bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Characterization and Genetic Relationships among Ocimum basilicum L. Cultivars
Authors: Liber Zlatko , Carović‐Stanko Klaudija , Politeo Olivera , Strikić Frane , Kolak Ivan , Milos Mladen , Satovic Zlatko
Published: November 2011

Twenty‐seven Ocimum basilicum cultivars were subjected to a chemical characterization of essential oil components by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and a genetic characterization using the amplified fragment‐length polymorphism (AFLP) technique. Since the same 27 accessions had previously been classified into six morphotypes, these analyses allowed us to make detailed comparisons of chemistry, genetics, and morphology. The chemical composition and morphology of the studied cultivars appeared to have a strong genetic component. The AFLP analysis revealed a distinction between the green and purple morphotypes. The green morphotypes predominantly utilized the terpene biosynthetic pathway, while most purple morphotypes primarily utilized the phenylpropene biosynthetic pathway. The GC/MS analysis led to identification of 87 volatiles. Among the 27 cultivars, five chemotypes were identified. A detailed characterization of the essential oil constituents indicated the existence of both specific combinations of compounds and ‘private’ compounds with the potential to be used in many aspects of human life. The established relationship between a genetic profile, chemical composition, and morphology represents an important step in future breeding programs and in the cultivation of this species.
Different regulation role of myostatin in differentiating pig ADSCs and MSCs into adipocytes
Authors: Deng Bing , Wen Jianghui , Ding Yi , Peng Jian , Jiang Siwen
Published: November 2011

Myostation (MSTN), which is primarily expressed in muscle, plays an important role in myogenic and adipogenic cells. However, there is little information about whether MSTN displays different roles between adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) and muscle satellite cells (MSCs). The two kinds of cells can both exist in the muscle and differentiate into adiposities. In this research, we isolated ADSCs and MSCs from porcine fat tissues and semitendinosus muscle, respectively, to investigate the effect of MSTN on the adipogenesis of those cells. ADSCs and MSCs were treated with recombinant human MSTN during the induction of adipogenesis or before the induction of differentiation. Then, we evaluated adipogenesis by Oil Red O staining and assessed the expression patterns of adipocyte‐specific fatty acid binding protein (aP2) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) γ using real‐time polymerase chain reaction methods. Our results indicated that the treatment with MSTN before or during the induction of differentiation in MSCs could both inhibit the adipogenesis. However, the treatment with MSTN only during the induction of differentiation in ADSCs could suppress the adipogenesis. Those results showed that MSTN had different roles in the adipogenesis of ADSCs and MSCs. It can shed new light on the origin of adipocyte located in muscle. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hierarchical Mesoporous Zeolites: Direct Self‐Assembly Synthesis in a Conventional Surfactant Solution by Kinetic Control over the Zeolite Seed Formation
Authors: Zhu Yan , Hua Zile , Zhou Jian , Wang Lijun , Zhao Jinjin , Gong Yun , Wu Wei , Ruan Meiling , Shi Jianlin
Published: November 2011

By kinetic control over the zeolite seed formation, we report the direct fabrication of hierarchical mesoporous zeolites using hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as the soft template in a conventional solution route. Nanometer‐sized, subnanocrystal‐type zeolite seeds with a high degree of polymerization are essential to prevent the formation of a separate amorphous mesoporous phase and the phase separation between the mesophase and zeolite crystals in the presence of CTAB and a certain amount of ethanol. The mechanisms for the formation of hierarchically porous zeolites in the solution process, including the effect of mother liquid aging, formation of subnanocrystal zeolite seeds and their self‐assembly effect with CTAB, and the role of ethanol are proposed and discussed in detail. The prepared mesoporous ZSM‐5 zeolite showed much higher catalytic activity than conventional counterparts for aldol condensations involving large molecules, especially in the synthesis of vesidryl.
Molecular Interactions between Glycopeptide Vancomycin and Bacterial Cell Wall Peptide Analogues
Authors: Xing Bengang , Jiang Tingting , Wu Xiangyang , Liew Roushen , Zhou Jie , Zhang Dawei , Yeow Edwin K. L.
Published: November 2011

The molecular interactions of the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin (Van) with bacterial cell wall analogues N,N′‐diacetyl‐L‐Lys‐D‐Ala‐D‐Ala (Ac2KdAdA) and N,N′‐diacetyl‐L‐Lys‐D‐Ala‐D‐Lac (Ac2KdAdL) were investigated in neat water, phosphate buffer and HEPES buffer by using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The FCS determined dissociation constants (kd) show that the intrinsic binding affinity between Van and the drug‐sensitive peptide ligand Ac2KdAdA remains invariant when the solvent is changed from neat water to either PBS or HEPES buffer; this demonstrates that there are no obvious solvent effects on the association between Van and Ac2KdAdA due to the strong intermolecular interaction between the two moieties. When compared to Ac2KdAdA, a significantly larger kd value was observed for the binding between the drug‐resistant peptide ligand Ac2KdAdL and Van. Furthermore, the kd increased by about 8‐ to 11‐times when the solvent was changed from neat water to 10 mM phosphate/HEPES buffer. The stability of the Ac2KdAdL–Van complex was dependent on the concentration of the buffer and kd increases as the concentration of either phosphate ions or HEPES increased until an equilibrium was attained. Both FCS and MD simulation studies clearly showed that the components constituting the buffer solution (e.g., phosphate ions and HEPES) are involved in molecular interactions with the binding pocket of Van and they profoundly affect the intrinsic stability of the complex formed between the low‐affinity Ac2KdAdL and Van. These results could help us to better understand the detailed structure and activity of glycopeptide antibiotic derivatives toward bacterial cell wall peptide analogues, and can further facilitate the development of new drug candidates against drug‐resistant bacterial strains.
New Insights into Cyclobutenone Rearrangements: A Total Synthesis of the Natural ROS‐Generating Anti‐Cancer Agent Cribrostatin 6
Authors: Mohamed Mubina , Gonçalves Théo P. , Whitby Richard J. , Sneddon Helen F. , Harrowven David C.
Published: November 2011

