bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bio-Guided Isolation of the Cytotoxic Terpenoids from the Roots of Euphorbia kansui against Human Normal Cell Lines L-O2 and GES-1
Authors: Zhang Li , Gao Lan , Li Zhengjun , Yan Xiaojing , Yang Yanjing , Tang Yuping , Cao Yudan , Ding Anwei
Published: September 2012

The dried roots of Euphorbia kansui (kansui) have been used for centuries in China as a herbal medicine for edema, ascites, and asthma. The 95% ethanol extract showed a significant inhibition of cell proliferation against human normal cell lines L-O2 and GES-1. Bioassay-guided separation of the 95% ethanol extract from the roots of E. kansui led to the isolation of 12 diverse terpenoids whose structures were identified by 1H, 13C NMR spectroscopy and ESI-MS as kansuinine A (1), kansuinine B (2), kansuinine C (3), kansuiphorin C (4), 3-O-(2'E,4'Z-decadienoyl)-20-O-acetylingenol (5), 3-O-(2'E,4'E-decadienoyl)-20-O-acetylingenol (6), 3-O-(2'E,4'Z-decadienoyl)-20-deoxyingenol (7), 3-O-benzoyl-20-deoxyingenol (8), 5-O-benzoyl-20-deoxyingenol (9), kansenone (10), epi-kansenone (11), euphol (12). All these 12 terpernoids were evaluated in vitro for cytotoxicity on L-O2 and GES-1 cell lines. Most ingenane-type diterpenoids and 8-ene-7-one triterpenoids (5–11) exhibited a relatively lower IC50 value; therefore, these compounds had stronger cytotoxicity against human normal cell lines L-O2 and GES-1 with dose-dependent relationships. These results will be signiﬁcantly helpful to reveal the mechanism of toxicity of kansui and to effectively guide safer clinical application of this herb.
Quantification and Purification of Mangiferin from Chinese Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cultivars and Its Protective Effect on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells under H2O2-induced Stress
Authors: Luo Fenglei , Lv Qiang , Zhao Yuqin , Hu Guibing , Huang Guodi , Zhang Jiukai , Sun Chongde , Li Xian , Chen Kunsong
Published: September 2012

Mangiferin is a natural xanthonoid with various biological activities. Quantification of mangiferin in fruit peel, pulp, and seed kernel was carried out in 11 Chinese mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars. The highest mangiferin content was found in the peel of Lvpimang (LPM) fruit (7.49 mg/g DW). Efficient purification of mangiferin from mango fruit peel was then established for the first time by combination of macroporous HPD100 resin chromatography with optimized high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). Purified mangiferin was identified by both HPLC and LC-MS, and it showed higher DPPH• free-radical scavenging capacities and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) than by l-ascorbic acid (Vc) or Trolox. In addition, it showed significant protective effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) under H2O2-induced stress. Cells treated with mangiferin resulted in significant enhanced cell survival under of H2O2 stress. Therefore, mangiferin from mango fruit provides a promising perspective for the prevention of oxidative stress-associated diseases.
Photoelectrode Characteristics of Partially Hydrolyzed Aluminum Phthalocyanine Chloride/Fullerene C60 Composite Nanoparticles Working in a Water Phase
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Abe Toshiyuki , Iyoda Tomokazu , Nagai Keiji
Published: September 2012

Photoelectrochemical measurements were used to study the photoelectrode characteristics of composite nanoparticles composed of fullerene C60 and partially hydrolyzed aluminum phthalocyanine chloride (AlPc). In cyclic voltammetry measurements, the electrodes coated with the composite nanoparticles were found to have photoanodic [electron donor: 2-mercaptoethanol (ME)] and photocathodic (electron acceptor: O2) characteristics similar to those of the vapor-deposited p/n junction electrode. Their photoanodic features were further investigated with respect to the transient photocurrent response to light irradiation and the dependence on ME concentration (under potentiostatic conditions), from which it was noted that there was a decrease in the initial spiky photocathodic current and saturation of the steady-state photoanodic current at a higher ME concentration. Thus, the reaction kinetics was probably dominated by charge transport process. Moreover, external and internal quantum efficiency spectrum measurements indicated that the composite nanoparticles responded to the full spectrum of visible light ( < 880 nm) for both the photoanodic and photocathodic current. The present research will assist comprehension of photocatalytic behavior of the composite nanoparticles.
Phorbol Esters from Jatropha Meal Triggered Apoptosis, Activated PKC-δ, Caspase-3 Proteins and Down-Regulated the Proto-Oncogenes in MCF-7 and HeLa Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Oskoueian Ehsan , Abdullah Norhani , Ahmad Syahida
Published: September 2012

