bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of gamma radiation on properties of halogen‐free flame retardant EPDM‐PVMQ rubber blends
Authors: Wang Qiaoe , Ye Hong
Published: November 2010

In this study, the effects of gamma radiation on properties of ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) and its blends with phenyl vinyl methyl silicon rubber (PVMQ) were studied. The samples were irradiated with the dose rate of 171.7 Gy/min, and the total dose was up to 500 kGy. Mechanical properties, electrical insulation, limiting oxygen index (LOI), crosslink density, and ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy of the rubber were carried out to characterize the properties via irradiation. The results indicated that PVMQ acted as an irradiation degradation retarder for EPDM. After a postvulcanized period corresponding to 50 kGy dose, the elongation at break and electrical insulation decreased with LOI unaffected, while the crosslink density and tensile strength presented a complicated change with the increasing of radiation dose. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Development of a thermosensitive grafted drug delivery system—synthesis and characterization of NIPAAm‐based grafts and hydrogel structure
Authors: Ankareddi Induvadana , Brazel Christopher S.
Published: November 2010

A thermosensitive grafted hydrogel was investigated for heating‐activated drug release. The hydrogel was created by grafting oligomers of N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylamide (AAm) to a poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate), or PHEMA, hydrogel. N‐Isopropylacrylamide‐co‐AAm oligomers were synthesized with a range of compositions to raise the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) above physiological temperature. PHEMA hydrogels with these thermosensitive grafts were synthesized by free‐radical solution polymerization, using an acrylated version of the oligomers. The oligomers were characterized for their molecular weight, LCSTs, and rate of response to a change in temperature. With the flexibility in tuning their properties by varying reaction parameters, these oligomers present possibilities in several fields, including drug delivery. The impact of cross‐linking agent type and the amount and presence of grafts on the polymer network structure was found by determining the hydrogel mesh sizes. PHEMA gels cross‐linked with methylenebisacrylamide had larger mesh sizes than those cross‐linked with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. Increasing amounts of cross‐linking agent decreased mesh sizes. LCSTs exhibited by oligomers were slightly lower than those exhibited by polymer gels of the same composition. The grafting reaction was found to have only a slight impact on the hydrogel mesh size. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Saponites Obtained by Intercalation of Titano‐Silsesquioxane
Authors: Carniato Fabio , Bisio Chiara , Gatti Giorgio , Guidotti Matteo , Sordelli Laura , Marchese Leonardo
Published: November 2010

The synthesis and characterization of two bifunctional composite materials based on synthetic saponite clays is here presented. These materials were prepared by intercalation of a Ti‐containing aminopropylisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (Ti‐NH2POSS) in synthetic saponite samples containing interlayer sodium (Na‐SAP) or protons (H‐SAP). Hybrid organic–inorganic materials, Ti‐NHM‐1 and Ti‐NHM‐2, were obtained upon ion exchange. Structural, spectroscopic, and thermal properties of both hybrid materials were investigated in detail along with their catalytic activity in cyclohexene oxidation.
Robust estimation for discrete time‐varying systems with limited communication capacity
Authors: Wang Bao‐Feng , Guo Ge
Published: November 2010

In this paper, we consider the state estimation problem for linear discrete time‐varying systems subject to limited communication capacity which includes measurement quantization, random transmission delay and data‐packet dropouts. Based on transforming the three communication limitations into the system with norm‐bounded uncertainties and stochastic matrices, we design a robust filter such that, for all the communication limitations, the error state of the filtering process is mean square bounded. An upper bound on the variance of the state estimation error is first found, and then, a robust filter is derived by minimizing the prescribed upper bound in the sense of the matrix norm. It is shown that the desired filter can be obtained in terms of the solutions to two Riccati‐like difference equations which also provide a recursive algorithm suitable for online computation. A simulation example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed algorithm.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Pharmacokinetics of mirodenafil and Its two metabolites, SK3541 and SK3544, in spontaneously or DOCA–salt‐induced hypertensive rats
Authors: Lee Young S. , Choi Young H. , Yoon In S. , Kim Tae K. , Ryu Keun H. , Lee Bong‐Y. , Lee Myung G.
Published: November 2010

Hypertension is the most common comorbidity and major risk factor in patients with erectile dysfunction. The pharmacokinetics of mirodenafil, used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, after the intravenous and oral administration (20 mg/kg) to 6‐week‐old rats (with blood pressure within the normotensive range) and 16‐week‐old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and their age‐matched control normotensive Kyoto–Wistar (KW) rats, and 16‐week‐old deoxycorticosterone acetate–salt‐induced hypertensive rats (DOCA–salt rats) and their age‐matched control Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were compared. It was found that time‐averaged renal clearance (Clr) was of minor importance and that time‐averaged non‐renal clearance (Clnr) was dominant. In both 6‐ and 16‐week‐old SHRs, theClnrs and areas under the curve (AUCs) of intravenous mirodenafil were significantly smaller and greater than those of the controls, but in 16‐week‐old DOCA–salt rats, they were comparable to the controls. Although theAUCof oral mirodenafil in 16‐week‐old SHRs was comparable to the controls, theClnrs (or total body clearances,Cls) of intravenous mirodenafil and intestinal intrinsic clearances were significantly smaller than the controls and comparable to the controls for both 6‐ and 16‐week‐old SHRs, unlike in the 16‐week‐old DOCA–salt rats. The above data suggest that the significantly smallerClnrand greaterAUCof intravenous mirodenafil and comparableAUCof oral mirodenafil in 16‐week‐old SHR could be due to the hereditary characteristics of SHRs, and not due to the hypertensive state itself. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long-term follow-up of patients with a painless inguinal hernia from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Chung L , Norrie J , O'Dwyer P J
Published: November 2010

Background

Up to one-third of patients with an inguinal hernia have no symptoms from the hernia. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term outcome of patients with a painless inguinal hernia randomized to observation or operation.

