bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategy to Obtain nm Size Crystals through Precipitation in the Presence of Polyelectrolyte
Authors: Hirasawa I. , Mikami T. , Katayama A. , Sakuma T.
Published: January 2006

Crystals of lead sulfate were precipitated in solutions of various polyelectrolyte polymers (acidic, neutral, and basic polymers) using a double‐jet crystallizer. Polyetyleneimine (PEI) basic polymer controlled both the nucleation rate and crystal growth rate, and enabled the production of fine monodispersed crystals. The on‐line measurement of the variation in the lead concentration indicated that PEI lost its effect when a certain amount of the reactants Ntot was supplied. Interaction between lead ions and PEI was detected by NMR analysis, which suggested that lead ions made some kind of complex with PEI. The values of Ntot correlated well with the weight of PEI in the solution, regardless of the feed flow rate and reactant concentration, as shown in the correlative equation Ntot = k W0.49. It was suggested that PEI could no longer control the precipitation rate when the amount of reactants supplied exceeded Ntot. Thereafter, rapid nucleation occurred. Precipitation with PEI could be controlled by a certain amount of PEI in a ground solution in order to produce monodispersed fine crystals. These results give an effective idea of how to create various nm size crystals.
Partial Miscibility of Organic Compounds in the Solid State – The Case of Two Epimers of a Diastereoisomer
Authors: Beckmann W. , Lorenz H.
Published: January 2006

The purification that can be attained via crystallization is on the one hand governed by kinetic factors, such as the growth rate, and can on the other hand be limited by thermodynamic factors, such as the formation of a solid solution of the impurity with the product. For organic substances, these solid solubilities are difficult to establish, especially for low partial solubilities in the solid state. For the case of the crystallization of two epimers of a diastereoisomer, the formation of partial solid solutions with a respective solubility limited to approximately 5 % and 3 % has been shown using both DSC and XRPD measurements. The enthalpies of fusion of the solids are a strong function of the content of the opposite epimer. This can be interpreted with a disruption of bonds in the lattice, a disruption index of ∼ 8 is found. First determinations of the crystal structure of one of the epimers suggest the formation of a solid solution, which occurs via the replacement of dimers of molecules that are bound by two hydrogen bonds involving the epimeric hydroxyl group and a vicinal phenoxy group. By replacing dimers, the lattice distortion might be limited.
Seeding during Batch Cooling Crystallization – An Initial Approach to Heuristic Rules
Authors: Warstat A. , Ulrich J.
Published: January 2006

An experimental study on batch cooling crystallization is presented here using four different materials, different seeding techniques, and different cooling profiles. The experimental results are analyzed with the aim of extracting some general rules for the dependence of seeding procedures on material properties. These rules are presented in the form of heuristic rules with the specific aim of providing guidelines on how to improve product quality (purity and size distribution) by using a seeding technique.
Towards a Crystalline Product Quality Prediction Method by Combining Process Modeling and Molecular Simulations
Authors: ter Horst J. H. , Kramer H. J. M. , Jansens P. J.
Published: January 2006

It is shown for the first time that a combination of molecular simulations and process modeling can be used to predict crystalline product quality aspects such as the polymorphic fraction and crystal size distribution. Using molecular simulations the interfacial energy of 3D nuclei and the step free energy of 2D nuclei on crystal surfaces of different polymorphs are determined. These result in the nucleation and growth behavior of the polymorphs as a function of the supersaturation. The supersaturation development during polymorph crystallizations can be accounted for using dynamic process modeling. Furthermore, this study clearly demonstrates that a deeper understanding of polymorph crystallization can be obtained by combining research on a molecular scale with that on a process scale. Molecular simulations show, for instance, that there is no simple relationship between experimental solubility and apparent interfacial energy of the polymorphs.
Synthesis, Structure and Stability of New PtII–Bis(N‐Heterocyclic Carbene) Complexes
Authors: Ahrens Sebastian , Herdtweck Eberhardt , Goutal Sigrid , Strassner Thomas
Published: January 2006

The use of metal acetates has allowed the synthesis of NHC complexes without isolation of the free carbene. This route is very useful in cases where the metal acetates are readily available and has been used, for example, for the synthesis of bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene) complexes of palladium(II). In the case of platinum, however, the corresponding acetate is not commercially available and is difficult to synthesize. Previously published syntheses require either an external base (e.g. NaOAc or KOtBu) or a transmetalation step. Here we present a new general synthetic pathway for platinum–bis(carbene) complexes using platinum(II) acetylacetonate as a commercially available metal precursor. Aromatic substituents greatly enhance the stability of the metal complexes against acidic media. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
The Paternò–Büchi Reaction of 1,3‐Dimethyluracil and 1,3‐Dimethylthymine with 4,4′‐Disubstituted Benzophenones
Authors: Song Qin‐Hua , Zhai Bao‐Chang , Hei Xiao‐Ming , Guo Qiang‐Xiang
Published: January 2006

