bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)
Authors: Dhanvijay Prarthana U. , Shertukde Vikrant V. , Kalkar Arun K.
Published: October 2011

With increasing environmental awareness, evaluating the potential of biopolymers as a substitute for traditional materials has been of great interest. Crystallization kinetics provides fundamental knowledge required for evaluation, playing vital role in determining the final properties of the product. In this study, the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) were investigated with the help of various models. The Avrami model best described the isothermal crystallization kinetics, suggesting three‐dimensional spherulitic growth, which was in agreement with the morphology studies; whereas the Liu model fit well under nonisothermal crystallization conditions. The failure of the Kissinger model to determine the activation energy was overcome with the Friedman model. The kinetic crystallizability determined by the Ziabacki model indicated a higher crystallization ability of PCL at lower cooling rates. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Functionalization of wool with L‐cysteine: Process characterization and assessment of antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity
Authors: Gouveia Isabel C. , Sá Daniela , Henriques Mariana
Published: October 2011

This investigation reports a new biotechnological process that uses L‐cysteine (L‐Cys) which provides a permanent, nontoxic and effective antimicrobial effect over wool‐based materials. This process is simple and carried out via widespread exhausting methods. Typically, wool fabrics are incubated with L‐Cys for 50 min at 60°C in a pH 4.8 acetate buffer solution 25 mM, under mild agitation to give a good absorption rate. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of L‐Cys was evaluated by the NCCLS M07‐A6 standard method, and the results showed a good antibacterial activity against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae within the range of 6.0 × 10−3 − 4.8 × 10−2 g/mL [MIC 0.6% (w/v)] and 6.0 × 10−3 − 4.8 × 10−2 g/mL [MIC 0.6% (w/v)], respectively. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the functionalized wool was assessed by the international standard JIS 1902‐2002 showing a good inhibition of bacterial growth for an L‐Cys concentration of 1% over the weight of fabric, both against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Moreover, the biocidal mechanism was found to be related with the increase of sulfhydryl's groups onto wool fibers, which were quantified by the Ellman's reagent (5,5′‐Dithio‐bis(2‐nitrobenzoic acid) method. The new process is easy to perform, non toxic, preserve wool quality and is a novel biomimetic approach that uses antimicrobial amino acids and may open new avenues for the design of biomedical textiles with a broad range of applications in healthcare. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Electrical conductivity and electric modulus of stable Kevlar® fiber loaded HAF/NBR rubber composite
Authors: Salam M. H. Abd‐El , Ismail A. M.
Published: October 2011

DC, AC conductivities and dielectric properties of high abrasion furnace carbon black (HAF)/acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) composite have been studied with varying the aramide Stable Kevlar® fiber content, temperature, and frequency. Generally, the electrical conductivity was decreased with increasing Stable Kevlar® fiber content, which was confirmed by the positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. Negative temperature coefficient of conductivity (NTCC) behavior between 353 and 413 K was detected, except for the composite containing 10 phr Kevlar which showed positive temperature coefficient of conductivity (PTCC) behavior above 383 K. These NTCC and PTCC behaviors were further manifested by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). For the composite with 10 phr Kevlar, the interfacial polarization between the fibers and the polymeric composite can be ascribed to Maxwell‐Wagner‐Sillars mechanism. The (MWS) relaxation disappeared for higher fibers content. The analysis of the electric modulus in the frequency range from 1 kHz to 1 MHz shows that the interfacial relaxation obeys Cole–Davison distribution of relaxation times. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Development of bacterial cellulose nanowhiskers reinforced EVOH composites by electrospinning
Authors: Martínez‐Sanz Marta , Olsson Richard T. , Lopez‐Rubio Amparo , Lagaron Jose M.
Published: October 2011

