bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proceso de transformación de los cibermedios: los retos de las empresas periodísticas
Authors: Parra David , Edo Bolós Concha , Flores Vivar Jesús Miguel , García Alonso Pedro , Marcos Recio Juan Carlos
Published: March 2011

Los cibermedios tienen hoy, desde la perspectiva empresarial, cuatro grandes retos: definir un modelo de negocio, adecuarse a los nuevos estándares en la adquisición y transmisión de los conocimientos, captar a los lectores que abandonan los medios convencionales y conseguir un nuevo y eficaz tratamiento formal del producto. También el ciberdiseño se enfrenta al reto de futuro que suponen los nuevos soportes móviles para acceder a sus contenidos, lo que plantea dos complicaciones adicionales: unas dimensiones mucho menores y una interfaz notablemente más complicada. Esto va a suponer el desarrollo de una nueva generación de familias tipográficas adaptadas a esta nueva realidad, la apuesta por la flexibilidad, en línea con la extraordinaria versatilidad del ciberperiódico móvil y, por último, la profundización en la noción de la interactividad como fórmula estratégica para rentabilizar la extensa gama de servicios que soporta este modelo de negocio.
Género y regulación de la publicidad en el ordenamiento jurídico. La imagen de la mujer
Authors: Balaguer María Luisa
Published: March 2011

La publicidad utiliza el cuerpo de la mujer para transmitir contenidos que incitan al consumo. Los poderes públicos han de tener en cuenta la influencia que esto tiene en la creación de estereotipos sobre la imagen de la mujer. Nuestro ordenamiento jurídico contiene una importante cantidad de normas que obligan a respetar la imagen de la mujer en la industria publicitaria, pero estas normas son permanentemente ignoradas por la industria publicitaria. Esta situación se produce por Las dificultades que conlleva la defensa jurídica de estos derechos. Los procedimientos relacionados con la publicidad. La falta de un procedimiento judicial ágil y fácil, que permita obtener una resolución judicial efectiva en un plazo razonable de tiempo, tiene como consecuencia que no sea posible en el plano de la realidad, defender Los derechos de la imagen de Las mujeres. Para llegar a hacer efectivos estos derechos, se proponen medidas procesales, que permitan un procedimiento garantista y eficaz de defensa de la imagen de la mujer en la publicidad.
Reconstructing the various facets of dissolved organic carbon bioavailability in freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Guillemette François , del Giorgio Paul A.
Published: March 2011

We explored various aspects of freshwater dissolved organic carbon (DOC) lability by comparing short‐term (< 2 d) bacterial C consumption (STCC; derived from bacterial respiration measurements) with long‐term (28 d) C consumption (LTCC) in DOC bioassays in lakes, rivers, and marshes located within the same complex drainage basin in southern Québec. We also combined STCC and LTCC measurements to estimate the proportion of DOC removed, and to derive a first‐order decay constant (k). STCC rates were, on average, 25% higher than LTCC, and both parameters showed distinct patterns, reaching their lowest and highest values in lakes and marshes, respectively. STCC and LTCC were correlated to DOC concentration across these freshwater ecosystems, whereas in lakes, STCC was positively correlated to chlorophyll and LTCC to terrestrial C inputs. k showed no ecosystem‐specific patterns but was negatively correlated to chlorophyll across systems. The size of the DOC pools supporting STCC and LTCC, as well as k, were related to distinct components of the DOC pool, as revealed by a parallel factor analysis of fluorescent dissolved organic matter excitation‐emission spectra. Short‐ and long‐term lability and C consumption, and the resulting k, are shown to be complementary facets of DOC bioavailability, which may play very different roles on aquatic ecosystem functioning.
Direct contribution of nitrogen deposition to nitrous oxide emissions in a temperate beech and spruce forest – a 15N tracer study
Authors: Eickenscheidt N. , Brumme R. , Veldkamp E.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The impact of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in forest ecosystems is still unclear. Our study assessed the direct contribution of N deposition to N2O emissions in temperate forests exposed to chronic high N depositions using a 15N labelling technique. In a Norway spruce stand (Picea abies) and in a beech stand (Fagus sylvatica) at the Solling, Germany, we used a low concentrated 15N-labelled ammonium-nitrate solution to simulate N deposition. Nitrous oxide fluxes and 15N isotope abundances in N2O were measured using the closed chamber method combined with 15N isotope analyses. Emissions of N2O were higher in the beech stand (2.6 ± 0.6 kg N ha−1 yr−1) than in the spruce stand (0.3 ± 0.1 kg N ha−1 yr−1). We observed a direct effect of N input on 15N-N2O emissions, which lasted for less than three weeks and was mainly caused by denitrification. No further increase in 15N enrichment of N2O occurred during a one-year experiment, which was probably due to immobilisation of deposited N. The annual emission factor for N2O from deposited N was 0.1% for the spruce stand and 0.6% for the beech stand. Standard methods used in the literature applied to the same stands grossly overestimated emission factors with values of up to 25%. Only 6–13% of the total N2O emissions were derived from direct N depositions. Whether the remaining emissions resulted from accumulated anthropogenic N depositions or native soil N, could not be distinguished with the applied methods. The 15N tracer technique is a useful tool, which may improve estimates of the current contribution of N deposition to N2O emissions.
Towards improved instrumentation for assessing river-groundwater interactions in a restored river corridor
Authors: Schneider P. , Vogt T. , Schirmer M. , Doetsch J. A. , Linde N. , Pasquale N. , Perona P. , Cirpka O. A.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. River restoration projects have been launched over the last two decades to improve the ecological status and water quality of regulated rivers. As most restored rivers are not monitored at all, it is difficult to predict consequences of restoration projects or analyze why restorations fail or are successful. It is thus necessary to implement efficient field assessment strategies, for example by employing sensor networks that continuously measure physical parameters at high spatial and temporal resolution. This paper focuses on the design and implementation of an instrumentation strategy for monitoring changes in bank filtration, hydrological connectivity, groundwater travel time and quality due to river restoration. We specifically designed and instrumented a network of monitoring wells at the Thur River (NE Switzerland), which is partly restored and mainly channelized since more than 100 years. Our results show that bank filtration – especially in a restored section with alternating riverbed morphology – is variable in time and space. Consequently, our monitoring network sensing physical and sampling chemical water quality parameters was adapted in response to that variability. Although not available at our test site, we consider long-term measurements – ideally initialized before and continued after restoration – as a fundamental step, towards predicting consequences of river restoration for groundwater quality. As a result, process-based models could be adapted and evaluated using these types of high-resolution data sets.
Chaotic behavior in the flow along a wedge modeled by the Blasius equation
Authors: Basu B. , Foufoula-Georgiou E. , Sharma A. S.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The Blasius equation describes the properties of steady-state two dimensional boundary layer forming over a semi-infinite plate parallel to a unidirectional flow field. The flow is governed by a modified Blasius equation when the surface is aligned along the flow. In this paper, we demonstrate using numerical solution, that as the wedge angle increases, bifurcation occurs in the nonlinear Blasius equation and the dynamics becomes chaotic leading to non-convergence of the solution once the angle exceeds a critical value of 22°. This critical value is found to be in agreement with experimental results showing the development of shock waves in the medium and also with analytical results showing multiple solutions for wedge angles exceeding a critical value. Finally, we provide a derivation of the equation governing the boundary layer flow for wedge angles exceeding the critical angle at the onset of chaos.
Circumcision: History, Religion and Law
Authors: Totaro Angelo , Volpe Andrea , Racioppi Marco , Pinto Francesco , Sacco Emilio , Bassi Pier Francesco
Published: March 2011

