bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Use of (Z)‐β‐(2‐Fluorobenzenesulfonyl)vinylamines as Novel Synthons in the Synthesis of 1,4‐Benzothiazine Derivatives.
Authors: Tsui Gavin Chit , Singjunla Yuttapong , Lautens Mark
Published: August 2012

The Rh‐catalyzed reaction of fluorophenylsulfonyl acetonitriles with boronic acids gives vinylamines of type (V) which can be readily cyclized to 1,4‐benzothiazine 1,1‐dioxides (VI).
ChemInform Abstract: Design, Synthesis, in vitro Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activity of Novel Methylenebis‐isoxazolo[4,5‐b]azepines Derivatives.
Authors: Rajanarendar E. , Reddy M. Nagi , Krishna S. Rama , Reddy K. Govardhan , Reddy Y. N. , Rajam M. V.
Published: August 2012

Compounds (IVe) and (IVf) exhibit potent antimicrobial and anticancer activities comparable to the standard drugs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of New α Aminophosphonate System Bearing Indazole Moiety and Their Biological Activity.
Authors: Ali Nasir ali Shafakat , Zakir Shaikh , Patel Muqtadir , Farooqui Mazahar
Published: August 2012

The title compounds are synthesized for the first time in a two‐step procedure.
ChemInform Abstract: A New Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitor from Broussonetia kanzinoki.
Authors: Ahn Jong Hoon , Liu Qing , Lee Chul , Ahn Mi‐Jeong , Yoo Hwan‐Soo , Hwang Bang Yeon , Lee Mi Kyeong
Published: August 2012

Broussonone A (I) shows inhibitory activity on pancreatic lipase and on adipocyte differentiation (3T3‐L1 cells).
ChemInform Abstract: Catalysis and the Nature of Mixed‐Metal Oxides at the Nanometer Level
Authors: Stacchiola Dario J. , Rodriguez Jose A. , Hrbek Jan , Liu Ping
Published: August 2012

Review: 4 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: ALD for Clean Energy Conversion, Utilization, and Storage
Authors: Elam Jeffrey W. , Dasgupta Neil P. , Prinz Fritz B.
Published: August 2012

Review: ALD: atomic layer deposition; 60 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Developments in Solvent‐Free Multicomponent Reactions: A Perfect Synergy for Eco‐Compatible Organic Synthesis
Authors: Singh Maya Shankar , Chowdhury Sushobhan
Published: August 2012

Review: more than 400 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Method in the Madness — Methodology from Total Synthesis
Authors: Pouwer Rebecca H. , Williams Craig M.
Published: August 2012

Review: 23 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Ethylene Glycol: Properties, Synthesis, and Applications
Authors: Yue Hairong , Zhao Yujun , Ma Xinbin , Gong Jinlong
Published: August 2012

Review: 316 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Phosphino‐carboxamides: The Inconspicuous Gems
Authors: Stepnicka Petr
Published: August 2012

Review: about 400 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Catalysts for Stereocontrolled Olefin Metathesis Reactions
Authors: Kress Steffen , Blechert Siegfried
Published: August 2012

Review: 50 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Syntheses of Isoxazoline‐Based Amino Acids by Cycloaddition of Nitrile Oxides and Their Conversion into Highly Functionalized Bioactive Amino Acid Derivatives
Authors: Kiss Lorand , Nonn Melinda , Fueloep Ferenc
Published: August 2012

Review: about 50 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Interdisciplinary Challenges and Promising Theranostic Effects of Nanoscience in Alzheimer′s Disease
Authors: Laurent Sophie , Ejtehadi Mohammad Reza , Rezaei Meisam , Kehoe Patrick G. , Mahmoudi Morteza
Published: August 2012

Review: 188 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Bio‐Metallodendrimers — Emerging Strategies in Metal‐Based Drug Design
Authors: Govender Preshendren , Therrien Bruno , Smith Gregory S.
Published: August 2012

Review: ca. 100 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Chiral Recognition of Carbon Nanoforms
Authors: Perez Emilio M. , Martin Nazario
Published: August 2012

Review: e.g. fullerenes and single wall carbon nanotubes; 44 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Mass Spectrometry Based Tools to Investigate Protein—Ligand Interactions for Drug Discovery
Authors: Pacholarz Kamila J. , Garlish Rachel A. , Taylor Richard J. , Barran Perdita E.
Published: August 2012

Review: 204 refs.
Pyruvate kinase M2 is a novel diagnostic marker and predicts tumor progression in human biliary tract cancer
Authors: Dhar Dipok Kumar , Olde Damink Steven W.M. , Brindley James Hal , Godfrey Andrew , Chapman Michael H. , Sandanayake Neomal S. , Andreola Fausto , Mazurek Sybille , Hasan Tayyaba , Malago Massimo , Pereira Stephen P.
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND:

The early diagnosis of biliary tract cancer (BTC) remains challenging, and there are few effective therapies. This study investigated whether the M2 isotype of pyruvate kinase (M2‐PK), which serves as the key regulator of cellular energy metabolism in proliferating cells, could play a role in the diagnosis and therapy of BTC.

METHODS:

Plasma and bile M2‐PK concentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 88 patients with BTC, 79 with benign biliary diseases, and 17 healthy controls. M2‐PK expression was assayed in a BTC tissue array by immunohistochemistry. The role of M2‐PK in tumor growth, invasion, and angiogenesis was evaluated in BTC cell lines by retrovirus‐mediated M2‐PK transfection and short hairpin RNA silencing techniques.

