bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time series and stochastic analyses to study the hydrodynamic characteristics of karstic aquifers
Authors: Gárfias‐Soliz J. , Llanos‐Acebo H. , Martel R.
Published: October 2009

The regional study of hydrodynamic characteristics of karstic aquifers is challenging because of the great variety of lithology and the structural complexity found in carbonate formations. In order to improve this situation, a combined approach of time series and stochastic analyses was adopted to assess the hydrodynamic behaviour of the karstic aquifers. To achieve this, daily flow rates of 20 springs were taken from the 11 most significant aquifer units of the Basque Country. The results demonstrate the presence of memory effects, which modulated the input rainfall for short‐, medium‐ and long‐term storage capacity, resulting in hydrodynamic properties such as system memory, response time and mean delay between input and output. They reflect the storage and the manner in which these are filled and emptied, thus indicating the karstification of the aquifer. Likewise, the hydrodynamic and hydraulic classification obtained from the stochastic analysis provides a complementary approach to characterize the hydraulic behaviour of the studied karstic aquifers. The discussed examples indicate that this approach provides an excellent method to research hydrological karst systems. It is also shown that the use of hydrologic time series, alone, does not lead to a satisfactory classification of the hydrodynamic characteristics. Therefore, the general approach to hydrological regionalization in karst areas should take into account the structural complexity, heterogeneity of the lithology and the degree of karstification. Only in this case will the regionalization be physically founded, leading to a regional understanding of the hydrodynamic characteristics and flow conditions in a karst aquifer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational design of protein–ligand binding: Modifying the specificity of asparaginyl‐tRNA synthetase
Authors: Lopes Anne , Busch Marcel Schmidt Am , Simonson Thomas
Published: October 2009

A method for computational design of protein–ligand interactions is implemented and tested on the asparaginyl‐ and aspartyl‐tRNA synthetase enzymes (AsnRS, AspRS). The substrate specificity of these enzymes is crucial for the accurate translation of the genetic code. The method relies on a molecular mechanics energy function and a simple, continuum electrostatic, implicit solvent model. As test calculations, we first compute AspRS‐substrate binding free energy changes due to nine point mutations, for which experimental data are available; we also perform large‐scale redesign of the entire active site of each enzyme (40 amino acids) and compare to experimental sequences. We then apply the method to engineer an increased binding of aspartyl‐adenylate (AspAMP) into AsnRS. Mutants are obtained using several directed evolution protocols, where four or five amino acid positions in the active site are randomized. Promising mutants are subjected to molecular dynamics simulations; Poisson‐Boltzmann calculations provide an estimate of the corresponding, AspAMP, binding free energy changes, relative to the native AsnRS. Several of the mutants are predicted to have an inverted binding specificity, preferring to bind AspAMP rather than the natural substrate, AsnAMP. The computed binding affinities are significantly weaker than the native, AsnRS:AsnAMP affinity, and in most cases, the active site structure is significantly changed, compared to the native complex. This almost certainly precludes catalytic activity. One of the designed sequences has a higher affinity and more native‐like structure and may represent a valid candidate for Asp activity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Fabrication and characterization of electrospun poly‐DL‐lactide (PDLLA) fibrous coatings on 45S5 Bioglass® substrates for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Yunos D. M. , Ahmad Z. , Boccaccini A. R.
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: This work focuses on combining electrospun biodegradable poly‐DL‐lactide (PDLLA) fibres and 45S5 Bioglass® for tissue engineering applications.

RESULTS: A variety of fibrous structures were produced upon application of an electric field to a flowing solution of PDLLA (5 wt/v%) in di‐methyl carbonate (DMC). Electrospinning was achieved at an applied voltage of 8.5 kV for a fixed flow rate of 5 µL min−1. Scanning electron microscopy images of PDLLA fibres deposited on 45S5 Bioglass® sintered pellets revealed that the fibres had diameters in the range 100–200 nm, leading to increased surface roughness, as assessed by white light interferometry. Bioactivity studies on PDLLA fibre coated Bioglass® substrates were carried out in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 7, 14 and 28 days. It was found that mineralization of PDLLA fibres on 45S5 Bioglass® substrate (formation of hydroxyapatite) occurred after 7 days of immersion in SBF and full coverage of PDLLA fibres with HA nanocrystals was achieved after 14 days in SBF.

CONCLUSION: The approach investigated represents a convenient method to develop a controlled mineralized fibrous topography on bioactive glass substrates for improved cell attachment, which can be exploited in bone tissue engineering applications. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Sexual sadism, psychopathy, and recidivism in juvenile sexual murderers
Authors: Myers Wade C. , Chan Heng Choon (Oliver) , Vo Eleanor Justen , Lazarou Emily
Published: October 2009