The aim of this article is to describe the circumcision procedure during history, its therapeutic and preventive goals, with focus on bioethical, economic and law issues. The origins of this practice are lost in antiquity. It was performed since 3000 BC by the Egyptians for hygienic and religious reasons. Moreover, male circumcision is a religious commandment in Judaism and Islam, and it is customary in some Oriental Orthodox and other Christian churches of Africa. Nowadays, circumcision is performed as a routine procedure by the Jews and the Muslims for religious reasons. The world prevalence of men with circumcision is 12.5–33%, especially in USA, Canada, Islamic people and Africa; in Europe the prevalence rate is low (in Great Britain it is 1.5%).

Currently, male circumcision is being highly debated because of ethical, law and scientific issues and the different roles of this procedure: therapeutic, prophylactic (but there is no universal consensus) and ritualistic role. Nowadays, in Italy there is a strong debate about the consensus for this practice and its indications. The Italian law does not allow performing ritualistic circumcision, as a free of charge procedure in public hospitals, at the government's expenses, because the Italian law must protect different religious cultures, in name of the laity of the State. Thus, national bioethical committee (CNB) has established that ritualistic circumcision may only be performed on a paying basis in public hospitals.

As a protective practice, circumcision has decreased in the entire world because of the improvement of hygienical conditions and, above all, the lack of unanimous consent on the real usefulness of protective circumcision, even if several studies have recently demonstrated the protecting role of male circumcision against HIV infection.
Refined exercise testing can aid dna‐based diagnosis in muscle channelopathies
Authors: Tan S. Veronica , Matthews Emma , Barber Melissa , Burge James A. , Rajakulendran Sanjeev , Fialho Doreen , Sud Richa , Haworth Andrea , Koltzenburg Martin , Hanna Michael G.
Published: March 2011

Objective

To improve the accuracy of genotype prediction and guide genetic testing in patients with muscle channelopathies we applied and refined specialized electrophysiological exercise test parameters.

Methods

We studied 56 genetically confirmed patients and 65 controls using needle electromyography, the long exercise test, and short exercise tests at room temperature, after cooling, and rewarming.

Results

Concordant amplitude‐and‐area decrements were more reliable than amplitude‐only measurements when interpreting patterns of change during the short exercise tests. Concordant amplitude‐and‐area pattern I and pattern II decrements of >20% were 100% specific for paramyotonia congenita and myotonia congenita, respectively. When decrements at room temperature and after cooling were <20%, a repeat short exercise test after rewarming was useful in patients with myotonia congenita. Area measurements and rewarming distinguished true temperature sensitivity from amplitude reduction due to cold‐induced slowing of muscle fiber conduction. In patients with negative short exercise tests, symptomatic eye closure myotonia predicted sodium channel myotonia over myotonia congenita. Distinctive “tornado‐shaped” neuromyotonia‐like discharges may be seen in patients with paramyotonia congenita. In the long exercise test, area decrements from pre‐exercise baseline were more sensitive than amplitude decrements‐from‐maximum–compound muscle action potential (CMAP) in patients with Andersen‐Tawil syndrome. Possible ethnic differences in the normative data of the long exercise test argue for the use of appropriate ethnically‐matched controls.

