bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population balance modeling of particle size distribution in monomer‐starved semibatch emulsion polymerization
Authors: Sajjadi Shahriar
Published: August 2009

The evolution of particle size distribution (PSD) in the monomer‐starved semibatch emulsion polymerization of styrene with a neat monomer feed is investigated using a population balance model. The system under study ranges from conventional batch emulsion to semicontinuous (micro)emulsion polymerization depending on the rate of monomer addition. It is shown that, contrary to what is often believed, the broadness of PSD is not necessarily associated with the length of nucleation period. The PSDs at the end of nucleation are found to be independent of surfactant concentration. Simulation results indicate that at the completion of nucleation the particle size is reduced and the PSD narrows with decreasing rate of monomer addition despite nucleation time increasing. The broad distribution of particles frequently encountered in semibatch emulsion polymerizations is therefore attributed to stochastic broadening during the growth stage. The zero‐one‐two‐three model developed in this article allows perceiving that the dominant kinetic mechanism may be different for particles with different sizes. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
The P86L common allele of CALHM1 does not influence risk for Alzheimer disease in Japanese cohorts
Authors: Inoue Ken , Tanaka Noriko , Yamashita Fumio , Sawano Yoshie , Asada Takashi , Goto Yu‐ichi
Published: August 2009

A common P86L variant in CALHM1 was recently identified to increase susceptibility to Alzheimer disease (AD) in individuals of European‐descent. To determine whether or not this association is also valid in a different ethnic population, we directly sequenced three nearby SNPs including P86L in more than 2,500 Japanese AD case–control samples. We found no association between CALHM1 P86L polymorphism and AD risk in Japanese individuals. We also found a small number of non‐synonymous minor variants in both control and case populations, some of which are predicted to affect protein function, but are unlikely to increase this risk of AD in this population. We also determined that the P86L allele frequency is lower in non‐Caucasian populations than in Caucasians. Our findings suggest that the CALHM1 P86L common variant may not influence AD risk in Japanese. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ground‐penetrating radar survey over bronze age circular monuments on a sandy soil, complemented with electromagnetic induction and fluxgate gradiometer data
Authors: Verdonck L. , Simpson D. , Cornelis W. M. , Plyson A. , Bourgeois J. , Docter R. , Van Meirvenne M.
Published: August 2009

This paper presents a ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) survey over two circular structures originally surrounding Bronze Age burial mounds at the site of Koekelare (western Belgium). The region is characterized by sandy soils. Their low water storage capacity and the consequent moisture contrasts in dry summers played an important role in the detection of over 1000 Bronze Age funeral monuments through aerial archaeology in the past few decades. At Koekelare, low attenuation of GPR waves resulted in the detection of a double and single circular ditch. A fluxgate gradiometer survey and electromagnetic induction (EMI) measurements did not clearly reveal the ditches. For the GPR wave velocity analysis, constant velocity migration tests were combined with time‐domain reflectometry (TDR). The TDR measurements were made at different depths within the ditches and in the adjacent undisturbed soil, so that the differences in the physical soil parameters could be assessed.

At a depth of approximately 0.45 to 0.8 m, the relatively homogeneous ditch fill produces few GPR reflections compared with the undisturbed soil, and is visible as a weak negative anomaly on the horizontal slices. At this depth, the grey or brownish black ditch fill was found in augering samples, clearly distinguishable from the yellowish brown sandy soil outside the ditches. The transition between the ditch and the underlying soil caused a gradual reflection of radar energy at a depth of approximately 0.8 to 1.2 m, although TDR showed no marked differences in relative permittivity between the ditches and the surrounding soil, and no clear steps as a function of depth. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational relaxed TP model transformation: restricting the computation to subspaces of the dynamic model
Authors: Nagy Szabolcs , Petres Zoltán , Baranyi Péter , Hashimoto Hideki
Published: August 2009

The tensor‐product (TP) model transformation is a recently proposed numerical method capable of transforming linear parameter varying state‐space models to the higher order singular value decomposition (HOSVD) based canonical form of polytopic models. It is also capable of generating various types of convex TP models, a type of polytop models, for linear matrix inequality based controller design. The crucial point of the TP model transformation is that its computational load exponentially explodes with the dimensionality of the parameter vector of the parameter‐varying state‐space model. In this paper we propose a modified TP model transformation that leads to considerable reduction of the computation. The key idea of the method is that instead of transforming the whole system matrix at once in the whole parameter space, we decompose the problem and perform the transformation element wise and restrict the computation to the subspace where the given element of the model varies. The modified TP model transformation can readily be executed in higher dimensional cases when the original TP model transformation fails. The effectiveness of the new method is illustrated with numerical examples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
The relationship between indecisiveness and eye movement patterns in a decision making informational search task
Authors: Patalano Andrea L. , Juhasz Barbara J. , Dicke Joanna
Published: August 2009