Juvenile sexual homicide is rare, occurring just 10–15 times a year in the United States. No study addressing how convicted juvenile sexual murderers adjust upon reentering the community exists. A safety concern, given this research gap, is the social movement afoot to abolish life sentences for juvenile offenders. If successful, then more of these offenders will be released back into society. This descriptive study examined: (1) the clinical findings and legal outcomes of 22 sexually homicidal juveniles following arrest; and (2) the relationship between post‐incarceration community adjustment and the variables of sexual sadism and psychopathy. All 22 offenders were tried in adult court—59% received one or more life sentences. Conduct disorder, personality disorders, sexual sadism, and psychopathic traits were prevalent. Mean intelligence quotient was 103. Follow‐up community recidivism data was available for 11 cases: five (45%) remained free of further convictions for an average of 8.9 years, whereas six (55%) recidivated 4.4 years later on average. Recidivators had higher Hare Psychopathy Checklist‐Revised scores. Three of the six recidivators survived an average of 5.3 years before committing additional sexually homicidal acts (all three had sexual sadism). Thus, 27% of the follow‐up group evolved into serial sexual murderers. The remaining three recidivators committed non‐sexual offences. These findings have relevance to criminal investigations, courtroom sentencing, and treatment strategies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vertebrae in compression: Mechanical behavior of arches and centra in the gray smooth‐hound shark (Mustelus californicus)
Authors: Porter Marianne E. , Long John H.
Published: October 2009

In swimming sharks, vertebrae are subjected, in part, to compressive loads as axial muscles contract. We currently have no information about which vertebral elements, centra, arch cartilages, or both, actually bear compressive loads in cartilaginous vertebrae. To address this issue, the goal of this experiment was to determine the load‐bearing ability of arch and centrum cartilages in compression, to determine the material properties of shark vertebrae, and to document fracture patterns in the centra with and without the arches. Intact vertebrae and vertebrae with the arch cartilages experimentally removed (centra alone) were subjected to compressive loading to failure at a single strain rate. The maximum compressive forces sustained by the vertebrae and the centra are statistically indistinguishable. Thus we conclude that under these testing conditions the arch does not bear appreciable loads. Independent evidence for this conclusion comes from the fact that vertebrae fail in compression at the centra, and not at the arches. Overall, the results of these mechanical tests suggest that the neural arches are not the primary load‐bearing structure during axial compression. J. Morphol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pre‐fractionation of rat liver cytosol proteins prior to mass spectrometry‐based proteomic analysis using tandem biomimetic affinity chromatography
Authors: Tan Qingqiao , Dong Dexian , Ye Long , Huo Chenxi , Huang Feiyun , Li Rongxiu
Published: October 2009

Efficient and high resolution separation of the protein mixture prior to trypsin digestion and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis is generally used to reduce the complexity of samples, an approach that highly increases the probability of detecting low‐copy‐number proteins. Our laboratory has constructed an affinity ligand library composed of thousands of ligands with different protein absorbance effects. Structural differences between these ligands result in different non‐bonded protein–ligand interactions, thus each ligand exhibits a specific affinity to some protein groups. In this work, we first selected out several synthetic affinity ligands showing large band distribution differences in proteins absorbance profiles, and a tandem composition of these affinity ligands was used to distribute complex rat liver cytosol into simple subgroups. Ultimately, all the fractions collected from tandem affinity pre‐fractionation were digested and then analyzed by LC‐MS/MS, which resulted in high confidence identification of 665 unique rat protein groups, 1.8 times as many proteins as were detected in the un‐fractionated sample (371 protein groups). Of these, 375 new proteins were identified in tandem fractions, and most of the proteins identified in un‐fractionated sample (290, 80%) also emerged in tandem fractions. Most importantly, 430 unique proteins (64.7%) only characterized in specific fractions, indicating that the crude tissue extract was well distributed by tandem affinity fractionation. All detected proteins were bioinformatically annotated according to their physicochemical characteristics (such as MW, pI, GRAVY value, TM Helices). This approach highlighted the sensitivity of this method to a wide variety of protein classes. Combined usage of tandem affinity pre‐fractionation with MS‐based proteomic analysis is simple, low‐cost, and effective, providing the prospect of broad application in proteomics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
British Ice Sheet dynamics inferred from North Atlantic ice‐rafted debris records spanning the last 175 000 years
Authors: Hibbert Fiona D. , Austin William E. N. , Leng Melanie J. , Gatliff Robert W.
Published: October 2009

Sediment core MD04‐2822 from the Rockall Trough, northeast Atlantic, provides lithological evidence for the expansion of the British Ice Sheet (BIS) onto the Hebridean margin during both the penultimate (Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6/Wolstonian/Saalian) and last glaciation (Devensian/Weichselian). A composite chronology is constructed using: (i) the benthic foraminiferal oxygen isotope record, matched to an orbitally tuned stacked record of global ice volume (SPECMAP); (ii) the synchronisation of the planktonic foraminiferal (Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (sinistral)) and ITRAX XRF Ca records to the Greenland ice core (NGRIP) back to ca. 123 ka; and (iii) the synchronisation of the same N. pachyderma (sinistral)) and ITRAX XRF Ca records to the atmospheric methane record of the Antarctic ice core (EPICA Dome C) beyond 123 ka. The first offshore evidence for the expansion of the last BIS within MIS 4 is presented, suggesting extensive glaciation of northwestern Britain during the Devensian/Weichselian as early as 70 ka. The proximity of this long sediment core to the glaciated margin of northwestern Scotland makes it ideal to capture the ice‐rafted debris (IRD) signal of the BIS for the last 175 ka, via a continuous flux record of IRD. British Geological Survey © NERC 2009. All rights reserved.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Poly(L‐lactic acid) via Direct Melt Polycondensation Using Solid Super‐Acids
Authors: Cao Hai Lei , Wang Peng , Yuan Wei Bo
Published: October 2009

