bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoporous Copper Metal Catalyst in Click Chemistry: Nanoporosity‐Dependent Activity without Supports and Bases
Authors: Jin Tienan , Yan Mei , Menggenbateer  , Minato Taketoshi , Bao Ming , Yamamoto Yoshinori
Published: November 2011

Nanoporous copper (CuNPore) catalysts with tunable nanoporosity were fabricated from Cu30Mn70 alloy by controlling the de‐alloying temperature under free corrosion conditions. The tunable nanoporosity of CuNPore led to a significant enhancement of catalytic activity in click chemistry without using any supports and bases. Characterization of CuNPore surface, high reusability, leaching experiment, and formation of nanostructured copper acetylide revealed that the click reaction occurred at the catalyst surface.
Association of SNPs linked to increased expression of SLC1A1 with schizophrenia
Authors: Horiuchi Yasue , Iida Syuhei , Koga Minori , Ishiguro Hiroki , Iijima Yoshimi , Inada Toshiya , Watanabe Yuichiro , Someya Toshiyuki , Ujike Hiroshi , Iwata Nakao , Ozaki Norio , Kunugi Hiroshi , Tochigi Mamoru , Itokawa Masanari , Arai Makoto , Niizato Kazuhiro , Iritani Shuji , Kakita Akiyoshi , Takahashi Hitoshi , Nawa Hiroyuki , Arinami Tadao
Published: November 2011

Glutamate is one of the key molecules involved in signal transduction in the brain, and dysfunction of glutamate signaling could be linked to schizophrenia. The SLC1A1 gene located at 9p24 encodes the glutamate transporter EAAT3/EAAC1. To investigate the association between the SLC1A1 gene and schizophrenia in the Japanese population, we genotyped 19 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tagSNPs) in the SLC1A1 gene in 576 unrelated individuals with schizophrenia and 576 control subjects followed by replication in an independent case–control study of 1,344 individuals with schizophrenia and 1,344 control subjects. In addition, we determined the boundaries of the copy number variation (CNV) region in the first intron (Database of Genomic Variants, chr9:4516796‐4520549) and directly genotyped the CNV because of significant deviation from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The CNV was not associated with schizophrenia. Four SNPs showed a possible association with schizophrenia in the screening subjects and the associations were replicated in the same direction (nominal allelic P < 0.05), and, among them, an association with rs7022369 was replicated even after Bonferroni correction (allelic nominal P = 5 × 10−5, allelic corrected P = 2.5 × 10−4, allelic odds ratio, 1.30; 95% CI: 1.14–1.47 in the combined subjects). Expression analysis quantified by the real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in the postmortem prefrontal cortex of 43 Japanese individuals with schizophrenia and 11 Japanese control subjects revealed increased SLC1A1 expression levels in individuals homozygous for the rs7022369 risk allele (P = 0.003). Our findings suggest the involvement of SLC1A1 in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Self‐Threading Bithiophenes and their Structure–Property Relationships Regarding Cyclic Side‐Chains with Atomic Precision
Authors: Ouchi Yuki , Sugiyasu Kazunori , Ogi Soichiro , Sato Akira , Takeuchi Masayuki
Published: November 2011

We have recently reported a self‐threading polythiophene as a new family of insulated molecular wires. Herein, we focused on the structure–property relationships of the unique three‐dimensional architecture of the monomer. We have synthesized nine self‐threading bithiophene monomers that have cyclic side‐chains of different size and flexibility: i.e., 21‐, 22‐, 23‐, 24‐, 26‐, and 30‐membered rings composed of paraffinic, olefinic, or alkynic chains. To investigate their structure–property relationships, 1H NMR spectroscopy, UV absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements were conducted. We found that cyclic side‐chains define the movable range of the dihedral angle of the bithiophene backbone, thereby affecting its photophysical properties. Therefore, the ability to design a structure with atomic precision as described herein would lead to the fine‐tuning of the electronic properties of insulated molecular wires.
Using FTIR spectroscopy to model alkaline pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification of six lignocellulosic biomasses
Authors: Sills Deborah L. , Gossett James M.
Published: November 2011

Fourier transform infrared, attenuated total reflectance (FTIR‐ATR) spectroscopy, combined with partial least squares (PLS) regression, accurately predicted solubilization of plant cell wall constituents and NaOH consumption through pretreatment, and overall sugar productions from combined pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. PLS regression models were constructed by correlating FTIR spectra of six raw biomasses (two switchgrass cultivars, big bluestem grass, a low‐impact, high‐diversity mixture of prairie biomasses, mixed hardwood, and corn stover), plus alkali loading in pretreatment, to nine dependent variables: glucose, xylose, lignin, and total solids solubilized in pretreatment; NaOH consumed in pretreatment; and overall glucose and xylose conversions and yields from combined pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. PLS models predicted the dependent variables with the following values of coefficient of determination for cross‐validation (Q2): 0.86 for glucose, 0.90 for xylose, 0.79 for lignin, and 0.85 for total solids solubilized in pretreatment; 0.83 for alkali consumption; 0.93 for glucose conversion, 0.94 for xylose conversion, and 0.88 for glucose and xylose yields. The sugar yield models are noteworthy for their ability to predict overall saccharification through combined pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis per mass dry untreated solids without a priori knowledge of the composition of solids. All wavenumbers with significant variable‐important‐for‐projection (VIP) scores have been attributed to chemical features of lignocellulose, demonstrating the models were based on real chemical information. These models suggest that PLS regression can be applied to FTIR‐ATR spectra of raw biomasses to rapidly predict effects of pretreatment on solids and on subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:894–903. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prolonged conversion of n‐butyrate to n‐butanol with Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum in a two‐stage continuous culture with in‐situ product removal
Authors: Richter Hanno , Qureshi Nasib , Heger Sebastian , Dien Bruce , Cotta Michael A. , Angenent Largus T.
Published: November 2011

