bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactic Acid
Authors: Chahal Surinder P. , Starr John N.
Published: December 2006

Lactic acid is a naturally occurring C3α‐hydroxycarboxylic acid that is a product of anaerobic metabolism of sugars in virtually all living things. It is a colorless to slightly yellow, hydroscopic liquid commercially available in 50 – 90 wt % solutions. Lactic acid is made industrially by fermentation of carbohydrates or synthetically via the hydrolysis of lactonitrile. Production by fermentation has increased over the last decade as it produces the highly enantiopurel‐lactic acid that is needed for food and polymer applications. Historically, foods have been the largest volume application, as lactic acid is a mild‐tasting acidulant and food preservative. The use of lactic acid based polymers has increased significantly since ca. 2002. These polymers have the potential to develop into a million‐tonne industry over the next 20 years. The commercial lactic acid processes use a variety of sugar for raw materials (sucrose from sugar beets and sugar cane, dextrose from corn), depending on price and availability of these sugars near the plant location. There are also a number of purification processes that are used commercially (lactate ester distillation, distillation, liquid – liquid extraction).

The article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.Properties2.1.Physical Properties2.2.Chemical Properties2.2.1.Internal Esterification2.2.2.Esterification2.2.3.Other Reactions3.Production3.1.Lactic Acid Fermentation3.2.Lactic Acid Purification3.3.Synthesis of Lactic Acid3.4.Construction Materials4.Uses4.1.Food Uses4.2.Polymers4.3.Industrial Uses5.Quality Specifications6.Analysis7.Storage and Transportation8.Legal Aspects9.Economic Aspects10.Environmental Protection11.Toxicology and Occupational Health
Sealing Materials
Authors: Palmer Richard A. , Klosowski Jerome M.
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:1.Introduction1.1.Definition of Sealing Materials1.2.Performance Characteristics1.3.Specifications and Physical Properties1.3.1.General Considerations1.3.2.Modulus of Elasticity1.3.3.Movement1.3.4.Adhesion1.3.5.UV and Weathering Stability1.3.6.High‐Temperature Stability1.3.7.Low‐Temperature Flexibility1.3.8.Reversion1.3.9.Staining2.Medium‐Performance Sealants2.1.Butyl Sealants2.2.Latex Acrylic Sealants2.3.Solvent‐Release Acrylic Sealants3.Polysulfides3.1.Composition3.2.Properties3.3.Advantages, Markets, and Limitations3.4.Major Suppliers4.Urethanes4.1.Composition4.2.Properties4.3.Advantages, Markets, and Limitations4.4.Major Suppliers5.Silicones5.1.Composition5.2.Properties5.3.Advantages, Markets, and Limitations5.4.Major Suppliers6.Environmental Protection
Sedatives
Authors: Dubinsky Barry
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.Introduction2.Rationale for the Selection of Individual Agents2.1.Therapeutic Spectrum of Action and Requirements2.2.Mechanism of Action3.Individual Agents3.1.Benzodiazepines3.2.Barbituric Acids3.3.Antihistamines
Silicates
Authors: Lagaly Gerhard , Tufar Werner , Minihan A. , Lovell A.
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.

Structural Chemistry of Silicates

1.1.

Structural Classification

1.2.

Oligo‐ and Cyclosilicates

1.3.

Polysilicates

1.4.

Phyllosilicates

1.4.1.

Monophyllosilicates

1.4.2.

Diphyllosilicates

1.4.3.

Alkali Silicates

1.4.4.

Crystalline Silicic Acids

1.4.5.

Clay Minerals

1.4.6.

Intracrystalline Reactions

1.5.

Tectosilicates

2.

Natural Silicates

2.1.

Feldspar

2.1.1.

Structure and Composition

2.1.2.

Characterization of Individual Feldspars

2.1.3.

Production

2.1.4.

Properties

2.1.5.

Mineral Deposits and their Extraction

2.1.6.

Processing and Quality Requirements

2.1.7.

Uses and Economic Aspects

2.2.

Nepheline and Related Compounds

2.3.

Leucite

2.4.

Olivine

2.5.

Andalusite

2.6.

Kyanite

2.7.

Sillimanite

2.8.

Mullite

2.9.

Vermiculite

2.10.

Perlite

2.11.

Pumice

2.12.

Basalt

2.13.

Wollastonite

2.14.

Toxicology

3.

Alkali Silicates

3.1.

Introduction

3.2.

Raw Materials

3.3.

Amorphous Anhydrous Alkali Silicates (Solid or Lump Glasses)

3.4.

Silicate Solutions

3.5.

Hydrated Water‐Soluble Silicates

3.6.

Crystalline Solids

3.7.

Uses and Applications

3.8.

Economic Aspects

3.9.

Storage, Safety, Labelling and Transportation

3.10.

