bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial proteins: A new class of cancer therapeutics
Authors: Chakrabarty Ananda Mohan
Published: January 2012

Cancer is a complex disease with a network of multiple metabolic pathways that are interlinked to promote growth and resist immune surveillance.Â  Such a network is efficiently maintained through acquisition of multiple mutations in the human genome that result in the escape from normal cellular growth regulation and formation of lumps ofÂ  fast growing cells known as tumors.Â  The varied pathways through which cancer cells grow and inhibit their own cell death have made it difficult to develop effective drugs either to prevent the emergence of tumors or to check their rapid growth.Â  Current anticancer drugs are either small molecules or monoclonal antibodies that target and inhibit a key important step in cancer progression pathway, thereby significantly inhibiting their proliferation.Â  No effective drug or vaccine exists to prevent cancer initiation and drug resistance and toxicity are major problems in cancer chemotherapy.Â  This article describes recent attempts to develop bacterial proteins that are used as weapons by certain pathogenic bacteria with long term residence in human bodies to prevent invasion of their habitat by invaders such as cancers, viruses or parasites.Â  In one instance, such a protein, termed azurin, has been shown not only to have entry specificity in cancer cells and prevent cancer cell growth by interfering in multiple pathways by which cancer cells grow, but also to prevent induction of pre-cancerous lesion formation triggered by a potent carcinogen.Â  A 28 amino acid peptide derived from azurin, p28, also shows similar anticancer and cancer preventive activity.Â  In phase I human clinical trials, chemically-synthesized p28 has shown very little toxicity but significant beneficial effects, including partial and sometimes complete regression of metastatic refractory solid tumors in 15 advanced stage (stage IV) cancer patients where no conventional drugs were working.Â  A second such protein, termed ATP-01, very different from azurin and obtained from a different bacterium, has shown similar anticancer and anti-HIV/AIDS activity and a 30 amino acid peptide derived from it has anticancer activity similar to p28.Â  It would be of great interest to test these two proteins, should they prove to be non-toxic and non-immunogenic in humans, and the peptides derived from them, for their efficacy in cancer therapy and prevention.Â  Such efficacies can be tested, singly or in combination, in vulnerable people such as people with predisposition to cancer (women with BRCA1/2 mutations, for example) or in HIV/AIDS patients with Kaposiâ€™s sarcoma or other forms of cancer.
Industrial biotechnology â€“ Markets and industry structure
Authors: Festel Gunter , Detzel Christian , Maas Ruth
Published: January 2012

An increasing number of chemicals and materials, like base chemicals and polymers, as well as high value products, such as consumer chemicals and specialty chemicals, are produced using biotechnology in one or more of the process steps. In 2010, the sale volume of biotechnology products was around 92 billion Euro worldwide. Sales are estimated to increase to around 228 billion Euro in 2015 and to around 515 billion Euro in 2020. On a sector level, the largest market potential lies in the production of biopolymers and active pharmaceutical ingredients. As a rule, commercial development is mainly driven by multinational enterprises, whereas small and medium enterprises contribute primarily to the technological development. Especially the latter group faces several challenges during their development. These mainly concern business models and growth strategies as well as financing strategies and resources. Investors have not yet fully identified the area of industrial biotechnology as an attractive investment field but they could become a major capital source as they start to understand more the potential of industrial biotechnology.
Post-Grant Review: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly for Biotechnology Companies
Authors: Uthaman Smitha , Lu Deborah , Kowalski Thomas
Published: January 2012

This paper summarizes the Post-Grant Review process, one of the many interesting aspects of patent reform brought about by the enactment of the America Invents Act, and the effect it may have on how Biotechnology companies conduct business and manage their intellectual property.
Megalencephaly‐capillary malformation (MCAP) and megalencephaly‐polydactyly‐polymicrogyria‐hydrocephalus (MPPH) syndromes: Two closely related disorders of brain overgrowth and abnormal brain and body morphogenesis
Authors: Mirzaa Ghayda M. , Conway Robert L. , Gripp Karen W. , Lerman‐Sagie Tally , Siegel Dawn H. , deVries Linda S. , Lev Dorit , Kramer Nancy , Hopkins Elizabeth , Graham John M. , Dobyns William B.
Published: January 2012

The macrocephaly‐capillary malformation syndrome (M‐CM), which we here propose to rename the megalencephaly‐capillary malformation syndrome (MCAP; alternatively the megalencephaly‐capillary malformation‐polymicrogyria syndrome), and the more recently described megalencephaly‐polymicrogyria‐polydactyly‐hydrocephalus syndrome (MPPH) are two megalencephaly (MEG) disorders that involve a unique constellation of physical and neuroimaging anomalies. We compare the features in 42 patients evaluated for physical and neuroimaging characteristics of MCAP and MPPH and propose a more global view of these syndromes based on classes of developmental abnormalities that include primary MEG and growth dysregulation, developmental vascular anomalies (primarily capillary malformations), distal limb anomalies (such as syndactyly and polydactyly), cortical brain malformations (most distinctively polymicrogyria, PMG), and variable connective tissue dysplasia. Based on these classes of developmental abnormalities, we propose that MCAP diagnostic criteria include progressive MEG with either vascular anomalies or syndactyly. In parallel, we propose that MPPH diagnostic criteria include progressive MEG and PMG, absence of the vascular anomalies and syndactyly characteristic of MCAP, and absence of brain heterotopia. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols catalyzed by iron chloride hexahydrate/TEMPO in the presence of silica gel
Authors: Wang Lianyue , Li Jun , Lv Ying , Zhao Gongda , Gao Shuang
Published: January 2012