Aryl‐ and heteroarylcyclobutenone rearrangements proceed in excellent yield under continuous‐flow conditions. The former shows a Hammett correlation with σI providing strong evidence that electrocyclisation is the rate‐determining step and has a late transition state. The reaction has been modelled by using DFT and CCSD(T) methods, with the latter giving excellent correlation with the experimental rate constant. A short and efficient total synthesis of cribrostatin 6, an anti‐neoplastic and anti‐microbial agent, provides a topical demonstration of the value of this method.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Tetrahydroquinolines with Quaternary Stereocenters through the Povarov Reaction
Authors: Xie Mingsheng , Liu Xiaohua , Zhu Yin , Zhao Xiaohu , Xia Yong , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming
Published: November 2011

The asymmetric Povarov reaction with α‐alkyl styrenes as dienophiles was catalyzed by an N,N′‐dioxide L4–Sc(OTf)3 complex. Enantiopure tetrahydroquinoline derivatives with a quaternary stereocenter at the C4 position were synthesized for the first time. A wide variety of α‐alkyl styrenes and N‐aryl aldimines were tolerated in the reaction, to give excellent diastereo‐ (up to 99:1 d.r.) and enantioselectivities (92 to >99 % ee). In addition, the reaction could be performed on the gram scale without any loss of yield, diastereoselectivity, or enantioselectivity. An intermolecular hydrogen‐shift reaction was found to be a side reaction, which offered a method to synthesize the corresponding quinoline derivatives with chiral quaternary sterocenters.
A Fluorophoric‐Axle‐Based, Nonfluororescent, Metalloanti‐[3]Pseudorotaxane: Recovery of Fluorescence by Means of an Axle Substitution Reaction
Authors: Saha Subrata , Ravikumar I. , Ghosh Pradyut
Published: November 2011

A Cu2+‐templated, multinuclear, nonfluorescent,anti‐[3]pseudorotaxane was synthesized on a fluorophoric axle. The Cu2+‐templated [3]pseudorotaxane was characterized by the electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI‐MS), UV/Vis and EPR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray data. The ESI‐MS showed peaks that support the formation of [3]pseudorotaxane. The UV/Vis spectrum of [3]pseudorotaxane in CH3CN showed a characteristic d–d band of a Cu2+complex at 650 nm. Further, the X‐band in the EPR spectrum of [3]pseudorotaxane suggested a distorted square‐pyramidal geometry of Cu2+. Importantly, formation of the [3]pseudorotaxane was confirmed by the single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis, which showed that one fluorophoric axle was threaded into two Cu2+macrocyclic wheels (MC‐Cu2+) with ananticonformation. The UV/Vis and fluorescence titration experiments were carried out to follow the solution‐state formation of [3]pseudorotaxane by MC‐Cu2+and fluorophoric axle in CH3CN. In both studies, the sigmoidal curve fit supported the formation of 1:2 complex of the fluorophoric axle and MC‐Cu2+complex. Secondly, the release of the fluorophoric axle from the nonfluorescent [3]pseudorotaxane through the formation of a [2]pseudorotaxane was demonstrated by titrating a solution of the [3]pseudorotaxane with a stronger bidentate chelating ligand, such as 1,10‐phenanthroline (Phen). Substitution of the fluorophoric axle from the [3]pseudorotaxane with about 100 % efficiency was achieved by the addition of approximately two equivalents of Phen, and the formation of a Phen‐threaded [2]pseudorotaxane was established by ESI‐MS of the resulting solution and a single‐crystal X‐ray study. Axle substitution was also confirmed by a fluorescence titration experiment, which showed a step‐wise recovery of the fluorescence intensity of the fluorophoric axle. The association constants for the formation of the [3]‐ and [2]pseudrotaxanes were calculated from the fluorescence and UV/Vis data. In addition, 2,2′‐bipyridine (BPy), which is a relatively weaker bidendate chelating ligand compared to Phen, showed an inefficient and incomplete axle substitution of the [3]pseudorotaxane, although BPy previously showed the formation of [2]pseudrotaxane with the MC‐Cu2+wheel in solution and ESI‐MS studies. In this context, the formation of a BPy‐threaded [2]pseudrotaxane was further established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study.
Cyto‐ and chemoarchitecture of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in the C57BL/6J male mouse: A study of immunostaining and multiple fluorescent tract tracing
Authors: Biag Jonathan , Huang Yi , Gou Lin , Hintiryan Houri , Askarinam Asal , Hahn Joel D. , Toga Arthur W. , Dong Hong‐Wei
Published: November 2011