Methods

Some 160 men aged 55 years or more with a painless inguinal hernia were randomized to observation or operation between 2001 and 2003. All were invited to attend a research clinic at 6 and 12 months, and 5 years after randomization. Those unable to attend for clinical review were sent a questionnaire based on the clinical review pro forma.

Results

After a median follow-up of 7·5 (range 6·2–8·2) years, 42 men had died (19 in the observation and 23 in the operation group); 46 of the 80 men randomized to observation had conversion to operation. The estimated conversion rate (using the Kaplan–Meier method) for the observation group was 16 (95 per cent confidence interval 9 to 26) per cent at 1 year, 54 (42 to 66) per cent 5 years and 72 (59 to 84) per cent at 7·5 years. The main reason for conversion was pain in 33 men, and two presented with an acute hernia. Sixteen men developed a new primary contralateral inguinal hernia and three had recurrent hernias. There have been 90 inguinal hernia repairs in the 80 patients randomized to surgery compared with 56 in those randomized to observation.

Conclusion

Most patients with a painless inguinal hernia develop symptoms over time. Surgical repair is recommended for medically fit patients with a painless inguinal hernia.
Beyond textbook illustrations: Hand‐held models of ordered DNA and protein structures as 3D supplements to enhance student learning of helical biopolymers
Authors: Jittivadhna Karnyupha , Ruenwongsa Pintip , Panijpan Bhinyo
Published: November 2010

Textbook illustrations of 3D biopolymers on printed paper, regardless of how detailed and colorful, suffer from its two‐dimensionality. For beginners, computer screen display of skeletal models of biopolymers and their animation usually does not provide the at‐a‐glance 3D perception and details, which can be done by good hand‐held models. Here, we report a study on how our students learned more from using our ordered DNA and protein models assembled from colored computer‐printouts on transparency film sheets that have useful structural details. Our models (reported in BAMBED 2009), having certain distinguished features, helped our students to grasp various aspects of these biopolymers that they usually find difficult. Quantitative and qualitative learning data from this study are reported. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Vol. 38, No. 6, pp. 359‐364, 2010
Bi‐national and interdisciplinary course in enzyme engineering
Authors: Kuhn Misty L. , Figueroa Carlos M. , Aleanzi Mabel , Olsen Kenneth W. , Iglesias Alberto A. , Ballicora Miguel A.
Published: November 2010

Higher education institutions and scientific funding agencies are emphasizing international projects that involve the integration and synergy between research groups, particularly if different disciplines are involved. Students with an education that reflects these trends will have more tools to succeed in the future, but it is challenging to provide this type of learning experience. Here we present the organization of a bi‐national course with the goals to teach students protein structure/function relationships, which give them actual research experience in both computational and experimental laboratories, and engage them in an international networking experience. Two collaborative learning courses were organized at Loyola University Chicago (USA) and Universidad Nacional del Litoral (Argentina) for graduate and advanced undergraduate students. Multiple instructors at different stages in their careers gave lectures during the course and were able to interact with students on a one‐on‐one basis. Nearly every student from both institutions thoroughly enjoyed this approach, and they learned more about protein structure and gained important tools for their own research. We believe that this type of course design is applicable and transferable to other institutions and areas of science. We found that the combination of international networking and incorporation of actual research projects ignited the enthusiasm of students and instructors. Due to the success of these courses, we planned to incorporate them as regular series in our curriculum. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Vol. 38, No. 6, pp. 370‐379, 2010
Extracardiac coronary arterial anastomoses
Authors: Loukas Marios , Hanna Michael , Chen Justin , Tubbs R. Shane , Anderson Robert H.
Published: November 2010

The collateral arterial circulation of the heart has been extensively studied. However, less attention has been paid to extracardiac anastomoses, which may also be of significant clinical importance. In this review, we will describe the most common types of these anastomoses, which include bronchial to coronary arteries and internal thoracic to coronary arteries. In a much lesser degree, anastomoses between coronary arteries and pericardiacophrenic branches of the internal thoracic arteries, anterior mediastinal arteries, intercostal arteries, and esophageal arterial branches have also been described. Knowledge of the likely morphology and function of the anastomoses, therefore, could prove helpful in the clinical evaluation of patients with myocardial ischemia, particularly when selecting candidates for myocardial revascularization. Clin. Anat. 24:137–142, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deep palmar communications between the ulnar and median nerves
Authors: Loukas Marios , Bellary Sharath S. , Tubbs R. Shane , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Cohen‐Gadol Aaron A.
Published: November 2010

Innervation of the hand is supplied via the radial, median, and ulnar nerves. A common border of sensory distribution between the ulnar and median nerves is along the fourth digit. However, this sensory distribution may be affected by communication between these two nerves. Among the known communications between the median and ulnar nerves, the deep anastomotic branch in the hand is the least described and rarely illustrated in the literature. This study aims to provide data on the prevalence of a deep communicating branch via cadaveric dissection. We examined 50 hands taken from 25 adult cadavers. Communicating branches were found in 16% of the hands examined, with rami occurring bilaterally in two specimens. By describing the origin and pathway of this communicating branch, we hope to provide surgeons and clinicians with knowledge that may help avoid iatrogenic injuries. Clin. Anat. 24:197–201, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pilot Development of Polygeneration Process of Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion combined with Coal Pyrolysis
Authors: Qu X. , Liang P. , Wang Z. , Zhang R. , Sun D. , Gong X. , Gan Z. , Bi J.
Published: November 2010

