bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcription Factor Sp1 Is Involved in Expressional Regulation of Coxsackie and Adenovirus Receptor in Cancer Cells
Authors: Chung Sun-Ku , Kim Joo-Young , Lim Joong-Yeon , Park Young Mi , Hwang Ha-Young , Nam Jae-Hwan , Park Sang Ick
Published: November 2011

Coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) was first known as a virus receptor. Recently, it is also known to have tumor suppressive activity such as inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. It is important to understand how CAR expression can be regulated in cancers. Based on an existence of putative Sp1 binding site within CAR promoter, we investigated whether indeed Sp1 is involved in the regulation of CAR expression. We observed that deletion or mutation of Sp1 binding motif (−503/−498) prominently impaired the Sp1 binding affinity and activity of CAR promoter. Histone deacetylase inhibitor (TSA) treatment enhanced recruitment of Sp1 to the CAR promoter in ChIP assay. Meanwhile, Sp1 binding inhibitor suppressed the recruitment. Exogenous expression of wild‐type Sp1 increased CAR expression in CAR‐negative cells; meanwhile, dominant negative Sp1 decreased the CAR expression in CAR‐positive cells. These results indicate that Sp1 is involved in regulation of CAR expression.
Study of Pharmacokinetics and Comparative Bioavailability of Nefopam 30 mg Tablets in Twelve Fasting Healthy Pakistani Male Young Subjects: Single-Dose, Randomized, Two-Period, Two-Treatment and Two-Way Cross-Over Design
Authors: Ahmad Mahmood , Yaqoob Muhammad , Murtaza Ghulam
Published: November 2011

Objective: To study the pharmacokinetics and comparative bioavailability of nefopam tablets (Acupan®). Subjects and Methods: Experimentation of this study was based on a single-dose, two-sequence, cross-over randomized design using 12 fasting healthy Pakistani male young subjects. This validated LC/MS method was applied to a pharmacokinetic and bioavailability study in 12 fasting healthy Pakistani male subjects from the blood samples taken up to 24 h after an oral dose of one tablet of 30 mg nefopam in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over design. Results: The mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) for the reference formulation was 60.71 ± 2.36 ng/ml (± SEM) and for test formulation 60.46 ± 1.30 ng/ml (± SEM). The mean time to reach maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) values of reference and test formulations was 1.63 ± 0.13 h (± SEM) and 1.83 ± 0.07 h (± SEM), respectively. The mean ± SEM values of AUC0–∞ for the reference and test formulations were 293.01 ± 16.09 ng·h/ml and 307.53 ± 8.99 ng·h/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that both formulations possessed almost the same relative bioavailability and pharmacokinetic parameters.
Fast track multi-discipline treatment (FTMDT trial) versus conventional treatment in colorectal cancer--the design of a prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Zhou Jiao-Jiao , Li Jun , Ying Xiao-Jiang , Song Yong-Mao , Chen Rong , Chen Gang , Yan Min , Ding Ke-Feng
Published: November 2011

Background

Laparoscopy-assisted surgery, fast-track perioperative treatment are both increasingly used in colorectal cancer treatment, for their short-time benefits of enhanced recovery and short hospital stays. However, the benefits of the integration of the Laparoscopy-assisted surgery, fast-track perioperative treatment, and even with the Xelox chemotherapy, are still unknown. In this study, the three treatments integration is defined as "Fast Track Multi-Discipline Treatment Model" for colorectal cancer and this model extends the benefits to the whole treatment process of colorectal cancer. The main purpose of the study is to explore the feasibility of "Fast Track Multi-Discipline Treatment" model in treatment of colorectal cancer.

Methods

The trial is a prospective randomized controlled study with 2 × 2 balanced factorial design. Patients eligible for the study will be randomized to 4 groups: (I) Laparoscopic surgery with fast track perioperative treatment and Xelox chemotherapy; (II) Open surgery with fast track perioperative treatment and Xelox chemotherapy; (III) Laparoscopic surgery with conventional perioperative treatment and mFolfox6 chemotherapy; (IV) Open surgery with conventional perioperative treatment and mFolfox6 chemotherapy. The primary endpoint of this study is the hospital stays. The secondary endpoints are the quality of life, chemotherapy related adverse events, surgical complications and hospitalization costs. Totally, 340 patients will be enrolled with 85 patients in each group.

Conclusions

The study initiates a new treatment model "Fast Track Multi-Discipline Treatment" for colorectal cancer, and will provide feasibility evidence on the new model "Fast Track Multi-Discipline Treatment" for patients with colorectal cancer.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01080547
A multi-region assessment of population rates of cardiac catheterization and yield of high-risk coronary artery disease
Authors: Clement Fiona M , Manns Braden J , Brownell Brenda , Faris Peter D , Graham Michelle M , Humphries Karin , Love Michael , Knudtson Merril L , Ghali William A ,   the APPROACH Investigators
Published: November 2011

Background

There is variation in cardiac catheterization utilization across jurisdictions. Previous work from Alberta, Canada, showed no evidence of a plateau in the yield of high-risk disease at cardiac catheterization rates as high as 600 per 100,000 population suggesting that the optimal rate is higher. This work aims 1) To determine if a previously demonstrated linear relationship between the yield of high-risk coronary disease and cardiac catheterization rates persists with contemporary data and 2) to explore whether the linear relationship exists in other jurisdictions.