A microwave‐assisted method of synthesizing high‐molecular‐weight PLA using SSA as green catalyst was developed. Yellowish PLA with $\overline M _{\rm v}$ above 2.0 × 104 g · mol−1 was obtained when the reaction was run at 260 °C within 60 min under microwave irradiation with 0.4 wt.‐% SSA. This method used only 10% of the energy consumption necessary for conventional heating, and the catalyst could be used five times without losing catalytic activity. The improvement in $\overline M _{\rm v}$ and the decrease in the energy consumption under microwave irradiation suggested that selective heating and hot spots effects played a crucial role. The method was shown to be a time‐saving, green and a promising way to lower the cost and spread the application of PLA.

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Poly(allylamine)‐graft‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)/Poly(styrene sulfonate) Sodium Salt Multilayers: Buildup, Wettability, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Wang Feng , Li Linhui , Gao Changyou
Published: October 2009

Poly(allylamine)‐graft‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PAH‐g‐PNIPAAm)/poly(styrene sulfonate) sodium salt (PSS) multilayer films are prepared using electrostatic layer‐by‐layer assembly. Buildup of the PAH/PSS and PAH‐g‐PNIPAAm/PSS multilayers under different salt concentrations and different temperatures is compared by using ellipsometry and scanning force microscopy. All the film thicknesses increase linearly with the increase of layer number regardless of their assembly conditions. However, the average layer thickness of the PAH‐g‐PNIPAAm/PSS multilayers is larger than that of the PAH/PSS multilayers under the same assembling conditions. Their surfaces also become rougher and show higher water contact angles. In contrast to the apparent loss transition in the friction force curve of the PAH/PSS multilayers, the PAH‐g‐PNIPAAm/PSS multilayers with PAH‐g‐PNIPAAm as the outmost layer do not undergo a pressure‐induced glass transition in water. Nanoindentation tests show that the elastic modulus of the PAH‐g‐PNIPAAm/PSS multilayers is only 75% of that of the PAH/PSS multilayers.

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Advances in Dielectric Elastomers for Actuators and Artificial Muscles
Authors: Brochu Paul , Pei Qibing
Published: October 2009

A number of materials have been explored for their use as artificial muscles. Among these, dielectric elastomers (DEs) appear to provide the best combination of properties for true muscle‐like actuation. DEs behave as compliant capacitors, expanding in area and shrinking in thickness when a voltage is applied. Materials combining very high energy densities, strains, and efficiencies have been known for some time. To date, however, the widespread adoption of DEs has been hindered by premature breakdown and the requirement for high voltages and bulky support frames. Recent advances seem poised to remove these restrictions and allow for the production of highly reliable, high‐performance transducers for artificial muscle applications.

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Self‐association promoted conformational transition of (3R,4S,8R,9R)‐9‐[(3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl))‐thiourea](9‐deoxy)‐epi‐cinchonine
Authors: Király Péter , Soós Tibor , Varga Szilárd , Vakulya Benedek , Tárkányi Gábor
Published: October 2009

The conformational diversity of the (3R,4S,8R,9R)‐9‐[(3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl))‐thiourea](9‐deoxy)‐epi‐cinchonine organocatalyst is discussed. Low‐temperature NMR experiments confirmed a self‐association process, which promotes the quinoline rotation between two intramolecularly hydrogen‐bonded monomeric conformers of the catalyst. The balanced population of the coexisting monomeric and dimeric species allowed us to conduct a structural study of a rather complex conformational dynamics of the pure catalyst. The study is extended by a comparison with other members of the bifunctional amine‐thiourea organocatalyst family. Changes in the molecular structure of the catalysts influence the interplay between intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and yield different extent of catalyst self‐association. By assessing the conformation of the individual states, we established the thermodynamic model of a self‐association promoted conformational transition. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Simplified Comprehensive Kinetic Scheme for Modeling of Ethylene/1‐butene Copolymerization Using Ziegler‐Natta Catalysts
Authors: Ahmadi Mostafa , Nekoomanesh Mehdi , Arabi Hassan
Published: October 2009

A simplified kinetic scheme of eythylene/α‐olefin copolymerization has been developed by adding reactions responsible for the unusual kinetic behavior to a general mechanism. The estimation of rate constants has been simplified by making physically meaningful initial guesses. Rate constants affecting yield, MWD and comonomer content have been estimated separately. Experiments were designed to investigate the effects of each rate constant independently. The obtained rate constants show that the sites which are responsible for formation of short chains with higher 1‐butene content are more active at the beginning of polymerization, while the sites which are responsible for formation of longer chains with lower 1‐butene units are more active at the final stages of polymerization.

