bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of DC circuit breaker of H2‐N2 gas mixture for high voltage
Authors: Shiba Yuji , Morishita Yukinaga , Kaneko Shuhei , Okabe Shigemitsu , Mizoguchi Hitoshi , Yanabu Satoru
Published: October 2010

Global warming caused by such gases as CO2 is a subject of great concern. Automobile emissions are an especially great problem in this respect. Therefore, hybrid cars are being widely developed and used. Because hybrid cars use electric power and gasoline, their emissions of CO2 are reduced. The electric motor of a hybrid car is driven by a battery, which has large capacity. Therefore, relays must interrupt a high DC current on switching between the electric motor and the gasoline engine, and hydrogen gas‐filled relays are used for the purpose. In interruption tests in which we investigated the basic characteristics of hydrogen gas, the DC current did not reach a current‐zero point. Thus, the current must be coerced to zero by using a high arc voltage. The loss coefficient and arc voltages of hydrogen are high, and we therefore performed interruption tests using a high arc voltage. Interruption tests and dielectric breakdowns test of air, pure hydrogen, and a hydrogen‐nitrogen mixture indicated that an 80%–20% H2–N2 mixture is the most effective. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 174(2): 9–17, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21042
Pulse ejection presentation system synchronized with breathing
Authors: Kadowaki Ami , Sato Junta , Ohtsu Kaori , Bannai Yuichi , Okada Kenichi
Published: October 2010

Trials on the transmission of olfactory information together with audio and visual information are currently being conducted in the multimedia field. However, continuous emission of scents in high concentrations creates problems of human adaptation and remnant odors in the air. To overcome such problems we developed an olfactory display in conjunction with Canon Inc. This display has high emission control in the inkjet so that it can provide stable pulse emission of scents. Humans catch a scent when they breathe in and inhale small molecules in air. Therefore, it is important that the timing of scent presentation be synchronized with human breathing. We also developed a breath sensor which detects human breathing‐in (inspiration). In this study, we combined the olfactory display with the breath sensor to make a pulse ejection presentation system synchronized with the breath. The experimental evaluation showed that the system had a detection rate above 90%. Another evaluation was held at Keio Techno‐Mall 2007. From questionnaire results of the participants, we found that the system made the user feel a continuous sense of smell, without the occurrence of adaptation. It is expected that our system will allow olfactory information to be synchronized with audio and visual information for an arbitrary duration and at any time. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 174(2): 72–78, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21086
Pentacyclic triterpenic acids from Argania spinosa
Authors: Guinda Angeles , Rada Mirela , Delgado Teresa , Castellano Jose Maria
Published: October 2010

This work reports for the first time the presence of pentacyclic triterpenic acids in Argania spinosa. By solid/liquid extraction with absolute ethanol and GC‐FID analysis, we report that ursolic acid is the major triterpene in the leaf and fruit of argan (0.10–0.44% DW), followed by significant amounts of oleanolic acid (0.05–0.19% DW). Their contents in the leaf were four times higher than in the fruit. Minor levels of betulinic and maslinic acids were also determined in the fruit pulp. Our results suggest that the developmental stage of the plant organ and the environmental conditions modulate the biosynthesis of triterpenic acids in argan. Advanced stages of ontogeny and severe climatic conditions induced a selective production of lupenyl and ursanyl structures. Argan fruits and leaves constitute interesting raw materials for the obtaining of ursolic and oleanolic acids that are strongly demanded by the functional food and pharmaceutical industries. The utilization of dry pulp of argan fruits, a by‐product of the argan oil industry, for the obtaining of new triterpene‐based formulations of high added value would increase the profitability of these crops and might help to guarantee the survival of the A. spinosa forests in the long term.

Practical applications: Argan fruits and leaves constitute interesting raw materials for obtaining ursolic and oleanolic acids. Morocco accumulates every year more than 44 500 tons of dry fruit pulp as a by‐product of the argan oil industry. The utilization of this biomass for the obtaining of bioactive compounds of high added value that could be used in the design of new functional food and drugs would help to increase the profitability of the argan crops and represent an intelligent manner of contributing to the A. spinosa survival.
Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Diarylmethanols from Aryl Bromides and Aldehydes by Using Organolithium Reagents
Authors: Nakagawa Yuya , Muramatsu Yusuke , Harada Toshiro
Published: October 2010

A general method has been developed for preparing enantioenriched secondary alcohols by starting from aryl bromides and aldehydes. Aryl bromides were first treated with BuLi, and the resulting aryllithium reagents were mixed with titanium tetraisopropoxide and magnesium bromide. The reaction of aldehydes with the resulting mixed titanium reagents, in the presence of 3‐(3,5‐diphenylphenyl)‐H8‐BINOL (2 mol‐%) and titanium tetraisopropoxide, furnished the corresponding alcohols in high enantioselectivities and in high yields.
Colonization and weathering of engineering materials by marine microorganisms: an SEM study
Authors: Coombes M. A. , Naylor L. A. , Thompson R. C. , Roast S. D. , Gómez‐Pujol L. , Fairhurst R. J.
Published: October 2010

Microorganisms are a ubiquitous feature of most hard substrata on Earth and their role in the geomorphological alteration of rock and stone is widely recognized. The role of microorganisms in the modification of engineering materials introduced into the intertidal zone through the construction of hard coastal defences is less well understood. Here we use scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine microbial colonization and micro‐scale geomorphological features on experimental blocks of limestone, granite and marine concrete after eight months' exposure in the intertidal zone in Cornwall, UK.