Indecisiveness is a trait‐related general tendency to experience decision difficulties across a variety of situations, leading to decision delay, worry, and regret. Indecisiveness is proposed (Rassin, 2007) to be associated with an increase in desire for information acquisition and reliance on compensatory strategies—as evidenced by alternative‐based information search—during decision making. However existing studies provide conflicting findings. We conducted an information board study of indecisiveness, using eye tracking methodology, to test the hypotheses that the relationship between indecisiveness and choice strategy depends on being in the early stage of the decision making process, and that it depends on being in the presence of an opportunity to delay choice. We found strong evidence for the first hypothesis in that indecisive individuals changed shift behavior from the first to the second half of the task, consistent with a move from greater to lesser compensatory processing, while the shift behavior of decisive individuals suggested lesser compensatory processing over the whole task. Indecisiveness was also related to time spent viewing attributes of the selected course, and to time spent looking away from decision information. These findings resolve past discrepancies, suggest an interesting account of how the decision process unfolds for indecisive versus decisive individuals, and contribute to a better understanding of this tendency. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public good provision in inter‐team conflicts: Effects of asymmetry and profit‐sharing rule
Authors: Kugler Tamar , Rapoport Amnon , Pazy Asya
Published: August 2009

A fundamental problem in organizations is designing mechanisms for eliciting voluntary contributions from individual members of a team who are entrapped in a social dilemma. To solve the problem, we utilize a game‐theoretical framework that embeds the traditional within‐team social dilemma in a between‐team competition for an exogenously determined prize. In equilibrium, such competition enhances the incentive to contribute, therebyreducingfree‐riding. Extending existing literature, we focus on asymmetric competitions between teams of unequal size, and competitions between more than two teams. Comparing two protocols for sharing the prize—egalitarian and proportional profit‐sharing rules—we find that (i) free‐riding diminishes and (ii) team members contribute more toward their team's effort when they belong to the larger team and when the profit‐sharing rule is proportional. (iii) Additionally, under the egalitarian profit‐sharing rule team members contributemorethan predicted by the equilibrium solution. We discuss implications of our findings for eliciting contributions in competitive environments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alternative Confidence Regions for Bonferroni‐Based Closed‐Testing Procedures that are not Alpha‐Exhaustive
Authors: Guilbaud Olivier
Published: August 2009

This article complements the results in Guilbaud (Biometrical Journal 2008; 50:678–692). Simultaneous confidence regions were derived in that article that correspond to any given multiple testing procedure (MTP) in a fairly large class of consonant closed‐testing procedures based on marginal p‐values and weighted Bonferroni tests for intersection hypotheses. This class includes Holm's MTP, the fixed‐sequence MTP, gatekeeping MTPs, fallback MTPs, multi‐stage fallback MTPs, and recently proposed MTPs specified through a graphical representation and associated rejection algorithm. More general confidence regions are proposed in this article. These regions are such that for certain underlying MTPs which are not alpha‐exhaustive, they lead to confidence assertions that may be sharper than rejection assertions for some rejected null hypotheses H when not all Hs are rejected, which is not the case with the previously proposed regions. In fact, various alternative confidence regions may be available for such an underlying MTP. These results are shown through an extension of the previous direct arguments (without invoking the partitioning principle), and under the same general setup; so for instance, estimated quantities and marginal confidence regions are not restricted to be of any particular kinds/dimensions. The relation with corresponding confidence regions of Strassburger and Bretz (Statistics in Medicine 2008; 27:4914–4927) is described. The results are illustrated with fallback and parallel‐gatekeeping MTPs.
Degradation of an Fc‐fusion recombinant protein by host cell proteases: Identification of a CHO cathepsin D protease
Authors: Robert Flavie , Bierau Horst , Rossi Mara , Agugiaro David , Soranzo Thomas , Broly Hervé , Mitchell‐Logean Christine
Published: August 2009

A host‐cell‐related proteolytic activity was identified in a recombinant Fc‐fusion protein production process. This report describes the strategy applied to characterize and isolate the enzyme responsible for this degradation by combining cell culture investigation and dedicated analytical tools. After isolation and sequencing of the clipped fragment generated in post‐capture material, enzymatic activity was traced in different culture conditions, allowing identification of viable CHO cells as the source of protease. Inhibitors and pH screenings showed that the enzyme belongs to an aspartic protease family and is preferably active at acidic pH. The protease was isolated by purification on a pepstatin A column and characterized as a protein related to cathepsin D. An additional metallo‐protease inhibited by EDTA was identified with an optimum activity at neutral pH. This study is an example of how quality and stability of therapeutic recombinant molecules are strongly influenced by cell culture parameters. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 1132–1141. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Visualizing and quantifying the differential cleavages of the eukaryotic translation initiation factors eIF4GI and eIF4GII in the enterovirus‐infected cell
Authors: Hsu Yueh‐Ying , Liu Yu‐Ning , Lu Wen‐Wen , Kung Szu‐Hao
Published: August 2009