In the current study, hybrid electrospun ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) fibers reinforced with bacterial cellulose nanowhiskers (BCNW) were developed and characterized. Additionally, electrospinning was suggested as a method for the incorporation of well‐dispersed BCNW into an EVOH matrix by melt compounding. With the aim of maximizing the BCNW's loading in the electrospun fibers, an optimized method was applied for generating fibers from solutions containing up to 40 wt % BCNW. As demonstrated by FTIR spectroscopy, it was possible to incorporate BCNW concentrations up to ∼ 24 wt %, although a complete incorporation of the nanofiller into the fibers was only achieved with solutions containing up to 20 wt % of the filler, DSC analyses suggested that the incorporation of the nanofiller reduced the crystallinity of the as‐obtained EVOH fibers and produced an increase in the glass transition temperature of these during the second heating run. Thermogravimetric analyses showed that even though EVOH protects the nanowhiskers from thermal degradation, the electrospun hybrid fibers present a relatively lower thermal stability than the pure EVOH fibers. FTIR analyses of the samples subjected to different thermal treatments confirmed that the stiffening effect observed by DSC only occurs after melting of the EVOH phase and is cooperative with a partial acid chemical development in the BCNW, which promotes strong chemical interactions between the polymeric matrix and the nanofiller. Finally, the hybrid electrospun fibers were incorporated into pure EVOH by melt compounding to produce composite films. This methodology showed higher stability and dispersion of the BCNW than direct addition of the freeze‐dried nanofiller to EVOH. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation and characterization of dense cellulose film for membrane application
Authors: Ichwan Muhammad , Son Tae‐Won
Published: October 2011

Regenerated cellulose films were prepared with environmentally friendly process by utilized N‐methylmorpholine‐N‐oxide (NMMO)‐Cellulose system. To prepare a dense cellulose film for membrane application, some parameter process which influence porous forming such as cellulose DP, cellulose concentration, addition NMMO in coagulation bath, coagulation bath temperature, and drying condition were investigated. We resumed that the porosity and pore size of cellulose membrane decrease with lower cellulose DP, higher cellulose concentration, addition of NMMO in coagulation bath, applying room temperature in coagulation bath and drying, and applying vacuum on drying process resulted in membranes with porosity in range of 24–41% and pore size 13.4–20.2 nm. The main factor for controlling porosity and pore size of dense cellulose membrane was coagulation process condition especially addition of NMMO into coagulation bath. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Influence of the geometric factors of the experimental device used in suspension polymerization on the properties of poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) microparticles
Authors: Rodrigo Raúl , Toro Claudio A. , Cuellar Jorge
Published: October 2011

The prediction of the final particle size for reactive systems such as the reactions of suspension polymerization is a complex matter. Thus, the preparation of very small microparticles is specially challenging, probably because of the coalescence of the polymeric beads taking place during the later stages of the polymerization. In this work, very small gel‐type styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene beads were synthesized by using a previously determined set of experimental synthesis conditions in which the stabilization of the dispersion of the monomeric droplets was ensured, and, under these conditions, the factors related to the geometry of the experimental device were modified to determine their actual effect on the final size of the microparticles. From the experimental results, a very simple and useful model was obtained that was able to predict the final size of the microparticles as a function of the values of the geometric factors of the reactor. This model indicates that the most influential factors in the final size of the microparticles are the liquid depth inside the reactor and the stirrer diameter; thus, an increase in the liquid depth produces larger particles, and, conversely, the particle size decreases when using larger stirrer diameters. Additionally, the model permits the design of polymerization experiments aimed at obtaining microparticles with a diameter smaller than 50 μm. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Application of a novel halogen‐free intumescent flame retardant for acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene
Authors: Yi Liu , JiangSong Yi , XuFu Cai
Published: October 2011

A novel intumescent flame retardant (IFR), containing ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and poly(tetramethylene terephthalamide) (PA4T), was prepared to flame‐retard acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS). The flame retardation of the IFR/ABS composite was characterized by limiting oxygen index (LOI) and UL‐94 test. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and TGA coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG‐FTIR) were carried out to study the thermal degradation behavior of the composite and look for the mechanism of the flame‐retarded action. The morphology of the char obtained after combustion of the composite was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It has been found the intumescent flame retardant showed good flame retardancy, with the LOI value of the PA4T/APP/ABS (7.5/22.5/70) system increasing from 18.5 to 30% and passing UL‐94 V‐1 rating. Meanwhile, the TGA and TG‐FTIR work indicated that PA4T could be effective as a carbonization agent and there was some reaction between PA4T and APP, leading to some crosslinked and high temperature stable material formed, which probably effectively promoted the flame retardancy of ABS. Moreover, it was revealed that uniform and compact intumescent char layer was formed after combustion of the intumescent flame‐retarded ABS composite. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
In situ synthesis and characterization of ZnS/epoxy nanocomposites via gas‐liquid state reaction method
Authors: Ding Ke Hong , Wang Gen Lin , Zhang Ming
Published: October 2011