n‐Butanol was produced continuously in a two‐stage fermentor system with integrated product removal from a co‐feed of n‐butyric acid and glucose. Glucose was always required as a source of ATP and electrons for the conversion of n‐butyrate to n‐butanol and for biomass growth; for the latter it also served as a carbon source. The first stage generated metabolically active planktonic cells of Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum strain N1‐4 that were continuously fed into the second (production) stage; the volumetric ratio of the two fermentors was 1:10. n‐Butanol was removed continuously from the second stage via gas stripping. Implementing a two‐stage process was observed to dramatically dampen metabolic oscillations (i.e., periodical changes of solventogenic activity). Culture degeneration (i.e., an irreversible loss of solventogenic activity) was avoided by periodical heat shocking and re‐inoculating stage 1 and by maintaining the concentration of undissociated n‐butyric acid in stage 2 at 3.4 mM with a pH‐auxostat. The system was successfully operated for 42 days during which 93% of the fed n‐butyrate was converted to n‐butanol at a production rate of 0.39 g/(L × h). The molar yields Yn‐butanol/n‐butyrate and Yn‐butanol/glucose were 2.0, and 0.718, respectively. For the same run, the molar ratio of n‐butyrate to glucose consumed was 0.358. The molar yield of carbon in n‐butanol produced from carbon in n‐butyrate and glucose consumed (Yn‐butanol/carbon) was 0.386. These data illustrate that conversion of n‐butyrate into n‐butanol by solventogenic Clostridium species is feasible and that this can be performed in a continuous system operating for longer than a month. However, our data also demonstrate that a relatively large amount of glucose is required to supply electrons and ATP for this conversion and for cell growth in a continuous culture. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:913–921. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adhesions after laparoscopic and open ileal pouch–anal anastomosis surgery for ulcerative colitis
Authors: Hull T L , Joyce M R , Geisler D P , Coffey J C
Published: November 2011

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that a laparoscopic approach to colorectal procedures generates fewer adhesions. Even though laparoscopic ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a lengthy procedure, the prospect of fewer adhesions may justify this approach. The aim of this study was to assess abdominal and adnexal adhesion formation following laparoscopic versus open IPAA in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Methods

A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed at time of ileostomy closure. All abdominal quadrants and the pelvis were video recorded systematically and graded offline. The incisional adhesion score (IAS; range 0–6) and total abdominal adhesion score (TAS; range 0–10) were calculated, based on the grade and extent of adhesions. Adnexal adhesions were classified by the American Fertility Society (AFS) adhesion score.

Results

A total of 43 patients consented to participate, of whom 40 could be included in the study (laparoscopic 28, open 12). Median age was 38 (range 20–61) years. There was no difference in age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade and time to ileostomy closure between groups. The IAS was significantly lower after laparoscopic IPAA than following an open procedure: median (range) 0 (0–5) versus 4 (2–6) respectively (P = 0·004). The TAS was also significantly lower in the laparoscopic group: 2 (0–6) versus 8 (2–10) (P = 0·002). Applying the AFS score, women undergoing laparoscopic IPAA had a significantly lower mean(s.d.) prognostic classification score than those in the open group: 5·2(3·7) versus 20·0(5·6) (P = 0·023).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic IPAA was associated with significantly fewer incisional, abdominal and adnexal adhesions in comparison with open IPAA.
Supramolecular Inclusion Complexes of Two Cyclic Zinc Bisporphyrins with C60 and C70: Structural, Thermodynamic, and Photophysical Characterization
Authors: Hernández‐Eguía Laura P. , Escudero‐Adán Eduardo C. , Pintre Inmaculada C. , Ventura Barbara , Flamigni Lucia , Ballester Pablo
Published: November 2011

The formation of thermodynamically stable inclusion complexes between two cyclic zinc bisporphyrins, differing in the saturation degree of the hydrocarbon linkers that connect their porphyrin units, and the fullerenes C60 and C70 is described. Binding and photophysical studies were performed in two solvents of very different polarity: toluene and dichloromethane. UV/Vis and fluorescence titration experiments showed π–π interactions between the cyclic zinc bisporphyrins and the fullerenes. Solid‐state structures were determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis and gave valuable insight into the different complexation behaviors of the two macrocyclic systems towards the fullerenes. NMR titrations were also helpful in understanding the geometry of the complexes in solution. Upon fullerene complexation, the two macrocyclic bisporphyrins adopt very distinct conformations. Charge‐transfer absorption bands point to ground‐state interactions, and quenching of the porphyrin component luminescence indicates fast reactivity in the excited states. Energy transfer plus HOMO–HOMO and LUMO–LUMO electron‐transfer processes occur within the complexes. Charge‐separated states characterized by a reduced fullerene and an oxidized porphyrin radical, with lifetimes in the order of several hundred picoseconds, are detected.
ChemInform Abstract: Structure and Lithium Transport Pathways in Li2FeSiO4 Cathodes for Lithium Batteries.
Authors: Armstrong A. Robert , Kuganathan Navaratnarajah , Islam M. Saiful , Bruce Peter G.
Published: November 2011