Significant differences in the occurrence of microbial growth features, and micro‐scale weathering and erosion features were observed between material types (ANOVA p < 0·000). Exposed limestone blocks were characterized by euendolithic borehole erosion (99% occurrence) within the upper 34·0 ± 12·3 µm of the surface. Beneath the zone of boring, inorganic weathering (chemical dissolution and salt action) had occurred to a depth of 125·0 ± 39·0 µm. Boring at the surface of concrete was less common (27% occurrence), while bio‐chemical crusting was abundant (94% occurrence, mean thickness 45·1 ± 27·7 µm). Crusts consisted of biological cells, salts and other chemical precipitates. Evidence of cryptoendolithic growth was also observed in limestone and concrete, beneath the upper zone of weathering. On granite, biological activity was restricted to thin epilithic films (<10 µm thickness) with some limited evidence of mechanical breakdown.

Results presented here demonstrate the influence of substratum lithology, hardness and texture on the nature of early micro‐scale colonization, and the susceptibility of different engineering materials to organic weathering and erosion processes in the intertidal zone. The implications of differences in initial biogeomorphic responses of materials for long‐term rock weathering, ecology and engineering durability are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent Highlights in the Synthesis, Structure, Properties, and Applications of MoS2 Nanotubes
Authors: Deepak Francis Leonard , Jose‐Yacaman Miguel
Published: October 2010

Since the discovery that non‐carbon nanotubes can also be synthesized like those of carbon there has been a lot of interest generated in this area, specifically in the case of the transition metal chalcogenide nanotubes. This paper will showcase MoS2 nanotubes, addressing the advances in terms of the synthesis, properties, and applications that have been observed so far. An update on the current status of the field, including the use of aberration‐corrected microscopic techniques in understanding the structure and bonding of these nanotubes, which have been proved to be elusive until recently, will be highlighted. Finally, the catalytic properties of these nanotubes will be addressed in the context of the other possible applications as well.
Diffusion‐Induced Void Evolution in Core–Shell Nanowires: Elaborated View on the Nanoscale Kirkendall Effect
Authors: Yang Yang , Güder Firat , Zacharias Margit
Published: October 2010

In 2006, our group reported the fabrication of ultra‐long single‐crystal ZnAl2O4 spinel nanotubes, starting from ZnO/Al2O3 core–shell nanowires, involving the nanoscale Kirkendall effect. In this feature paper, we introduce our up‐to‐date results on the design of porous and hollow 1D nanostructures following this solid‐state interfacial reaction route. In particular, we present our recent understandings on void evolution induced by the unbalanced diffusion. We first give a short introduction on the distinctions of core–shell nanowires in interfacial nanoreactions, in contrast to other systems. Then we discuss the roles of desorption, stress, and/or defects on void evolution and nanotube formation. Our results demonstrate that the stress‐ and defects‐engineered diffusion mechanism can be used to specifically design hollow nanostructures, which will open up a new window in exploitation of the Kirkendall effect at the nanoscale.
Self‐organized TiO2 Nanotube Arrays: Critical Effects on Morphology and Growth
Authors: Albu Sergiu P. , Roy Poulomi , Virtanen Sannakaisa , Schmuki Patrik
Published: October 2010

TiO2 nanotube layers possess a wide range of applications for energy conversion, environmental clean‐up, and biomedical implant materials. The formation process of these tube layers is based on a simple but highly optimized anodization process of Ti in a suitable solution.

The present work gives a coherent overview on the effect of the key parameters to grow these tube layers. The influence of fluoride content, anodization voltage, water content, and temperature on tube morphology is shown and discussed. The results thus provide the reader with “recipes” and understanding to grow desired TiO2 nanotube structures, as well as show current limits and open room for improvement for the tailored growth of these structures.
Small‐molecule protein–protein interaction inhibitors: Therapeutic potential in light of molecular size, chemical space, and ligand binding efficiency considerations
Authors: Buchwald Peter
Published: October 2010

As the ultimate function of proteins depends to a great extent on their binding partners, protein–protein interactions (PPIs) represent a treasure trove of possible new therapeutic targets. Unfortunately, interfaces involved in PPIs are not well‐suited for effective small molecule binding. Nevertheless, successful examples of small‐molecule PPI inhibitors (PPIIs) are beginning to accumulate, and the sheer number of PPIs that form the human interactome implies that, despite the relative unsuitability of PPIs to serve as “druggable” targets, small‐molecule PPIIs can still provide novel pharmacological tools and new innovative drugs in at least some areas. Here, after some illustrative examples, accumulating information on the binding efficiency, molecular size, and chemical space requirements will be briefly reviewed. Therapeutic success can only be achieved if these considerations are incorporated into the search process and if careful medicinal chemistry approaches are used to address the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion requirements of larger molecules that are often needed for this target class due to the lower efficiency of binding. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(10): 724–731, 2010
Injectable rhBMP‐2‐loaded chitosan hydrogel composite: Osteoinduction at ectopic site and in segmental long bone defect
Authors: Luca Ludmila , Rougemont Anne‐Laure , Walpoth Beat H. , Boure Ludovic , Tami Andrea , Anderson James M. , Jordan Olivier , Gurny Robert
Published: October 2010

