of Scalasca are then surveyed from experience measuring and analyzing real‐world applications on a range of computer systems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance evaluation of OFDM and single‐carrier systems using frequency domain equalization and phase modulation
Authors: Hassan Emad S. , Zhu Xu , El‐Khamy Said E. , Dessouky Moawad I. , El‐Dolil Sami A. , El‐Samie Fathi E. Abd
Published: March 2010

In this paper, we study the performance of the continuous phase modulation (CPM)‐based orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (CPM‐OFDM) system. Also, we propose a CPM‐based single‐carrier frequency domain equalization (CPM‐SC‐FDE) structure for broadband wireless communication systems. The proposed structure combines the advantages of the low complexity of SC‐FDE, in addition to exploiting the channel frequency diversity and the power efficiency of CPM. Both the CPM‐OFDM system and the proposed system are implemented with FDE to avoid the complexity of the equalization. Two types of frequency domain equalizers are considered and compared for performance evaluation of both systems; the zero forcing (ZF) equalizer and the minimum mean square error (MMSE) equalizer. Simulation experiments are performed for a variety of multipath fading channels. Simulation results show that the performance of the CPM‐based systems with multipath fading is better than their performance with single path fading. The performance over a multipath channel is at least 5 and 12 dB better than the performance over a single path channel, for the CPM‐OFDM system and the proposed CPM‐SC‐FDE system, respectively. The results also show that, when CPM is utilized in SC‐FDE systems, they can outperform CPM‐OFDM systems by about 5 dB. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the vagina: Cytomorphology of previously unreported case
Authors: Jin Bo , Pickens Alex , Shah Mahendra B. , Turrisi Andrew , Saleh Husain
Published: March 2010

Squamous carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the vagina. Other malignancies include adenocarcinoma, melanoma, lymphoma, and very rarely, neuroendocrine carcinoma/small‐cell carcinoma. Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) has not been reported in this location. In this report, we describe a case of LCNEC of the vagina, which is believed to be the first case to date in the English literature. The patient is a 53‐year old gravida 3, para 2, African‐American woman who had a 4 month history of severe pelvic pain and difficulty voiding and was found to have a firm plate‐like mass on the anterior vaginal wall. Thin prep of vaginal swap was interpreted as atypical glandular cells; however, the biopsies showed a large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma which was confirmed by diffuse strong immunoreactivity to AE1/3, CAM5.2, CK7, and CD56 in the tumor cells. Subsequent clinical workup showed that the patient also had numerous metastatic nodules in the bilateral lungs and a vaginal‐urethral fistula caused by the tumor. The patient underwent palliative radiation of pelvis for local pain control and then chemotherapy. Although the vaginal tumor increased in size even after radiation, her symptoms were under control and she was doing well for a short period of time. The patient is still alive but developed brain metastasis a year later after initial diagnosis. Despite its rarity, large cell neuroendocrine cell carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis when cytomorphology shows features suggestive of neuroendocrine differentiation. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:925–928. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Targeting the pentose phosphate pathway in syndrome X‐related cardiovascular complications
Authors: Gupte Sachin A.
Published: March 2010

Syndrome X is a combination or co‐occurrence of several known cardiovascular risk factors (including central obesity, dyslipidemias, fatty liver disease, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and hypertension) that affects at least one in five people in developed countries. Syndrome X shortens life and increases morbidity by contributing to the development of both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Type 1 or 2 diabetes affects approximately 170 million people globally, and these numbers are rapidly rising. In patients with diabetes, vascular diseases develop early and progress at an accelerated rate. It has recently become evident that glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the rate‐limiting enzyme in the pentose‐phosphate pathway and its reaction products play key roles in regulating vascular function. Epidemiological studies have also shown that G6PD deficiency markedly reduces retinopathy and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases in males from certain Mediterranean regions. Conversely, G6PD expression and activity are upregulated in rat and mouse models of obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia, and a role for G6PD in the development of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes has been proposed. Unfortunately, no selective drugs are available to validate the hypothesis that G6PD and its products are involved in the development of syndrome X in humans. This review discusses the potential mechanisms by which G6PD could be implicated in vascular diseases in syndrome X and the need to develop new approaches, including new drugs and molecular tools, to ameliorate diabetes‐induced vascular dysfunction and vasculopathies. Drug Dev Res 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long circulating nanoparticles of etoposide using PLGA‐MPEG and PLGA‐pluronic block copolymers: characterization, drug‐release, blood‐clearance, and biodistribution studies
Authors: Yadav Khushwant S. , Chuttani Krishna , Mishra Anil K. , Sawant Krutika K.
Published: March 2010

