bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of ‐55C/T Polymorphism of Uncoupling Protein 3 (UCP3) Gene with Metabolic Syndrome by ATP III Classification
Authors: de Luis Daniel Antonio , Aller Rocio , Izaola Olatz , Sagrado Manuel Gonzalez , Conde Rosa , Primo David , de la Fuente Beatriz , Ovalle Hilda F. , Mambrilla Marta Ruiz
Published: July 2012

Background and aims

The relation of ‐55C/T polymorphism of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) with metabolic syndrome (MS) has been evaluated only in one previous study with contradictory results. The aim of our study was to investigate the association of ‐55C/T polymorphism of UCP3 gene with MS.

Design

A population of 817 obese Caucasian patients was analyzed in a cross‐sectional survey. Genotype of UCP3 gene ‐55C/T was studied. To estimate the prevalence of MS , the definitions of the ATPIII were considered.

Results

Five hundred and ninety‐four patients (72.7%) had the genotype ‐55CC (wild group), whereas 223 patients (27.3%) had the genotype ‐55C/T. Genotype ‐5TT was not detected. Prevalence of mutant UCP genotypes was similar in patients with MS (75.7% wild genotype and 24.3% mutant genotype) and without MS (69.7% wild genotype and 30.3% mutant genotype). Odds ratio of MS wild vs. mutant genotype was 1.17 CI 95%: 0.99–1.38). Total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations were lower in mutant‐type group than wild‐type group in patients with MS. No differences in other parameters were detected between genotypes in the same group of MS.

Conclusion

‐55C/T UCP polymorphism is not major risk factor for the MS. However, in mutant group of ‐55CC UCP3 gene in patients with MS, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were lower than wild‐type patients. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 26:272‐278, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hereditary Efficiently Dominatable Graphs
Authors: Milanič Martin
Published: July 2012

An efficient dominating set (or perfect code) in a graph is a set of vertices the closed neighborhoods of which partition the graph's vertex set. We introduce graphs that are hereditary efficiently dominatable in that sense that every induced subgraph of the graph contains an efficient dominating set. We prove a decomposition theorem for (bull, fork, C4)‐free graphs, based on which we characterize, in terms of forbidden induced subgraphs, the class of hereditary efficiently dominatable graphs. We also give a decomposition theorem for hereditary efficiently dominatable graphs and examine some algorithmic aspects of such graphs. In particular, we give a polynomial time algorithm for finding an efficient dominating set (if one exists) in a class of graphs properly containing the class of hereditary efficiently dominatable graphs by reducing the problem to the maximum weight independent set problem in claw‐free graphs.
Novel organotypic in vitro slice culture model for intraventricular hemorrhage of premature infants
Authors: Vinukonda Govindaiah , Hu Furong , Upreti Chirag , Ungvari Zoltan , Zia Muhammad T. , Stanton Patric K. , Ballabh Praveen
Published: July 2012

Mechanisms of brain injury in intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) of premature infants are elusive, and no therapeutic strategy exists to prevent brain damage in these infants. Therefore, we developed an in vitro organotypic forebrain slice culture model to advance mechanistic studies and therapeutic developments for this disorder. We cultured forebrain slices from E29 rabbit pups and treated the cultured slices (CS) with moderate (50 μl) or large (100 μl) amounts of autologous blood to mimic moderate and severe IVH. Blood‐induced damage to CS was evaluated by propidium iodide staining, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, microglial density, neuronal degeneration, myelination, and gliosis over 2 weeks after the initiation of culture. CS were viable for at least 14 days in vitro (DIV). The application of blood induced significant neural cell degeneration. Degenerating cells were more abundant and LDH levels were elevated in a dose‐dependent manner in CS treated with 50 versus 100 μl of blood compared with untreated controls. Microglial density was higher in blood‐treated CS compared with controls at both 7 and 14 days posttreatment, and myelination was reduced and gliosis enhanced. Selective application of blood fractions revealed that CS treated with plasma displayed more hypomyelination and gliosis compared with erythrocyte‐treated slices. This study develops and characterizes a novel rabbit forebrain slice culture model of IVH that exhibits neuropatholgical changes similar to those in human infants with IVH. Importantly, plasma appears to induce greater white matter damage than erythrocytes in IVH,indicating plasma as a source of neurotoxic components. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pigments and enamelling/gilding technology of Mamluk mosque lamps and bottle
Authors: Colomban Philippe , Tournié Aurélie , Caggiani Maria Cristina , Paris Céline
Published: July 2012