Carriers for bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) used in clinical practice still suffer from limitations such as insufficient protein retention. In addition, there is a clinical need for injectable carriers. The main objective of this study was to assess bone forming ability of rhBMP‐2 combined either with chitosan hydrogel (rhBMP‐2/CH) or chitosan hydrogel containing β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) (rhBMP‐2/CH/TCP). Formulations were first compared in a rat ectopic intramuscular bone formation model, and the optimal formulation was further evaluated in healing of 15‐mm critical size defect in the radius of a rabbit. Three weeks after injection ectopically formed bone was analyzed by microcomputerized tomography (micro‐CT) and histology. Significantly higher (4.7‐fold) mineralized bone formation was observed in the rhBMP‐2/CH/TCP group compared to rhBMP‐2/CH group. In a pilot study, defect in a rabbit radius treated with rhBMP‐2/CH/TCP showed incomplete regeneration at 8 weeks with composite leakage from the defect, indicating the need for formulation refinement when segmental defect repair is foreseen. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2010.
Assessment of phosphamidon‐induced apoptosis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: Protective effects of N‐acetylcysteine and curcumin
Authors: Ahmed Tanzeel , Tripathi Ashok K. , Ahmed Rafat S. , Banerjee Basu Dev
Published: October 2010

The molecular mechanism for noncholinergic toxicity of phosphamidon, an extensively used organophosphate pesticide, is still not clear. The aim of the present study is to find the possible molecular mechanism of this pesticide to induce apoptosis and the role of different drugs for attenuation of such effects. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were incubated with increasing concentrations of phosphamidon (0–20 μM) for 6–24 h. The MTT assay reveals that phosphamidon induces cytotoxicity in a dose‐dependent manner. Cellular glutathione (GSH) is depleted in a dose‐dependent manner from 55% to 70% at concentrations between 10 and 20 μM. The percentage of cells that bind to Annexin‐V, which is a representative of cells either undergoing apoptosis or necrosis during 24 h incubation, increases in a dose‐dependent manner. Above 5 μM, significant necrosis of cells was observed. DNA fragmentation assay revealed that at low concentration of phosphamidon (1 μM), no appreciable change in DNA fragmentation was seen; however, distinct fragmentation was observed beyond 2.5 μM. Phosphamidon was found to cause significant depletion of GSH, which correlates well with the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis. An increasing trend in levels of cytochrome c was observed with increasing concentration of phosphamidon, indicating that the apoptotic effect of phosphamidon is mediated through cytochrome c release. Coadministration of the antioxidants N‐acetylcysteine and curcumin attenuated phosphamidon‐induced apoptosis. This further supports our hypothesis that oxidative stress, as indicated by GSH depletion, results in the induction of apoptosis by release of cytochrome c. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:286–292, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20337
Activation of metallothionein transcription by 4‐hydroxynonenal
Authors: Braithwaite Elena K. , Mattie Michael D. , Freedman Jonathan H.
Published: October 2010

Metallothioneins (MTs) protect cells from oxidative damage by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Concurrent with protecting cells from ROS‐mediated damage, MT transcription is induced by ROS. ROS activate transcription by affecting several signal transduction pathways, many of which have been implicated in regulating MT transcription. ROS‐activated intracellular signaling is mediated by the stable lipid peroxide 4‐hydroxynonenal (HNE). After determining the level of sensitivity of Hepa 1‐6 cells to HNE, MT‐1 mRNA expression was shown to be induced in a concentration and time‐dependent manner after HNE exposure. Finally, using MT‐based reporters, HNE was found to induce MT transcription via both antioxidant response and metal response elements. Thus, ROS may activate MT transcription by generating HNE that in turn affects signaling pathways that regulate MT transcription via the transcription factors AP‐1 and MTF‐1. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:330–334, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20342
Benchmarking patient‐ and family‐centered care: Highlights from a study of practices in 26 academic medical centers
Authors: Vermoch Kathleen L. , Bunting Jr. Robert F.
Published: October 2010

Patient‐ and family‐centered care (PFCC) is premised on the belief that patients, families, and healthcare providers who are empowered and engaged throughout the healthcare system are integral components, with each vital to the delivery of quality and safe care. Adopting a PFCC culture can result in improved quality, safety, communication, and patient satisfaction. University HealthSystem Consortium hospitals that have adopted these concepts have demonstrated significant improvements. By using an initial survey, developing benchmark parameters, and conducting ongoing analysis and feedback, these hospitals have developed ways to reap many benefits.
Human intervertebral disc internal strain in compression: The effect of disc region, loading position, and degeneration
Authors: O'Connell Grace D. , Vresilovic Edward J. , Elliott Dawn M.
Published: October 2010

