bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A peer‐to‐peer IPTV service architecture for the IP multimedia subsystem
Authors: Bikfalvi A. , García‐Reinoso J. , Vidal I. , Valera F.
Published: September 2009

During these last years the Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service and the different peer‐to‐peer (P2P) technologies have generated an increasing interest for the developers and the research community that find in them the solution to deal with the scalability problem of media streaming and reducing costs at the same time. However, despite of the benefits obtained in Internet‐based applications and the growing deployment of commercial IPTV systems, there has been a little effort in combining them both. With the advent of the next‐generation‐network platforms such as the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), which advocates for an open and inter‐operable service infrastructure, P2P emerges as a possible solution in situations where the traditional streaming mechanisms are not possible or not economically feasible.

In this paper, we propose an IPTV service architecture for the IMS that combines a centralized control layer and a distributed, P2P‐like, media layer that relies on the IMS devices or peers located in the customers' premises to act as streaming forwarding nodes. We extend the existing IMS IPTV standardization work that has already been done in 3GPP and ETSI TISPAN in order to require a minimum number of architectural changes. The objective is to obtain a system with a similar performance to the one in currently deployed systems and with the flexibility of P2P. One of the main challenges is to achieve comparable response times to user actions such as changing and tuning into channels, as well as providing a fast recovery mechanism when streaming nodes leave. To accomplish this we introduce the idea of foster peers as peers having inactive multimedia sessions and reserved resources. These peers are on stand‐by until their functionality is required and at that moment, they are able to accept downstream peers at short notice for events requiring urgent treatment like channel changing and recovery. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diclofenac acid: a free‐radical‐scavenger to protect DNA against radical‐induced oxidation
Authors: Tang You‐Zhi , Liu Zai‐Qun
Published: September 2009

The present work focused on the antioxidant effects of diclofenac acid (DaH) and its sodium salt (DaNaH) on the radical‐induced oxidation of DNA. 2,2′‐Azobis(2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) was used as radical initiator to oxidize naked DNA sodium salt, followed by the determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). DaH and DaNaH also interacted with two other radicals: 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) radical cation (ABTS+.) and 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). DaH and DaNaH produce a concentration‐dependent protection of DNA. Kinetic studies established that either DaH or DaNaH trap 3–4 radicals when they protect DNA against AAPH‐induced oxidation. DaH and DaNaH scavenged ABTS+. efficiently. Diclofenac was thus found to be an antioxidant that concentration‐dependently reduced radicals rather than donated its hydrogen atom to radicals. Drug Dev Res 70: 520–524, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonprofit organizations and pharmaceutical research and development
Authors: Moos Walter H. , Mirsalis Jon C.
Published: September 2009

Not‐for‐profit or nonprofit organizations (NPOs) are playing an increasingly important role in providing solutions to the significant challenges faced by both large pharmaceutical and smaller biotechnology companies in today's world. NPOs chartered for the public benefit are common in the United States and in selected other parts of the world. The largest NPOs in the U.S. with bioscience programs include Battelle, the Midwest Research Institute, the Research Triangle Institute, Southern Research, and SRI International. To provide a perspective on NPO business models, 10 SRI case studies spanning a broad range of technical and business initiatives are summarized herein, including basic and contract research, discovery of new drugs and biologics, pharmaceutical and biotech R&D services, technology pivots, company spin‐ins and spin‐outs, and the creation of new NPOs. The article concludes with lessons learned and food for thought for both pharmaceutical companies and outsourcing participants. Drug Dev Res 70: 461–471, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synergistic interaction between tramadol and dipyrone in thermal paw stimulation model in the rat
Authors: Rodríguez‐Silverio Juan , Arrieta Jesús , Flores‐Murrieta Francisco J.
Published: September 2009

Dipyrone, also known as metamizol, and tramadol are drugs that are widely used for the treatment of pain; however, side effects can limit their use. As dipyrone and tramadol produce side effects that are dose dependent, it seems appropriate to combine these drugs to reduce their dose requirements and, consequently, side effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether dipyrone and tramadol produce antihyperalgesic effects in the thermal paw stimulation model in the rat, and whether there is a synergistic interaction between them. Using this model, dose‐response curves were constructed for dipyrone (10–178 mg/kg, p.o.) and tramadol (1–32 mg/kg p.o.). From these curves, an ED50 value was obtained and isobolographic analyses were carried out based on 1:1 and 0.6:0.4 (dipyrone:tramadol) potency ratio proportions. When the proportion was 1:1, an additive interaction was obtained, whereas the 0.6:0.4 proportion showed a synergistic interaction. These results suggest a good therapeutic potential of this combination. Drug Dev Res 70:450–454, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The brain angiotensin IV/AT4receptor system as a new target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wright John W. , Harding Joseph W.
Published: September 2009