Enterovirus (EV) infection has been shown to cause a marked shutoff of host protein synthesis, an event mainly achieved through the cleavages of eukaryotic translation initiation factors eIF4GI and eIF4GII that are mediated by viral 2A protease (2Apro). Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), we developed genetically encoded and FRET‐based biosensors to visualize and quantify the specific proteolytic process in intact cells. This was accomplished by stable expression of a fusion substrate construct composed of the green fluorescent protein 2 (GFP2) and red fluorescent protein 2 (DsRed2), with a cleavage motif on eIF4GI or eIF4GII connected in between. The FRET biosensor showed a real‐time and quantifiable impairment of FRET upon EV infection. Levels of the reduced FRET closely correlated with the cleavage kinetics of the endogenous eIF4Gs isoforms. The FRET impairments were solely attributed to 2Apro catalytic activity, irrespective of other viral‐encoded protease, the activated caspases or general inhibition of protein synthesis in the EV‐infected cells. The FRET biosensors appeared to be a universal platform for several related EVs. The spatiotemporal and quantitative imaging enabled by FRET can shed light on the protease–substrate behaviors in their normal milieu, permitting investigation into the molecular mechanism underlying virus‐induced host translation inhibition. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 1142–1152. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enzyme‐assisted physicochemical enantioseparation processes—Part III: Overcoming yield limitations by dynamic kinetic resolution of asparagine via preferential crystallization and enzymatic racemization
Authors: Würges Kerstin , Petruševska‐Seebach Katerina , Elsner Martin P. , Lütz Stephan
Published: August 2009

The application of enantioseparation methods alone can only yield up to 50% of the desired chiral product. Thus enantioseparation becomes more attractive when accompanied by the racemization of the counter‐enantiomer. Here we present first results of dynamic kinetic resolution of L‐asparagine (L‐Asn) via preferential crystallization and enzymatic racemization from a racemic, supersaturated solution on a 20 mL scale. An enzyme lyophilisate (WT amino acid racemase from P. putida KT2440 (E.C. 5.1.1.10), overexpressed in E. coli BL21(DE3)) was used for in situ racemization (enzyme concentrations varying from 0 to 1 mg/mL). When preferential crystallization was applied without any enzyme, a total of 31 mg of L‐Asn monohydrate could be crystallized, before crystal formation of d‐Asn started. Crystallization experiments accompanied by enzymatic racemization led to a significant increase of crystallized L‐Asn (198 mg L‐Asn monohydrate; >92%ee) giving the first experimental proof for this new process concept of dynamic kinetic resolution via preferential crystallization and enzymatic racemization. Measurements of the racemase activity before and after the crystallization process showed no significant differences, which would allow for enzyme recovery and recycling. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 1235–1239. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of glucose sensitive affinity binding assay entrapped in fluorescent dissolved‐core alginate microspheres
Authors: Chaudhary Ayesha , Raina Monica , Harma Harri , Hanninen Pekka , McShane Michael J. , Srivastava Rohit
Published: August 2009

The feasibility of dissolved‐core alginate‐templated fluorescent microspheres as “smart tattoo” glucose biosensors was investigated in simulated interstitial fluid (SIF). The sensor works on the principle of competitive binding and fluorescence resonance energy transfer. The sensor consists of multilayer thin film coated alginate microspheres incorporating dye‐labeled glucose receptor and competing ligand within the partially dissolved alginate core. In this study, different approaches for the sensing and detection chemistry were studied, and the response of encapsulated reagents was compared with the solution‐phase counterparts. The glucose sensitivity of the encapsulated TRITC‐Con A/FITC‐dextran (500 kDa) assay in DI water was estimated to be 0.26%/mM glucose while that in SIF was observed to be 0.3%/mM glucose. The glucose sensitivity of TRITC‐apo‐GOx/FITC‐dextran (500 kDa) assay was estimated to be 0.33%/mM glucose in DI water and 0.5%/mM glucose in SIF and both demonstrated a response in the range of 0–50 mM glucose. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the calcium ion concentration outside the microsphere (in the SIF) does not interfere with the response sensitivity. The sensor response was observed to exhibit a maximum response time of 120 s. The system further exhibited a sensitivity of 0.94%/mM glucose with a response in range of 0–50 mM glucose, using near‐infrared dyes (Alexa Fluor‐647‐labeled dextran as donor and QSY‐21‐conjugated apo‐GOx as acceptor), thereby making the sensor more amenable to in vivo use, when implanted in scattering tissue. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 1075–1085. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hemodynamic and intravascular ultrasound assessment of myocardial bridging: Fractional flow reserve paradox with dobutamine versus adenosine
Authors: Hakeem Abdul , Cilingiroglu Mehmet , Leesar Massoud A.
Published: August 2009

Compared to coronary angiography, both intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and CT‐angiography provide important information with respect to the morphological aspects of myocardial bridging (MB). However, these modalities are limited in defining the hemodynamic and clinical significance of MB. Intracoronary Doppler studies demonstrate a peculiar abnormal Doppler flow profile associated with MB. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) after adenosine infusion has been used to assess the hemodynamic significance of MB, but FFR after adenosine induced hyperemia underestimates the significance of MB. On the other hand, high‐dose dobutamine by increasing the contractility of the bridging segment unmasks ischemia induced by MB. This review outlines the role of flow velocity measurement by intracoronary Doppler, FFR, and IVUS for assessment of patients with MB. In addition, we compared FFR measurements after adenosine versus dobutamine infusions for the hemodynamic assessment of MB in two patients. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reversible Immobilization of a Molecular Catalyst and Challenges of Catalyst Characterization
Authors: Palkovits R. , Arlt D. , Stepowska H. , Schüth F.
Published: August 2009