The primary function of the disc is mechanical; therefore, degenerative changes in disc mechanics and the interactions between the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) in nondegenerate and degenerate discs are important to functional evaluation. The disc experiences complex loading conditions, including mechanical interactions between the pressurized NP and the surrounding fiber‐reinforced AF. Our objective was to noninvasively evaluate the internal deformations of nondegenerate and degenerate human discs under axial compression with flexion, neutral, and extension positions using magnetic resonance imaging and image correlation. The side of applied bending (e.g., anterior AF in flexion) had higher tensile radial and compressive axial strains, and the opposite side of bending exhibited tensile axial strains even though the disc was loaded under axial compression. Degenerated discs exhibited higher compressive axial and tensile radial strains, which suggest that load distribution through the disc subcomponents are altered with degeneration, likely due to the depressurized NP placing more of the applied load directly on the AF. The posterior AF exhibited higher compressive axial and higher tensile radial strains than the other AF regions, and the strains were not correlated with degeneration, suggesting this region undergoes high strains throughout life, which may predispose it to failure and tears. In addition to understanding internal disc mechanics, this study provides important new data into the changes in internal strain with degeneration, data for validation of finite element models, and provides a technique and baseline data for evaluating surgical treatments. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 547–555, 2011
Osteocyte apoptosis is mechanically regulated and induces angiogenesis in vitro
Authors: Cheung Wing‐Yee , Liu Chao , Tonelli‐Zasarsky Rachel M.L. , Simmons Craig A. , You Lidan
Published: October 2010

Osteocyte apoptosis, associated with reduced interstitial fluid flow, precedes osteoclast precursor recruitment and may aid in the delivery of osteoclast precursors to the remodeling site by promoting angiogenesis. To test the association between fluid flow and osteocyte apoptosis, osteocyte‐like MLO‐Y4 cells were subjected to either oscillatory fluid flow (10 dynes/cm2, 1 Hz) or no flow conditions with or without TNF‐α treatment to induce osteocyte apoptosis chemically. Flow protected osteocytes from apoptosis regardless of whether they were treated with TNF‐α (p < 0.001) or not (p < 0.05). TNF‐α‐induced apoptotic and nonapoptotic osteocyte conditioned media were used to study the effect of osteocyte apoptosis on angiogenesis. Apoptotic osteocyte conditioned media caused more endothelial cell proliferation (p < 0.05) and migration (p < 0.05), and tubule networks with longer (p < 0.01) and more (p < 0.001) branches than nonapoptotic osteocyte conditioned media. Apoptotic osteocyte conditioned media contained more vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) than nonapoptotic osteocyte conditioned media (p < 0.05). VEGF concentrations found in apoptotic osteocyte conditioned media formed endothelial tubule networks with longer (p < 0.05) and more (p < 0.02) branches than VEGF concentrations in nonapoptotic osteocyte conditioned media. Blocking VEGF in apoptotic osteocyte conditioned media abolished tubule formation effects (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that osteocyte apoptosis is flow‐regulated and promotes angiogenesis in a VEGF‐mediated manner. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:523–530, 2011
Improving methods of resident selection
Authors: Prager Jeremy D. , Myer Charles M. , Hayes Kay M. , Myer Charles M. , Pensak Myles L.
Published: October 2010

Objectives:

Applying the concept of the ACGME general competencies, it is possible to define the essential job objectives and competencies of a junior otolaryngology resident. The objective of this study is to incorporate commercially available tools of business in the identification of competencies specific to the junior otolaryngology resident and develop behavioral‐based interview questions and techniques designed to identify these qualities in candidates for residency.

Study Design:

Institution of a pilot program involving a focus group within an otolaryngology department, a professional development consultant, commercial business software for occupational analysis and personnel selection, and an interview technique training seminar for faculty and residents.

Methods:

In coordination with a university‐based professional development consultant, a formal job analysis was conducted to define the job objectives and competencies of a junior otolaryngology resident. These results were used to generate behavioral‐based interview questions for use in the resident selection process. All interviewing faculty and residents were trained in behavioral‐based interviewing.

Results:

Occupational objectives for the junior resident position specific to a particular university department of otolaryngology were identified. Additionally, the essential skills, areas of knowledge, and competencies were identified. Behavioral‐based questions specific to the competencies were created and incorporated into the current resident selection interview.

Conclusions:

Using tools of occupational analysis and personnel selection, a list of job objectives and competencies for the junior otolaryngology resident can be created. Using these results, behavioral‐based interviews may be implemented to complement traditional interviews with the ultimate goal of improving candidate selection. Laryngoscope, 2010
Exostoses of the paranasal sinuses
Authors: Ramakrishnan Jeevan B. , Pirron Jose A. , Perepletchikov Aleksandr , Ferguson Berrylin J.
Published: October 2010

While bony exostoses of the external auditory canal have long been recognized as a complication of cold‐water swimming, bony exostoses of the paranasal sinuses have not been previously reported. We present an unusual case of multiple exostoses of the paranasal sinuses, which began coincident with nasal irrigation with cold gentamicin solution. The patient had had prior endoscopic sinus surgery. Topical antibiotic gentamicin irrigation lessened recurrence of bacterial sinus episodes. He admitted to using the irrigation directly from the refrigerator daily for two years. A biopsy was consistent with exostosis. Patients should be counseled to avoid irrigating their paranasal sinuses with cold irrigants. Laryngoscope, 2010
In vivo neurochemistry of primary focal hand dystonia: A magnetic resonance spectroscopic neurometabolite profiling study at 3T
Authors: Herath Priyantha , Gallea Cecile , van der Veen Jan Willem , Horovitz Silvina G. , Hallett Mark
Published: October 2010