An environmentally friendly and efficient process whereby FeCl3•6H2O/2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine N‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐catalyzed oxidation of alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes and ketones is accomplished in the presence of silica gel using molecular oxygen or air as the terminal oxidant. The electron‐deficient benzyl alcohol was smoothly oxidized to the corresponding aldehydes with up to 99% isolated yield. It was found that silica gel not only could enhance the catalytic reaction rate but also increase the selectivity for the product. The high performance of FeCl3•6H2O/TEMPO catalyst system in the presence of silica gel might be attributed to the surface silanol groups. UV–visible spectra analysis showed that the Fe (III)–TEMPO complex could serve as the active intermediate species in the present catalytic system. A plausible mechanism of the catalytic system is proposed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical, flammability, and crystallization behavior of polypropylene composites reinforced by aramid fibers
Authors: Chen Xiaosui , Zhang Sheng , Xu Guozhi , Zhu Xinjun , Liu Wei
Published: January 2012

In this article, we report the mechanical and thermal properties, together with the crystallization and flammability behaviors, of pure polypropylene (PP) and PP/aramid fiber (AF) composites with AF loadings of 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt %. The mechanical properties of the samples were evaluated by tensile and izod notched impact tests, and the results show that the tensile strength of the composites could reach up to 67.8 MPa and the izod notched impact strength could rise to 40.1 kJ/m2. The structure and morphology were observed by scanning electron microscopy and polarized optical microscopy, respectively. This demonstrated that a solid interface adhesion between the matrix and fibers was formed. The thermal and crystalline behaviors of the PP/AF composites were also investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis, and the results show that the char residue of the PP/AF composites improved greatly with increasing AF loading, and the highest value could reach up to 23.7% in the presence of 40 wt % AF. The supercooling degree, initial crystallization temperature, and crystallization percentage were used to characterize the crystallization behavior of the PP/AF composites, and the results indicate that the AFs had positive effects on the promotion of PP nucleation, which can usually improve the mechanical properties of composites. Moreover, the flammability analysis of the PP/AF composites demonstrated that the presence of AFs could significantly decrease the peak heat release rate and the total heat release and reduce the melt‐dripping of the PP/AF composites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
ChemInform Abstract: One‐Pot Synthesis of Dihydropyrimidiones via Environmentally Friendly Enzyme‐Catalyzed Biginelli Reaction.
Authors: Li Wanmei , Zhou Guobin , Zhang Pengfei , Lai Yifeng , Xu Shifu
Published: January 2012

A mild and simple multicomponent synthesis of the title compounds (IV) is presented.
ChemInform Abstract: The A3‐Coupling (Aldehyde—Alkyne—Amine) Reaction: A Versatile Method for the Preparation of Propargyl Amines
Authors: Yoo Woo‐Jin , Zhao Liang , Li Chao‐Jun
Published: January 2012

Review: 109 refs.
The Ciliary Cytoskeleton
Authors: Pedersen Lotte B. , Schrøder Jacob M. , Satir Peter , Christensen Søren T.
Published: January 2012

Cilia and flagella are surface‐exposed, finger‐like organelles whose core consists of a microtubule (MT)‐based axoneme that grows from a modified centriole, the basal body. Cilia are found on the surface of many eukaryotic cells and play important roles in cell motility and in coordinating a variety of signaling pathways during growth, development, and tissue homeostasis. Defective cilia have been linked to a number of developmental disorders and diseases, collectively called ciliopathies. Cilia are dynamic organelles that assemble and disassemble in tight coordination with the cell cycle. In most cells, cilia are assembled during growth arrest in a multistep process involving interaction of vesicles with appendages present on the distal end of mature centrioles, and addition of tubulin and other building blocks to the distal tip of the basal body and growing axoneme; these building blocks are sorted through a region at the cilium base known as the ciliary necklace, and then transported via intraflagellar transport (IFT) along the axoneme toward the tip for assembly. After assembly, the cilium frequently continues to turn over and incorporate tubulin at its distal end in an IFT‐dependent manner. Prior to cell division, the cilia are usually resorbed to liberate centrosomes for mitotic spindle pole formation. Here, we present an overview of the main cytoskeletal structures associated with cilia and centrioles with emphasis on the MT‐associated appendages, fibers, and filaments at the cilium base and tip. The composition and possible functions of these structures are discussed in relation to cilia assembly, disassembly, and length regulation. © 2012 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol2:779‐803, 2012.
Inverse relationship of serum adiponectin concentration with type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence in middle‐aged Japanese workers: six‐year follow‐up
Authors: Li Yuanying , Yatsuya Hiroshi , Iso Hiroyasu , Toyoshima Hideaki , Tamakoshi Koji
Published: January 2012

Background It was suggested that inflammation may mediate or modify biological effects of adiponectin. Few studies examined the association between circulating adiponectin levels and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) while controlling for variables related to inflammation. In addition, East Asians were reported to have lower adiponectin levels but higher diabetes prevalence at a given degree of obesity than Caucasians, raising some possibility that the adiponectin–diabetes association may differ by race. Therefore, we prospectively investigated the associations with a number of covariates including C‐reactive protein and smoking status in a cohort of Japanese workers aged 35–66 years.