RESULTS:

Sensitivity (90.3%) and specificity (84.3%) of bile M2‐PK for malignancy were significantly higher than those for plasma M2‐PK and serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9. M2‐PK expression was specific for cancer cells and correlated with microvessel density. M2‐PK positivity was a significant independent prognostic factor by multivariable analysis. Transfection of M2‐PK in a negatively expressed cell line (HuCCT‐1 cells) increased cell invasion, whereas silencing in an M2‐PK–positive cell line (TFK cells) decreased tumor nodule formation and cellular invasion. A significant increase in endothelial tube formation was noted when supernatants from M2‐PK–transfected cells were added to an in vitro angiogenesis assay, whereas supernatants from silenced cells negated endothelial tube formation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Bile M2‐PK is a novel tumor marker for BTC and correlates with tumor aggressiveness and poor outcome. Short hairpin RNA–mediated inhibition of M2‐PK indicates the potential of M2‐PK as a therapeutic target. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus and survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hwang Allen , Narayan Vivek , Yang Yu‐Xiao
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND:

Recent evidence has identified pre‐existing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as a risk factor for the development of PAC, but relatively little is known about its effects on survival. Our aim was to determine the effect of varying durations of pre‐existing T2DM on survival in patients with PAC.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using The Health Improvement Network (THIN), a primary care electronic medical record database from the UK (2003‐2010). The study cohort included all subjects with a diagnostic code for PAC. Subjects with a diagnostic code for T2DM before their PAC diagnosis were classified as exposed; otherwise, subjects were classified as unexposed. The primary outcome was overall survival. The analysis was performed using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional‐hazards models. Additional analysis was performed to assess the effect of increasing duration of pre‐existing T2DM [i.e., <90 days, 90 days to <1 year, 1 to <3 years, 3 to 5 years, >5 years] on survival.

RESULTS:

The study included 3,147 patients with PAC, with 745 patients having pre‐existing T2DM and 2,402 patients without pre‐existing T2DM. In the primary multivariate analysis, there was no difference in survival between those exposed and those unexposed to pre‐existing T2DM (HR 1.02 [0.93, 1.12], p = 0.620). In the secondary analysis, only those patients with T2DM > 5 years duration had a significantly increased mortality (HR 1.16 [1.00, 1.33], p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Long‐term pre‐existing T2DM is associated with increased mortality in patients diagnosed with PAC. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Modeling and biomechanical analysis of craniosynostosis correction with the use of finite element method
Authors: Wolański Wojciech , Larysz Dawid , Gzik Marek , Kawlewska Edyta
Published: August 2012

Craniosynostosis is a skull malformation because of premature fusing of one or more cranial sutures. The most common types of craniosynostosis are scaphocephaly (with the sagittal suture fused) and trigonocephaly (with the metopic suture fused). In this paper we describe and discuss how finite element analysis and three‐dimensional modeling can be used for preoperative planning of the correction of craniosynostosis and for the postoperative evaluation of the treatment results. We used the engineering software MIMICS MATERIALISE to obtain three‐dimensional geometry from computed tomography scans, and applied finite element method for the sake of biomechanical analysis. These simulations help to improve the surgical treatment, making it more accurate, safer, and faster. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contrast in Electron‐Transfer Mediation between Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Hongthani Wiphada , Patil Avinash J. , Mann Stephen , Fermín David J.
Published: August 2012

The properties of graphene oxide (GO) and DNA‐stabilised reduced graphene‐oxide (rGO) sheets as electron‐transfer mediators in partially blocked electrodes are evaluated employing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Evidences obtained from UV/Vis, Raman and FTIR spectroscopies, as well as atomic force microscopy, confirm that the reduction of exfoliated GO single sheets by hydrazine yields partially reduced graphene oxide featuring a high defect density. Two‐dimensional assemblies of GO and rGO were formed through electrostatic adsorption at Au electrodes, sequentially modified with 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) and poly‐diallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC). The MUA:PDADMAC generates a strong blocking layer to the electron‐transfer reaction involving the ferri/ferrocyanide redox couple. This blocking behaviour is not significantly affected upon adsorption of GO. However, adsorption of a sub‐monolayer of rGO decreases the charge‐transfer resistance by more than two orders of magnitude. Analysis of cyclic voltammograms and impedance spectra suggests that electron transfer in rGO assemblies is mediated by occupied states located just below the redox Fermi energy of the probe. These findings are discussed in the context of on‐going controversies regarding the electrochemical reactivity of sp2‐carbon basal planes.
Extended DNA Tile Actuators
Authors: Kristiansen Martin , Kryger Mille B. L. , Zhang Zhao , Voigt Niels V. , Birkedal Victoria , Gothelf Kurt V.
Published: August 2012