The neurochemical basis of dystonia is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the differences of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), in the sensorimotor cortex and the basal ganglia using magnetic resonance spectroscopy with optimized GABA sensitivity. Twenty‐two patients with focal hand dystonia and 22 healthy controls were studied. No significant differences in GABA were observed between the groups in either the sensorimotor cortex or in the basal ganglia. © Movement Disorder Society.
Outcome of Chinese children with unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Chen Jing , Lim ZiYi , Luo Cheng‐Juan , Jiang Hua , Luo Chang‐Ying , Tang Jing‐yan , Wang Yao‐ping , Gu Long‐jun
Published: October 2010

Background

To evaluate the prognostic factors and outcomes in Chinese children undergoing unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (UDT).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 53 consecutive children who received UDT from November 2002 to December 2007 in our center.

Results

The median recipient age was 8.4 years (range 1.5–21). With a median follow‐up of 36 months (range 18–80), the probability of 3‐year overall survival (OS) was 71.5%. Treatment‐related mortality (TRM) was 19.0%, and 9.5% died after post‐transplant leukemia relapse. Incidence of grades I–II, III–IV acute and chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) was 63%, 29%, and 46%. There was significant difference in OS between patients older or younger than 10 years (50.0% vs. 84.8%, P = 0.003), patients with different underlying diseases (ALL, AML, CML, and non‐malignant disease: 36.4%, 80.0%, 61.5%, and 100%, P = 0.001) and patients receiving either HLA 0–1 versus 2–3 loci high‐resolution mismatched UDT (83.3% vs. 53.3%, P = 0.034). The OS was not affected by the stem cell source (peripheral stem cell 70.3%, bone marrow 87.5% vs. cord blood 62.5%, P = 0.542) or the severity of acute GVHD (grade 0–II 77.8% vs. grade III–IV 60.0%, P = 0.140).

Conclusions

The important prognostic factors for OS after UDT were the degree of HLA match, the age of patient and the type of underlying disease. Patients <10‐year with non‐malignant disease receiving 0–1 locus high‐resolution mismatched UDT had the most favorable outcomes. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:1386–1392. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
KIR receptor‐ligand incompatibility predicts killing of osteosarcoma cell lines by allogeneic NK cells
Authors: Delgado David , Webster Daniel E. , DeSantes Kenneth B. , Durkin Emily T. , Shaaban Aimen F.
Published: October 2010

Background

The effectiveness of killer immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) incompatible, alloreactive natural killer (NK) cells has been primarily documented in hematological malignancies following stem‐cell transplant. This effect has not been thoroughly evaluated for pediatric solid tumors. In this study, we evaluated KIR receptor‐ligand incompatibility of NK cells against osteosarcoma cell lines.

Procedure

Following the KIR receptor‐ligand mismatch model, MHC I cell surface expression and KIR ligand mRNA content of 3 osteosarcoma cell lines was determined by flow cytometry and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), respectively. NK cells were isolated from healthy volunteer donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and KIR surface expression determined by flow cytometry. An Annexin‐V based flow cytometric killing assay was used to determine % of dying osteosarcoma target cells by donor NK effector cells.

Results

One of seven healthy volunteer donors tested lacked phenotypic expression of one KIR. However, variable expression of KIR ligands was observed in 3 osteosarcoma cell lines. The highest rates of dying cells were seen in osteosarcoma cells with the lowest KIR ligand expression. Following down‐regulation of KIR ligand expression, an increased susceptibility to NK cell‐mediated killing was observed in a previously NK‐resistant osteosarcoma cell line.

Conclusions

Variable MHC I and KIR ligand expression was observed in osteosarcoma cell lines and this resulted in variable susceptibility to NK cell‐mediated killing predicted by the degree of KIR receptor‐ligand incompatibility. Collectively, these data provide rationale for the study of KIR incompatible stem‐cell transplant for osteosarcoma, although further studies with fresh osteosarcoma samples are necessary. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:1300–1305. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nutritional intake of long‐term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Evidence for bone health interventional opportunities
Authors: Tylavsky Frances A. , Smith Karen , Surprise Harriet , Garland Sarah , Yan Xiaowei , McCammon Elizabeth , Hudson Melissa M. , Pui Ching‐Hon , Kaste Sue C.
Published: October 2010

Background

Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are vulnerable to exaggeration of the aging process including decreased bone mineral density (BMD). As little is known about their dietary or nutrient intake that may affect their long‐term bone health, we examined nutrient intake in long‐term survivors of childhood ALL.

Procedure

Survivors (n = 164) of childhood ALL who had completed treatment for at least 5 years and were in continuous remission, completed a 110‐item food questionnaire that reflected dietary intake over the previous year. The analyzed cohort comprised 34 females and 38 males younger than 19 years and 45 females and 47 males at least 19 years. Reported nutrient intake and food selection were compared with age‐specific Recommended Dietary Allowance and USDA Pyramid Food Guide. Body mass index was compared to the general US population, adjusted for age, gender, Tanner stage and race.