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The journal Communications in Numerical Methods in Engineering with Biomedical Applications becomes the International Journal for Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering (IJNMBE) from 1st January 2010
Authors: Nithiarasu Perumal , Löhner Rainald
Published: October 2009

Communications in Numerical Methods in Engineering, founded by Roland W. Lewis in 1985, will change its title to the ‘International Journal for Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering’ and has a revised Aims and Scope. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fourth‐order central Runge‐Kutta scheme for hyperbolic conservation laws
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Jazlanian Rooholah
Published: October 2009

In this work, a new formulation for a central scheme recently introduced by A. A. I. Peer et al. is performed. It is based on the staggered grids. For this work, first a time discritization is carried out, followed by the space discritization. Spatial accuracy is obtained using a piecewise cubic polynomial and fourth‐order numerical derivatives. Time accuracy is obtained applying a Runge‐Kutta(RK) scheme. The scheme proposed in this work has a simpler structure than the central scheme developed in (Peer et al., Appl Numer Math 58 (2008), 674–688). Several standard one‐dimensional test cases are used to verify high‐order accuracy, nonoscillatory behavior, and good resolution properties for smooth and discontinuous solutions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2010
‘Most men drink… especially like when they play sports’ – alcohol advertising during sporting broadcasts and the potential impact on child audiences
Authors: Jones Sandra C. , Phillipson Lyn , Barrie Lance
Published: October 2009

Alcohol advertising during sporting broadcasts, as well as the sponsorship of sporting events by the alcohol industry, is common practice in Australia, as in many other countries. The strength of the association between alcohol and sports prompts consideration of the potential for children who watch televised sport to be exposed to a considerable amount of alcohol advertising, and to learn to associate alcohol with sport and sporting success. This paper reviews the current alcohol advertising regulations in Australia, particularly in reference to the protection of children. It then details a pair of studies designed to examine the extent and nature of alcohol advertising during sporting telecasts, and the potential effects on young people. The first, a frequency and content analysis of advertising during two popular Australian sports final series, found that alcohol advertising (particularly during a sporting competition with alcohol company sponsors) is extensive and contains both features known to be appealing to children and messages which could be interpreted as associating alcohol consumption with social and sporting success. The second, a qualitative study with grade 5 and 6 primary school students, found that young people have a high awareness of the alcohol sponsors and alcohol brands advertised during these sporting telecasts, and associate these products with sport and with positive personal characteristics and outcomes.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioluminescent imaging: a critical tool in pre‐clinical oncology research
Authors: O'Neill Karen , Lyons Scott K , Gallagher William M , Curran Kathleen M , Byrne Annette T
Published: October 2009

Bioluminescent imaging (BLI) is a non‐invasive imaging modality widely used in the field of pre‐clinical oncology research. Imaging of small animal tumour models using BLI involves the generation of light by luciferase‐expressing cells in the animal following administration of substrate. This light may be imaged using an external detector. The technique allows a variety of tumour‐associated properties to be visualized dynamically in living models. The increasing use of BLI as a small‐animal imaging modality has led to advances in the development of xenogeneic, orthotopic, and genetically engineered animal models expressing luciferase genes. This review aims to provide insight into the principles of BLI and its applications in cancer research. Many studies to assess tumour growth and development, as well as efficacy of candidate therapeutics, have been performed using BLI. More recently, advances have also been made using bioluminescent imaging in studies of protein‐protein interactions, genetic screening, cell‐cycle regulators, and spontaneous cancer development. Such novel studies highlight the versatility and potential of bioluminescent imaging in future oncological research. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic significance of Dicer expression in ovarian cancer—link to global microRNA changes and oestrogen receptor expression
Authors: Faggad Areeg , Budczies Jan , Tchernitsa Oleg , Darb‐Esfahani Silvia , Sehouli Jalid , Müller Berit M , Wirtz Ralph , Chekerov Radoslav , Weichert Wilko , Sinn Bruno , Mucha Christin , Elwali Nasr E , Schäfer Reinhold , Dietel Manfred , Denkert Carsten
Published: October 2009

MicroRNA (miRNA) deregulation is a hallmark of human cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying miRNA alteration and the specific role of proteins involved in miRNA processing remains to be elucidated. Dicer is a key enzyme in the miRNA processing pathway that is essential for the production of mature miRNAs from their precursors. We tested the hypothesis that Dicer has biological and clinical relevance in ovarian cancer, using a range of methods including in vitro manipulation of Dicer expression. We observed down‐regulation of Dicer in a subgroup of ovarian carcinomas, and found that decreased Dicer expression correlates significantly with reduced patient survival in serous cancers and advanced disease stages. Moreover, microarray and functional analysis suggest that reduced Dicer expression is connected with a global down‐regulation of the microRNAome and with gene expression changes, particularly reduced expression of oestrogen receptor (ER) mRNA and protein in tumour tissue and in cell culture. Our data suggest a common mechanism for miRNAs changes by alterations in the basic machinery controlling miRNA biogenesis, of which Dicer is a central enzyme. These alterations of miRNA processing are of prognostic value and may play a role in the molecular pathogenesis of ovarian carcinoma and, possibly, other tumours. Knowledge of these molecular pathways may help toward new targeted therapeutic approaches for ovarian cancer. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of the molecular differences between ovarian endometrioid carcinoma and ovarian serous carcinoma
Authors: Madore Jason , Ren Fengge , Filali‐Mouhim Ali , Sanchez Lilia , Köbel Martin , Tonin Patricia N , Huntsman David , Provencher Diane M , Mes‐Masson Anne‐Marie
Published: October 2009