Interpretation

Concordant CMAP amplitude‐and‐area decrements of >20% allow more reliable interpretation of the short exercise tests and aid accurate DNA‐based diagnosis. In patients with negative exercise tests, specific clinical features are helpful in differentiating sodium from chloride channel myotonia. A modified algorithm is suggested. Ann Neurol 2011
BMP signaling in congenital heart disease: New developments and future directions
Authors: Wang Jun , Greene Stephanie B. , Martin James F.
Published: March 2011

Congenital heart malformations are the most common of all congenital human birth anomalies. During the past decade, research with zebrafish, chick, and mouse models have elucidated many fundamental genetic pathways that govern early cardiac patterning and differentiation. This review highlights the roles of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway in cardiogenesis and how defective BMP signals can disrupt the intricate steps of cardiac formation and cause congenital heart defects. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epigenetic control of embryonic renal cell differentiation by L1 retrotransposon
Authors: Ramos Kenneth S. , Montoya–Durango Diego E. , Teneng Ivo , Nanez Adrian , Stribinskis Vilius
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND

L1 retroelements may play a central role in morphogenesis through epigenetic mechanisms involving recruitment of chromatin modifying protein complexes. Retroelements are repressed in terminally differentiated cells, and highly active in embryonic, undifferentiated, and transformed cells. It is not clear if the modulation of differentiation by L1 is a “cause” or “effect”. The purpose of this study was to determine if murine embryonic kidney cells of clonal origin (mK4 cells) harbor retrotransposition events upon ectopic expression of L1, and the impact of L1 on embryonic kidney cell differentiation. Given that L1 is reactivated by aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) ligands, we also sought to investigate the effects of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) on the genetic network of mK4 cells.

METHODS

The mK4 cells overexpressing human L1RP were assessed for changes in proliferation and expression of molecular markers of cellular differentiation.

RESULTS

L1RP increased proliferation rates and markedly downregulated differentiation programming in mK4 cells. These genetic alterations were recapitulated by exogenous activation of L1 by AHR ligands.

CONCLUSION

L1 regulates nephrogenesis in vitro via both insertional and non‐insertional mechanisms that disrupt mesenchymal to epithelial transition. Thus, a feedback loop involving L1, WT1, and AHR may play a role in regulation of kidney morphogenesis. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Life and death with arsenic
Authors: Rosen Barry P. , Ajees A. Abdul , McDermott Timothy R.
Published: March 2011

Arsenic and phosphorus are group 15 elements with similar chemical properties. Is it possible that arsenate could replace phosphate in some of the chemicals that are required for life? Phosphate esters are ubiquitous in biomolecules and are essential for life, from the sugar phosphates of intermediary metabolism to ATP to phospholipids to the phosphate backbone of DNA and RNA. Some enzymes that form phosphate esters catalyze the formation of arsenate esters. Arsenate esters hydrolyze very rapidly in aqueous solution, which makes it improbable that phosphorous could be completely replaced with arsenic to support life. Studies of bacterial growth at high arsenic:phosphorus ratios demonstrate that relatively high arsenic concentrations can be tolerated, and that arsenic can become involved in vital functions in the cell, though likely much less efficiently than phosphorus. Recently Wolfe‐Simon et al. 1 reported the isolation of a microorganism that they maintain uses arsenic in place of phosphorus for growth. Here, we examine and evaluate their data and conclusions.
Intrinsic autotrophic biomass yield and productivity in algae: Experimental methods for strain selection
Authors: Holland Alexandra D. , Dragavon Joseph M. , Sigee David C.
Published: March 2011

Using an analogy with fed‐batch heterotrophic growth, the algal photoautotrophic yield ΦDW (in grams of dry weight biomass synthesized per micromole of absorbed photons) was derived from the algae batch growth behavior in nutrient‐replete medium. At known levels of incident light, the yield ΦDW enables the estimate of a maximum productivity, and is therefore critical to compare and select algal cultures and growth conditions for large‐scale production. The algal culture maximum growth rate was shown to be an unreliable indicator of autotrophic biomass yield. The developed carbonate addition method (carbonate addition, neutralization, and sealing) alleviated carbon limitations otherwise seen in aerated batch cultures, leading to two to five fold higher yield estimates. The fully defined FLX growth medium with variable ionic strengths (FLX1‐100) supported excellent growth in most cultures tested. The chosen experimental methods and versatile FLX medium proved well‐suited for small sample volumes and a high number of samples.
Cellobiose dehydrogenase of Chaetomium sp. INBI 2‐26(–): Structural basis of enhanced activity toward glucose at neutral pH
Authors: Vasilchenko Liliya G. , Karapetyan Karen N. , Yershevich Olga P. , Ludwig Roland , Zamocky Marcel , Peterbauer Clemens K. , Haltrich Dietmar , Rabinovich Mikhail L.
Published: March 2011

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is an extracellular fungal flavocytochrome specifically oxidizing cellooligosaccharides and lactose to corresponding (‐lactones by a variety of electron acceptors. In contrast to basidiomycetous CDHs, CDHs of ascomycetes also display certain activity toward glucose. The objective of this study was to establish the structural reasons of such an activity of CDH from mesophilic ascomycete Chaetomium sp. INBI 2‐26 (ChCDH). The complete amino acid sequence of ChCDH displayed high levels of similarity with the amino acid sequences of CDHs from the thermophilic fungi Thielavia heterotallica and Myriococcum thermophilum. Peptide mass fingerprinting of purified ChCDH provided evidence for the oxidation of methionine residues in the FAD‐domain. Comparative homology modeling of the structure of the ChCDH FAD‐domain in complex with the transition state analog based on the structure of the same complex of basidiomycetous CDH (1NAA) as template indicated possible structural reasons for the enhanced activity of ascomycetous CDHs toward glucose at neutral pH, which is a prerequisite for application of CDH in a variety of biocompatible biosensors and biofuel cells.
Self‐guided clinical cases for medical students based on postmortem CT scans of cadavers
Authors: Bohl Michael , Francois Webster , Gest Thomas
Published: March 2011