The crystal structure of cycled Li2FeSiO4 is characterized by powder neutron diffraction and the Li+ migration pathways are determined using atomistic simulation techniques.
Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopic, Calorimetric, and FTIR‐ATR Investigations of D‐Arabinose Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Singh Lokendra P. , Cerveny Silvina , Alegría Angel , Colmenero Juan
Published: November 2011

The dielectric relaxation behavior of D‐arabinose aqueous solutions at different water concentrations is examined by broadband dielectric spectroscopy in the frequency range of 10−2–107 Hz and in the temperature range of 120–300 K. Differential scanning calorimetry is also performed to find the glass transition temperatures (Tg). In addition, the same solutions are analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy using the attenuated total reflectance (ATR) method at the same temperature interval and in the frequency range of 3800–2800 cm−1. The temperature dependence of the relaxation times is examined for the different weight fractions (xw) of water along with the temperature dependence of dielectric strength. Two relaxation processes are observed in the aqueous solutions for all concentrations of water. The slower process, the so‐called primary relaxation process (process‐I), is responsible for the Tg whereas the faster one (designated as process‐II) is due to the reorientational motion of the water molecules. As for other hydrophilic water solutions, dielectric data for process‐II indicate the existence of a critical water concentration above which water mobility is less restricted. Accordingly, FTIR‐ATR measurements on aqueous solutions show an increment in the intensity (area) of the OH stretching sub‐band close to 3200 cm−1 as the water concentration increases.
Structural, Raman, and photoluminescence properties of double‐shelled coaxial nanocables of In2O3 core with ZnO and AZO shells
Authors: Na Han Gil , Kwak Dong Sub , Kim Hyoun Woo
Published: November 2011

We synthesized In2O3/ZnO/Al‐doped ZnO (AZO) core‐double shell nanowires, in which the inner shell (ZnO) and the outer shell (AZO) have been subsequently deposited on the core In2O3 nanowires. With their one‐dimensional morphology being preserved, the X‐ray diffraction (XRD), lattice‐resolved transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image, selected area electron diffraction, and Raman spectrum coincidentally revealed that the shell was comprised of hexagonal ZnO phase. In addition, TEM‐EDX investigation revealed the presence of Al elements in the shell region. The thermal annealing at 700 °C did not significantly change the nanowire morphology, however, the XRD spectrum indicated that the ZnO phase was crystallized by the annealing. PL spectrum of the 700 °C‐annealed In2O3/ZnO/AZO core‐double shell nanowires was comprised of three Gaussian bands at approximately 2.1 eV, 2.4 eV, and 3.0 eV, respectively. The integrated intensities of 2.1 eV‐, 2.4 eV‐, and 3.0 eV‐bands were decreased by the thermal annealing. This study will pave the road to the preparation and applicaition of double‐shelled nanowires. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Does Sustainable Development Foster Value Creation? Empirical Evidence from the Global Energy Industry
Authors: Pätäri Satu , Jantunen Ari , Kyläheiko Kalevi , Sandström Jaana
Published: November 2011

The relationship between a firm's sustainability efforts and its financial performance has gained increasing interest among academia and in the press in recent years. In this study we focus on the energy industry in which sustainability issues are of special interest, but in which context the association between firm performance and sustainable development has not yet been studied. The data for this study consists of two groups of firms: firms that are included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI), and the biggest firms from the global energy sector. The financial performance of the companies is analyzed from different perspectives, and the data is gathered from years 2000, 2005, and 2009. The empirical analysis finds evidence of a positive association between sustainable development and firms' financial performance, especially when performance is measured as the market capitalization value. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
A General and Expedient Synthesis of 5‐ and 6‐Membered Cyclic Carbonates by Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Carbonylation of 1,2‐ and 1,3‐Diols
Authors: Gabriele Bartolo , Mancuso Raffaella , Salerno Giuseppe , Veltri Lucia , Costa Mirco , Dibenedetto Angela
Published: November 2011

We present a general, practical, and efficient approach to 5‐ and 6‐membered organic carbonates by palladium‐catalyzed direct oxidative carbonylation of 1,2‐ and 1,3‐diols, respectively. Reactions were carried out at 100 °C in N,N‐dimethylacetamide as the solvent under 20 atm (at 25 °C; 1 atm=101.3 kPa) of a 4:1 v/v CO/air mixture in the presence of 0.5–2 mol % of PdI2 and KI (KI/PdI2 molar ratio=10). Excess dehydrating agent, such as trimethyl orthoacetate, was necessary in several cases to obtain appreciable results. The method could also be applied to the synthesis of a high‐value‐added glycerol carbonate from glycerol, a readily available raw material. When applied to α‐D‐glucose, a double carbonylation process took place, with direct formation of α‐D‐glucofuranose 1,2:5,6‐dicarbonate.
Carboxylate‐Based, Room‐Temperature Ionic Liquids as Efficient Media for Palladium‐Catalyzed Homocoupling and Sonogashira–Hagihara Reactions of Aryl Halides
Authors: Iranpoor Nasser , Firouzabadi Habib , Ahmadi Yasaman
Published: November 2011