Methods

Detailed clinical information on all patients undergoing cardiac catheterization in 3 Canadian provinces was available through the Alberta Provincial Project for Outcomes Assessment in Coronary Heart (APPROACH) disease and partner initiatives in British Columbia and Nova Scotia. Population rates of catheterization and high-risk coronary disease detection for each health region in these three provinces, and age-adjusted rates produced using direct standardization. A mixed effects regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between catheterization rate and high-risk coronary disease detection.

Results

In the contemporary Alberta data, we found a linear relationship between the population catheterization rate and the high-risk yield. Although the yield was slightly less in time period 2 (2002-2006) than in time period 1(1995-2001), there was no statistical evidence of a plateau. The linear relationship between catheterization rate and high-risk yield was similarly demonstrated in British Columbia and Nova Scotia and appears to extend, without a plateau in yield, to rates over 800 procedures per 100,000 population.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates a consistent finding, over time and across jurisdictions, of linearly increasing detection of high-risk CAD as population rates of cardiac catheterization increase. This internationally-relevant finding can inform country-level planning of invasive cardiac care services.
Clinical effectiveness of fresh frozen plasma compared with fibrinogen concentrate: a systematic review
Authors: Kozek-Langenecker Sibylle , Sørensen Benny , Hess John R , Spahn Donat R
Published: November 2011

Introduction

Haemostatic therapy in surgical and/or massive trauma patients typically involves transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Purified human fibrinogen concentrate may offer an alternative to FFP in some instances. In this systematic review, we investigated the current evidence for the use of FFP and fibrinogen concentrate in the perioperative or massive trauma setting.

Methods

Studies reporting the outcome (blood loss, transfusion requirement, length of stay, survival and plasma fibrinogen level) of FFP or fibrinogen concentrate administration to patients in a perioperative or massive trauma setting were identified in electronic databases (1995 to 2010). Studies were included regardless of type, patient age, sample size or duration of patient follow-up. Studies of patients with congenital clotting factor deficiencies or other haematological disorders were excluded. Studies were assessed for eligibility, and data were extracted and tabulated.

Results

Ninety-one eligible studies (70 FFP and 21 fibrinogen concentrate) reported outcomes of interest. Few were high-quality prospective studies. Evidence for the efficacy of FFP was inconsistent across all assessed outcomes. Overall, FFP showed a positive effect for 28% of outcomes and a negative effect for 22% of outcomes. There was limited evidence that FFP reduced mortality: 50% of outcomes associated FFP with reduced mortality (typically trauma and/or massive bleeding), and 20% were associated with increased mortality (typically surgical and/or nonmassive bleeding). Five studies reported the outcome of fibrinogen concentrate versus a comparator. The evidence was consistently positive (70% of all outcomes), with no negative effects reported (0% of all outcomes). Fibrinogen concentrate was compared directly with FFP in three high-quality studies and was found to be superior for > 50% of outcomes in terms of reducing blood loss, allogeneic transfusion requirements, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay and increasing plasma fibrinogen levels. We found no fibrinogen concentrate comparator studies in patients with haemorrhage due to massive trauma, although efficacy across all assessed outcomes was reported in a number of noncomparator trauma studies.

Conclusions

The weight of evidence does not appear to support the clinical effectiveness of FFP for surgical and/or massive trauma patients and suggests it can be detrimental. Perioperatively, fibrinogen concentrate was generally associated with improved outcome measures, although more high-quality, prospective studies are required before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.
High-frequency oscillatory ventilation and short-term outcome in neonates and infants undergoing cardiac surgery: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Bojan Mirela , Gioanni Simone , Mauriat Philippe , Pouard Philippe
Published: November 2011

Introduction

Experience with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) after congenital cardiac surgery is limited despite evidence about reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance after the Fontan procedure. HFOV is recommended in adults and children with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The aim of the present study was to assess associations between commencement of HFOV on the day of surgery and length of mechanical ventilation, length of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay and mortality in neonates and infants with respiratory distress following cardiac surgery.

Methods

A logistic regression model was used to develop a propensity score, which accounted for the probability of being switched from conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) to HFOV on the day of surgery. It included baseline characteristics, type of procedure and postoperative variables, and was used to match each patient with HFOV with a control patient, in whom CMV was used exclusively. Length of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and mortality rates were compared in the matched set.

Results

Overall, 3,549 neonates and infants underwent cardiac surgery from January 2001 through June 2010, 120 patients were switched to HFOV and matched with 120 controls. After adjustment for the delay to sternal closure, duration of renal replacement therapy, occurrence of pulmonary hypertension and year of surgery, the probability of successful weaning over time and the probability of ICU delivery over time were significantly higher in patients with HFOV, adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals: 1.63, 1.17 to 2.26 (P = 0.004). and 1.65, 95% confidence intervals: 1.20 to 2.28 (P = 0.002) respectively. No association was found with mortality.