On‐site Raman spectroscopy is used to investigate four mosque lamps and a bottle dating back to the 13–14th centuries (Syria and/or Egypt, Mamluk period) from the Department of Islamic Art, Musée du Louvre, Paris. The pigments and the enamelled glass matrix have been identified in order to discuss their technology. A comparison is made with one masterpiece from the 19th century made by Brocard. The results obtained for blue (lapis lazuli or Co‐coloured glass), yellow (Naples yellows or zinc/chrome yellow), green (mixture of the aforementioned blue and yellow pigments or lead chromate for restorated foot) red (hematite), white (cassiterite or arsenate) and pink (hematite and cassiterite) pigments are presented. The consistency of the pigments period of use/technology with the datation proposed for each artefact is evaluated. For one lamp, the detection of quartz in some places of the hematite‐rich glassy layer supporting the gold is related to the search of a physical bonding with the artefact body. Carbon residues in such enamel are consistent with the use of an organic medium to place the enamel powder before the firing. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
White grape pomace as a source of dietary fibre and polyphenols and its effect on physical and nutraceutical characteristics of wheat biscuits
Authors: Mildner‐Szkudlarz Sylwia , Bajerska Joanna , Zawirska‐Wojtasiak Renata , Górecka Danuta
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Grapes are one of the world's staple fruit crops, with about 80% of the yield being utilised for winemaking. Since grape by‐products still contain large amounts of secondary metabolites, uses other than as fertilisers might be appropriate. In this study, white grape pomace (WGP) was incorporated in wheat flour at levels of 10, 20 and 30% (w/w) to investigate its influence on rheological, nutraceutical, physical and sensory properties.

RESULTS: Farinograph characteristics of dough with different levels of WGP showed a decrease in water absorption from 56.4% (0% WGP) to 45.9% (30% WGP). Addition of WGP reduced hardness and caused a deterioration in brightness and yellowness of all enriched samples. The smallest addition of WGP (10%) caused an approximately 88% increase in total dietary fibre content as compared with the control. The content of phenolic compounds increased from 0.11 mg g−1 with 0% WGP to 1.07 mg g−1 with 30% WGP. The most stable phenols were as follows: γ‐resorcylic acid < gallic acid < tyrosol < catechin < isovanilic acid. An assay of radical‐scavenging activity showed that WGP addition greatly enhanced the antioxidant properties of biscuits. Acceptable biscuits were obtained when incorporating 10% WGP.

CONCLUSION: WGP might be utilised for the novel formulation of biscuits as an alternative source of dietary fibre and phenols. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of electroporation on viability and bioconversion of isoflavones in mannitol‐soymilk fermented by lactobacilli and bifidobacteria
Authors: Yeo Siok‐Koon , Liong Min‐Tze
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of electroporation (2.5–7.5 kV cm−1 for 3.0–4.0 ms) on the growth of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, membrane properties and bioconversion of isoflavones in mannitol‐soymilk.

RESULTS: The viability of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria decreased immediately after electroporation. This was attributed to lipid peroxidation, which led to alterations in the membrane phospholipid bilayer, specifically at the polar head, interface and apolar tail regions. Such alterations also resulted in decreased membrane fluidity and increased membrane permeability upon electroporation (P < 0.05). However, the effect was reversible and treated cells showed better growth than the control upon fermentation for 24 h at 37 °C (P < 0.05). Additionally, electroporation increased the bioconversion of glucosides to bioactive aglycones in mannitol‐soymilk, which was attributed to increased intracellular and extracellular β‐glucosidase activities of cells upon treatment (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Application of electroporation on lactobacilli and bifidobacteria could be beneficial for the development of fermented soymilk with enhanced bioactivity. Considering the enhanced bioactive aglycones, this soymilk could be useful for the prevention of hormone‐dependent disorders. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Genotypic abundance of carotenoids and polyphenolics in the hull of field pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Marles MA Susan , Warkentin Thomas D , Bett Kirstin E
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Consumption of pulse crops, including field pea, is considered effective for a healthy diet. Hulls (seed coats) play an important role for protection of the cotyledon and embryo, but also as mediating positive effects on health outcomes. The biochemical attributes of field pea hulls were thus assessed to determine the occurrence of specific phytochemicals and their genotypic variability.

RESULTS: Sequestered bioproducts in mature hulls predominantly consisted of trans‐lutein and chlorophylls a and b. Trace amounts of other carotenoid and pheophytin metabolites were identified. In developing hulls, violaxanthin, neoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, chlorophylls a and b and β‐carotene were detected. Genotypic differences in the accumulation of lutein and chlorophylls a and b were observed over years and locations. Polyphenolics and hydroxybenzoic acids were detected in the ‘dun’ and ‘maple’ field pea types—the only genotypes to have pigmented hulls. Unextractable patches of condensed tannin influenced the visual uniformity of the maple and dun genotypes, CDC Rocket and CDC Dundurn.

CONCLUSIONS: Within the yellow and green market classes, carotenoid and chlorophyll accumulation was consistent. Green cotyledon varieties sequestered higher concentrations of lutein than the yellow cotyledon varieties. Maple and dun types were more variable, reflective of different selection criteria. The occurrence of flavonoid‐related compounds was correlated only with pigmented seed coat genotypes. The dietary potential of the chlorophylls and carotenoids that accumulated in the hulls split from the green and yellow field pea types is discussed as a value‐added prospect in food supplements. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Development and optimisation by means of sensory analysis of new beverages based on different fruit juices and sherry wine vinegar
Authors: Cejudo‐Bastante María Jesús , Rodríguez Dodero M. Carmen , Durán Guerrero Enrique , Castro Mejías Remedios , Natera Marín Ramón , García Barroso Carmelo
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Despite the long history of sherry wine vinegar, new alternatives of consumption are being developed, with the aim of diversifying its market. Several new acetic‐based fruit juices have been developed by optimising the amount of sherry wine vinegar added to different fruit juices: apple, peach, orange and pineapple. Once the concentrations of wine vinegar were optimised by an expert panel, the aforementioned new acetic fruit juices were tasted by 86 consumers. Three different aspects were taken into account: habits of consumption of vinegar and fruit juices, gender and age.