Analysis
Thiols and Organic Sulfides
Authors: Roy Kathrin‐Maria
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:1.Aliphatic Thiols, Sulfides, Disulfides, and Polysulfides1.1.Introduction1.2.Properties of Aliphatic Thiols1.2.1.Physical Properties1.2.2.Chemical Properties1.3.Production of Aliphatic Thiols1.3.1.From Alcohols1.3.2.From Alkenes1.3.3.Other Production Methods1.4.Construction Materials, Storage, and Transport1.5.Uses of Aliphatic Thiols1.6.Alkyl Sulfides, Disulfides, and Polysulfides1.6.1.Physical and Chemical Properties1.6.2.Production of Alkyl Sulfides1.6.3.Production of Alkyl Disulfides1.6.4.Production of Alkyl Polysulfides1.6.5.Uses of Alkyl Sulfides, Disulfides, and Polysulfides2.Aromatic Thiols, Sulfides, Disulfides, and Polysulfides2.1.Physical and Chemical Properties2.2.Production of Aromatic Thiols2.2.1.By Reduction2.2.2.By Thiolation2.3.Uses of Aromatic Thiols2.4.Production of Aryl Sulfides, Disulfides, and Polysulfides2.5.Uses of Aryl Sulfides, Disulfides, and Polysulfides3.Heterocyclic Thiols, Sulfides, and Disulfides3.1.Introduction3.2.Physical and Chemical Properties3.3.Production3.3.1.Heterocyclic Thiols by Substitution3.3.2.Heterocyclic Thiols by Cyclization3.3.3.Heterocyclic Sulfides and Disulfides3.4.Uses of Heterocyclic Thiols, Sulfides, and Disulfides3.4.1.Pharmaceuticals3.4.2.Agricultural Chemicals3.4.3.Other Uses4.Toxicology5.Acknowledgement
Titanium, Titanium Alloys, and Titanium Compounds
Authors: Sibum Heinz , Güther Volker , Roidl Oskar , Habashi Fathi , Wolf Hans Uwe
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.Introduction2.Physical Properties3.Mechanical Properties4.Corrosion Behavior5.Occurrence6.Production of Titanium Tetrachloride7.Production of Titanium Sponge7.1.Reduction of Titanium Dioxide7.2.Reduction of Titanium Halides7.3.Thermal Decomposition of Titanium Halides7.4.Electrowinning of Titanium8.Processing and Reuse of Scrap Metal9.Processing of Titanium Sponge10.Production and Processing of Semifinished Products11.Titanium Alloys11.1.α‐, (α + β)‐, and β‐Alloys11.2.Highly Alloyed Titanium12.Uses and Economic Aspects13.Titanium Master Alloys13.1.Ferrotitanium13.1.1.Composition and Uses13.1.2.Production13.1.3.Economic Aspects13.2.Titanium ‐ Aluminum13.3.Other Master Alloys14.Titanium Compounds14.1.Titanium(II) Compounds14.2.Titanium(III) Compounds14.3.Titanium(IV) Compounds14.4.Interstitial Compounds15.Toxicology and Occupational Health
Transuranium Elements
Authors: Koch Lothar
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.Isotopes of Transuranium Elements2.Properties of Transuranium Elements2.1.Physical Properties2.2.Chemical Properties3.Production4.Applications5.Transuranium Elements as Waste5.1.Radiotoxicity5.2.Partitioning and Transmutation
Wood, Surface Treatment
Authors: Hansemann Wilfried
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.

Introduction

2.

Bleaching

3.

Staining

3.1.

Stain Systems

3.2.

Application of Stains

4.

Coating Systems

4.1.

Cellulose Nitrate Lacquers

4.2.

Polyurethane Coatings

4.3.

Unsaturated Polyester Coatings

4.4.

Waterbased Paints

5.

Paint Application

6.

Paint Curing Methods

6.1.

Heat‐Drying Systems

6.2.

Radiation‐Curing Systems

6.2.1.

IR Irradiation

6.2.2.

UV Curing

6.2.3.

Electron‐Beam Curing
Reaction Columns
Authors: Wörz Otto , Mayer Hans‐Horst
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.Introduction2.Mathematical Model3.Case Studies3.1.Effect of Feed Tray and Number of Plates3.2.Effect of Equilibrium Constant3.3.Different Relative Volatilities of A and B3.4.Increasing Relative Volatility of D3.5.Declining Relative Volatility of A4.Important Applications5.Summary
Laser Analytical Spectroscopy
Authors: Bolshov Michael A. , Kuritsyn Yuri A.
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.

Introduction

1.1.

Properties of Laser Light

1.1.1.

Tunability

1.1.2.

Intensity

1.1.3.

Time Resolution

1.1.4.

Temporal Coherence

1.1.5.

Spatial Coherence

1.2.

Types of Laser Analytical Techniques

1.3.

Peculiarities of Resonance Laser Radiation Absorption

2.

Tunable Lasers

2.1.

Dye Lasers

2.2.

Semiconductor Diode Lasers

3.

Laser Techniques for Elemental Analysis

3.1.

Laser‐Excited Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry

3.1.1.

Physical Principles

3.1.2.

Atomizers

3.1.3.

Limits of Detection

3.1.4.

Real Sample Analysis

3.2.

Laser‐Enhanced Ionization

3.2.1.

Physical Principles

3.2.2.

Atomizers

3.2.3.

Limits of Detection

3.2.4.

Real Sample Analysis

3.3.

Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy

3.3.1.

Physical Principles

3.3.2.

Atomizers

3.3.3.

Limits of Detection: Real Samples

3.4.

Diode Lasers in Elemental Analysis

3.4.1.

Physical Principles of Absorption Spectrometry

3.4.2.

Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with Diode Lasers

3.4.3.

Element Specific Detection by DLAAS

3.4.4.

Isotope Selective Detection with Diode Lasers

3.4.5.

Commercial System

4.

Laser Techniques for Molecular Analysis

4.1.

Molecular Absorption Spectroscopy with Diode Lasers

4.1.1.

Detection of Molecular Gas Impurities with Lead‐Salt Diode Lasers

4.1.2.

Near IR Gas Sensors

4.1.3.

Advanced Developments

4.2.

Laser Optoacoustic Spectroscopy

4.3.

Thermal Lens Spectroscopy

4.4.

Fluorescence Analysis of Organic Molecules in Solid Solutions

5.