Jatropha meal produced from the kernel of Jatropha curcas Linn. grown in Malaysia contains phorbol esters (PEs). The potential benefits of PEs present in the meal as anticancer agent are still not well understood. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the cytotoxic effects and mode of actions of PEs isolated from Jatropha meal against breast (MCF-7) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines. Isolated PEs inhibited cells proliferation in a dose-dependent manner of both MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines with the IC50 of 128.6 ± 2.51 and 133.0 ± 1.96 µg PMA equivalents/mL respectively, while the values for the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) as positive control were 114.7 ± 1.73 and 119.6 ± 3.73 µg/mL, respectively. Microscopic examination showed significant morphological changes that resemble apoptosis in both cell lines when treated with PEs and PMA at IC50 concentration after 24 h. Flow cytometry analysis and DNA fragmentation results confirmed the apoptosis induction of PEs and PMA in both cell lines. The PEs isolated from Jatropha meal activated the PKC-δ and down-regulated the proto-oncogenes (c-Myc, c-Fos and c-Jun). These changes probably led to the activation of Caspase-3 protein and apoptosis cell death occurred in MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines upon 24 h treatment with PEs and PMA. Phorbol esters of Jatropha meal were found to be promising as an alternative to replace the chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer therapy.
Protective Effects of the Key Compounds Isolated from Corni fructus against β-Amyloid-Induced Neurotoxicity in PC12 Cells
Authors: Hong Seung-Young , Jeong Woo-Sik , Jun Mira
Published: September 2012

β-Amyloid (Aβ) peptide is the major component of senile plaques and is considered to have a causal role in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There is compelling evidence supporting the notion that Aβ-induced cytotoxicity is mediated though the generation of ROS. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of ursolic acid (UA), p-coumaric acid (p-CA), and gallic acid (GA) isolated from Corni fructus (CF) against Aβ(25–35)-induced toxicity in PC12 cell. Exposure of PC12 cells to 50 μM Aβ(25–35) increased cellular oxidative stress, the number of apoptotic cells and caspase-3 activity and finally caused significant cell death. However, UA, p-CA, and GA not only suppressed the generation of ROS but also attenuated DNA fragmentation and eventually attenuated Aβ-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In protecting cells against Aβ neurotoxicity, UA and GA possessed stronger ability against ROS generation than p-CA, while p-CA showed the strongest anti-apoptotic activity. Particularly, p-CA protected cells at the concentration range from 0.5 up to 125 μM without any adverse effect. Taken together, these effects of UA, p-CA, and GA may be partly associated with the neuroprotective effect of CF. Furthermore, our findings might raise a possibility of therapeutic applications of CF for preventing and/or treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Influence of High Shear Dispersion on the Production of Cellulose Nanofibers by Ultrasound-Assisted TEMPO-Oxidation of Kraft Pulp
Authors: Loranger Eric , Piché André-Olivier , Daneault Claude
Published: September 2012

Cellulose nanofibers can be produced using a combination of TEMPO, sodium bromide (NaBr) and sodium hypochlorite, and mechanical dispersion. Recently, this process has been the subject of intensive investigation. However, studies on the aspects of mechanical treatment of this process remain marginal. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the high shear dispersion parameters (e.g., consistency, stator-rotor gap, recirculation rate and pH) and determine their influences on nanocellulose production using ultrasound-assisted TEMPO-oxidation of Kraft pulp. All nanofiber gels produced in this study exhibited rheological behaviors known as shear thinning. From all the dispersion parameters, the following conditions were identified as optimal: 0.042 mm stator-rotor gap, 200 mL/min recycle rate, dispersion pH of 7 and a feed consistency of 2%. High quality cellulose gel could be produced under these conditions. This finding is surely of great interest for the pulp and paper industry.
Automatic Continuity of Homomorphisms in Non-associative Banach Algebras
Authors: Chu C-H. , Velasco M. V.
Published: September 2012

We introduce the concept of a rare element in a non-associative normed algebra and show that the existence of such an element is the only obstruction to continuity of a surjective homomorphism from a non-associative Banach algebra to a unital normed algebra with simple completion. Unital associative algebras do not admit any rare elements, and hence automatic continuity holds.
On Zero-divisors in Group Rings of Groups with Torsion
Authors: Ivanov S. V. , Mikhailov Roman
Published: September 2012