Conclusions

When commenced on the day of surgery in neonates and infants with respiratory distress following cardiac surgery, HFOV was associated with shorter lengths of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay than CMV.
Homocysteine inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Dou Xiaobing , Yao Tong , Song Zhenyuan
Published: November 2011

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a characteristic metabolic abnormality in several pathological conditions, including hypertension, diabetes and alcoholic liver disease. Emerging evidence indicates that adipose tissue contributes to HHcy and homocysteine (Hcy) conversely affects adipose tissue function. However, the specific effect of Hcyon adipogenesis is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of Hcy on adipogenic process using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, a well-established in vitro model for the study of adipogenesis. Confluent mouse embryo 3T3-L1 preadipocytes (D0) were exposed to differentiation cocktail for three days (D3). Then, cells were transferred to insulin-containing medium and re-fed every two days. Maturation of adipocytes was confirmed by Oil Red O staining of lipid droplets on day 7. Exogenous Hcy was added to the culture medium on either D0 or D3. At day 7, adipogenesis indices were measured. Our data indicated that both Hcy addition protocols suppressed adipogenic process, evidenced by decreased lipid accumulation and downregulated gene expressions of adipocyte protein 2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma), implying that Hcy exerted inhibitory effects on both mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) stage and differentiation stage. Further study showed that Hcy suppresses MCE via decreasing retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation and E2F-1 protein expression. To delineate the critical involvement of PPAR-gamma in Hcy-induced suppression on adipogenesis, we employed rosiglitazone, a specific PPAR-gamma agonist, to replace insulin for the inductive stimulus of adipogenesis. Our results showed that Hcy suppressed rosiglitazone-induced adipogenesis in a similar fashion as this by insulin, suggesting that inhibition of PPAR-gamma transactivation was critically involved in the Hcy-induced inhibitory effect on adipogenesis. Taken together, our data indicate that Hcy suppressed adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and the inhibition of PPAR-gamma transactivity may, at least partially, contribute to the suppressive effect.
A legitimidade da política de segurança democrática e a doutrina de segurança nacional na Colômbia
Authors: Dario Diogo Monteiro
Published: November 2011

Este artigo propõe estabelecer uma relação entre a Política de Segurança Democrática e a Doutrina de Segurança Nacional na Colômbia, para, a partir do discernimento dos traços de continuidade entre esses dois discursos, entender as implicações da Política de Segurança Democrática para a configuração do atual cenário político do país. Buscamos identificar essa continuidade por meio de uma análise de três processos: a formação das Forças Armadas colombianas, o papel dos Estados Unidos na política de segurança do país e a formação de grupos civis armados paramilitares. Articulando esses três elementos, argumentamos que o 11 de Setembro provê importante capital político para o empreendimento da Política de Segurança Democrática. Contudo, o seu conteúdo e suas implicações só ficam claros ao restabelecermos sua conexão com a Doutrina de Segurança Nacional.
Rainwater harvesting practices and attitudes in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam
Authors: Özdemir Semra , Elliott Mark , Brown Joe , Nam Pham K. , Thi Hien Vo , Sobsey Mark D.
Published: November 2011

Access to safe drinking water is limited in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) at household level is among the primary sources of drinking water in the region and is widely practiced throughout Southeast Asia. It has recently been increasingly advocated as an alternative or supplemental approach to household water supply. However, relatively little research has been done on current RWH practices and attitudes. We interviewed residents of 619 households in three provinces to understand the current practice of and preferences for rainwater harvesting. We found that rainwater was the most common water source for all domestic activities in the rainy season; however, it was reserved for high-value uses in the dry season. Residents ranked color, perceived safety, smell, taste and reliability of rainwater very highly compared to other water sources. Most households practice daily first-flush and/or boil water before drinking. Storage capacity seems to be a major barrier to RWH providing an adequate supply of domestic water year-round. Because other improved water supplies are not widely available in the rural delta, rainwater harvesting seems to be a promising way to expand access to improved water sources for the residents.
Online Public Engagement in the Obama Administration: Building a Democracy Bubble?
Authors: Bryer Thomas A.
Published: November 2011

Following the Bush administration, the Obama team enhanced access for citizens to participatory venues primarily through online mechanisms. Developing such channels gives citizens opportunity to develop their citizenship skills, potentially influence policy, and become more connected to community life. The administration can be applauded for participatory innovations, but needs to proceed strategically to ensure the innovations do not produce more harm than good and to ensure that the real change they are producing is sustainable into the next administration. This article develops the idea of a “democracy bubble” as the intersection of open access to participatory venues and inflated citizen expectations for what the participatory processes can deliver. It develops related ideas of a “democracy crater,” “democracy dropouts,” and “democracy demand.” Three fully online or online‐mediated Obama administration participation initiatives are assessed for their potential to lead to a democracy bubble: the development of Open Government Plans, the Electronic Town Hall meeting, and co‐produced community forums on health care and job creation. A primary finding is that the administration can do a better job establishing and managing expectations for what can be achieved through participation in its various initiatives.
Interdisciplinary studies of spring mire deposits from Radzików (South Podlasie Lowland, East Poland) and their significance for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions
Authors: Dobrowolski Radosław , Pidek Irena , Alexandrowicz Witold , Hałas Stanisław , Pazdur Anna , Piotrowska Natalia , Buczek Alicja , Urban Danuta , Melke Jerzy
Published: November 2011