A composite confocal photomicrograph showing the organization an topographic relations of specific neuronal populations in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVH) of a C57BL/6malemouse. One population of PVH neurons (presumptive neuroendocrine) was identified by immunocytochemical detection of the retrograde tracer Fluorogold (FG; green) following its injection in to the tail vein; a second population of PVH neurons (presumptive preautonomic) was back‐labeled following upper thoracic level spinal cord injection of the retrograde tracer Fast Blue (FB; blue). Subsequently, distinct populations of oxytocin (OXY; red)‐ and vasopressin (VAS; magenta)‐ expressing neurons were identified immunocytochemically. At this PVH level neurons labeled only with FG (green) include numerous presumptive parvicellular neuroendocrine neurons. None of the FB (blue) back‐labeled neurons were immunopositive for OXY or VAS at this PVH level; however all of the OXY‐ and VAS immunopositive neurons were back‐labeled with FG, although the labeling intensity varied. Thus, OXY‐expressing FG labeled neurons appear red/yellow, whereas VAS‐expressing FG labeled neurons appear magenta/white. The Journal of Comparative Neurology, Volume 520, Number 1, pages 6–33.
Parallel stochastic simulations with rigorous distribution of pseudo‐random numbers with DistMe: Application to life science simulations
Authors: Reuillon Romain , Traore Mamadou K. , Passerat‐Palmbach Jonathan , Hill David R.C.
Published: November 2011

This paper presents an open source toolkit allowing a rigorous distribution of stochastic simulations. It is designed according to the state of the art in pseudo‐random numbers partitioning techniques. Based on a generic XML format for saving pseudo‐random number generator states, each state contains adapted metadata. This toolkit named DistMe is usable by modelers who are non‐specialists in parallelizing stochastic simulations, it helps in distributing the replications and in the generation of experimental plans. It automatically writes ready for runtime scripts for various parallel platforms, encapsulating the burden linked to the management of status files for different pseudo‐random generators. The automation of this task avoids many human mistakes. The toolkit has been designed based on a model driven engineering approach: the user builds a model of its simulation and the toolkit helps in distributing independent stochastic experiments. In this paper, the toolkit architecture is exposed, and two examples in life science research domains are detailed. The preliminary design of the DistMe toolkit was achieved when dealing with the distribution of a nuclear medicine application using the largest European computing grid: European Grid Initiative (EGI). Thanks to our alpha version of the software toolbox, the equivalent of 3 years of computing was achieved in a few days. Next, we present the second application in another domain to show the potential and genericity of the DistMe toolkit. A small experimental plan with 1024 distributed stochastic experiments was run on a local computing cluster to explore scenarios of an environmental application. For both applications, the proposed toolkit was able to automatically generate distribution scripts with independent pseudo‐random number streams, and it also automatically parameterized the simulation input files to follow an experimental design. The automatic generation of scripts and input files is achieved, thanks to model transformations using a model driven approach. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clients' and Therapists' Views of the Therapeutic Alliance: Similarities, Differences and Relationship to Therapy Outcome
Authors: Bachelor Alexandra
Published: November 2011

To better understand how clients' and therapists' views of the therapeutic alliance differ and overlap, this study investigated, first, the components of the alliance that are relevant to the therapy participants; second, their relationship to post‐therapy outcome; and third, the relationships between participants' alliance constructs. To identify participants' views, exploratory factor analyses were performed on clients' (n = 176) and therapists' (n = 133 observations) ratings of the Working Alliance Inventory (short form), the Helping Alliance Questionnaire and the California Psychotherapy Alliance Scales and conducted both on each measure separately and on the three measures combined. The results of the separate analyses indicated in general poor correspondence between the participant‐derived components and each measure's a priori constructs. Results of the joint analyses suggested that clients view the alliance in terms of six basic components (Collaborative Work Relationship, Productive Work, Active Commitment, Bond, Non‐disagreement on Goals/Tasks and Confident Progress), five of which were found to predict client‐rated and/or therapist‐rated post‐therapy outcome. Results for therapists suggested four basic components (Collaborative Work Relationship, Therapist Confidence & Dedication, Client Commitment & Confidence, Client Working Ability), of which three predicted post‐therapy outcome. Findings of significant, but modest to low moderate, correlations between several client and therapist joint factors suggested that despite similarities, the therapy partners' views of the alliance differ in important ways. Compared with therapists, clients appear to place greater emphasis on helpfulness, joint participation in the work of therapy and negative signs of the alliance. Implications of these findings are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Therapists should not assume that their views of the therapeutic relationship and therapeutic work are shared by their clients and are encouraged to seek the client's feedback.

Therapists may benefit from conveying that the client's perspective on problems and relevant work is valued and that they are working with the client as a team.