Carboxylate‐based salts are introduced as easily prepared, cheap and stable ionic liquids (ILs) that act as the base, ligand, reducing agent and media for the efficient phosphane‐free, palladium‐catalyzed homocoupling reaction of aryl iodides and bromides. The efficient copper and phosphane‐free Sonagashira coupling reaction of aryl iodides and bromides is also demonstrated in these ILs. One of the ILs was also phosphorylated and showed high efficiency and recyclability as a medium, and was also used as a ligand for palladium‐catalyzed homocoupling and copper‐free Sonogashira reactions of aryl iodides and bromides.
Phosphane‐Free Pd0‐Catalyzed Cycloamination and Carbonylation with Pd(OAc)2 and Cu(OAc)2 in the Presence of K2CO3: Preparation of Benzocyclic Amines and Benzolactams
Authors: Harada Rika , Nishida Naoto , Uchiito Shiho , Onozaki Yu , Kurono Nobuhito , Senboku Hisanori , Masao Tokuda , Ohkuma Takeshi , Orito Kazuhiko
Published: November 2011

Phosphane‐free Pd0‐catalyzed intramolecular aromatic amination was studied. o‐Halophenethylamines and 3‐(o‐halophenyl)propylamines were found to be transformed into indolines and quinolines in a catalytic system based on Pd(OAc)2 and Cu(OAc)2 in the presence of K2CO3. Application of the method to substrates containing isoquinoline rings – the 1‐(o‐bromobenzyl)‐3,4‐dihydroisoquinolines 6, the 1‐(o‐bromobenzyl)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolines 7, and the 1‐(o‐bromophenethyl)isoquinolines 9 – provided the indolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline and dibenzo[a,f]quinolizine ring systems 8 and 10. Extension of the method to β‐carbolines (compounds 11, 12, and 17) produced the benz[f]indolo[2,3‐a]indolizine‐13‐ones 15 and the benz[f]indolo[2,3‐a]quinolizine 18. The benzo[f]pyrido[3,4‐a]indolizine and indolo[f]pyrido[3,4‐a]indolizin‐12‐one ring systems 27 and 31 were built in a similar manner. It was also found that under an atmosphere of CO the same catalytic system produced the corresponding benzolactams, the isoquino[2,1‐a][2,7]naphthyridine 34 and the indolo[2,3‐a]pyrido[g]quinolizin‐8‐one 36 [(±)‐dihydronaucléfine] in good yields.
Concise Total Synthesis of Dihydrocorynanthenol, Protoemetinol, Protoemetine, 3‐epi‐Protoemetinol and Emetine
Authors: Lin Shuangzheng , Deiana Luca , Tseggai Abrehet , Córdova Armando
Published: November 2011

A concise asymmetric assembly of secologanine tryptamine and dopamine alkaloids by means of a one‐pot three‐component cascade reaction methodology is disclosed. This is demonstrated by the expeditious total syntheses of (–)‐dihydrocorynanthenol, (–)‐protoemetinol, (–)‐protoemetine, (–)‐3‐epi‐protoemetinol, and emetine (3–6 steps). The biomimetic synthetic strategy involved the following key steps: (i) One‐pot three‐component highly enantioselective catalytic Michael/Pictet–Spengler/lactamization cascade reactions; (ii) One‐pot tandem Swern oxidation/Wittig sequences; (iii) One‐pot tandem hydrogenation sequences.
pKa‐Determination and Conformational Studies by NMR Spectroscopy of D‐Altrose‐Containing and other Pseudodisaccharides as Glycosidase Inhibitor Candidates
Authors: Rönnols Jerk , Burkhardt Anja , Cumpstey Ian , Widmalm Göran
Published: November 2011

The pKa values of six amine‐linked pseudodisaccharides have been determined by using an NMR‐based titration method. The pKa varies significantly depending on the linkage position and is inversely correlated with the number of electronegative groups in the β‐position to the amino group. Four of the pseudodisaccharides contain α‐altroside moieties, the conformations of which were determined in the protonated and neutral states, again by using NMR techniques. In the neutral state, 2‐amino‐2‐deoxyaltrosides and 3‐amino‐3‐deoxyaltrosides were both found to occupy 4C1 and OS2 conformations. On protonation, little change in the population distribution was seen for the 3‐amino‐3‐deoxyaltrosides, but for the 2‐amino‐2‐deoxyaltrosides, a shift in equilibrium position towards the skew conformer (more than 80 % populated) takes place, and also a small amount of the other chair conformer (i.e., 1C4, approximately 10 % populated) was observed. 3‐Amino‐3‐deoxyaltrosides have been shown to act as glycosidase inhibitors and insights into conformational equilibria as a function of protonation state should facilitate the design of better glycosidase inhibitors based on flexible monosaccharide amines.
AKAP2 anchors PKA with aquaporin‐0 to support ocular lens transparency
Authors: Gold Matthew G. , Reichow Steve L. , O'Neill Susan E. , Weisbrod Chad R. , Langeberg Lorene K. , Bruce James E. , Gonen Tamir , Scott John D.
Published: November 2011