The brain renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) regulates several physiologies including blood pressure, body sodium and water balance, cyclicity of reproductive hormones and related sexual behaviors, and the release of pituitary gland hormones. These physiologies are under the control of the angiotensin II (AngII)/AT1receptor subtype system. The AngII/AT2receptor subtype system is expressed during fetal development and is less abundant in the adult. This system appears to oppose growth responses facilitated by activation of the AT1receptor. There is a growing list of nontraditional physiologies mediated by the most recently discovered angiotensin IV (AngIV)/AT4receptor subtype system that include the regulation of blood flow, modulation of exploratory behaviors, involvement in stress responses and seizure, and a role in learning and memory acquisition. There is evidence to support an inhibitory influence by AngII, and a facilitory role by AngIV, on neuronal firing rate, long‐term potentiation, and associative and spatial learning and memory. These findings suggest an important role for the RAS, and the AT4receptor in particular, in normal cognitive processing and provide the stimulus for developing drugs that penetrate the blood‐brain barrier to interact with this brain receptor in the treatment of dysfunctional memory. Drug Dev Res 70: 472–480, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents: development, detection and dangers
Authors: Franz Stefan E.
Published: September 2009

Epoetin alfa, the first member of the family of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs), was introduced to the market in 1989. Since then development has progressed to epoetins of the third generation. Currently drugs that use alternative approaches to stimulate erythropoiesis are under development. Uptake of all available ESAs into doping has occurred rapidly after their introduction. A multitude of dangers to health are associated with the illicit use of these substances. Different approaches to detect ESAs in doping control have been developed to comply with the very diverse nature of the compounds used. Future developments in the field of ESA require the development of new techniques in doping analysis. This review gives an overview of the development of ESA and its detection methods as well as future developments. [Correction made here after initial online publication] Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antigen‐dependent rescue of nose‐associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) development independent of LTβR and CXCR5 signaling
Authors: Krege Janet , Seth Sebastian , Hardtke Svenja , Davalos‐Misslitz Ana Clara Marques , Förster Reinhold
Published: September 2009

Nose‐associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) in the rodent upper respiratory tract develops postnatally and is considered to be independent of several factors known to be involved in the organogenesis of LN and Peyer's patches (PP). In this study we demonstrate that at least two different pathways result in NALT development. Following NALT anlage formation the intrinsic pathway relies on a signaling cascade including those mediated through the chemokine receptor CXCR5 and the lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR). This allows for the formation of high endothelial venules and thereby the recruitment of lymphocytes into NALT. Alternatively, high endothelial venule formation and lymphocyte recruitment can be induced in the NALT anlage by environmental signals, which are independent of LT‐βR and chemokine receptor CXCR5 signaling but in part rely on CD40 ligand. Thus, our study identifies a novel mechanism that facilitates the rescue of NALT development at late stages in adult life independent of the canonical LTβR–CXCR5 signaling axis.
Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in inflammation: Uncovering cell subsets with enhanced immunosuppressive functions
Authors: Bronte Vincenzo
Published: September 2009

Although originally described in tumor‐bearing hosts, myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC) have been detected under numerous pathological situations that cause enhanced demand of myeloid cells. Thus, MDSC might be part of a conserved response to different endogenous and exogenous stress signals, including inflammation. Two processes are fundamental for MDSC biology: differentiation from myeloid progenitors and full activation of their immune regulatory program by factors released from activated T cells or present in the microenvironment conditioned by either tumor growth or inflammation. How these two processes are controlled and linked is still an open question. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, a paper demonstrates that a combination of the known inflammatory molecules, IFN‐γ and LPS, sustains MDSC expansion and activation while suppressing differentiation of DC from bone marrow precursors. Moreover, this paper contributes to defining the cell subsets that possess immunoregulatory properties within the broad population of CD11b+Gr‐1+ cells, often altogether referred to as MDSC.
New GM1 Ganglioside Derivatives for Selective Single and Double Labelling of the Natural Glycosphingolipid Skeleton
Authors: Polyakova Svetlana M. , Belov Vladimir N. , Yan Sergey F. , Eggeling Christian , Ringemann Christian , Schwarzmann Günter , de Meijere Armin , Hell Stefan W.
Published: September 2009

Selective single and double labelling of the natural ganglioside GM1 enables one to introduce various markers into different parts of the glycosphingolipid molecule without changing the natural skeleton. To that end,N‐Fmoc‐2‐amino‐,N‐Fmoc‐18‐amino‐ andS‐(ethoxythiocarbonyl)‐18‐mercaptostearic acids have been prepared and coupled with the primary amino group in the sphingosine part of lyso‐GM1 and deAc‐deAcyl‐GM1 gangliosides. The products of these coupling reactions – building blocks16a,16b,16c,26and27– may be used for the synthesis of GM1 derivatives with one or two fluorescent dye moieties or other labels of various polarities. Examples of various labelling strategies, using hydrophilic and lipophilic photostable fluorescent dyes, have been made available. The GM1 derivatives17a,22aand23clabelled with the fluorescent dye ATTO 647N or the doubly labelled derivative25bcan be used as probes in fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (in conventional microscopy or stimulated emission depletion nanoscopy) to study the diffusion of lipid analogues in model or live cell membranes.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Triethylamine‐Catalyzed Domino Reactions of 1,3‐Thiazolidinedione: A Facile Access to Functionalized Dihydrothiophenes
Authors: Sun Jing , Xia Er‐Yan , Zhang Li‐Li , Yan Chao‐Guo
Published: September 2009