The immobilization of molecular catalysts on support materials enables the combination of easy separation of solid catalysts with the high activity and selectivity of molecular catalysts. We have been able to apply a cross‐metathesis reaction between terminal olefins, as versatile tool with which to reversibly immobilize ligands and complexes on a support material. Diphosphine ligands and corresponding complexes can be covalently immobilized and then split again from the support material after use in catalytic reactions, and subsequently be reused by repeated immobilization. The method is widely applicable and offers, therefore, an interesting approach to a covalent, but reversible immobilization of various molecular catalysts.
Self‐Assembly of a Triangle‐Shaped, Hexaplatinum‐Incorporated, Supramolecular Amphiphile in Solution and at Interfaces
Authors: Maran Umamageswaran , Britt David , Fox Christopher B. , Harris Joel M. , Orendt Anita M. , Conley Hiram , Davis Robert , Hlady Vladamir , Stang Peter J.
Published: August 2009

The self‐assembly and characterization of a novel supramolecular amphiphile built from a new 60° amphiphilic precursor that incorporates hydrophilic platinum(II) metals and hydrophobic dioctadecyloxy chains is reported. The amphiphilic macrocycle and its precursor compound have been characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, ESI‐MS, and other standard techniques. The coacervate morphology of the amphiphile at the liquid–liquid interface has been studied by using confocal optical microscopy and in situ Raman spectroscopy. The self‐assembly of the amphiphilic macrocycle at the air–water interface has been investigated through Langmuir‐trough techniques. The study indicates the possible formation of surface micelle‐like aggregates. The disparity between the experimental molecular areas and those derived from molecular models support the idea of aggregation. AFM images of the surface aggregates show the formation of a flat topology with arbitrary ridgelike patterns. Reasonable molecular‐packing arrangements are proposed to explain the molecular organization within the observed structures.
Complex Interrupted Tetrahedral Frameworks in the Nitridosilicates M7Si6N15 (M=La, Ce, Pr)
Authors: Schmolke Christian , Oeckler Oliver , Bichler Daniel , Johrendt Dirk , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: August 2009

A new structure type of nitridosilicates with an interrupted framework has been identified for M7Si6N15 with M=La, Ce, and Pr. The materials have been synthesized in a radio‐frequency furnace at temperatures between 1550–1625 °C, starting from the respective metals, metal nitrides, and silicon diimide. The crystal structure of Ce7Si6N15 has been determined by using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Besides ordered crystals 1 with a complicated triclinic superstructure and multiple twinning (P$\bar 1$, no. 2; a=13.009(3), b=25.483(5), c=25.508(10) Å; α=117.35(3), β=99.59(3), γ=99.63(3)°; V=7114(2) Å3; Z=18; R1=0.0411), disordered crystals 2 with identical composition exhibiting a trigonal average structure (R$\bar 3$, no. 148) have also been observed (a=43.420(6), c=6.506(2) Å; V=10 623(3) Å3; Z=27; R1=0.0309). Pr7Si6N15 (3) and La7Si6N15 (4) are isostructural with 1 as evidenced by twinned single‐crystal data for 3 (P$\bar 1$, no. 2; a=12.966(3), b=25.449(10), c=25.459(10) Å; α=117.28(3), β=99.70(4), γ=99.60(4)°; V=7068(4) Å3; Z=18; R1=0.0526) and powder diffraction data for 4 (P$\bar 1$, no. 2; a=13.109(9), b=25.606(18), c=25.609(18) Å; V=7223(12) Å3; Z=18; RP=0.0194; RF=0.0936). The crystal structure of M7Si6N15 (M=La, Ce, Pr) is built up exclusively of corner‐sharing tetrahedrons that appear as Q2‐, Q3‐, and Q4‐type tetrahedrons forming different ring sizes within a less condensed three‐dimensional network. Among the characteristic structural motifs are saw‐blade‐shaped 12‐rings and finite chains consisting of four corner‐sharing SiN4 tetrahedrons. High‐resolution transmission electron micrographs indicate both ordered and disordered crystallites. In the diffraction patterns of disordered rhombohedral crystals, diffuse maxima appear in reciprocal space at those positions in which sharp superstructure reflections are found in the case of the respective ordered crystallites. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of Ce7Si6N15 show paramagnetic behavior with an experimental magnetic moment of 2.29 μB per Ce, thereby corroborating the existence of Ce3+.
Synthesis and Characterization of the D5h Isomer of the Endohedral Dimetallofullerene Ce2@C80: Two‐Dimensional Circulation of Encapsulated Metal Atoms Inside a Fullerene Cage
Authors: Yamada Michio , Mizorogi Naomi , Tsuchiya Takahiro , Akasaka Takeshi , Nagase Shigeru
Published: August 2009

Herein we show the synthesis and characterization of the second known Ce2@C80 isomer. A 13C NMR spectroscopic study revealed that the structure of the second isomer has D5h symmetry. Paramagnetic NMR spectral analysis and theoretical calculation display that the encapsulated Ce atoms circulate two‐dimensionally along a band of ten contiguous hexagons inside a D5h‐C80 cage, which is in sharp contrast to the three‐dimensional circulation of two Ce atoms in an Ih‐C80 cage. The electronic properties were revealed by means of electrochemical measurements. The D5h isomer of Ce2@C80 has a much smaller HOMO–LUMO gap than cluster fullerenes (M3N@C80, M=Sc, Tm, and Lu) with the same D5h‐C80 cages. The chemical reactivity was investigated by using disilirane as a chemical probe. The high thermal reactivity toward 1,1,2,2‐tetramesityl‐1,2‐disilirane is consistent with the trends of the redox potentials and the lower LUMO level of the D5h isomer of Ce2@C80 compared with that of C60.
Solution Behaviour and Biomolecular Interactions of Two Cytotoxic trans‐Platinum(II) Complexes Bearing Aliphatic Amine Ligands
Authors: Cubo Leticia , Casini Angela , Gabbiani Chiara , Mastrobuoni Guido , Messori Luigi , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús , Navarro‐Ranninger Carmen , Quiroga Adoración G.
Published: August 2009