The photochemical [2+2] cycloadditions (the Paternò–Büchi reaction) of 1,3‐dimethylthymine (DMT) or 1,3‐dimethyluracil (DMU) with benzophenone and its six 4,4′‐disubstituted derivatives (BPs) generate two series of regioisomeric oxetanes, the head‐to‐head (hh) oxetanes 2 or 4 and the head‐to‐tail (ht) oxetanes 3 or 5. The PB reactions reveal notable substituent effects on their regioselectivity, photochemical efficiency as well as their stability and the mode of ring‐opening. The regioselectivity and the photochemical efficiency correlate clearly with the electronic properties of the substituents of the BPs, that is, the BPs with electron‐withdrawing groups (EWGs) give more efficient PB reactions with a lower proportion of the hh oxetane and less efficient PB reactions with a higher proportion of the hh oxetane for BPs with electron‐donating groups (EDGs). The oxetanes from DMT, 2 and 3, are more stable than the corresponding oxetanes from DMU, 4 and 5. The oxetanes from the BPs with EWGs are more stable than the corresponding oxetanes formed from the BPs with EDGs. The ring‐opening modes of the oxetanes are also dependent on the DMT/DMU and BPs in the presence of acid.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Cover Picture: Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Propargylation of Aromatic Compounds with Propargylic Alcohols (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 4/2006)
Authors: Inada Youichi , Yoshikawa Masato , Milton Marilyn Daisy , Nishibayashi Yoshiaki , Uemura Sakae
Published: January 2006

The cover picture shows that thiolate‐bridged diruthenium complexes promote intermolecular and intramolecular propargylation of aromatic compounds with propargylic alcohols to give the corresponding propargylated aromatic compounds in high yields with complete selectivity. The reaction is considered to be an electrophilic substitution of the aromatic compounds by the ruthenium‐stabilized propargyl cation. Details are described in the article by Y. Nishibayashi et al. on p. 881 ff.
Three‐way translocation involves MLL, MLLT3, and a novel cell cycle control gene, FLJ10374, in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia with t(9;11;19)(p22;q23;p13.3)
Authors: Vieira Luís , Sousa Ana C. , Matos Paulo , Marques Bárbara , Alaiz Helena , Ribeiro Maria J. , Braga Paula , da Silva Maria G. , Jordan Peter
Published: January 2006

The MLL gene, at 11q23, undergoes chromosomal translocation with a large number of partner genes in both acute lymphoblastic and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We report a novel t(9;11;19)(p22;q23;p13.3) disrupting MLL in an infant AML patient. The 5′ end of MLL fused to chromosome 9 sequences on the der(11), whereas the 3′ end was translocated to chromosome 19. We developed long‐distance inverse–polymerase chain reaction assays to investigate the localization of the breakpoints on der(11) and der(19). We found that intron 5 of MLL was fused to intron 5 of MLLT3 at the der(11) genomic breakpoint, resulting in a novel in‐frame MLL exon 5–MLLT3 exon 6 fusion transcript. On the der(19), a novel gene annotated as FLJ10374 was disrupted by the breakpoint. Using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis, we showed that FLJ10374 is ubiquitously expressed in human cells. Transfection of the FLJ10374 protein in different cell lines revealed that it localized exclusively to the nucleus. In serum‐starved NIH‐3T3 cells, the expression of FLJ10374 decreased the rate of the G1‐to‐S transition of the cell cycle, whereas the suppression of FLJ10374 through short interfering RNA increased cell proliferation. These results indicate that FLJ10374 negatively regulates cell cycle progression and proliferation. Thus, a single chromosomal rearrangement resulting in formation of the MLL–MLLT3 fusion gene and haplo‐insufficiency of FLJ10374 may have cooperated to promote leukemogenesis in AML with t(9;11;19). © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of new benzo[h]‐ and benzo[f]chromeno[2,3‐b]‐pyridine‐5‐ones
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman Abdel‐Rahman H. , Girges Margret M. , El‐Ahl Abdel‐Aziz S. , Sallam Lamyaa M.
Published: January 2006

A number of new benzo[h]‐ and benzo[f]chromeno[2,3‐b] pyridine‐5‐ones derivatives were synthesized from benzo[h]‐ and benzo[f]‐chromone‐carbonitriles and amino‐benzo[h]‐ and benzo[f]chromone‐carbaldehydes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 17:2–7, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20152
Condensation products of 1‐aryl‐4‐carboxy‐ 2‐ pyrrolidinones with o‐diaminoarenes, o‐aminophenol, and their structural studies
Authors: Mickevicius Marius , Beresnevicius Zigmuntas Jonas , Mickevicius Vytautas , Mikulskiene Gema
Published: January 2006

A series of 2‐substituted benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles were synthesized by the condensation reactions of 1‐aryl‐4‐carboxy‐2‐pyrrolidinones and aromatic ortho‐diamines or ortho‐aminophenol. Alkylation of benzimidazoles with iodoalkanes led to 1‐aryl‐4‐(1‐alkyl‐1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐pyrrolidin‐ ones or 1,3‐dialkylbenzimidazolium iodides. N‐Subs‐ tituted γ‐amino acids were prepared by the hydrolysis of 1‐aryl‐4‐(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐pyrrolidinones in sodium hydroxide solution, followed by treatment with acetic acid. The structure of the synthesized pro‐ ducts was investigated using IR and 1H, 13C NMR spectra, MM2 molecular mechanics, and AM1 semi‐ empirical quantum mechanical methods. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 17:47–56, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20171
Synthesis of substituted pyrroles in the glaser reaction
Authors: Vizer S. A. , Yerzhanov K. B. , Dembitsky V. M.
Published: January 2006