A dynamic linear DNA tile actuator is expanded to three new structures of higher complexity. The original DNA actuator was constructed from a central roller strand which hybridizes with two piston strands by forming two half‐crossover junctions. A linear expansion of the actuator is obtained by fusing two actuators of different sequence designs with a third central roller strand. This structure spans 35 nm and its integrity was verified by PAGE analysis. Owing to sequence homology around the crossovers the actuator can obtain 12 different states. The states of the actuator are controlled by a lock strand inserted at one end of the actuator and monitored by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) spectroscopy between a fluorophore pair which is located at the other end of the actuator. Two other designs were made where the linear actuator monomer is expanded into two dimensions by forming triangular and quadrilateral actuators. This could be attained by extending the central roller to three or four repeated 32 nucleotide regions that are complementary to the same piston. The triangular and quadrilateral actuators were characterized by PAGE analysis and it was shown that they could be locked in states 0, 5, and 10 and furthermore that they could be switched between the different states by strand displacement reactions.
Modeling complex systems macroscopically: Case/agent‐based modeling, synergetics, and the continuity equation
Authors: Rajaram Rajeev , Castellani Brian
Published: August 2012

Recently, the continuity equation (also known as the advection equation) has been used to study stability properties of dynamical systems, where a linear transfer operator approach was used to examine the stability of a nonlinear equation both in continuous and discrete time (Vaidya and Mehta, IEEE Trans Autom Control 2008, 53, 307–323; Rajaram et al., J Math Anal Appl 2010, 368, 144–156). Our study, which conducts a series of simulations on residential patterns, demonstrates that this usage of the continuity equation can advance Haken's synergetic approach to modeling certain types of complex, self‐organizing social systems macroscopically. The key to this advancement comes from employing a case‐based approach that (1) treats complex systems as a set of cases and (2) treats cases as dynamical vsystems which, at the microscopic level, can be conceptualized as k dimensional row vectors; and, at the macroscopic level, as vectors with magnitude and direction, which can be modeled as population densities. Our case‐based employment of the continuity equation has four benefits for agent‐based and case‐based modeling and, more broadly, the social scientific study of complex systems where transport or spatial mobility issues are of interest: it (1) links microscopic (agent‐based) and macroscopic (structural) modeling; (2) transforms the dynamics of highly nonlinear vector fields into the linear motion of densities; (3) allows predictions to be made about future states of a complex system; and (4) mathematically formalizes the structural dynamics of these types of complex social systems.
Coevolution of role preference and fairness in the ultimatum game
Authors: Ichinose Genki
Published: August 2012

Traditional economics assumes that humans are rational. However, it is known that humans behave fairly in the ultimatum game (UG). There are various explanations for this apparent paradox, such as the “inequity aversion.” However, the role preference (proposer or responder) of humans in the UG is obscure. I conducted a UG scenario experiment where subjects were asked their role preference in addition to their decision in the game. The results showed that the subjects prefer to be proposers rather than responders. In particular, it was found that rational subjects had a high preference for the proposer role. On the basis of these results, I conducted evolutionary simulations of the UG, where each individual has role preference intensity. A role is allocated to the individual proportional to the preference intensity. The results showed coevolution of role preference and fairness. The preference for the proposer role evolved when rational strategy evolved, whereas this preference weakened as rationality decreased. This indicates that fairness has a strong link with role preference; in other words, human fairness is always threatened by the “power and position” of some particular individuals. Hence, its equal distribution among individuals may be effective in maintaining a high level of fairness. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2012
Basal state hyperinsulinemia in healthy normoglycemic adults heralds dysglycemia after more than two decades of follow up
Authors: Dankner R. , Chetrit A. , Shanik M.H. , Raz I. , Roth J.
Published: August 2012

Background

In a preliminary report, we found an association between hyperinsulinemia in the basal (fasting) state and the development of diabetes.

Objectives

The current analysis further explored the long term link between basal hyperinsulinemia and conversion to dysglycemia.

Methods

This is a prospective study with up to 24 years of follow‐up of 515 normoglycemic individuals (mean age at follow up = 70.3 ± 7.0; range 58–94) of an Israeli cohort. Fasting glucose and insulin were measured, and dysglycemia was defined as fasting glucose > 100 mg/dL.

Results

At the end of the follow‐up period, almost half had progressed to dysglycemia. Male sex and elevated baseline levels of basal insulin, body mass index, blood glucose and blood pressure each favoured progression to dysglycemia over the subsequent two decades. A multivariate logistic regression model identified basal hyperinsulinemia as the strongest predictor for progression to dysglycemia (odds ratio = 1.79; 95% confidence interval 1.12–2.88), while controlling for ethnicity, blood pressure, fasting glucose, male sex, body mass index and age.

Conclusions

Basal hyperinsulinemia in normoglycemic adults constitutes an independent risk factor for metabolic deterioration to dysglycemia over adulthood, and may help to identify apparently healthy subjects at increased risk for diabetes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overexpression of ZAC impairs glucose‐stimulated insulin translation and secretion in clonal pancreatic beta‐cells
Authors: Du Xiaoyu , Ounissi‐Benkalha Houria , Loder Merewyn K. , Rutter Guy A. , Polychronakos Constantin
Published: August 2012

Background

ZAC (Zinc finger protein that regulates apoptosis and cell‐cycle arrest) is a candidate gene for transient neonatal diabetes mellitus (TNDM). This condition involves severe insulin deficiency at birth that reverses over weeks or months but may relapse with diabetes recurring in later life. ZAC overexpression in transgenic mice has previously been shown to result in complex changes in both beta‐cell mass and possibly function. The present study therefore aimed to examine the role of ZAC in beta‐cell function in vitro, independent of the confounder of a reduced beta‐cell mass at birth.