Nontrivial pairs of zero-divisors in group rings are introduced and discussed. A problem on the existence of nontrivial pairs of zero-divisors in group rings of free Burnside groups of odd exponent n ≫ 1 is solved in the affirmative. Nontrivial pairs of zero-divisors are also found in group rings of free products of groups with torsion.
Modeling secondary organic aerosol in an urban area: application to Paris, France
Authors: Couvidat F. , Kim Y. , Sartelet K. , Seigneur C. , Marchand N. , Sciare J.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. A secondary organic aerosol (SOA) model, H2O (Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Organic), is evaluated over the Paris area. This model treats the formation of SOA with two kinds of surrogate species: hydrophilic species (which condense preferentially on an aqueous phase) and hydrophobic species (which condense only on an organic phase). These surrogates species are formed from the oxidation in the atmosphere of volatile organic compounds (VOC) by radicals (HO and NO3) and ozone. These VOC are either biogenic (isoprene, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes) or anthropogenic (mainly aromatic compounds). This model includes the formation of aerosols from different precursors (biogenic precursors, aromatics), and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) from traffic. The H2O aerosol model was incorporated into the Polyphemus air quality modeling platform and applied to the Paris area and evaluated by comparison to measurements performed during the Megapoli campaign in July 2009. The comparison to measurements in the suburbs and in the city center of Paris shows that the model gives satisfactory results for both elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC). However, the model gives a peak of OC concentrations in the morning due to high emissions from traffic, which does not appear in measurements. Uncertainties in the modeled temperature, which can affect the gas-particle partitioning, in the partitioning of primary SVOC or underestimation of primary organic aerosol (POA) evaporation by the model could explain the differences between model and measurements. Moreover, using a theoretical mechanism for the oxidation of primary SVOC and intermediate volatility organic compounds (IVOC), POA concentrations were found to be likely overestimated by models due to the use of simple partitioning constants (which do not take into account the affinity of a compound with the liquid aerosol solution) or due to the assumption that the organic aerosol solution is a one-phase ideal solution. The organic aerosol in the city center of Paris was found to be originating mostly from distant sources with only 30 to 38% due to local sources.
Measurement and modelling of evaporation from a coastal wetland in Maputaland, South Africa
Authors: Clulow A. D. , Everson C. S. , Mengistu M. G. , Jarmain C. , Jewitt G. P. W. , Price J. S. , Grundling P.-L.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The surface renewal (SR) method was used to determine the long-term (12 months) total evaporation (ET) from the Mfabeni Mire with calibration using eddy covariance during two window periods of approximately one week each. The SR method was found to be inexpensive, reliable and with low power requirements for unattended operation. Despite maximum ET rates of up to 6.0 mm day−1, the average summer (October to March) ET was lower (3.2 mm day−1) due to early morning cloud cover that persisted until nearly midday at times. This reduced the daily available energy, and the ET was lower than expected despite the available water and high average wind speeds. In winter (May to September), there was less cloud cover but the average ET was only 1.8 mm day−1 due to plant senescence. In general ET was suppressed by the inflow of humid air (low vapour pressure deficit) and the comparatively low leaf area index of the wetland vegetation. The accumulated ET over 12 months was 900 mm. Daily ET estimates were compared to the Priestley-Taylor model results and a calibration α = 1.0 (R2 = 0.96) was obtained for the site. A monthly crop factor (Kc) was determined for the standardised FAO-56 Penman-Monteith. However, Kc was variable in some months and should be used with caution for daily ET modelling. These results represent not only some of the first long-term measurements of ET from a wetland in southern Africa, but also one of the few studies of actual ET in a subtropical peatland in the Southern Hemisphere. The study provides wetland ecologists and hydrologists with guidelines for the use of two internationally applied models for the estimation of wetland ET within a coastal, subtropical environment and shows that wetlands are not necessarily high water users.
An Energy Inequality and Its Applications of Nonlocal Boundary Conditions of Mixed Problem for Singular Parabolic Equations in Nonclassical Function Spaces
Authors: Djibibe Moussa Zakari , Tcharie Kokou , Yurchuk N. Iossifovich
Published: September 2012

The aim of this paper is to establish a priori estimates of the following nonlocal boundary conditions mixed problem for parabolic equation: ∂v/∂t-(a(t)/x2)(∂/∂x)(x2∂v/∂x)+b(x,t)v=g(x,t),
v(x, 0)=ψ(x),
0≤x≤ℓ, v(ℓ, t)=E(t), 0≤t≤T, ∫0ℓx3v(x,t)dx=G(t), 0≤t≤ℓ. It is important to know that a priori estimates established in nonclassical function spaces is a necessary tool to prove the uniqueness of a strong solution of the studied problems.
Diseases of Peanut Caused by Soilborne Pathogens in the Southwestern United States
Authors: Thiessen Lindsey D. , Woodward Jason E.
Published: September 2012

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is susceptible to diseases caused by numerous soilborne pathogens. In the southwestern United States pathogens including Botrytis cinerea Pers.: Fr., Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani Kühn AG-4, Sclerotinia minor Jagger and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., and Verticillium dahliae Kleb. routinely affect peanut yield. This region has an arid climate and peanut development is generally later than in other peanut production areas, hence the time plants are exposed to pathogens is increased. These pathogens cause similar symptoms in the field; therefore, proper diagnosis is needed so that the appropriate management strategies can be implemented.
Effect of Cultivar and Planting Time on Resistant Starch Accumulation in Pigeonpea Grown in Virginia
Authors: Narina Satya S. , Xu Yixiang , Hamama Anwar A. , Phatak Sharad C. , Bhardwaj Harbans L.
Published: September 2012

Recent recognition of indigestible starch component named as “Resistant Starch” in the human small intestine raised our interest to execute the current study to identify the best cultivar to produce high-quality pigeonpea seed to incorporate in ongoing pigeonpea breeding program. Though pigeonpea was identified as one of the food legumes with high RS, there were no published reports for pigeonpea resistant starch accumulation as influenced by planting time. The experiment was conducted twice in replicated block design with four varieties and two planting times. The resistant and non resistant (hydrolysable) starch components of ground seed powder of four pigeonpea varieties were analyzed to identify the best planting time and best cultivar for high-resistance starch accumulation. Planting time and varieties showed significant influence on resistant starch (RS), total starch (TS), and hydrolysable starch (HS) accumulation. The pigeonpea variety W1 was significantly superior from other three varieties and has highest RS value (21.4 g/100 g) with 70 per cent RS out of its total starch (28 g/100 g). The planting time 2 (June 11) produced seed with highest values for RS (18.7 g/100 g), HS (6.5 g/100 g), and TS (25.2 g/100 g). The cultivar W1 is the better one followed by GA1 for use in further crop improvement.
A novel contiguous gene deletion of AVPR2 and ARHGAP4 genes in male dizygotic twins with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and intellectual disability
Authors: Huang Lingli , Poke Gemma , Gecz Jozef , Gibson Kate
Published: September 2012