RESULTS: Based on the sensory analysis, 50 g kg−1 of wine vinegar was the optimal and preferred amount of wine vinegar added to the apple, orange and peach juices, whereas 10 g kg−1 was the favourite for the pineapple fruit. Based on the olfactory and gustatory impression, and ‘purchase intent’, the acetic beverages made from peach and pineapple juices were the most appreciated, followed by apple juice, while those obtained from orange juice were the least preferred by consumers.

CONCLUSION: New opportunities for diversification of the oenological market could be possible as a result of the development of this type of new product which can be easily developed by any vinegar or fruit juice maker company. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Li‐Ng Melissa , Kennedy Laurence
Published: July 2012

Adrenocortical insufficiency may arise through primary failure of the adrenal glands or due to lack of ACTH stimulation as a result of pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction. Prolonged administration of exogenous steroids will suppress the hypothalamic–pituitary‐adrenal axis, and hence cortisol secretion. We review briefly the causes, investigation, and treatment of adrenal insufficiency, and highlight aspects of particular relevance to patients with adrenal tumors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:595–599. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modest advances in survival for patients with colorectal‐associated peritoneal carcinomatosis in the era of modern chemotherapy
Authors: Zani Sabino , Papalezova Katia , Stinnett Sandra , Tyler Douglas , Hsu David , Blazer Dan G.
Published: July 2012

Background

The treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) has evolved rapidly over the last decade, with combination chemotherapy and targeted biologic agents leading to significant improvements in survival. Despite these advances, little is known about their effectiveness in CRC‐associated peritoneal carcinomatosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients with CRC‐associated PC treated in the era of modern chemotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed an institutional tumor database from 1996 to 2008. Survival data were evaluated for patients treated with PC before and after 2003. No patients before 2003 were treated with combination chemotherapy or biologic therapy. The modern chemotherapy group consisted of patients treated after 2003. Survival curves were estimated.

Results

Overall, 173 patients were identified. Median follow‐up was 8.6 months. Median survival in the historic group (n = 91) was 8.9 months and 16.3 months in the modern chemotherapy group (n = 82) (P < 0.004). Age was the only significant covariate. The survival difference between the modern chemotherapy cohort and control cohort persisted after adjustment for age. In a subset of patients in the modern chemotherapy era group, for which treatment regimen could be definitively identified, survival was even greater—23.8 months.

Conclusions

Patients with CRC‐associated PC treated with modern combination chemotherapy and biologic therapy have a significantly longer median survival compared to our historical cohort. Despite these improvements, outcomes still remain poor. Therapeutic adjuncts such as surgical cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in appropriately selected patients remain promising options to improve outcomes for patients with peritoneal‐based disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:307–311. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comprehensive two‐dimensional liquid chromatographic analysis of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) phenolics
Authors: Beelders Theresa , Kalili Kathithileni M. , Joubert Elizabeth , de Beer Dalene , de Villiers André
Published: July 2012

Rooibos tea is an unique beverage prepared from unfermented and fermented plant material of the endemic Cape fynbos plant, Aspalathus linearis. The well‐known health‐promoting benefits of rooibos are partly attributed to its phenolic composition. Detailed investigation of the minor phenolic constituents of rooibos is, however, hampered by the limitations associated with conventional HPLC methods used for its analysis. In this study, the applicability of comprehensive two‐dimensional liquid chromatographic methods for the in‐depth analysis of rooibos phenolics was investigated. Phenolic compounds were separated according to polarity by hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) in the first dimension, whilst reversed‐phase liquid chromatography (RP‐LC) provided separation according to hydrophobicity in the second dimension. Ultraviolet photodiode array and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry were used to identify phenolic compounds. Comprehensive HILIC × RP‐LC demonstrated its applicability for the analysis of a diverse range of phenolic compounds in unfermented and fermented rooibos samples, in which large qualitative differences in the phenolic composition were established. The combination of these orthogonal separations provided a significant improvement in resolution, as exemplified by practical peak capacities in excess of 2000 and 500 for off‐line and on‐line methods, respectively.
Tandem lectin affinity chromatography monolithic columns with surface immobilised concanavalin A, wheat germ agglutinin and Ricinus communis agglutinin‐I for capturing sub‐glycoproteomics from breast cancer and disease‐free human sera
Authors: Selvaraju Subhashini , El Rassi Ziad
Published: July 2012

In this study, a liquid‐phase separation platform consisting of tandem lectin affinity chromatography was introduced for the selective capturing of sub‐glycoproteomics that are affected in cancers, e.g. breast cancer. The platform is comprised of three monolithic columns with surface immobilised lectins including concanavalin A (Con A), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and Ricinus communis agglutinin‐I (RCA‐I). While WGA and Con A have specificities directed towards the core portion of N‐glycans on the glycoprotein surface, RCA‐I specifically interacts with the non‐reducing terminal moieties of the outer chain structures of N‐glycans. The effects of the order in which the three lectin columns were arranged in the tandem columns format were evaluated. The most suitable order proved to be WGA → Con A → RCA‐I (denoted as WCR) as far as the number of captured proteins was concerned. The WCR tandem columns allowed the capture of 113 and 112 proteins from disease‐free and breast cancer sera, respectively, corresponding to 75 and 65 non‐redundant proteins, respectively. Using mass spectral count ratios and Q‐Q plots yielded a panel of 23 non‐redundant differentially expressed proteins (i.e. a panel of 23 candidate markers), which should in principle be more representative of a pathophysiological state than a single marker candidate.
Headspace solid‐phase microextraction combined with mass spectrometry as a powerful analytical tool for profiling the terpenoid metabolomic pattern of hop‐essential oil derived from Saaz variety
Authors: Gonçalves João , Figueira José , Rodrigues Fátima , Câmara José S.
Published: July 2012

