bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nitrate export in subtropical mountainous catchment: implication for land use change impact
Authors: Huang J.-C. , Lee T.-Y. , Kao S.-J. , Hsu S.-C. , Lin H.-J. , Peng T.-R.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Agricultural activity is the dominant factor affecting water quality and nitrate export, which causes eutrophication and episodic acidification in downstream water bodies (e.g., reservoirs, lakes, and coastal zones). However, in subtropical mountainous areas such environmental impact due to the land use change was rarely documented. In this study, we investigated 16 sub-catchments during 2007 and 2008 in the Chi-Chia-Wan catchment where is the sole habitat for the endemic species, Formosan landlocked salmon (Oncorhynchus masou formosanus). The results revealed that the NO3-N concentration in pristine catchments varied from 0.144 to 0.151 mg/L without significant seasonal variation. This concentration was comparable with other forestry catchments around the world. However, the annual nitrate export was around 375.3–677.1 kg/km2/yr, much higher than other catchments due to the greater amount of rainfall. This is an important baseline for comparisons with other climate areas. As for the impact of agricultural activities, the catchments with some human disturbance, ~5.2% of the catchment area, might yield 5947.2 kg N/km2/yr – over 10-times higher than that of pristine catchment. Such high export caused by such a low level of disturbance might indicate that subtropical mountainous area is highly sensitive to agricultural activities. As for the land-use effect on nitrate yield, the forestry land might yield 488.5 ± 325.1 kg/km2/yr and the vegetable farm could yield 298 465.4 ± 3347.2 kg/km2/yr – 1000-times greater than the forestry. The estimated nitrate yields for land use classes were a crucial basis and useful for the land manager to assess the possible impacts (e.g., non-point source pollution evaluation and the recovery of land expropriation).
A Modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score for Critical Care Triage
Authors: Grissom Colin K. , Brown Samuel M. , Kuttler Kathryn G. , Boltax Jonathan P. , Jones Jason , Jephson Al R. , Orme James F.
Published: December 2010

Objective: The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score has been recommended for triage during a mass influx of critically ill patients, but it requires laboratory measurement of 4 parameters, which may be impractical with constrained resources. We hypothesized that a modified SOFA (MSOFA) score that requires only 1 laboratory measurement would predict patient outcome as effectively as the SOFA score.

Methods: After a retrospective derivation in a prospective observational study in a 24-bed medical, surgical, and trauma intensive care unit, we determined serial SOFA and MSOFA scores on all patients admitted during the 2008 calendar year and compared the ability to predict mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation.

Results: A total of 1770 patients (56% male patients) with a 30-day mortality of 10.5% were included in the study. Day 1 SOFA and MSOFA scores performed equally well at predicting mortality with an area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 0.83 (95% confidence interval 0.81-.85) and 0.84 (95% confidence interval 0.82-.85), respectively (P = .33 for comparison). Day 3 SOFA and MSOFA predicted mortality for the 828 patients remaining in the intensive care unit with an AUC of 0.78 and 0.79, respectively. Day 5 scores performed less well at predicting mortality. Day 1 SOFA and MSOFA predicted the need for mechanical ventilation on day 3, with an AUC of 0.83 and 0.82, respectively. Mortality for the highest category of SOFA and MSOFA score (>11 points) was 53% and 58%, respectively.

Conclusions: The MSOFA predicts mortality as well as the SOFA and is easier to implement in resource-constrained settings, but using either score as a triage tool would exclude many patients who would otherwise survive.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:277-284)
Iridium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Cyclic Imines
Authors: Chang Mingxin , Li Wei , Hou Guohua , Zhang Xumu
Published: December 2010

A catalytic complex made from [Ir(COD)Cl]2 [di‐μ‐chloro‐bis(1,5‐cyclooctadiene)diiridium(I)] precursor and (S,S)‐f‐Binaphane ((R,R)‐1,1′‐bis{(R)‐4,5‐dihydro‐3H‐dinaphtho[1,2‐c:2′,1′‐e]phosphepino}ferrocene) ligand effectively catalyzed the enantioselective hydrogenation of cyclic imines with high reactivity and good enantioselectivity.
Trimethylchlorosilane and Silicon Tetrachloride in Two Novel Methodologies for the Efficient and Mild Aldol Addition of β‐Keto Esters and Malonates to Aldehydes
Authors: Massa Antonio , Roscigno Ada , De Caprariis Paolo , Filosa Rosanna , Di Mola Antonia
Published: December 2010

Efficient and mild aldol additions of β‐keto esters and malonates to aldehydes are described using two novel protocols in the presence of silicon tetrachloride and trimethylchlorosilane, respectively. Scope and limitations of the methods have been discussed. Moreover the stability of the obtained products, trimethylsilyl protection of the hydroxy group, as well as the role of both silicon tetrachloride and trimethylchlorosilane in attaining the final products have been analyzed.
Stereocontrolled Construction of Quaternary Stereocenters by Inter‐ and Intramolecular Nitro‐Michael Additions Catalyzed by Bifunctional Thioureas
Authors: Manzano Rubén , Andrés José M. , Muruzábal María D. , Pedrosa Rafael
Published: December 2010