The histopathological diagnosis of high‐grade endometrioid and serous carcinoma of the ovary is poorly reproducible under the current morphology based classification system, especially for anaplastic, high‐grade tumours. The transcription factor Wilms' tumour‐1 (WT1) is differentially expressed among the gynaecological epithelia from which epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) are believed to originate. In EOCs, WT1 protein is observed in the majority of serous carcinomas and in up to 30% of endometrioid carcinomas. It is unclear whether the latter is a reflection of the actual incidence of WT1 protein expression in endometrioid carcinomas, or whether a significant number of high‐grade serous carcinomas have been misclassified as endometrioid carcinoma. Several genetic aberrations are reported to occur in EOCs. These include mutation of the TP53 gene, aberrant activation of β‐catenin signalling and loss of PTEN protein expression, among others. It is unclear whether these aberrations are histotype‐specific. The aim of this study was to better define the molecular characteristics of serous and endometrioid carcinomas in an attempt to address the problems with the current histopathological classification methods. Gene expression profiles were analysed to identify reproducible gene expression phenotypes for endometrioid and serous carcinomas. Tissue microarrays (TMA) were used to assess the incidence of TP53, β‐catenin and PTEN aberrations in order to correlate their occurrence with WT1 as an immunohistochemistry based biomarker of serous histotype. It was found that nuclear WT1 protein expression can identify misclassified high‐grade endometrioid carcinomas and these tumours should be reassigned to serous histotype. Although low‐grade endometrioid carcinomas rarely progress to high‐grade carcinomas, a combined WT1‐negative, TP53‐positive immunophenotype may identify an uncommon high‐grade subtype of ovarian endometrioid carcinoma. GEO database: array data accession number GSE6008. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deficiency of bone marrow β3‐integrin enhances non‐functional neovascularization
Authors: Watson Alan R , Pitchford Simon C , Reynolds Louise E , Direkze Natalie , Brittan Mairi , Alison Malcolm R , Rankin Sara , Wright Nicholas A , Hodivala‐Dilke Kairbaan M
Published: October 2009

β3‐Integrin is a cell surface adhesion and signalling molecule important in the regulation of tumour angiogenesis. Mice with a global deficiency in β3‐integrin show increased pathological angiogenesis, most likely due to increased vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expression on β3‐null endothelial cells. Here we transplanted β3‐null bone marrow (BM) into wild‐type (WT) mice to dissect the role of BM β3‐integrin deficiency in pathological angiogenesis. Mice transplanted with β3‐null bone marrow show significantly enhanced angiogenesis in subcutaneous B16F0 melanoma and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cell models and in B16F0 melanoma lung metastasis when compared with tumours grown in mice transplanted with WT bone marrow. The effect of bone marrow β3‐integrin deficiency was also assessed in the RIPTAg mouse model of pancreatic tumour growth. Again, angiogenesis in mice lacking BM β3‐integrin was enhanced. However, tumour weight between the groups was not significantly altered, suggesting that the enhanced blood vessel density in the mice transplanted with β3‐null bone marrow was not functional. Indeed, we demonstrate that in mice transplanted with β3‐null bone marrow a significant proportion of tumour blood vessels are non‐functional when compared with tumour blood vessels in WT‐transplanted controls. Furthermore, β3‐null‐transplanted mice showed an increased angiogenic response to VEGF in vivo when compared with WT‐transplanted animals. BM β3‐integrin deficiency affects the mobilization of progenitor cells to the peripheral circulation. We show that VEGF‐induced mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells is enhanced in mice transplanted with β3‐null bone marrow when compared with WT‐transplanted controls, suggesting a possible mechanism underlying the increased blood vessel density seen in β3‐null‐transplanted mice. In conclusion, although BM β3‐integrin is not required for pathological angiogenesis, our studies demonstrate a role for BM β3‐integrin in VEGF‐induced mobilization of bone marrow‐derived cells to the peripheral circulation and for the functionality of those vessels in which BM‐derived cells become incorporated. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Klimawandel und Globale Erwärmung. Wegbereiter für die globale Ausbreitung tropischer Infektionskrankheiten?
Authors: Frimmel Silvius , Hemmer Christoph Josef , Löbermann Micha , Reisinger Emil C.
Published: October 2009

Die Durchschnittstemperatur der Erdatmosphäre ist seit 1850 von 14,6 auf 15,3 °C, und der CO2‐Gehalt von 280 auf 360 ppm gestiegen. Für das 21. Jahrhundert wurde ein Temperaturanstieg von 1,8 bis 4,0 °C prognostiziert. Klimazonen mit gemäßigtem und kaltem Klima sind von den prognostizierten Veränderungen am stärksten betroffen. Dies betrifft am stärksten Zonen mit gemäßigtem und kaltem Klima. Gleichzeitig verstärken sich die weltweiten Klimaeffekte der “El Niñ‐o Southern Oscillation”. Die Klimaerwärmung begünstigt das Wachstum von tropischen Krankheitserregern (Malariaplasmodien, Leishmanien, Gelbfieber‐, Dengue‐ und Westnilviren, Vibrio cholerae), und von Vektoren (Mücken der Gattungen Anopheles, Phlebotomus, Aedes und Culex, sowie Schildzecken). Die globale Erwärmung kann sowohl zum Auftreten von bisher nicht in Deutschland heimischen Erkrankungen, wie z.B. West‐Nil‐Fieber, Dengue, oder Leishmaniasen, als auch zur verstärkten Ausbreitung von Borreliose und FSME beitragen. Die Ausbreitung von Malaria und Cholera ist stärker von sozioökonomischen Faktoren abhängig. Konsequente Diagnostik und Therapie aller eingeschleppten Malariafälle wird einen dauerhaften Re‐Import dieser Erkrankung verhindern. Eine verbesserte Surveillance und weitere Untersuchungen über die Zusammenhänge zwischen Klimaveränderungen und Infektionskrankheiten sind erforderlich.
Problem Arzneimittelfälschungen in Afrika und Südostasien. Gefälschte Antimalariamittel und mehr
Authors: Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: October 2009