Laser Ablation
Bioremediation
Authors: Henke Gustav Adolph
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.Introduction2.Microbiology3.Fundamentals of Biodegradation Processes4.Processes4.1.On‐Site Methods4.2.In‐Situ Methods4.3.Off‐Site Methods5.Use of the Cleaned Soil6.Case Examples6.1.Remediation of a Tank Farm6.2.Remediation of Soil Contaminated with TNT
Biosafety Practices Associated with Potential Agents of Biocrime and Biowarfare
Authors: Burnett LouAnn C.
Published: December 2006

Conducting research in a manner that guards against theft and intentional misuse of biological materials requires a process of hazard identification and risk assessment to most effectively identify and implement a risk management plan. Procedures describing physical security, personnel reliability, and material control and accountability define a security plan for this type of research.
LacZ‐Based Detection of Acyl‐Homoserine Lactone Quorum‐Sensing Signals
Authors: Joelsson Adam C. , Zhu Jun
Published: December 2006

Many bacteria use quorum‐sensing regulatory systems to monitor their population density and to coordinate their genetic expression under certain conditions. Acyl‐homoserine lactones are often produced by many Gram‐negative bacteria and serve as quorum‐sensing signal molecules. This unit describes two commonly used methods to detect acyl‐homoserine lactones from laboratory or environmental bacterial cultures.
Measuring the velocity field in film‐splitting flows of Newtonian liquids
Authors: Becerra Melisa Z. , Romero Oldrich Joel , Azevedo Luis Fernando A. , Carvalho Marcio S.
Published: December 2006

Rigorous mathematical analysis of viscous free surface flows and comprehensive experimental analysis have been used to develop coating technology in the last 30 years. Theoretical analysis usually require advanced numerical methods to solve the mass and momentum‐conservation equations coupled with the appropriate boundary conditions for flows with liquid‐gas interfaces. Experimental analysis usually requires pilot plant trials and bench‐top flow visualization experiments to reveal details of the flow inside the coating bead. The first attempts to visualize a coating flow were limited to displaying the free‐surface configuration as a function of the operating parameters. Later, careful experiments were used to visualize streamlines with vortices inside a coating bead for different coating processes. Streamline visualization were crucial on enhancing the fundamental understanding of different coating flows. However, the application of quantitative methods capable of providing instantaneous measurements of the velocity field inside a coating bead is still rare. Velocity measurements in coating flows are extremely challenging because of the small scale, and the presence of liquid‐air interfaces. In this work, the particle‐image velocimetry (PIV) technique was used to study the flow between a rotating roll and a stationary plate, a prototype forward roll coating flow. Theoretical predictions of the same flow were obtained by solving the Navier‐Stokes equations with the appropriate boundary conditions for free‐surface flows. The velocity and the rate of deformation at each point were measured at different operating parameters. Some of the results were compared with the theoretical predictions. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007.
Clinical‐etiologic correlation in children with Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS): An interdisciplinary study
Authors: Torrado Maria , Araoz Veronica , Baialardo Edgardo , Abraldes Karina , Mazza Carmen , Krochik Gabriela , Ozuna Blanca , Leske Vivian , Caino Silvia , Fano Virginia , Chertkoff Lilien
Published: December 2006

Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisystemic disorder caused by the loss of expression of paternally transcribed genes within chromosome 15q11‐q13. Most cases are due to paternal deletion of this region; the remaining cases result from maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) and imprinting defects. To better understand the phenotypic variability of PWS, a genotype–phenotype correlation study was performed in 91 children with PWS. Patients were diagnosed by Southern Blot Methylation assay and genetic subtypes were established using FISH and microsatellite analyses. Fifty‐nine subjects with deletion (31/28 males/females; mean age 3.86 years), 30 with UPD (14/16 males/females; mean age 3.89 years) and 2 girls with a presumed imprinting defect (mean age 0.43 yrs) were identified. For correlation purposes patients were grouped as “deleted” and “non‐deleted.” An increased maternal age was found in the UPD group. Four of Holm's criteria were more frequently present in the deleted group: need for special feeding techniques, sleep disturbance, hypopigmentation, and speech articulation defects. Concerning cognitive assessments, only 9.52% of subjects with deletion had Full‐Scale IQ (FSIQ) ≥70, while 61.53% of subjects without deletion had FSIQ ≥70. Similar results were found in behavioral measures. Sleep disorders and carbohydrate metabolism were systematically assessed. Polysomnoghaphic studies revealed a higher frequency of central events with desaturations ≥10% in the deleted group (P = 0.020). In summary, the phenotype was significantly different between both groups in certain parameters related to the CNS. These results might be related to the differences in brain gene expression of the genetic subtypes. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subtelomeric analysis detects a familial 10p;12p rearrangement in two relatives with a distinct syndrome
Authors: Battaglia A. , Novelli A. , Ceccarini C. , Bernardini L. , Carey J.C.
Published: December 2006