A highly diastereo‐ and enantioselective conjugate addition of β‐keto esters to nitroolefins, catalyzed by a chiral thiourea prepared from L‐valine is described. The formation of two contiguous tertiary and quaternary stereocenters occurs in high yield and excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselection with only 2 mol% of catalyst loading. The reaction is general and different β‐keto esters and aryl‐ and alkylnitroolefins have been tested. The same catalyst has been used to promote the first intramolecular conjugate addition leading to the cyclic adduct in moderate diastereoselectivity and good enantioselectivity.
Brønsted Base‐Catalyzed Tandem Isomerization–Michael Reactions of Alkynes: Synthesis of Oxacycles and Azacycles
Authors: Liu Hongjun , Feng Wei , Kee Choon Wee , Leow Dasheng , Loh Wei‐Tian , Tan Choon‐Hong
Published: December 2010

An efficient synthesis of oxacycles and azacycles was developed using a Brønsted base‐catalyzed tandem alkyne isomerization–Michael reaction sequence. Functionalized 2‐alkylidenetetrahydrofurans were prepared by an intramolecular oxy‐Michael reaction on an allene that was generated in situ from an alkynoate. The aza‐Michael version using alkynylamines, alkynylamides and alkynyl carbamates led to piperidines, lactams and oxazolidinones, respectively. An enantioselective version of this reaction resulted in an axially chiral lactam with high enantioselectivity. Some alkynes, however, were unable to complete the intramolecular Michael reactions and provided enantioenriched allenes.
Novel Amido‐Complexes for the Efficient Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Imines
Authors: Kutlescha Kathrin , Irrgang Torsten , Kempe Rhett
Published: December 2010

Novel N,N,P ligand stabilized rhodium complexes exhibiting high activities and enantioselectivities in the asymmetric hydrogenation of N‐aryl imines are introduced. The ligands were synthesized from inexpensive starting materials and their modular design allows for the introduction of a broad variety of substitution patterns. Additionally, a rather low catalyst loading could be employed.
Evaluation and fabrication of pore‐size‐tuned silica membranes with tetraethoxydimethyl disiloxane for gas separation
Authors: Lee Hye Ryeon , Kanezashi Masakoto , Shimomura Yoshihiro , Yoshioka Tomohisa , Tsuru Toshinori
Published: December 2010

Organic/inorganic hybrid silica membranes were prepared from 1,1,3,3‐tetraethoxy‐1,3‐dimethyl disiloxane (TEDMDS) by the sol‐gel technique with firing at 300–550°C in N2. TEDMDS‐derived silica membranes showed high H2 permeance (0.3–1.1 × 10−6 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1) with low H2/N2 (∼10) and high H2/SF6 (∼1200) perm‐selectivity, confirming successful tuning of micropore sizes larger than TEOS‐derived silica membranes. TEDMDS‐derived silica membranes prepared at 550°C in N2 increased gas permeances as well as pore sizes after air exposure at 450°C. TEDMDS had an advantage in tuning pore size by the “template” and “spacer” techniques, due to the pyrolysis of methyl groups in air and SiOSi bonding, respectively. For pore size evaluation of microporous membranes, normalized Knudsen‐based permeance, which was proposed based on the gas translation model and verified with permeance of zeolite membranes, reveals that pore sizes of TEDMDS membranes were successfully tuned in the range of 0.6–1.0 nm. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Retinoid signaling in inner ear development: A “Goldilocks” phenomenon
Authors: Frenz Dorothy A. , Liu Wei , Cvekl Ales , Xie Qing , Wassef Lesley , Quadro Loredana , Niederreither Karen , Maconochie Mark , Shanske Alan
Published: December 2010

Retinoic acid (RA) is a biologically active derivative of vitamin A that is indispensable for inner ear development. The normal function of RA is achieved only at optimal homeostatic concentrations, with an excess or deficiency in RA leading to inner ear dysmorphogenesis. We present an overview of the role of RA in the developing mammalian inner ear, discussing both how and when RA may act to critically control a program of inner ear development. Molecular mechanisms of otic teratogenicity involving two members of the fibroblast growth factor family, FGF3 and FGF10, and their downstream targets, Dlx5 and Dlx6, are examined under conditions of both RA excess and deficiency. We term the effect of too little or too much RA on FGF/Dlx signaling a Goldilocks phenomenon. We demonstrate that in each case (RA excess, RA deficiency), RA can directly affect FGF3/FGF10 signaling within the otic epithelium, leading to downregulated expression of these essential signaling molecules, which in turn, leads to diminution in Dlx5/Dlx6 expression. Non‐cell autonomous affects of the otic epithelium subsequently occur, altering transforming growth factor‐beta (TGFβ) expression in the neighboring periotic mesenchyme and serving as a putative explanation for RA‐mediated otic capsule defects. We conclude that RA coordinates inner ear morphogenesis by controlling an FGF/Dlx signaling cascade, whose perturbation by deviations in local retinoid concentrations can lead to inner ear dysmorphogenesis. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Familial Ohtahara syndrome due to a novel ARX gene mutation
Authors: Giordano L. , Sartori S. , Russo S. , Accorsi P. , Galli J. , Tiberti A. , Bettella E. , Marchi M. , Vignoli A. , Darra F. , Murgia A. , Bernardina B. Dalla
Published: December 2010