Hop (Humulus lupulus L., Cannabaceae family) is prized for its essential oil contents, used in beer production and, more recently, in biological and pharmacological applications. In this work, a method involving headspace solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was developed and optimized to establish the terpenoid (monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes) metabolomic pattern of hop‐essential oil derived from Saaz variety as a mean to explore this matrix as a powerful biological source for newer, more selective, biodegradable and naturally produced antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds.

Different parameters affecting terpenoid metabolites extraction by headspace solid‐phase microextraction were considered and optimized: type of fiber coatings, extraction temperature, extraction time, ionic strength, and sample agitation. In the optimized method, analytes were extracted for 30 min at 40°C in the sample headspace with a 50/30 μm divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane coating fiber. The methodology allowed the identification of a total of 27 terpenoid metabolites, representing 92.5% of the total Saaz hop‐essential oil volatile terpenoid composition. The headspace composition was dominated by monoterpenes (56.1%, 13 compounds), sesquiterpenes (34.9%, 10), oxygenated monoterpenes (1.41%, 3), and hemiterpenes (0.04%, 1) some of which can probably contribute to the hop of Saaz variety aroma. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the main metabolites are the monoterpene β‐myrcene (53.0 ± 1.1% of the total volatile fraction), and the cyclic sesquiterpenes, α‐humulene (16.6 ± 0.8%), and β‐caryophyllene (14.7 ± 0.4%), which together represent about 80% of the total volatile fraction from the hop‐essential oil. These findings suggest that this matrix can be explored as a powerful biosource of terpenoid metabolites.
Dual‐band coplanar waveguide‐fed monopole antenna for 2.4/5.8 GHz radiofrequency identification applications
Authors: Ojaroudi Mohammad , Ojaroudi Nasser
Published: July 2012

In this article, a novel design of dual‐band printed monopole antenna fed by a coplanar waveguide for radiofrequency identification (RFID) applications is presented. By cutting two vertical rectangular slits in the radiating patch, a new resonance at lower frequencies (2.4 GHz) can be achieved, also by embedding a rotated C‐shaped slot, the antenna achieves good dual‐band operation. The measured impedance bandwidth for –10 dB return loss is from 2.05 to 2.89 GHz (34%) and 5.10 to 6.09 GHz (15.0%), covering the 2.4/5.8 GHz RFID operating bands. Simulated and experimental results obtained for this antenna show that the proposed single band‐notch square monopole antenna has a good antenna gains and radiation behavior within the 2.4/5.8 GHz frequencies. The designed antenna has a small size of 12 × 18 mm2. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2426–2429, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27064
A diaphragm based low‐cost fiber optic pressure sensor
Authors: Vengal Rao P. , Srimannarayana K. , Sai Shankar M. , Kishore P. , Sengupta D. , Saidi Reddy P.
Published: July 2012

This article presents a low cost fiber optic pressure sensor using metal diaphragm.The sensor works on the principle of fiber optic proximity sensor. As the pressure varies, the deflection of the diaphragm varies and it modulates the intensity of light reflecting from the diaphragm. The performance of the sensor is studied for different diameters and thicknesses of the diaphragm. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2229–2231, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27093
Proton‐conducting blend membranes of crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol)–sulfosuccinic acid ester and poly(1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole) for high temperature fuel cells
Authors: Boroglu Mehtap Safak , Celik Sevim Unugur , Bozkurt Ayhan , Boz Ismail
Published: July 2012

New type of composite membranes were synthesized by crosslinking of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with sulfosuccinic acid (SSA) and intercalating poly(1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole) (PVTri) into the resulting matrix. The complexed structure of the membranes was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The resulting hybrid membranes were transparent, flexible, and showed good thermal stability up to ∼200°C. The proton conductivities of the membranes were investigated as a function of PVTri and SSA and operating temperature. The water/methanol uptake was measured and the results showed that solvent absorption of the materials increased with increasing PVTri content in the matrix. The proton conductivity of the membranes continuously increased with increasing SO3H content, PVTri content, and the temperature. In the anhydrous state, the maximum proton conductivity is 7.7 × 10−5 S/cm for PVA–SSA–PVTri‐1 and for PVA–SSA–PVTri‐3 is 1.6 × 10−5 S/cm at 150°C. After humidification (RH = 100%), PVA–SSA–PVTri‐4 showed a maximum proton conductivity of 0.0028 S/cm at 60°C. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Surface properties and blood compatibility of some aliphatic/aromatic polyimide blends
Authors: Nica Simona‐Luminita , Hulubei Camelia , Stoica Iuliana , Emil Ioanid Ghiocel , Ioan Silvia
Published: July 2012