In the presence of triethylamine as base catalyst, aromatic amines have successfully been used as substrates in the domino reactions of 1,3‐thiazolidinedione, malononitrile, and aromatic aldehydes. Through a domino ring‐opening/recyclization process of 1,3‐thiazolidinedione, a series of polysubstituted dihydrothiophenes in the trans configuration have been synthesized in high yields. Dihydrothiophene derivatives can be converted efficiently into the corresponding thiophenes by oxidation with DDQ under mild conditions.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
One‐Pot Assembly of 7‐Methylene‐6,8‐dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes, Congeners of Frontalin, from Ketones and Acetylene
Authors: Trofimov Boris A. , Schmidt Elena Yu. , Ushakov Igor A. , Mikhaleva Albina I. , Zorina Nadezhda V. , Protsuk Nadezhda I. , Senotrusova Elena Yu. , Skital'tseva Elena V. , Kazheva Olga N. , Alexandrov Grigorii G. , Dyachenko Oleg A.
Published: September 2009

A facile, consecutive, self‐consisting assembly of two molecules of ketones with two molecules of acetylene to afford 7‐methylene‐6,8‐dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes, which are unknown congeners of widespread insect pheromones, has been discovered. The reaction is realized in a one‐pot procedure in a MOH/DMSO system (M = K, Cs) at 80 °C for 1 h under acetylene pressure or under atmospheric pressure; the isolated yields of the bicycles reached 86 %. The new reaction conceptually contributes to the synthesis of insect pheromones as well as to the chemistry of ketones and acetylene. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Disdain for anxious individuals as a function of mortality salience
Authors: Martens Andy , Greenberg Jeff , Schimel Jeff , Kosloff Spee , Weise David R.
Published: September 2009

Terror management theory research has shown that reminders of mortality tend to decrease liking for people who threaten one's worldview. In research, these worldview threats typically come from outgroup members, but they may also come from ingroup members who are negatively characterized. Presumably the negative characteristics of ingroup members threaten to diminish or undermine the worldview by their association with it. In this research we examine anxious individuals as potentially threatening ingroup members. We hypothesized that a brief contemplation of mortality would lead people to decrease their liking for anxious individuals associated with their ingroup. Study 1 showed that a mortality reminder led people to react more negatively to an anxious police liaison from their community, but not to a calm police liaison. Study 2 showed that a mortality reminder led people who strongly identified with university students to react more negatively to a fellow university student who was anxious, but not to a student who did not display anxiety. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors using CE with contactless conductivity detection
Authors: Schuchert‐Shi Aiping , Hauser Peter C.
Published: September 2009

The hydrolysis of acetylcholine and acetylthiocholine as catalyzed by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase was monitored by CE with contactless conductivity detection by determining the acetate produced in the reaction. This approach eliminates the need for a color forming derivatization procedure. The effects of the three inhibitors galanthamine, hyperzine A and paraoxon on the enzyme kinetics could also be investigated by the new procedure and the IC50 values were determined. The contactless conductivity detection was also found to be compatible with the electrophoretically mediated microanalyis approach, in which the enzymatic reaction is carried out directly inside the capillary prior to separation and quantification.
A review of material transport by the Congo River and its tributaries
Authors: Laraque Alain , Bricquet Jean Pierre , Pandi Albert , Olivry Jean Claude
Published: September 2009

We introduce here a model for calculating, for the first time, the annual material fluxes exported by the main tributaries of the Congo River. This model is based on a knowledge of the functioning of the main physiographic systems of the Congo River basin. For the Upper Congo, Kasaï and major right‐bank tributaries, we obtained a water flow values of 11·2, 10 and 8·8 l s−1 km−2 respectively, suspended matter values of 7·6, 8·9 and 5·1 t km−2 year−1 and total dissolved solid values of 16·4, 10 and 8·6 t km−2 year−1 respectively. We investigated the role played by the main physiographic units in the dynamics of material transfers within this huge concentrically structured basin. The belt of high ground covered by shrubby savanna supplies most of the suspended matter (SM = 24 mg l−1 at Mongoumba on the Ubangi River—200 km above the confluence with Congo River and 32 mg l−1 at Ouesso on the Sangha River) and of the total dissolved solids (TDS = 42 mg l−1 at Mongoumba on the Ubangi River and 41 mg l−1 at Ouesso on the Sangha River). The concentration of suspended matter is reduced by the waters of the ‘Cuvette Centrale’, a vast basin covered by rain forest (SM = 8 and TDS = 16 mg l−1 for the Likouala aux Herbes basin). Material export fluxes at the sub catchment outlets range from 4 to 9 t km−2 year−1 for suspended matter and from 11 to 31 t km−2 year−1 for total dissolved material, i.e. TDS + DOM (dissolved organic matter). The basin acts as a gigantic organic matter reservoir, which can produce 25 t km−2 year−1 of organic matter in the central flooded zone. Finally, the paper presents the first map of specific mechanical and chemical denuidation rates for the main sub catchments of the Congo basin. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local‐scale variability of seepage and hydraulic conductivity in a shallow gravel‐bed river
Authors: Rosenberry Donald O. , Pitlick John
Published: September 2009