In recent years, subtelomeric rearrangements have been identified as a major cause of multiple congenital anomalies (MCA)/mental retardation (MR) syndromes. Currently, more than 2,500 individuals with MR have been tested and subtelomeric rearrangements were detected in about 6%. Therefore, subtelomeric FISH analysis is indicated as a second tier test after high‐resolution G‐banding analysis, in subjects with otherwise unexplained developmental delay/MR and/or MCA. We describe a female patient and her maternal aunt, both showing a distinct phenotype, associated with the same complex subtelomeric rearrangement. Subtelomeric FISH testing performed between 1 year 9 months and 20 years after the initial karyotype showed, in both patients, distal trisomy 12p and distal monosomy 10p as follows: 46,XX.ish der(10)t(10;12)(p15.3;p13.31). Parental subtelomeric FISH analysis showed the proposita's mother (sister of Patient 2) and grandmother (mother to Patient 2), to have a balanced 10p:12p translocation. Both girls showed a similar phenotype with pre/postnatal growth retardation, moderate‐to‐severe developmental delay/MR, very poor/absent speech, hypotonia, lax ligaments, and a distinct pattern of malformation. On examination there were blepharophimosis; bilateral ptosis/epicanthus; broad, depressed nasal bridge with a beaked nose; short philtrum; low‐set, posteriorly rotated, overfolded ears; micrognathia; mild webbing of the neck; mild broadening of thumbs; puffy hands/feet; long hallux; and sacral/coccygeal dimples. A slow overall improvement was seen in both patients over time. To our knowledge, a complex subtle rearrangement as the one seen in our patients has not been reported thus far. Our patients show features of partial 10p deletion syndrome rather than those of partial duplication 12p, confirming the general rule that deletions are more phenotypically penetrant than duplications. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Therapeutic potential of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 antagonists as multifunctional agents
Authors: Tsutsumi Hiroshi , Tanaka Tomohiro , Ohashi Nami , Masuno Hiroyuki , Tamamura Hirokazu , Hiramatsu Kenichi , Araki Takanobu , Ueda Satoshi , Oishi Shinya , Fujii Nobutaka
Published: December 2006

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 possesses multiple critical functions in normal and pathologic physiology. CXCR4 is a G‐protein‐coupled receptor that transduces signals of its endogenous ligand, the chemokine CXCL12 (stromal cell‐derived factor‐1, SDF‐1). The interaction between CXCL12 and CXCR4 plays an important role in the migration of progenitors during embryologic development of the cardiovascular, hemopoietic, central nervous systems, and so on. This interaction is also known to be involved in several intractable disease processes, including HIV infection, cancer cell metastasis, leukemia cell progression, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and pulmonary fibrosis. It is conjectured that this interaction may be a critical therapeutic target in all of these diseases, and several CXCR4 antagonists have been proposed as potential drugs. Fourteen‐mer peptides, T140 and its analogues, were previously developed in our laboratory as specific CXCR4 antagonists that were identified as HIV‐entry inhibitors, anti‐cancer‐metastatic agents, anti‐chronic lymphocytic/acute lymphoblastic leukemia agents, and anti‐RA agents. Cyclic pentapeptides, such as FC131 [cyclo(D‐Tyr‐Arg‐Arg‐L‐3‐(2‐naphthyl)alanine‐Gly)], were also previously found as CXCR4 antagonist leads based on pharmacophores of T140. This review article describes the elucidation of multiple functions of CXCR4 antagonists and the development of a number of low‐molecular weight CXCR4 antagonists involving FC131 analogues and other compounds with different scaffolds including linear‐type structures. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 88: 279–289, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Biological hydrogen production from nitrogen‐deficient substrates
Authors: Hafner Sasha D.
Published: December 2006

Dark fermentation of biomass using mixed bacterial cultures is one approach to producing renewable H2. The objective of this work was to determine if this approach could be applied to N‐deficient feedstocks using an N2‐fixing mixed culture. A mixed culture produced up to 240 mL H2/g glucose (1.9 mol H2/mol glucose) from a medium initially lacking combined N. Yields from sugarcane were also promising: 170 mL H2/g volatile solids (7.5 mmol H2/g volatile solids). This approach could reduce economic and environmental costs of fermentative H2 production, provide combined N for subsequent bioconversion stages, and improve effluent suitability for subsequent uses. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 435–437. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microscopic examination of changes of plant cell structure in corn stover due to hot water pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Zeng Meijuan , Mosier Nathan S. , Huang Chia‐Ping , Sherman Debra M. , Ladisch Michael R.
Published: December 2006

Particle size associated with accessible surface area has a significant impact on the saccharification of plant cell walls by cellulolytic enzymes. Small particle sizes of untreated cellulosic substrate are more readily hydrolyzed than large ones because of higher specific surface area. Pretreatment enlarges accessible and susceptible surface area leading to enhanced cellulose hydrolysis. These hypotheses were tested using ground corn stover in the size ranges of 425–710 and 53–75 µm. Ultrastructural changes in these particles were imaged after treatment with cellulolytic enzymes before and after liquid hot water pretreatment. The smaller 53–75 µm corn stover particles are 1.5× more susceptible to hydrolysis than 425–710 µm corn stover particles. This difference between the two particle size ranges is eliminated when the stover is pretreated with liquid hot water pretreatment at 190°C for 15 min, at pH between 4.3 and 6.2. This pretreatment causes ultrastructural changes and formation of micron‐sized pores that make the cellulose more accessible to hydrolytic enzymes. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 265–278. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multi‐gene engineering: Simultaneous expression and knockdown of six genes off a single platform
Authors: Greber David , Fussenegger Martin
Published: December 2006

Increases in our understanding of gene function have greatly expanded the repertoire of possible genetic interventions at our disposal with the consequence that many genetic engineering applications require multiple manipulations in which target genes can be both overexpressed and silenced in a simple and co‐ordinated manner. Using synthetic introns as a source of encoding short‐interfering RNA (siRNA), we demonstrate that it is possible to simultaneously express both a transgene and siRNA from a single polymerase (Pol) II promoter. By encoding siRNA as an intron between two protein domains requiring successful splicing for functionality, it was possible to demonstrate that splicing was occurring, that the coding genes (exonic transgenes) resulted in functional protein, and that the spliced siRNA‐containing lariat was capable of modulating expression of a separate target gene. We subsequently extended this concept to develop pTRIDENT‐based multi‐cistronic vectors that were capable of co‐ordinated expression of up to three siRNAs and three transgenes off a single genetic platform. Such multi‐gene engineering technology, enabling concomitant transgene overexpression and target gene knockdown, should be useful for therapeutic, biopharmaceutical production, and basic research applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;96:821–834. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thickness Recognition of Bolaamphiphiles by α‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Müller Axel , Wenz Gerhard
Published: December 2006