A decline in ocular lens transparency known as cataract afflicts 90% of individuals by the age 70. Chronic deterioration of lens tissue occurs as a pathophysiological consequence of defective water and nutrient circulation through channel and transporter proteins. A key component is the aquaporin‐0 (AQP0) water channel whose permeability is tightly regulated in healthy lenses. Using a variety of cellular and biochemical approaches we have discovered that products of the A‐kinase anchoring protein 2 gene (AKAP2/AKAP‐KL) form a stable complex with AQP0 to sequester protein kinase A (PKA) with the channel. This permits PKA phosphorylation of serine 235 within a calmodulin (CaM)‐binding domain of AQP0. The additional negative charge introduced by phosphoserine 235 perturbs electrostatic interactions between AQP0 and CaM to favour water influx through the channel. In isolated mouse lenses, displacement of PKA from the AKAP2–AQP0 channel complex promotes cortical cataracts as characterized by severe opacities and cellular damage. Thus, anchored PKA modulation of AQP0 is a homeostatic mechanism that must be physically intact to preserve lens transparency.

→See accompanying article http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/emmm.201100188
Characterization of rocking shallow foundations using centrifuge model tests
Authors: Deng Lijun , Kutter Bruce L.
Published: November 2011

This paper presents new results of centrifuge model tests exploring the behavior of rocking shallow foundations embedded in dry sand, which provides a variety of factors of safety for vertical bearing. The results of slow (quasi‐static) cyclic tests of rocking shear walls and dynamic shaking tests of single‐column rocking bridge models are presented. The moment–rotation and settlement–rotation relationships of rocking footings are investigated. Concrete pads were placed in the ground soil to support some models with the objective of reducing the settlement induced by rocking. The behavior of rocking foundation was shown to be sensitive to the geometric factor of safety with respect to bearing failure, Lf/Lc, where Lf was the footing length, and the Lc was the critical soil‐footing contact length that would be required to support pure axial loading. Settlements were shown to be small if Lf/Lc was reasonably large. Placement of concrete pads under the edges of the footing was shown to be a promising approach to reduce settlements resulting from rocking, if settlements were deemed to be excessive and also had impacts on the energy dissipation and rocking moment capacity. A general discussion of the tradeoffs between energy dissipation and re‐centering of rocking foundations and other devices is included. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Humidification on the Membrane Electrode Assembly of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells at Relatively High Cell Temperatures
Authors: Yin K.‐M. , Chang C.‐P.
Published: November 2011

This study focuses on the performances of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) at 80 and 90 °C with feeds of varying degrees of humidification. The results show that ohmic resistance of the solid electrolyte decreases as the current density is raised because of the back diffusion of liquid water, that is, generated in the cathode active layer. On the other hand, severe liquid water accumulation occurs at high current densities, which hinders the oxygen transport in the cathode gas diffusion layer (GDL) resulting in the Nernst diffusion limitation. The polarization measurement correlates well with the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. The effects of humidification on membrane hydration, activity in the catalyst layer, and oxygen diffusion over‐potential in the cathode GDL are elucidated with the proposed equivalent circuit model at varying operating current densities.
Antibacterial components of honey
Authors: Kwakman Paulus H. S. , Zaat Sebastian A. J.
Published: November 2011

The antibacterial activity of honey has been known since the 19th century. Recently, the potent activity of honey against antibiotic‐resistant bacteria has further increased the interest for application of honey, but incomplete knowledge of the antibacterial activity is a major obstacle for clinical applicability. The high sugar concentration, hydrogen peroxide, and the low pH are well‐known antibacterial factors in honey and more recently, methylglyoxal and the antimicrobial peptide bee defensin‐1 were identified as important antibacterial compounds in honey. The antibacterial activity of honey is highly complex due to the involvement of multiple compounds and due to the large variation in the concentrations of these compounds among honeys. The current review will elaborate on the antibacterial compounds in honey. We discuss the activity of the individual compounds, their contribution to the complex antibacterial activity of honey, a novel approach to identify additional honey antibacterial compounds, and the implications of the novel developments for standardization of honey for medical applications. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2011.s
Mitochondrial and liver oxidative stress alterations induced by N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine: relevance for hepatotoxicity
Authors: Oliveira Maria M. , Teixeira José C. , Vasconcelos‐Nóbrega Cármen , Felix Luis M. , Sardão Vilma A. , Colaço Aura A. , Oliveira Paula A. , Peixoto Francisco P.
Published: November 2011