The clinical features of loss of ARHGAP4 function remain unclear despite several reports of different patterns of deletions inactivating different functional regions of the protein. The protein encoded by ARHGAP4 is thought to function as a Rho GTPase activating protein. Characterization of the genetic defect causing X‐linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) and intellectual disability in two dizygotic twin brothers revealed a novel contiguous deletion of 17,905 bp encompassing the entire AVPR2 gene and extending into intron 7 of the ARHGAP4 gene. Examination of their mother showed that she was a carrier of this deletion. An attempt was made to distinguish the putative clinical signs of an ARHGAP4 deletion from the well‐defined phenotype of X‐linked NDI caused by an AVPR2 gene deletion. By reviewing all characterized deletions encompassing ARHGAP4, we reconsider the potential role of ARHGAP4 in cognition. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cleft palate in a multigenerational family with a microdeletion of 20p12.3 involving BMP2
Authors: Williams Eli S. , Uhas Kim A. , Bunke Brian P. , Garber Kathryn B. , Martin Christa L.
Published: September 2012

Cleft palate (CP) is a frequent and recognizable birth defect attributed to a variety of etiologies including genetic abnormalities and environmental exposures. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are involved in embryonic signaling important for a number of developmental processes including bone formation and palate morphogenesis. Recently, haploinsufficiency of BMP2 was associated with syndromic forms of CP. Here, we report on a multigenerational family with a history of CP as a result of a 2.3 Mb deletion of chromosome 20p12.3, including the BMP2 gene. In addition to a submucous CP, the proband's clinical phenotype included failure to thrive (FTT), global developmental delays (DD), and dysmorphic features. The affected father exhibited an overt CP, with a facial gestalt and minor dysmorphic features similar to the proband. The father was otherwise healthy with no history of FTT or DD, suggesting high penetrance, yet variable expressivity for haploinsufficiency of BMP2. The findings presented here provide further evidence for the role of BMP2 in syndromic forms of CP. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interstitial deletion of 11q‐implicating the KIRREL3 gene in the neurocognitive delay associated with Jacobsen syndrome
Authors: Guerin Andrea , Stavropoulos Dimitri J , Diab Yaser , Chénier Sébastien , Christensen Hilary , Kahr Walter HA , Babul‐Hirji Riyana , Chitayat David
Published: September 2012

Jacobsen syndrome (JS) is a rare contiguous gene disorder characterized by a deletion within the distal part of the long arm of chromosome 11 ranging in size from 7 to 20 Mb. The clinical findings include characteristic dysmorphic features, growth and psychomotor delays and developmental anomalies involving the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys, immune, hematologic, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems. The majority of cases are due to a terminal deletion of 11q; however interstitial deletions have also been reported. We report on a child with clinical manifestations consistent with JS who had a 2.899 Mb interstitial deletion at 11q24.2–q24.3 which is the smallest interstitial deletion reported so far to our knowledge. This deletion includes the KIRREL3 gene, and given our patient's history of neurocognitive delay and autism spectrum disorder, it raises the possibility that this gene is a candidate for the social and expressive language delay observed in our patient. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Die umfassende zweidimensionale Gaschromatographie – eine neue Dimension für analytische Trennwissenschaften
Authors: Meinert Cornelia , Meierhenrich Uwe J.
Published: September 2012

Die umfassende zweidimensionale Gaschromatographie ermöglicht gegenüber jedweder eindimensionalen Trennmethode eine erhöhte Auflösung und eine verbesserte Identifizierung organischer Analyten in komplexen Mischungen. Ursprünglich zum Auflösen hochkomplexer Erdölproben eingeführt, zogen die enorme Trennleistung und die Möglichkeit zum Gewinn weiterer strukturrelevanter Informationen über die Analyten schnell das Interesse von Analytikern verschiedener wissenschaftlicher Disziplinen auf sich. In diesem Kurzaufsatz stellen wir die zugrundeliegende Theorie, jüngste Fortschritte und zukünftige instrumentelle Entwicklungen der umfassenden zweidimensionalen Gaschromatographie sowie ausgewählte Anwendungen vor.
Lithiumbatterien und elektrische Doppelschichtkondensatoren: aktuelle Herausforderungen
Authors: Choi Nam‐Soon , Chen Zonghai , Freunberger Stefan A. , Ji Xiulei , Sun Yang‐Kook , Amine Khalil , Yushin Gleb , Nazar Linda F. , Cho Jaephil , Bruce Peter G.
Published: September 2012

Moderne Energiespeichertechnologien, einschließlich elektrischer Doppelschichtkondensatoren und wiederaufladbarer Batterien, sind von enormer Bedeutung für Anwendungen in tragbaren Elektronikgeräten, als Elektrizitätsspeicher für Ladestationen von Elektrofahrzeugen und zum Lastausgleich von erneuerbaren Energiequellen wie Sonnenenergie und Windkraft. Der Einsatz von Lithiumbatterien und elektrischen Doppelschichtkondensatoren in diesen Technologien bedarf der wissenschaftlichen Grundlagenforschung. Es gilt, neue Materialien und elektrochemische Reaktionen zu entdecken und ein besseres Verständnis der Prozesse zu erlangen, auf denen die Funktion dieser Energiespeichereinheiten beruht. Dieser Aufsatz fasst einige der aktuellen Fragen im Zusammenhang mit Lithiumbatterien und Doppelschichtkondensatoren zusammen.
The Anna Karenina principle: A way of thinking about success in science
Authors: Bornmann Lutz , Marx Werner
Published: September 2012