Therapists may need to explicitly address how the therapeutic work is helpful and conducive to desired changes.
Systematics and Future Projections Concerning Redox‐Noninnocent Amide/Imine Ligands
Authors: Caulton Kenneth G.
Published: November 2011

An analysis of the conjugative possibilities of dienes carrying two terminal heteroatom donors shows some generalizations of these as possible redox‐active (redox “noninnocent”) ligands. If the two E=C functionalities (E = O,S, NR, CHR) are connected by an odd number of sp2‐hybridized atoms, full conjugation between the two terminal E donors is not possible, a situation which is found both in 2,6‐bis(imino)pyridine (BIMPY) and beta‐diketiminate ligands; the character of their redox noninnocence is thus altered, compared to 1,4‐diheterodienes. Some insight into the BIMPY ligand comes from the analog where one imino arm is absent. The traditional stereochemical relationships which govern conjugation in arenes are analyzed for their implications for different bis(imino)pyridine isomers, and also for 2,6‐dipyrimidyl‐ and dipyridazinyl‐pyridines, as generalizations of the classic terpyridyl ligands. Factors which favor oxidized vs. reduced ligand forms are discussed.
A novel mathematical model for the lightning response of a grounding system buried in multilayered earth based on the quasi‐static complex image method
Authors: Zhong‐Xin Li , Guang‐Fan Li , Jian‐Bin Fan , Yu Yin
Published: November 2011

A novel mathematical model for accurately computing the lightning currents flowing in the grounding system of a high voltage a.c. substation, buried in multilayered earth, has been developed in this paper. Together with the fast Fourier transform (FFT), the conducting effect of harmonic wave components of these currents and the capacitive and inductive effects from the interface between different soil layers were analysed in the frequency domain. Quasi‐static complex image methods and a closed form of Green's function were introduced to accelerate the calculation. With inverse FFT, the model can calculate the distribution of lightning currents in any configuration of the grounding system. This can be used for studying the performance of transient lightning responses to grounding systems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating the prevalence of dementia: cognitive screening in Glasgow nursing homes
Authors: Lithgow Stephen , Jackson Graham A. , Browne Debbie
Published: November 2011

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to establish existing levels of dementia in nursing homes.

Design

The design was a randomised sample of every sixth nursing home resident in Glasgow City. Cognitive testing of 341 residents was carried out using the Standardised Mini Mental State Examination (SMMSE). For clients who had difficulty participating, the Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST) was used. Existing dementia diagnoses were compared with the prevalence indicated through cognitive testing.

Main outcome measures

Standardised Mini Mental State Examination and the FAST were used.

Setting

This study was conducted in the nursing homes in the Glasgow City Council Local Authority, Scotland, UK (N = 49). Forty‐eight homes participated in the study and one declined.

Participants

The participants were residents of the nursing homes in Glasgow City, including those in existing dementia units (sample = 422 of population 2532); 19 declined and 403 participated.

Results

Two hundred thirty‐four (58%) residents already had a diagnosis of dementia written in their care plans. One hundred twenty‐eight residents (31.8%) without diagnosis of dementia in their care plans scored within the range of possible dementia (less than 24/30 on the SMMSE). A group of 55 (13.6%) residents had no diagnosis of dementia but had some type of cognitive impairment recorded in their notes and scored within the range of possible dementia on the SMMSE.

Conclusion

Existing levels of dementia diagnosis are 58%. This study finds an additional 31.8% of residents without a diagnosis of dementia who score within the range of possible dementia, giving a ceiling of 89.8%. It appears that underdiagnosis of dementia exists within this 31.8% group. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two New Cryptoporic Acid Derivatives from the Fruiting Bodies of Cryptoporus sinensis
Authors: Wu Wen , Zhao Feng , Bao Li , Lu Jin‐Cai , Liu Hong‐Wei
Published: November 2011

Two new drimane‐type sesquiterpenoid ethers of isocitric acid, cryptoporic acids N (1) and O (6), were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Cryptoporus sinensis. Their structures were established by means of spectroscopic methods, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR. The cytotoxic activity against a panel of cell lines (A549, MCF‐7, PC‐3, and PANC‐1) was evaluated for all cryptoporic acid derivatives 1–12 isolated.
Exquisite Synthesis of a Designed PAR‐1 Antagonist
Authors: Miao Hua‐Ming , Zhao Gui‐Long , Zhang Lin‐Shan , Shao Hua , Wang Jian‐Wu
Published: November 2011

The synthesis of a designed, sterically congested geminal dimethyl‐bearing PAR‐1 antagonist was achieved by a route of ten steps, with the oxidation of an electron‐rich benzaldehyde, the construction of a tertiary alkyl azide, and the selective hydrogenolysis of a 1,5‐fused tetrazole to generate the cyclic amidine with Raney‐Ni being the key steps. The selective hydrogenolysis of 1,5‐fused tetrazole to generate the cyclic amidine with Raney‐Ni was discovered and may be generally used for the synthesis of structurally unusual cyclic amidines. Several unsuccessful attempts to construct the desired geminal dimethyl‐bearing cyclic amidine were also discussed.
Accelerating progress at contaminated sediment sites: Moving from guidance to practice
Authors: Bridges Todd S , Nadeau Steven C , McCulloch Megan C
Published: November 2011