A pilot polygeneration process of a 75 t h–1 circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler combined with a moving bed coal pyrolyzer was developed based on laboratory‐scale experimental results. The process operation showed good consistency and integration between boiler and pyrolyzer. Some critical operating parameters such as hot ash split flow from the CFB boiler to the pyrolyzer, mixing of hot ash and coal particles, control of pyrolysis temperature and solid inventory in the pyrolyzer, and pyrolysis gas clean‐up were investigated. Yields of 6.0 wt‐% tar and 8.0 wt‐% gas with a heating value of about 26 MJ m–3 at 600 °C were obtained. Particulate content in tar was restrained less than 4.0 wt‐% by using a granular filter of the moving bed. Operation results showed that this pilot polygeneration process was successfully scaled up.
Interaction study with rats given two flame retardants: polybrominated diphenyl ethers (Bromkal 70‐5 DE) and chlorinated paraffins (Cereclor 70L)
Authors: Lundstedt‐Enkel Katrin , Karlsson Daniel , Darnerud Per Ola
Published: November 2010

This study explored possible interaction effects on animal liver microsomal enzymes and thyroid hormones of two flame retardants: Bromkal 70‐5 DE, a mixture of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (hereafter called PBDE); and Cereclor 70L, a mixture of chlorinated paraffins (hereafter called CP).

Female Sprague‐Dawley rats were exposed to these compounds in dose ranges of 1.3–18.7 mg/kg bw/day (PBDE) and 1–55 mg/kg bw/day (CP), by gavage for 14 days. Biological responses were measured on liver somatic index (LSI) and hepatic enzyme activity of (a) ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD) (indicating CYP1A1 activity), (b) pentoxyresorufin‐O‐depentylase (PROD) (indicating CYP2B activity) and (c) the phase II conjugation enzyme uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (UDP‐GT). The levels of total and free thyroxine hormone in rat plasma (TT4 and FT4, respectively) were also measured. In the experimental work, a Doehlert uniform shell design was used in order to select the combination of concentrations of PBDE and CP administered to the rats. Eight different combinations were used, including a control. The measured responses were modelled with multiple linear regression (MLR), giving response surface plots. The results showed strong synergism between the two flame retardants at one particular exposure combination, resulting in increased hepatic microsomal enzyme responses and decreased serum T4 concentrations. Notably, the exposure combination causing the most marked effects represented intermediate doses of both substances. The mechanisms behind the observed effects are unknown, but may involve induction or inhibition of enzyme systems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deamidation and Transamidation of Substance P by Tissue Transglutaminase Revealed by Electron‐Capture Dissociation Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Fornelli Luca , Schmid Adrien W. , Grasso Luigino , Vogel Horst , Tsybin Yury O.
Published: November 2010

Tissue transglutaminase (tTGase) catalyzes both deamidation and transamidation of peptides and proteins by using a peptidyl glutamine as primary substrate. A precise consensus sequence for the enzyme is unknown and the ratio between deamidated and transamidated (or cross‐linked) reaction products is highly substrate‐dependent. Due to its overlapping body distribution with tTGase and ease of manipulation with tandem mass spectrometry, we used the neuropeptide substance P as a model to investigate the associated enzymatic kinetics and reaction products. Online liquid‐chromatography Fourier‐transform ion‐cyclotron‐resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR MS) combined with electron‐capture dissociation (ECD) was employed to study the tTGase‐induced modifications of substance P. A particular strength of ECD for peptide‐enzyme reaction product monitoring is its ability to distinguish isomeric amino acids, for example, Glu and iso‐Glu, by signature product ions. Our studies show that the primary reaction observed is deamidation, with the two consecutive glutamine residues converted sequentially into glutamate: first Gln5, and subsequently Gln6. We then applied ECD FT‐ICR MS to identify the transamidation site on an enzymatically cross‐linked peptide, which turned out to correspond to Gln5. Three populations of substance‐P dimers were detected that differed by the number of deamidated Gln residues. The higher reactivity of Gln5 over Gln6 was further confirmed by cross‐linking SP with monodansylcadaverine (MDC). Overall, our approach described herein is of a general importance for mapping both enzymatically induced post‐translational protein modifications and cross‐linking. Finally, in vitro Ca‐signaling assays revealed that the main tTGase reaction product, the singly deamidated SP (RPKPEQFFGLM‐NH2), has increased agonist potency towards its natural receptor, thus confirming the biologically relevant role of deamidation.
Density Functional Theory Study of the Interaction between Guanine and Catechin
Authors: Cai Wanfei , Wu Hanying , Wang Xiaolan , Li Laicai , Tian Anmin , Huang Ningbew
Published: November 2010

The interacting patterns and mechanism of the catechin and guanine have been investigated with the density functional theory B3LYP method by 6‐31G* basis set. Fourteen stable structures for the catechin‐guanine complexes have been found which form two hydrogen bonds at least. The results indicate that the complexes are mainly stabilized by the hydrogen bonding interactions. At the same time, the number and strength of hydrogen bond play a co‐determinant parts in the stability of the complexes which can form two or more hydrogen bonds. Theories of atoms in molecules (AIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) have been adopted to investigate the hydrogen bonds involved in all systems. The interaction energies of all complexes have been corrected for basis set superposition error (BSSE), ranging from −38.86 to −14.56 kJ/mol. The results showed that the hydrogen bonding contributes to the interaction energies dominantly. The corresponding bonds stretching motions in all complexes are red‐shifted relative to that of the monomer, which is in agreement with experimental results.
Photodegradation of Rhodamine B on Sulfur Doped ZnO/TiO2 Nanocomposite Photocatalyst under Visible‐light Irradiation
Authors: Guo Jianfeng , Li Jingxia , Yin Anyuan , Fan Kangnian , Dai Weilin
Published: November 2010