A novel trans‐platinum(II) complex bearing one dimethylamine (dma) and one methylamine (ma) ligand, namely trans‐[PtCl2(dma)(ma)], recently synthesised and characterised in our laboratory, displayed relevant antiproliferative properties in vitro, being more active than the parent complex, trans‐[PtCl2(dma)(ipa)], which has isopropylamine (ipa) in place of methylamine. We have analysed comparatively the solution behaviour of these two complexes under various experimental conditions, and investigated their reactivity with horse heart cytochrome c by mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), 2D [1H,15N],[1H,13C] HSQC and [1H,1H] NOESY NMR. Some important changes that occurred in the [1H,13C] HSQC NMR spectrum of cytochrome c treated with trans‐[PtCl2(dma)(ma)] in water, after two days’ incubation, most probably arose from direct platinum coordination to the protein side chain; this was proved conclusively by [1H,1H] NOESY NMR and [1H,15N] HSQC NMR measurements. Met65 was identified as the primary Pt binding site on cytochrome c. Electrospray mass spectrometry (ESIMS) results provided evidence for extensive platinum–protein adduct formation. A fragment of the [Pt(amine)(amine′)] type was established to be primarily responsible for protein metalation. ICP‐OES analysis revealed that these trans‐platinum(II) complexes bind preferentially to the serum proteins albumin and transferrin rather than to calf thymus DNA. Pt binding to DNA was found to be far lower than in the case of cisplatin. The implications of the results for the mechanism of action of novel cytotoxic trans‐platinum complexes are discussed.
Divalent E(0) Compounds (E=Si–Sn)
Authors: Takagi Nozomi , Shimizu Takayasu , Frenking Gernot
Published: August 2009

Quantum‐chemical calculations at the BP86/TZVPP level of theory have been carried out for compounds EL2 for E=Si, Ge, Sn, where L is a five‐membered cyclic ylidene or N‐heterocyclic ylidene. The theoretical results provide evidence for the classification of the complexes as divalent E(0) compounds, where the bonding situation is best described in terms of donor–acceptor interactions between a bare atom E, which retains its valence electrons as two lone pairs, and two donor ligands L→E←L. The molecules are very strong donors, which may bind one or two Lewis acids. Divalent E(0) compounds have unusually high second proton affinities and they are strong σ donor ligands. The calculations predict that complexes of EL2 with one or two BH3 ligands are stable enough to become isolated in a condensed phase. It is also shown that the bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of transition‐metal complexes [(CO)5WD] and [(CO)3NiD], where D=EL2 are rather high. The BDE of some ligands D are higher than those of CO in the metal carbonyls.
Interactions between SOX factors and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in development and disease
Authors: Kormish Jay D. , Sinner Débora , Zorn Aaron M.
Published: August 2009

The SOX family of transcription factors have emerged as modulators of canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in diverse development and disease contexts. There are over 20 SOX proteins encoded in the vertebrate genome and recent evidence suggests that many of these can physically interact with β‐catenin and modulate the transcription of Wnt‐target genes. The precise mechanisms by which SOX proteins regulate β‐catenin/TCF activity are still being resolved and there is evidence to support a number of models including: protein–protein interactions, the binding of SOX factors to Wnt‐target gene promoters, the recruitment of co‐repressors or co‐activators, modulation of protein stability, and nuclear translocation. In some contexts, Wnt signaling also regulates SOX expression resulting in feedback regulatory loops that fine‐tune cellular responses to β‐catenin/TCF activity. In this review, we summarize the examples of Sox–Wnt interactions and examine the underlying mechanisms of this potentially widespread and underappreciated mode of Wnt‐regulation. Developmental Dynamics 239:56–68, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Should non‐fat‐phobic anorexia nervosa be included in DSM‐V?
Authors: Becker Anne E. , Thomas Jennifer J. , Pike Kathleen M.
Published: August 2009

Objective

Cross‐cultural data suggest that rationales for food refusal vary in anorexia nervosa (AN), and a variant, termed non‐fat‐phobic AN (NFP‐AN), has been described. This review evaluates whether data support modification of the requirement for intense fear of weight gain to meet AN criterion B in DSM‐V.

Method

We performed a systematic search of the Medline and PsychInfo literature and evaluated the relevant publications by Robins and Guze's (Am J Psychiatry 126, 983–987, 1970) criteria as a standard for diagnostic validity. We also performed a meta‐analysis comparing the severity of eating pathology in AN to (a) NFP‐AN and (b) AN with low drive for thinness (low‐DT‐AN).

Results

A modest literature indicates that NFP‐AN has wide geographic distribution and occurs in both Western and non‐Western populations alongside cases of typical AN. Aggregating across eligible studies, patients with NFP‐AN or low‐DT‐AN score at least 2/3 of a standard deviation lower on measures of eating pathology than patients with conventional AN. Transcultural comparison of drive for thinness suggests significantly lower norms in non‐Western cultures.