Two binary polyimide (PI) blends having a common monomer, diamine and dianhydride, were prepared. The first system was composed of PIs obtained from an alicyclic and flexible dianhydride, namely 5‐(2,5‐dioxotetrahydrofurfuryl)‐3‐methyl‐3‐cyclohexene‐1,2‐dicarboxylic acid anhydride (DOCDA) and two aromatic diamines, 4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) and p‐phenylenediamine (PPD), respectively. In the second system, ODA was combined with DOCDA and (hexafluoroisopropyldiene)diphtalic dianhydride (6FDA). Incorporation of aliphatic and asymmetric DOCDA moieties, hexafluoropropyldiene groups and ether linkages in the molecular structure of PI blends, poly(DOCDA/PPD)/poly(DOCDA‐ODA) and poly(6FDA‐ODA)/poly(DOCDA‐ODA) influenced the surface tension parameters, surface and interfacial free energy, and the work of spreading of water, maintaining the surface hydrophobic characteristics of both systems. In addition, it has been found out that surface hydrophobicity and surface roughness are properties that can be correlated with the red blood cells and platelets compatibility. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study on the preparation and properties of novel block copolymeric materials based on structurally modified organometallic as well as organic polyamides and polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Khan Muhammad Saif Ullah , Akhter Zareen , Naz Touseef , Bhatti Arshad Saleem , Siddiqi Humaira M , Siddiq Mohammad , Khan Abbas
Published: July 2012

Some novel ferrocene‐containing polyamide‐based block copolymer materials with telechelic polydimethylsiloxane oligomer and their organic analogues were prepared by solution‐phase polycondensation of ferrocene‐based organometallic and terephthaloyl‐ as well as isophthaloyl‐based organic acyl chlorides with a series of semi‐aromatic diamines having ether linkages together with variable aliphatic character. The corresponding polyamides of the synthesized materials, without polydimethylsiloxane segment, were also prepared for comparison of physicochemical properties. None of the synthesized organometallic and organic block copolymers along with their respective polyamides melted below 300 °C and their structural features were confirmed by their physical properties and spectroscopic studies. The weight‐average molecular weights and molecular parameters of all these materials were determined by the static laser light scattering technique. The materials were soluble in sulfuric acid and partially soluble in common organic solvents, and yet became readily soluble upon N‐trifluoroacetylation. The synthesized materials were further characterized by their water absorption characteristics, X‐ray diffraction studies and surface morphology (SEM and AFM) and thermal (DSC and TG) analyses, and their structure–property relationships were elucidated from these studies. The energies of pyrolysis for these materials were calculated by the Horowitz and Metzger method. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and properties of new aromatic polyimides containing redox‐active anthraquinone moieties
Authors: Hsiao Sheng‐Huei , Kung Yi‐Ruei
Published: July 2012

A novel anthraquinone‐containing bis(ether amine) monomer, 2,6‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)anthraquinone, was synthesized from readily available reagents. A series of novel aromatic polyimides were prepared from the newly synthesized diamine monomer with various aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides. The intermediate poly(amic acid)s had inherent viscosities of 0.67–1.12 dL g−1, and those derived from less stiff dianhydrides could be solution‐cast and thermally cyclodehydrated into flexible and tough polyimide films. The polyimides exhibited glass transition temperatures between 270 and 297 °C, and they were fairly stable up to a temperature of 500 °C in air or nitrogen. The electrochemical and electrochromic properties of one of the polyimides were investigated. The polymer could undergo two reversible steps of electrochemical reduction, with a color change from a colorless neutral state to pink and rose‐red reduced states. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Constitutionally isomeric alicyclic polyimides: Origin of siteselectivity in the reaction of unsymmetrical dianhydride and structure‐derived difference in physical properties
Authors: Choi Jiyoung , Shirai Kazuaki , Takayama Toshio , Akagawa Kengo , Kudo Kazuaki
Published: July 2012

Two constitutionally isomeric alicyclic polyimides (PIs), head‐to‐head (HH) and random types, were successfully synthesized on the basis of a siteselective ring opening reaction of an unsymmetric spiroalicyclic dianhydride, rel‐[1R,5S,6R]‐3‐oxabicyclo[3,2,1]octane‐2,4‐dione‐6‐spiro‐3′‐(tetrahydrofuran‐2′,5′‐dione), with using several kinds of diamines only by changing reaction procedures. A model reaction study revealed that the origin of the siteselectivity in the reaction of the dianhydride was due to both the enhanced reactivity of six‐membered anhydride embedded in bicyclo[3.2.1] system and the reduced reactivity of five‐membered anhydride in the spiro[4.5] system. The HH‐PIs showed higher glass transition temperature and higher dielectric constant than those of random PIs. Specific gravity of the PI films showed that the differences in physical properties stem from different packing density of the two constitutionally isomeric PIs. This is the first example for constitutionally isomeric both amorphous polycondensates with different physical properties. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Role of spontaneous breathing trial in predicting successful extubation in premature infants
Authors: Chawla Sanjay , Natarajan Girija , Gelmini Matthew , Kazzi S. Nadya J.
Published: July 2012

Background

The ability of clinicians to predict successful extubation in mechanically ventilated premature neonates is limited. Identifying objective criteria for predicting successful extubation may reduce the incidence of failed extubation and the duration of mechanical ventilation.