The most significant toxicological effect of nitrosamines like N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN) is their carcinogenic activity, which may result from exposure to a single large dose or from chronic exposure to relatively small doses. However, its effects on mitochondrial liver bioenergetics were never investigated. Liver is the principal organ responsible for BBN metabolic activation, and mitochondria have a central function in cellular energy production, participating in multiple metabolic pathways. Therefore any negative effect on mitochondrial function may affect cell viability. In the present work, ICR male mice were given 0.05% of BBN in drinking water for a period of 12 weeks and were sacrificed one week later. Mitochondrial physiology was characterized in BBN‐ and control‐treated mice. Transmembrane electric potential developed by mitochondria was significantly affected when pyruvate–malate was used, with an increase in state 4 respiration observed for pyruvate–malate (46%) and succinate (38%). A decrease in the contents of one subunit of mitochondrial complex I and in one subunit of mitochondrial complex IV was also observed. In addition, the activity of both complexes I and II was also decreased by BBN treatment. The treatment with BBN increases the susceptibility of liver mitochondria to the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. This susceptibility could be related with the increase in the production of H2O2 by mitochondria and increased oxidative stress confirmed by augmented susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. These results lead to the conclusion that hepatic mitochondria are one primary target for BBN toxic action during liver metabolism. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The association between insulin levels and cortical bone: Findings from a cross-sectional analysis of pQCT parameters in adolescents
Authors: Sayers Adrian , Lawlor Debbie A , Sattar Naveed , Tobias Jon H
Published: November 2011

Recent studies suggest that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of fracture, possibly because hyperinsulinemia is a risk factor for low bone mineral density, which may in turn be a consequence of a lipotoxic effect of visceral and/or intramuscular fat on bone. In the current study, we investigated whether insulin plays a role in cortical bone development by performing a cross-sectional study based on the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), where we examined associations between fasting insulin levels and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) parameters as assessed at the mid-tibia in 2784 boys and girls with a mean age 15.5 years. In particular, we wished to examine whether associations that we observed were independent of body composition, including intramuscular fat. We found that insulin was inversely related to cortical bone mineral density (BMDC) after adjustment for age and after further adjustment for height, muscle cross-sectional area (MCSA), subcutaneous fat (SAT), and muscle density (MD), which is inversely related to intramuscular fat (−0.018, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.030, −0.006, p < 0.0001). Insulin was positively related to periosteal circumference (PC) after adjusting for age (0.015, 95% CI 0.003, 0.027, p = 0.015; beta = change per 50% increase in insulin), but this changed to an inverse association after additional adjustment for height and body composition (−0.013, 95% CI −0.022, −0.003, p = 0.008). Path analyses revealed inverse associations between insulin and PC via a direct pathway (−0.012, 95% CI −0.022, −0.003, p = 0.01) and via MD (−0.002, 95% CI −0.004, −0.001, p = 0.0004), and positive associations between insulin and PC via SAT (0.013, 95% CI 0.009, 0.016, p < 0.0001) and MCSA (0.015, 95% CI 0.010, 0.020, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, we found an inverse relationship between insulin and PC via intramuscular fat, suggesting a lipotoxic effect on bone. However, an inverse association between insulin and both PC and BMDC persisted after adjusting for all body composition variables, suggesting insulin also acts to inhibit bone development via additional pathways yet to be elucidated. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Spectroscopic investigation on the interaction of Cr(VI) with bovine serum albumin
Authors: Zhang Pengjun , Lan Ping , Ma Yuening , Gao Yan , Chen Hao , Fang Qian , Zong Wansong , Liu Rutao
Published: November 2011

The interaction of potassium dichromate (Cr(VI)) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence, resonance light scattering (RLS), ultraviolet–visible absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies under simulated physiological conditions. The experimental results showed that Cr(VI) could quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA following a static quenching process, which indicates the formation of a Cr(VI)–BSA complex. The binding constant (KA) and binding site (n) were measured at different temperatures. The spectroscopic results also revealed that the binding of Cr(VI) to BSA can lead to the loosening of the protein conformation and can change the microenvironment and skeleton of BSA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:54–59 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20398
A randomized and controlled study comparing immunoadsorption and plasma exchange in myasthenic crisis
Authors: Köhler Wolfgang , Bucka Christoph , Klingel Reinhard
Published: November 2011

Myasthenic crisis is the most serious life‐threatening event in Myasthenia gravis patients, affecting up to 27% within the first two years after onset of disease. Extracorporeal removal of circulating autoantibodies against the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChRAb) by methods of therapeutic apheresis, e.g. plasma exchange (PE) and immunoadsorption (IA) had been demonstrated as effective treatment especially in acute situations of myasthenic crisis. However, controlled data comparing clinical safety and efficacy of both methods in a clinical study were not available. Here the results of a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial are presented, investigating 19 patients with myasthenic crisis, who were randomized to receive either PE (n = 10) or IA (n = 9) in addition to combined drug treatment. Patients received 3 to 5 (mean 3.5 for PE, and 3.4 for IA) treatments over a period of 7 days with a predefined treatment volume of 1.5 l plasma (i.e., 20–25 ml/kg plasma representing 0.5–0.6 patients' plasma volumes). Clinical courses were monitored using disease specific clinical scores. After initiation of IA or PE the mean value of Myasthenia scores decreased equally until Day 14 of the post‐treatment phase. Patients from both treatment groups improved to a stable clinical status of Oosterhuis Classes 1 and 2. Substantial reduction of AChRAb was documented after each session of PE or IA. In the treatment period 16 adverse effects (seven serious adverse events, SAE) in the PE and 10 (1 SAE) in the IA group were observed. In conclusion, IA proved to be equally effective compared with PE treatment in patients with myasthenic crisis. Three to five treatment sessions using low plasma volume dosage of 20–25 ml/kg were adequate to improve clinically relevant symptoms significantly in most patients. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measuring the quality of therapeutic apheresis care in the pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Sussmane Jeffrey B. , Torbati Dan , Gitlow Howard S.
Published: November 2011