Methods

Overexpression of ZAC was achieved through the tetracycline‐regulatable system in the beta‐cell line, INS‐1.

Results

We found that ZAC overexpression exerted no significant effect on proliferation in this transformed cell line at any of the glucose concentrations examined. By contrast, glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion was impaired through a mechanism downstream of cytosolic Ca2+ increases. Furthermore, glucose‐stimulated proinsulin biosynthesis was inhibited despite an increase in insulin transcript level. Finally, we found that glucose downregulated ZAC expression in both INS‐1 cells and primary mouse islets.

Conclusions

These results indicate that ZAC is a negative regulator of the acute stimulatory effects of glucose on beta‐cells, and provide a possible explanation for both insulin deficiency in the neonate and the later relapse of diabetes in patients with transient neonatal diabetes mellitus cases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absence of Galectin‐1 accelerates CD8+ T cell‐mediated graft rejection
Authors: Moreau Aurélie , Noble Alistair , Ratnasothy Kulachelvy , Chai Jian‐Guo , Deltour Louise , Cuturi Maria‐Cristina , Simpson Elizabeth , Lechler Robert , Lombardi Giovanna
Published: August 2012

Galectin‐1 (Gal‐1) is a member of a family of endogenous β‐galactose‐binding proteins with a role in preventing autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation. In this study, the involvement of Gal‐1 in graft rejection was investigated by using Gal‐1‐deficient mice (Gal‐1−/−). We demonstrate that in the absence of Gal‐1, skin grafts are rejected earlier compared with those of WT mice, and that this is due to the role played by CD8+ T cells in graft rejection. The difference in graft survival observed between Gal‐1−/− and WT mice was explained by both an increase in the percentage of antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells and by preferential secretion of IFN‐γ and IL‐17 by CD8+ T cells in Gal‐1−/− mice compared with WT mice. This study suggests that endogenous expression of Gal‐1 contributes to graft survival. The results obtained from the use of mice deficient in Gal‐1 also confirm a key role for CD8+ T cells in graft rejection.
Copy number variation in autoimmunity — importance hidden in complexity?
Authors: Olsson Lina M. , Holmdahl Rikard
Published: August 2012

Copy number variation, namely regions of the genome that can be either deleted or duplicated in a variable way, has emerged as an important source of genetic variance in the human genome. Genes with immunological functions are particularly prone to copy number variation, in part because this is a mechanism to expand the recognition repertoire; however, immunological genes not directly involved in immune recognition are also copy number variable but, despite the link between immunological function and copy number variation, very few copy number variants (CNVs) have been found to be associated with autoimmune diseases, even in recent large genome‐wide CNV‐association studies. Nonetheless, CNVs in FCGR3B, DEFB4, CCL3L1, C4A/B and NCF1 have been suggested to be associated with autoimmune diseases, although there is conflicting evidence in all cases. The reasons for the lack of definitive data on CNV‐autoimmunity associations, as well as the technical challenges for the field are the focus of this review.
TFH memory: More or less TFH?
Authors: Barr Tom , Gray David
Published: August 2012

Follicular T‐helper (TFH) cells are a subset of CD4+ T cells that is specialized to help B cells. Their capacity to give rise to enhanced TFH memory responses has not been documented. A study by Weber et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2012 42: 1981–1988] in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology addresses this question, and a picture is emerging from this and several other recent studies which suggests that the formation of memory TFH and of central memory (TCM) cells are intimately bound and that the heterogeneity of what we currently call “TFH’’ cells clouds this issue. In this Commentary, we discuss these complexities and ask what memory TFH cells are doing given that the germinal centers are a feature of primary, but not secondary immune responses.
Sesquiterpenoids from Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.), an Invasive Biological Polluter
Authors: Taglialatela‐Scafati Orazio , Pollastro Federica , Minassi Alberto , Chianese Giuseppina , De Petrocellis Luciano , Di Marzo Vincenzo , Appendino Giovanni
Published: August 2012

Allergy to common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) is increasingly important from a clinical standpoint, but surprisingly, little is known on the secondary metabolites of this plant and their potential involvement in the severity of the allergic reactions induced by its pollen. Along with known compounds, eight novel sesquiterpenoids were isolated from the aerial parts of A. artemisiifolia, evidencing the presence of large amounts of electrophilic α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl derivatives. Because compounds of this type were also present in pollen, their reactivity with thiols was investigated and correlated to the activation of TRPA1, a polymodal sensor highly expressed in the aerial pathways and involved in airways sensory irritation, a common complication of allergy to Ambrosia.
Efficiency of Acid‐ and Mercury‐Catalyzed Cyclization Reactions in the Synthesis of Tetrahydrofurans from Allylsilyl Alcohols
Authors: Pulido Francisco J. , Barbero Asunción , Val Patricia , Diez Alberto , González‐Ortega Alfonso
Published: August 2012

The scope of the acid‐catalyzed and mercury‐catalyzed cyclization reactions of allylsilyl alcohols is described. This methodology has been found to be an efficient approach to the synthesis of highly substituted tetrahydrofurans. The stereoselectivity of the cyclization is dependent both on the substitution of the starting alcohol and on the catalyst. A plausible mechanism has been proposed that is consistent with the results.
Access to a Wide Range of Sultams by Cyclodialkylation of α‐Substituted Methanesulfonanilides
Authors: Rassadin Valentin A. , Grosheva Daria S. , Arefeva Irina A. , Tomashevskiy Aleksandr A. , Sokolov Victor V. , de Meijere Armin
Published: August 2012