Recently, it has been reported that longer expansions of the polyalanine tract of the ARX gene could cause an early infantile encephalopathy with suppression burst pattern and that the length of this repeat region could be related to the severity of the electroclinical picture. We describe the history of two male individuals, born from monozygotic twin sisters, with Ohtahara syndrome (OS) that evolved into West syndrome phenotype and epileptic encephalopathy. In both children, we have found a previously unreported missense mutation in exon 5 of ARX gene (c.1604T>A) resulting in the substitution of a leucine with a glutamine in the aminoacid sequence. The two mothers and the maternal grandmother carry the same mutation which segregates with the disease phenotype in the family. This study confirms that ARX is involved in the pathogenesis of cryptogenic early onset epileptic encephalopathy, such as OS, and suggests that the severity of the electroclinical picture is likely to not exclusively correlate with the extent of expansions of the polyalanine tracts, but rather with the functional effect of different pathogenetic mutations. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Siblings with phenotypic overlap with Toriello–Carey syndrome and complex cytogenetic imbalances including 3q29 microduplication and 6p25 microdeletion: Review of the literature and additional evidence for genetic heterogeneity
Authors: McGoey Robin , Varma Aditi , Lacassie Yves
Published: December 2010

Toriello–Carey syndrome (TCS) is a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome of unknown etiopathogenesis with characteristic findings including corpus callosum defects, minor facial dysmorphisms, mental retardation, postnatal growth delays, cardiac defects, limb anomalies and genitourinary defects in affected males. This report describes two siblings with features of the TCS in whom array comparative genomic hybridization detected both a 3q29 microduplication as well as a 6p25 microdeletion due to an unbalanced translocation inherited from the father. Though neither microscopic copy number imbalance has been previously attributed to the TCS, this report supports the assertion that roughly 25% of patients with presumed TCS by phenotype may harbor underlying cytogenetic aberrations. Further, this report maintains that, until the specific causative gene is identified, a diagnosis of TCS be reserved for those patients who have not only the salient clinical features but also normal genetic studies that should include microarray. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Donepezil for treatment of cognitive dysfunction in children with Down syndrome aged 10–17
Authors: Kishnani Priya S. , Heller James H. , Spiridigliozzi Gail A. , Lott Ira , Escobar Luis , Richardson Sharon , Zhang Richard , McRae Thomas
Published: December 2010

The objective of this 10‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled multicenter study was to assess the efficacy and safety of donepezil for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction exhibited by children with Down syndrome (DS). Intervention comprised donepezil (2.5–10 mg/day) in children (aged 10–17 years) with DS of mild‐to‐moderate severity. The primary measures were the Vineland‐II Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS‐II) Parent/Caregiver Rating Form (PCRF) the sum of nine subdomain standardized scores and standard safety measures. Secondary measures included the VABS‐II/PCRF scores on the following domains and their respective individual subdomains: Communication (receptive, expressive, and written); Daily Living Skills (personal, domestic, and community); Socialization (interpersonal relationships, play and leisure time, and coping skills), and scores on the Test of Verbal Expression and Reasoning, a subject‐performance‐based measure of expressive language. At baseline, 129 participants were assigned treatment with donepezil or placebo. During the double‐blind phase, VABS II/PCRF sum of the nine subdomain standardized scores, called v‐scores, improved significantly from baseline in both groups (P < 0.0001), with no significant between‐group differences. This trial failed to demonstrate any benefit for donepezil versus placebo in children and adolescents with DS, although donepezil appeared to be well tolerated. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of different sterilization procedures on the morphological parameters and mechanical properties of ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene
Authors: Archodoulaki V.‐M. , Koch T. , Rodriguez A. , Seidler S.
Published: December 2010

The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of the processing conditions, sterilization, and thermal treatment on the morphological and mechanical properties of ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in medical applications by means of thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nanoindentation. It is well known that manufacturing, irradiation, and thermal treatments significantly alter the microstructure of materials, which results in changes in their mechanical properties. UHMWPE was found to be barely sensitive to processing conditions but strongly influenced by sterilization treatments. Great emphasis was given to the characterization of the so‐called first generation of highly crosslinked UHMWPE because the thermal history of this material differed from that of γ‐irradiated materials. The physical and mechanical properties of UHMWPE were influenced as a result of γ and electron‐beam irradiation and the remelting procedure. Lower crystallinity, different lamellar thickness distributions, and lower hardness and modulus values were estimated. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Varying Assay Geometry to Emulate Connective Tissue Planes in an In Vitro Model of Acupuncture Needling
Authors: Julias Margaret , Buettner Helen M. , Shreiber David I.
Published: December 2010

During traditional acupuncture, fine needles are inserted subcutaneously and rotated, which causes loose fascial tissue to wind around the needle. This coupling is stronger at acupuncture points, which tend to fall above intermuscular fascial planes, than control points, which lay above skeletal muscle. These different anatomical constraints may affect the mechanical coupling. Fascia at acupuncture points is bounded on two sides by skeletal muscle, but at control points is essentially unbounded. These differences were approximated in simple in vitro models. To emulate the narrower boundary within the intermuscular plane, type I collagen was cast in circular gels of different radii. To model the channel‐like nature of these planes, collagen was cast in elliptical gels with major and minor axes matching the large and small circular gels, respectively, and in planar gels constrained on two sides. Acupuncture needles were inserted into the gels and rotated via a computer‐controlled motor while capturing the evolution of fiber alignment under cross‐polarization. Small circular gels aligned faster, but failed earlier than large circular gels. Rotation in elliptical and planar gels generated more alignment‐per‐revolution than circular gels. Planar gels were particularly resistant to failure. Fiber alignment in circular gels was isotropic, but was stronger in the direction of the minor axis in elliptical and planar gels. In fibroblast‐populated gels, cells followed the alignment of the collagen fibers, and also became denser in regions of stronger alignment. These results suggest that the anatomy at acupuncture points provides unique boundaries that accentuate the mechanical response to needle manipulation. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Formation of Neuromuscular Junction‐Like Structure Between Primary Sensory Terminals and Skeletal Muscle Cells in Vitro
Authors: Liu Huaxiang , Wang Lihong , Li Hao , Liu Zhen , Wang Huaijing , Li Zhenzhong
Published: December 2010