Objective

To evaluate the validity of objective measures of lung function and spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) in predicting successful extubation among premature neonates with attempted extubations within the first 3 weeks of life.

Methods

Respiratory compliance (Crs) along with SBT was performed prior to elective extubations within 3 weeks of age in premature infants ≤32 weeks. Extubation was considered successful if patients remained extubated for >72 hr. Ventilator settings including mean airway pressure (MAP), set rate, and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) 24 hr after re‐intubation were compared with pre‐extubation settings, in patients requiring re‐intubation.

Results

Thirty‐nine of 49 infants (80%) were successfully extubated. Of 41 babies who passed SBT, only 5 infants failed extubation. SBT had 92% sensitivity, 50% specificity, 88% positive predictive, and 63% negative predictive value for successful extubation. Crs was comparable between infants who were successfully extubated and those who were not.

Conclusions

A SBT prior to extubation may be a practical objective adjunct in predicting successful extubation in ventilated premature infants. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:443–448. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and evaluation of a new series of tri‐, di‐, and mono‐N‐alkylcarbamylphloroglucinols as conformationally constrained inhibitors of cholesterol esterase
Authors: Lin Ming‐Cheng , Lin Gin‐Zen , Hwang Ching‐In , Jian Shuo‐Yung , Lin James , Shen Yu‐Fong , Lin Gialih
Published: July 2012

1,3,5‐Tri‐N‐alkylcarbamylphloroglucinols (1–4) are synthesized as conformationally constrained analogs of triacylglycerols (TGs) to probe Jenck's proximity effect in the cholesterol esterase inhibition. For the cholesterol esterase inhibition, inhibitors 1–4 are 220–760‐fold more potent than 1,2,3‐tri‐N‐alkylcarbamylglycerols (13–15) that are substrate analogs of TG. Comparison of tridentate inhibitors 1–4, bidentate inhibitors 3,5‐di‐N‐n‐alkylcarbamyloxyphenols (5–8) and monodentate inhibitors 5‐N‐n‐alkylcarbamyloxyresorcinols (9–12) indicates that inhibitory potencies are as followed: tridentate inhibitor > bidentate inhibitor > monodentate inhibitor. The log ki and pKi values of tridentate inhibitors, bidentate inhibitors, and monodentate inhibitors are linearly correlated with the alkyl chain length indicating a common mechanism in each inhibition. Also, positive slopes of these correlations indicate that the longer chain inhibitors bind more tightly to the enzyme than the shorter ones. Molecular dockings of tridentate 1, bidentate 5, and monodentate 9 into the X‐ray crystal structure of cholesterol esterase suggest that one carbamyl group in the cis form of the inhibitor binds to the acyl chain‐binding site of the enzyme. The second carbamyl groups in the trans forms of inhibitors 1 and 5 bind to the second acyl chain‐binding site of the enzyme. The third carbamyl group in the trans form of inhibitor 1 binds to the third acyl chain‐binding site of the enzyme. Moreover, the configuration of the inhibitor in the enzyme‐inhibitor complex is the (1,3,5)‐(cis, trans, trans)‐tricarbamate form that mimics the (+gauche, −gauche)‐conformation of TG.
Characterization of the highly conserved VFMGD motif in a bacterial polyisoprenyl‐phosphate N‐acetylaminosugar‐1‐phosphate transferase
Authors: Furlong Sarah E. , Valvano Miguel A.
Published: July 2012

Polyisoprenyl‐phosphate N‐acetylaminosugar‐1‐phosphate transferases (PNPTs) constitute a family of eukaryotic and prokaryotic membrane proteins that catalyze the transfer of a sugar‐1‐phosphate to a phosphoisoprenyl lipid carrier. All PNPT members share a highly conserved 213‐Valine‐Phenylalanine‐Methionine‐Glycine‐Aspartic acid‐217 (VFMGD) motif. Previous studies using the MraY protein suggested that the aspartic acid residue in this motif, D267, is a nucleophile for a proposed double‐displacement mechanism involving the cleavage of the phosphoanhydride bond of the nucleoside. Here, we demonstrate that the corresponding residue in the E. coli WecA, D217, is not directly involved in catalysis, as its replacement by asparagine results in a more active enzyme. Kinetic data indicate that the D217N replacement leads to more than twofold increase in Vmax without significant change in the Km for the nucleoside sugar substrate. Furthermore, no differences in the binding of the reaction intermediate analog tunicamycin were found in D217N as well as in other replacement mutants at the same position. We also found that alanine substitutions in various residues of the VFMGD motif affect to various degrees the enzymatic activity of WecA in vivo and in vitro. Together, our data suggest that the highly conserved VFMGD motif defines a common region in PNPT proteins that contributes to the active site and is likely involved in the release of the reaction product.
Soft–Soft interactions in the protein–protein recognition process: The K+ channel‐charybdotoxin case
Authors: Aparicio Felipe , González‐Rivas Nelly , Ireta Joel , Rojo Arturo , Escobar Laura I. , Cedillo Andrés , Galván Marcelo
Published: July 2012