In this article, the ZnS/epoxy nanocomposites were successfully prepared by the reaction of zinc acetate and H2S gas via a simple step. Epoxy resin acted as the matrix for the formation of ZnS nanoparticles (10–20 nm) in the reaction system and kept them from agglomerating. The structure, composition, and mechanical properties of the resultant products were successfully investigated by powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence, and universal testing machine. Meanwhile, by employing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) we had studied, under nonisothermal condition, the kinetic analysis of the cure reaction which was performed using two classic models: Kissinger and Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa. The activation energy of curing reaction was 74.63 kJ/mol and 77.57 kJ/mol, respectively, by Kissinger's and Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa's methods. The possible mechanism of preparation of ZnS/epoxy composites was discussed in this article. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Genome analyses substantiate male mutation bias in many species
Authors: Wilson Sayres Melissa A. , Makova Kateryna D.
Published: October 2011

In many species the mutation rate is higher in males than in females, a phenomenon denoted as male mutation bias. This is often observed in animals where males produce many more sperm than females produce eggs, and is thought to result from differences in the number of replication‐associated mutations accumulated in each sex. Thus, studies of male mutation bias have the capacity to reveal information about the replication‐dependent or replication‐independent nature of different mutations. The availability of whole genome sequences for many species, as well as for multiple individuals within a species, has opened the door to studying factors, both sequence‐specific and those acting on the genome globally, that affect differences in mutation rates between males and females. Here, we assess the advantages that genomic sequences provide for studies of male mutation bias and general mutation mechanisms, discuss major challenges left unresolved, and speculate about the direction of future studies.
Oxidative stress and thyroid impairment after gibberellic acid treatment in pregnant and lactating rats and their offspring
Authors: Troudi Afef , Amara Ibtissem Ben , Samet Amira Mahjoubi , Fetoui Hamadi , Soudani Nejla , Guermazi Fadhel , Boudawara Tahia , Zeghal Najiba
Published: October 2011

Gibberellic acid (GA3) has been worldwide used in agriculture as a plant growth regulator. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of GA3 on the morphology and the thyroid hormone levels in adult rats and their suckling pups. Animals were given daily 200 ppm GA3 in drinking water from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Compared with a control group, GA3‐treated mothers and pups showed an increase in body and thyroid weights, a decrease in plasma FT4 and FT3 levels, which were more pronounced in pups than in their mothers. Thyroid iodine content was also decreased in pups. These biochemical modifications corresponded histologically; the majority of follicles had cubical epithelial cells, which surrounded empty vesicular cavities. Toxicity was objectified by a significant increase in plasma malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls, and advanced oxidation protein products levels in GA3‐treated dams and their suckling pups; while, the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were decreased in plasma of both dams and their pups. Moreover, a significant decline was observed in plasma glutathione, nonprotein thiols, and vitamin C levels. We conclude that GA3 treatment affects thyroid function and plasma antioxidant status in adult rats and their progeny.
A novel 3D liver organoid system for elucidation of hepatic glucose metabolism
Authors: Lu Yanhua , Zhang Guoliang , Shen Chong , Uygun Korkut , Yarmush Martin L. , Meng Qin
Published: October 2011

Hepatic glucose metabolism is a key player in diseases such as obesity and diabetes as well as in antihyperglycemic drugs screening. Hepatocytes culture in two‐dimensional configurations is limited in vitro model for hepatocytes to function properly, while truly practical platforms to perform three‐dimensional (3D) culture are unavailable. In this work, we present a practical organoid culture method of hepatocytes for elucidation of glucose metabolism under nominal and stress conditions. Employing this new method of culturing cells within a hollow fiber reactor, hepatocytes were observed to self‐assemble into 3D spherical organoids with preservation of tight junctions and display increased liver‐specific functions. Compared to both monolayer culture and sandwich culture, the hepatocyte organoids displayed higher intracellular glycogen content, glucose consumption, and gluconeogenesis and approached the in vivo values, as also confirmed by gene expression of key enzymes. Moreover, hepatocyte organoids demonstrated more realistic sensitivity to hormonal challenges with insulin, glucagon, and dexamethasone. Finally, the exposure to high glucose demonstrated toxicities including alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential, lipid accumulation, and reactive oxygen species formation, similar to the in vivo responses, which was not captured by monolayer cultures. Collectively, hepatocyte organoids mimicked the in vivo functions better than hepatocyte monolayer and sandwich cultures, suggesting suitability for applications such as antihyperglycemic drugs screening. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:595–604. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diffusion of bacteriophages through artificial biofilm models
Authors: Hu Jun , Miyanaga Kazuhiko , Tanji Yasunori
Published: October 2011