Methods Serum adiponectin concentration and other covariates were obtained in 2002 for 3008 civil servants free of T2DM at baseline in urban/suburban Japan. T2DM incidence was defined as the year when annually assessed fasting blood glucose level first exceeded 126 mg/dL or self‐reported initiation of medication through 2007. T2DM incidence was examined in relation to the adiponectin quintile.

Results Age‐ and sex‐adjusted homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance was inversely associated with adiponectin quintiles at baseline. During six years of follow‐up, 164 individuals developed T2DM. In a fully adjusted model, hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of T2DM in Q2 to Q5 compared with that in Q1 were 0.62 (0.41–0.94), 0.44 (0.25–0.77), 0.40 (0.20–0.78) and 0.85 (0.48–1.49), respectively.

Conclusions Low adiponectin was related to increased incidence of T2DM independent of baseline levels of blood glucose, insulin and C‐reactive protein as well as other confounding variables in middle‐aged Japanese. Whether high adiponectin is linearly associated with decreased T2DM risk needs further investigation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genotoxic stress and activation of novel DNA repair enzymes in human endothelial cells and in the retinas and kidneys of streptozotocin diabetic rats
Authors: Wang Chunyan , George Biju , Chen Shali , Feng Biao , Li Xiaokun , Chakrabarti Subrata
Published: January 2012

Background

Mammalian excision repair cross‐complementing 1 (ERCC1) and ERCC4 (a.k.a xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group F) are nucleotide excision repair enzymes, which excise the 5′ end of damaged DNA. ERCC1 and ERCC4 have an interactive relationship with poly (adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP). We studied the role of ERCC1 and ERCC4 in glucose‐induced extracellular matrix protein production in human endothelial cells and in the retinas and kidneys of streptozotocin diabetic rats.

Methods

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were grown with low (5 mM) and high glucose (25 mM). The cells were subjected to ERCC1 and ERCC4 small interfering RNA transfections, PARP blocker (3‐aminobenzamide, ABA) and p300 blocker (curcumin). Retinas and kidneys from 1‐month‐old streptozotocin diabetic rats with or without treatment with curcumin and ABA were examined. Cells and tissues were studied for oxidative stress markers, fibronectin, ERCC1 and ERCC4, PARP and p300 mRNA. Western blot of nuclear proteins was performed.

Results

ERCC1 and ERCC4 messenger RNA and protein levels were higher in high glucose than in low glucose, along with increasing oxidative stress and augmented p300 and fibronectin production. ABA, curcumin, ERCC1 and ERCC4 silencing reduced such upregulations and oxidative stress. Similar changes were seen in the kidneys and retinas of diabetic rats. ABA and curcumin treatment significantly reduced such changes.

Conclusions

These data indicate that glucose‐induced ERCC1 and ERCC4 upregulation leads to increased fibronectin production via a p300‐dependent pathway in umbilical endothelial cells, as well as in the retina and in the kidneys of streptozotocin diabetic rats. ERCC1 and ERCC4 may play important roles in the development of diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrophoretic separations in poly(dimethylsiloxane) microchips using a mixture of ionic and zwitterionic surfactants
Authors: Guan Qian , Noblitt Scott D. , Henry Charles S.
Published: January 2012

The use of mixtures of ionic and zwitterionic surfactants in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microchips is reported. The effect of surfactant concentration on electroosmotic flow (EOF) was studied for a single anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS), a single zwitterionic surfactant (N‐tetradecylammonium‐N,N‐dimethyl‐3‐ammonio‐1‐propanesulfonate, TDAPS), and a mixed SDS/TDAPS surfactant system. SDS increased the EOF as reported previously while TDAPS showed an initial increase in EOF followed by a reduction at higher concentrations. When TDAPS was added to a solution containing SDS, the EOF decreased in a concentration‐dependent manner. The EOF for all three surfactant systems followed expected pH trends, with increasing EOF at higher pH. The mixed surfactant system allowed tuning of the EOF across a range of pH and concentration conditions. After establishing the EOF behavior, the adsorption/desorption kinetics were measured and showed a slower adsorption/desorption rate for TDAPS than SDS. Finally, the separation and electrochemical detection of model catecholamines in buffer and reduced glutathione in red blood cell lysate using the mixed surfactant system were explored. The mixed surfactant system provided shorter analysis times and/or improved resolution when compared to the single surfactant systems.
Systematic comparison of technical details in CBB methods and development of a sensitive GAP stain for comparative proteomic analysis
Authors: Wang Xuchu , Wang Dongyang , Wang Dan , Wang Haiyan , Chang Lili , Yi Xiaoping , Peng Ming , Guo Anping
Published: January 2012