Sulfur doped ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposite photocatalysts were synthesized by a facile sol‐gel method. The structure and properties of catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV‐vis diffusive reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and N2 desorption‐adsorption isotherm. The XRD study showed that TiO2 was anatase phase and there was no obvious difference in crystal composition of various S‐ZnO/TiO2. The XPS study showed that the Zn element exists as ZnO and S atoms form SO2−4. The prepared samples had mesoporosity revealed by N2 desorption‐adsorption isotherm result. The degradation of Rhodamine B dye under visible light irradiation was chosen as probe reaction to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposite. The commercial TiO2 photocatalyst (Degussa P25) was taken as standard photocatalyst to contrast the prepared different photocatalyst in current work. The improvement of the photocatalytic activity of S‐ZnO/TiO2 composite photocatalyst can be attributed to the suitable energetic positions between ZnO and TiO2, the acidity site caused by sulfur doping and the enlargement of the specific area. S‐3.0ZnO/TiO2 exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation after Zn amount was optimized, which was 2.6 times higher than P25.
Synthesis, Characterization and Nuclease Activity of Ternary Copper(II) Complexes Containing Dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]‐phenazine and L‐α‐Amino Acids
Authors: Chen Jiayang , Ren Xiangxiang , Le Xueyi , Feng Xiaolong
Published: November 2010

Two new complexes: [Cu(dppz)(L‐val)(H2O)]ClO4 (1) and [Cu(dppz)(L‐tyr)(H2O)]ClO4·1.5H2O (2) (dppz=dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine, L‐val=L‐valinate, L‐tyr=L‐tyrosinate) have been synthesized and investigated by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, UV‐Vis and IR spectroscopies. Complex 1 has been structurally characterized by the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction method, which crystallizes in the triclinic space group P‐1 in a unit cell of a=0.9095(2) nm, b=1.3301(3) nm, c=1.3552(3) nm, α =93.518(3) °, β=97.192(3) °, γ=106.361(3) °, V=1.5526(6) nm3, Z=2, Dc=1.598 g·cm−3, µ=0.849 mm−1. The DNA binding and cleavage properties of the complexes have been studied by UV spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity measurement and agarose gel electrophoresis. The results show that the complexes can bind DNA by intercalation and cleave pBR322 DNA by free hydroxyl radical induced by the complexes in the presence of ascorbate, giving the order of the binding abilities and cleavage activity of the complexes to DNA: complex 2>1.
Effect of Temperature on Cd2+ Sorption by Mixed Oxides of Iron and Silicon
Authors: Mustafa Syed , Waseem Muhammad , Naeem Abdul , Shah Khizar Hussain , Ahmad Tauqeer , Safdar Muhammad
Published: November 2010

The current study focuses on the synthesis and sorption properties of two mixed oxides of iron and silicon prepared by physical mixing (M1) and sequential precipitation methods (M2). Both the mixed oxides were synthesized from equimolar ratios of Fe(OH)3 and SiO2 and characterized for surface area, EDX, XRD and PZC. The surface area, micropore volume and average pore width of the oxide M1 were higher as compared to the oxide M2. However, potentiometric titrations revealed that mixed oxide synthesized by this method had a very high capacity towards Cd2+ ions as compared to the mixed oxide M1. Sorption of Cd2+ ions at pH 5 on mixed oxide, M2 was found to increase with temperature in the range 288 to 318 K. Langmuir equation was found applicable to the sorption data with R2>0.99. Entropy (ΔS⊖), enthalpy (ΔH⊖) and free energy changes (ΔG⊖) were calculated which revealed the process to be endothermic and spontaneous in nature.
Synthesis and Application of Poly(diallyldimethylammonium tribromide) as a Novel Polymeric Brominating Agent
Authors: Hossein Mahdavi , Zahra Kachoei
Published: November 2010

In this study, the synthesis and applications of a new supported tribromide reagent based on poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) is reported. This supported tribromide is used in α‐bromoacetalization of ketones, bromination of alkenes and regioselective bromination of activated aromatic compounds. This method is mild and no Br2 and HBr were used. Other advantages of this reagent are stability, high efficiency, simple filtera‐ bility and reusability.
Strong Luminescence Catalytic Solid Substrate Room Temperature Phosphorescence for the Determination of Trace Copper
Authors: Lin Changqing , Zhang Lihong , Zheng Zhiyong , Lin Xuan , Lin Liping , Wang Xinxing , Lin Shaoqin , Liu Jiaming
Published: November 2010

Under the conditions of reacting at 100°C for 8 min and irradiating with the infrared light for 15 min, methylene blue (MEB) could emit weak room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) on the cellulose acetate membrane (CAM) using Pb2+ as the ion perturber in the NH3‐NH4Cl (pH=9.80) solution. MEB was oxidized by H2O2, which caused the RTP of the system to enhance. Cu2+ could catalyze the reaction of H2O2 oxidizing MEB, which caused the RTP of the system to enhance sharply. The ΔIp (Ip0−Ip, the Ip0 and Ip were RTP intensity of the blank reagent and RTP intensity of the test reagent, respectively) of the catalytic system was 133.6, which was 4.1 times larger than that without infrared light irradiation (33.1). Its ΔIp was proportional to the content of Cu2+. Thus, a new catalytic solid substrate room temperature phosphorimetry (SSRTP) for the determination of trace copper has been established. The limit of quantization (LOQ) of this method was 0.12 ag·spot−1 (sample volume: 0.40 µL·spot−1, corresponding concentration: 3.0×10−16 g·mL−1), showing high sensitivity. This method not only has been successfully applied to the determination of trace copper in the tobacco, tea and human serum, but also could predict human diseases. The catalytic reaction was first order reaction, whose activation energy (E) was 18.17 kJ·mol−1 and rate constant (k) was 3.4×10−4 s−1. At the same time, the mechanism of catalytic SSRTP for the determination of trace copper was discussed.
Design and Synthesis of Biotinylated Troglitazone as an Active Affinity Probe
Authors: Li Xin , Li Xiaoqi , Tang Hong , Nan Fajun
Published: November 2010