Contaminated sediments are a pervasive problem in the United States. Significant economic, ecological, and social issues are intertwined in addressing the nation's contaminated sediment problem. Managing contaminated sediments has become increasingly resource intensive, with some investigations costing tens of millions of dollars and the majority of remediation projects proceeding at a slow pace. At present, the approaches typically used to investigate, evaluate, and remediate contaminated sediment sites in the United States have largely fallen short of producing timely, risk-based, cost-effective, long-term solutions. With the purpose of identifying opportunities for accelerating progress at contaminated sediment sites, the US Army Corps of Engineers-Engineer Research and Development Center and the Sediment Management Work Group convened a workshop with experienced experts from government, industry, consulting, and academia. Workshop participants identified 5 actions that, if implemented, would accelerate the progress and increase the effectiveness of risk management at contaminated sediment sites. These actions included: 1) development of a detailed and explicit project vision and accompanying objectives, achievable short-term and long-term goals, and metrics of remedy success at the outset of a project, with refinement occurring as needed throughout the duration of the project; 2) strategic engagement of stakeholders in a more direct and meaningful process; 3) optimization of risk reduction, risk management processes, and remedy selection addressing 2 important elements: a) the deliberate use of early action remedies, where appropriate, to accelerate risk reduction; and b) the systematic and sequential development of a suite of actions applicable to the ultimate remedy, starting with monitored natural recovery and adding engineering actions as needed to satisfy the project's objectives; 4) an incentive process that encourages and rewards risk reduction; and 5) pursuit of sediment remediation projects as a public–private collaborative enterprise. These 5 actions provide a clear path for connecting current US regulatory guidance to improved practices that produce better applications of science and risk management and more effective and efficient solutions at contaminated sediment sites. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2012; 8: 331–338. © 2011 SETAC
Atrial natriuretic peptides in Han Wistar, Sprague–Dawley and spontaneously Hypertensive rats
Authors: Crivellente Federica , Bocchini Nicola , Bonato Monica , Vandin Luca , Faustinelli Ivo , Cristofori Patrizia
Published: November 2011

The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and its precursor (N‐terminal fragment of atrial natriuretic peptide, NT‐proANP) are natriuretic peptides released into the circulation as a consequence of an acute atrial stretch. As for the brain natriuretic peptide and its N‐terminal fragment, the biological significance of ANP and NT‐proANP has been widely studied in humans, but the literature is lacking information about the determination of these biomarkers in veterinary medicine and, in particular, in the toxicological species used in preclinical pharmaceutical drug development. This paper describes the evaluation of ANP and NT‐proANP levels in a healthy population of Han Wistar and Sprague–Dawley rats, as well as in a rodent model of hypertension (Spontaneously Hypertensive rats). Both biomarkers were measured by mean of two commercially available enzyme immunoassays and serum levels were correlated with heart weight and histopathological findings in the heart, with the aim of building an integrated assessment of the significance of these biomarkers. Results obtained demonstrated that NT‐proANP and ANP can be accurately measured in the different rat strains, with NT‐proANP concentrations higher than those of ANP, as expected because of its longer half‐life. In addition, both correlated well with cardiac hypertrophy evaluated by means of heart weight and histopathological examination. NT‐proANP and ANP represent reliable markers of cardiac hypertrophy in the rat. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Streptavidin‐coated TiO2 surfaces are biologically inert: Protein adsorption and osteoblast adhesion studies
Authors: Lehnert Michael , Gorbahn Miriam , Klein Marcus , Al‐Nawas Bilal , Köper Ingo , Knoll Wolfgang , Veith Michael
Published: November 2011

Non‐fouling TiO2 surfaces are attractive for a wide range of applications such as biosensors and medical devices, where biologically inert surfaces are needed. Typically, this is achieved by controlled surface modifications which prevent protein adsorption. For example, polyethylene glycol (PEG) or PEG‐derived polymers have been widely applied to render TiO2 surfaces biologically inert. These surfaces have been further modified in order to achieve specific bio‐activation. Therefore, there have been efforts to specifically functionalize TiO2 surfaces with polymers with embedded biotin motives, which can be used to couple streptavidin for further functionalization. As an alternative, here a streptavidin layer was immobilized by self‐assembly directly on a biotinylated TiO2 surface, thus forming an anti‐adhesive matrix, which can be selectively bio‐activated. The anti‐adhesive properties of these substrates were analyzed by studying the interaction of the surface coating with fibronectin, lysozym, and osteoblast cells using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and light microscopy. In contrast to non‐modified TiO2 surfaces, streptavidin‐coated TiO2 surfaces led to a very biologically inert substrate, making this type of surface coating a promising alternative to polymer coatings of TiO2 surfaces. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
The effect of acetylation on the crystallinity of BC/CNTs nanocomposite
Authors: Adnan Sharmeen , Radiah Awang Biak Dayang
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: Bacterial cellulose (BC) synthesized by Acetobacter xylinum has been shown to be a potential matrix for impregnating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to produce bacterial cellulose/carbon nanotubes (BC/CNTs) nanocomposite. The objective of this study was to investigate the crystal structure of BC/CNTs nanocomposite after acetylation treatment. Approximately 0.05 w/v% CNTs were added onto continuously developed BC. Then, the BC/CNTs nanocomposite was acetylated heterogeneously.