In the summer of 2009, we began full body computed tomography (CT) scanning of the pre‐embalmed cadavers in the University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS) dissection lab. We theorized that implementing web‐based, self‐guided clinical cases based on postmortem CT (PMCT) scans would result in increased student appreciation for the clinical relevance of anatomy, increased knowledge of cross‐sectional anatomy, and increased ability to identify common pathologies on CT scans. The PMCT scan of each cadaver was produced as a DICOM dataset, and then converted into a Quicktime movie file using Osirix software. Clinical cases were researched and written by the authors, and consist of at least one Quicktime movie of a PMCT scan surrounded by a novel navigation interface. To assess the value of these clinical cases we surveyed medical students at UMMS who are currently using the clinical cases in their coursework. Students felt the clinical cases increased the clinical relevance of anatomy (mean response 7.77/10), increased their confidence finding anatomical structures on CT (7.00/10), and increased their confidence recognizing common pathologies on CT (6.17/10). Students also felt these clinical cases helped them synthesize material from numerous courses into an overall picture of a given disease process (7.01/10). These results support the conclusion that our clinical cases help to show students why the anatomy they are learning is foundational to their other coursework. We would recommend the use of similar clinical cases to any medical school utilizing cadaver dissection as a primary teaching method in anatomy education. Clin. Anat. 24:655–663, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of Influenza Virus Activity by Multivalent Glycoarchitectures with Matched Sizes
Authors: Papp Ilona , Sieben Christian , Sisson Adam L. , Kostka Johanna , Böttcher Christoph , Ludwig Kai , Herrmann Andreas , Haag Rainer
Published: March 2011

We describe the synthesis of a series of sialic acid‐conjugated, polyglycerol‐based nanoparticles with diameters in the range of 1–100 nm. Particle sizes were varied along with the degree of functionalization to match the corresponding virus size and receptor multiplicity in order to achieve maximum efficiency. To build up these architectures, we used biocompatible, hyperbranched polyglycerols as scaffolds and recently developed polyglycerol‐based nanogels, the sizes of which can be varied between 2–4 nm and 40–100 nm, respectively. We demonstrate here that such multivalent nanoparticles inhibit influenza A virus cell binding and fusion and consequently infectivity. The potential of multivalency is evident from larger particles showing very efficient inhibition of viral infection up to 80 %. Indeed, both the size of the nanoparticle and the amount of ligand density are important determinants of inhibition efficiency. The inhibitory activity of the tested polymeric nanoparticles drastically increased with size. Particles with similar dimensions to the virus (50–100 nm) are exceedingly effective. We also observed a saturation point in degree of surface functionalization (i.e. ligand density), above which inhibition was not significantly improved. Our study emphasizes the importance of matching particle sizes and ligand densities to mimic biological surfaces and improve interactions; this is a vital concept underlying multivalent interactions.
“Directed” Assembly of Metallacalix[n]arenes with Pyrimidine Nucleobase Ligands of Low Symmetry: Interchanging Metals in Mixed‐Metal Metallacalix[4]arenes and Incorporating Additional Metals at the Exocyclic Groups
Authors: Khutia Anupam , Sanz Miguel Pablo J. , Lippert Bernhard
Published: March 2011

The pyrimidine (pym) nucleobase cytosine (H2C) forms cyclic ring structures (“metallacalix[n]arenes”) when treated with square‐planarcis‐a2MIIentities (M=Pt, Pd; a=NH3or a2=diamine). The number of possible linkage isomers for a givennand the number of possible rotamers can be substantially reduced if a “directed” approach is pursued. Hence, two cytosine ligands are bonded in a defined way to a kinetically robust platinum corner stone. In the accompanying paper (Part I: A. Khutia, P. J. Sanz Miguel, B. Lippert,Chem. Eur. J.2010,17, DOI: 10.1002/chem.2010002722) we have demonstrated this principle by allowingcis‐[Pta2(H2C‐N3)2]2+to react with (en)PdIIto give cycles of (N1,N3⋅N3,N1▪)x(withx=2 or 3;⋅represents PtIIand ▪ represents PdII). In an extension of this work we have now preparedcis‐[Pta2(HC‐N1)2] (1; HC=monoanion of cytosine) and treated it with (bpy)PdII(bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) to give the Pt2Pd2cyclecis‐[{Pt(NH3)2(N1‐HC‐N3)2Pd(bpy)}2](NO3)4⋅13H2O (5) with the coordination sites of the metals inverted; hence, platinum is bonded to N1 and palladium is bonded to N3 sites. Again, not only the expected single linkage isomer is formed, but at the same time the solid‐state structure and1H NMR spectroscopy reveal the preferential occurrence of a single rotamer (1,3‐alternate). The addition of (bpy)PdIIto5led to the formation of Pd6Pt2complex6in which the exocyclic N4H2groups of the cytosine ligands have undergone deprotonation and chelate four more (bpy)PdIIentities through the O2 and N4H sites. With a large excess of (bpy)PdIIover5(4:1),cis‐(NH3)2PtIIis eventually substituted by (bpy)PdIIto give the Pd8complex7. In both6and7stacks of three (bpy)PdIIentities occur. The linkage isomer of5,cis‐[{Pt(NH3)2(N3‐HC‐N1)2Pd(bpy)}2](NO3)4⋅9H2O (8), has been structurally characterized and the two complexes compared. The acid/base properties ofcis‐[Pt(NH3)2(H2C‐N1)2] (1) have been determined and compared with those of the corresponding N3 isomer. The complexation of AgCl by1is reported.
A Mild Oxidative Aryl Radical Addition into Alkenes by Aerobic Oxidation of Arylhydrazines
Authors: Taniguchi Tsuyoshi , Zaimoku Hisaaki , Ishibashi Hiroyuki
Published: March 2011