The minimum internal diameters of α‐, β‐, and γ‐cyclodextrin were calculated by a space filling algorithm, MolShape, from the electron density maps created by semiempirical AM1 and PM3 calculations using Gaussian03. In addition, the minimum diameters of a series of dicationic bolaamphiphiles were calculated by MolShape as well. The calculated diameters of these hosts and guests allowed prognosis about the stabilities of the corresponding inclusion compounds. The experimental binding data, obtained by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), revealed indeed a very pronounced thickness recognition and correlate well with the calculated diameters.
Muon Implantation of Metallocenes: Ferrocene
Authors: Jayasooriya Upali A. , Grinter Roger , Hubbard Penny L. , Aston Georgina M. , Stride John A. , Hopkins Gareth A. , Camus Laure , Reid Ivan D. , Cottrell Stephen P. , Cox Stephen F. J.
Published: December 2006

Muon Spin Relaxation and Avoided Level Crossing (ALC) measurements of ferrocene are reported. The main features observed are five high field resonances in the ALC spectrum at about 3.26, 2.44, 2.04, 1.19 and 1.17 T, for the low‐temperature phase at 18 K. The high‐temperature phase at 295 K shows that only the last feature shifted down to about 0.49 T and a muon spin relaxation peak at about 0.106 T which approaches zero field when reaching the phase transition temperature of 164 K. A model involving three muoniated radicals, two with muonium addition to the cyclopentadienyl ring and the other to the metal atom, is postulated to rationalise these observations. A theoretical treatment involving spin‐orbit coupling is found to be required to understand the Fe–Mu adduct, where an interesting interplay between the ferrocene ring dynamics and the spin‐orbit coupling of the unpaired electron is shown to be important. The limiting temperature above which the full effect of spin‐orbit interaction is observable in the μSR spectra of ferrocene was estimated to be 584 K. Correlation time for the ring rotation dynamics of the Fe–Mu radical at this temperature is 3.2 ps. Estimated electron g values and the changes in zero‐field splittings for this temperature range are also reported.
Quantitative Data on the Effects of Alkyl Substituents and Li–O and Li–N Chelation on the Stability of Secondary α‐Oxy‐Organolithium Compounds
Authors: Monje Pablo , Graña Paula , Paleo M. Rita , Sardina F. Javier
Published: December 2006

A ΔGeq stability scale of secondary α‐oxy‐organolithium compounds was established from measurements of tin–lithium exchange equilibria in THF, and the quantitative effects of substituents at the anionic center on carbanion stability are presented. A new lead–lithium exchange equilibrium reaction was also investigated and shown to be a very useful alternative for the determination of the relative stability of the more sterically hindered organolithium compounds. Alkyl groups adversely affect the stability of organolithium compounds when attached to the carbon bearing the negative charge, but the extent of this effect is highly dependent on the nature of the rest of the substituents attached to the anionic center. Quantitative data on the stabilization imparted to organolithium compounds by Li–O and Li–N chelation have been determined for a variety of systems. The formation of four‐ and five‐membered chelate rings leads to a considerable stabilization of the organolithium compound, while chelation through the formation of six‐membered rings affords no extra stabilization to this type of organometallics. Multinuclear NMR experiments carried out on several α‐oxy‐organolithium compounds to determine their aggregation state are supportive of these species being monomers in THF solution.
Structural Characterization of Modern and Fossilized Charcoal Produced in Natural Fires as Determined by Using Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy
Authors: Cohen‐Ofri Ilit , Popovitz‐Biro Ronit , Weiner Steve
Published: December 2006

Charcoal produced in natural fires is widespread, but surprisingly little is known about its structure and stability. TEM and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) were used to characterize the organized graphite‐like microcrystallites and amorphous nonorganized phases of modern charcoal that had been produced in natural fires. In addition, a semiordered structure was identified in two modern charcoal samples. Fossilized charcoal contains fewer graphite‐like microcrystallites than modern samples. EELS spectra confirmed that the dominant structure in fossilized charcoal is amorphous carbon. EELS measurements also revealed that only the nonorganized phase contains oxygen, which indicates that the degradation of the fossilized charcoal structure occurs mainly through oxidation processes. The few graphite‐like microcrystallites found in fossilized charcoal were composed of onion‐like structures that are probably less prone to oxidation owing to their rounded structures.
Hole Transfer Rates in A‐Form DNA/2′‐OMeRNA Hybrid
Authors: Kawai Kiyohiko , Osakada Yasuko , Sugimoto Akira , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Majima Tetsuro
Published: December 2006

The hole transfer rates in the DNA/DNA B‐form duplex and DNA/2′‐OMeRNA A‐form duplex were measured which occurred in the time range of ≈100 μs. The hole transfer rates in the A‐form duplexes were slower and more strongly dependent on the temperature compared to those in the B‐form duplexes, suggesting that the A‐form is more rigid than the B‐form duplex in this time scale.
Enantiomeric separation of imidazolinone herbicides using chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Lin Kunde , Xu Chao , Zhou Shanshan , Liu Weiping , Gan Jay
Published: December 2006

Chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is one of the most powerful tools to prepare enantiopure standards of chiral compounds. In this study, the enantiomeric separation of imidazolinone herbicides, i.e., imazethapyr, imazapyr, and imazaquin, was investigated using chiral HPLC. The enantioselectivity of Chiralpak AS, Chiralpak AD, Chiralcel OD, and Chiralcel OJ columns for the three analytes was compared under similar chromatographic conditions. Chiralcel OJ column showed the best chiral resolving capacity among the test columns. The resolved enantiomers were distinguished by their signs of circular dichroism detected at 275 nm and their structures confirmed with LC‐mass spectrometric analysis. Factors affecting the chiral separation of imidazolinones on Chiralcel OJ column were characterized. Ethanol acted as a better polar modifier than the other alcohols including 2‐propanol, 1‐butanol, and 1‐pentanol. Although the acidic modifier in the mobile phase did not influence chiral recognition, it was necessary for reducing the retention time of enantiomers and suppressing their peak tailing. Thermodynamic evaluation suggests that enantiomeric separation of imidazolinones on Chiralcel OJ column is an enthalpy‐driven process from 10 to 40°C. This study also shows that small amounts of pure enantiomers of imidazolinones may be obtained by using the analytical chiral HPLC approach. Chirality 19, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Staging for prostate cancer
Authors: Roach Mack , Weinberg Vivian , Sandler Howard , Thompson Ian
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND.

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for prostate cancer is based primarily based on clinical tumor (T) classification. In this article, the authors summarize arguments for incorporating additional pretreatment parameters and creating a new staging system for prostate cancer.

METHODS.

Men with localized prostate cancer who received treatment with external beam radiation alone were analyzed using the 1997 AJCC staging system compared with a system that included pretreatment prostate‐specific antigen (pPSA) level and Gleason score (GS). Multivariate analyses using a Cox proportional‐hazards model were carried out to evaluate T classification, GS, and pPSA as predictors of overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and freedom from PSA failure (FFPF).

RESULTS.

Based on pretreatment characteristics in a series of contemporary patients, only 0.6% of patients were classified with AJCC stage I disease, 16.0% were classified with AJCC stage III disease, and 83.4% were classified with AJCC stage II disease. Multivariate analyses indicated the independent statistical significance of T classification, GS, and pPSA in predicting OS, DSS, and FFPF (model chi‐square value,P< .0001 for each). Using these 3 predictors, subsets of patients who had similar outcomes were combined to provide examples of the insensitivity of the AJCC system for predicting outcomes. Incorporating pPSA and GS allowed the identification of differences in OS, DSS, and FFPF for subsets of patients with AJCC stage II disease (P< .0001,P= .005, andP< .0001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS.

The current AJCC staging system does not divide contemporary patients with prostate cancer into prognostic subgroups and does not identify patients who have comparable biochemical control and survival. The AJCC staging system for prostate cancer should be changed to incorporate pPSA, GS, and risk stratification. Cancer 2007. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Nuclear expression of survivin is associated with improved survival in metastatic ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Kleinberg Lilach , Flørenes Vivi Ann , Silins Ilvars , Haug Kristiane , Trope Claes G. , Nesland Jahn M. , Davidson Ben
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND.

Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) mediate cancer cell survival and chemoresistance. The expression of XIAP, Survivin, and Livin in ovarian carcinoma was analyzed.

METHODS.

Effusions (106) were analyzed for XIAP, Survivin, and Livin expression using immunoblotting. Effusions (220), corresponding primary tumors (60), and solid metastases (103) were further immunohistochemically analyzed for XIAP and Survivin expression. The results were analyzed for association with anatomic site, clinicopathologic parameters, and survival.

RESULTS.

Immunoblotting showed frequent expression of XIAP and Survivin, and no expression of Livin. Immunohistochemistry showed cytoplasmic XIAP expression in 208 of 220 (94%) effusions, 50 of 60 (83%) primary tumors, and 87 of 103 (84%) solid metastases, with a significantly higher staining extent in effusions (P < .001). Cytoplasmic Survivin was found in 194 of 220 (88%) effusions, 55 of 60 (92%) primary tumors, and 102 of 103 (99%) solid metastases, with a significantly higher cytoplasmic staining extent in solid metastases (P = .018 and P = .006 compared with primary tumors and effusions, respectively). Nuclear Survivin was expressed in 159 of 220 (72%) effusions, 54 of 60 (90%) primary carcinomas, and 96 of 103 (93%) solid metastases (P > .05). For patients with prechemotherapy effusions, higher nuclear Survivin expression correlated with better progression‐free (P = .0003) and overall (P = .002) survival in univariate survival analysis. Nuclear Survivin expression was found to be an independent predictor of progression‐free survival (P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS.

XIAP and Survivin, but not Livin, are frequently expressed in ovarian carcinoma. XIAP and cytoplasmic Survivin are up‐regulated in effusions and solid metastases, respectively, possibly mediating survival at these sites. Nuclear Survivin expression predicts better outcome in prechemotherapy patients. Cancer 2007. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Disordered eating related behaviors among Arab schoolgirls in Israel: An epidemiological study
Authors: Latzer Yael , Tzischinsky Orna , Azaiza Faisal
Published: December 2006

Objective:

To examine the prevalence of disordered eating attitudes and behaviors among three religious subgroups of Arab schoolgirls in Israel (Moslems, Druze, and Christians).

Method:

The sample consisted of 1,131 Arab schoolgirls in Israel, including 922 (81.5%) Moslem, 125 (11.1%) Christian, and 84 (7.4%) Druze adolescents, in the 7–12th grades. The sample was drawn from urban and rural residential settings from all parts of Israel using a clusters sampling method.