Sensory nerve cross‐anastomosis provides a modified trophic environment by modulating neurotrophic factor synthesis in muscle. Target tissues contribute to the phenotype and function of sensory neurons. Whether formation of neuromuscular junction (NMJ)‐like structure between sensory neurons and skeletal muscle (SKM) cells in vitro remains unknown. In this study, a neuromuscular coculture model of dissociated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and SKM cells was established. The relationship between DRG neurons and SKM cells was observed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that: (1) DRG neuronal axons frequently terminated on or adhered to the SKM cells; (2) the crossing axons adhered to each other, hence displacement of the terminal axons on the contracting SKM cells would also oscillate the proximally crossing axonal network; (3) the configurations of the axon terminal observed by SEM were variable in different culture conditions; (4) the enlarged nerve endings terminated on the surface of SKM cells which formed NMJ‐like structure. These results offered new clues for a better understanding of the relationship between sensory neurons and SKM cells. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lectins as a Tool for Detecting Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells in the Adult Mouse Brain
Authors: Kitada Masaaki , Kuroda Yasumasa , Dezawa Mari
Published: December 2010

Glycoconjugates are biopolymers that are broadly distributed in the central nervous system, including the cell surface of neural stem cells or neural precursor cells (NSCs/NPCs). Glycoconjugates can be recognized by carbohydrate‐binding proteins, lectins. Two lectins, Phaseolus vulgaris lectin agglutinin E‐form (PHA‐E4) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) have been reported to be useful in isolating NSCs/NPCs by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) or immunopanning methods. In this study, we analyzed the lectin‐binding properties of NSCs/NPCs in two neurogenic regions of the adult mouse brain to determine whether PHA‐E4 and WGA exhibit specific binding patterns on sections and whether there are other lectins presenting the binding pattern similar to those of PHA‐E4 and WGA in lectin histochemistry. Among nine types of lectins, peanut agglutinin was localized to the white matter and four lectins bound to cells within the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle. Lectin histochemistry combined with immunohistochemistry demonstrated that one lectin, Ricinus communis agglutinin, specifically detected type A neuronal precursors and that the remaining three lectins, Agaricus bisporus agglutinin (ABA), PHA‐E4, and WGA, recognized type B NSCs and type C transient amplifying cells in the SVZ. These three lectins also recognized type 1 quiescent neural progenitors and type 2a amplifying neural progenitors in the subgranular layer of the dentate gyrus. Lectin histochemistry of the neurosphere culture also yielded similar results. These observations suggest that, in addition to PHA‐E4 and WGA, ABA lectin may also be applicable in FACS or immunopanning for the isolation of NSCs/NPCs. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiple Analyte Response and Molecular Logic Operations by Excited‐State Charge‐Transfer Modulation in a Bipyridine Integrated Fluorophore
Authors: Sreejith Sivaramapanicker , Divya Kizhumuri P. , Manojkumar T. K. , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai
Published: December 2010

The tunable excited‐state properties of a new donor–π‐acceptor–π‐donor‐type fluorophore 1 with a bipyridyl moiety and its ability to respond to different analytes in solution and on paper microchannels are described. Furthermore, the multiple analyte response of fluorophore 1 has been exploited to perform multiple logic operations. Molecule 1, by virtue of its excited‐state charge transfer, exhibits solvatochromism and reversible modulation of its emission in response to multiple chemical inputs, thus resulting in different fluorescent signals. The intraligand charge‐transfer (ILCT) emission of 1 at 574 nm has been modulated to three emission outputs by using different chemical inputs, such as Zn2+, H+, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Thus, different logic operations such as AND, 2‐input‐INH, 3‐input‐INH, IMP, and a combination of these logic operations could be achieved.
Engineered Synthetic Virus‐Like Particles and Their Use in Vaccine Delivery
Authors: Ghasparian Arin , Riedel Tina , Koomullil Jimy , Moehle Kerstin , Gorba Christian , Svergun Dmitri I. , Perriman Adam W. , Mann Stephen , Tamborrini Marco , Pluschke Gerd , Robinson John A.
Published: December 2010

Engineered nanoparticles have been designed based on the self‐assembling properties of synthetic coiled‐coil lipopeptide building blocks. The presence of an isoleucine zipper within the lipopeptide together with the aggregating effects of an N‐terminal lipid drives formation of 20–25 nm nanoparticles in solution. Biophysical studies support a model in which the lipid is buried in the centre of the nanoparticle, with 20–30 trimeric helical coiled‐coil bundles radiating out into solution. A promiscuous T‐helper epitope and a synthetic B‐cell epitope mimetic derived from the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium falciparum have been linked to each lipopeptide chain, with the result that 60–90 copies of each antigen are displayed over the surface of the nanoparticle. These nanoparticles elicit strong humoral immune responses in mice and rabbits, including antibodies able to cross‐react with the parasite, thereby, supporting the potential value of this delivery system in synthetic vaccine design.
Acute coronary occlusion following TAVI
Authors: Gogas Bill D. , Zacharoulis Achilleas A. , Antoniadis Aias G.
Published: December 2010