Molecular recognition between peptide blockers and ionic channels is a complex process that involves many effects. To determine if the short‐range charge transfer effects play a significant role in this interaction, a chemical reactivity analysis of charybdotoxin (ChTX) and six of its mutants was carried out using global and local reactivity indices. The results show that global softness correlates with the affinity of ChTX, and its mutants to the channel indicating that soft–soft interactions play a role in the recognition process between ChTX and a potassium channel. The analysis of the local reactivity indicates that the toxin as a whole can be seen as a complex polydentate ligand with several places to coordinate with the external vestibule of the pore of the potassium channels. The successful treatment of point mutations supports the idea of using this tool in the study of chemical reactivity in proteins, in a similar way as substituent effects in organic chemistry. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The nature of chemical bonds of the CaMn4O5 cluster in oxygen evolving complex of photosystem II: Jahn‐Teller distortion and its suppression by Ca doping in cubane structures
Authors: Yamaguchi K. , Yamanaka S. , Isobe H. , Saito T. , Kanda K. , Umena Y. , Kawakami K. , Shen J.‐R. , Kamiya N. , Okumura M. , Nakamura H. , Shoji M. , Yoshioka Y.
Published: July 2012

Full geometry optimizations of mixed‐valence (MV) cubane Mn(III)4‐ωMn(IV)ωO4 cluster (ω = 0–4) by UB3LYP have been performed to elucidate Jahn‐Teller (JT) effects for the Mn(III) ions. The optimized geometries have elucidated acute triangle for Mn(III)2 Mn(X) (X = III,IV) core in the cubane, indicating the JT effect. The JT effect is not remakable for Mn(IV)2Mn(III) cores, showing obtuse triangle and it diminishes in Mn(IV)3 core with equilateral triangle. The replacement of one of Mn ions with Ca (or Sr) ion in the cubane structure has also been examined to elucidate multiple roles of Ca(II) ion. The Ca‐doping suppresses the JT effect even for Mn(III)2Mn(X) (X = III,IV) core because acute CaMnMn triangles with longer Ca‐Mn distances than the Mn‐Mn distance are newly formed. The suppression of the JT effect for Mn(IV)2 Mn(III) by Ca doping is also found because of the same reason. The Ca‐doped cubane in the CaMn4O5 cluster (1) of oxygen evolving complex (OEC) of photosystem II (PSII) exhibits two acute CaMnMn triangles and one almost equilateral CaMnMn triangle because of the elongation of the Mn1(d)‐Mn3(b) distance with the coordination of the extra Mn4(a) ion to the cubane. The Mn1(d)Mn2(c)Mn3(b) triangle becomes obtuse because of the suppression of the JT effect, indicating the Mn1(d)(III)Mn2(c)(IV)Mn3(b)(IV) valence state in the S1 state of 1. The JT distortion for Mn(III) ions modified by the Ca(or Sr) doping is coupled with the labile structural deformation for intracluster electron transfers via double exchange mechanism in 1. The structural anomalies of 1 revealed by the new XRD experiment are also crucial for derivation of several guiding principles for theoretical modeling of water splitting reaction at OEC of PSII. The hybrid DFT computational results for 1 have also supported these guiding principles that provide possible orbital and spin correlation diagrams for water splitting reactions. The Huckel‐Hubbard‐Hund (HHH) model has been used for qualitative understanding of these diagrams. Implications of the present computational results are discussed in relation to electronic and spin states of redox active Ca‐doped Mott insulators constructed with magnetic transition metals such as Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, etc. Strongly correlated electron systems (SCES) modified by doping of Ca, Sr, Zn, etc. have been elucidated as possible candidates of bio‐inspired artificial catalysts for water oxidation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coloring random graphs online without creating monochromatic subgraphs
Authors: Mütze Torsten , Rast Thomas , Spöhel Reto
Published: July 2012

Consider the following random process: The vertices of a binomial random graph Gn,p are revealed one by one, and at each step only the edges induced by the already revealed vertices are visible. Our goal is to assign to each vertex one from a fixed number r of available colors immediately and irrevocably without creating a monochromatic copy of some fixed graph F in the process. Our first main result is that for any F and r, the threshold function for this problem is given by p0(F,r,n) = n‐1/m*1(F,r), where m*1(F,r) denotes the so‐called online vertex‐Ramsey density of F and r. This parameter is defined via a purely deterministic two‐player game, in which the random process is replaced by an adversary that is subject to certain restrictions inherited from the random setting. Our second main result states that for any F and r, the online vertex‐Ramsey density m*1(F,r) is a computable rational number.

Our lower bound proof is algorithmic, i.e., we obtain polynomial‐time online algorithms that succeed in coloring Gn,p as desired with probability 1 ‐ o(1) for any p(n) = o(n‐1/m*1(F,r)). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. 44, 419–464, 2014
The band alignment at CdS/Cu2ZnSnSe4 heterojunction interface
Authors: Li Ji , Wei Ming , Du Qingyang , Liu Weifeng , Jiang Guoshun , Zhu Changfei
Published: July 2012