The substituted pyrroles and dipyrroles along with diacetylenes and cumulenes have been synthesized in high yields using a new synthetic method under mild reaction conditions using the Glaser coupling reaction. Although diacetylenes are formed from 2‐propargyl‐1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds having electron‐donors substituents such as Ph or OEt, only polyfunctional substituted cumulenes are formed from those compounds under the modified conditions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 17:66–73, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20184
Accumulation of hydrogen peroxide is an early and crucial step for paclitaxel‐induced cancer cell death both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Alexandre Jérôme , Batteux Frédéric , Nicco Carole , Chéreau Christiane , Laurent Alexis , Guillevin Loïc , Weill Bernard , Goldwasser François
Published: January 2006

Intracellular events following paclitaxel binding to microtubules that lead to cell death remain poorly understood. Because reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the cytotoxicity of anticancer agents acting through independent molecular targets, we explored the role of ROS in paclitaxel cytotoxicity. Within 15 min after in vitro exposure of A549 human lung cancer cells to paclitaxel, a concentration‐dependent intracellular increase in O°2− and H2O2 levels was detected by spectrofluorometry. Addition of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) or glutathione, two H2O2 scavenger, induced a 4‐fold increase in paclitaxel IC50. Delaying NAC co‐incubation by 4 hr, resulted in a 3‐fold reduction in cell protection. The glutathione synthesis inhibitor, buthionine sulfoximine significantly increased paclitaxel cytotoxicity and H2O2 accumulation, but did not modify O°2− levels. Co‐incubation with diphenylene iodonium suggested that paclitaxel induced‐O°2− production was in part associated with increased activity of cytoplasmic NADPH oxidase. Concomitant treatment with inhibitors of caspases 3 and 8 increased cell survival but did not prevent the early accumulation of H2O2. To evaluate the role of ROS in paclitaxel antitumoral activity, mice were injected with LLC1 lung cancer cells and treated with paclitaxel i.p. and/or NAC. The antitumoral activity of paclitaxel in mice was abolished by NAC. In conclusion, the accumulation of H2O2 is an early and crucial step for paclitaxel‐induced cancer cell death before the commitment of the cells into apoptosis. These results suggest that ROS participate in vitro and in vivo to paclitaxel cytotoxicity. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MMP‐2 mediates ethanol‐induced invasion of mammary epithelial cells over‐expressing ErbB2
Authors: Ke Zunji , Lin Hong , Fan Zhiqin , Cai Tian‐Quan , Kaplan Rebecca A. , Ma Cuiling , Bower Kimberly A. , Shi Xianglin , Luo Jia
Published: January 2006

Ethanol is a tumor promoter and may enhance the metastasis of breast cancer. We have previously demonstrated that over‐expression of ErbB2 promoted ethanol‐mediated invasion of mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer cells. However, the underlying cellular/molecular mechanisms remain unknown. By gelatin zymography, we showed that over‐expression of ErbB2 increased the production of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and MMP‐9 in human mammary epithelial cells (HB2). Transient or stable transfection of ErbB2 cDNA to HB2 cells upregulated the transcripts and the activity of the MMP‐2/‐9 gene promoter; the upregulation of MMP‐2/‐9 expression was mediated by p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K). Although ethanol, at physiologically relevant concentrations (100–400 mg/dl), did not affect the production of MMP‐2/‐9, it activated MMP‐2 in HB2 cells over‐expressing ErbB2 (HB2ErbB2), but not HB2 cells; it enhanced the cleavage of proform MMP‐2 (72 kDa) to an active form (62 kDa). The activation was dependent on c‐jun N‐terminal kinases (JNKs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). On the other hand, ethanol affected neither the expression nor the activation of MMP‐9. Selective inhibitors of MMP‐2 (SB‐3CT and OA‐Hy) and antioxidants significantly inhibited ethanol‐stimulated invasion of HB2ErbB2 cells. Furthermore, knocking down MMP‐2 by small interference RNA also induced a partial blockage on ethanol‐promoted invasion of HB2ErbB2 cells. Thus, ethanol‐stimulated invasion of cells over‐expressing ErbB2 was mediated, at least partially, by MMP‐2 activation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plasma levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand and osteoprotegerin in patients with neuroblastoma
Authors: Granchi Donatella , Garaventa Alberto , Amato Ilaria , Paolucci Paolo , Baldini Nicola
Published: January 2006

Earlier reports showed that the balance between receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) and its decoy‐receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of metastatic osteolysis induced by neuroblastoma cells. In this study, we investigated whether circulating levels of OPG, RANKL and their ratio were associated to the presence of osteolytic lesions in advanced neuroblastoma, as well as whether they provided additional information on the severity and prognosis of the disease. Plasma levels of RANKL and OPG were measured in 54 newly diagnosed neuroblastomas; 27 of them showed metastatic disease (stage IV), including 19 bone dissemination. Thirty‐five children who were admitted to the pediatric department for minor surgical problems served as control group. OPG was significantly lower in all patients compared with controls, while RANKL levels were significantly increased in advanced neuroblastoma. OPG‐to‐RANKL ratio decreased in stage‐IV patients, and particularly in those who had bone metastases. The diagnostic accuracy of the OPG‐to‐RANKL ratio in discriminating the presence of osteolytic lesions was not confirmed statistically. OPG correlated significantly with other prognostic factors, namely, ferritin and neurone‐specific enolase. In addition, an inverse relationship was found between OPG and event‐free survival, and it was more significant in patients who had bone metastasis. This pilot study confirms that the production of OPG and RANKL is disregulated in neuroblastoma. Although the OPG‐to‐RANKL ratio does not have a predictive value in detecting bone metastasis, the measurement of the previously mentioned markers could be useful in decisions regarding the use of adjuvant therapies. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metabolic syndrome as a prognostic factor for breast cancer recurrences
Authors: Pasanisi Patrizia , Berrino Franco , De Petris Michela , Venturelli Elisabetta , Mastroianni Antonio , Panico Salvatore
Published: January 2006