The paper presents the results of interdisciplinary (multiproxy) palaeoenvironmental studies of peat — calcareous tufa depositional sequences of spring mire from Radzików site (east Poland). Analyses of three biotic proxies (plant macrofossils, pollen, molluscs) were supplemented with sedimentological, geochemical, oxygen and carbon stable isotopes analyses and radiocarbon dating and used for reconstruction of environmental changes in Late Glacial and Holocene. The obtained results enable us to (1) reconstruct main phases of mire development and (2) determine environmental factors influencing changes of water supply.

The object started to develop in Allerød. The Late Glacial and Early Holocene deposit sequence is relatively thick (about 1.0 m), with good palaeoecological record. The boundary between Younger Dryas and Preboreal is especially well confirmed by palynological and malacological analyses as well as radiocarbon dating. The Mesoholocene deposits are considerably worse preserved. Mire development was evaluated in terms of general mire ecology.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in a clonal herb, Cardamine leucantha (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Araki Kiwako S. , Kaneko Shingo , Isagi Yuji , Kudoh Hiroshi
Published: November 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed to analyze the clonal diversity and population genetic structure of a clonal plant, Cardamine leucantha.

• Methods and Results: Microsatellite loci were isolated by using compound simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers, resulting in 25 pairs including 14 useful markers. Samples from 33, 20, and 17 ramets in three populations were identified as belonging to 23, 18, and 17 genotypic individuals, respectively.

• Conclusions: These SSR markers will be used for identifying genets and evaluating genetic diversity of the clonal plant C. leucantha.
THEMIS observations of earthward convected flux ropes triggering field dipolarization/substorm expansion and associated particle energization
Authors: Vogiatzis I. I. , Malandraki O. E. , Zong Q.-G. , Zhou X.-Z. , Sarris T. E. , Sarris E. T. , Zhang H. , Fritz T. A.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. We investigated a number of substorm events during major conjunctions of the THEMIS spacecraft for the tail seasons of the mission. We present simultaneous observations from various instruments onboard the THEMIS spacecraft during the events. We focus particularly on events when at least one of the THEMIS spacecraft is adjacent to the neutral sheet where convectional plasma flows are observed. The events demonstrate clear dipolarization signatures accompanied by high-speed earthward plasma flows and intense wave activity. We present evidence that flux ropes are embedded within the high-speed earthward convective plasma sheet flows. This fact has important implications since the leading edge of the flux rope having south polarity can impulsively merge with the north polarity field of the stretched magnetotail leading to mutual erosion of both magnetic structures. The merging of the vertically oriented oppositely-directed field lines can lead to local cross-tail current reduction and flux rope dissipation. These observations are very important in explaining the mechanism triggering near-Earth dipolarization and particle acceleration to supra-thermal energies, since they can be associated with non-adiabatic conditions and breakdown of the frozen-in condition in the near-Earth magnetotail similar to that taking place during magnetic reconnection in the mid-tail.
Binding free energies of inhibitors to iron porphyrin complex as a model for Cytochrome P450
Authors: Lee Joo Yun , Kang Nam Sook , Kang Young Kee
Published: November 2011

The binding free energies of the inhibitor‐heme model complexes are calculated using the density functional methods and the implicit solvation models in water, where the 16 structurally diverse compounds with a spectrum of IC50 values from 0.05 (clotrimazole) to 1000 (piroxicam) μM are chosen as inhibitors for Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). CYP3A4 is the most predominant constituent of the human hepatic CYP enzymes that play a role in metabolizing structurally diverse xenobiotics. The observed free energy change for each inhibitory binding, ΔG, is obtained from its IC50 value. The total binding free energy (ΔG) of each inhibitor‐heme model complex is calculated by the sum of its relative free energy (ΔG0) in the gas phase and solvation free energy to the water–heme model complex. The UB3LYP/LanL2DZ level of theory provides the correct relative stabilities of the high‐ and low‐spin states for the penta‐ and hexa‐coordinated ferric complexes, respectively. The optimized distances of the inhibitor nitrogen (or water oxygen) and the methyl mercaptide S to the ferric iron of the inhibitor‐heme model complexes at the same level of theory are consistent with the values of the corresponding X‐ray structures, except for the econazole complex. The correlation coefficient r2 values of 0.91 and 0.75 are obtained from the ΔG−ΔG and ΔG0−ΔG plots, respectively, at the UM06/LanL2DZ:CPCM_UB3LYP/LanL2DZ//UB3LYP/LanL2DZ level of theory in water. This indicates that the total binding free energies calculated for the inhibitor‐heme model complexes can be a good descriptor in interpreting the inhibitor binding to CYP3A4 and the relative free energies in the gas phase are mainly responsible for the total binding free energies in water, although the desolvation can be a factor to affect the binding affinity of the inhibitors to CYP3A4. From the theozyme analysis of the X‐ray structures for ketoconazole‐ and metyrapone‐CYP3A4 complexes, the interaction free energy of the neighboring residues with each inhibitor in the active site is calculated to be about −3 kcal mol−1 in water, whose the interaction energy and the desolvation free energy change are about −5 and 2 kcal mol−1, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97: 219–228, 2012.
Installation of Amine Moieties into a Polycyclic Anodic Product Derived from 2,4‐Dimethylphenol
Authors: Barjau Joaquin , Fleischhauer Jan , Schnakenburg Gregor , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: November 2011