RESULTS: The crystallinity characteristic of formed BC/CNTs acetate was analyzed using an X‐ray diffractometer (XRD). The crystallization index (CrI) of BC/CNTs acetate was better than BC acetate, i.e. 97:3 and 93:7, respectively. The crystallite size of BC microfibrils in BC/CNTs sheet was reduced because of the impregnated CNTs. However, the reduction of crystallite size for BC/CNTs acetate was lower than that of BC acetate showing that the existence of CNTs within BC micofibrils had protected the BC crystal structure from further destruction by acetylating agent.

CONCLUSION: CNTs is a powerful substance that acted as a void filler between BC crystalline structure and protected the nano‐biocomposite from total degradation by the acetylation process. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Biological responses of human mesenchymal stem cells to titanium wear debris particles
Authors: Haleem‐Smith Hana , Argintar Evan , Bush Curtis , Hampton Daniel , Postma William F. , Chen Faye H. , Rimington Todd , Lamb Joshua , Tuan Rocky S.
Published: November 2011

Wear debris‐induced osteolysis is a major cause of orthopedic implant aseptic loosening, and various cell types, including macrophages, monocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts, are involved. We recently showed that mesenchymal stem/osteoprogenitor cells (MSCs) are another target, and that endocytosis of titanium (Ti) particles causes reduced MSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Here we investigated the mechanistic aspects of the endocytosis‐mediated responses of MSCs to Ti particulates. Dose‐dependent effects were observed on cell viability, with doses >300 Ti particles/cell resulting in drastic cell death. To maintain cell viability and analyze particle‐induced effects, doses <300 particles/cell were used. Increased production of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), but not IL‐6, was observed in treated MSCs, while levels of TGF‐β, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α were undetectable in treated or control cells, suggesting MSCs as a likely major producer of IL‐8 in the periprosthetic zone. Disruptions in cytoskeletal and adherens junction organization were also observed in Ti particles‐treated MSCs. However, neither IL‐8 and IL‐6 treatment nor conditioned medium from Ti particle‐treated MSCs failed to affect MSC osteogenic differentiation. Among other Ti particle‐induced cytokines, only GM‐CSF appeared to mimic the effects of reduced cell viability and osteogenesis. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that MSCs play both responder and initiator roles in mediating the osteolytic effects of the presence of wear debris particles in periprosthetic zones. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:853–863, 2012
Recruitment and enrollment of caregivers for a lifestyle physical activity clinical trial
Authors: Etkin Caryn D. , Farran Carol J. , Barnes Lisa L. , Shah Raj C.
Published: November 2011

This article presents the efficacy of the recruitment framework used for a clinical trial with sedentary family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease. An integrated social marketing approach with principles of community‐based participatory research provided the theoretical framework for organizing recruitment activities. This multi‐pronged approach meant that caregivers were identified from a range of geographic locations and numerous sources including a federally funded Alzheimer's disease center, health care providers, community based and senior organizations, and broad‐based media. Study enrollment projections were exceeded by 11% and resulted in enrolling n = 211 caregivers into this clinical trial. We conclude that social marketing and community‐based approaches provide a solid foundation for organizing recruitment activities for clinical trials with older adults. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:70–81, 2012
Yield of routine molecular analyses in colorectal cancer patients ≤70 years to detect underlying Lynch syndrome
Authors: van Lier Margot GF , Leenen Celine HM , Wagner Anja , Ramsoekh Dewkoemar , Dubbink Hendrikus J , van den Ouweland Ans MW , Westenend Pieter J , de Graaf Eelco JR , Wolters Leonieke MM , Vrijland Wietske W , Kuipers Ernst J , van Leerdam Monique E , Steyerberg Ewout W , Dinjens Winand NM ,   on behalf of the LIMO Study Group
Published: November 2011

Although early detection of Lynch syndrome (LS) is important, a considerable proportion of patients with LS remains unrecognized. We aimed to study the yield of LS detection by routine molecular analyses in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients until 70 years of age. We prospectively included consecutive CRC patients ≤70 years. Tumour specimens were analysed for microsatellite instability (MSI), immunohistochemical mismatch‐repair protein expression and MLH1‐promoter methylation. Tumours were classified as either: (a) likely caused by LS; (b) sporadic microsatellite‐unstable (MSI‐H); or (c) microsatellite‐stable (MSS). Predictors of LS were determined by multivariable logistic regression. A total of 1117 CRC patients (57% males, median age 61 years) were included. Fifty patients (4.5%, 95% CI 3.4–5.9) were likely to have LS, and 71 had a sporadic MSI‐H tumour (6.4%, 95% CI 5.1–8.0). Thirty‐five patients likely to have LS (70%) were aged > 50 years. A molecular profile compatible with LS was detected in 10% (15/144) of patients aged ≤50, in 4% (15/377) of those aged 51–60 and in 3% (20/596) of patients > 61 years. Compared to MSS cases, patients likely to have LS were significantly younger (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.7–8.7) and more often had right‐sided CRCs (OR 14, 95% CI 6.0–34). In conclusion, molecular screening for LS in CRC patients ≤70 years leads to identification of a molecular profile compatible with LS in 4.5% of patients, with most of them not fulfilling the age criterion (≤50 years) routinely used for LS assessment. Routine use of MSI testing may be considered in CRC patients up to the age of 70 years, with a central role for the pathologist in the selection of patients. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stress photo‐oxidative aging behaviour of polyamide 6
Authors: Li Xiaohe , Zhao Xiaowen , Ye Lin
Published: November 2011