A wide range of five‐ and six‐membered sultams bearing an α‐ethoxycarbonyl‐α‐methyl substituent or an α‐aryl group (17 examples) were synthesized by the cyclodialkylation of α‐substituted methanesulfonanilides with α,ω‐dihaloalkanes in the presence of K2CO3 or under phase‐transfer catalysis (PTC) conditions. Upon treatment with K2CO3 in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) or NaH in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N‐(2,3‐dibromopropyl)‐α‐toluenesulfonanilides furnished different 1,3‐diaryl‐2‐thia‐3‐azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane 2,2‐dioxides in good to excellent yields (51–88 %, 16 examples). The 4‐methoxyphenyl (PMP) group was easily removed from the sultam nitrogen atom by treatment of the corresponding bicyclic sultams with cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate in acetonitrile (71–84 % yield, 6 examples).
CuBr/PMDETA‐Mediated Reactions of [60]Fullerene with Active Halides: Preparation of Methano[60]Fullerene Derivatives
Authors: Yang Hai‐Tao , Tian Zong‐Yong , Ruan Xiao‐Jiao , Zhang Min , Miao Chun‐Bao , Sun Xiao‐Qiang
Published: August 2012

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of methano[60]fullerene derivatives linked with a single electron‐withdrawing group has been developed through one‐step reaction of [60]fullerene with active halides mediated by CuBr/pentamethyldiethylenetriamine. Many functional groups including esters, ketones, amides, and sulfonyl groups could be easily introduced onto the fullerene skeleton by using this methodology. A plausible reaction mechanism, but not the atom transfer radical process, was proposed for the formation of the methano[60]fullerene derivatives.
Modeling limestone reactivity and sizing the dissolution tank in wet flue gas desulfurization scrubbers
Authors: Carletti Claudio , Bjondahl Frej , De Blasio Cataldo , Ahlbeck Jarl , Järvinen Lauri , Westerlund Tapio
Published: August 2012

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is one of the pollutant gases that result from energy conversion by coal and oil combustion. Limestone slurries are widely utilized in wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) processes. The evaluation of the reagent's reactivity is fundamental for process design and plant operation. The comparison of different limestone and dolomite rocks through dissolution experiments was realized by applying a model for second‐order kinetics. And a total of 12 different samples were tested, at three different size fractions. A simulation model was developed to identify each sample's impact on sizing the dissolution tank of a WFGD scrubber. A second‐order model was applied within the scrubber's dissolution tank range of operation at pH values between 4 and 5. The regression coefficients for the second‐order model were higher than 0.98 in all cases. The dissolution tank volume estimation was done based on the reagent's overall chemical reaction constant in dissolution experiments. The limestone rocks, where the prevailing mineral was calcite (CaCO3), demonstrated higher chemical reactivity yielding smaller dissolution tank volumes than the dolomite rocks, where the prevailing mineral was dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2). The CaO and MgO content of a sample can be used to predict the dissolution rate; nevertheless more factors influence the rate and the tank sizing. The knowledge of the sample's composition and its reactivity is necessary for the design of a desulfurization scrubber; the reagent used is determinant for the economy and optimal operation of such scrubbers. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 663–672, 2013
Removal of chromium (VI) from aqueous solution using chemically modified corncorb‐activated carbon: Equilibrium and kinetic studies
Authors: Murugesan Arukkani , Vidhyadevi Thangaraj , Kirupha Selvaraj Dinesh , Ravikumar Lingam , Sivanesan Subramanian
Published: August 2012

Removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution was investigated using activated carbon obtained from acid modified (AMCAC) and unmodified corncorb (UMCAC) by batch adsorption technique at 30°C. H2SO4 acid of 10N, 20N, and 30N concentrations were used for the modification of activated carbon. The effect of different adsorption parameters, such as pH, initial Cr(VI) ion concentration, contact time, and adsorbent dosage were studied. The 10N acid modified activated carbon (AMCAC) was effective for the maximum removal of Cr(VI) at pH 6.0, and equilibrium was attained in 60 min. Kinetic studies show that the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation was best suited for removal of Cr(IV) ions from aqueous solution. Adsorption equilibrium data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich‐Peterson adsorption isotherms. The maximum adsorption capacities of UMCAC and AMCAC with respect to Cr(VI) ions were calculated from Langmuir isotherm, and found to be 22.82, and 54.11 mg/g respectively. FTIR spectra of the adsorbent before and after adsorption with Cr(VI) indicated that hydroxyl, halide, and aldehyde groups are present in the major binding sites which play an important role in the removal of Cr(VI) ions. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 673–680, 2013
Derivation of screening benchmarks for dietary methylmercury exposure for the common loon (Gavia immer): Rationale for use in ecological risk assessment
Authors: Depew David C. , Basu Niladri , Burgess Neil M. , Campbell Linda M. , Evers David C. , Grasman Keith A. , Scheuhammer Anton M.
Published: August 2012