The simple two‐chamber diffusion method was improved to study the diffusion properties of bacteriophage (phage) T4 through a model biofilm agarose gel membrane (AGM) embedded with dead host Escherichia coli K12 cells. The apparent diffusion coefficient (Dapp) of phage T4 was calculated to be 2.4 × 10−12 m2/s in 0.5% AGM, which was lower than the coefficient of 4.2 × 10−12 m2/s in 0.5% AGM without host cells. The phage adsorption process by dead host cells slowed the apparent phage diffusion. The Langmuir adsorption equation was used to simulate phage adsorption under different multiplicity of infections (MOIs); the maximum adsorbed phage MOI was calculated to be 417 PFU/CFU, and the Langmuir adsorption constant KL was 6.9 × 10−4 CFU/PFU. To evaluate the effects of phage proliferation on diffusion, a simple syringe‐based biofilm model was developed. The phage was added into this homogenous biofilm model when the host cells were in an exponential growth phase, and the apparent diffusion coefficient was greatly enhanced. We concluded that Dapp of phages through biofilms could be distinctly affected by phage adsorption and proliferation, and that the idea of Dapp and these methods can be used to study diffusion properties through real biofilms. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Acylated Protopanaxadiol‐Type Ginsenosides from the Root of Panax ginseng
Authors: Zhu Guo‐Yuan , Li Ying‐Wei , Kwok‐Po Hau Desmond , Jiang Zhi‐Hong , Yu Zhi‐Ling , Fong Wang‐Fun
Published: October 2011

Six new protopanaxadiol‐type ginsenosides, named ginsenosides Ra4–Ra9 (1–6, resp.), along with 14 known dammarane‐type triterpene saponins, were isolated from the root of Panax ginseng, one of the most important Chinese medicinal herbs. The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, HR‐MS, and chemical transformation as (20S)‐ 3‐O‐{β‐D‐6‐O‐[(E)‐but‐2‐enoyl]glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl}‐20‐O‐[β‐D‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl]protopanaxadiol (1), (20S)‐3‐O‐[β‐D‐6‐O‐acetylglucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl]‐20‐O‐[β‐D‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl]protopanaxadiol (2), (20S)‐3‐O‐{β‐D‐6‐O‐[(E)‐but‐2‐enoyl]glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl}‐20‐O‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl]protopanaxadiol (3), (20S)‐3‐O‐{β‐D‐6‐O‐[(E)‐but‐2‐enoyl]glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl}‐20‐O‐[α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl]protopanaxadiol (4), (20S)‐3‐O‐{β‐D‐4‐O‐[(E)‐but‐2‐enoyl]glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl}‐20‐O‐[α‐L‐arabinofuranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl]protopanaxadiol (5), (20S)‐3‐O‐{β‐D‐6‐O‐[(E)‐but‐2‐enoyl]glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl}‐20‐O‐[α‐L‐arabinofuranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl]protopanaxadiol (6). The sugar moiety at C(3) of the aglycone of each new ginsenoside is butenoylated or acetylated.
Fasciculols H and I, Two Lanostane Derivatives from Chinese Mushroom Naematoloma fasciculare
Authors: Shi Xin‐Wei , Li Xiao‐Jun , Gao Jin‐Ming , Zhang Xing‐Chang
Published: October 2011

Two new highly oxygenated fasciculol‐type lanostane derivatives, fasciculols H and I (1 and 2, resp.), together with five known compounds, 3–7, were isolated from the fruiting bodies of the Chinese toxic mushroom Naematoloma fasciculare. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses including 2D‐NMR (HMBC, HSQC, NOESY, 1H,1H‐COSY). Compounds 5–7 were identified for the first time in this mushroom. Compounds 1, 3, 4, and 5 were evaluated for inhibitory activity against human glioma cell line U87 and nuclear factor‐κB.
Prostate cancer in the elderly
Authors: Scosyrev Emil , Messing Edward M. , Mohile Supriya , Golijanin Dragan , Wu Guan
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of metastatic (M1) prostate cancer (PC) at presentation in different age groups, to examine the association of age with PC‐specific mortality, and to calculate the relative contribution of different age groups to the pool of M1 cases and PC deaths.