The first sentence of Leo Tolstoy's (1875–1877/2001) novel Anna Karenina is: “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Here, Tolstoy means that for a family to be happy, several key aspects must be given (e.g., good health of all family members, acceptable financial security, and mutual affection). If there is a deficiency in any one or more of these key aspects, the family will be unhappy. In this article, we introduce the Anna Karenina principle as a way of thinking about success in science in three central areas in (modern) science: (a) peer review of research grant proposals and manuscripts (money and journal space as scarce resources), (b) citation of publications (reception as a scarce resource), and (c) new scientific discoveries (recognition as a scarce resource). If resources are scarce at the highly competitive research front (journal space, funds, reception, and recognition), there can be success only when several key prerequisites for the allocation of the resources are fulfilled. If any one of these prerequisites is not fulfilled, the grant proposal, manuscript submission, the published paper, or the discovery will not be successful.
Relating nucleotide‐dependent conformational changes in free tubulin dimers to tubulin assembly
Authors: Natarajan Kathiresan , Mohan Jagan , Senapati Sanjib
Published: September 2012

The complex dynamic behavior of microtubules (MTs) is believed to be primarily due to the αβ‐tubulin dimer architecture and its intrinsic GTPase activity. Hence, a detailed knowledge of the conformational variations of isolated α‐GTP‐β‐GTP‐ and α‐GTP‐β‐GDP‐tubulin dimers in solution and their implications to interdimer interactions and stability is directly relevant to understand the MT dynamics. An attempt has been made here by combining molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and protein–protein docking studies that unravels key structural features of tubulin dimer in different nucleotide states and correlates their association to tubulin assembly. Results from simulations suggest that tubulin dimers and oligomers attain curved conformations in both GTP and GDP states. Results also indicate that the tubulin C‐terminal domain and the nucleotide state are closely linked. Protein–protein docking in combination with MD simulations suggest that the GTP‐tubulin dimers engage in relatively stronger interdimer interactions even though the interdimer interfaces are bent in both GTP and GDP tubulin complexes, providing valuable insights on in vitro finding that GTP‐tubulin is a better assembly candidate than GDP‐tubulin during the MT nucleation and elongation processes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 282–291, 2013.
The Effects of Substituents on the Geometry of π–π Interactions
Authors: Snyder Seth E. , Huang Bin‐Syuan , Chu Yu W. , Lin Huei‐Shian , Carey James R.
Published: September 2012

We have designed and utilized a simple molecular recognition system to study the substituent effects in aromatic interactions. Recently, we showed that 3‐ and 3,5‐disubstituted benzoyl leucine diethyl amides with aromatic rings of varying electronic character organized into homochiral dimers in the solid state through a parallel displaced π–π interaction and two hydrogen bonds, but no such homochiral dimerization was observed for the unsubstituted case. This phenomenon supports the hypothesis that substituents stabilize π–π interactions regardless of their electronic character. To further investigate the origin of substituent effects for π–π interactions, we synthesized and crystallized a series of 4‐substituted benzoyl leucine diethyl amides. Surprisingly, only two of the 4‐substituted compounds formed homochiral dimers. A comparison among the 4‐substituted compounds that crystallized as homochiral dimers and their 3‐substituted counterparts revealed that there are differences in regard to the geometry of the aromatic rings with respect to each other, which depend on the electronic nature and location of the substituent. The crystal structures of the homochiral dimers that showed evidence of direct, local interactions between the substituents on the aromatic rings also displayed nonequivalent dihedral angles in the individual monomers. The crystallographic data suggests that such “flexing” may be the result of the individual molecules orienting themselves to maximize the local dipole interactions on the respective aromatic rings. The results presented here can potentially have broad applicability towards the development of molecular recognition systems that involve aromatic interactions.
Facile Access to Silicon‐Functionalized Bis‐Silylene Titanium(II) Complexes
Authors: Blom Burgert , Driess Matthias , Gallego Daniel , Inoue Shigeyoshi
Published: September 2012

A series of unprecedented bis‐silylene titanium(II) complexes of the type [(η5‐C5H5)2Ti(LSiX)2] (L=PhC(NtBu)2; X=Cl, CH3, H) has been prepared using a phosphane elimination strategy. Treatment of the [(η5‐C5H5)2Ti(PMe3)2] precursor (1) with two molar equivalents of the N‐heterocyclic chlorosilylene LSiCl (2), results in [(η5‐C5H5)2Ti(LSiCl)2] (3) with concomitant PMe3 elimination. The presence of a SiCl bond in 3 enabled further functionalization at the silicon(II) center. Accordingly, a salt metathesis reaction of 3 with two equivalents of MeLi results in [(η5‐C5H5)2Ti(LSiMe)2] (4). Similarly, the reaction of 3 with two equivalents of LiBHEt3 results in [(η5‐C5H5)2Ti(LSiH)2] (5), which represents the first example of a bis‐(hydridosilylene) metal complex. All complexes were fully characterized and the structures of 3 and 4 elucidated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. DFT calculations of complexes 3–5 were also carried out to assess the nature of the titanium–silicon bonds. Two σ and one π‐type molecular orbital, delocalized over the Si‐Ti‐Si framework, are observed.
Expression of Pannexin1 in the outer plexiform layer of the mouse retina and physiological impact of its knockout
Authors: Kranz Katharina , Dorgau Birthe , Pottek Mark , Herrling Regina , Schultz Konrad , Bolte Petra , Monyer Hannah , Penuela Silvia , Laird Dale W. , Dedek Karin , Weiler Reto , Janssen‐Bienhold Ulrike
Published: September 2012