Band alignment at CdS/Cu2ZnSnSe4 heterojunction interface is studied by X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy. The Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin films are prepared by selenization of electrodeposited Cu‐Zn‐Sn precursors. CdS overlayers with different thickness are sequentially grown on the Cu2ZnSnSe4 substrate by pulsed laser deposition process. Photoemission spectra are obtained before and after each growth to study the conduction and valence band offsets at the heterojunction interface. The determined conduction band offset of 0.34 eV indicates a spike‐like ‘type I’ band alignment at CdS/Cu2ZnSnSe4 interface. The spike will avoid interface recombination, and it is low enough that electron could transfer from the Cu2ZnSnSe4 layer to the buffer layer which is suitable for solar cell's fabrication. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Significant change in water contact angle of electrospray‐synthesized SiO2 films depending on their surface morphology
Authors: Kim Eun‐Kyeong , Kim Ji‐Yeong , Kim Sang Sub
Published: July 2012

Amorphous SiO2 films were deposited by means of an electrospray technique. The relation between the water contact angle (WCA) of the deposited SiO2 films and the surface morphology is investigated. The feeding rate of the electrospray process greatly affects the morphology of the synthesized SiO2 films. There is also a significant change in the WCA on the surface of the films: the rougher the surface, the greater the WCA. A model based on the Cassie–Baxter formulation is used to explain the change observed in the WCA on the SiO2 films. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TOF‐SIMS depth profiling of multilayer amino‐acid films using large Argon cluster Arn+, C60+ and Cs+ sputtering ions: A comparative study
Authors: Wehbe N. , Tabarrant T. , Brison J. , Mouhib T. , Delcorte A. , Bertrand P. , Moellers R. , Niehuis E. , Houssiau L.
Published: July 2012

The performance of Cs+, C60+ and Arn+ (with n ≈ 1700) sputtering ions have been compared for depth profiling multilayer films made from three evaporated phenylalanine layers sandwiched between four thicker evaporated tyrosine layers. Using Cs+, the ion signals and depth resolution degrade with depth and were significantly affected beyond a 200‐nm depth. The depth profiling quality was more successful using C60+. However, in this case, the depth resolution and the layer width values still degrade with the sputtered depth and are particularly poor after reaching a depth of about 400 nm. When Ar1700+ clusters were used, a depth resolution as low as 6 nm was obtained, and this value never exceeds 9 nm. Moreover, the experimental layer width is found to be of the same order of magnitude as the real value. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using the time‐to‐event continual reassessment method in the presence of partial orders
Authors: Wages Nolan A. , Conaway Mark R. , O'Quigley John
Published: July 2012

The time‐to‐event continual reassessment method (TITE‐CRM) was proposed to handle the problem of long trial duration in Phase 1 trials as a result of late‐onset toxicities. Here, we implement the TITE‐CRM in dose‐finding trials of combinations of agents. When studying multiple agents, monotonicity of the dose–toxicity curve is not clearly defined. Therefore, the toxicity probabilities follow a partial order, meaning that there are pairs of treatments for which the ordering of the toxicity probabilities is not known at the start of the trial. A CRM design for partially ordered trials (PO‐CRM) was recently proposed. Simulation studies show that extending the TITE‐CRM to the partial order setting produces results similar to those of the PO‐CRM in terms of maximum tolerated dose recommendation yet reduces the duration of the trial. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subtle biobehavioral effects produced by paternal cocaine exposure
Authors: Killinger Catherine E. , Robinson Stacey , Stanwood Gregg D.
Published: July 2012

Despite the increased prevalence of cocaine use and abuse in males when compared with females, possible effects of paternal cocaine exposure on biobehavioral development have received little attention. We therefore exposed male mice to cocaine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle for 10 weeks and then used those mice as sires. We then behaviorally phenotyped the F1 offspring to assess the consequences of paternal cocaine exposure on brain function. We report the presence of a subtle but significant increase in immobility in the tail suspension test, a measure of behavioral depression, following paternal cocaine. Body weight was also significantly decreased in paternal cocaine‐exposed offspring. Other aspects of neurobehavioral function, including locomotor activity, anxiety, and learning and memory, were not affected by paternal cocaine history. These data suggest alterations in brain systems and/or circuitry underlying mood regulation in the offspring of cocaine‐using fathers. Synapse 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study on the dielectric properties of biological cells using the electrokinetic method
Authors: Lin Cheng , Lisheng Zhong , Yue Zhang , Qinxue Yu , Yizhou Shi
Published: July 2012

Different from hard particles with an ordinary surface structure, a biological cell is a soft particle which can be described as a hard particle covered with an ion‐penetrable surface layer of polyelectrolytes. In this paper, according to the electrokinetic theory of suspension of soft particles, the colloid vibration current (CVI) model of suspended biological cells is investigated. A CVI measurement system is set up in which ultrasonic pulses of different intensities are calibrated and used. The experimental results on electrolyte solutions and cell suspensions show that CVI is closely related to the ion and cell concentration of the sample solution. Along with the increased concentration of ions or cells, the CVI signal increased initially and then decreased for electrolyte solutions, but it was the reverse for a chicken blood cell suspension but stayed almost constant for a spawn suspension. All these phenomena were caused by the interactive electrokinetic polarization of ions and cells under the action of ultrasonic pulses. Through the analysis of the electrokinetic course of the cell suspension, it was found that the amplitude and slope of the electrokinetic curve could be used to characterize the dielectric properties of cells. The electrokinetic model and CVI measurement system are rather feasible, as shown by the experimental results. The electrokinetic measurement method shows a new nondestructive way for studying the charging properties of biological cells, and the method has an inherent advantage for the real‐time study of the biological effects of ultrasound on cells. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.