The anti‐leukemic drug, etoposide (ETO), has variable oral bioavailability ranging from 24–74% with a short terminal half‐life of 1.5 h i.v. necessitating continuous infusion for 24–34 h for the treatment of leukemia. In the present study, etoposide‐loaded PLGA‐based surface‐modified nanoparticles (NPs) with long circulation were designed as an alternative to continuous i.v. administration. PLGA‐mPEG and PLGA‐PLURONIC copolymers were synthesised and used to prepared ETO‐loaded NPs by high‐pressure homogenization. The mean particle size of ETO‐loaded PLGA‐MPEG nanoparticles was 94.02±3.4 nm, with an Entrapment Efficiency (EE) of 71.2% and zeta potential value of −6.9±1.3 mV. ETO‐loaded PLGA‐pluronic nanoparticles had a mean particle size of 148.0±2.1 nm, an EE of 73.12±2.7%, and zeta potential value of −21.5±1.6 mV. In vitro release of the pure drug was complete within 4 h, but was sustained up to 7 days from PLGA‐mPEG nanoparticles and for 5 days from PLGA‐pluronic nanoparticles. Release was first order and followed non‐Fickian diffusion kinetics in both instances. ETO and ETO‐loaded PLGA nanoparticles labeled with 99mTc were used in blood clearance studies in rats where the two coated NPs, 99mTc‐ ETO‐PLGA‐PLU NP and 99mTc‐ ETO‐PLGA‐mPEG NP, were found to be available in higher concentrations in the circulation as compared to the pure drug. Biodistribution studies in mice showed that ETO‐loaded PLGA‐MPEG NP and PLGA‐PLURONIC NP had reduced uptake by the RES due to their steric barrier properties and were present in the circulation for a longer time. Moreover, the NPs had greater uptake in bone and brain where concentration of the free drug, ETO, was negligible. Drug delivered from these NPs could result in a single i.v. injection that would release the drug for a number of days, which would be potentially beneficial and in better control of leukemia therapy. Drug Dev Res 71: 228–239, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Luminescent Ionic Liquid Crystal: [C12mim]4[EuBr6]Br
Authors: Getsis Anna , Tang Sifu , Mudring Anja‐Verena
Published: March 2010

[C12mim]4[EuBr6]Br·CH3CN (2) was obtained at –15 °C by reacting europium bromide with [C12mim]Br (1‐dodecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide) in acetonitrile. 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P$\bar {1}$ (No. 2) with two formula units in the unit cell. The structure is characterized by double layers of [C12mim] cations with interdigitated alkyl chains which are separated by anion layers formed by [EuBr6] octahedra and Br···CH3CN units. Upon warming to room temperature 2 looses acetonitrile to form the room temperature ionic liquid crystal [C12mim]4[EuBr6]Br (1). The temperature dependent structural behavior has been characterized by differential scanning calorimentry and hot‐stage polarizing optical microscopy. In the temperature range of –3 to 98 °C 1 adopts a smectic liquid crystal phase. At 77 K 1 shows a strong red emission with a lifetime of 2.6 ms. Analysis of the emission spectrum yields a quantum efficiency of 0.45.
A Chemometric Approach to Map Reaction Media Chemoselectivity: Example of Selective Debenzylation
Authors: Bensel Nicolas , Klär Daniel , Catala Cédric , Schneckenburger Patrick , Hoonakker Frank , Goncalves Sylvie , Wagner Alain
Published: March 2010

A chemometric process consisting in measuring the reactivity of a set of substrates under standardized and complementary reaction conditions was run to evaluate the possibility of building a coherent database that would give a general overview of the selectivity of a variety of catalysts. This systematic experimental approach was applied to the hydrogenolysis of O‐benzyl ether compounds. Analysis of collected data revealed reaction conditions with precise chemoselectivity. For instance, Pd/C in EtOH or PdOH in THF enabled the specific cleavage of the benzyl group in the presence of p‐CF3Bn groups, and addition of triethylamine in EtOH suppressed the cleavage of the phenoxybenzyl bond. The latter selectivity was exemplified on several polyfunctional substrates.
Voltammetric Determination of Low‐Molecular‐Weight Sulfur Compounds in Hydrothermal Vent Fluids – Studies with Hydrogen Sulfide, Methanethiol, Ethanethiol and Propanethiol
Authors: Dias Daiane , do Nascimento Paulo C. , Jost Cristiane L. , Bohrer Denise , de Carvalho Leandro M. , Koschinsky Andrea
Published: March 2010