Results

Less than 30% of participants met recommended dietary intakes for vitamin D, calcium, potassium, or magnesium regardless of age. Mean daily caloric intake was 2,204 kcal (51% from carbohydrates) for younger and 2,160 kcal (49% from carbohydrates) for older participants. Energy intake from sweets was 70% higher than recommended. Participants <19 years were less likely to have a healthy weight (odds ratio 0.48, 95% CI 0.30–0.79); >19 years more likely to be overweight (odds ratio 1.95, 95% CI 1.11–3.32, P < 0.002).

Conclusions

Survivors of childhood ALL need careful dietary intervention to optimize long‐term health. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:1362–1369. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flow of non‐newtonian fluids in porous media
Authors: Sochi Taha
Published: October 2010

The study of flow of non‐Newtonian fluids in porous media is very important and serves a wide variety of practical applications in processes such as enhanced oil recovery from underground reservoirs, filtration of polymer solutions and soil remediation through the removal of liquid pollutants. These fluids occur in diverse natural and synthetic forms and can be regarded as the rule rather than the exception. They show very complex strain and time dependent behavior and may have initial yield‐stress. Their common feature is that they do not obey the simple Newtonian relation of proportionality between stress and rate of deformation. Non‐Newtonian fluids are generally classified into three main categories: time‐independent whose strain rate solely depends on the instantaneous stress, time‐dependent whose strain rate is a function of both magnitude and duration of the applied stress and viscoelastic which shows partial elastic recovery on removal of the deforming stress and usually demonstrates both time and strain dependency. In this article, the key aspects of these fluids are reviewed with particular emphasis on single‐phase flow through porous media. The four main approaches for describing the flow in porous media are examined and assessed. These are: continuum models, bundle of tubes models, numerical methods and pore‐scale network modeling. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
Rational design of peptide nanotubes for varying diameters and lengths
Authors: Ueda Motoki , Makino Akira , Imai Tomoya , Sugiyama Junji , Kimura Shunsaku
Published: October 2010

Amphiphilic helical peptides (Sar)m‐b‐(L‐Leu‐Aib)n (m = 22–25; n = 7, 8, 10) with a hydrophobic block as a right‐handed helix were synthesized and their mixtures with (Sar)25‐b‐(D‐Leu‐Aib)6 containing the hydrophobic block as a left‐handed helix were examined in their molecular assembly formation. The single component (Sar)25‐b‐(D‐Leu‐Aib)6 forms peptide nanotubes of 70 nm diameter and 200 nm length. The two‐component mixtures of (Sar)25‐b‐(D‐Leu‐Aib)6 with (Sar)24‐b‐(L‐Leu‐Aib)7, (Sar)22‐b‐(L‐Leu‐Aib)8, and (Sar)25‐b‐(L‐Leu‐Aib)10 yield peptide nanotubes of varying dimensions with 200 nm diameter and 400 nm length, 70 nm diameter and several micrometer length (maximum 30 µm), and 70 nm diameter and 100–600 nm length, respectively. The right‐handed and the left‐handed helix were thus found to be molecularly mixed due to the stereo‐complex formation and to generate nanotubes of different sizes. When the mismatch of the hydrophobic helical length between the two components was of four residues, the longest nanotube was generated. Correspondingly, the hydrophobic helical segments have to interdigitate with an anti‐parallel orientation at the hydrophobic core region of the nanotube. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A retro‐inverso α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone analog with MC1R‐binding selectivity
Authors: Weeden Timothy , Stefano Jim , Duan Su , Edling Andrea , Hou Lihui , Chuang Wei‐Lien , Perricone Michael A. , Pan Clark , Dzuris John L.
Published: October 2010

α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) is a tridecapeptide fragment of pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) with broad effects on appetite, skin pigmentation, hormonal regulation, and potential roles in both inflammation and autoimmunity. The use of this peptide as an anti‐inflammatory agent is limited by its low selectivity between the melanocortin receptors, susceptibility to proteolytic degradation, and rapid clearance from circulation. A retro‐inverso (RI) sequence of α‐MSH was characterized for receptor activity and resistance to protease. This peptide demonstrated surprisingly high selectivity for binding the melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R). However, RI‐α‐MSH exhibited a diminished binding affinity for MC1R compared to α‐MSH. Mapping of the residues critical for agonist activity, receptor binding, and selectivity by alanine scanning, identified the same critical core tetrapeptide required for the native peptide. Modest improvements in affinity were obtained by conservative changes employing non‐natural amino acids and substitution of the C‐terminal sequence with a portion of a MC1R ligand peptide previously identified by phage display. Recombination of these elements yielded a peptide with an identical Ki as α‐MSH at MC1R and a lower EC50 in Mel‐624 melanoma cells. A number of other structural modifications of the RI peptide were found to differ in effect from those reported for the L‐form α‐MSH, suggesting a significantly altered interaction with the MC1R. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoparticles containing octreotide peptides and gadolinium complexes for MRI applications
Authors: Accardo Antonella , Morisco Anna , Gianolio Eliana , Tesauro Diego , Mangiapia Gaetano , Radulescu Aurel , Brandt Astrid , Morelli Giancarlo
Published: October 2010