In Afrika und Südostasien ist der Prozentsatz gefälschter Arzneimittel sehr hoch. Dies gilt insbesondere für Antibiotika gegen Tropenkrankheiten. Große analytische Anstrengungen in internationalen Konsortien, in denen Analytiker, Polizei, INTERPOL und Behörden zusammenarbeiten, sind notwendig, um Fälschungen auf die Spur zu kommen und Fälschern das Handwerk zu legen.
Wege aus der Malaria‐Resistenz?
Authors: Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: October 2009

Obgleich es zum ersten Mal berechtigte Hoffnung auf einen Malaria‐Impfstoff gibt, ist es natürlich dennoch wichtig, potente Wirkstoffe gegen Malaria zu haben. Problem ist, dass es gegen immer mehr Antimalariamittel Resistenzen gibt, z.B. gegen die ganze Reihe der Substanzen, die sich von Chinin und Chloroquin ableiten.
Hierarchical structures of dendritic polymers
Authors: Ujihara Masaki , Imae Toyoko
Published: October 2009

Dendritic polymers' highly specific and three‐dimensional architectures set them apart from linear and slightly branched polymers. Their unique properties also allow them to form hierarchical organizations, which can be classified as planar or non‐planar. The preparation of a planar hierarchy consisting of dendritic polymers can be achieved by conventional techniques of adsorption or Langmuir monolayer and Langmuir–Blodgett accumulation, and the resultant hierarchy is well ordered. Non‐planar hierarchies are built on non‐planar scaffolds, for example by self‐assembly. In this mini‐review, the practical/potential applications of dendritic polymers such as for electrical or optical devices, sensing systems, or medical diagnosis are also reviewed in association with their structures. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Median‐modified Wiener filter provides efficient denoising, preserving spot edge and morphology in 2‐DE image processing
Authors: Cannistraci Carlo V. , Montevecchi Franco M. , Alessio Massimo
Published: October 2009

Denoising is a fundamental early stage in 2‐DE image analysis strongly influencing spot detection or pixel‐based methods. A novel nonlinear adaptive spatial filter (median‐modified Wiener filter, MMWF), is here compared with five well‐established denoising techniques (Median, Wiener, Gaussian, and Polynomial‐Savitzky–Golay filters; wavelet denoising) to suggest, by means of fuzzy sets evaluation, the best denoising approach to use in practice. Although median filter and wavelet achieved the best performance in spike and Gaussian denoising respectively, they are unsuitable for contemporary removal of different types of noise, because their best setting is noise‐dependent.Vice versa, MMWF that arrived second in each single denoising category, was evaluated as the best filter for global denoising, being its best setting invariant of the type of noise. In addition, median filter eroded the edge of isolated spots and filled the space between close‐set spots, whereas MMWF because of a novel filter effect (drop‐off‐effect) does not suffer from erosion problem, preserves the morphology of close‐set spots, and avoids spot and spike fuzzyfication, an aberration encountered for Wiener filter. In our tests, MMWF was assessed as the best choice when the goal is to minimize spot edge aberrations while removing spike and Gaussian noise.
Dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]pyrrole–alkylthiophene–benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole‐based highly stable and low band gap polymers for polymer light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Mishra Sarada P. , Palai Akshaya K. , Srivastava Ritu , Kamalasanan Modeeparampil N. , Patri Manoranjan
Published: October 2009

A series of new low band gap π‐conjugated polymers containing N‐alkyldithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]pyrrole, benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, and alkylthiophenes are reported. The polymerization condition was standardized and the use of CuO to obtain high‐molecular‐weight polymer was also realized. The molecular weight of the polymers was found to be in the range of 45,000–53,000. All the polymers were found to be soluble in most of the common organic solvents, such as chloroform, dichloromethane, THF, and chlorobenzene with excellent film forming properties. The λmax of the polymers was found to be in the range of 687–663 nm with band gap in the range of 1.35–1.43 eV. The oxidation potential of the polymers from cyclic voltammetry was determined to be 0.5–0.75 V. The HOMO levels of the above synthesized polymers were found to be between 5.24 and 5.54 eV. All the polymers exhibited a PL emission in between 755 and 773 nm. The polymers were found to be thermally stable above 277 °C with only a 5% weight loss. From the thermal stability values, it is expected that the current set of polymers are stable enough for the application in electronic devices. To realize the potential use of the polymers, EL devices were fabricated and found to show red emission with comparatively low threshold voltage. A brightness of 54 cd m−2 for the device with polymer PC could be reached. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6514–6525, 2009
Synthesis and hierarchical superstructures of side‐chain liquid crystal polyacetylenes containing galactopyranoside end‐groups
Authors: Ho Ming‐Shou , Hsu Chain‐Shu
Published: October 2009