Several studies have shown that hormonal, metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms may affect breast cancer progression. We tested the prognostic value of metabolic syndrome in 110 postmenopausal breast cancer patients, who participated in a 1‐year dietary intervention study. The risk of adverse events after 5.5 years of follow‐up was examined by Cox' proportional hazard modelling, adjusting for hormone receptor status, stage at diagnosis and serum testosterone level, which were shown to significantly affect prognosis. The adjusted hazard ratio of recurrence for the presence of metabolic syndrome at baseline was 3.0 (95% CI 1.2–7.1). Combining metabolic syndrome and serum testosterone, the adjusted hazard ratio of recurrence among women with metabolic syndrome and testosterone levels higher than 0.40 ng/ml (median value) was 6.7 (95% CI 2.3–19.8) compared with that among women without metabolic syndrome and testosterone levels ≤0.40 ng/ml. The results suggest that metabolic syndrome may be an important prognostic factor for breast cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A prospective study of dietary salt intake and gastric cancer incidence in a defined Japanese population: The Hisayama study
Authors: Shikata Kentaro , Kiyohara Yutaka , Kubo Michiaki , Yonemoto Koji , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Shirota Tomoko , Tanizaki Yumihiro , Doi Yasufumi , Tanaka Keiichi , Oishi Yoshinori , Matsumoto Takayuki , Iida Mitsuo
Published: January 2006

The results of prospective studies of the association between dietary salt intake and gastric cancer occurrence remain controversial. To examine this issue in a cohort study of a general population, 2,476 subjects aged 40 years or older were stratified into 4 groups according to the amount of daily salt intake: namely, <10.0, 10.0–12.9, 13.0–15.9, and ≥ 16.0 per day and were followed up prospectively for 14 years. During the follow‐up period, 93 subjects developed gastric cancer. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted incidence was significantly higher in the second to fourth groups than in the first group (age‐ and sex‐adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 2.42 [1.24–4.71] for the second group; 2.10 [1.03–4.30] for the third group; 2.98 [1.53–5.82] for the fourth group). This association remained substantially unchanged even after adjusting for other confounding factors such as age, sex,Helicobacter pyloriinfection, atrophic gastritis, medical history of peptic ulcer, family history of cancer, body mass index, diabetes, total cholesterol, physical activity, alcohol intake, smoking habit and other dietary factors. In the stratified analysis, a significant salt–cancer association was observed only in subjects who had bothHelicobacter pyloriinfection and atrophic gastritis (age‐ and sex‐adjusted hazard ratio, 2.87 [1.14–7.24]). Our findings suggest that high dietary salt intake is a significant risk factor for gastric cancer; moreover, this association was found to be strong in the presence ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection with atrophic gastritis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statins revert doxorubicin resistance via nitric oxide in malignant mesothelioma
Authors: Riganti Chiara , Orecchia Sara , Pescarmona Gianpiero , Betta Pier Giacomo , Ghigo Dario , Bosia Amalia
Published: January 2006

Human malignant mesothelioma (HMM) is resistant to many anticancer drugs, including doxorubicin. Mevastatin and simvastatin, 2 inhibitors of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase, potentiated the intracellular accumulation and the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin in HMM cells constitutively expressing P‐glycoprotein and multidrug resistance‐associated protein 3. This effect of statins was nitric oxide (NO)‐dependent, since it was reverted by either an NO synthase inhibitor or an NO scavenging system. The NO synthase up‐regulation in HMM and other cells is known to be associated with the activation of the transcription factor NF‐κB: in HMM cells statins increased the NF‐κB translocation into the nucleus, decreased the level of the NF‐κB inhibitor IkBα and increased the phosphorylation/activation of IkB kinase α (IKKα). IKKα is under the negative control exerted by RhoA in its prenylated (active) form: incubation of HMM cells with statins lowered the amount of active RhoA and the level of Rho‐associated kinase activity. All statins' effects were reverted by mevalonic acid, thus suggesting that they were mediated by the inhibition of HMGCoA reductase and were likely to be subsequent to the reduced availability of precursor molecules for RhoA prenylation. Both the Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632 and the RhoA inhibitor toxin B (from Clostridium difficile) mimicked the statins' effects, enhancing doxorubicin accumulation, NO synthesis and IKKα phosphorylation and decreasing the amount of IkBα in HMM cells. Simvastatin, Y27632 and toxin B elicited tyrosine nitration in the P‐glycoprotein, thus providing a likely mechanism by which NO reverts the doxorubicin resistance in HMM cells. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dual hydroxyapatite composite with porous and solid parts: Experimental study using canine lumbar interbody fusion model
Authors: Kaito Takashi , Mukai Yoshihiro , Nishikawa Masataka , Ando Wataru , Yoshikawa Hideki , Myoui Akira
Published: January 2006