The current understanding of methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity to avian species has improved considerably in recent years and indicates that exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of MeHg through the diet can adversely affect various aspects of avian health, reproduction, and survival. Because fish-eating birds are at particular risk for elevated MeHg exposure, the authors surveyed the available primary and secondary literature to summarize the effects of dietary MeHg on the common loon (Gavia immer) and to derive ecologically relevant toxic thresholds for dietary exposure to MeHg in fish prey. After considering the available data, the authors propose three screening benchmarks of 0.1, 0.18, and 0.4 µg g−1 wet weight MeHg in prey fish. The lowest benchmark (0.1 µg g−1 wet wt) is the threshold for adverse behavioral impacts in adult loons and is close to the empirically determined no observed adverse effects level for subclinical effects observed in captive loon chicks. The remaining benchmarks (0.18 and 0.4 µg g−1 wet wt) correspond to MeHg levels in prey fish associated with significant reproductive impairment and reproductive failure in wild adult loons. Overall, these benchmarks incorporate recent findings and reviews of MeHg toxicity in aquatic fish-eating birds and provide the basis for a national ecological risk assessment for Hg and loons in Canada. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2399–2407. © 2012 SETAC
Species-specific and transgenerational responses to increasing salinity in sympatric freshwater gastropods
Authors: Suski Jamie G. , Salice Christopher J. , Patiño Reynaldo
Published: August 2012

Freshwater salinization is a global concern partly attributable to anthropogenic salt contamination. The authors examined the effects of increased salinity (as NaCl, 250–4,000 µS/cm, specific conductance) on two sympatric freshwater gastropods (Helisoma trivolvis and Physa pomillia). Life stage sensitivities were determined by exposing naive eggs or naive juveniles (through adulthood and reproduction). Additionally, progeny eggs from the juvenile-adult exposures were maintained at their respective parental salinities to examine transgenerational effects. Naive H. trivolvis eggs experienced delayed development at specific conductance > 250 µS/cm; reduced survivorship and reproduction were also seen in juvenile H. trivolvis at 4,000 µS/cm. Survival and growth of P. pomilia were not affected by increased salinity following egg or juvenile exposures. Interestingly, the progeny of H. trivolvis exposed to higher salinity may have gained tolerance to increased salinity whereas P. pomilia progeny may have experienced negative transgenerational effects. The present study demonstrates that freshwater snail species vary in their tolerance to salinization and also highlights the importance of multigenerational studies, as stressor impacts may not be readily apparent from shorter term exposures. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2517–2524. © 2012 SETAC
The Relation Between Market Liquidity and Anonymity in the Presence of Tick Size Constraints
Authors: Brown Christine , Choo Astrophel Kim , Pinder Sean
Published: August 2012

In February 2004, the Sydney Futures Exchange removed broker identifiers from the electronic limit order book for interest rate futures contracts, with the stated objective of maintaining transparency and improving market participation and liquidity. We show how the Exchange's aims were generally met by documenting an increase in volume and frequency of trades and a decline in time‐weighted quoted spreads. Although daily effective spreads do not decline, intraday analysis demonstrates that there are improvements in effective spreads which are concentrated to those points in time where the bid–ask spread is not constrained by the size of the minimum tick, and where information asymmetries are present. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 34:56–73, 2014
Identifying Plausible Genetic Models Based on Association and Linkage Results: Application to Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Guan Weihua , Boehnke Michael , Pluzhnikov Anna , Cox Nancy J. , Scott Laura J.
Published: August 2012

When planning resequencing studies for complex diseases, previous association and linkage studies can constrain the range of plausible genetic models for a given locus. Here, we explore the combinations of causal risk allele frequency (RAFC) and genotype relative risk (GRRC) consistent with no or limited evidence for affected sibling pair (ASP) linkage and strong evidence for case‐control association. We find that significant evidence for case‐control association combined with no or moderate evidence for ASP linkage can define a lower bound for the plausible RAFC. Using data from large type 2 diabetes (T2D) linkage and genome‐wide association study meta‐analyses, we find that under reasonable model assumptions, 23 of 36 autosomal T2D risk loci are unlikely to be due to causal variants with combined RAFC < 0.005, and four of the 23 are unlikely to be due to causal variants with combined RAFC < 0.05.
Effect of co‐gasification of biomass and petroleum coke with coal on the production of gases
Authors: Fermoso Javier , Arias Borja , Moghtaderi Behdad , Pevida Covadonga , Plaza Marta G. , Pis Jose J. , Rubiera Fernando
Published: August 2012

The co‐pyrolysis and co‐gasification of binary blends of a bituminous coal (PT), a petcoke (PC) and two types of biomass (olive stones, OS; chestnut, CH) were studied at atmospheric pressure in a fixed bed reactor. The pyrolysis and gasification were performed under nitrogen, and steam/oxygen atmospheres, respectively. In a fixed bed reactor, the particles of the different fuels are in close contact, providing an optimum means for evaluating possible synergetic effects. Pyrolysis tests showed a lack of chemical interaction between the components of the blend. Therefore, the composition of the gas produced during the pyrolysis tests can be predicted from those of the individual components and their mass fractions. During the co‐gasification tests, different interactions were observed depending on the heating rate. Low heating rates produced higher amount of CO and CO2, whereas tar yield decreased. At high heating rates, the biomass and coal blends produced more tar but less H2 and CO. The effect of co‐gasification on apparent thermal efficiency was also evaluated. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Simulations of long‐column flow experiments related to geologic carbon sequestration: effects of outer wall boundary condition on upward flow and formation of liquid CO2
Authors: Oldenburg Curtis M. , Doughty Christine , Peters Catherine A. , Dobson Patrick F.
Published: August 2012