Discussion

NFP‐AN occurs with wide distribution. Further research is necessary on the course and outcomes of NFP‐AN to characterize its congruence with, or distinction from, conventional AN. We discuss several options for including a description of NFP‐AN in DSM‐V. © 2009 American Psychiatric Association. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Palladium‐Catalysed Cross‐Coupling and Related Processes: Some Interesting Observations That Have Been Exploited in Synthetic Chemistry (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 24/2009)
Authors: McGlacken Gerard P. , Fairlamb Ian J. S.
Published: August 2009

The cover picture shows a hypothetical energy surface highlighting the multitude of reaction manifolds and pathways that are accessible in Pd‐catalysed couplings. Acknowledgement: The image was produced by Dr. A. C. Whitwood (Computing Officer and X‐ray Crystallographer, York, UK) using POV‐RayTM (ver. 3.6); structures of the Pd complex and dibenzylideneacetone derivative were based on crystal structures. Details are presented in the Microreview by G. P. McGlacken and I. J. S. Fairlamb on p. 4011 ff.
Ex situ Voltammetry and Chronopotentiometry of Doxorubicin at a Pyrolytic Graphite Electrode: Redox and Catalytic Properties and Analytical Applications
Authors: Vacek Jan , Havran Luděk , Fojta Miroslav
Published: August 2009

Ex situ (adsorptive transfer stripping) electrochemical techniques in connection with basal‐plane PGE have been applied to the study of redox and catalytic properties of doxorubicin (DOX). Cyclic and square‐wave voltammetry and constant current chronopotentiometric stripping (CPS) analysis were used to follow reversible reduction of DOX quinone moiety around −0.5 V and its coupling to catalytic oxygen reduction. CPS was for the first time used for sensitive ex situ determination of the DOX using the catalytic signal around −0.5 V in the presence of oxygen, allowing detection of femtomole amounts of DOX. We show that specific interaction of DOX with double‐stranded DNA can easily be monitored using the catalytic CPS signal.
Screening for an oil‐removing microorganism and oil removal from waste silk by pure culture fermentation
Authors: Yang Xuexia , Cao Zhangjun , Lao Jihong , Deng Yunxia , Chen Hui
Published: August 2009

The presence of oil is the major limitation to the regeneration of spun silk from waste silk. A pure culture fermentation process was developed to remove oil from waste silk. Fourteen strains were isolated from natural fermentation liquor of waste silk. The strain D3 showed highest lipase activity and oil‐removing ability. This strain was identified as Rhodococcus sp. on the basis of morphological and biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The strain D3 was used to remove oil from waste silk by pure culture fermentation. The effects of various parameters on oil removal were investigated. A pH of 7.0, a temperature of 35–40°C, an incubation time of three days and an inoculum of 10% were optimum conditions for removing oil from waste silk by stain D3. This study shows that pure culture fermentation is a promising process to improve the oil removal of waste silk.
Online optical detection of food contaminants in microdroplets
Authors: Schemberg Jörg , Grodrian Andreas , Römer Robert , Gastrock Gunter , Lemke Karen
Published: August 2009

To accommodate the considerable increase of disease based on microbial food contaminants in the last decade, a modulated, fast optical fluorescence detection combined with microdevices is created. This method, which consists of five different steps, first selects contaminants, mainly bacteria, in the food matrix. This process is based on a biomagnetic separation technique developed by our collaborators at the Technical University of Dresden. By the steps of binding antibody functionalized magnetic beads and fluorescent capsules on the target cell, a magnetic bead‐target cell‐microcapsule complex (MTM) is generated. The well‐established pipe‐based bioreactors (pbb) platform enables the generation of droplets with a volume between 60 and 160 nL and the detection of the target cell with an integrated microscopic and spectroscopic detection system. The module used for generating droplets is based on the segmented flow principle and is chip‐ or probe‐based. In this context, the successful use of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a cost‐effective alternative to the well‐established glass‐chips is introduced. To quantify the detection based on a yes‐ or no‐decision, the most important step is to separate one MTM‐complex per droplet. This equalized the quantity of the fluorescent signals with the quantity of the contaminants in the cell sample. The feasibility of microscopic and spectroscopic detection with only one fluorescent capsule per droplet is shown. Also the first results of a special prototyping optical detection set‐up that is already in an advanced stage of development, will be presented. This easy‐to‐use device implemented a software‐controlled, automatic documentation for every fluorescent signal of a droplet to guarantee the quality control. Here are the advantages of an integration of microdevices in a rapid detection of food pathogens presented. Obviously, the modular set‐up of this detection platform enables a wide range of high‐throughput applications.
Contributions to the pollen morphology of Tribe Cardueae (Cichorioideae‐Compositae)
Authors: Osman A. K.
Published: August 2009

Pollen morphology of fifty nine species representing seventeen genera of tribe Cardueae (Cichorioideae‐Compositae) was investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. Generally the investigated pollen grains are 3‐zonocolporate to 3‐zonocolpororate rarely 4‐zonocolpororate while there are shapes commonly oblate‐spheroidal to suboblate, with some prolate‐spheroidal to subprolate pollen. Four pollen types were recognized: Onopordum pollen type, Notobasis pollen type, Carthamus pollen type and Carlina pollen type. Descriptions, a key, plus LM and SEM are given. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Scanning electron microscope characters and their systematic significance within Medicago L. sect. Dendrotelis (Fabaceae: Trifolieae)
Authors: Juan A. , Crespo M. B.
Published: August 2009