A biotin‐tagged analogue of troglitazone was designed, synthesized and applied to affinity chromatography to pulldown EGFR from 293T cell lysates overexpressing EGFR, a membrane protein assumed to be troglitazone's direct binding target by previous work. The results indicate the feasibility of the biotinylated probe as a vigorous tool to clarify the molecular mechanisms for troglitazone's antitumor activities.
Sodium Dithionite Initiated Addition‐lactonization of 2‐Acyl‐ amino‐4‐pentenoic Acids with Fluoroalkyl Iodides to Synthesize 4‐Fluoroalkyl‐2‐acylamino‐4‐butyrolactones
Authors: Yang Xueyan , Yang Xianjin , Zhu Shengjie , Ye Lingling , Chen Yang , Chen Guanlong , Wu Fanhong
Published: November 2010

4‐Fluoroalkyl‐2‐acylamino‐4‐butyrolactones were afforded in moderate yields by the sodium dithionite initiated one‐pot addition‐lactonization reaction of polyfluoroalkyl iodides with 2‐acylamino‐4‐pentenoic acids.
Low‐temperature Heat Capacities and Thermodynamic Properties of the Solid State Complexes (C2H10N2)MCl4 (s) (M=Cu and Cd)
Authors: Cao Yanping , Chen Jingtao , Di Youying , He Donghua , Dan Wenyan , Liu Yupu
Published: November 2010

The tetrachlorocuprate(II) ethylenediammonium and tetrachlorocadmate(II) ethylenediammonium were synthesized. Chemical analysis, elemental analysis, and X‐ray crystallography were applied to characterize the compositions and crystal structures of the two complexes. The lattice potential energies and the radiuses of the anions of two complexes were calculated to be UPOT[(C2H10N2)CuCl4]=1810.19 kJ·mol−1, UPOT[(C2H10N2)CdCl4]=1784.39 kJ·mol−1, r[(CuCl4)2−]=0.308 nm, and r[(CdCl4)2−]=0.321 nm from the data of the crystal structure, respectively. Low‐temperature heat capacities of the two complexes were measured by a precision automatic adiabatic calorimeter with the small sample over the temperature range from 78 to 400 K, respectively. Two polynomial equations of heat capacities against the temperatures were fitted by least square method: Cp,m[(C2H10N2)CuCl4, s] =213.553+118.578X−5.816X2+4.392X3+0.276X4 and Cp,m[(C2H10N2)CdCl4, s] =190.927+98.501X−7.931X2+0.657X3+3.834X4, in which X= (T−239)/161. Based on the fitted polynomial equations, the smoothed heat capacities and thermodynamic functions of the two complexes relative to the standard reference temperature 298.15 K were calculated at intervals of 5 K.
Properties and suspension stability of dendronized iron oxide nanoparticles for MRI applications
Authors: Basly B. , Felder‐Flesch D. , Perriat P. , Pourroy G. , Bégin‐Colin S.
Published: November 2010

Functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles have attracted an increasing interest in the last 10 years as contrast agents for MRI. One challenge is to obtain homogeneous and stable aqueous suspensions of iron oxide nanoparticles without aggregates. Iron oxide nanoparticles with sizes around 10 nm were synthesized by two methods: the particle size distribution in water suspension of iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by the co‐precipitation method was improved by a process involving two steps of ligand exchange and phase transfer and was compared with that of iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by thermal decomposition and functionalized by the same dendritic molecule. The saturation magnetization of dendronized nanoparticles synthesized by thermal decomposition was lower than that of nanoparticles synthesized by co‐precipitation. The r2 relaxivity values were shown to decrease with the agglomeration state in suspension and high r2 values and r2/r1 ratios were obtained with nanoparticles synthesized by co‐precipitation by comparison with those of commercial products. Dendronized iron oxide nanoparticles thus have potential properties as contrast agent. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A self‐calibrating PARACEST MRI contrast agent that detects esterase enzyme activity
Authors: Li Yuguo , Sheth Vipul R. , Liu Guanshu , Pagel Mark D.
Published: November 2010

The CEST effect of many PARACEST MRI contrast agents changes in response to a molecular biomarker. However, other molecular biomarkers or environmental factors can influence CEST, so that a change in CEST is not conclusive proof for detecting the biomarker. To overcome this problem, a second control CEST effect may be included in the same PARACEST agent, which is responsive to all factors that alter the first CEST effect except for the biomarker to be measured. To investigate this approach, a PARACEST MRI contrast agent was developed with one CEST effect that is responsive to esterase enzyme activity and a second control CEST effect. The ratio of the two CEST effects was independent of concentration and T1 relaxation, so that this agent was self‐calibrating with respect to these factors. This ratiometric method was dependent on temperature and was influenced by MR coalescence as the chemical exchange rates approached the chemical shifts of the exchangable protons as temperature was increased. The two CEST effects also showed evidence of having different pH dependencies, so that this agent was not self‐calibrating with respect to pH. Therefore, a self‐calibrating PARACEST MRI contrast agent can more accurately detect a molecular biomarker such as esterase enzyme activity, as long as temperature and pH are within an acceptable physiological range and remain constant. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell Biology of Secretion
Authors: Dannies Priscilla S.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Intracellular Transport in Vesicles