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been evaluated for use in a variety of applications in bone reconstruction surgery because of its high affinity with host bone and biocompatibility. However, because of the difficulty in combining porosity (for bone ingrowth) and strength in HA, it is generally considered inappropriate to use HA for high‐load applications such as spinal interbody fusion. In the present study, we constructed a HA implant for spinal interbody fusion, composed of a dual HA composite (DHC) that combines two HA materials with different porosities: HA with 75% porosity, for bone ingrowth; and HA with 0% porosity, for load bearing. We used a canine lumbar interbody fusion model to evaluate bone conduction of the implant and its efficacy for bony fusion. Six months after the operation, DHC exhibited almost the same efficacy for bony fusion as iliac bone grafts. Moreover, pores of the porous part of the DHC were completely filled with newly formed bone and bone marrow cells. The present findings indicate that DHC is suitable for use as an implant material for spinal interbody fusion as a substitute for iliac bone grafts, which could eliminate the disadvantages associated with autograft harvesting. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Effects of sandblasting and electrical discharge machining on porcelain adherence to cast and machined commercially pure titanium
Authors: İnan Özgür , Acar Aslı , Halkacı Selçuk
Published: January 2006

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sandblasting and electrical discharge machining (EDM) on cast and machined titanium surfaces and titanium–porcelain adhesion. Twenty machined titanium specimens were prepared by manufacturer (groups 1 and 2). Thirty specimens were prepared with autopolymerizing acrylic resin. Twenty of these specimens (groups 3 and 4) were cast with commercially pure titanium and the α‐case layer was removed. For control group (group 5), 10 specimens were cast by using NiCr alloy. Groups 2 and 4 were subjected to EDM while groups 1, 3, and 5 were subjected to sandblasting. Surface examinations were made by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A low‐fusing porcelain was fused on the titanium surfaces, whereas NiCr specimens were covered using a conventional porcelain. Titanium–porcelain adhesion was characterized by a 3‐point bending test. Results were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Metal–porcelain interfaces were characterized by SEM. The bond strength of control group was higher than that of the titanium–porcelain system. There was no significant difference between cast and machined titanium groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between EDM and sandblasting processes (p > 0.05). The use of EDM as surface treatment did not improve titanium–porcelain adhesion compared with sandblasting. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Lysyl hydroxylase 3 (LH3) modifies proteins in the extracellular space, a novel mechanism for matrix remodeling
Authors: Salo Antti M. , Wang Chunguang , Sipilä Laura , Sormunen Raija , Vapola Miia , Kervinen Päivi , Ruotsalainen Heli , Heikkinen Jari , Myllylä Raili
Published: January 2006

Lysyl hydroxylase 3 (LH3), the multifunctional enzyme associated with collagen biosynthesis that possesses lysyl hydroxylase and collagen glycosyltransferase activities, has been characterized in the extracellular space in this study. Lysine modifications are known to occur in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) prior to collagen triple‐helix formation, but in this study we show that LH3 is also present and active in the extracellular space. Studies with in vitro cultured cells indicate that LH3, in addition to being an ER resident, is secreted from the cells and is found both in the medium and on the cell surface associated with collagens or other proteins with collagenous sequences. Furthermore, in vivo, LH3 is present in serum. LH3 protein levels correlate with the galactosylhydroxylysine glucosyltransferase (GGT) activity of mouse tissues. This, together with other data, indicates that LH3 is responsible for GGT activity in the tissues and that GGT activity assays can be used to quantify LH3 in tissues. LH3 in vivo is located in two compartments, in the ER and in the extracellular space, and the partitioning varies with tissue type. In mouse kidney the enzyme is located mainly intracellularly, whereas in mouse liver it is located solely in the extracellular space. The extracellular localization and the ability of LH3 to modify lysyl residues of extracellular proteins in their native, nondenaturated conformation reveals a new dynamic in extracellular matrix remodeling, suggesting a novel mechanism for adjusting the amount of hydroxylysine and hydroxylysine‐linked carbohydrates in collagenous proteins. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation of 3′‐deoxy‐3′‐[18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT) in ionic liquid, [bmim][OTf]
Authors: Moon Byung Seok , Lee Kyo Chul , An Gwang Il , Chi Dae Yoon , Yang Seung Dae , Choi Chang Woon , Lim Sang Moo , Chun Kwon Soo
Published: January 2006

Although 3′‐deoxy‐3′‐[18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT) is a prospective radiopharmaceutical for the imaging of proliferating tumor cell, it is difficult to prepare large amount of [18F]FLT. We herein describe the preparation of [18F]FLT in an ionic liquid, [bmim][OTf] (1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate). At optimized condition, [18F]fluorinationin ionic liquid with 5 µl of 1 M KHCO3 and 5 mg of the precursor yielded 61.5 ± 4.3% (n=10). Total elapsed time was about 70 min including HPLC purification. The rapid synthesis of [18F]FLT can be achieved by removing all evaporation steps. Overall radiochemical yield and radiochemical purity were 30 ± 5% and >95%, respectively. This method can use a small amount of a nitrobenzenesulfonate precursor and can be adapted for automated production. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative myocardial infarction on delayed enhancement MRI. Part II: Clinical application of an automated feature analysis and combined thresholding infarct sizing algorithm
Authors: Hsu Li‐Yueh , Ingkanisorn W. Patricia , Kellman Peter , Aletras Anthony H. , Arai Andrew E.
Published: January 2006

Purpose

To compare global and regional myocardial infarction (MI) measurements on clinical gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images using human manual contouring and a computer algorithm previously validated by histopathology, and to study the degree to which visual assessment and human contouring of infarct extent agreed with the computer algorithm.