Pannexin1 (Panx1) belongs to a class of vertebrate proteins that exhibits sequence homology to innexins, the invertebrate gap junction proteins, and which also shares topological similarities with vertebrate gap junction proteins, the connexins. Unlike gap junctional channels, Panx1 forms single‐membrane channels, whose functional role in neuronal circuits is still unsettled. We therefore investigated the subcellular distribution of Panx1 in the mouse retina of wildtype and Panx1‐null mice by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Use of Panx1‐deficient mice served as a model to assess the physiological role of Panx1 by electroretinographic recordings and also to ensure the specificity of the anti‐Panx1 antibody labeling. Expression of Panx1 was found in type 3a OFF bipolar cells and in dendrites and axonal processes of horizontal cells. Panx1 was also found in horizontal cell dendrites representing the lateral elements of the triad synapse at cone and rod terminals. In vivo electroretinography of Panx1 knockout mice indicated an increased a‐ and b‐wave compared to Panx1 wildtype mice under scotopic conditions. The effect on the b‐wave was confirmed by in vitro electroretinograms from the inner retina. These results suggest that Panx1 channels serve as sinks for extracellular current flow making them possible candidates for the mediation of feedback from horizontal cells to photoreceptors. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:1119–1135, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Cyclic N‐Tosyliminocarbonates by Lewis Acid Catalyzed Allylic Substitution of Trichloroacetimidates
Authors: Grigorjeva Liene , Jirgensons Aigars
Published: September 2012

Allylic trichloroacetimidates bearing a δ‐N‐tosylcarbamoyloxy group were prepared in two steps from the corresponding diols, and their Brønsted and Lewis acid catalyzed cyclization reactions were investigated. It was found that N‐tosylcarbamates derived from secondary and tertiary alcohols bearing alkyl substituents undergo a chemoselective allylic alkylation to give N‐tosyliminocarbonates in good isolated yields. In turn, aryl‐substituted substrates tend to give oxazolines by abstraction of the carbamate functionality. The cyclization of N‐tosylcarbamates derived from secondary alcohols preferentially give trans‐iminocarbonates. However, the trans selectivity varied and depended on the substitution pattern, configuration of the substrate, and the catalyst. A high trans selectivity could be achieved from (E) substrates by using TMSOTf as the catalyst. The synthetic utility of iminocarbonates was demonstrated by transforming them into 1,2‐diols and cyclic carbonates as well as into N‐tosyloxazolidinones by a halide ion‐induced rearrangement.
A process for the selective removal of arsenic from contaminated water using acetate functionalized zinc oxide nanomaterials
Authors: Singh Nahar , Singh S.P. , Gupta Vinay , Yadav Harish Kumar , Ahuja Tarushee , Tripathy S. Swarupa , Rashmi
Published: September 2012

This research article deals with the uptake of arsenic from contaminated water using acetate functionalized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials. The ZnO nanomaterials of various sizes (6–60 nm) have been synthesized following different wet chemical routes. The arsenic removal efficacy of acetate functionalized ZnO nanomaterials was carried out at different pH and time interval. It has been concluded from the study that ZnO nanomaterials (<60 nm) prepared by zinc acetate precursor effectively removes arsenic, while ZnO of same size prepared from zinc chloride, zinc nitrate, zinc sulphate precursor could not remove arsenic considerably. However, ZnO of same size synthesized using other than zinc acetate precursor and functionalized with acetate ions removes arsenic effectively. It is also proposed that acetate ions over the surface of ZnO adsorb arsenic by an oxo‐coordination mechanism and purifies water up to permissible limits of arsenic at pH 5.8–6.8. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 1023–1029, 2013
Simultaneous removal of trivalent and hexavalent chromium by activated carbon: Effect of solution pH and pore size distribution of adsorbent
Authors: Gottipati Ramakrishna , Mishra Susmita
Published: September 2012

Adsorption of trivalent (Cr(III)) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous phase was simultaneously studied using commercial activated carbons (CACs). Solution pH and the porous characteristics of the adsorbent such as surface area, pore volume and pore size distribution (PSD) greatly influenced the removal capacity of Cr(III) and Cr(VI). The maximum removal of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) was obtained at pH 3.0 and 5.0, respectively. From this study, it was observed that adsorbents having micropores (<2.0 nm) were effective in the removal of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) from aqueous solutions. Existance of micropores results in high porous characteristics such as surface area and pore volume which play an important role in removal of metal ions. The surface functional groups are also greatly involved in the simultaneous removal of both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 1030–1035, 2013
Identification of CUX1 as the recurrent chromosomal band 7q22 target gene in human uterine leiomyoma
Authors: Schoenmakers Eric F. P. M. , Bunt Jens , Hermers Lianne , Schepens Marga , Merkx Gerard , Janssen Bert , Kersten Monique , Huys Erik , Pauwels Patrick , Debiec‐Rychter Maria , van Kessel Ad Geurts
Published: September 2012