A mild and practical oxyarylation of alkenes by oxidative radical addition has been developed by using aerobic oxidation of hydrazine compounds. The use of a catalytic amount of potassium ferrocyanide trihydrate (K4[Fe(CN)6]⋅3 H2O) and water accelerated this radical reaction to give peroxides or alcohols from simple alkenes in good yields. The environmentally friendly and economical radical reactions were achieved at room temperature in the presence of iron catalyst, oxygen gas, and water. A method involving aniline as a radical precursor is also described.
Synthesis and Binding Studies of Novel Diethynyl‐Pyridine Amides with Genomic Promoter DNA G‐Quadruplexes
Authors: Dash Jyotirmayee , Waller Zoë A. E. , Pantoş G. Dan , Balasubramanian Shankar
Published: March 2011

Herein, we report the design, synthesis and biophysical evaluation of novel 1,2,3‐triazole‐linked diethynyl‐pyridine amides and trisubstituted diethynyl‐pyridine amides as promising G‐quadruplex binding ligands. We have used a CuI‐catalysed azide–alkyne cycloaddition click reaction to prepare the 1,2,3‐triazole‐linked diethynyl‐pyridine amides. The G‐quadruplex DNA binding properties of the ligands have been examined by using a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) melting assay and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments. The investigated compounds are conformationally flexible, having free rotation around the triple bond, and exhibit enhanced G‐quadruplex binding stabilisation and specificity between intramolecular promoter G‐quadruplex DNA motifs compared to the first generation of diarylethynyl amides (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2008, 130, 15 950–15 956). The ligands show versatility in molecular recognition and promising G‐quadruplex discrimination with 2–50‐fold selectivity exhibited between different intramolecular promoter G‐quadruplexes. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic analysis suggested that at higher concentration these ligands disrupt the c‐kit2 G‐quadruplex structure. The studies validate the design concept of the 1,3‐diethynyl‐pyridine‐based scaffold and demonstrate that these ligands exhibit not only significant selectivity over duplex DNA but also variation in G‐quadruplex interaction properties based on small chemical changes in the scaffold, leading to unprecedented differential recognition of different DNA G‐quadruplex sequences.
Uncommon Coordination Behaviour of P(S) and P(Se) Units when Bonded to Carboranyl Clusters: Experimental and Computational Studies on the Oxidation of Carboranyl Phosphine Ligands
Authors: Popescu Adrian‐Radu , Laromaine Anna , Teixidor Francesc , Sillanpää Reijo , Kivekäs Raikko , Llambias Joan Ignasi , Viñas Clara
Published: March 2011

Oxidation of closo‐carboranyl diphosphines 1,2‐(PR2)2‐1,2‐closo‐C2B10H10 (R=Ph, iPr) and closo‐carboranyl monophosphines 1‐PR2‐2‐R′‐1,2‐closo‐C2B10H10 (R=Ph, iPr, Cy; R′=Me, Ph) with hydrogen peroxide, sulfur and elemental black selenium evidences the unique capacity of the closo‐carborane cluster to produce uncommon or unprecedented P/P(E) (E=S, Se) and PO/PS chelating ligands. When H2O2 reacts with 1,2‐(PR2)2‐1,2‐closo‐C2B10H10 (R=Ph, iPr), they are oxidized to 1,2‐(OPR2)2‐1,2‐closo‐C2B10H10 (R=Ph, iPr). However, when S and Se are used, different reactivity is found for 1,2‐(PPh2)2‐1,2‐closo‐C2B10H10 and 1,2‐(PiPr2)2‐1,2‐closo‐C2B10H10. The reaction with sulfur produces mono‐ and dioxidation products for R=Ph, whereas Se produces the mono‐oxidation product only. For R=iPr, only monooxidation takes place with S, and the second CcPiPr2 bond breaks to yield 1‐SPiPr2‐1,2‐closo‐C2B10H11. When Se is used, only 1‐SePiPr2‐1,2‐closo‐C2B10H11 is formed. The potential of the mono‐chalcogenide carboranyl diphosphines 1‐EPPh2‐2‐PPh2‐1,2‐closo‐C2B10H10 (E=S, 9; Se, 15) to behave as unsymmetric chelating bidentate ligands was studied for different metal complexes, different solvents and in the solid state. Dechalcogenation takes place in each case. Computational studies provided information on the PE (E=S, Se) bonds. Steric effects block the bonding ability of the PE group due to interactions between the chalcogen and the neighbouring hydrogen atoms (three from the phenyl rings and one from the carborane cluster). The electronic effects originate from the strongly electron‐withdrawing character of the closo carborane cluster, which polarizes the PE (E=S, Se) bond towards the phosphorus atom. As a consequence, the E atom is the electron‐poor site and the P atom the electron‐rich site in the PE bond.
Corona Quenching – Electrostatic Precipitation at High Aerosol Concentration
Authors: Lübbert Christian , Riebel Ulrich
Published: March 2011