Considering the importance of CBB staining in visualizing proteins in 2‐DE gels, any improvement in the existing protocols with high sensitivity and good MS compatibility is of significant importance. In this study, we systematically evaluated the effects of different staining parameters on CBB methods by 1‐DE and 2‐DE, and demonstrated that G‐250 was more suitable for visualizing low‐abundant proteins as well as generating more spots than R‐250, whereas R‐250 had a superior capability for quick staining of high‐abundant proteins. The staining produced by mixing G‐250 and R‐250 in different ratios showed similar sensitivity. Compared with acetic acid, phosphoric acid produced more protein spots. Ammonium‐based stain demonstrated a superior sensitivity than the aluminum‐based one. Based on these findings, a new protocol using CBB G‐250, ammonium sulfate and phosphoric acid (GAP) was developed by incorporating the fixation, sensitization and staining procedures together. The comparison of GAP with other methods revealed that GAP generated more protein spots and had wider applications. The identification of 11 proteins demonstrated that GAP was not only compatible with MS but also obviously reduced in vitro protein modification, and thus could be a preferable protocol in the future proteomic analysis.
Agarose gel electrophoresis reveals structural fluidity of a phage T3 DNA packaging intermediate
Authors: Serwer Philip , Wright Elena T.
Published: January 2012

We find a new aspect of DNA packaging‐associated structural fluidity for phage T3 capsids. The procedure is (i) glutaraldehyde cross‐linking of in vivo DNA packaging intermediates for the stabilization of structure and then (ii) determining effective radius by two‐dimensional agarose gel electrophoresis (2D‐AGE). The intermediates are capsids with incompletely packaged DNA (ipDNA) and without an external DNA segment; these intermediates are called ipDNA‐capsids. We initially increase the production of ipDNA‐capsids by raising NaCl concentration during in vivo DNA packaging. By 2D‐AGE, we find a new state of contracted shell for some particles of one previously identified ipDNA‐capsid. The contracted shell‐state is found when the ipDNA length/mature DNA length (F) is above 0.17, but not at lower F. Some contracted‐shell ipDNA‐capsids have the phage tail; others do not. The contracted‐shell ipDNA‐capsids are explained by premature DNA maturation cleavage that makes accessible a contracted‐shell intermediate of a cycle of the T3 DNA packaging motor. The analysis of ipDNA‐capsids, rather than intermediates with uncleaved DNA, provides a simplifying strategy for a complete biochemical analysis of in vivo DNA packaging.
Selenium, arsenic, and mercury in fish inhabiting a fly ash exposure gradient: interspecific bioaccumulation patterns and elemental associations
Authors: Reash Robin J.
Published: January 2012

Releases from coal ash impoundments can be a significant source of trace elements to the aquatic environment. In the present study, whole-body concentrations of As, Hg, and Se in various fish species inhabiting streams receiving a gradient of fly ash exposure are reported. High-exposure sites had elevated water concentrations of As, Mo, Se, and SO4. Fish were collected during two seasons in 2007. Mercury concentrations in all fish samples were low (range = 1.2–99 ng/g wet wt); highest As concentrations occurred in fish from high-exposure sites. Whole-body Se concentrations were low at reference sites but increased as the magnitude of fly exposure increased. For all sites combined, a significant (r2 = 0.60) correlation was observed between the geometric mean of each species' whole-body Se concentration and log-transformed water Se concentration. A significant inverse relationship was apparent with log-transformed whole-body Hg and Se concentrations (r2 = 0.56 for all species and sites combined), suggesting that high tissue Se levels antagonistically regulated Hg bioaccumulation. Sunfish (Lepomis sp.) from high- and medium-exposure sites had significantly higher Se body residues, but significantly lower Hg, relative to fish from low-exposure and reference sites. Ninety percent of fish from high-exposure sites had a surplus of Se, whereas all fish from reference sites had Se/Hg molar ratios <1.0. These ratios increased as water Se increased. Where fish have moderate to high exposure to fly ash-influenced water, Se tissue levels can be expected to be elevated (as well as As, in some cases), but tissue Hg concentrations will likely be low. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:739–747. © 2012 SETAC
Sensitivity analysis of temperature‐index melt simulations to near‐surface lapse rates and degree‐day factors at Vestari‐Hagafellsjökull, Langjökull, Iceland
Authors: Hodgkins R. , Carr S. , Pálsson F. , Guðmundsson S. , Björnsson H.
Published: January 2012

The performance of temperature‐index melt models is particularly affected by the choice of near‐surface lapse rate used to determine the sum of positive daily temperatures at different elevations, and by the choice of factor used to relate this sum to the rate of melting. Data from the Langjökull ice cap are used in this study to quantify the influence of lapse‐rate and degree‐day factor variation on temperature‐index melt simulations. The lapse rate was significantly lower during summer than in spring or autumn, as a result of diabatic cooling, reducing boundary‐layer sensitivity to free‐air temperature change. The summer lapse rate was also significantly lower than the saturated adiabatic lapse rate. A sensitivity of approximately 600 mm water equivalent (w.e.) cumulative June–August melt per 0.1 °C 100 m–1 change in lapse rate was found across a 500‐m altitude range. The sensitivity to a 1‐mm w.e. °C–1 day–1 change in degree‐day factors varied more: from approximately 500 mm w.e. cumulative summer melt at low elevation to approximately 200 mm w.e. at high elevation, reflecting the decline in melt rates associated with the greater persistence of snow with increasing altitude. The determination of a degree‐day factor for snow is complicated by the densification of the ageing snowpack, but the application of a parameterization for near‐surface density on the basis of albedo helped account for the development of snow water equivalence. Lapse rate was parameterized as a function of standardized anomalies in 750 hPa reanalysis temperature and significantly improved the simulation of cumulative summer melt compared with models applying the saturated adiabatic lapse rate. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aluminium chloride promotes anchorage‐independent growth in human mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Sappino André‐Pascal , Buser Raphaële , Lesne Laurence , Gimelli Stefania , Béna Frédérique , Belin Dominique , Mandriota Stefano J.
Published: January 2012