When 2,4‐dimethylphenol is anodically treated, a dehydrotetramer with four contiguous stereocentres is readily obtained on a multi‐gram scale. The substitution of a 2,4‐dimethyl‐phenoxy fragment by several amines was demonstrated, and the best results were obtained with primary amines. Optically pure α‐chiral aliphatic amines yield diastereomeric mixtures that can be separated in most cases. The basic amine causes a partial hemiketal‐opening of the bisbenzofuran moiety leading to an equilibrium within an α,β‐unsaturated cyclohexenone. This dynamic behaviour occurs on the time scale of NMR spectroscopy and is also found by X‐ray analysis providing a consistent picture.
Protonation‐Enhanced Lewis Acidity of Iridium Complexes Containing Noninnocent Amidophenolates
Authors: Ringenberg Mark R. , Rauchfuss Thomas B.
Published: November 2011

The effect of protonation of metal complexes of noninnocent ligands is investigated. The anilidophenolate complexes Cp*IrtBAtBu (1) and Cp*IrtBAFPh (2) were examined [H2tBAtBu = 2‐tert‐butylamino‐4,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenol, H2tBAFPh = 2‐(2‐trifluoromethyl)amino‐4,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenol]. Protonation of 1 with HBF4 gave the anilinophenolate [1H]+. Crystallographic characterization of this complex revealed an elongatated Ir–N bond, but the IrIII center remains pentacoordinate. The anilinophenolate hydride 1H(H) was prepared by treatment of [1H]+ with boron hydride reagents and with formic acid. X‐ray crystallography confirmed the structure and revealed that the hydride and ammonium hydrons occupy sites on opposite sides of the IrONC6 ring. Complex 2 is protonated only by strong acids, and the resulting derivative is unstable in the absence of ligands such as CO and PMe3. Crystallographic characterization of [2(PMe3)]+ revealed that protonation occurs at O not N. The carbonylation of [2H]+ reveals the intermediacy of kinetic adducts, which are proposed to be the anilino tautomer.
Cyclic Phosphonium Bis(fluoroaryl)boranes – Trends in Lewis Acidities and Application in Diels–Alder Catalysis
Authors: Schnurr Anna , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram , Wagner Matthias
Published: November 2011

The rigid cyclic Lewis acids [(C6F5)B(CH2)(C6F4)P(tBu)2]+ ([1]+), [(C6F5)B(CH2)(C6F3H)P(tBu)2]+ ([2]+), and [(C6H5)B(CH2)(C6F4)P(tBu)2]+ ([3]+), possess Gutmann acceptor numbers of AN = 87.3, 85.7, and 85.7, respectively, which are among the highest for organoboranes. Starting from (1)OTf, adducts [(1)Do][OTf] (Do = OPEt3, pyridine, H2O) have been prepared and fully characterized. In all three cases, X‐ray crystallography revealed significantly shorter B–O/N bond lengths than those in the corresponding adducts (C6F5)3B·Do. Both the free Lewis acid [1][Al(O(tBuF))4] and its triflate adduct (1)OTf have successfully been employed as catalysts for the [4+2] cycloaddition reaction between 2,5‐dimethyl‐1,4‐benzoquinone and cyclopentadiene. Moreover, we have shown that chiral phosphonium boranes are accessible by replacement of one tBu group in [1]+ by a Me substituent {cf. [4]+ = [(C6F5)B(CH2)(C6F4)P(Me)(tBu)]+}.
Synthesis of Annulated Pyridines by Intramolecular Inverse‐Electron‐Demand Hetero‐Diels–Alder Reaction under Superheated Continuous Flow Conditions
Authors: Martin Rainer E. , Morawitz Falk , Kuratli Christoph , Alker André M. , Alanine Alexander I.
Published: November 2011

Pyrimidine alkynes can be transformed into the corresponding annulated pyridines efficiently in flow. The superheating of organic solvents far beyond their boiling point enables toxic and difficult to workup solvents such as nitrobenzene or chlorobenzene, which are usually employed for these reactions, to be replaced by less harmful ones like toluene. The relative rate of reactivity for a series of structurally close starting materials was investigated and a scalable flow process was developed, providing facile access to a series of novel annulated pyridine building blocks. The effect of thermal volume expansion of solvents under superheated conditions was found to be significant and influenced the residence times considerably. To obtain meaningful and accurate residence times, flow rates need to be corrected for volume expansion. To avoid confusion with residence times, tR, calculated from nominal flow rates, we would propose to use for such corrected residence times the term effective residence time, tR,eff.
Electrochemical Study of Moroxydine and its Voltammetric Determination with a Silver Amalgam Film Electrode
Authors: Skrzypek S.
Published: November 2011