Der Betriebszustand des Corona Quenching, der im Elektroabscheider bei hohen Aerosolkonzentrationen auftritt, geht mit einer reduzierten Stromaufnahme und einer hohen Partikelemission einher. Der Vorgang wird theoretisch und experimentell untersucht. Es zeigt sich, dass Corona Quenching keine Betriebsstörung ist, sondern ein besonderer, für die Abscheidung sehr effizienter Betriebszustand, der einer separaten Auslegung und Optimierung bedarf.
Thermodynamic Modeling of Solubility
Authors: Rüther Feelly , Sadowski Gabriele
Published: March 2011

Bei der Auslegung von Kristallisationsprozessen ist die Kenntnis der Löslichkeit einer gewünschten Komponente in unterschiedlichen Lösungsmitteln und Lösungsmittelgemischen eine wichtige Voraussetzung. Da Löslichkeitsmessungen im Allgemeinen zeitaufwendig sind, ist es praktisch unmöglich, die Löslichkeit in allen denkbaren Lösungsmitteln und Gemischen verschiedener Zusammensetzung experimentell zu bestimmen. Deshalb ist ein physikalisch fundiertes und thermodynamisch konsistentes Modell nötig, das Vorausberechnungen der Löslichkeiten in unterschiedlichen Lösungsmitteln und Lösungsmittelgemischen basierend auf nur wenigen experimentellen Daten ermöglicht. Hierzu wird in dieser Arbeit die Perturbed‐Chain Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (PC‐SAFT)‐Zustandsgleichung eingesetzt. Die Arbeit konzentriert sich insbesondere auf die Berechnung der Löslichkeit spezieller organischer Substanzen (z. B. Pharmazeutika) und komplexer (Bio‐)Moleküle.
Design and Development of an Optimal CO2 Separation Process for the Oxidative Coupling of Methane in Mini Plant Scale
Authors: Stünkel Steffen , Martini Walter , Arellano‐Garcia Harvey , Wozny Günter
Published: March 2011

Die katalytische oxidative Kopplung von Methan zu höheren Kohlenwasserstoffen (OCM) ist für die Produktion von Ethylen oder flüssigen Brennstoffen von großem Interesse. Neben der Katalysatorentwicklung werden auch reaktionstechnische Untersuchungen durchgeführt, um den OCM‐Prozess und die Produktaufarbeitung technisch durchführbar zu gestalten. Hierbei spielt die Aufbereitung der Prozessgase eine entscheidende Rolle. CO2 fällt als unerwünschtes Neben‐ bzw. Abfallprodukt an und sollte daher frühzeitig entfernt werden. Energiebedarf und Kostenaufwand müssen möglichst klein gehalten werden. Am Beispiel der OCM wird die Entwicklung eines integrierten Aufbereitungsprozesses für die CO2‐Abtrennung im Miniplant‐Maßstab vorgestellt.
Comparison of the Coalescence Behavior of Stagnant and Dynamic Water‐in‐Oil‐in‐Water Single Drops
Authors: Gaitzsch Friedemann , Kamp Johannes , Kraume Matthias , Gäbler Ansor
Published: March 2011

Die Phaseninversion einer Wasser‐in‐Öl‐Emulsion zu einer Wasser‐in‐Öl‐in‐Wasser‐Doppelemulsion wird technisch zur Flüssig/flüssig‐Separation eingesetzt. Für eine erfolgreiche Trennung im Wasserteil des Separators ist die Koaleszenz der inneren Wassertropfen mit der umgebenden kontinuierlichen Wasserphase ausschlaggebend. Die Untersuchung dieses Koaleszenzphänomens dient zur Auslegung des Separationsprozesses. Hierzu werden einzelne Wasser‐in‐Öl‐in‐Wasser‐Tropfen unter statischen und dynamischen Bedingungen mittels einer Hochgeschwindigkeitskamera untersucht. Der Einfluss stofflicher und geometrischer Parameter auf die Koaleszenzzeit und das Verhalten bezüglich auftretender partieller Koaleszenz wird bestimmt.
Phase 2 trial of a novel capecitabine dosing schedule in combination with bevacizumab for patients with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Gajria Devika , Feigin Kim , Tan Lee K. , Patil Sujata , Geneus Stephanie , Theodoulou Maria , Norton Larry , Hudis Clifford A. , Traina Tiffany A.
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

Capecitabine has antitumor activity in metastatic breast cancer (MBC); however, its optimal dose and schedule remain unclear. Mathematical modeling predicts that a capecitabine schedule 7 days of treatment followed by 7 days of rest (7—7) will improve efficacy and minimize toxicity. Bevacizumab has demonstrated the ability to improve outcomes when it is added to chemotherapy, including capecitabine, in the first‐line and second‐line settings.

METHODS:

Patients with measurable MBC received oral capecitabine (2000 mg twice daily; 7—7), and intravenous bevacizumab (10 mg/kg every 2 weeks). The primary endpoint was the response rate. Secondary endpoints included toxicity, the clinical benefit rate, and progression‐free survival (PFS).