Membrane Fusion and Exocytosis

Investigations in Synaptic Vesicles

Investigations in Yeast

Reconstituted Systems of Transport

Convergence of Separate Approaches

Calcium Dependence of Stimulated Neurotransmitter Release

Docking Vesicles to the Correct Membrane

Other Fusion Mechanisms

Evidence for SNAP‐NSF‐Mediated Docking/Fusion With Dense Core Granules

Exocytosis in Endocrine Cells

Membrane Budding and Endocytosis

Budding Involving Clathrin

Budding Involving COPI/ARF

Endocytosis in Endocrine Cells

Formation of Secretory Granules in Endocrine Cells
Receptor‐Mediated Endocytosis of Polypeptide Hormones by Vascular Endothelium
Authors: Bar Robert S. , Erondu Ngozi E.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Insulin

Insulin‐Like Growth Factors

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

Glucagon
Receptor Identification and Characterization
Authors: Limbird Lee E. , Motulsky Harvey
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Identification of Receptors Based on Functional Properties

Schild Analysis

Identification of Receptors with Radioligand Binding

Choosing the Biological Preparation

Choosing a Radioligand

Separating Bound From Free Radioligand

Irrelevant Binding

Establishing That the Radioligand Binding Detected Reflects Interaction With the Physiologically Significant Receptor

Analysis of Radioligand Binding Data Based on the Law of Mass Action

Fractional Occupancy

Assumptions Inherent in the Law of Mass Action

Saturation Binding Studies

Defining Nonspecific Binding in a Radioligand Binding Assay

Defining The Specificity of Radioligand Binding Using Competitive Binding Analysis

Analyzing Competitive Binding Data

Calculating the KiFrom the IC50

Homologous Competitive Binding Curves Permit an Assessment of Both Kdand Bmax

Kinetic Analysis of Radioligand Binding Experiments

Studies of Radioligand Dissociation

Studies of Radioligand Association

Complex Binding Phenomena

Competitive Binding Experiments With Two (or More) Receptor Sites

Saturation Binding Experiments With Two Receptor Sites

Comparing One‐ and Two‐Site Models

The Slope Factor of a Competitive Binding Curve

Using Dissociation Experiments to Investigate Complex Binding

Distinguishing Between Independent Receptor Subtypes and Negative Cooperativity

Evaluating Allosteric Phenomena

Obtaining Independent Data to Clarify the Biological Origin of Complex Binding Phenomena

Agonist Binding and the Ternary Complex
Membrane Receptor–Linked Disease States
Authors: Nebes V. , Wall J.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Genetic Disorders of Receptor and Effector Molecules

Types of Receptor

Clinical Disorders

C Proteins

Receptors and Oncogenes

Antibodies Against Receptors and Autoimmune Disorders

Seven‐Transmembrane‐Receptor/G Protein–Coupled Disorders

Thyroid‐Stimulating Hormone Receptor/Toxic Thyroid Hyperplasia/Thyroid‐Stimulating Hormone Resistance

Luteinizing Hormone Receptor/Precocious Puberty/ Leydig Cell Hypoplasia

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Receptor/Familial Glucocorticoid Deficiency

Arginine Vasopressin/Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus

Rhodopsin/Retinifis Pigmentosa

Parathyroid Hormone/Parathyroid Hormone–Related Peptide Receptor/Jansen‐Type Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia

β3‐Adrenergic Receptor/Obesity

Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone Receptor

Somatostatin Receptor

Mutations of G Proteins

GαsMutations/Albright Hereditary Osteodystrophy

Single‐Transmembrane‐Receptor–Coupled Diseases

Insulin Receptor/Leprechaunism/Rabson‐Mendenhall Syndrome/Type A Insulin Resistance

Growth Hormone Receptor/Laron Dwarfism

Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 Receptor

Four‐Transmembrane‐Segment Receptor Diseases

Gamma‐Aminobutyric Acid and Serotonin Receptors

Acetylcholine Receptor/Slow‐Channel Syndrome

Abnormal Recognition, Regulation, and Signaling Pathways

Receptor‐Specific Cross‐Over Disease

Hyperprolactinemia Syndrome

Trophoblastic Tumors/Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Non‐Islet Cell Neoplasms/Type II Insulin‐Like Growth Factor

Oncogenic Receptor Defects

Thyroid‐Stimulating Hormone Receptor/ Thyroid Adenomas

GαsMutations/McCune‐Albright Syndrome

Disorders ofRasandRas‐Like Proto‐oncogenes

Antireceptor Antibodies and Autoimmune Disease

Effect of Antireceptor Antibodies

Thyroid‐Stimulating Hormone Receptor Antibodies and Graves' Disease

Thyroid Growth–Stimulating Antibodies

Insulin Receptor Antibodies

β‐Adrenergic Receptor Antibodies

Myasthenia Gravis

Other Receptor Antibodies
Steroid Hormone Receptor Families
Authors: Hurd Cliff , Moudgil V. K.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Molecular Composition of Receptor Proteins: Primary Structural Homologies and Functional Domains

The A/B Region of Steroid Receptors Contains a Hormone‐Independent Activation Function

The C Region Encodes a Specific DNA‐Binding Function

The D Region (the Hinge Domain) Contains a Nuclear Localization Signal

The E/F Region Contains the Hormone‐Binding Domain, a Dimerization Motif, Steroid Receptor Repressor Activity, and a Receptor Agonist‐Dependent Transcriptional Activation Function

Receptor‐Associated Proteins and the Oligomeric Structure of Steroid Receptors

Major Heat Shock Proteins

Cross‐Talk with Other Signal‐Transduction Pathways

Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate and Activation of Steroid Receptors