A morphological study of Medicago sect. Dendrotelis was undertaken by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Upper and lower surface of leaves, stomata, surface of wings, exine and number of apertures of pollen and seed testa, show remarkable characters for distinguishing among taxa. The western Mediterranean endemism M. citrina is characterized by unique features related to pollen (4‐zonocolporate), surface of the upper basal and lower distal parts wing, and testa seed (reticules quite apparent). With regard to M. strasseri, the morphology of leaf cells, upper and lower distal part of wings and seed testa were useful for characterization. On the contrary, M. arborea shared most of characters with M. citrina (e.g. surface of leaves) or M. strasseri (e.g. pollen apertures), excepting the micromorphology of certain part of wings. Among all the studied characters, the surface of wings was found noticeable to characterize each taxa of Medicago sect. Dendrotelis. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Beiträge zur Pilzflora von Mecklenburg‐Vorpommern und Nordbrandenburg (Deutschland) 7. Folge
Authors: Kreisel H.
Published: August 2009

Contributions to the Fungus Flora of Mecklenburg‐Vorpommern and northern Brandenburg (Germany), part 7

From the regions Mecklenburg‐Vorpommern and northern Brandenburg (northeastern Germany) new records of 112 species of macromycetes and phytoparasitic fungi are communicated. Several taxa are first recorded for this area. The distribution of 12 of the mentioned species is shown on grid maps. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Taxonomic status of Gymnadenia orchidis Lindl. var. pantlingii Renz (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Maity D. , Pradhan N. , Mukherjee S. Kr. , Maiti G. G.
Published: August 2009

Gymnadenia orchidis Lindl. var. pantlingii Renz is treated as synonym under the typical one. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Allium oreotadzhikorum and Allium vallivanchense, two new species of Allium subg. Polyprason (Alliaceae) from the Central Asian republic Tajikistan
Authors: Fritsch R. M. , Friesen N.
Published: August 2009

Two new Allium species were collected in the Vanch and Darvaz mountain ranges of western Pamir area. Despite inflorescence and flowers of A. vallivanchense R.M.Fritsch & N.Friesen sp. nova are similar to A. hymenorrhizum, the new species shows a widely extended (not clustered) growth form, fiber‐like decomposing to reticulate (not strip‐like) bulb tunics, shorter and finally somewhat pending (not strictly upright) leaf blades, relatively shorter leaf sheathes, narrow (inner ones bidentate) filaments, and narrower and mucronate (not obtuse) tepals. The flower characters agree well to other taxa of sect. Falcatifolia, but the leaf and bulb characters disagree. Preliminary molecular investigations using ITS as well as rbc L‐atp B sequences pointed to a position as sister group of sect. Campanulata. The latter section owns dissimilar characters of inflorescences and flowers. Therefore affiliation of A. vallivanchense to sect. Falcatifolia seems the better solution currently.

Allium oreotadzhikorum R.M.Fritsch sp. nova belongs to the taxonomically unclear alliance of A. talassicum sensu Vved. (sect. Oreiprason) and is characterized by violet (not whitish) filaments, and cylindrical (not semi‐cylindrical), coarse leaves becoming tubular only when withering. The taxonomically probably incorrect application of the name A. talassicum Regel by Vvedensky is discussed. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Selective populations of hippocampal interneurons express ErbB4 and their number and distribution is altered in ErbB4 knockout mice
Authors: Neddens Jörg , Buonanno Andrés
Published: August 2009

Neuregulins (NRGs) are ligands of ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases. The NRG1‐ErbB4 pathway has been shown to modulate hippocampal synaptic plasticity and network oscillations in the adult rodent brain. To identify cells that mediate these effects, here we determine the expression pattern of ErbB4 in four functionally distinct classes of interneurons that represent the majority of all inhibitory neurons in the adult hippocampus. On the basis of data from nine mice and 25,000 cells, we show that ErbB4 is expressed in cells that are positive for cholecystokinin (CCK, 54%), parvalbumin (PV, 42%), or neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS, 39%) in a layer‐specific and region‐specific manner, whereas cells expressing somatostatin (SOM) are rarely immunoreactive for ErbB4 (1%). We next compared the numerical density (cells/mm3) and the distribution of interneurons between ErbB4−/− mice and wildtype controls. Based on data from 25 mice and 56,000 cells, we detected reductions of PV‐positive and nNOS‐positive cells in knockouts (−24% and −27%, respectively) but only a minor reduction of CCK‐positive cells; no changes in SOM‐positive cells were observed. The overall reduction of interneurons was verified by quantification of GAD67‐immunoreactive cells (−24% in ErbB4−/− mice). The reduction of interneurons along the dorsoventral axis was more severe in intermediate and ventral portions than in the dorsal hippocampus, and regional reductions occurred in the CA1–3 regions and subiculum, whereas we found no significant changes in the dentate gyrus (DG). The expression by different populations of interneurons suggests that ErbB4 can modulate several microcircuits within the hippocampus and mediate the previously reported effects of NRG1 on network oscillations and synaptic plasticity. The selective reduction of GABAergic cells in ErbB4−/− mice is consistent with the role of NRG‐ErbB4 signaling in the generation and migration of interneurons during development, and with neuronal and behavioral functional deficits in adult ErbB4 knockouts. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stereological estimation of numerical densities of glutamatergic principal neurons in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Jinno Shozo , Kosaka Toshio
Published: August 2009