RESULTS:

Forty‐one patients were treated. After a median of 7 cycles (range, 1‐32 cycles), partial responses were observed in 20% of patients, and stable disease for ≥6 months was noted in 35% patients. The median PFS was 8 months. The most common treatment‐related toxicities were hand‐foot syndrome (49% grade 2, 20% grade 3/4) hypertension (12% grade 2, 10% grade 3/4), and fatigue (12% grade 2, 2% grade 3/4). Diarrhea (5% grade 2, 0% grade 3/4), nausea (0% grade 2‐4), and vomiting (0% grade 2‐4) were rare.

CONCLUSIONS:

Capecitabine administered for 7 days followed by a 7‐day rest in combination with bevacizumab had modest efficacy and an acceptable toxicity profile in patients with MBC. Gastrointestinal toxicity with this schedule was minimal. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Limitations in small intestinal neuroendocrine tumor therapy by mTor kinase inhibition reflect growth factor–mediated PI3K feedback loop activation via ERK1/2 and AKT
Authors: Svejda Bernhard , Kidd Mark , Kazberouk Alexander , Lawrence Ben , Pfragner Roswitha , Modlin Irvin M.
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

Treatment of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SINETs) with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors alone or with somatostatin analogs has been proposed as effective therapy, because both agents have been reported to exhibit antiproliferative activity. Because adenocarcinomas escape mTOR inhibition, we examined whether the escape phenomenon occurred in SINETs and whether usage of somatostatin analogs with mTOR inhibitors surmounted loss of inhibition.

METHODS:

The effects of the somatostatin analog octreotide (OCT), the mTOR inhibitor RAD001 (RAD), or the combination were evaluated in SINET cell lines (KRJ‐I, H‐STS) using cell viability assays, western blotting, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction to assess antiproliferative signaling pathways and feedback regulation.

RESULTS:

RAD (10−9 M) incompletely decreased cell viability (−40% to +15%); growth escape (P < .001) was noted at 72 hours in both cell lines. Phosphorylated (p)mTOR/mTOR and pp70S6K/p70S6K ratios were decreased but were associated with increases in phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (pERK)/ERK and pAKT/AKT in both cell lines, whereas phosphorylated insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (pIGF‐1R)/IGF‐1R levels were elevated only in H‐STS cells. Increased (P < .05) transcript levels for AKT1, MAPK, mTOR, IGF‐1R, IGF‐1, and TGFβ1 were evident. OCT (10−6 M) itself had no significant effect on growth signaling in either cell line. An antiproliferative effect (66 ± 5%) using OCT+RAD was only noted in the KRJ‐I cells (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

SINET treatment with the mTOR inhibitor RAD had no antiproliferative effect based on activation of pAKT and pERK1/2. A combinatorial approach using OCT and RAD failed to overcome this escape phenomenon. However, differences in RAD response rates in individual NET cell lines suggested that pretreatment identification of different tumor sensitivity to mTOR inhibitors could provide the basis for individualized treatment. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Deceased‐donor kidney transplant following ethylene glycol‐induced brain death
Authors: Sifontis Nicole , Kim Richard , Birkenbach Mark , Lee Iris , Constantinescu Serban , Karachristos Andreas , Silva Patricio , Daller John
Published: March 2011

We report on a deceased‐donor kidney transplant following ethylene glycol‐induced brain death. The donor was a 53‐year‐old man with a history of depression who presented to the emergency department after drinking a “cocktail amount” of windshield wiper ﬂuid each day for the past 3 weeks. Upon presentation he became unresponsive and suffered a seizure. Fomepizole 1.2 g IV followed by emergent hemodialysis was initiated as indicated for acute treat‐ment of ethylene glycol poisoning. Unfortunately, the patient never regained consciousness and progressed to brain death. At the time of procurement his urine output was over 250 mL/h, and serum creatinine was 2.2 mg/dL. Renal biopsy following procurement revealed minimal tubule injury without evidence of intratubular oxalate crystals. The kidney recipient was a 76‐year‐old woman with end‐stage renal disease secondary to diabetes and hypertension. Cold ischemia time was 31 hours, 45 minutes. The only postoperative complication was delayed graft function and one episode of mild acute cellular rejection 7 weeks post transplant that resolved with IV methylprednisolone. Two years post transplant the patient continues to do well clinically with a baseline serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL.
Post‐renal transplant plasma cell dyscrasia presenting as retroperitoneal plasmacytoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Muzaffar Mahvish , Chaudhary Rekha , Li Xin , Ratnam Shobha
Published: March 2011

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of organ transplanta‐tion. Most cases of PTLD represent Epstein Barr virus (EBV)‐related B‐cell disease in a setting of pharmacological immunosuppression. Post‐transplant plasma cell dyscrasia is very rare, and post‐transplant plasma cell dyscrasia with extramedullary plasmacytoma is extremely rare. We report here a case of the latter, which to our knowledge is the fourth such reported case in the English literature. A 22‐year‐old man developed post‐transplant plasma cell dyscrasia 20 years after a renal transplant while on immunosuppression. His presentation included retroperitoneal plasmacytoma, which is very rare and is probably the ﬁrst case in a renal transplant patient. The patient is in complete remission 1 year after receiving ﬁve cycles of bortezomib and dexamethasone.
BK virus infection after renal transplantation
Authors: Sood Puneet , Hariharan Sundaram
Published: March 2011

In this review, we will discuss updates in diagnosis, treatment, and primary prevention, as well as unresolved issues and future directions for BK virus nephropathy in renal transplant patients.
Analysis of some risk factors of coronary and valvular calcification in peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Janicka Lucyna , Duma Dariusz , Grzebalska Agnieszka M. , Czekajska‐Chehab Elzbieta , Drop Andrzej , Staskiewicz Grzegorz , Janicki Krzysztof , Solski Janusz , Książek Andrzej
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

Our study was performed to analyze risk factors for coronary artery calcification (CAC) and valvular calcification (VC) in peritoneally dialyzed patients, as well as the frequency of fatal cardiovascular complications.