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has nowadays replaced open heart surgery as an alternative therapeutic tool in selected patients. Thirty‐five percent of patients with severe degenerative aortic valve stenosis (AS) remain untreated because of the existing comorbidities that increase their perioperative risk. TAVI is a relatively new technique that has “come to stay” in the everyday clinical practice considering, that is the only alternative to surgery and appears to have excellent long term results. Herein, we describe a vascular complication immediately after the implantation of the Edwards SAPIEN (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) prosthesis, followed by ad hoc percutaneous coronary intervention. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recurrent popliteal endoprosthesis thrombosis secondary to extrinsic compression
Authors: Bergen Edward , Bailey Steven R.
Published: December 2010

Endovascular intervention to exclude popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) achieves results comparable to surgical intervention with less associated morbidity and mortality. However, the biomechanical forces inherent to this region pose unique impediments that can limit successful endovascular exclusion. Herein, we present a case of recurrent thrombotic occlusion of a PAA endoprosthesis secondary to dynamic extrinsic compression from the excluded PAA in the absence of an endoleak. Multimodality imaging proved vital in elucidating this novel etiology and enabled an appropriate definitive intervention. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Family of Four‐Coordinate Iron(II) Complexes Bearing the Sterically Hindered Tris(pyrazolyl)borato Ligand TptBu,Me
Authors: Jové Fernando A. , Pariya Chandi , Scoblete Michael , Yap Glenn P. A. , Theopold Klaus H.
Published: December 2010

A new family of 14‐electron, four‐coordinate iron(II) complexes of the general formula [TptBu,MeFeX] (TptBu,Me is the sterically hindered hydrotris(3‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methyl‐pyrazolyl) borate ligand and X=Cl (1), Br, I) were synthesized by salt metathesis of FeX2 with TptBu,MeK. The related fluoride complex was prepared by reaction of 1 with AgBF4. Chloride 1 proved to be a good precursor for ligand substitution reactions, generating a series of four‐coordinate iron(II) complexes with carbon, oxygen, and sulphur ligands. All of these complexes were fully characterized by conventional spectroscopic methods and most were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallographic analysis. Magnetic measurements for all complexes agreed with a high‐spin (d6, S=2) electronic configuration. The halide series enabled the estimation of the covalent radius of iron in these complexes as 1.24 Å.
Quantifying Electronic Effects of Common Carbohydrate Protecting Groups in a Piperidine Model System
Authors: Heuckendorff Mads , Pedersen Christian M. , Bols Mikael
Published: December 2010

A study of the substituent effects of protecting groups in hydroxypiperidines was carried out and compared with the electronic effects in glycosylation chemistry. 1‐Deoxynojirimycin, the aza‐sugar analogue of 1‐deoxy‐D‐glucose, was used as a carbohydrate model, and protected with the most common carbohydrate protecting groups. The different stabilization of positive charge on the ring heteroatom was determined by pKa measurements. The protecting groups could be ranked in the following way after their destabilization of the piperidinium ion: benzoyl≥acetyl≫4,6‐O‐benzylidine>benzyl≈methyl>H>3,6‐anhydro>tert‐butyldimethylsilyl. The observed effects of having protecting groups with different electronic characteristics were found to be in agreement with the “armed–disarmed” concept. Comparison of the pKa of benzylated and benzoylated epimers of 3‐hydroxy‐6‐hydroxymethyl piperidines showed increased stabilization of the piperidinium ion in the axial epimer. The difference between axial and equatorial epimers was larger in the benzylated than in the benzoylated piperidines.
Silver Baits for The “Miraculous Draught” of Amphiphilic Lanthanide Helicates
Authors: Terazzi Emmanuel , Guénée Laure , Varin Johan , Bocquet Bernard , Lemonnier Jean‐François , Emery Daniel , Mareda Jiri , Piguet Claude
Published: December 2010

The axial connection of flexible thioalkyls chains of variable length (n=1–12) within the segmental bis‐tridentate 2‐benzimidazole‐8‐hydroxyquinoline ligands [L12Cn−2 H]2− provides amphiphilic receptors designed for the synthesis of neutral dinuclear lanthanides helicates. However, the stoichiometric mixing of metals and ligands in basic media only yields intricate mixtures of poorly soluble aggregates. The addition of AgI in solution restores classical helicate architectures for n=3, with the quantitative formation of the discrete D3‐symmetrical [Ln2Ag2(L12C3−2 H)3]2+ complexes at millimolar concentration (Ln=La, Eu, Lu). The X‐ray crystal structure supports the formation of [La2Ag2(L12C3−2 H)3][OTf]2, which exists in the solid state as infinite linear polymers bridged by S‐Ag‐S bonds. In contrast, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in the gas phase and in solution confirm the experimental diffusion measurements, which imply the formation of discrete molecular entities in these media, in which the sulfur atoms of each lipophilic ligand are rapidly exchanged within the AgI coordination sphere. Turned as a predictive tool, MD suggests that this AgI templating effect is efficient only for n=1–3, while for n>3 very loose interactions occur between AgI and the thioalkyl residues. The subsequent experimental demonstration that only 25 % of the total ligand speciation contributes to the formation of [Ln2Ag2(L12C12−2 H)3]2+ in solution puts the bases for a rational approach for the design of amphiphilic helical complexes with predetermined molecular interfaces.
Structural Design, Solid‐Phase Synthesis and Activity of Membrane‐Anchored β‐Secretase Inhibitors on Aβ Generation from Wild‐Type and Swedish‐Mutant APP
Authors: Schieb Heinke , Weidlich Sebastian , Schlechtingen Georg , Linning Philipp , Jennings Gary , Gruner Margit , Wiltfang Jens , Klafki Hans‐Wolfgang , Knölker Hans‐Joachim
Published: December 2010