Seepage rate and direction measured with a seepage metre modified for use in flowing water were greatly variable along a 300‐m reach of a shallow, gravel‐bed river and depended primarily on the local‐scale bed topography. The median value of seepage measured at 24 locations was 24 cm/day, but seepage measured at specific sites ranged from −340 to +237 cm/day. Seepage also varied substantially over periods of hours to days and occasionally reversed direction in response to evolution of the sediment bed. Vertical hydraulic conductivity was related to seepage direction and was larger during upward seepage than during downward seepage; with differences ranging from 4 to 40% in areas of active sediment transport to more than an order of magnitude in areas where current was too slow to mobilize bed sediment. Seepage was poorly related to hydraulic gradient measured over vertical distances of 0·3 m and appeared to be opposite the hydraulic gradient at 18% of the locations where both parameters were measured. Results demonstrate the scale dependence of these measurements in coarse‐grained hyporheic settings and indicate that hydraulic gradients should be determined over a much shorter vertical increment if used to indicate exchange across the sediment–water interface. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Change in pan evaporation over the past 50 years in the arid region of China
Authors: Shen Yanjun , Liu Changming , Liu Min , Zeng Yan , Tian Changyan
Published: September 2009

Pan evaporation, as a surrogate of potential evaporation, is reported to have decreased in different regions of the world since the 1950s. There is much literature to explain the decrease in pan evaporation using the so‐called evaporation complimentary relationship hypothesis and it is argued that pan evaporation can be understood as a sign of global warming and indication of an accelerating hydrologic cycle. On the other hand, some scientists insist that the pan evaporation trends may be caused by a global dimming, which effectively reduces the solar radiation to the ground surface. However, few reports are available about the changes in pan evaporation and their implications to water balance in arid regions. In the present study, we investigate the trends in pan evaporation in arid regions of China over the past 50 years and attempt to characterize the changes in water balance in these areas. It is found that pan evaporation in these areas has portrayed a statistically significant decreasing trend, which may be attributed mainly to decreases in wind speed and diurnal temperature range and increase in precipitation. The trends in some major meteorological factors such as pan evaporation, precipitation, temperature, wind speed and others imply an enhanced hydrological cycle in the study area. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cadmium chloride exposure modifies amino acid daily pattern in the mediobasal hypothalamus in adult male rat
Authors: Caride A. , Fernández‐Pérez B. , Cabaleiro T. , Bernárdez G. , Lafuente A.
Published: September 2009

The present study was conducted to investigate the possible effects of cadmium exposure on the daily pattern of aspartate, glutamate, glutamine, gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and taurine levels in the mediobasal hypothalamus of adult male rats. For this purpose, animals were treated with cadmium at two different exposure doses (25 and 50 mg l−1of cadmium chloride, CdCl2) in the drinking water for 30 days. Control age‐matched rats received CdCl2‐free water. After the treatment, rats were killed at six different time intervals throughout a 24 h cycle. CdCl2exposure modified the amino acid daily pattern, as it decreased aspartate, glutamate, GABA and taurine levels at 12:00 h with both exposure doses employed. In addition, the treatment with 25 mg l−1of CdCl2induced the appearance of minimal values at 16:00 h and maximal values between 04:00 and 08:00 h for glutamate, and a peak of glutamine content at 20:00 h. The heavy metal also decreased GABA medium levels around the clock in the mediobasal hypothalamus. However, CdCl2did not alter the metabolic correlation between glutamate, aspartate, glutamine and GABA observed in control animals. These results suggest that CdCl2induced several alterations in aspartate, glutamate, glutamine, GABA and taurine daily pattern in the mediobasal hypothalamus and those changes may be related to alterations in hypothalamic function. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implication of agathic acid from Utah juniper bark as an abortifacient compound in cattle
Authors: Gardner Dale R. , Panter Kip E. , Stegelmeier Bryan L.
Published: September 2009

Freshly ground Utah juniper [Juniperus osteosperma (Torr.) Little] bark was given via gavage at a dosage of 2.3 kg per cow twice daily to three pregnant cows starting on day 255 of gestation. All three cows aborted the calves after 4, 5 and 6 days of treatment. A fourth cow was dosed with Utah juniper needles and this cow calved early on day 268 of gestation with complications consistent with pine needle abortion. Chemical analysis of Juniperus osteosperma bark identified the major diterpene acid as the labdane acid known as agathic acid. Agathic acid was measured in the bark at a concentration of 1.5% (dry weight basis). Analysis of sera samples obtained from treated cows found detectable quantities of agathic acid, dihydroagathic acid and tetrahydroagathic acid, which are known serum metabolites of the abortifacient compound isocupressic acid. Based on the high incidence of induced abortion and detection of known metabolites in affected animals, the labdane acid known as agathic acid is considered to be an abortifacient compound in late‐term pregnant cattle. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diluted alcohol solutions in bubble columns and draft tube airlift reactors with a single orifice sparger: experiments and simple correlations
Authors: Šijački Ivana M. , Čolović Radmilo R. , Petrović Dragan Lj. , Tekić Miodrag N. , Ðurić Mirjana S.
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: Bubble columns (BCs) and airlift reactors (ALRs) have important applications as bioreactors, chemical reactors and as contactors in waste‐water treatment. The liquid phase properties in these reactors significantly influence the main hydrodynamic and mass transfer characteristics. Dilute alcohol solutions can be used to simulate real industrial systems in bioreactors. However, only a few research studies have considered such systems. The aim of this paper is to broaden the existing experimental data related to the influence of alcohol addition on the main characteristics of draft tube airlift reactors (DT‐ALRs), and to propose simple correlations for their prediction.