METHODS

The study was performed on 102 peritoneal dialyzed patients (mean time of dialysis: 37.3 ± 23 months). Patients were divided depending on the severity of calcification into three groups: A, lack of calcification; B, CAC up to 400 mm3; and C, CAC >400 mm3. CAC and VC were measured by means of computed tomography. The following risk factors for CAC and VC were analyzed: age, gender, time of peritoneal dialysis, and levels of calcium, phosphates, calcium × phosphorus product (Ca × P), C‐reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, fetuin‐A, and parathormone (PTH).

RESULTS

Positive correlation was found between CAC and VC expressed by Agatston and volumetric score, and serum levels of CRP and fibrinogen and patient age. In patients with CAC and VC, serum levels of phosphorus and Ca × P were significantly higher; however, such significance was not observed in patients with CAC only. Serum fetuin‐A was decreased in all study groups, and was significantly lower in patients with CAC and VC than in patients with CAC only. Cardiovascular complications were significantly more frequent and mortality was higher in group C than in groups A and B.

CONCLUSIONS

In peritoneally dialyzed patients, CAC accompanied by VC is a high risk factor for mortality resulting from cardiovascular complications.
Research 101: Terms to help you understand research results
Authors: Schatell Dori , Laird Peter
Published: March 2011

Dialysis is a fast‐moving field and new, important studies come out each month. When you understand some of these common research terms, you'll be better equipped to know what the results may mean for your patients.
Dispositional optimism and loneliness in older men
Authors: Rius‐Ottenheim Nathaly , Kromhout Daan , van der Mast Roos C. , Zitman Frans G. , Geleijnse Johanna M. , Giltay Erik J.
Published: March 2011

Background

Dispositional optimism, defined as a generalized tendency to positive outcome expectancies, is associated with well‐being and successful aging. However, it remains unclear whether optimism is also correlated to less feelings of loneliness over time. We aimed to determine whether dispositional optimism is prospectively associated with less feelings of loneliness, independently of potential confounders inherent to the aging process.

Methods

We observed 416 older men aged between 70 and 89 years (mean 74.9 years, standard deviation [SD] 4.7 years) within the population‐based Zutphen Elderly Study during 10 years of follow‐up. Baseline dispositional optimism was assessed using a four‐item questionnaire. The presence of feelings of loneliness, the main outcome of our study, was assessed using the 11‐item loneliness scale of De Jong Gierveld in the years 1990, 1993, 1995, and 2000. The association between baseline dispositional optimism and loneliness over time was tested by using multilevel regression analysis and by adjusting for potential confounders (i.e. age, living arrangement, social contacts, widowhood, memberships, self‐rated health, and depressive symptoms).

Results

Feelings of loneliness significantly increased during 10 years of follow‐up but showed temporal stability (reliability coefficient 0.78). Low baseline dispositional optimism was strongly associated with loneliness over time, also in the adjusted analysis. A 1 SD increase in baseline dispositional optimism was associated with a 0.14 SD (95% confidence interval 0.04–0.23) lower level of loneliness (F1,320 = 7.8; p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Dispositional optimism is correlated to lower feelings of loneliness over time in older men, independently of depression or changes in social network. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of waiting time and distance on hospital choice for English cataract patients
Authors: Sivey Peter
Published: March 2011

This paper applies latent‐class multinomial logit models to the choice of hospital for cataract operations in the UK NHS. We concentrate on the effects of travel time and waiting time and especially on estimating the waiting time elasticity of demand. Models including hospital fixed effects rely on changes over time in waiting time to indentify coefficients. We show how using a latent‐class multinomial logit model characterises the unobserved heterogeneity in GP practices' choice behaviour and affects the estimated elasticities of travel time and waiting time. The models estimate waiting time elasticities of demand of approximately −0.1, comparable with previous waiting time‐demand models. For the average waiting time elasticity, the simple multinomial logit models are good approximations of the latent‐class logit results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does managed care affect the diffusion of psychotropic medications?
Authors: Domino Marisa E.
Published: March 2011

Newer technologies to treat many mental illnesses have shown substantial heterogeneity in diffusion rates across states. In this paper, I investigate whether variation in the level of managed care penetration is associated with changes in state‐level diffusion of three newer classes of psychotropic medications in fee‐for‐service Medicaid programs from 1991 to 2005. Three different types of managed care programs are examined: capitated managed care, any type of managed care and behavioral health carve‐outs. A fourth‐order polynomial fixed effect regression model is used to model the diffusion path of newer antidepressant and antipsychotic medications controlling for time‐varying state characteristics. Substantial differences are found in the diffusion paths by the degree of managed care use in each state Medicaid program. The largest effect is seen through spillover effects of capitated managed care programs; states with greater capitated managed care have greater initial shares of newer psychotropic medications. The influence of carve‐outs and of all types of managed care combined on the diffusion path was modest. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.