Results:

The Christian subgroup had a significantly lower total eating disorder inventory‐2 (EDI‐2) score than the Druze and Moslem subgroups, which had similar total EDI‐2 scores. Significant differences were found between the three religious subgroups in all subscales, except in drive for thinness (DT), bulimia, body dissatisfaction, and asceticism. A total of 154 (13%) Arab schoolgirls scored higher than the cut‐off point of ≫14 on the EDI‐DT subscale.

Conclusion:

The results are discussed in light of the differences between the Christian, Druze, and Moslem subgroups and in terms of various aspects of Arab culture in Israel. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007
Scheduling algorithm for fairness improvement among subscribers in multihop wireless networks
Authors: Izumikawa Haruki , Sugiyama Keizo , Matsumoto Shuichi
Published: December 2006

Recently, attention has focused on multihop wireless networks capable of expanding the communication area by employing wireless relays between nodes and access points. However, the problem in a multihop wireless network is differences arise in the throughput caused by the number of hops from the base station connected to wired networks. In this paper, we propose a scheduling algorithm which solves this problem. In this proposal, the uplink packets and downlink packets are queued separately, and the uplink packets are classified into packets originated within the node and forwarded packets from adjacent wireless nodes and queued. When the node transmits a packet, the fairness among the nodes is improved by scheduling based on the source identifiers of the queued packets. The results of a performance evaluation using a network simulator verified a maximum tenfold improvement in the fairness among the subscribers compared to typical schemes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 90(4): 11–22, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20364
Hardware decoder for turbo trellis‐coded modulations with higher‐order modulation schemes
Authors: Shohon Toshiyuki , Koshi Kenichi , Tamura Masahiro , Ogiwara Haruo
Published: December 2006

This paper discusses the realization of a hardware decoder for turbo trellis‐coded modulation with high‐order modulation levels. In order to avoid an increase of decoding processing with the increase of modulation levels, a simplified decoding algorithm based on Max‐log MAP is considered, and a method for fast execution is proposed. When the proposed decoding procedure is used, the amount of computation can be reduced to approximately 1/25 of that by Max‐log MAP without degrading the performance (when the number of states in the element encoder is 8 and the number of input bits is 7). In order to realize the hardware decoder, the number of bits needed for each variable is analyzed. Then an efficient design procedure for the path metric module is presented. As an example of the design of a hardware decoder based on these investigations, the design of a turbo TCM decoder for 256QAM is presented. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 90(4): 27 – 38, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.20252
The radiation‐induced block in spermatogonial differentiation is due to damage to the somatic environment, not the germ cells
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Shao Shan , Meistrich Marvin L.
Published: December 2006

Radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs cause permanent sterility in male rats, not by killing most of the spermatogonial stem cells, but by blocking their differentiation in a testosterone‐dependent manner. However, it is not known whether radiation induces this block by altering the germ or the somatic cells. To address this question, we transplanted populations of rat testicular cells containing stem spermatogonia and expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgene into various hosts. Transplantation of the stem spermatogonia from irradiated adult rats into the testes of irradiated nude mice, which do not show the differentiation block of their own spermatogonia, permitted differentiation of the rat spermatogonia into spermatozoa. Conversely transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells from untreated prepubertal rats into irradiated rat testes showed that the donor spermatogonia were able to colonize along the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules but could not differentiate. Finally, suppression of testosterone in the recipient irradiated rats allowed the differentiation of the transplanted spermatogonia. These results conclusively show that the defect caused by radiation in the rat testes that results in the block of spermatogonial differentiation is due to injury to the somatic compartment. We also observed colonization of tubules by transplanted Sertoli cells from immature rats. The present results suggest that transplantation of spermatogonia, harvested from prepubertal testes to adult testes that have been exposed to cytotoxic therapy might be limited by the somatic damage and may require hormonal treatments or transplantation of somatic elements to restore the ability of the tissue to support spermatogenesis. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 149–158, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fibroblast growth factors 2, 4, and 8 exert both negative and positive effects on limb, frontonasal, and mandibular chondrogenesis via MEK‐ERK activation
Authors: Bobick Brent E. , Thornhill Tasha M. , Kulyk William M.
Published: December 2006

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors play fundamental roles regulating growth, morphogenesis, and cartilage formation in embryonic limbs and facial primordia. However, the intracellular pathways that transduce FGF signals during the differentiation of pluripotent mesenchymal cells into chondrocytes are currently unknown. Our present study demonstrates that FGF8, 4, and 2 treatments exert both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on cartilage differentiation in micromass cultures prepared from mesenchymal cells of the chick embryo wing bud, frontonasal mass, and mandibular arch through activation of the MEK‐ERK mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. In cultures of stage 23/24 and stage 28/29 wing bud mesenchyme, as well as stage 24/25 and stage 28/29 frontonasal cells, FGF treatments depressed cartilage matrix production and decreased transcript levels for three cartilage‐specific genes: col2a1, aggrecan, and sox9. Conversely, FGF treatment increased cartilage differentiation in cultures of stage 24/25 and stage 28/29 mandibular mesenchyme. In all cell types, FGF treatment elevated endogenous ERK phosphorylation. Moreover, both the stimulatory effects of FGFs on mandibular chondrogenesis, as well as the inhibitory effects of FGFs on wing mesenchyme and stage 24/25 frontonasal cells, were completely blocked when cultures were treated with MEK inhibitor U0126 or transfected with dominant negative ERK2. Thus, MEK‐ERK activation is an essential component of the signal transduction pathway that mediates both positive and negative effects of FGFs 8, 4, and 2 on chondrogenesis in embryonic limb, mandibular, and early‐stage frontonasal mesenchyme cells. Interestingly, the effects of FGF on late‐stage frontonasal cells appear to be relayed by an ERK‐independent system. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 233–243, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diverse signaling pathways regulate fibroblast differentiation and transformation through Rho kinase activation
Authors: Harvey Kevin A. , Paranavitana Corine Nivanka , Zaloga Gary P. , Siddiqui Rafat A.
Published: December 2006