RESULTS: New experiments were conducted in a DT‐ALR with a single orifice sparger, and with dilute aliphatic alcohol solutions from methanol to n‐octanol. Also, simple correlations were developed to predict the gas hold‐up and volumetric mass transfer coefficients in BCs and DT‐ALRs, but also the downcomer liquid velocity and liquid circulation time DT‐ALRs with single orifice sparger and dilute alcohol solutions. The proposed correlations included, in addition to the superficial gas velocity, the surface tension gradient as the only factor to characterize the liquid phase.

CONCLUSIONS: General conclusion can be made that the gas holdup increased, but the downcomer liquid velocity decreased in a DT‐ALR, with increase in surface tension gradient of the alcohol solutions. Also, very good agreement was achieved between experimental and calculated data, by applying the developed correlations, with relative average errors less than 5%, except for gas hold‐up, where it was in the range 8–32%. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Liver‐restricted expression of the canine factor VIII gene facilitates prevention of inhibitor formation in factor VIII‐deficient mice
Authors: Ishiwata Akira , Mimuro Jun , Mizukami Hiroaki , Kashiwakura Yuji , Takano Katsuhiro , Ohmori Tsukasa , Madoiwa Seiji , Ozawa Keiya , Sakata Yoichi
Published: September 2009

Background

Gene therapy for hemophilia A with adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors involves difficulties in the efficient expression of factor VIII (FVIII) and in antibody formation against transgene‐derived FVIII.

Methods

AAV8 vectors carrying the canine B domain deleted FVIII (cFVIII) gene under the control of the ubiquitous β‐actin promoter, the liver‐specific human α1 anti‐trypsin promoter (HAAT) and the liver‐specific hepatic control region (HCR) enhancer/human α1 anti‐trypsin promoter complex (HCRHAAT) were used for the expression of cFVIII in FVIII deficient (fviii−/−) mice.

Results

Addition of the hepatic control region enhancer element to the HAAT promoter successfully augmented HAAT promoter activity without loss of liver‐specificity in vivo. Using this enhancer/promoter complex, a high cFVIII transgene expression was achieved, resulting in increased blood cFVIII activities to more than 100% of the normal canine FVIII levels in fviii−/− mice at a 1 : 10 lower dose of the AAV8 vector carrying the cFVIII gene driven by the HAAT promoter. Under short‐term immunosuppression, neutralizing antibodies against cFVIII developed in only one out of six mice when the HAAT promoter was used for cFVIII expression, whereas all the mice developed neutralizing antibodies against cFVIII when the β‐actin promoter was used for cFVIII expression. No neutralizing antibodies against cFVIII developed in fviii−/− mice that received the AAV8 vector carrying the cFVIII gene driven by the HCRHAAT enhancer/promoter complex without immunosuppression.

Conclusions

These data suggest that AAV8 vector‐mediated liver‐restricted cFVIII gene expression is sufficient for immune hypo‐responsiveness to transgene‐derived cFVIII in fviii−/− mice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients with peripherally inserted central catheters
Authors: Lobo Bob L. , Vaidean Georgeta , Broyles Joyce , Reaves Anne B. , Shorr Ronald I.
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND:

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are increasingly used in hospitalized patients. The benefit can be offset by complications such as upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT).

METHODS:

Retrospective study of patients who received a PICC while hospitalized at the Methodist University Hospital (MUH) in Memphis, TN. All adult consecutive patients who had PICCs inserted during the study period and who did not have a UEDVT at the time of PICC insertion were included in the study. A UEDVT was defined as a symptomatic event in the ipsilateral extremity, leading to the performance of duplex ultrasonography, which confirmed the diagnosis of UEDVT. Pulmonary embolism (PE) was defined as a symptomatic event prompting the performance of ventilation‐perfusion lung scan or spiral computed tomography (CT).

RESULTS:

Among 777 patients, 38 patients experienced 1 or more venous thromboembolisms (VTEs), yielding an incidence of 4.89%. A total of 7444 PICC‐days were recorded for 777 patients. This yields a rate of 5.10 VTEs/1000 PICC‐days. Compared to patients whose PICC was inserted in the SVC, patients whose PICC was in another location had an increased risk (odds ratio = 2.61 [95% CI = 1.28‐5.35]) of VTE. PICC related VTE was significantly more common among patients with a past history of VTE (odds ratio = 10.83 [95% CI = 4.89‐23.95]).