Aluminium salts used as antiperspirants have been incriminated as contributing to breast cancer incidence in Western societies. To date, very little or no epidemiological or experimental data confirm or infirm this hypothesis. We report here that in MCF‐10A human mammary epithelial cells, a well‐established normal human mammary epithelial cell model, long‐term exposure to aluminium chloride (AlCl3) concentrations of 10–300 µ m, i.e. up to 100 000‐fold lower than those found in antiperspirants, and in the range of those recently measured in the human breast, results in loss of contact inhibition and anchorage‐independent growth. These effects were preceded by an increase of DNA synthesis, DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), and senescence in proliferating cultures. AlCl3 also induced DSBs and senescence in proliferating primary human mammary epithelial cells. In contrast, it had no similar effects on human keratinocytes or fibroblasts, and was not detectably mutagenic in bacteria. MCF‐10A cells morphologically transformed by long‐term exposure to AlCl3 display strong upregulation of the p53/p21Waf1 pathway, a key mediator of growth arrest and senescence. These results suggest that aluminium is not generically mutagenic, but similar to an activated oncogene, it induces proliferation stress, DSBs and senescence in normal mammary epithelial cells; and that long‐term exposure to AlCl3 generates and selects for cells able to bypass p53/p21Waf1‐mediated cellular senescence. Our observations do not formally identify aluminium as a breast carcinogen, but challenge the safety ascribed to its widespread use in underarm cosmetics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incidence properties of cosets in loops
Authors: Kinyon Michael , Pula Kyle , Vojtěchovský Petr
Published: January 2012

We study incidence properties among cosets of infinite loops, with emphasis on well‐structured varieties such as antiautomorphic loops and Bol loops. While cosets in groups are either disjoint or identical, we find that the incidence structure in general loops can be much richer. Every symmetric design, for example, can be realized as a canonical collection of cosets of a infinite loop. We show that in the variety of antiautomorphic loops the poset formed by set inclusion among intersections of left cosets is isomorphic to that formed by right cosets. We present an algorithm that, given a infinite Bol loop S, can in some cases determine whether |S| divides |Q| for all infinite Bol loops Q with S⩽Q, and even whether there is a selection of left cosets of S that partitions Q. This method results in a positive confirmation of Lagrange's Theorem for Bol loops for a few new cases of subloops. Finally, we show that in a left automorphic Moufang loop Q (in particular, in a commutative Moufang loop Q), two left cosets of S⩽Qare either disjoint or they intersect in a set whose cardinality equals that of some subloop of S.
Fully automated synthesis and purification of 4‐(2′‐methoxyphenyl)‐1‐[2′‐(N‐2″‐pyridinyl)‐p‐[18F]fluorobenzamido]ethylpiperazine
Authors: Hayashi Kazutaka , Furutsuka Kenji , Ito Takehito , Muto Masatoshi , Aki Hatsumi , Fukumura Toshimitsu , Suzuki Kazutoshi
Published: January 2012

We have developed an efficient synthesis method for the rapid and high‐yield automated synthesis of 4‐(2′‐methoxyphenyl)‐1‐[2′‐(N‐2″‐pyridinyl)‐p‐[18F]fluorobenzamido]ethylpiperazine (p‐[18F]MPPF). No‐carrier‐added [18F]F− was trapped on a small QMA cartridge and eluted with 70% MeCN(aq) (0.4 mL) containing Kryptofix 222 (2.3 mg) and K2CO3 (0.7 mg). The nucleophilic [18F]fluorination was performed with 3 mg of the nitro‐precursor in DMSO (0.4 mL) at 190 °C for 20 min, followed by the preparative HPLC purification (column: COSMOSIL Cholester, Nacalai Tesque, Kyoto, Japan; mobile phase: MeCN/25 mm AcONH4/AcOH = 200/300/0.15; flow rate: 6.0 mL/min) to afford p‐[18F]MPPF (retention time = 9.5 min). p‐[18F]MPPF was obtained automatically with a radiochemical yield of 38.6 ± 5.0% (decay corrected, n = 5), a specific activity of 214.3 ± 21.1 GBq/µmol, and a radiochemical purity of >99% within a total synthesis time of about 55 min. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zinc deficiency in field‐grown pecan trees: changes in leaf nutrient concentrations and structure
Authors: Ojeda‐Barrios Dámaris , Abadía Javier , Lombardini Leonardo , Abadía Anunciación , Vázquez Saúl
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a typical nutritional disorder in pecan trees [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] grown under field conditions in calcareous soils in North America, including northern Mexico and south‐western United States. The aim of this study was to assess the morphological and nutritional changes in pecan leaves affected by Zn deficiency as well as the Zn distribution within leaves.