This study examined the role of agonist‐induced Rho kinase (ROCK) involvement in the morphological outcome of pulmonary‐derived fibroblasts. Normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF) spontaneously differentiate into network‐like structures in a two‐dimensional growth factor reduced Matrigel matrix‐based assay. Sphingosine 1‐phosphate (SPP), a bioactive phospholipid that regulates angiogenesis, inhibited fibroblast morphogenesis in a dose‐dependent manner, virtually eliminating the presence of multi‐cellular structures at 500 nM. Pretreatment with the Rho kinase‐specific inhibitor, H1152, eradicated the high dose SPP‐induced inhibition. Similarly, NHLFs transfected with Rho kinase siRNA prevented SPP‐induced inhibition of the fibroblast morphogenesis. Alternatively, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), a cytokine recognized as a key mediator of wound healing, terminally differentiates NHLF into myofibroblasts as evidenced by the expression of the smooth muscle cell isoform of α‐actin (α‐SMA). H1152 suppressed TGF‐β1‐induced α‐SMA expression in a dose‐dependent manner. Similarly, treatment with Rho kinase siRNA reduced α‐SMA expression by greater than 50%. SPP treatment had no effect on TGF‐β1‐induced transformation into myofibroblasts, and TGF‐β1 treatment did not alter fibroblast morphogenesis. This study suggests a dual regulatory role for Rho kinase in cellular regulation of fibroblasts in which SPP‐induced Rho kinase activation via a G‐protein coupled receptor suppresses fibroblast morphogenesis while TGF‐β1‐induced Rho kinase activation through a serine/threonine kinase receptor culminates in transformation into myofibroblasts. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 353–363, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of glycogen content in insulin resistance in human muscle cells
Authors: Litherland Gary J. , Morris Nicholas J. , Walker Mark , Yeaman Stephen J.
Published: December 2006

We have used primary human muscle cell cultures to investigate the role of glycogen loading in cellular insulin resistance. Insulin pre‐treatment for 2 h markedly impaired insulin signaling, as assessed by protein kinase B (PKB) phosphorylation. In contrast, insulin‐dependent glycogen synthesis, glycogen synthase (GS) activation, and GS sites 3 de‐phosphorylation were impaired only after 5 h of insulin pre‐treatment, whereas 2‐deoxyglucose transport was only decreased after 18 h pre‐treatment. Insulin‐resistant glycogen synthesis was associated closely with maximal glycogen loading. Both glucose limitation and 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide 1‐β‐D‐ribofuranoside (AICAR) treatment during insulin pre‐treatment curtailed glycogen accumulation, and concomitantly restored insulin‐sensitive glycogen synthesis and GS activation, although GS de‐phosphorylation and PKB phosphorylation remained impaired. Conversely, glycogen super‐compensation diminished insulin‐sensitive glycogen synthesis and GS activity. Insulin acutely promoted GS translocation to particulate subcellular fractions; this was abolished by insulin pre‐treatment, as was GS dephosphorylation therein. Limiting glycogen accumulation during insulin pre‐treatment re‐instated GS dephosphorylation in particulate fractions, whereas glycogen super‐compensation prevented insulin‐stimulated GS translocation and dephosphorylation. Our data suggest that diminished insulin signaling alone is insufficient to impair glucose disposal, and indicate a role for glycogen accumulation in inducing insulin resistance in human muscle cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 344–352, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Murine allogeneic in vivo stem cell homing,
Authors: Colvin Gerald A. , Lambert Jean‐Francois , Dooner Mark S. , Cerny Jan , Quesenberry Peter J.
Published: December 2006

Stem cell homing has been studied in syngeneic models and appears to be rapid (<1 h) and dependent on cellular adhesion and migration factors. We utilized a full H2‐mismatched transplantation model to determine the basics of allogeneic homing. C57BL/6J Lin‐Sca‐1+ cells were labeled with CFSE and injected in non‐myeloablated BALB/c mice. Fluorescent cell detection was via high‐speed FACS analysis. Alternatively, B6.SJL whole bone marrow cells were injected in lethally irradiated BALB/c mice (10 Gy). One, 3, 6, and 24 h after transplant, marrow was harvested and cells were either plated for high proliferative potential colony‐forming cell (HPP‐CFC) assay or secondarily injected into myeloablated (8 Gy) C57BL/6J mice using 10% competing C57BL/6J marrow. Chimerism was evaluated at 8 weeks. CFSE+ cells were detected in the bone marrow 1, 3, and 6 h after injection. The numbers were moderately lower when compared to syngeneic homing possibly due to strain effect. Conversely, utilizing a surrogate or secondary assay, we observed a decline of secondary engraftment of harvested cells over time, but not of HPP‐CFC. Combining experiments and normalizing the 1‐h time point to 100% (to allow comparison), we observed a mean relative engraftment of 87 ± 29%, 72 ± 21%, 84 ± 35% of the 1 h level at 3, 6, and 24 h respectively. HPP‐CFC assay showed no significant variation as a homing surrogate over 1–6 h. These data indicate a rapid homing into allogeneic recipients with a plateau at 1 h. The decline of secondary engraftability over time may indicate a phenotype alteration of homed cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 386–391, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.