The long‐term stress accelerating aging behaviour of polyamide 6 (PA6) was studied by exposure to UV irradiation. The aging behaviour and mechanism were investigated in terms of creep behaviour, mechanical properties, chemical structure, crystallization and orientation behaviour. It was found that the creep deformation of PA6 under stress/UV irradiation was lower than that of the sample aging only under stress, resulting from crosslinking and low mobility of molecules under UV irradiation. The tensile strength of PA6 under stress and stress/UV irradiation substantially increased at the primary aging stage due to stress‐induced molecular orientation. The oxidation of PA6 may also be inhibited by orientation, leading to a relatively low content of carboxylic groups. Under UV irradiation, stress accelerates the degradation of PA6, resulting in strengthening UV absorption due to formation of isolated carbonyl groups. The melt temperature and crystallinity both showed an increase with time, which were much higher for the sample aged under stress/UV irradiation than for that aged only under UV irradiation. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction analysis also showed that the orientation factor and crystallinity of PA6 increased with aging time before 16 days, indicating a clear orientation and crystallization of molecules induced by stress. The UV‐induced crosslinking reduced the mobility of PA6 chains, resulting in a lower crystallinity and orientation factor of the sample aged under stress/UV irradiation compared with that under stress aging only. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
An Antithrombotic Fucoidan, Unlike Heparin, Does Not Prolong Bleeding Time in a Murine Arterial Thrombosis Model: A Comparative Study of Undaria pinnatifida sporophylls and Fucus vesiculosus
Authors: Min Soon‐Ki , Kwon Oh‐Choon , Lee Sub , Park Ki‐Hyuk , Kim Jong‐Ki
Published: November 2011

The antithrombotic activities and bleeding effects of selected fucoidans (source from either Undaria pinnatifida sporophylls or from Fucus vesiculosus) have been compared with heparin in the ferric chloride‐induced arterial thrombus mouse model. Thrombosis was induced by applying 5% ferric chloride for 3 min on the carotid artery region of Balb/c mouse. Five minutes prior to thrombus induction, mice were infused through the tail vein with either saline (control) or polysaccharides. Either fucoidan or heparin was dosed at 0.1, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, 10, 25, or 50 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.) The carotid blood flow was monitored until more than 60 min post‐thrombus induction. Mouse tail transection bleeding time was measured up to 60 min after making a cut in the mouse tail. Both antithrombotic and bleeding effects were observed in a dose‐dependent manner for both fucoidans and heparin. Thrombus formation was totally (reflected by Doppler flow meter) inhibited at either 5 or 50 mg/kg of unfractionated Undaria fucoidan or a low‐molecular‐weight Undaria fucoidan fraction, respectively, without prolonging the time‐to‐stop bleeding compared with the control (p < 0.01). The total inhibition of thrombus formation was observed for unfractionated Fucus fucoidan at 25 mg/kg where the time‐to‐stop bleeding was still significantly prolonged, by as much as 8 ± 1.7 min (p < 0.02). In contrast the heparin‐treated group showed total inhibition of thrombus formation even at a small dose of 0.8 mg/kg (400 IU) at which bleeding continued until 60 min. In conclusion algal fucoidans are highly antithrombotic without potential haemorrhagic effects compared with heparin in the arterial thrombus model, but this property differs from algal species to species, and from the molecular structure of fucoidans. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Established HPLC Fraction Analysis to Predict Furanocoumarin‐Based Herb–Drug Metabolic Interactions
Authors: Sheu Ming‐Thau , Lin Ying‐Ku , Huang Chia‐Hui , Ho Hsiu‐O
Published: November 2011

An attempt was made in this study to predict the potential for metabolic interactions of herbal extracts of drugs from their chromatographic profiles in reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). Twenty‐nine structurally related furanocoumarin compounds with known inhibitory interactions with cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A), which is important for phase‐I drug metabolism, were selected as a model system. A sigmoidal relationship was established between the CYP3A inhibitory potency (y) and the RP‐HPLC total peak response unit (Ru, x) as y = 85.36 x (14.86 + x)‐1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.63. The sigmoidal curve could be divided into three ranges designated low, medium and high risk that were used to indicate the relative inhibitory potency of the metabolic interactions of herbs or traditional Chinese herb medicines with CYP3A. These predictive classifications provide information or might be useful for ‘risk category’ decisions concerning herb–drug interactions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new floating model level scheme for the assimilation of boundary‐layer top inversions: the univariate assimilation of temperature
Authors: Fowler Alison , Bannister Ross , Eyre John
Published: November 2011

The assimilation of observations with a forecast is often heavily influenced by the description of the error covariances associated with the forecast. When a temperature inversion is present at the top of the boundary layer (BL), a significant part of the forecast error may be described as a vertical positional error (as opposed to amplitude error normally dealt with in data assimilation). In these cases, failing to account for positional error explicitly is shown to result in an analysis for which the inversion structure is erroneously weakened and degraded.