New mixed nanoparticles were obtained by self‐aggregation of two amphiplic monomers. The first monomer (C18)2L5‐Oct contains two C18 hydrophobic moieties bound to the N‐terminus of the cyclic peptide octreotide, and spaced from the bioactive peptide by five units of dioxoethylene linkers. The second monomer, (C18)2DTPAGlu, (C18)2DTPA or (C18)2DOTA, and the corresponding Gd(III) complexes, contains two C18 hydrophobic moieties bound through a lysine residue to different polyamino‐polycarboxy ligands: DTPAGlu, DTPA or DOTA. Mixed aggregates have been obtained and structurally characterized by small angle neutron scattering (SANS) techniques and for their relaxometric behavior. According to a decrease of negative charges in the surfactant head‐group, a total or a partial micelle‐to‐vesicle transition is observed by passing from (C18)2DTPAGlu to (C18)2DOTA. The thicknesses of the bilayers are substantially constant, around 50 Å, in the analyzed systems. Moreover, the mixed aggregates, in which a small amount of amphiphilic octreotide monomer (C18)2L5‐Oct (10% mol/mol) was inserted, do not differ significantly from the respective self‐assembled systems. Fluorescence emission of tryptophan residue at 340 nm indicates low mobility of water molecules at the peptide surface. The proton relaxivity of mixed aggregates based on (C18)2DTPAGlu(Gd), (C18)2DTPA(Gd) and (C18)2DOTA(Gd) resulted to be 17.6, 15.2 and 10.0 mM−1 s−1 (at 20 MHz and 298K), respectively. The decrease in the relaxivity values can be ascribed to the increase in τM (81, 205 and 750 ns). The presence of amphiphilic octreotide monomer exposed on mixed aggregate surface gives the entire nanoparticles a potential binding selectivity toward somatostatin sstr2 receptor subtype, and these systems could act as MRI target‐specific contrast agent. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two novel antimicrobial peptides from skin secretions of the frog, Rana nigrovittata
Authors: Liu Xiuhong , Liu Rui , Wei Lin , Yang Hailong , Zhang Keyun , Liu Jingze , Lai Ren
Published: October 2010

Two novel antimicrobial peptides with similarity to brevinin‐2 family are purified and characterized from the skin secretions of the frog, Rana nigrovittata. Their amino acid sequences were determined as GAFGNFLKGVAKKAGLKILSIAQCKLSGTC (brevinin‐2‐RN1) and GAFGNFLKGVAKKAGLKILSIAQCKLFGTC (brevinin‐2‐RN2), respectively, by Edman degradation. Different from brevinin‐2, which is composed of 33 amino acid residues (aa), both brevinin‐2‐RN1 and ‐RN2 contain 30 aa. Five cDNA sequences (Genbank accession numbers, EU136465‐9) encoding precursors of brevinin‐2‐RN1 and ‐RN2 were screened from the skin cDNA library of R. nigrovittata. These precursors are composed of 72 aa including a predicted signal peptide, an acidic spacer peptide, and a mature brevinin‐2‐RN. Both brevinin‐2‐RN1 and ‐RN2 showed strong antimicrobial activities against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria and fungi. The current work identified and characterized two novel antimicrobial peptides with unique primary structure. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, biological activity and solution structure of new analogues of the antimicrobial Gramicidin S
Authors: Kamysz Elżbieta , Mickiewicz Beata , Kamysz Wojciech , Bielińska Sylwia , Rodziewicz‐Motowidło Sylwia , Ciarkowski Jerzy
Published: October 2010

Gramicidin S (GS) is a cyclo‐decapeptide antibiotic isolated fromBacillus brevis. The structural studies have shown that GS forms a two‐stranded antiparallel β‐sheet imposed by two II′ β‐turns. Despite its wide Gram+ and Gram− antimicrobial spectrum, GS is useless in therapy because of its high hemotoxicity in humans. It was found, however, that the analogues of GS‐14 (GS with 14 amino acid residues) attained a better antimicrobial selectivity when their amphipatic moments were perturbed. In this study, we report effects of similar perturbations imposed on GS cyclo‐decapeptide analogues. Having solved their structures by NMR/molecular dynamics and having tested their activities/selectivities, we have concluded that the idea of perturbation of the amphipatic moment does not work for GS‐10_0 analogues. An innovative approach to the synthesis of head‐to‐tail cyclopeptides was used. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cu2S nanowires and MnS/Cu2S nanojunctions derived from γ‐MnS nanowires via selective cation‐exchange reaction
Authors: Xu G. , Zhu Y. L. , Ma X. L.
Published: October 2010

Cu2S nanowires and MnS/Cu2S junctions have been derived on the basis of γ‐MnS nanowires via cation‐exchange reaction. Relationships between a selective cation exchange and the growth direction of the γ‐MnS nanowires are identified by means of transmission electron microscopy. In the case of γ‐MnS nanowires with [0001] growth direction, Cu+ exchange with an initial γ‐MnS nanowire results in a Cu2S nanowire. In contrast, for γ‐MnS nanowires with [1–100] growth direction, Cu+ exchange leads to a striped MnS/Cu2S junction. Mechanisms for this selective cation exchange are proposed.
Permittivity measurements in nanostructured TiO2 gas sensors
Authors: Giberti A. , Carotta M. C. , Malagù C. , Aldao C. M. , Castro M. S. , Ponce M. A. , Parra R.
Published: October 2010