Our goal was to measure the quality of care provided in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) during Therapeutic Apheresis (TA). We described the care as a step by step process. We designed a flow chart to carefully document each step of the process. We then defined each step with a unique clinical indictor (CI) that represented the exact task we felt provided quality care. These CIs were studied and modified for 1 year. We measured our performance in this process by the number of times we accomplished the CI vs. the total number of CIs that were to be performed. The degree of compliance, with these clinical indicators, was analyzed and used as a metric for quality by calculating how close the process is running exactly as planned or “in control.” The Apheresis Process was in control (compliance) for 47% of the indicators, as measured in the aggregate for the first observational year. We then applied the theory of Total Quality Management (TQM) through our Design, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) model. We were able to improve the process and bring it into control by increasing the compliance to > 99.74%, in the aggregate, for the third and fourth quarter of the second year. We have implemented TQM to increase compliance, thus control, of a highly complex and multidisciplinary Pediatric Intensive Care therapy. We have shown a reproducible and scalable measure of quality for a complex clinical process in the PICU, without additional capital expenditure. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Apigenin attenuates neointima formation via suppression of vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic transformation
Authors: Guan Hongjing , Gao Lu , Zhu Lihua , Yan Ling , Fu Mingyue , Chen Changgui , Dong Xuan , Wang Lang , Huang Kai , Jiang Hong
Published: November 2011

Abnormal proliferation, migration, and phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are critical factors in neointima formation during restenosis. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy and possible cell signaling mechanisms of apigenin in VSMC activation induced by platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB and injury‐induced neointima formation. Our data revealed a dose‐dependent apigenin inhibition of PDGF‐BB‐induced proliferation of VSMCs by arresting cells in G0/G1‐phase of the cell cycle as determined using 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine incorporation and flow cytometry. This was associated with the inhibition of cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) 4,6 expression and an increase in p27Kip1 levels in PDGF‐stimulated VSMCs. Moreover, apigenin was also found to regulate PDGF‐induced migration and expression of smooth‐muscle‐specific contractile markers. Mechanistically, the PDGF‐BB‐induced phosphorylation of PDGF‐receptor β (PDGF‐Rβ), Akt/glycogen synthase kinase(GSK)3β, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) is negatively modulated by apigenin. For the in vivo studies using a mouse carotid arterial injury model, the administration of apigenin resulted in a significant inhibition of the neointima/media ratio and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)‐positive cells. These results demonstrate that apigenin can suppress PDGF‐induced VSMC activation and neointima hyperplasia after vascular injury; these beneficial effects are probably the result of the blockade of PDGF‐Rβ phosphorylation and its downstream signal transduction, including the Akt/GSK‐3β, ERK1/2, and STAT3 pathways. The results suggest that apigenin may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention of restenosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1198–1207, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Body composition analysis of obesity and hepatic steatosis in mice by relaxation compensated fat fraction (RCFF) MRI
Authors: Johnson David H. , Narayan Sreenath , Wilson David L. , Flask Chris A.
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

To develop and validate a quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methodology for phenotyping animal models of obesity and fatty liver disease on 7T small animal MRI scanners.

Materials and Methods:

A new MRI acquisition and image analysis technique, relaxation‐compensated fat fraction (RCFF), was developed and validated by both magnetic resonance spectroscopy and histology. This new RCFF technique was then used to assess lipid biodistribution in two groups of mice on either a high‐fat (HFD) or low‐fat (LFD) diet.

Results:

RCFF demonstrated excellent correlation in phantom studies (R2 = 0.99) and in vivo compared to histological evaluation of hepatic triglycerides (R2 = 0.90). RCFF images provided robust fat fraction maps with consistent adipose tissue values (82% ± 3%). HFD mice exhibited significant increases in peritoneal and subcutaneous adipose tissue volumes in comparison to LFD controls (peritoneal: 6.4 ± 0.4 cm3 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2, P < 0.001; subcutaneous: 14.7 ± 2.0 cm3 vs. 1.2 ± 0.3 cm3, P < 0.001). Hepatic fat fractions were also significantly different between HFD and LFD mice (3.1% ± 1.7% LFD vs. 27.2% ± 5.4% HFD, P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

RCFF can be used to quantitatively assess adipose tissue volumes and hepatic fat fractions in rodent models at 7T. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:837–843. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human platelet antigen genotype is associated with progression of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Silva Giovanni Faria , Grotto Rejane Maria Tommasini , Verdichio‐Moraes Camila Fernanda , Corvino Silvia Maria , Ferrasi Adriana Camargo , de Arruda Silveira Liciana Vaz , de Moura Campos Pardini Maria Inês
Published: November 2011