Moroxydine (Mor.) is an antiviral agent of biguanide structure. The paper presents a new silver amalgam film electrode (Hg(Ag)FE) for determination of Mor. in phosphate buffer, pH 6.2 (LOD=4×10−9 mol L−1, LOQ= 1×10−8 mol L−1) and in spiked urine using square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry. It was found that the compound can act as an electrocatalyst not only at hanging mercury drop electrode but also at the Hg(Ag)FE. The electrode mechanism is connected with the hydrogen evolution reaction catalyzed by moroxydine. Adsorption of moroxydine at the mercury electrode was studied and special arrangements of molecules enabling electron transfer of the protonated form of moroxydine is suggested.
A Carbon Nanotube Layered Electrode for the Construction of the Wired Bilirubin Oxidase Oxygen Cathode
Authors: Song Jiseon , Shin Hyosul , Kang Chan
Published: November 2011

Oxidatively treated carbon nanotubes were coated on a glassy carbon surface to form a CNT‐layer. On the CNT‐layered GC surface, a redox hydrogel film of the copolymer, of polyacryamide and poly(N‐vinylimidazole) complexed with [Os(4,4′‐dichloro‐2,2′‐bipyridine)2Cl]+/2+ wiring bilirubin oxidase was immobilized. A good contact was achieved between the hydrogel film and the hydrophilic CNT‐layer with carboxylated CNTs. The prepared bilirubin oxidase cathode on the CNT‐layer was employed for the electrocatalytic reduction of O2, and enhanced current and stability were observed. Electron transfers from the electrode surface O2 molecules were analyzed. The optimal composition of the enzyme, redox polymer, and cross‐linker in the catalyst and the thickness of the CNT‐layer were determined.
The production of butanol from Jamaica bay macro algae
Authors: Potts Thomas , Du Jianjun , Paul Michelle , May Peter , Beitle Robert , Hestekin Jamie
Published: November 2011

This study ascertained the technical potential of producing biofuel from a naturally occurring macroalgae. The algae examined grow in Jamaica Bay, New York City, on water containing nitrates, phosphates, and carbon dioxide that comes from the atmosphere. The process consisted of manual and mechanical harvesting, drying, grinding, and subjecting the algal matter to acid hydrolysis to extract carbohydrates to form an algal sugar solution. Fermentation of that solution to butanol was performed with butanol ultimately removed by distillation. An average of 15.2 g/L of reducing sugars was extracted in the hydrolysate showing that macroalgae (Ulva lactuca) have significant usable carbohydrates after hydrolysis. It was found necessary to remove the excess solids from the hydrolysate prior to fermentation, as the productivity fell by 75% if this was not done. With the bacterial strains (Clostridium beijerinckii and C. saccharoperbutylacetonicum) and the algal sugar solutions used, an acetone butanol ethanol (ABE) fermentation was used to make butanol. The butanol concentration in the fermentation broth reached about 4 g/L, which is close to the theoretical value for the sugar concentration obtained, and compares well (when adjusted for sugar concentration in the media) with values reported in the literature for other systems. The recovery of reducing sugars in the media during the pilot study was 0.29 g butanol/g sugar. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2012
Comparative retinal anatomy in four species of elasmobranch
Authors: Schieber Nicole L. , Collin Shaun P. , Hart Nathan S.
Published: November 2011

Using both light and transmission electron microscopy, we examined the retinal anatomy of four elasmobranch species with differing ecologies: the bull sharkCarcharhinus leucas, Port Jackson sharkHeterodontus portusjacksoni, epaulette sharkHemiscyllium ocellatumand pink whiprayHimantura fai. Their retinas are typical of other vertebrates, having three nuclear and two synaptic layers, but are characterised by very large horizontal cells, low densities of ganglion cells (many of which are displaced to the inner nuclear and inner plexiform layers) and the presence of numerous myelinated axons within the nerve fibre layer.Carcharhinus leucas,H. fai and H. ocellatumhave duplex retinas containing both rods and single cones. The peak ratio of rods to cones is much lower inC. leucas(4:1) andH. fai(3:1) compared toH. ocellatum(19:1), reflecting differences in diel activity patterns. No cones were observed in the retina ofH. portusjacksoni, which is strongly nocturnal. The cones ofH. failack a distinct myoid and their nuclei are located in a discrete layer sclerad to the external limiting membrane (ELM), whereas those ofC. leucasandH. ocellatumhave an obvious myoid, and their nuclei are located vitread to the ELM. No double/twin cones were observed in any species. Incorporating data from other studies, there is a clear correlation between rod outer segment volume and visual ecology in elasmobranchs, with smaller volumes found in partly diurnal pelagic species and larger volumes in benthic nocturnal species. This trend may reflect fundamental differences in visual temporal resolution between active and more sedentary species. J. Morphol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Description and validation of isometric tetanic muscle force test in rabbits
Authors: Giusti Guilherme , Kremer Thomas , Willems Wouter F. , Friedrich Patricia F. , Bishop Allen T. , Shin Alexander Y.
Published: November 2011