CONCLUSIONS:

About 5% of patients undergoing PICC placement in acute care hospitals will develop thromboembolic complications. Thromboembolic complications were especially common among persons with a past history of VTE. Catheter tip location at the time of insertion may be an important modifiable risk factor. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:417–422. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Enhanced end‐of‐life care associated with deploying a rapid response team: A pilot study
Authors: Vazquez Rodrigo , Gheorghe Cristina , Grigoriyan Artur , Palvinskaya Tatsiana , Amoateng‐Adjepong Yaw , Manthous Constantine A.
Published: September 2009

HYPOTHESIS:

Institution of a rapid response team (RRT) improves patients' quality of death (QOD).

SETTING:

A 425‐bed community teaching hospital.

PATIENTS:

All medical‐surgical patients whose end‐of‐life care was initiated on the hospital wards during the 8 months before (pre‐RRT) and after (post‐RRT) actuation.

STUDY DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS:

Medical records of all patients were reviewed using a uniform data abstraction tool. Demographic information, diagnoses, physiologic and laboratory data, and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS:

A total of 197 patients died in both the pre‐RRT and post‐RRT periods. There were no differences in age, sex, advance directives, ethnicity, or religion between groups. Restorative outcomes, including in‐hospital mortality (27 vs. 30/1000 admissions), unexpected transfers to intensive care (17 vs. 19/1000 admissions) and cardiac arrests (3 vs. 2.5/1000 admissions) were similar during the 2 periods. Outcomes, including formal comfort care only orders (68 vs. 46%), administration of opioids (68 vs. 43%), pain scores (3.0 ± 3.5 vs. 3.7 ± 3.2), patient distress (26 vs. 62%), and chaplain visits (72 vs. 60%), were significantly better in the post‐RRT period compared to the pre‐RRT period (all P < 0.05). During the post‐RRT period, 61 patients died with RRT care and 136 died without RRT care. End‐of‐life care outcomes were similar for these groups except more RRT patients had chaplain visits proximate to their deaths (80% vs. 68%; P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Institution of an RRT in our hospital had negligible impact on outcomes of patients whose goal was restorative care. Deployment of the RRT was associated with generally improved end‐of‐life pain management and psychosocial care. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:449–452. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Development of a test to evaluate residents' knowledge of medical procedures
Authors: Grover Shilpa , Currier Paul F. , Elinoff Jason M. , Mouchantaf Kevin J. , Katz Joel T. , McMahon Graham T.
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND AND AIM:

Knowledge of core medical procedures is required by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) for certification. Efforts to improve the training of residents in these procedures have been limited by the absence of a validated tool for the assessment of knowledge. In this study we aimed to develop a standardized test of procedural knowledge in 3 medical procedures associated with potentially serious complications.

METHODS:

Placement of an arterial line, central venous catheter, and thoracentesis were selected for test development. Learning objectives and multiple‐choice questions were constructed for each topic. Content evidence was evaluated by critical care subspecialists. Item test characteristics were evaluated by administering the test to students, residents and specialty clinicians. Reliability of the 32‐item instrument was established through its administration to 192 medical residents in 4 hospitals.

RESULTS:

Reliability of the instrument as measured by Cronbach's α was 0.79 and its test‐retest reliability was 0.82. Median score was 53% on a test comprising elements deemed important by critical care subspecialists. Increasing number of procedures attempted, higher self‐reported confidence, and increasing seniority were predictors of overall test scores. Procedural confidence correlated significantly with increasing seniority and experience. Residents performed few procedures.

CONCLUSIONS:

We have successfully developed a standardized instrument to assess residents' cognitive competency for 3 common procedures. Residents' overall knowledge about procedures is poor. Experiential learning is the dominant source for knowledge improvement, but these experiences are increasingly rare. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:430–432. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Low‐temperature synthesis and Raman scattering of Mn‐doped ZnO nanopowders
Authors: Yang Boqian , Kumar Ashok , Upia Noel , Feng Peter , Katiyar R. S.
Published: September 2009

Nanocrystalline Mn‐doped zinc oxides Zn1−xMnxO (x = 0–0.10) were synthesized by the sol–gel technique at low temperature. The calcination temperature of the as‐prepared powder was found at 350 °C using differential thermal analysis. A thermogravimetric analysis showed that there is a mass loss in the as‐prepared powder till 350 °C and an almost constant mass till 800 °C. The X‐ray diffraction patterns of investigated nanopowders calcined at 350 °C correspond to the hexagonal ZnO structure without any foreign impurities. The average grain size of the nanocrystal that was observed around ∼25–40 nm from transmission electron microscopy matched well with the crystallite size calculated from the line shape of X‐ray diffraction. The chemical bonding structure in Zn1−xMnxO nanopowders was examined using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques, which indicate substitution of Mn2+ ions into Zn2+ sites in ZnO lattice. Micro Raman spectroscopy confirmed the insertion of Mn ions in the ZnO host matrix, and similar wurtzite structure of Zn1−xMnxO (x < 10%) nanocrystals. Temperature‐dependent Raman spectra of the nanocrystals displayed suppression of luminescence and enhancement in full width at half maximum in pure ZnO nanocrystals with increase in temperature, which suggests an enhancement in particle size at elevated temperature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopic studies of vibrational relaxation and non‐coincidence effect in substituted benzaldehyde binary mixtures
Authors: Ramakrishnan V. , Sarua A. , Kuball M. , Fathima Abdullah A.
Published: September 2009