Improving understanding of CO2 migration, phase change, and trapping processes motivates the development of large‐scale laboratory experiments to bridge the gap between bench‐scale experiments and field‐scale studies. Critical to the design of such experiments are defensible configurations that mimic relevant subsurface flow scenarios. We use numerical simulation with TOUGH2/ECO2M and ECO2N to design flow and transport experiments aimed at understanding upward flows including the transition of CO2 from supercritical to liquid and gaseous forms. These experiments are designed for a large‐scale facility such as the proposed laboratory for underground CO2 investigations (LUCI). LUCI would consist of one or more long‐column pressure vessels (LCPVs) several hundred meters in length filled with porous materials. An LCPV with an insulated outer wall corresponds to the column being at the center of a large upwelling plume. If the outer wall of the LCPV is assigned fixed temperature boundary conditions corresponding to the geothermal gradient, the LCPV represents a narrow upwelling through a fault or well. Numerical simulations of upward flow in the columns reveal complex temporal variations of temperature and saturation, including the appearance of liquid CO2 due to expansion cooling. The results are sensitive to outer thermal boundary conditions. Understanding of the simulations is aided by time‐series animations of saturation‐depth profiles and trajectories through P‐T (pressure‐temperature) space with superimposed phase saturations. The strong dependence of flow on hydrologic properties and the lack of knowledge of three‐phase relative permeability and hysteresis underlines the need for large‐scale flow experiments to understand multiphase leakage behavior. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Sedimentation of submarine fan deposits in the Pindos foreland basin, from late Eocene to early Oligocene, west Peloponnesus peninsula, SW Greece
Authors: Konstantopoulos Panagiotis A. , Zelilidis Avraam
Published: August 2012

Turbidite facies distribution and palaeocurrent analysis of submarine fan evolution in the Pindos foreland basin of west Peloponnesus peninsula (SW Greece) indicate that this part of the foreland was developed during Late Eocene to Early Oligocene in three linear sub‐basins (Tritea, Hrisovitsi and Finikounda). The basin fill conditions, with a multiple feeder system, which is characterized by axial transport of sediments and asymmetric stratigraphic thickness of the studied sediments, indicate that the Pindos Foreland Basin in this area was an underfilled foreland basin. Sediments are dominated by conglomerates, sandstones and mudstones. The flow types that controlled the depositional processes of the submarine fans were grain flows, debris flows and low‐ and high‐density turbidity currents. The sedimentary model that we propose for the depositional mechanisms and geometrical distribution of the turbidite units in the Tritea sub‐basin is a mixed sand‐mud submarine fan with a sequential interaction of progradation and retrogradation for the submarine fan development and shows a WNW main palaeocurrent direction. The Hrisovitsi sub‐basin turbidite system characterized by small‐scale channels was sediment starved, and the erosion during deposition was greater than the two other studied areas, indicating a more restricted basin topography with a NW main palaeocurrent direction. The Finikounda sub‐basin exhibits sand‐rich submarine fans, is characterized by the presence of distinct, small‐scale, thickening‐upward cycles and by the covering of a distal fan by a proximal fan. It was constructed under the simultaneous interaction of progradation and aggradation, where the main palaeocurrent direction was from NNW to SSE. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The medial habenula contains a specific nonstellate subtype of astrocyte expressing the ectonucleotidase NTPDase2
Authors: Gampe Kristine , Hammer Klaus , Kittel Ágnes , Zimmermann Herbert
Published: August 2012

ATP‐mediated synaptic transmission represents the only transmitter‐gated Ca2+‐entry pathway in neurons of the rodent medial habenula. In addition to direct purinergic receptor‐mediated synaptic inputs, the medial habenula contains purinergic systems that modulate synaptic transmission. Purinergic signaling is modulated or terminated by ectonucleotidase, nucleotide‐hydrolyzing enzymes of the cell surface. Here we identify the major ectonucleotidase responsible for the hydrolysis of extracellular ATP in the mouse medial habenula as ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 2 (NTPDase2), using immunostaining and enzyme histochemistry. Double labeling experiments reveal that the enzyme is expressed by astrocytes enwrapping the densely packed neurons and also the myelinated fiber bundles of the stria medullaris. NTPDase2 immunoreactivity is absent from the lateral habenula. The analysis of mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein under the promoter of glial fibrillary acidic protein revealed that the medial habenula harbors a highly polar type of astrocytes with very long laminar cellular processes, untypical for grey matter astrocytes. Its morphology strongly differs from that of the stellate astrocytes in the adjacent lateral habenula. Our results suggest that the mouse medial habenula contains a specific perineuronal nonstellate subtype of astrocyte that expresses the ectonucleotidase NTPDase2 and is in a strategic position to modulate purinergic transmission in this subnucleus. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chronic hepatitis B infection in adolescents who received primary infantile vaccination
Authors: Wu Tzu-Wei , Lin Hans Hsienhong , Wang Li-Yu
Published: August 2012