Materials and Methods

Infarct size in 20 patients was measured by human manual contouring and with an automated feature analysis and combined thresholding (FACT) computer algorithm. Short‐axis slices were divided into myocardial sectors for regional analysis. Extent of infarction was also graded visually by consensus of expert readers and compared to human and computer contouring.

Results

Despite good correlations (R = 0.93–0.95) between human contouring and the FACT algorithm, human contouring overestimated infarct size by 3.8% of the left ventricle (23.8% of the MI) area (P < 0.001). Human contouring also overestimated the circumferential extent, transmural extent, and extent of infarction within a sector by 7.1%, 18.2%, and 27.9%, respectively (all P < 0.001). Both consensus reading and human contouring overestimated infarct grades compared with the FACT algorithm (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Clinically relevant overestimation of MI can occur in visual interpretation and in human manual contouring, particularly with respect to extent of infarction on a regional basis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temporal pattern of C1q deposition after transient focal cerebral ischemia
Authors: Mack William J. , Sughrue Michael E. , Ducruet Andrew F. , Mocco J , Sosunov Sergey A. , Hassid Benjamin G. , Silverberg Joshua Z. , Ten Vadim S. , Pinsky David J. , Connolly E. Sander
Published: January 2006

Recent studies have focused on elucidating the contribution of individual complement proteins to post‐ischemic cellular injury. As the timing of complement activation and deposition after cerebral ischemia is not well understood, our study investigates the temporal pattern of C1q accumulation after experimental murine stroke. Brains were harvested from mice subjected to transient focal cerebral ischemia at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hr post reperfusion. Western blotting and light microscopy were employed to determine the temporal course of C1q protein accumulation and correlate this sequence with infarct evolution observed with TTC staining. Confocal microscopy was utilized to further characterize the cellular localization and characteristics of C1q deposition. Western Blot analysis showed that C1q protein begins to accumulate in the ischemic hemisphere between 3 and 6 hr post‐ischemia. Light microscopy confirmed these findings, showing concurrent C1q protein staining of neurons. Confocal microscopy demonstrated co‐localization of C1q protein with neuronal cell bodies as well as necrotic cellular debris. These experiments demonstrate the accumulation of C1q protein on neurons during the period of greatest infarct evolution. This data provides information regarding the optimal time window during which a potentially neuroprotective anti‐C1q strategy is most likely to achieve therapeutic success. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interpretation of surface EMGs in children with cerebral palsy: An initial study using a fuzzy expert system
Authors: Schmidt‐Rohlfing Bernhard , Bergamo Ferdinand , Williams Sybele , Erli Hans J. , Rau Günther , Niethard Fritz U. , Disselhorst‐Klug Catherine
Published: January 2006

Surface EMG detected simultaneously at different muscles has become an important tool for analysing the gait of children with cerebral palsy (CP), as it offers essential information about muscular coordination. However, the interpretation of surface EMG is a difficult task that assumes extensive knowledge and experience. As such, this noninvasive procedure is not frequently used in the general clinical routine. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for interpreting surface EMG signals and the resulting muscular coordination patterns could overcome these limitations. To support such interpretation, an expert system based on fuzzy inference methodology was developed. The knowledge‐base of the system implemented 15 rules, from which the fuzzy inference methodology performs a prediction of the effectiveness of the muscular coordination during gait. Our aim was to assess the feasibility and value of such an expert system in clinical applications. Surface EMG signals were recorded from the tibialis anterior, soleus muscle, and gastrocnemius muscles of children with CP to assess muscular coordination patterns of ankle movement during gait. Nineteen children underwent 114 surface EMG measurements. Simultaneously, the gait cycles of each patient were determined using foot switches and videotapes. From the EMG signals, the effectiveness of the ankle movement was predicted by the expert system, and predictions were classified using a three‐point ordinal scale. In 91 cases (80%), the clinical findings matched the predictions of the expert system. In 23 cases (20%) the predictions of the expert system differed from the clinical findings with 12 cases revealing worse and 11 cases revealing better results in comparison to the clinical findings. As this study is a first attempt to verify the feasibility and correctness of this expert system, the results are promising. Further study is required to assess the correlation with the kinematic data and to include the whole leg. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:438–447, 2006
A bioactive sol‐gel glass implant for in vivo gentamicin release. Experimental model in Rabbit
Authors: Meseguer‐Olmo L. , Ros‐Nicolás MJ. , Vicente‐Ortega V. , Alcaraz‐Baños M. , Clavel‐Sainz M. , Arcos D. , Ragel C.V. , Vallet‐Regí M. , Meseguer‐Ortiz Cl.
Published: January 2006