Transcriptional Interference

Pathways That Converge on the Estrogen Receptor

Role of Phosphorylation in Steroid Receptor Structure and Function

Sites of Phosphorylation, Functional Significance, and Regulatory Kinases

Estrogen Receptor Phosphorylation

Progesterone Receptor Phosphorylation

Glucocorticoid Receptor Phosphorylation

Vitamin D Receptor Phosphorylation

Transactivation by Steroid Receptors

Antihormones and Their Modes of Action

RU486, an Agonist/Antagonist of Progesterone Receptor

ZK98299, a Full Antagonist of Progesterone Receptor

Antiestrogens and Estrogen Receptor Function

Steroid Receptors and Clinical Management of Cancer

Cancer: Molecular Aspects

Breast Cancer, Tumor Suppressors, and Estrogen

Paradoxical Effects of Estrogen: Molecular Aspects

Future Directions
Cellular Localization of Receptors Mediating the Actions of Steroid Hormones
Authors: Judy Barbara M. , Welshons Wade V.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Nuclear Localization of Most Unliganded Steroid Receptors

Basis for the Initial Two‐Step Translocation Model of Steroid Action and Location

Current Nuclear Localization Model for Most Steroid Receptors

Glucocorticoid Receptor Localization

Nuclear Import and Export of Steroid Receptors

Entry of Proteins Into the Nucleus

Nuclear Localization Signals

Mechanism of Nuclear Import

Nuclear Export and Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling

Conclusions

Alternate Steroid Receptors and Nongenomic Steroid Responses

Estrogen Receptor‐β

Glucocorticoids

Mineralocorticoids

Progesterone

Estrogen

1,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3

Testosterone

Conclusions
Autocrine/Paracrine Intermediates in Hormonal Action and Modulation of Cellular Responses to Hormones
Authors: Denef Carl
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Methods to Explore Local Control

Local Control in the Anterior Pituitary

Evidence for Intercellular Communication in the Anterior Pituitary

Putative Paracrine Factors

Local Control in the Adrenal Cortex and Medulla

Morphological Correlates of Medulla–Cortex Interactions

Putative Paracrine and Autocrine Factors in the Medulla

Putative Paracrine and Autocrine Factors in the Adrenal Cortex

Local Control in the Testis

Evidence for Functional Interaction Between Different Testicular Cell Types

Local Control by Steroids

Local Control by Regulatory Peptides

Local Control by Biogenic Amines and Nitrous Oxide

Local Control by Polypeptide Growth Factors

Local Control by Substances From Testicular Macrophages

Local Control in the Ovary

Evidence for Functional Interaction Between Thecal Cells and Granulosa Cells

Local Control by Steroids

Local Control by Regulatory Peptides

Opioid Peptides

Local Control by Polypeptide Growth Factors

Paracrine Factors Mediating Actions of Thyroid and Steroid Hormones

Local Control in Pancreatic Endocrine Cells

Are Insulin, Glucagon, Somatostatin, and Pancreatic Polypeptide Paracrine and Autocrine Factors in the Pancreatic Islets?

Local Control by Other Regulatory Peptides

Local Control by Biogenic Amines

Local Control by Polypeptide Growth Factors

Local Control in the Thyroid Gland

Local Control by Regulatory Peptides

Local Control by Polypeptide Growth Factors

Local Control in the Parathyroid Gland
Apoptosis
Authors: Hsu Sheau Yu , Hsueh Aaron J. W.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Apoptotic Cell Death Shows Conserved Morphological and Biochemical Changes

Nuclear Condensation and Ladder Pattern of DNA Fragmentation

Cytoplasmic Shrinkage and Plasma Membrane Blebbing

Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Alterations

Phagocytosis

Cellular Mechanisms of Apoptosis Conserved During Evolution: Nematode as a Genetic Model

Genes Regulating Apoptosis

Theced‐9/bcl‐2Gene Family

Theced‐3/caspaseGene Family

Death Domain‐Containing Proteins

Other Apoptosis Regulatory Genes

Extracellular Signaling of Apoptosis

Apoptosis Induction Is Cell Type‐Specific

The Mammalian Ovary Model

Fas‐Ligand/Fas Antigen and Apoptosis

Conclusion
Production, Action, and Degradation of Somatostatin
Authors: Patel Yogesh C. , Liu Jun‐Li , Galanopoulou Aristea , Papachristou Dimitri N.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Anatomical Distribution of Somatostatin Cells

Localization

Pancreatic Somatostatin Cells

Biosynthesis, Processing, and Intracellular Targeting

Somatostatin Genes and Gene Products

Regulation of Islet Somatostatin

Regulation of Secretion

Regulation of Gene Expression

Actions and Mechanism of Action of Somatostatin

Islet Cell Actions

Extra‐Islet Actions

Somatostatin Agonists

Somatostatin Receptors

Metabolism of Somatostatin

Circulating Somatostatin

Islet Somatostatin Function

Paracrine Regulation

Regulation via the Microcirculation

Gap Junctional Coupling

Independent Regulation by Somatostatin‐14 and Somatostatin‐28

Somatostatin and Diabetes

Experimental Insulinopenic Diabetes

Experimental Hyperinsulinemic Diabetes

Human Diabetes

Concluding Remarks
Amylin and Related Proteins: Physiology and Pathophysiology
Authors: Cooper Garth J. S.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Protein Chemistry of Amylin