Uterine leiomyomas are benign solid tumors of mesenchymal origin which occur with an estimated incidence of up to 77% of all women of reproductive age. The majority of these tumors remains symptomless, but in about a quarter of cases they cause leiomyoma‐associated symptoms including chronic pelvic pain, menorrhagia‐induced anemia, and impaired fertility. As a consequence, they are the most common indication for pre‐menopausal hysterectomy in the USA and Japan and annually translate into a multibillion dollar healthcare problem. Approximately 40% of these neoplasms present with recurring structural cytogenetic anomalies, including del(7)(q22), t(12;14)(q15;q24), t(1;2)(p36;p24), and anomalies affecting 6p21 and/or 10q22. Using positional cloning strategies, we and others previously identified HMGA1, HMGA2,
RAD51L1,
MORF, and, more recently, NCOA1 as primary target (fusion) genes associated with tumor initiation in four of these distinct cytogenetic subgroups. Despite the fact that the del(7)(q22) subgroup is the largest among leiomyomas, and was first described more than twenty years ago, the 7q22 leiomyoma target gene still awaits unequivocal identification. We here describe a positional cloning effort from two independent uterine leiomyomas, containing respectively a pericentric and a paracentric chromosomal inversion, both affecting band 7q22. We found that both chromosomal inversions target the cut‐like homeobox 1 (CUX1) gene on chromosomal band 7q22.1 in a way which is functionally equivalent to the more frequently observed del(7q) cases, and which is compatible with a mono‐allelic knock‐out scenario, similar as was previously described for the cytogenetic subgroup showing chromosome 14q involvement. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Broad‐based Excellence — An Excellent Broad Base
Authors: Kleiner Matthias
Published: September 2012

The decisions for the second phase of the Excellence Initiative have been made. Once again it can be seen how this competition has furthered science and humanities in Germany and will continue to do so. The decisions also bolster the universities — the heart of the science research system.
The Working Man's Eye
Authors: Hesse Wolfgang , Seifert Manfred
Published: September 2012

Photography between proletarian existence and political propagandist struggle. After the First World War, enthusiastic amateurs used their cameras to capture their — often wretched — lives and surroundings. Now science is interested in this forgotten everyday culture.
Metastatic papillary thyroid cancer with lateral neck disease: Pattern of spread by level
Authors: Merdad Mazin , Eskander Antoine , Kroeker Teresa , Freeman Jeremy L.
Published: September 2012

Background

Currently, there is no clear consensus on the extent of this lateral neck dissection required in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) with lateral neck metastasis. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with metastatic PTC, and identify the pattern of lymphatic spread to the lateral neck.

Methods

A retrospective medical chart review of PTC patients treated with lateral neck dissection (levels II–Vb) at our institution between January 2004 and 2011. A total of 185 patients underwent 248 selective lateral neck dissections.

Results

Levels II, III, IV, and Vb were respectively involved in 49.3%, 76.6%, 61.6%, and 29.2% of cases.

Conclusion

We advocate for a routine excision of levels II, III, IV, and Vb in PTC with metastasize to any lateral neck level. Although we have routinely dissected level IIb, it may be appropriate to omit its dissection, as well as level Va, when there are no clinical, radiologic, or intraoperative evidence of disease involving these sublevels. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: 1439–1442, 2013
Giant papillary carcinoma arising in the ectopic buccal thyroid tissue
Authors: Elsurer Cagdas , Ozturk Kayhan , Baba Fusun , Yavas Cagdas , Bulut Serap
Published: September 2012

Background

Ectopic thyroid tissue very rarely occurs in the buccal region. Even more rarely encountered is the papillary carcinoma arising in the ectopic tissue.

Methods and Results

We herein present a 78‐year‐old female patient admitted with a giant, buccal mass that developed within the previous 2 years. Physical examination revealed a vegetative mass on the left buccal region without any cervical lymphadenopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging scan showed an 8‐ × 6‐cm solid mass with cystic components in the left buccal region and thoracic computed tomography scanning revealed pulmonary metastasis. A successful surgery including lower lip splitting was performed, and the mass was totally excised with its surrounding capsule. Histopathologic examination revealed follicular variant of papillary carcinoma of the ectopic thyroid tissue.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, our case is the first case of papillary carcinoma arising from ectopic thyroid tissue in the buccal region in the literature. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: E308–E309, 2013
Cancer net survival on registry data: Use of the new unbiased Pohar‐Perme estimator and magnitude of the bias with the classical methods
Authors: Roche Laurent , Danieli Coraline , Belot Aurélien , Grosclaude Pascale , Bouvier Anne‐Marie , Velten Michel , Iwaz Jean , Remontet Laurent , Bossard Nadine
Published: September 2012

Net survival, the survival which might occur if cancer was the only cause of death, is a major epidemiological indicator required for international or temporal comparisons. Recent findings have shown that all classical methods used for routine estimation of net survival from cancer‐registry data, sometimes called “relative‐survival methods,” provide biased estimates. Meanwhile, an unbiased estimator, the Pohar‐Perme estimator (PPE), was recently proposed. Using real data, we investigated the magnitude of the errors made by four “relative‐survival” methods (Ederer I, Hakulinen, Ederer II and a univariable regression model) vs. PPE as reference and examined the influence of time of follow‐up, cancer prognosis, and age on the errors made. The data concerned seven cancer sites (2,51,316 cases) collected by FRANCIM cancer registries. Net survivals were estimated at 5, 10 and 15 years postdiagnosis. At 5 years, the errors were generally small. At 10 years, in good‐prognosis cancers, the errors made in nonstandardized estimates with all classical methods were generally great (+2.7 to +9% points in prostate cancer) and increased in age‐class estimations (vs. 5‐year ones). At 15 years, in bad‐ or average‐prognosis cancers, the errors were often substantial whatever the nature of the estimation. In good‐prognosis cancers, the errors in nonstandardized estimates of all classical methods were great and sometimes very important. With all classical methods, great errors occurred in age‐class estimates resulting in errors in age‐standardized estimates (+0.4 to +3.2% points in breast cancer). In estimating net survival, cancer registries should abandon all classical methods and adopt the new Pohar‐Perme estimator.
Relationship between job burnout and personal wellness in mental health professionals
Authors: Puig Ana , Baggs Adrienne , Mixon Kacy , Park Yang Min , Kim Bo Young , Lee Sang Min
Published: September 2012