Isometric tetanic muscle force has been described in a rat model to evaluate motor recovery in a segmental sciatic nerve defect reconstructions. However, to test longer nerve defects, an alternative and larger animal model is necessary. The purpose of this study is to describe and validate a technique for isometric force measurement of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle in New Zealand rabbits. Muscle preload and electrical stimulation parameters were optimized to obtain the highest tetanic contraction bilaterally in 10 animals. Electrophysiology, muscle weight, peroneal nerve length, and histomorphometry were also analyzed. Only the peroneal nerve length and the ratio of highest muscle force/muscle weight demonstrated the equivalence between the sides. A small variability of TA muscle force and TA muscle weight was observed between the sides suggesting dominance. Optimization of electrical stimulation and preload as well as the use of correct anesthesia were fundamental to acquire the highest muscle force. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012
Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: An anatomical study of the perforators and local vascular differences
Authors: Erić Mirela , Ravnik Dean , Žic Rado , Dragnić NatašA , Krivokuća Dragan , Lekšan Igor , Hribernik Marija
Published: November 2011

The objective of this study was to determine precise localization and external diameter of the lower abdominal wall perforators as well as to investigate some vascularity differences between the same parts of perfusion zones II and III according to Hartrampf perfusion zones. The study was performed on 10 fresh cadavers (20 hemiabdomens) using the gelatin injection technique. All perforators were identified, and their localization and diameter were noted. Measurements were made at the level of the fascia. We noted localization and diameter of arteries on cross‐sectional planes of either part of the flap. The median sum of the external diameter of all arteries in zone I was 17.01 mm. The median sum of the external diameter of all arteries in the medial 1/3 part of zone III was 4.17 mm, and in the medial 1/3 part of zone II, it was 0.96 mm. The median sum of the external diameter of all arteries in the intermediary 1/3 part of zone III was 2.16 mm, whereas in the intermediary 1/3 part of zone II, it was 0.81 mm. Significant differences were recorded between proximal and middle horizontal regions of zones II and III and between medial vertical part of zone III and medial vertical part of zone II. Anastomoses between zones I and II are considerably smaller compared with anastomoses between zones I and III. The best vascularized parts of the lower abdominal wall were perfusion zone I, then the inner 2/3 of zone III and medial 1/3 of zone II. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Functional assessment of donor‐site morbidity after harvest of a fibula chimeric flap with a sheet of soleus muscle for mandibular composite defect reconstruction
Authors: Huang Yu‐chi , Leong Chau‐peng , Pong Ya‐ping , Liu Ting‐yuan , Kuo Yur‐ren
Published: November 2011

This study aims to compare donor‐site morbidity between the traditional fibula osteocutaneous and chimeric fibula flaps for mandibular reconstruction. Twenty‐three patients with head and neck cancer were recruited. Fifteen patients underwent the traditional fibula osteocutaneous flap. Eight patients received a chimeric fibula osteocutaneous flap with a sheet of soleus muscle. Subjective donor‐site morbidities were evaluated by questionnaire. Objective isokinetic testing and 6‐minute walking test (6MWT) were used to evaluate ankle strength and walking ability. The results revealed no significant difference was found in total average score of the questionnaire between the traditional (2.57) and the chimeric (2.75) groups (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in peak torque/total work of ankle motions and in walking ability at 6MWT between the traditional and chimeric groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, compared with the traditional fibula osteocutaneous flap, the chimeric fibula flap does not increase donor‐site morbidity for reconstructive surgery. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Proteomic analysis of the androgen receptor via MS‐compatible purification of biotinylated protein on streptavidin resin
Authors: Austin Ryan J. , Smidansky Heidi M. , Holstein Carly A. , Chang Deborah K. , Epp Angela , Josephson Neil C. , Martin Daniel B.
Published: November 2011

The strength of the streptavidin/biotin interaction poses challenges for the recovery of biotinylated molecules from streptavidin resins. As an alternative to high‐temperature elution in urea‐containing buffers, we show that mono‐biotinylated proteins can be released with relatively gentle heating in the presence of biotin and 2% SDS/Rapigest, avoiding protein carbamylation and minimizing streptavidin dissociation. We demonstrate the utility of this mild elution strategy in two studies of the human androgen receptor (AR). In the first, in which formaldehyde cross‐linked complexes are analyzed in yeast, a mass spectrometry‐based comparison of the AR complex using SILAC reveals an association between the androgen‐activated AR and the Hsp90 chaperonin, while Hsp70 chaperonins associate specifically with the unliganded complex. In the second study, the endogenous AR is quantified in the LNCaP cell line by absolute SILAC and MRM‐MS showing approximately 127 000 AR copies per cell, substantially more than previously measured using radioligand binding.
Ubiquitination of an artificial RING finger without a substrate and a tag
Authors: Miyamoto Kazuhide
Published: November 2011