The molecular interaction in the binary mixture of 3‐phenoxybenzaldhyde (3Phbz) and 4‐ethoxybenzaldehyde (4Etob) was analysed in four different solvents. The concentration dependence of vibrational relaxation of the CO stretching band of 3Phbz in different solvents was investigated by varying the concentration of the solute molecule in the solvents by performing Raman spectroscopic measurements. The self‐associated nature and the formation of hydrogen‐bonded complexes in the solute molecule, 4Etob, were considered to analyse the wavenumber separation between the peaks of hydrogen‐bonded and free carbonyl groups. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Della Robbia blue glaze: micro‐Raman temperature study and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy characterization
Authors: Sendova M. , Kaiser B. , Scalera M. , Zhelyaskov V.
Published: September 2009

Micro‐Raman temperature study and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy were used for characterization of the blue glaze on Saint John the Baptist—majolica terracotta relief attributed to Andrea Della Robbia and Saint John the Baptist with Cross—majolica terracotta statue attributed to Giovanni Della Robbia. Both objects are on permanent exhibition in the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, FL. This study proves that the detection of the 548 cm−1 Raman band alone cannot serve as evidence for presence of lazurite crystallites in the pigment in the glaze. It was established that the famous Della Robbia blue is due to the combined effect of CoNiCuZn atoms and S3− ions embedded in a lead silicate matrix. It is proposed that the Della Robbia family used Co‐containing sulfide ores as a source for manufacturing their blue pigments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrathin silver‐coated gold nanoparticles as suitable substrate for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Guerrini Luca , Garcia‐Ramos José V. , Domingo Concepción , Sanchez‐Cortes Santiago
Published: September 2009

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an extremely powerful tool for the analysis of the composition of bimetallic nanoparticle (BNP) surfaces because of the different adsorption schemes adopted by several molecules on different metals, such as Au and Ag. The preparation of BNPs normally implies a change in the plasmonic properties of the core metal. However, for technological applications it could be interesting to synthesize core–shell structures preserving these original plasmonic properties. In this work, we present a facile method for coating colloidal gold nanoparticles (NPs) in solution with a very thin shell of silver. The resulting bimetallic Au@Ag system maintains the optical properties of gold but shows the chemical surface affinity of silver. The effectiveness of the coating method, as well as the progressive silver enrichment of the outermost part of the Au NPs, has been monitored through the SERS spectra of several species (chloride, luteolin, thiophenol and lucigenin), which show different behaviors on gold and silver surfaces. A growth mechanism of the Ag shell is proposed on the basis of the spectroscopic and microscopic data consisting in the formation and deposit of Ag clusters on the Au NP surface. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics and mechanism of the dehydration reaction of sarcosine to a bislactame through diacyclperoxide intermediate in strong acidic medium
Authors: Bahrami Homayoon , Davari Mehdi D. , Keshavari Maryam , Zahedi Mansour , Bazgir Ayoob , Moosavi‐Movahedi Ali A.
Published: September 2009

The influence of substitution on the amine functional group of glycine in the permanganic oxidation of such an α‐amino acid in moderately concentrated sulfuric acid medium has been investigated. Reaction products analysis has revealed that contrary to the usual α‐amino acid oxidation product, which is an aldehyde species, a valuable compound, namely 1,4‐dimethylpiperazine‐2,5‐dione, has been obtained as the main product via a cheap, simple, efficient, and novel method. Sarcosine has been chosen as a substituted derivative of glycine, and the kinetics and mechanism of its permanganic oxidation have been investigated using a spectrophotometric technique. Conclusive evidence has proven delayed autocatalytic activity for Mn(II) in this reaction, analogous to some α‐amino acids. It has been revealed that such activity can show up when a certain concentration ratio of Mn(II) to sarcosine is built up in the medium, which we call the “critical ratio.” The magnitude of the latter ratio depends on the sulfuric acid concentration. Considering the “delayed autocatalytic behavior” of Mn(II) ions, rate equations satisfying observations for both catalytic and noncatalytic routes have been presented. The reaction shows first‐order dependence on permanganate ions and sarcosine concentrations in both catalytic and noncatalytic pathways, and apparent first‐order dependence on Mn2+ ions in catalytic pathways. The correspondence of pseudo‐order rate constants of the catalytic and noncatalytic pathways to Arrhenius and Eyring laws has verified “critical ratio” as well as “delayed autocatalytic behavior” concepts. The activation parameters associated with both pathways have been computed and discussed. Mechanisms for both catalytic and noncatalytic routes involving radical intermediates as well as a product having a diketopiperazine skeleton have been reported for the first time. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 689–703, 2009
Semiconductor‐photocatalyzed degradation of carboxylic acids: Enhancement by particulate semiconductor mixture
Authors: Karunakaran C. , Dhanalakshmi R. , Gomathisankar P.
Published: September 2009