In this article, a new assimilation scheme is proposed to explicitly include the positional error associated with an inversion. This is done through the introduction of an extra control variable to allow position errors in the a priori to be treated simultaneously with the usual amplitude errors. This new scheme, referred to as the ‘floating BL scheme’, is applied to the one‐dimensional (vertical) variational assimilation of temperature. The floating BL scheme is tested with a series of idealised experiments and with real data from radiosondes.

For each idealised experiment, the floating BL scheme gives an analysis which has the inversion structure and position in agreement with the truth, and outperforms the assimilation which accounts only for forecast amplitude error. When the floating BL scheme is used to assimilate a large sample of radiosonde data, its ability to give an analysis with an inversion height in better agreement with that observed is confirmed. However, it is found that the use of Gaussian statistics is an inappropriate description of the error statistics of the extra control variable. This problem is alleviated by incorporating a non‐Gaussian description of the new control variable in the new scheme. Anticipated challenges in implementing the scheme operationally are discussed towards the end of the article. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown Copyright, the Met Office
Horizontal grids for global weather and climate prediction models: a review
Authors: Staniforth Andrew , Thuburn John
Published: November 2011

A latitude–longitude grid is used by almost all operational atmospheric forecast models, and many research models. However, it is expected that the advantages of a latitude–longitude grid will become outweighed on massively parallel computers by data‐communication bottlenecks. There is therefore renewed interest in quasi‐uniform alternatives. This review surveys and assesses previously proposed horizontal grids for modelling the atmosphere over the sphere. Aspects of numerical accuracy likely to be affected by grid structure are discussed; particular attention is paid to computational modes and grid imprinting. Computational modes are potentially very serious, since they may be excited in realistic applications by boundary conditions, nonlinearity, physical forcing, and data assimilation. The geometry of polyhedra is reviewed due to its relation to numerical degrees of freedom, and hence to numerical wave dispersion and the possible existence of computational modes.

All grids proposed to date have known problems or issues that merit further investigation. Orthogonal logically rectangular grids may be generated using conformal maps, but these suffer from singularities and resolution clustering. Resolution clustering may be avoided by using overset grids, but there are potential issues associated with the overlap regions. Alternatively, resolution clustering may be avoided, whilst retaining a logically rectangular grid, by giving up orthogonality; however, existing numerical schemes exploit orthogonality to obtain various properties thought to be important for accuracy, and it is not yet known whether these can also be obtained on non‐orthogonal grids. Quasi‐uniformity and orthogonality can be obtained without resolution clustering or overlaps by using non‐quadrilateral grid cells, such as triangles, or pentagons and hexagons. However, when a staggered placement of variables is used to minimise dispersion errors for fast waves, non‐quadrilateral grids support computational modes.

In view of the lack of a single ideal grid, several topics meriting further investigation are identified. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown Copyright, the Met Office
Multi‐site evaluation of an urban land‐surface model: intra‐urban heterogeneity, seasonality and parameter complexity requirements
Authors: Loridan Thomas , Grimmond C.S.B.
Published: November 2011

An extensive off‐line evaluation of the Noah/Single Layer Urban Canopy Model (Noah/SLUCM) urban land‐surface model is presented using data from 15 sites to assess (1) the ability of the scheme to reproduce the surface energy balance observed in a range of urban environments, including seasonal changes, and (2) the impact of increasing complexity of input parameter information. Model performance is found to be most dependent on representation of vegetated surface area cover; refinement of other parameter values leads to smaller improvements. Model biases in net all‐wave radiation and trade‐offs between turbulent heat fluxes are highlighted using an optimization algorithm. Here we use the Urban Zones to characterize Energy partitioning (UZE) as the basis to assign default SLUCM parameter values. A methodology (FRAISE) to assign sites (or areas) to one of these categories based on surface characteristics is evaluated. Using three urban sites from the Basel Urban Boundary Layer Experiment (BUBBLE) dataset, an independent evaluation of the model performance with the parameter values representative of each class is performed. The scheme copes well with both seasonal changes in the surface characteristics and intra‐urban heterogeneities in energy flux partitioning, with RMSE performance comparable to similar state‐of‐the‐art models for all fluxes, sites and seasons. The potential of the methodology for high‐resolution atmospheric modelling application using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is highlighted. This analysis supports the recommendations that (1) three classes are appropriate to characterize the urban environment, and (2) that the parameter values identified should be adopted as default values in WRF. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society