RESULTS: Zinc deficiency led to decreases in leaf chlorophyll concentrations, leaf area and trunk cross‐sectional area. Zinc deficiency increased significantly the leaf concentrations of K and Ca, and decreased the leaf concentrations of Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu. All nutrient values found in Zn‐deficient leaves were within the sufficiency ranges, with the only exception of Zn, which was approximately 44, 11 and 9 µg g−1 dry weight in Zn‐sufficient, moderately and markedly Zn‐deficient leaves, respectively. Zinc deficiency led to decreases in leaf thickness, mainly due to a reduction in the thickness of the palisade parenchyma, as well as to increases in stomatal density and size. The localisation of Zn was determined using the fluorophore Zinpyr‐1 and ratio‐imaging technique. Zinc was mainly localised in the palisade mesophyll area in Zn‐sufficient leaves, whereas no signal could be obtained in Zn‐deficient leaves.

CONCLUSION: The effects of Zn deficiency on the leaf characteristics of pecan trees include not only decreases in leaf chlorophyll and Zn concentrations, but also a reduction in the thickness of the palisade parenchyma, an increase in stomatal density and pore size and the practical disappearance of Zn leaf pools. These characteristics must be taken into account to design strategies to correct Zn deficiency in pecan tree in the field. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Potential of Bacillus cereus strain RS87 for partial replacement of chemical fertilisers in the production of Thai rice cultivars
Authors: Jetiyanon Kanchalee , Plianbangchang Pinyupa
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: There is increasing interest in the development of technologies which can reduce the requirement for chemical fertilisers in rice production. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Bacillus cereus strain RS87 for the partial replacement of chemical fertiliser in rice production. A greenhouse experiment was designed using different fertiliser regimes, with and without strain RS87. Six Thai rice cultivars were tested separately.

RESULTS: Maximum rice growth and yield were obtained in rice receiving the full recommended fertiliser rate in combination with the strain RS87. Interestingly, all rice cultivars which were treated with strain RS87 and 50% recommended fertiliser rate provided equivalent plant growth and yield to that receiving the full recommended fertiliser rate only. A paired comparison between rice treated with 50% of the recommended fertiliser rate with the bacterial inoculant and the full fertiliser rate alone was further examined in small experimental rice paddy fields. Growth and yield of all rice cultivars which received the 50% fertiliser rate supplemented with strain RS87 gave a similar yield to that receiving the full fertiliser rate alone.

CONCLUSION: Bacterial strain RS87 showed the potential to replace 50% of the recommended fertiliser rate for yield production. Integration of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterial inoculants with reduced application rates of chemical fertiliser appears promising for future agriculture. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Content of selenium, total and inorganic arsenic and bioaccessibility of arsenic in children diets of Mexico
Authors: García‐Rico Leticia , Tejeda‐Valenzuela Lourdes , Vélez Dinoraz , Montoro Rosa
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the intake of selenium, total and inorganic arsenic and the bioaccessibility of arsenic in diets of Mexican schoolchildren using an in vitro method.

RESULTS: Total and inorganic arsenic concentrations in the diets ranged from 0.05 to 1.15 mg kg−1 dry weight (DW) and from 0.023 to 0.088 mg kg−1 DW respectively, while selenium levels were between 0.08 and 0.20 mg kg−1 DW. Daily intake of total and inorganic arsenic ranged from 0.15 to 10.49 µg day−1 kg−1 body weight (BW) and from 0.06 to 1.11 µg day−1 kg−1 BW respectively, while that of selenium varied from 0.29 to 2.63 µg day−1 kg−1 BW. Bioaccessibility of total and inorganic arsenic ranged from 4 to 97% (mean 44 ± 21.5%) and from 33 to 97% (mean 71 ± 22.5%) respectively.

CONCLUSION: Inorganic arsenic levels in the diets were low. Therefore there appears to be a low risk of adverse effects resulting from excess inorganic arsenic intake from these diets. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinical characteristics and natural course of recurrent vestibulopathy: A long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Lee Hong‐Kyoung , Ahn Seong‐Ki , Jeon Sea‐Yuong , Kim Jin‐Pyeong , Park Jung Je , Hur Dong Gu , Kim Dae Woo , Woo Seung Hoon , Kang Hung‐Soo
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To investigate the clinical characteristics and the natural course of recurrent vestibulopathy (RV).

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

During the period April 2002 to February 2008, we reviewed the clinical records of 98 patients diagnosed with RV. All patients were approached by telephone and using a questionnaire. The analysis included age, sex distribution, natural history, pure‐tone audiometry, caloric response, age at onset, and the characteristics of vertigo.

Results:

Median follow‐up was 63.1 months (range, 24–103 months). Patients had a mean age at onset of 39 years and a mean duration of 4.2 years. An obvious female predilection was found, and unilateral caloric paresis (≥25%) was seen in 35%. Of the 98 patients, symptoms resolved in 82% but were unchanged in 12%. RV developed to Ménière's disease in four patients and to migraine in two. No patient with RV developed a central nervous system disease or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo during follow‐up.