Biomaterial pieces with osteogenic properties, suitable for use in the treatment of bone defects, were synthesized. The materials, which avoid bone infections, are exclusively composed of gentamicin sulfate and bioactive SiO2‐CaO‐P2O5 sol‐gel glass (synthesized previously), and were manufactured by means of uniaxial and isostatic pressure of the mixed components. After implanting the pieces into rabbit femur, we studied (1) antibiotic release, determining the concentration in proximal and distal bone, liver, kidney, and lung as a function of time, and (2) bone growth as a consequence of the glass reactivity in the biological environment. The results demonstrated that the implants are good carriers for local gentamicin release into the local osseous tissue, where they show excellent biocompatibility and bone integration. Moreover, these implants are able to promote bone growth during the resorption process. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:454–460, 2006
Application of wood ash compared with fertigation for improving the nutritional status and fruit production of kiwi vines
Authors: Merino Agustín , Otero Verónica , Omil Beatriz , Lastra Beatriz , Piñeiro Verónica , Gallego Pedro P.
Published: January 2006

Application of wood ash can potentially improve the fertility of acid soils and the nutritional status of crops. However, there is limited information about the effectiveness of this practice with fruit trees. The application of wood ash as a fertilizer in a kiwifruit plantation—both with and without fertigation/irrigation—was compared with that of a conventional fertigation program in a completely randomized field experiment on an acid soil in northwest (NW) Spain. The effects on plant nutritional status and on fruit yield, as well as environmental effects, were evaluated over a period of 2 y. The application of wood ash led to modest increases in soil pH and extractable nutrients (phosphorus, P; calcium, Ca; magnesium, Mg; potassium, K; boron, B). However, no consistent effects in foliar nutrient concentrations were found. Ash application led to an increase of up to 45% in the number of fruits produced, which was mainly attributed to the inputs of Ca and Mg. Although moderate increases in soil available manganese (Mn) and nickel (Ni) after ash application were recorded, there were no changes in heavy‐metal concentrations in leaves or fruits. From the results of the study it can be concluded that wood ash can be used to improve the growth conditions of kiwi vines on acidic soils. Wood ash should be applied at rates adapted to the liming needs of the soil, while also taking into account the chemical composition of the ash.
Water drainage and nitrate leaching under traditional and improved management of vegetable‐cropping systems in the North China Plain
Authors: Yu Hong‐mei , Li Zi‐zhong , Gong Yuan‐shi , Mack Ulrich , Feger Karl‐Heinz , Stahr Karl
Published: January 2006

Traditional irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilization in North China may elevate water drainage and nitrate concentrations in soil and groundwater. A field experiment was conducted in an intensively irrigated vegetable (cauliflower, amaranth, and spinach) field for three consecutive years (1999–2002). The main objective was to test to what extent an improved water and fertilizer management, based on the maintenance of field capacity a defined range of the water content in the 0–50 cm soil layer and an N expert system, could reduce drainage and nitrate leaching without impairing vegetable yield. Rates of water drainage and related nitrate leaching were calculated based on measurements of soil water potential and soil‐water nitrate concentrations. Soil water potential was monitored with tensiometers at depths of 75 cm and 105 cm. Nitrate concentrations were analyzed in soil leachates collected at 90 cm soil depth using ceramic suction cups. The results revealed that the average annual drainage related to the cultivation season for cauliflower, amaranth, and spinach was reduced from 275 mm in the traditional system to 29 mm with improved management practice. The average annual cumulative nitrate leaching during the vegetable‐growing period amounted to 301 kg ha–1 and 13 kg ha–1 in the traditional and improved management practices, respectively. Vegetable yields were not significantly different under the traditional and improved management practices.
Pore‐system characteristics of pavement seam materials of urban sites
Authors: Nehls Thomas , Jozefaciuk Grzegorz , Sokołowska Zofia , Hajnos Mieczyslaw , Wessolek Gerd
Published: January 2006

The original light‐brown sandy seam filling of pavements in urban areas turns dark and changes its properties by the time due to various inputs of urban dust. Deposited Corg inputs do mostly not have natural characteristics but are man‐made, e.g., diesel dust. Thus, properties of the seam material are not predictable from experiences with forest or agricultural soils. Semiperviously sealed urban areas are sites of contaminant deposition as well as groundwater recharge. For an assessment of the resulting groundwater‐contamination risk in these areas, the properties of the seam material, which influences transport processes, must be known. The aim of this study was to investigate the pore‐system build‐up, which includes size distribution and fractal character in the seam material of urban sites. The investigated samples were taken from pavements adjacent to roads in Berlin and Warsaw.