Covalent coupling of β‐secretase inhibitors to a raftophilic lipid anchor via a suitable spacer by using solid‐phase peptide synthesis leads to tripartite structures displaying substantially improved inhibition of cellular secretion of the β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ). Herein, we describe a series of novel tripartite structures, their full characterization by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, and the analysis of their biological activity in cell‐based assays. The tripartite structure concept is applicable to different pharmacophores, and the potency in terms of β‐secretase inhibition can be optimized by adjusting the spacer length to achieve an optimal distance of the inhibitor from the lipid bilayer. A tripartite structure containing a transition‐state mimic inhibitor was found to be less potent on Aβ generation from Swedish‐mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP) than from the wild‐type protein. Moreover, our observations suggest that specific variants of Aβ are generated from wild‐type APP but not from Swedish‐mutant APP and are resistant to β‐secretase inhibition. Efficient inhibition of Aβ secretion by tripartite structures in the absence of appreciable neurotoxicity was confirmed in a primary neuronal cell culture, thus further supporting the concept.
Hormonal Regulation of Growth and Metabolic Effects of Growth Hormone
Authors: Kaplan Selna L.
Published: December 2010

The sections in this article are:

Effects of Growth Hormone on Body Metabolism

Protein Metabolism

Fat Metabolism

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Bone Metabolism

Electrolyte and Fluid Metabolism

Cardiovascular Disease

Linear Growth in Growth Hormone‐Deficient Children

Effects of Other Hormones on Growth and Growth Hormone Function

Thyroid Hormones and Growth

Glucocorticoids and Growth

Sex Steroids and Growth

Insulin and Growth

Use of Growth Hormone as an Anabolic Agent
Structure‐Function Relationships of Growth Hormone and Other Members of the Growth Hormone Gene Family
Authors: Kopchick John J. , Chen Wen Y.
Published: December 2010

The sections in this article are:

Studies Using Growth Hormone Fragments

Multiple Activities of Growth Hormone

Crystal Structure

Studies Regarding Disulfide Bonds

Homologue/Alanine Scanning as A Means of Defining Biologically Active Domains

The Third α‐Helix

Mutagenesis of the Growth Hormone Gene Encoding α‐Helix 3 and Transgenic Mouse Studies

Importance of the Amphiphilicity of the Third α‐Helix

Designing a Growth Hormone Analogue with a Perfect Amphiphilic α‐Helix

Systematic Substitution Mutations in the Hydrophilic Region of the Third α‐Helix of Bovine Growth Hormone

Growth Hormone Antagonists

Pegylated Growth Hormone Antagonists as Therapeutic Agents

Finding of One Growth Hormone/Two Growth Hormone‐Binding Proteins

Mutagenesis Studies on the Prolactin Gene

Concluding Remarks
Feedback Regulation of Growth Hormone Secretion
Authors: Wehrenberg William B. , Giustina Andrea
Published: December 2010

The sections in this article are:

Definitions

Ultrashort‐Loop Feedback

Short‐Loop Feedback

Long‐Loop Feedback

Ultrashort‐Loop Feedback (Autocrine Regulation)

Ultrashort‐Loop Feedback Regulation of Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone by Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone

Ultrashort‐Loop Feedback Regulation of Somatostatin by Somatostatin

Ultrashort‐Loop Feedback Regulation of Growth Hormone by Growth Hormone

Short‐Loop Feedback

Intrahypothalamic Short‐Loop Feedback Pathways

Pituitary–Hypothalamic Short‐Loop Feedback Pathways

Long‐Loop Feedback

Adrenal Hormones: Glucocorticoids

Adrenal Hormones: Mineralocorticoids

Gonadal Hormones

Thyroid Hormones

Growth Factors

Other Hormones

Metabolic Factors
The Somatomedin Hypothesis of Growth Hormone Action
Authors: Hintz Raymond L.
Published: December 2010

The sections in this article are:

Early Studies on the Mechanism of Growth Hormone Action

The Sulfation Factor Hypothesis

Characterization of Somatomedin Biological Activity in Serum

Stimulation of Differentiated Cell Functions

Increases inDNA,RNA, and Protein Synthesis

Synthesis and Control

Mechanisms of Action

Assays and Serum Levels of Somatomedin

Purification of Somatomedin from Serum

Biochemical Characterization

The Isolation and Sequencing of Nonsuppressible Insulin‐Like Activity‐S Peptides and the Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Terminology

Relationship to Nonsuppressible Insulin‐Like Activity‐S and Multiplicating Stimulating Activity