Degradation of oxalic acid on particulate TiO2, ZnO, CuO, Bi2O3, In2O3, and Nb2O5 under UV‐A light exhibits first‐order kinetics, and the degradation rates increase linearly with the photon flux. All the oxides show sustainable photocatalytic activity, and the photonic efficiencies of degradation of oxalate are very much lower than those of the acid. The ease of degradation of carboxylic acids is the following: formic > oxalic > acetic > citric. Intimate mixtures of two different particulate semiconductors kept under suspension and at continuous motion exhibit higher photocatalytic activity, revealing interparticle charge transfer. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 716–726, 2009
A fitting formula for the falloff curves of unimolecular reactions
Authors: Zhang Peng , Law Chung K.
Published: September 2009

A fitting formula is proposed to approximate the falloff curves of the pressure‐ and temperature‐dependent unimolecular reaction rate constants. Compared with the widely used Troe's formula, the present expression has the potential to substantially reduce the computation time in its evaluation because of the mathematical simplicity. Four testing reactions from the VariFlex program package were used to examine the accuracy of the present formula, showing improved performance as compared with previous expressions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 727–734, 2009
Pharmacological targeting of CDK9 in cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Kryštof Vladimír , Chamrád Ivo , Jorda, Radek , Kohoutek Jiří
Published: September 2009

Cardiac hypertrophy allows the heart to adapt to workload, but persistent or unphysiological stimulus can result in pump failure. Cardiac hypertrophy is characterized by an increase in the size of differentiated cardiac myocytes. At the molecular level, growth of cells is linked to intensive transcription and translation. Several cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) have been identified as principal regulators of transcription, and among these CDK9 is directly associated with cardiac hypertrophy. CDK9 phosphorylates theC‐terminal domain of RNA polymerase II and thus stimulates the elongation phase of transcription. Chronic activation of CDK9 causes not only cardiac myocyte enlargement but also confers predisposition to heart failure. Due to the long interest of molecular oncologists and medicinal chemists in CDKs as potential targets of anticancer drugs, a portfolio of small‐molecule inhibitors of CDK9 is available. Recent determination of CDK9's crystal structure now allows the development of selective inhibitors and their further optimization in terms of biochemical potency and selectivity. CDK9 may therefore constitute a novel target for drugs against cardiac hypertrophy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev 30, No. 4, 646–666, 2010
Hydroacridines: Part 30. 1H and 13C NMR spectra of 9‐substituted 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8‐octahydroacridines and of their N‐oxides
Authors: Potmischil Francisc , Marinescu Maria , Nicolescu Alina , Deleanu Cǎlin
Published: September 2009

The 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8‐octahydroacridine, 12 of its 9‐substituted derivatives, and of the corresponding N‐oxides were determined, assigned, and discussed in terms of 9‐substituent effects and effects of N‐oxidation. A good linear correlation was found between the 13C chemical shifts of the aromatic carbons in octahydroacridines and those of respective carbons in the corresponding N‐oxides. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of antagonists on the conformational exchange of the retinoid X receptor alpha ligand‐binding domain
Authors: Lu Jianyun , Dawson Marcia I. , Hu Qiong Ying , Xia Zebin , Dambacher Jesse D. , Ye Mao , Zhang Xiao‐Kun , Li Ellen
Published: September 2009

The effect of retinoid X receptor (RXR) antagonists on the conformational exchange of the RXR ligand‐binding domain (LBD) remains poorly characterized. To address this question, we used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to compare the chemical shift perturbations induced by RXR antagonists and agonists on the RXRα LBD when partnered with itself as a homodimer and as the heterodimeric partner with the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) LBD. Chemical shift mapping on the crystal structure showed that agonist binding abolished a line‐broadening effect caused by a conformational exchange on backbone amide signals for residues in helix H3 and other regions of either the homo‐ or hetero‐dimer, whereas binding of antagonists with similar binding affinities failed to do so. A lineshape analysis of a glucocorticoid receptor‐interacting protein 1 NR box 2 coactivator peptide showed that the antagonists enhanced peptide binding to the RXRα LBD homodimer, but to a lesser extent than that enhanced by the agonists. This was further supported by a lineshape analysis of the RXR C‐terminal residue, threonine 462 (T462) in the homodimer but not in the heterodimer. Contrary to the agonists, the antagonists failed to abolish a line‐broadening effect caused by a conformational exchange on the T462 signal corresponding to the RXRα LBD–antagonist–peptide ternary complex. These results suggest that the antagonists lack the ability of the agonists to shift the equilibrium of multiple RXRα LBD conformations in favor of a compact state, and that a PPARγ LBD‐agonist complex can prevent the antagonist from enhancing the RXRα LBD‐coactivator binding interaction. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suppressing local particle oscillations in the Hamiltonian particle method for elasticity
Authors: Kondo Masahiro , Suzuki Yukihito , Koshizuka Seiichi
Published: September 2009

The governing equation of elasticity is discretized into motion equations of the particles in a Hamiltonian system. A weighted least‐square method is adopted to evaluate the Green–Lagrange strain. Using a symplectic scheme for the Hamiltonian system, we obtain the property of energy conservation in the discretized calculations. However, local particle oscillations occur, and they excessively decrease low frequency motion. In this study, we propose the use of an artificial potential force to suppress the local oscillations. The accuracy of the model with and without the inclusion of the artificial force is examined by analyzing a cantilever beam and wave propagation. With the inclusion of the artificial force, the local oscillations are reduced while energy conservation is maintained. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.