The micropore parameters (nanometer range) were characterized using water‐vapor desorption isotherms, mesopore parameters (micrometer range) were estimated from mercury‐intrusion porosimetry and macropore parameters (millimeter range) from water‐retention curves. Particle density, dry bulk density, and particle‐size distribution were measured using standard methods. Volumes of micro‐ and mesopores as well as particle densities and dry bulk densities correlated with Ctot contents. However, no such relation was found for macropore volumes. Compared to the original sandy seam filling, the altered seam material shows significantly higher Corg contents and higher amounts of micro‐ and mesopores. Therefore, the available water capacity increases by 0.05–0.11 m3 m–3, as compared to the original sandy seam filling. Compared to natural sandy soils having similar Corg contents, the seam material shows similar macropore volumes, but the volume of mesopores and micropores is a few times smaller. That is mainly because of the particulate character of the organic matter.
Finite element modelling and MRI validation of 3D transient water profiles in pears during postharvest storage
Authors: Nguyen TA , Dresselaers T , Verboven P , D'hallewin G , Culeddu N , Van Hecke P , Nicolaï BM
Published: January 2006

A diffusion model based on Fick's second law was used to simulate water transport in pear fruit at various conditions (20 °C and 75% RH; 1 °C and 60% RH). The finite element method was used to discretise the governing differential equations over the actual 3D pear geometry. For the first time, water transport in Conference pear fruits was described at the mesoscale level by incorporating different tissues (cuticle, inner and outer cortex) with different diffusion properties. The validated model explained water transport well as validated through nuclear magnetic resonance imaging techniques and was able to predict mass loss of intact pear during postharvest conditions. It was noticed that, at high temperature conditions, the model can be improved further by taking into account respiration and shrinkage effects. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Strategic aims: Making the right moves in leadership
Authors: Beatty Katherine Colarelli , Hughes Richard L.
Published: January 2006

Many leaders have become successful because of their operational skills. But today's business environment requires strategic leadership that is systemic, focused on the future, and oriented toward change. Leaders who can foster greater strategic clarity, make stronger connections between strategy and tactics, and broaden their own and others' perspectives will contribute to the enduring success of their organizations.
Getting culture: Imbuing your organization with coaching behavior
Authors: Hart Wayne
Published: January 2006

Coaching behaviors motivate people, increase job satisfaction and morale, and strengthen bonds between individuals. Organizations are finding that creating a coaching culture, in which everyone thinks in terms of developing and improving the performance of others as an aspect of doing his or her own job, generates synergy.
Online follow‐up: Using technology to enhance learning
Authors: Whyman Wynne , Santana Laura , Allen Leigh
Published: January 2006

Participants in leadership development programs face a big challenge once they get back to work: preventing the energy created during the program from evaporating over time. To sustain the learning process and effect substantive behavioral change, follow‐up is needed, and a technology‐based approach, with coach support, is proving effective.
Cover Picture: Macromol. Chem. Phys. 3/2006
Authors: Yu Qiang , Zhang Jingzhi , Cheng Minglian , Zhu Shiping
Published: January 2006

Cover: The radical deactivation readily becomes diffusion controlled and causes an acceleration in the atom transfer radical polymerization of polylpar;ethylene glycolrpar; dimethacrylate. The rate increases with a decrease in the spacer length lpar;CH2CH2Orpar;x between the vinyl moieties of the dimethacrylate due to a more rigid network structure. Further details can be found in the article by Q.Yu,* J. Zhang, M. Cheng, and S. Zhu* on page 287.
Targeting histone deacetylase in cancer therapy
Authors: Lin Hsiang‐Yu , Chen Chang‐Shi , Lin Shuan‐Pei , Weng Jing‐Ru , Chen Ching‐Shih
Published: January 2006

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) is recognized as one of the promising targets for cancer treatment as many HDAC inhibitors have entered clinical trials for both solid and liquid tumors. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the antiproliferative effects of HDAC inhibitors remain elusive. Although they have been shown to regulate the transcription of a defined set of genes through chromatin remodeling, increasing evidence suggests that modifications of the epigenetic histone code may not be the primary mechanism for HDAC inhibitor‐mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis in cancer cells. While histones still represent a primary target for the physiological function of HDACs, the antitumor effect of HDAC inhibitors might also be attributed to transcription‐independent mechanisms by modulating the acetylation status of a series of nonhistone targets. Also noteworthy is the effect of HDAC inhibitors on Akt downregulation through the alteration of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) complex formation. To provide an overview of the use of HDAC inhibitors in cancer treatment, this review addresses the following subjects: (1) the physiological relevance of HDAC‐mediated acetylation of histone and nonhistone substrates, (2) the chemical biology of HDACs and development of a novel class of HDAC inhibitors, and (3) the protein acetylation‐independent effect of HDAC inhibitors on the activation status of signaling kinases. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 26, No. 4, 397–413, 2006
Efficient and simple production of transgenic mice and rabbits using the new DMSO‐sperm mediated exogenous DNA transfer method
Authors: Shen Wei , Li Lan , Pan Qingjie , Min Lingjiang , Dong Huansheng , Deng Jixian
Published: January 2006

A high efficient and simple transgenic technology on mice and rabbits to transfect spermatozoa with exogenous DNA/DMSO complex to obtain transgenic offspring, which is namely called DMSO‐sperm mediated gene transfer (SMGT). Mouse sperm could be either directly transfected via injection into testis or cultured in vitro with the plasmed DNA containing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) that could be expressed in the embryos and offspring. Then, 36 living transgenic rabbits were produced using the same technology, and the transgenic ratio of 56.3% was detected using PCR and Southern blot. As the controls, the transgenic ratios of 39.6% and 47.8% have also been tested using the liposomes mediated technology of Tfx™‐50 Reagent or Lipefectamin™‐2000, respectively. The results show that the female transgenic rabbits, as the mammary gland bioreactor models, could express the human tissue plasminogen activator mutant (htPAm) in their mammary cells when they are adult. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.