Conclusions:

The study suggests that in the majority of cases, vertigo spontaneously resolves and that the risks of development to Ménière's disease or migraine are low. Laryngoscope, 2012
A sensitivity analysis of expected profitability of pharmaceutical research and development
Authors: Grabowski Henry , Vernon John
Published: January 2012

An indirect effect of increased regulation of the pharmaceutical industry in the USA has been a reduction in the effective patent life for a new drug. The reason is that the average time to develop a new chemical entity and gain regulatory approval far exceeds the time necessary to obtain a patent. The period of patent protection now averages only 10 years compared to the legal life of 17 years. In this article we describe a sensitivity analysis which sheds some light on the relationship between product life and profitability. Based upon a number of important assumptions, we show, for example, that at a 10% real rate of return the average 1970–1976 new drug required 19 years to break even. At an 8% real rate of return, 12 years would permit the firm to break even.
Distribution, efficiency and incentives in organizations
Authors: Fitzroy Felix R.
Published: January 2012

This paper formulates incentives for individual workers in competitive firms in general equilibrium. Piece‐rates and rewards for relative performance can elicit efficient effort in equilibrium, but workers benefit from collusion to reduce effort and consumption and expropriate capitalists by lowering the rental, while employers may choose equilibria with excessive ‘effort’. When there is uncertainty about true individual effort, prizes and limited penalties for best and worst performance can support efficient solutions, while income‐risk declines as the size of the team grows. If penalties are prohibited, ex post inequality is multiplied and welfare declines.
An iterative method for determining the internal rate of return
Authors: Lowenthal Franklin
Published: January 2012

This paper presents an alternative to the usual iterative method for determining the approximate internal rate of return in capital budgeting. The method developed is based on the standard numerical analysis technique of successive approximations or iterations. The iterations converge to the true internal rate of return provided only that the initial cash outflow is greater than the salvage value. A comparison is made of the rates of convergence of the iteration method, Newton's method and the bisection method. Under certain restrictive conditions, the payback reciprocal is seen to play an important role in all three methods.
Bowl‐shaped carbocations: easy to produce, hard to reduce
Authors: Dubceac Cristina , Zabula Alexander V. , Filatov Alexander S. , Rossi Fulvio , Zanello Piero , Petrukhina Marina A.
Published: January 2012

Stable nonplanar polyaromatic carbocation, [C20H10CH2Cl]+ (1) having the chloromethyl group covalently bound to the hub site of corannulene was prepared by reaction of C20H10 with CH2Cl2 and GaCl3 in the presence of SnCl2. The X‐ray diffraction study of the resulting salt, [1]∙[(SnCl)(GaCl4)2], revealed the presence of two rotational isomers for 1 in the crystal lattice. In the solid state, a complex polymeric inorganic anion of the overall composition [(Sn2Cl2)∙(GaCl4)4]∞ is formed with the cationic π‐bowls being attached to its backbone. Both X‐ray and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic data of 1 indicate the sp3 hybridization of the C‐atom of corannulene at the attachment point. An electrochemical investigation of 1 and the series of related corannulene cations, [C20H10R]+ (R = CHxCl3–x (x = 0–3) and CH2CH2Cl), was carried out to elucidate the electronic consequences triggered by the above changes. This study revealed that the surface decoration of corannulene core makes the reduction of the resulting [C20H10R]+ species significantly more difficult (by about 0.3 V) with respect to the parent bowl. To evaluate the consequences of the observed one‐electron reduction and conceivable but not seen second‐electron reduction on the corannulene core, theoretical calculations at the density functional theory level have been carried out. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Role of Oxygen and Surface Reactions in the Deposition of Silicon Oxide like Films from HMDSO at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Reuter Rüdiger , Rügner Katja , Ellerweg Dirk , de los Arcos Teresa , von Keudell Achim , Benedikt Jan
Published: January 2012

The deposition of thin SiO2‐like films by means of atmospheric pressure microplasma jets with admixture of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) and oxygen and the role of surface reactions in film growth are investigated. Two types of microplasma jets, one with a planar electrodes and operated in helium gas and the other one with a coaxial geometry operated in argon, are used to study the deposition process. The growth rate of the film and the carbon‐content in the film are measured as a function of the O2 and HMDSO admixture in the planar jet and are compared to mass spectrometry measurements of the consumption of HMDSO. Additionally, the localized nature of the jet–substrate interaction is utilized to study surface reactions by applying two jets on a rotating substrate. The addition of oxygen into the gas mixture increases HMDSO depletion and the growth rate and results in the deposition of carbon free films. The surface reaction is responsible for the carbon removal from the growing film. Moreover, carbon free films can be deposited even without addition of oxygen, when coaxial jet operated with argon is used for the surface treatment. We hypothesize that ions or excited species (metastables) could be responsible for the observed effect.

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Post‐synthesis Carbon Nanowalls Transformation under Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Tetrafluoroethane and Sulfur Hexafluoride Plasma Treatments
Authors: Vizireanu Sorin , Ionita Maria Daniela , Dinescu Gheorghe , Enculescu Ionut , Baibarac Mihaela , Baltog Ioan
Published: January 2012

Carbon nanowalls (CNWs) functionalization allows the tailoring of some of their properties after they have been synthesized. Herewith we report on post‐synthesis CNWs functionalization by plasma treatments. Radiofrequency plasmas generated in hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, tetrafluoroethane, and sulfur hexafluoride admixed to argon, were used. The changes of morphology, structure, chemical composition were determined by SEM, FTIR, Raman Spectroscopy, specifically for each gas mixture. The results point out to the surface erosion, the functional groups attachment, or to thin film coverage of CNWs material. Such processes strongly influence the material properties, as exemplified by the wettability: superhydrophilic or superhydrophobic surfaces are obtained starting from the same base CNWs material.