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health issue. Universal infantile hepatitis B (HB) vaccination is very efficacious. However, HBV infections among those immunized subjects have been reported. The long-term efficacy of postnatal passive-active HB vaccination in high-risk subjects is not well explored. A total of 8,733 senior high school students who were born after July 1987 were assayed for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs). The overall HBsAg and anti-HBs-positive rates were 1.9% and 48.3%, respectively. The HBsAg-positive rate was 15% in HB immunoglobulin (HBIG) recipients (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 15.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.99-22.22). Among students who did not receive HBIG, there was a significantly negative association between HB vaccination dosage and HBsAg-positive rate (P for trend = 0.011). Adjusted ORs for those who received 4, 3, and 1 to 2 doses were 1.00, 1.52 (95% CI: 0.91-2.53), and 2.85 (95% CI: 1.39-5.81), respectively. Among HBIG recipients, the HBsAg-positive rate was significantly higher in subjects with maternal hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positivity and who received HBIG off-schedule. A booster dose of HB vaccination was administered to 1974 HBsAg- and anti-HBs-negative subjects. Prebooster and a postbooster blood samples were drawn for anti-HBs quantification. The proportions of postbooster anti-HBs titer <10 mIU/mL was 27.9%. Subjects with prebooster anti-HBs titers of 1.0-9.9 mIU/mL had significantly higher postbooster anti-HBs titers than those with prebooster anti-HBs titers of <1.0 mIU/mL (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Having maternal HBeAg positivity is the most important determinant for HBsAg positivity in adolescents who received postnatal passive-active HB vaccination 15 years before. A significant proportion of complete vaccinees may have lost their immunological memories against HBsAg. (Hepatology 2013)
Disordered purinergic signaling and abnormal cellular metabolism are associated with development of liver cancer in Cd39/Entpd1 null Mice
Authors: Sun Xiaofeng , Han Lihui , Seth Pankaj , Bian Shu , Li Linglin , Csizmadia Eva , Junger Wolfgang G. , Schmelzle Moritz , Usheva Anny , Tapper Elliot B. , Baffy Gyorgy , Sukhatme Vikas P. , Wu Yan , Robson Simon C.
Published: August 2012

Liver cancer is associated with chronic inflammation, which is linked to immune dysregulation, disordered metabolism, and aberrant cell proliferation. Nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1; (CD39/ENTPD1) is an ectonucleotidase that regulates extracellular nucleotide/nucleoside concentrations by scavenging nucleotides to ultimately generate adenosine. These properties inhibit antitumor immune responses and promote angiogenesis, being permissive for the growth of transplanted tumors. Here we show that Cd39 deletion promotes development of both induced and spontaneous autochthonous liver cancer in mice. Loss of Cd39 results in higher concentrations of extracellular nucleotides, which stimulate proliferation of hepatocytes, abrogate autophagy, and disrupt glycolytic metabolism. Constitutive activation of Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-S6K1 pathways occurs in both quiescent Cd39 null hepatocytes in vitro and liver tissues in vivo. Exogenous adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) boosts these signaling pathways, whereas rapamycin inhibits such aberrant responses in hepatocytes. Conclusion: Deletion of Cd39 and resulting changes in disordered purinergic signaling perturb hepatocellular metabolic/proliferative responses, paradoxically resulting in malignant transformation. These findings might impact adjunctive therapies for cancer. Our studies indicate that the biology of autochthonous and transplanted tumors is quite distinct. (Hepatology 2013)
Elevated lipogenesis and diminished cholesterol synthesis in patients with hepatitis C viral infection compared to healthy humans
Authors: Lambert Jennifer E. , Bain Vincent G. , Ryan Edmond A. , Thomson Alan B.R. , Clandinin Michael T.
Published: August 2012

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) exerts a profound influence on host lipid metabolism. It has been suggested that the synthesis of both fatty acids (FA) and cholesterol is dysregulated in HCV but this has not been directly quantified in humans. The purpose of this study was to measure lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis using stable isotopes in patients with HCV (n = 5) and healthy control (n = 9) subjects recruited from the University of Alberta hospital. Blood samples were taken at fasting (0 and 24 hours) and after meals over the day to mimic typical food consumption and postprandial metabolism. Isolation of free cholesterol (FC), cholesteryl ester (CE), and triglyceride (TG) from plasma and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) was used to measure FA and cholesterol synthesis using deuterium uptake and isotope ratio mass spectrometry. FA composition was analyzed by gas chromatography. VLDL-TG levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including linoleic and linolenic acid, were lower in HCV compared to control (

P

< 0.05 for both). Fasting hepatic lipogenesis was significantly higher in HCV (2.80 ± 0.55%) compared to control (1.19 ± 0.27%;

P

= 0.03). Conversely, fasting whole-body synthesis of FC (HCV 1.64 ± 0.28% versus control 8.78 ± 1.59%) and CE (HCV 0.26 ± 0.08% versus control 1.92 ± 0.25%), as well as hepatic FC synthesis (HCV 1.68 ± 0.26% versus control 8.12 ± 0.77%) was lower in HCV (

P

< 0.001 for all).

Conclusion :

These data provide evidence that lipogenesis is elevated while cholesterol synthesis is impaired in HCV, supporting previous findings from cellular and animal models. Low PUFA levels combined with elevated lipogenesis suggests a role for dietary PUFA supplementation in HCV patients.