Three kinds of chiral saccharide‐containing liquid crystalline (LC) acetylenic monomers were prepared by click reaction between 2‐azidoethyl‐2,3,4,6‐tetraacetyl‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside and 1‐biphenylacetylene 4‐alkynyloxybenzoate. The obtained monomers were polymerized by WCl6‐Ph4Sn to form three side‐chain LC polyacetylenes containing 1‐[2‐(2,3,4,6‐tetraacetyl‐β‐D‐galactopyranos‐1‐yl)‐ethyl]‐1H‐[1,2,3]‐triazol‐4′‐biphenyl 4‐alkynyloxybenzoate side groups. All monomers and polymers show a chiral smectic A phase. Self‐assembled hiearchical superstructures of the chiral saccharide‐containing LCs and LCPs in solution state were studied by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. Because of the LC behavior, the LC molecules exhibit a high segregation strength for phase separation in dilute solution (THF/H2O = 1:9 v/v). The self‐assembled morphology of LC monomers was dependent upon the alkynyloxy chain length. Increasing the alkynyloxy chain length caused the self‐assembled morphology to change from a platelet‐like texture (LC‐6) to helical twists morphology (LC‐11 and LC‐12). Furthermore, the helical twist morphological structure can be aligned on the polyimide rubbed glass substrate to form two‐dimensional ordered helical patterns. In contrast to LC monomers, the LCP‐11 self‐assembled into much more complicate morphologies, including nanospheres and helical nanofibers. These nanofibers are evolved from the helical cables ornamented with entwining nanofibers upon natural evaporation of the solution in a mixture with a THF/methanol ratio of 3:7. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6596–6611, 2009
Use of β‐cyclodextrins to control the structure of water‐soluble copolymers with hydrophobic parts
Authors: Nielsen A. L. , Andersen M. B. O. , Bugge T. V. , Nielsen C. F. , Nielsen T. B. , Wimmer R. , Yu D. , Larsen K. L.
Published: October 2009

In this article, we present the synthesis and characterization of water‐soluble polymers with hydrophobic moieties. The polymers were synthesized in aqueous solutions utilizing β‐cyclodextrins as solubility enhancers to bring the hydrophobic monomers into solution. Polymers were made with different spacing between polymer backbone and phenyl moiety by using styrene, allylbenzene, and 4‐phenyl‐1‐butene as hydrophobic moieties, respectively. The effect of the presence of CDs during synthesis as well as this difference in spacing was investigated by rebinding free β‐CDs to the polymers. The interactions between polymers and CDs were studied by ITC and this revealed some differences between the polymers. Polymers made in the presence of CDs showed a markedly stronger binding to free CDs. The same was observed with polymers with a longer spacing between backbone and phenyl moiety. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6619–6629, 2009
Synthesis of an oligo(ethylene glycol)‐based third‐generation thermoresponsive dendronized polymer
Authors: Li Wen , Wu Dalin , Schlüter A. Dieter , Zhang Afang
Published: October 2009

An improved strategy to synthesize oligo(ethylene glycol)‐based secondary generation (G2) dendron is presented. The overall synthesis efficiency increased by 50% when comparing to the previous method, and the product purification by column chromatography becomes much easier. Based on this approach, the synthesis of the third‐generation (G3) dendrons and the corresponding methacrylate‐based G3 macromonomer becomes feasible. Because of the oil characteristics of this macromonomer, its polymerization was able to be conducted in bulk with AIBN as the initiator. The polymerization degree of the third‐generation dendronized polymer (PG3) was found to be around 16 based on GPC measurement. The thermally induced dehydration processes of this polymer were monitored by temperature‐varied proton NMR spectroscopy, and its thermoresponsive behaviors were investigated with turbidity measurements using UV–vis spectroscopy. Similar to the lower generation counterparts, this threefold branched dendronized polymer also shows characteristic fast and sharp phase transitions around its apparent lower critical solution temperature. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6630–6640, 2009
Titanium (IV) chloride complexes with salen ligands supported on magnesium carrier: Synthesis and use in ethylene polymerization
Authors: Białek Marzena , Pietruszka Anna
Published: October 2009

The magnesium support with the formula MgCl2(THF)0.32(Et2AlCl)0.36 was used for immobilization of salen complexes of titanium [Ti(salen)Cl2, Ti(salen(OMe)2)Cl2]. The effects of the catalyst composition (i.e. type of titanium complex and type of activator), polymerization temperature, polymerization time, and the effect of comonomer (1‐octene) on the activity of the obtained supported catalysts, on the polymer characteristics (molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, melting point), and on the polymer morphology were studied. The findings were compared to those obtained for corresponding unsupported systems. Catalysts immobilization results in considerable changes in catalysts activity and in properties of resultant polymers. The studied supported catalysts are highly active in ethylene polymerization, their activity increases with increasing temperature and lasts at least 2 hours. Their copolymerizing ability towards 1‐octene is rather low. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6693–6703, 2009
Thiocarbonylthio end group removal from RAFT‐synthesized polymers by a radical‐induced process
Authors: Chen Ming , Moad Graeme , Rizzardo Ezio
Published: October 2009