Although progression of fibrosis in the chronic hepatitis C depends on environmental, viral, and host factors, genetic polymorphisms have been associated recently with this progression, including the expression of integrins, adhesion proteins. Some integrins expressed on the platelet membrane show polymorphic antigenic determinants called human platelet antigens (HPA), where the major ones are HPA‐1, ‐3, ‐5. The association between HCV infection and HPA‐5b has been demonstrated. Similarly, the HPA profile could determine if HPA is related to progression of fibrosis. The goal of this study was to evaluate the association between the frequencies of HPA‐1, ‐3, and ‐5 and degree of fibrosis in HCV‐infected patients. Genomic DNA from 143 HCV‐infected patients was used as the source for HPA genotyping by PCR‐SSP or PCR‐RFLP. Progression of fibrosis was evaluated using the METAVIR scoring system, and the patients were grouped according to degree of fibrosis into G1 (n = 81, with F1, portal fibrosis without septa or F2, few septa) and G2 (n = 62, with F3, numerous septa, or F4, cirrhosis). Statistical analysis was performed using the proportional odds model. The genotypic frequency of HPA‐1a/1b was significantly higher in the patients in G2. To evaluate the influence of the time of infection to the development of fibrosis and its effect on the genetic factor HPA‐1, 96 patients from 143 studied were evaluated considering the time of HCV infection, and these results suggest that the HPA‐1a/1b genotype promotes the development of fibrosis in HCV infection with time. J. Med. Virol. 84:56–60, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence of specific antibody to hepatitis E virus in the general population of the community of Madrid, Spain
Authors: Fogeda M. , Avellón A. , Echevarría J.M.
Published: November 2011

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an infectious agent causing hepatitis among humans. Although hepatitis E has been reported from many European countries, its incidence in Europe is largely unknown, and the prevalence of the HEV infection is also unknown for most countries of the region. Antibody to HEV (anti‐HEV) was tested on 2,305 serum samples from the general population of the Community of Madrid (Spain) collected in the year 2008 among people aged 2–60 years. Total anti‐HEV was tested by enzyme‐immunoassay (EIA), and reactive samples were retested separately for anti‐HEV IgG and IgM by recombinant immunoblot test (RIBT). Fifty samples (2.17%) displayed reactivity for total anti‐HEV after EIA testing, and anti‐HEV IgG was confirmed by RIBT in 25 (1.08%). The frequency of RIBT‐confirmed anti‐HEV ranged from 0.97% among the youngest to 3.61% among the oldest, and displayed a statistically significant trend to increasing with age. The rate of RIBT confirmation was also significantly higher among the individuals aged above 20 years old than among those younger of 21 years. HEV infection would be less frequent in the Community of Madrid than in Catalonia or the United Kingdom, and contact with HEV would be very uncommon among children and adolescents of the region. Confirmation of EIA‐reactive samples by RIBT reduced the final numbers of anti‐HEV testing as much as 50%, and some findings of this study suggest that such testing protocol would reflect better the real prevalence of anti‐HEV in settings of low endemicity than the single testing by EIA. J. Med. Virol. 84:71–74, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical significance of zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in human gastric cancer
Authors: Okugawa Yoshinaga , Toiyama Yuji , Tanaka Koji , Matsusita Kohei , Fujikawa Hiroyuki , Saigusa Susumu , Ohi Masaki , Inoue Yasuhiro , Mohri Yasuhiko , Uchida Keiichi , Kusunoki Masato
Published: November 2011

Background and Objectives

Zinc finger E‐box Binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) encodes a transcription factor and is one of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐inducible genes that play a key role in tumor progression in various cancers. The aim of this study is to clarify the clinical significance of ZEB1 expression in gastric cancer patients.

Methods

One hundred thirty‐four patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer were evaluated. We analyzed ZEB1 mRNA levels by real‐time reverse transcription PCR in gastric cancer tissue and adjacent normal mucosa. ZEB1 protein expression in primary cancer and in peritoneal dissemination samples was measured using immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

Expression of the ZEB1 gene was significantly higher in cancerous tissue than in adjacent normal mucosa. Increased ZEB1 expression was significantly associated with peritoneal dissemination, and was an independent prognostic factor. Logistic regression analysis revealed that increased ZEB1 expression was an independent risk factor for peritoneal dissemination. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that ZEB1 was intensely expressed in both primary cancer and peritoneal dissemination samples.

Conclusions

ZEB1 is an independent factor for peritoneal dissemination in patients with gastric cancer, and may therefore play a key role in the progression to peritoneal dissemination in gastric cancer patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:280–285. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Peculiarities of the Anionic Copolymerization of Styrene and Dienes in Non‐Polar Solvents with Li+ as Counter‐ion mvb
Authors: Van Beylen Marcel , Morita Hideo
Published: November 2011

Summary: The anionic copolymerization of styrene and butadiene in hydrocarbon solvents initiated by lithium alkyls was first studied by Korotkov, who reported that the polymerization starts slowly and initially consumes butadiene. On exhaustion of this monomer, the reaction speeds up and then styrene polymerizes rapidly. This peculiar behaviour, which was originally explained by Korotkov by treating the monomers as solvents, butadiene being a preferential solvent for the Li+ cation, was later accounted for by considering the cross‐over reactions. In this paper an in dept further explanation is given by admitting that the polymerization reactions occur through coordination of the Li + cation by the monomer followed by insertion of the monomer into the polymer chain. A preliminary MOPAC 93 (PM3) calculation seems to confirm this interpretation.