Recent studies have emphasized functional dissociations between dorsal and ventral hippocampus in learning, emotion, and affect. A rigorous quantitative analysis concerning lamellar cytoarchitecture would be important for promoting further research on the regional differentiation of the hippocampus. Here, we stereologically estimated the numerical densities (NDs) of glutamatergic principal neurons in the mouse hippocampus and encountered the significant differences along the dorsoventral axis. In the CA1 region, the NDs of CA1 pyramidal neurons were almost three times higher at the dorsal level (447.5 × 103/mm3) than at the ventral level (180.5 × 103/mm3); meanwhile, along the transverse axis, the NDs were significantly higher in the proximal portion than in the distal portion both at the dorsal and ventral levels. An EF‐hand calcium‐binding protein, calbindin D28K, was expressed in ∼45% of CA1 pyramidal neurons both at the dorsal and ventral level. In the CA3 region, there were no significant differences in the NDs along the dorsoventral and transverse axes (dorsal, 165.2 × 103/mm3; ventral, 172.4 × 103/mm3). In the dentate gyrus (DG), the NDs of granule cells were significantly higher at the dorsal level (916.7 × 103/mm3) than at the ventral level (788.9 × 103/mm3). The significant differences were observed only in the suprapyramidal blade, but not in the infrapyramidal blade. Then, we calculated the total neuron numbers contained in a 300‐μm‐thick hypothetical transverse slice of the hippocampus and found that the ratios of GABAergic to glutamatergic neuron numbers were two to three times higher in the ventral slice than in the dorsal slice. The ratios of numbers of eight GABAergic neuron subtypes to principal cells indicate structural dissociations in the neural network between dorsal and ventral slices. These findings provide an essential quantitative basis for elucidating mechanisms of distinct neural circuits underlying various hippocampal functions. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A review of the suspended sediment budget at the confluence of the Paraná and Paraguay Rivers
Authors: Amsler Mario L. , Drago Edmundo C.
Published: August 2009

In this paper, the sediment budget at the confluence of the Paraná–Paraguay Rivers is updated on the basis of new suspended sediment concentration data, obtained during the 1990s at carefully located cross‐sections, after the construction of several large reservoirs. With these data, it was possible to estimate that the suspended sediment load transported by the Upper Paraná River had decreased by 60% due to the influence of the dams. This decrease occurred in spite of the influence of climate change across the Upper Paraná and Paraguay basin, which increased the precipitation and surface runoff. As a consequence of these anthropogenic and natural processes, the Bermejo River (the main source of wash load to the system) accounts for an increasing proportion of the sediment transport along the middle and lower reaches of the Paraná River. The Paraná River currently transports about 120 × 106 t year−1 of wash load, with nearly 90% of this being supplied by the Bermejo. The contribution from the Bermejo is now about 35% larger than its contribution during the 1970s, when it accounted for approximately 60% of the sediment load of the Paraná River. These changes that have occurred over the last 30 years have enhanced the natural asymmetrical distribution of solid and water discharges in the Paraná River basin. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
River flow modelling in two large river basins with non‐stationary behaviour: the Paraná and the Niger
Authors: Conway Declan , Mahé Gil
Published: August 2009

A conceptual water balance model is applied in a distributed structure to model monthly river flow in tributaries of two very large river systems which exhibit non‐stationary behaviour, the Paraná in South America and the Niger in West Africa. The approach utilises global data sets of rainfall and potential evaporation (PE) time series and soil available water capacity at 0·5 degree latitude and longitude resolution. River flow data for tributaries ranging in size from 631 to 71 510 km2 for the period 1931–1990 (Paraná) and 1950–1989 (Niger) are used to calibrate and validate the model. The results show varying degrees of model performance during both the calibration and validation procedure. The analysis highlights some interesting issues pertaining to the development and application of water balance models such as sensitivity of model performance and parameter values to input data sets, particularly the method chosen to estimate PE. The paper ends with an analysis of prolonged fluctuation in flow characteristics exhibited by both rivers after the early 1970s, associated with fluctuation in rainfall regime and possibly change in land use or land cover. Between 1931–1971 and 1972–1990 Paraná river flows increased by ∼28% (rainfall increase ∼5%) and between 1950–1969 and 1970–1989 Niger river flows decreased by ∼34% (rainfall decrease ∼14%). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonographic features of acute colonic diverticulitis
Authors: Valentino Massimo , Serra Carla , Ansaloni Luca , Mantovani Giuseppe , Pavlica Pietro , Barozzi Libero
Published: August 2009

Acute colonic diverticulitis is a common cause of acute abdominal symptoms, especially in elderly patients. Sonography is frequently used as the initial imaging modality because of its ready availability. This pictorial essay aims to provide an overview of the sonographic features of acute colonic diverticulitis and of the more common differential diagnosis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2009