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Activation of Nod1 and Nod2 induces innate immune responses of prostate epithelial cells
Authors: Kang Min‐Jung , Heo Sook‐Kyoung , Song Eun‐Jung , Kim Dong‐Jae , Han Seung‐Yun , Han Ju‐Hee , Kim Bo‐Yeon , Park Jong‐Hwan
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND

Nod1 and Nod2 are cytosolic receptors which are responsible for sensing bacterial peptidoglycan derivatives. In this study, we determined whether Nod1 and Nod2 are involved in the innate immune responses of prostate epithelial cells.

METHODS

The expression of Nod1 and Nod2 was examined by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. ELISA was performed to determine the production of cytokines/chemokines. Activation of NF‐κB and MAPK was examined using western blot analysis.

RESULTS

The Nod1 gene was distinctly expressed in all tested cells including DU145, PC3, and TRAMP‐C2 cells, whereas Nod2 expression was weak. Both Nod1 and Nod2 proteins were expressed in normal mouse prostate epithelia with difference of expression levels. Tri‐DAP (Nod1 agonist), but not MDP (Nod2), increased the production of IL‐8 (or KC) and IL‐6 in prostate epithelial cells. Tri‐DAP and MDP could upregulate the gene expression of COX‐2 and activate NF‐κB and MAPK. In addition, Tri‐DAP and MDP synergized with TLR agonists to induce the production of IL‐8/KC or IL‐6 in PC3 and TRAMP‐C2 cells. We finally showed that Nod1 and Nod2 were also expressed in a wide range of prostate lesions including prostate intraepithelial neoplasm (PIN), phyllodes‐like tumor, and adenocarcinoma in TRAMP (transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate) mice, even though the expression level of Nod1 and Nod2 was different.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that Nod1 and Nod2 may play important roles in the innate immune response of prostate epithelial cells and the development and progression of prostate cancer. Prostate 72:1351–1358, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overexpression of the sterol 14α‐demethylase gene (MgCYP51) in Mycosphaerella graminicola isolates confers a novel azole fungicide sensitivity phenotype
Authors: Cools Hans J , Bayon Carlos , Atkins Sarah , Lucas John A , Fraaije Bart A
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: The recent evolution towards resistance to azole fungicides in European populations of the wheat pathogen Mycosphaerella graminicola has been caused by the progressive accumulation of mutations in MgCYP51 gene, encoding the azole target sterol 14α‐demethylase. Particular combinations of mutations have been shown specifically to affect the interaction of the MgCYP51 protein with different members of the azole class. Although additional mechanisms, including increased MgCYP51 expression and enhanced active efflux, have been proposed, the genetic changes underlying these mechanisms are unknown.

RESULTS: Analysis of the azole sensitivities of recent M. graminicola isolates identified a novel phenotype, seemingly independent of changes in MgCYP51 coding sequence. Characterised by a 7‐16‐fold reduction in in vitro sensitivity to all azoles tested and by growth on seedlings at higher doses of azoles in glasshouse tests compared with isolates carrying the same MgCYP51 variant (L50S, S188N, I381V, ΔY459/G460, N513K), isolates with this phenotype constitutively overexpress MgCYP51 by between 10‐ and 40‐fold compared with the wild type. Analysis of sequences upstream of the predicted MgCYP51 translation start codon identified a novel 120 bp indel, considered to be an insertion, in isolates overexpressing MgCYP51.

CONCLUSIONS: The identification of an insertion in the predicted MgCYP51 promoter in azole‐resistant isolates overexpressing MgCYP51 is the first report of a genetic mechanism, other than changes in target‐site coding sequence, affecting sensitivity to multiple azoles in field isolates of M. graminicola. The identification of recent isolates overexpressing MgCYP51 confirms the ongoing evolution and diversification of resistance mechanisms in European populations of M. graminicola. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Cryptotanshinone from Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix Inhibits Sodium‐nitroprusside‐induced Apoptosis in Neuro‐2a Cells
Authors: Mahesh Ramalingam , Jung Hyo Won , Kim Gun Woo , Kim Young Shik , Park Yong‐Ki
Published: January 2012

The root of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Salviae miltiorrhizae radix), a herbal medicine has widely been used for the treatment of pain, miscarriage and oedema. In this study, we evaluated the neuroprotective effect of cryptotanshinone (CRT) from Salviae miltiorrhizae radix on sodium‐nitroprusside (SNP)‐induced apoptosis in neuro‐2a (N2a) cells, and further investigated its action mechanism in signalling pathways. The effects of CRT against SNP‐induced toxicity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes, and oxidants/antioxidant defences and apoptotic signalling pathways were investigated in N2a cells. Cryptotanshinone significantly inhibited SNP‐induced cell toxicity and the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), and improved MMP in N2a cells. Cryptotanshinone significantly suppressed SNP‐induced peroxidation of lipid and protein, and the expression of Gclc mRNA. In the signalling pathway, CRT effectively blocked SNP‐induced activation of NF‐κB and ERK1/2 and JNK MAPK pathways through the elevation of Akt and cyclic AMP response element binding protein. Furthermore, CRT remarkably reduced the increase of mitochondrial Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol, and the activations of cytosolic procaspase‐3 and nuclear inactive poly ADP (adenosine diphosphate)‐ribose polymerase by SNP‐induced apoptosis. These results indicate that CRT has neuroprotective effects against SNP‐induced apoptosis in neuronal cells via the regulation of mitochondrial apoptotic cascades and antiapoptotic cellular signalling pathways. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.