Characterization of the Specific Somatomedin Peptides

Development of Specific Assays

Pathophysiology of Serum Levels

Somatomedin Receptor Sites

Somatomedin Binding Proteins

Metabolism and Feedback on Growth Hormone Secretion

Lessons from theRNAandDNAStructures of the Insulin‐like Growth Factors

Paracrine Actions

The Dual Effector Hypothesis of Growth Hormone Action

Evidence that the Somatomedins are the Major Effectors of the Growth Actions of Growth Hormone

Indirect Evidence

Direct Evidence

Epilogue
Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins
Authors: Clemmons David R.
Published: December 2010

The sections in this article are:

Gene Structures

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 4

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 5

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 6

Acid Labile Subunit

Protein Structures

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 4

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 5

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 6

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein‐Related Proteins

Control of Gene Expression, Synthesis, and Secretion of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins by Cells and Tissues

Tissue Expression

Secretion by Cells In Vitro

Variables that Regulate Pericellular Abundanbce of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins

Proteolysis

Phosphorylation of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins

Binding to Cell Surfaces and to Extracellular Matrix

Regulation of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Actions in vitro and in vivo

Regulation of Half‐Life

Modulation of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Actions

Specific Functions of Each Form of Binding Protein

A Unified Theory of the Mechanism of Action of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins in Connective Tissue Cells

Use of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Analogs

Related Proteins

Control of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein Concentrations in Physiologic Fluids

Methodologic Considerations

Detection of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins in Physiologic Fluids Other than Blood

Regulation of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins in Serum

Regulation of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins by Hormones
Thyroid Hormone Receptors
Authors: Koenig Ronald J.
Published: December 2010

The sections in this article are:

3,5,3′ Triiodo‐L‐Thyronine (T3) Receptors: Overview

T3Receptor Functional Unit onDNA

Retinoid X Receptors

Other Potential Heterodimerization Partners

Structure and Function of theDNABinding Domain

Structure and Function of the Ligand Binding Domain

Activity of Unliganded T3Receptors

Activation of Transcription by T3

Activation of Transcription by Unliganded T3Receptors

Repression of Transcription by T3

Phosphorylation of T3Receptors
Mixed medullary‐follicular carcinoma of the thyroid: Diagnostic dilemmas in fine‐needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Hanna Atef N. , Michael Claire W. , Jing Xin
Published: December 2010

Mixed medullary‐follicular carcinoma (MMFC) of thyroid is an extremely rare tumor, characterized by coexistence of morphological and immunohistochemical features of both medullary carcinoma and follicular (or papillary) carcinoma. We herein present fine needle aspiration (FNA) findings of a histology‐confirmed MMFC along with a review of literature. The patient was a 64‐year‐old woman who had a history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and presented with enlargement of preexisting right thyroid nodule. An US‐guided FNA of the thyroid nodule was performed and conventional smears were prepared. A cytologic diagnosis of “positive for malignancy, consistent with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)” was rendered based on the presence of features characteristic for MTC, and the absence of components of follicular neoplasm (adenoma and carcinoma) or papillary carcinoma. However, microscopic examination of the follow‐up total thyroidectomy specimen with the aid of immunocytochemical study detected minor portion of follicular carcinoma in addition to MTC. A histologic diagnosis of MMFC was then established. While specific identification of MMFC by FNA may be difficult, it should be emphasized that adequate sampling in conjunction with the proper immunostaining panel could have highlighted the different aspects of the mixed tumor. Diagn.Cytopathol. 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation of thyroid nodule fine‐needle aspiration cytology with corresponding histology at Mayo Clinic, 2001–2007: An institutional experience of 1,945 cases
Authors: Seningen Justin L. , Nassar Aziza , Henry Michael R.
Published: December 2010

Following the National Cancer Institute Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration State of the Science Conference, the thyroid fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) practice at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, conducted retrospective analyses correlating cytologic and histologic evaluations of thyroid nodules. Cytologic and histologic reports were retrieved for patients with thyroid nodules who underwent thyroid FNAB between January 2001 and December 2007, with subsequent surgical thyroid resection. Cases were classified by major cytologic and histologic diagnosis and specific diagnostic subcategories. Of 1,945 FNAB cytologic results, 180 (9.3%) were nondiagnostic; 512 (26.3%) were negative for malignancy; 27 (1.4%) were atypical; 729 (37.5%) were suspicious for malignancy; and 497 (25.6%) were positive for malignancy. Histology was benign in 1,179 (60.6%) and malignant in 766 (39.4%). For thyroid malignancy as the disease outcome, at cytologic thresholds of atypical, suspicious, and positive, overall sensitivity of thyroid FNAB was 94.5%, 94.1%, and 65.0%, respectively, and specificity was 46.0%, 48.3%, and 98.5%, respectively. Positive predictive value for all malignancies was 97.0%, and negative predictive value was 92.0%. When separated by specific malignant outcomes, diagnoses of papillary carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, and lymphoma had specificity of suspicious FNAB diagnoses ranging from 90.5% to 99.6%; positive predictive value ranged from 87.5% to 91.4%. For follicular or Hürthle carcinoma, suspicious FNAB diagnoses had a specificity of 52.5% and a positive predictive value of 5.9%. Sensitivity of indeterminate FNAB diagnoses ranged from 72.7% to 95.3%. For follicular or Hürthle pattern malignancies, indeterminate cytologic diagnoses should be interpreted with caution by the clinician considering surgical management. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012;40:E27–E32. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of raloxifene on Bax protein expression in breast carcinomas of postmenopausal women
Authors: Vitor Lopes‐Costa Pedro , Ribeiro dos Santos Alesse , Borges da Silva Benedito
Published: December 2010