This study aimed to determine the nature of the relationship between job burnout and personal wellness among mental health professionals. The authors performed intercorrelations and multivariate multiple regression analyses to identify the relationship between subscales of job burnout and personal wellness. Results showed that all subscales of job burnout, except for the Negative Work Environment subscale, significantly predicted a large amount of the variance in the collective personal wellness subscales. Implications for mental health professionals’ clinical practice, training, and supervision and limitations and prospects for future studies are discussed.
Effect of a résumé‐writing workshop on résumé‐writing skills
Authors: Tillotson Kenyon , Osborn Debra
Published: September 2012

What is the best way to teach someone how to write an effective résumé? A workshop format was used to teach college students the skills needed to write a successful résumé. Archival data consisting of student résumés and rubric score sheets were used to determine the effectiveness of a résumé‐writing workshop by using a pre–post design evaluating student résumés. The authors used a rubric to produce quantitative data for comparison purposes. Participants’ postworkshop résumé rubric scores were significantly higher than their scores were before attending the workshop. The authors offer possible explanations for the results and make suggestions for future research.
Autologous bone marrow stromal cells loaded onto porous gelatin scaffolds containing Drynaria fortunei extract for bone repair
Authors: Chen Kuo‐Yu , Dong Guo‐Chung , Hsu Chin‐Yin , Chen Yueh‐Sheng , Yao Chun‐Hsu
Published: September 2012

GGT‐GSB composite was prepared by mixing a biodegradable GGT composite containing genipin‐crosslinked gelatin and β‐tricalcium phosphate with Gu‐Sui‐Bu extract (GSB) (Drynaria fortunei (Kunze) J. Sm.), a traditional Chinese medicine. Then, porous GGT and GGT‐GSB scaffolds were fabricated using a salt‐leaching method. The GGT and GGT‐GSB scaffolds thus obtained had a macroporous structure and high porosity. Rabbit bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were seeded onto GGT and GGT‐GSB scaffolds. The biological response of rabbit calvarial bone to these scaffolds was considered to evaluate the potential of the scaffolds for use in bone tissue engineering. After 8 weeks of implantation, each scaffold induced new bone formation at a cranial bone defect, as was verified by X‐ray microradiography. The BMSC‐seeded GGT‐GSB scaffolds induced more new bone formation than the BMSC‐seeded GGT and acellular scaffolds. These observations suggest that an autologous BMSCs‐seeded porous GGT‐GSB scaffold can be adopted in bone engineering in vivo and has great potential for regenerating defective bone tissue. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Plasma treatment of electrospun PCL random nanofiber meshes (NFMs) for biological property improvement
Authors: Yan D. , Jones J. , Yuan X.Y. , Xu X.H. , Sheng J. , Lee J.C.‐M. , Ma G.Q. , Yu Q.S.
Published: September 2012

In this article, the plasma surface modification effects on the chemical, mechanical, and biological properties of electrospun poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) random nanofiber meshes (NFMs) were investigated by adjusting plasma chemistry, that is, using glow discharges of N2+H2, NH3+O2, and Ar+O2 gas mixtures. The surface property changes of electrospun PCL NFMs after those plasma treatments were examined by water contact angle measurements and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The experimental results showed that the plasma treatments introduced polar groups onto the surfaces and thus increased the surface hydrophilicity. From tensile test data, plasma treatment had limited effect on the mechanical properties of PCL random NFMs. The biological properties of the plasma‐treated PCL NFMs were examined by cell proliferation assays using mouse osteoblast cells (MC3T3‐E1). It was found that the plasma‐treated PCL NFMs gave a higher proliferation rate and improved cell adhesion properties as compared with the untreated controls. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Processing of degradable ulvan 3D porous structures for biomedical applications
Authors: Alves Anabela , Sousa Rui A. , Reis Rui L.
Published: September 2012

The interest in ulvan within a biomedical framework increases as the knowledge of this polysaccharide evolves. Ulvan has been recently proposed as a potential biomaterial, and structures based on this polysaccharide are now being studied for different biomedical applications. In this work, a novel porous structure based on cross‐linked ulvan was designed and characterized. Its mechanical performance, water‐uptake ability and weight loss were assessed, morphology analyzed through scanning electron microscopy, and morphometric parameters quantified by microcomputed tomography. Cell viability and cell proliferation were evaluated in order to estimate the cytotoxicity of these structures and respective degradation products. Produced ulvan structures revealed remarkable ability to uptake water (up to ∼ 2000% of its initial dry weight) and are characterized by a highly porous and interconnected structure. Furthermore, these ulvan structures underwent nontoxic degradation, and cells remained viable through the time of culture. These results position ulvan structures as prospective blocks that can be further functionalized in order to acquire the desired stability and needed biological interactivity to be used as tissue‐engineered structures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.