Isolation, Structure, Nomenclature, and Evolutionary Relationships

Chemical Synthesis

Molecular Structure of Soluble Amylin

Amylin as the Monomer of Islet Amyloid

Molecular Biology

Preproamylin

Structure and Chromosomal Location of the Human Amylin Gene

A Disease‐Associated Mutation in Human Amylin

Biosynthesis and Secretion of Amylin

Measurement of Amylin Concentrations

Tissue Localization and Content

Regulation of Biosynthesis

Amylin in Extra‐Islet Tissues

Circulating Concentrations and Pancreatic Secretion

Effects of Secretion Modulators

Amylin Secretion in Humans

The Amylin Family: Role in the Regulation of Fuel Metabolism

Insulin Resistance In Vivo

Actions in Skeletal Muscle

Role of Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide in Skeletal Muscle Metabolism

Actions in the Liver

Adipose Tissue

Regulation of Pancreatic Function

Endocrine Pancreas

Exocrine Pancreas

Regulation of The Gastrointestinal Tract

Effects on Gastric Function

Intestinal Function

Actions in The Central Nervous System: Modulation of Appetite

Actions in The Cardiovascular System

Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide

Adrenomedullin

Biological Actions of Adrenomedullin in the Cardiovascular System

Vascular Actions of Amylin

Renal Function

Role of Amylin in the Regulation of Renal Function

Adrenomedullin: Roles in Renal Function and Sodium Homeostasis

Effects on Calcium Metabolism and Bone

Actions of Amylin

Other Biological Actions

Respiratory System

Effects in Endocrine Tissues Other than Pancreas

Effects in the Immune System

Receptors for Amylin and Related Proteins

Receptor Nomenclature

Pharmacological and Biochemical Studies

Calcitonin Receptors

Specific Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide Binding Sites that Can Interact with Amylin

Amylin Binding to Skeletal Muscle and Liver

Biochemical Characterization of Putative Amylin and Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide Receptors

Disease Associations

Insulin‐Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Animal Models of Insulin Resistance, Obesity, and Diabetes

Obesity and Non‐Insulin‐Dependent Diabetes Mellitus in Humans

Other Diabetic Syndromes

Amylin in Endocrine Neoplasms

Relationship to Aging

Other Diseases

Conclusion and Future Prospects
Insulin Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
Authors: Czech Michael P. , Van Renterghem Barbara , Sleeman Mark W.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Insulin Receptor Structure

Insulin Binding

Receptor Endocytosis Motifs

Tyrosine Kinase Characteristics

Insulin Receptor Substrates

Pleckstrin Homology Domains

Phosphotyrosine‐Binding Domains

Src Homology 2 Domains
Molecular Aspects of Insulin Signaling
Authors: Emkey Renee , Kahn C. Ronald
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

The Insulin Receptor

Insulin Receptor Substrate 1

Role of Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 Sequence Polymorphisms in Humans and the Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Growing Family of Insulin Receptor Substrates

Complementary and Alternative Pathways in Insulin Signaling

A Polygenic Model of Non‐Insulin‐Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Differential Subcellular Localization of Insulin Receptor Substrates 1 and 2

Insulin‐Stimulated Insulin Receptor Substrate Interactions

Src Homology‐2 Domain‐Mediated Interactions

Non‐Src Homology‐2 Domain‐Mediated Interactions

Serine/Threonine Protein Kinases and the Final Biological Effects of Insulin

Differential Regulation of Insulin Receptor Substrates 1 and 2 and Phosphatidylinositol‐3‐Kinase

Linking Early Steps in Insulin Action to Late Postreceptor Events

Insulin Stimulation of Glucose Transport

Coupling of Insulin Action to the Nucleus of the Cell

Cross‐Talk Between the Insulin‐Signaling Network and Other Hormonal Response Pathways

Future Perspectives
Regulation of Protein Metabolism in Muscle
Authors: Jefferson Leonard S. , Vary Thomas C. , Kimball Scot R.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Efficiency of Protein Synthesis: Translational Control

Role of Insulin in the Regulation of Translation Initiation

Interactive Roles of Insulin and Amino Acids in the Regulation of Translation Initiation

Interactive Roles of Insulin and Other Hormones in the Regulation of Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle

Capacity for Protein Synthesis: Ribosomal Biogenesis

Role of Insulin in the Regulation of rRNA Gene Transcription

Role of Insulin in the Regulation of Synthesis of Ribosomal Proteins

Protein Degradation

The Lyosomal System

Calcium Activated Proteinases

The Ubiquitin‐Proteasome System

Future Perspectives
Regulation of Protein Metabolism in Liver
Authors: Mortimore Glenn E. , Kadowaki Motoni
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Turnover of Cellular Protein and RNA

Determination of General Protein Turnover

Classes of General Protein Turnover

Cytoplasmic RNA Turnover

Autophagy

Macroautophagy

Microautophagy

A Unified Mechanism of Macro‐ and Microautophagic Proteolysis

Regulation of Autophagy

Control of Macroautophagy by Amino Acids

Hormonal Control of Cellular Protein Turnover

Control of Macro‐ and Microautophagy during Starvation and Refeeding

Overview
Regulation of Glycogen Metabolism
Authors: Roach Peter J. , Skurat Alexander V. , Harris Robert A.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Glycogen

Structure

Function

Pathways of Glycogen Metabolism

Overview

Glycogen Biosynthesis

Glycogen Synthase and Branching Enzyme

Glycogenolysis and Debranching Enzyme

Glycogen Particles and Physical Interactions among Glycogen‐Metabolizing Proteins

Hormonal Regulation of Glycogen Synthesis in Muscle

Insulin

Mechanisms of Insulin Action

Epinephrine

Regulation of Glycogen Metabolism in Liver

Overview

Two Pathways of Glycogen Synthesis in Liver

Glucose Transport Is Not Regulated in Liver

Regulation of Glucokinase Activity

Regulation of Glycogen Synthase Activity

Regulation of Glucose‐6‐Phosphatase Activity

Regulation of Glycogen Phosphorylase Activity

Conclusion