The actual role of Bax protein as a prognostic biomarker that predicts response to therapy remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of raloxifene on Bax protein expression in breast carcinomas of postmenopausal women. Twenty postmenopausal patients with operable stage II, estrogen receptor‐positive, infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma were treated with oral raloxifene at a dose of 60 mg/day for a period of 28 days before definitive surgery. Tumor samples were obtained by incisional biopsy at the time of diagnosis and again at the time of definitive surgical treatment. Immunohistochemical evaluation of Bax expression was assessed semiquantitatively based on the fraction of stained tumor cells and intensity of staining. McNemar's test was used to analyze data (P < 0.05). Eleven of the 20 (55%) patients were classified as positive for Bax expression before raloxifene treatment, whereas 9(45%) were classified as positive after raloxifene treatment (P = 0.479). In conclusion, raloxifene did not alter Bax expression significantly in estrogen receptor‐positive breast carcinomas ofpostmenopausal women. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reactivity of Paramagnetic FeII–Bis(amidinate) Complexes
Authors: Jellema Erica , Sciarone Timo J. J. , Navarrete Noa M. , Hettinga Marten J. , Meetsma Auke , Hessen Bart
Published: December 2010

Synthesis and characterisation of ether adducts of bis(amidinate) FeII complexes are described [amidinate = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3–NC(Ph)N–Ph]. The isolation of these five‐coordinate complexes contrasts with the homoleptic bis(amidinate) Fe complexes obtained previously with the sterically more demanding amidinate ligands 2,6‐iPr2C6H3–NC(Ph)N–Ar (Ar = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3, 2,6‐Me2C6H3) The more accessible ether adducts show enhanced reactivity towards Lewis bases and towards the π‐acid carbon monoxide. Reaction with excess amounts of CO results in carbonyl insertion into the Fe–N bonds, thereby giving rise to a diamagnetic bis(CO) adduct supported by two carbamoyl ligands.
Aptamer‐Based Inhibition Assay for the Electrochemical Detection of Tobramycin Using Magnetic Microparticles
Authors: González‐Fernández Eva , de‐los‐Santos‐Álvarez Noemí , Lobo‐Castañón María Jesús , Miranda‐Ordieres Arturo J. , Tuñón‐Blanco Paulino
Published: December 2010

The detection of small molecules using aptamers is not straightforward when the induced fit triggered by the analyte is also small. Herein a labeling strategy is explored for the voltammetric detection of the antibiotic tobramycin using magnetic microparticles (MPs). A competition between MPs‐immobilized tobramycin and free tobramycin for the limited amount of the biotinylated‐aptamer was established. The addition of the enzymatic conjugate and the substrate generated a product that was electrochemically oxidized on screen‐printed carbon electrodes. The analytical signal was proportional to the antibiotic concentration from 5–500 µM and the reproducibility was 5.7 %. The assay selectivity was also studied.
Amperometric Quantification of Gluten in Food Samples Using an ELISA Competitive Assay and Flow Injection Analysis
Authors: Amaya‐González Sonia , de‐los‐Santos‐Álvarez Noemí , Lobo‐Castañón María Jesús , Miranda‐Ordieres Arturo J. , Tuñón‐Blanco Paulino
Published: December 2010

Gluten analysis in food is intricate because of the analyte variability among cereal species and protein states. Herein the immunodominant peptide 33‐mer from alpha2‐gliadin is proposed as standard for calibration in a competitive ELISA assay with amperometric flow‐injection detection. Using the monoclonal antibody G12, a correlation between the content of gluten in peptide and gluten units was obtained for the first time. The analytical features were compared with optical measurements using several standards obtaining a slightly lower detection limit, which suggested the sensitivity is limited by affinity and not by the detection technique. “Gluten‐free” samples were satisfactorily analyzed.
Impedimetric Detection of Hairpin Ribozyme Activity
Authors: Piekielska Katarzyna , Gębala Magdalena , Gwiazda Sławomir , Müller Sabine , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: December 2010

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is successfully utilized for label‐free monitoring of the cleavage reaction of a RNA substrate by a complementary hairpin ribozyme. The formation of the RNA substrate/ribozyme complex is increasing the negative charge at the interface and is modulating the kinetic of the redox conversion of a negatively charged redox mediator (e.g. [Fe(CN)6]3−/4−) hence leading to an increase in the charge transfer resistance. Upon addition of bivalent cations such as Mg2+ ions the conformation of the ribozyme is changed and the catalytic cleavage of the RNA is monitored by a decrease of the charge transfer resistance.
MEKC as a powerful growing analytical technique
Authors: Deeb Sami El , Iriban Mohammed Abu , Gust Ronald
Published: December 2010

This review summarizes the principle and the developments in MEKC in terms of separation power, sensitivity, and detection approaches more than 25 years after its appearance. Newly used surfactants are mentioned. Classical and new sample concentration techniques in MEKC are described. The different detection approaches in MEKC with advantages, limitations, and future prospects are also discussed. This review highlights the wider application of MEKC in different analytical fields. Various recent selected applications of this technique in different analytical fields are reported.