Resistance and capacitance measurements, as a function of frequency, were carried out to analyze and model the electrical behavior of undoped titanium dioxide (TiO2) films. The sensing measurements were carried out in a chamber with independent temperature, pressure, gas composition, and flow rate control. With the aim of evaluating the electrical response of the sample as a function of the surrounding atmosphere, a frequency range of 100 Hz–4 MHz was used (vacuum or air at atmospheric pressure). The resistance and capacitance responses were obtained with the help of impedance spectroscopy technique. The impedance response versus frequency allows the discrimination between grain‐boundary capacitance (Cgb) and resistance (Rgb) contributions. A model, taking into account the possible effects due to grain size is proposed in order to work out the permittivity of the material.
Evidence that the marine‐derived multi‐mineral aquamin has anti‐inflammatory effects on cortical glial‐enriched cultures
Authors: Ryan Sinead , O'Gorman Denise M. , Nolan Yvonne M.
Published: October 2010

It is well established that neuroinflammation contributes to brain aging, and that cortical cells are particularly vulnerable. Lipopolysaccharide stimulates the release of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and interleukin‐1beta from glial cells which consequently induces an impairment in neuronal cell function. The food supplement, Aquamin, is a natural, multi‐mineral derived from the red algae Lithothamnion corallioides, rich in calcium, magnesium and 72 other trace minerals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory potential of Aquamin in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated, glial‐enriched primary cultures of rat cortex. It is reported that Aquamin prevented lipopolysaccharide‐induced secretion of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and interleukin‐1beta from cortical glia. These data suggest that nutritional supplements such as Aquamin may play an important role in impeding the detrimental effects of excessive inflammation in the brain. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The functionality of cation bridges for binding polar groups in soil aggregates
Authors: Aquino Adélia J. A. , Tunega Daniel , Schaumann Gabriele E. , Haberhauer Georg , Gerzabek Martin H. , Lischka Hans
Published: October 2010

Structural and energetic properties of cation bridges in soil supramolecular aggregates were studied by means of a model system in which two carboxylate groups connected to aliphatic oligomer chains were bound by Ca2+ and Na+, respectively. Wetting/drying conditions in soils because of environmental changes were modeled by different content of water molecules forming the solvation shell of the cations. Density functional theory calculations were performed for unpolar (isolated structures) and polar (water as continuum polarization model) environment. Direct and indirect complexes of the cations with the carboxylate groups were found to have different stability. Formation of indirect complexes was computed by means of potential energy curves for the approach of bare (reference set) and solvated cations to the dimer chain containing the carboxylate groups. Characteristic difference on drying (stepwise reduction of water molecules) between Ca2+ and Na+ complexes were observed affecting the predicted mobility of monovalent and divalent cations in soils. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Experimental and theoretical studies on the inhibition potentials of some derivatives of cyclopenta‐1,3‐diene for the corrosion of mild steel in HCl solutions
Authors: Eddy Nnabuk O. , Ita Benedict I.
Published: October 2010

The inhibition of the corrosion of mild steel in HCl by some cyclopentadiene‐1,3‐diene derivatives, namely, 1‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)ethanone (2APT), 1‐(1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)ethanone (2AP), and (E)‐2‐(1‐hydrazonoethyl)‐1H‐pyrrole (2APH)), was studied experimentally using weight loss and hydrogen gas evolution measurements. The theoretical aspect was studied using the density functional theory and quantitative structure activity relation (QSAR) methods. The results obtained indicated that the studied compounds are good inhibitors for the corrosion of mild steel in HCl. The adsorption of the inhibitor on mild steel surface was found to be spontaneous, exothermic, and obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. A good correlation was found between experimental inhibition efficiencies and some calculated quantum chemical parameters and also with the theoretical inhibition efficiencies obtained from QSAR modeling. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Theoretical studies on the structural rearrangement of ligand binding pocket in human vitamin D receptor
Authors: Wang Jinhu , Tang Ke , Hou Qianqian , Cheng Xueli , Liu Yongjun , Liu Chengbu
Published: October 2010

The structural rearrangement of the ligand binding domain (LBD) of human Vitamin D receptor (hVDR) complexed with 1α, 25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (natural ligand) and its analogues (denoted as b and c) was studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. MD simulations revealed that these ligands could induce different structural changes of LBD, in which 1α, 25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 only led to a minute change, suggesting that LBD adopted its canonical active conformation upon binding the natural ligand, while b and c could provoke a clear structural rearrangement of the LBD. In complex of hVDR‐LBD/b, it is found that helix 6 (H6) and subsequent loop 6‐7 shift outward and the last turn of H11 shifts away from H12, which generate a new cavity at the bottom of binding pocket to accommodate the extra butyl group on the side chain of ligand b. As for hVDR‐LBD/c, the steric exclusion of the second side chain of ligand c makes the N‐terminal of H7 move outsides and C‐terminal of H11 close to H12, expanding the bottom of the pocket. These calculation results agree well the experimental observations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011