Determination of sulfide compounds in hydrothermal vent fluid samples was performed by DPCSV. The methodology was applied to speciate sulfides via primitive and first‐derivative curve interpretation. Hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, and propanethiol were simultaneously assayed in samples containing no ethanethiol. In the presence of ethanethiol, the organic sulfides were determined without speciation. Sulfides were determined in an acidic electrolyte, and detection limits ranging from 0.1 to 1.1 μmol L−1 were calculated. The method was tested in real hydrothermal vent fluid samples, with recoveries ranging from 86.9% (R–SH) to 115.3% (H2S). Interference of the metallic species present in seawater was investigated.
Electrochemical Determination of 2‐Nitrophenol in Water Samples Using Mg‐Al‐SDS Hydrotalcite‐Like Clay Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Yin Huanshun , Zhou Yunlei , Ai Shiyun , Cui Lin , Zhu Lusheng
Published: March 2010

A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with Mg‐Al‐SDS hydrotalcite‐like clay (SDS‐HTLC) was used for the sensitive voltammetric determination of 2‐nitrophenol (2‐NP) utilizing the oxidation process. The results indicate the prepared modified electrode has an excellent electrocatalytic activity toward 2‐NP oxidation, lowering the oxidation overpotential and increasing the oxidation current. Under optimal conditions, the oxidation current was proportional to 2‐NP concentration in the range from 1.0×10−6 to 6.0×10−4 M with the detection limit of 5.0×10−7 M by DPV (S/N=3). The fabricated electrode was applied for 2‐NP determination in water samples and the recovery for these samples was from 95.6 to 103.5%.
A free surface finite element model for low Froude number mould filling problems on fixed meshes
Authors: Coppola‐Owen H. , Codina R.
Published: March 2010

The simulation of low Froude number mould filling problems on fixed meshes presents significant difficulties. As the Froude number decreases, the coupling between the position of the interface and the resulting flow field increases. The usual two‐phase flow model provides poor results for such flow. In order to overcome the difficulties, a free surface model that applies boundary conditions at the interface accurately is used. Moreover, the use of wall laws on curved boundaries also fails in the case of low Froude number flows. To solve this second problem, we combine wall laws with ‘do nothing’ boundary conditions. A special feature of our approach is that ‘do nothing’ boundary conditions are only applied in the normal direction. These two key ingredients together with the Level Set method allow us to simulate three‐dimensional mould filling problems borrowed directly from the foundry. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms of protein kinase D activation in response to P2Y2and P2X7 receptors in primary astrocytes
Authors: Carrasquero Luz MarÍa G. , Delicado Esmerilda G. , SÁnchez‐Ruiloba LucÍa , Iglesias Teresa , Miras‐Portugal Maria Teresa
Published: March 2010

Protein kinase D (PKD) is a family of serine/threonine kinases that can be activated by many stimuli via protein kinase C in a variety of cells. This is the first report where PKD activation and localization is studied in glial cells. Herein, we demonstrate that P2Y2and P2X7 receptor stimulation of primary rat cerebellar astrocytes rapidly increases PKD1/2 phosphorylation and activity. P2Y2receptor response evokes a PKD1/2 activation that is dependent on apertussistoxin‐insensitive G protein, phospholipase C (PLC)‐mediated generation of diacylglycerol, and protein kinase C. This mechanism is similar to the one described for other G‐protein coupled receptors. In contrast, the way the ionotropic P2X7 receptor activates PKD1/2 is significantly different. Importantly, this response is not dependent on calcium entry, but depends on the activity of several phospholipases, including phosphoinositide‐phospholipase C (PI‐PLC), phosphatidylcholine‐phospholipase C (PC‐PLC) and also phospholipase D (PLD). Immunoblot and confocal microscopy analysis show that PKD1/2 activation by nucleotides is transient. The active kinase first moves to and concentrates in certain plasma membrane domains. Then, phosphorylated‐PKD1/2 translocates to intracellular vesicles, where it remains active. All together, our results open the perspective of PKD1/2 being involved in many physiological functions where nucleotides play important roles not only in astrocytes but in other cell types bearing these receptors. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physiotherapy for accessory nerve shoulder dysfunction following neck dissection surgery: A literature review
Authors: McGarvey Aoife C. , Chiarelli Pauline E. , Osmotherly Peter G. , Hoffman Gary R.
Published: March 2010

Background:

Neck dissection is an operation that can result in accessory nerve injury. Accessory nerve shoulder dysfunction (ANSD) describes the pain and impaired range of motion that may occur following neck dissection. The aim of this review was to establish the level of evidence for the effectiveness of physiotherapy in the postoperative management of ANSD.

Methods:

A literature search of physiotherapy and ANSD using Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Cochrane Library databases was undertaken.

Results:

Physiotherapy has been shown to be well tolerated in this patient group following surgery. However, few studies exist as to the effect of physiotherapy on ANSD.

Conclusions:

There is a need for research to investigate the effects of early, appropriate physiotherapy on the development of ANSD following neck dissection surgery. Such a study has the potential to improve the functional outcome and quality of life in this patient group, and ultimately to promote best practice guidelines for management. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011