The removal of thiocarbonylthio end groups by radical‐addition‐fragmentation‐ coupling from polymers synthesized by RAFT polymerization has been studied. We found that a method, which involves heating the polymer with a large excess (20 molar equivalents) of azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN), while successful with methacrylic polymers, is less effective with styrenic or acrylic polymers and provides only partial end group removal. This is attributed to the propagating radicals generated from the latter polymers being poor radical leaving groups relative to the cyanoisopropyl radical. Similar use of lauroyl peroxide (LPO) completely removes the thiocarbonylthio groups from styrenic or acrylic polymers but, even with LPO in large excess, produces a polymer with a bimodal molecular weight distribution. The formation of a peak of double molecular weight is indicative of the occurrence of self‐termination and ineffective radical trapping. We now report that by use of a combination of LPO (2 molar equivalents) and AIBN (20 molar equivalents) we are able to completely remove thiocarbonylthio end groups of styrenic or acrylic polymers and minimize the occurrence of self termination. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6704–6714, 2009
Higher α‐olefins carbonylation in aqueous media by Pd(II) catalysts modified with substituted diphosphine ligands: Aqueous polyketone latices with high solid contents and molecular weights
Authors: Sunjuk Mahmoud , Al‐Noaimi Mousa , Al‐Degs Yahya , Al‐Qirem Tareq , Lindner Ekkehard , Abu‐Surrah Adnan S.
Published: October 2009

Water‐soluble palladium complexes cis‐[Pd(L)(OAc)2] (1–8) (L represents a diphosphine ligands of the general formula CH2(CH2PR2)2, where for a: R  (CH2)6OH; b–g: R  (CH2)nP(O)(OEt)2, n = 2–6 and n = 8; h: R  (CH2)3NH2) have been employed, after activation with a large excess of HBF4, for emulsion polymerization of alkenes (propene, butene, and their equimolar mixtures) with carbon monoxide. Aliphatic polyketone lattices with a high solid content (21%), high molecular weight (6.3 × 104 g mol−1), and narrow polydispersities (Mw/Mn ≈ 2) were isolated. The catalytic activity of the dicationic palladium (II) based catalysts, C1–C8 is highly dependent on the length of the alkyl chain of the ligand. Catalyst 3 proved to be highly active for propene/CO copolymers, whereas 6 is active for butene/CO and propene/CO‐butene/CO systems. The presence of methyl β‐cyclodextrin, as a phase‐transfer agent, and undecenoic acid, as an emulsifier, increase the molar mass and the stability of the polyketones and finally the activity of the catalyst. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6715–6725, 2009
Macroporous monolithic poly(4‐vinylbenzyl chloride) columns for organic synthesis facilitation by in situ polymerization of high internal phase emulsions
Authors: Kovačič Sebastijan , Krajnc Peter
Published: October 2009

PolyHIPE materials are produced by polymerizing the continuous phase of emulsions where the internal phase volume fraction is higher than 74%. Columns of flow‐through supports for immobilized scavengers and reagents were prepared by polymerizing the continuous phase of high internal phase emulsions containing 4‐vinylbenzyl chloride and divinylbenzene. Emulsions were placed in containers and polymerized in situ. Highly porous (80% pore volume) monolithic columns with chloromethyl functionalities and crosslinked with divinylbenzene (6% or 40%) were obtained and functionalized by a flow‐through method, immobilizing tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine, diethanolamine, and 4‐bromophenylboronic acid. Columns with immobilized tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine were applied for the effective removal of acid chlorides from the solution pumped through the column. Flow properties (back pressure versus flow rate) were characterized for dichloromethane, N,N‐dimethylformamide and acetonitrile. High effectiveness of columns were demonstrated by an over 90% of acid chloride removal from the solution after a single pass‐flow of the solution through the column. The morphology of the column material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and showed no damage of the material after the flow‐through utilization. Good permeative properties of the interconnected porous structure make polyHIPE columns good candidates for supports for reagents and catalysts. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6726–6734, 2009
A SAXS and swelling study of cured natural rubber/styrene–butadiene rubber blends
Authors: Salgueiro W. , Somoza A. , Marzocca A. J. , Torriani I. , Mansilla M. A.
Published: October 2009

A small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and swelling study of natural rubber and styrene–butadiene rubber blends (NR/SBR) is presented. To this aim, specimens of NR and SBR and blends with 75/25, 50/50, and 25/75 NR/SBR ratios (in phr) were prepared at a cure temperature of 433 K and the optimum cure time (t100). This time was obtained from rheometer torque curves. The system of cure used in the samples was sulfur/n‐t‐butyl‐2‐benzothiazole sulfenamide. From swelling tests of the cured samples, information about the molecular weight of the network chain between chemical crosslinks was obtained. For all cured compounds, in the Lorentz plots built from SAXS scattering curves, a maximum of the scattering vector q around 0.14 Å−1 was observed. However, the q position shows a linear‐like shift toward lower values when the SBR content in the SBR/NR blend increases. In pure NR or SBR the q values show a different tendency. The results obtained are discussed in terms of the existence of different levels of vulcanization for each single phase forming the blend and the existence of a third level of vulcanization located in the interfacial NR/SBR layer. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 2320–2327, 2009