Alpha‐helical region substitution was applied to the SIAH1 and EL5 RING fingers. The Williams–Beuren syndrome transcription factor (WSTF) PHD_SIAH1 and WSTF PHD_EL5 RING fingers were created as the artificial ubiquitin‐ligating enzyme (E3). These fingers possess E3 activities of mono‐ubiquitination and poly‐ubiquitination, respectively, with ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme (E2)‐binding capabilities. Artificial E3s bind two zinc atoms and adopt a zinc‐dependent ordered structure and ubiquitinate upon themselves without a substrate and a tag. Ubiquitination experiments using biotinylated ubiquitin showed that the WSTF PHD_EL5 RING finger is poly‐ubiquitinated via residue Lys63 of ubiquitin. Substitution of alpha‐helical region might be applicable to various RING fingers with mono‐ubiquitination or poly‐ubiquitination. Copyright © 2011 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization and swelling behaviour of superabsorbent polymers from cassava starch‐graft‐poly(acrylamide)
Authors: Parvathy Prabha C. , Jyothi Alummoottil N.
Published: November 2011

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) were prepared from cassava starch by graft copolymerization of acrylamide on to starch using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as free radical initiator, followed by alkali saponification. The reaction parameters such as concentration of acrylamide, concentration of CAN, temperature, and duration of polymerization reaction were optimized for maximum water absorbency using a 4‐factor 3‐level Box‐Behnken design. The highest values of percentage grafting and absorbency obtained were 174.8% and 425.2 g/g, respectively. The polymers were characterized by determination of grafting efficiency, N‐content, acrylamide content, FTIR analysis, SEM and XRD analyses. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) showed that the SAP has higher thermal stability. The rate of water absorbency and the swelling behaviour of the SAP under different conditions of pH, and different salts were determined. The de‐swelling pattern of the hydrogels over different time durations was also determined.
Simple and Efficient Synthesis and Surfactant Properties of N‐Alkyl‐3‐Boronopyridinium Acid Triflates
Authors: Savsunenko Oleksandr , Matondo Hubert , Karpichev Yevgen , Poinsot Véréna , Popov Anatolii , Rico‐Lattes Isabelle , Lattes Armand
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we describe a simple and efficient procedure of original N‐alkyl‐3‐boronopyridinium triflates synthesis and report on the surface properties of these surfactants. Key micellar parameters were obtained, the critical micelle concentrations (CMC values) were determined and compared to conventional ionic surfactants as well as the surface activity of these surfactants (pC20 value and the surface tension at the CMC). These new boronic functionalized surfactants exhibit a stunning efficiency in their tendency to self‐assemble and are significantly more surface active that their conventional analogues. This new family of surfactants represents a new direction in both functionality and performance, and may open perspectives in chemical synthesis and applications.
Surface Properties, Thermodynamic Aspects and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Novel Iminium Surfactants
Authors: Aiad Ismail , El‐Sukkary Mohamed M. , El‐Deeb Ali , El‐Awady Moshira Y. , Shaban Samy M.
Published: November 2011

Novel iminium compounds namely p‐benzylidene benzyldodecyl iminium chloride (I), p‐benzylidene benzylhexadecyl iminium chloride (II), p‐benzylidene benzyloctadecyl iminium chloride (III) were prepared and characterized using FTIR, 1H‐NMR and mass spectroscopy. The surface properties such as surface and interfacial tension, and biological activity of these surfactants were investigated. The surface parameters including critical micelle concentration, maximum surface excess, and minimum surface area. Efficiency and effectiveness were calculated, as well as free energies of micellization and adsorption. The prepared cationic surfactants exhibit a better biological activity than the used reference cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide.
Biological characteristics ofAnticarsia gemmatalis(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) for three consecutive generations under different temperatures: understanding the possible impact of global warming on a soybean pest
Authors: da Silva D.M. , Hoffmann-Campo C.B. , de Freitas Bueno A. , de Freitas Bueno R.C.O. , de Oliveira M.C.N. , Moscardi F.
Published: November 2011

Climate changes can affect the distribution and intensity of insect infestations through direct effects on their life cycles. Experiments were carried out during three consecutive generations to evaluate the effect of different temperatures (25°C, 28°C, 31°C, 34°C and 37±1°C) on biological traits of the velvetbean caterpillarAnticarsia gemmatalisHübner, 1818 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The insects were fed on artificial diet and reared in environmental chambers set at 14 h photophase. The developmental cycle slowed with the increase in the temperature, within the 25°C to 34°C range. Male and female longevities were reduced with an increase in temperature from 25°C to 28°C. Egg viability was highest at 25°C, and the sex ratio was not influenced by temperature, in the three generations. There was no interactive effect between development time and temperature on pupal weight. The results suggested that the increase in the temperature negatively impactedA. gemmatalisdevelopment inside the studied temperature range, indicating a possible future reduction of its occurrence on soybean crops, as a consequence of global warming, mainly considering its impact on tropical countries where this plant is cropped.A. gemmataliswas not able to adapt to higher temperatures in a three-generation interval for the studied temperature range. However, a gradual increase and a longer adaptation period may favor insect selection and consequently adaptation, and must be considered in future studies in this area. Moreover, it is important to consider that global warming might turn cold areas more suitable toA. gemmatalisoutbreaks. Therefore, more than a future reduction ofA. gemmatalisoccurrence due to global warming, we might expect changes regarding its area of occurrence on a global perspective.