METHODS:

Records from 464,918 patients who were diagnosed with PC from 1998 to 2007 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The patients were categorized according to age into groups ages <50 years, 50 to 54 years, 55 to 59 years, 60 to 64 years, 65 to 69 years, 70 to 74 years, 75 to 79 years, 80 to 84 years, 85 to 89 years, and ≥90 years. The cumulative incidence of death from PC was computed using the Gray method.

RESULTS:

The frequency of M1 PC at presentation was 3% for the group aged <75 years, 5% for the group ages 75 to 79 years, 8% for the group ages 80 to 84 years, 13% for the group ages 85 to 89 years, and 17% for the group aged ≥90 years. The 5‐year cumulative incidence of death from PC was 3% to 4% for all patients with PC in any category aged <75 years, 7% for patients ages 75 to 79 years, 13% for patients ages 80 to 84 years, 20% for patients ages 85 to 89 years, and 30% for patients aged ≥90 years. Although patients aged ≥75 years at PC diagnosis represented just over a quarter (26%) of all PC cases, they contributed almost half (48%) of all M1 cases and more than half (53%) of all PC deaths.

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared with younger patients (aged <75 years), older patients were more likely to present with very advanced disease, had a greater risk of death from PC despite higher death rates from competing causes, and contributed more than half of all PC deaths. Awareness of this issue may improve future outcomes for elderly patients with PC. Cancer 2012;118: 3062–70. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
New applications for old assays and the importance of validation
Authors: Hunt Jennifer L.
Published: October 2011

The author discusses the importance of human papillomavirus testing, the selection of assay type, and assay validation.
Ontogeny of the cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) neuropeptide system in the brain of zebrafish, Danio rerio
Authors: Mukherjee Arghya , Subhedar Nishikant K. , Ghose Aurnab
Published: October 2011

The cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) peptidergic system is involved in processing diverse neuronal functions in adult animals, including energy metabolism. Although CART is widely distributed in the brain of a range of vertebrates, the ontogeny of this system has not been explored. The CART‐immunoreactive system in the zebrafish central nervous system (CNS) was studied across developmental stages until adulthood. The peptide is expressed as early as 24 hours post fertilization and establishes itself in several discrete areas of the brain and spinal cord as development progresses. The trends in CART ontogeny suggest that it may be involved in the establishment of commissural tracts, typically expressing early but subsequently decaying. CART elements are commonly overrepresented in diverse sensory areas like the olfactory, photic, and acoustico‐mechanosensory systems, perhaps indicating a role for the peptide in sensory perception. Key neuroendocrine centers, like the preoptic area, hypothalamus, and pituitary, conspicuously show CART innervations, suggesting functions analogous to those demonstrated in other chordates. Uniquely, the epiphysis also appears to employ CART as a neurotransmitter. The entopeduncular nucleus is a major CART‐containing group in the adult teleost forebrain that may participate in glucose sensing. This region responds to glucose in the 15‐day larvae, suggesting that the energy status sensing CART circuits is active early in development. The pattern of CART expression in zebrafish suggests conserved evolutionary trends among vertebrate species. Developmental expression profiling reveals putative novel functions and establishes zebrafish as a model to investigate CART function in physiology and development. J. Comp. Neurol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new synthetic TLR4 agonist, GLA, allows dendritic cells targeted with antigen to elicit Th1 T‐cell immunity in vivo
Authors: Pantel Austin , Cheong Cheolho , Dandamudi Durga , Shrestha Elina , Mehandru Saurabh , Brane Luke , Ruane Darren , Teixeira Angela , Bozzacco Leonia , Steinman Ralph M. , Longhi M. Paula
Published: October 2011

Protein‐based vaccines offer safety and cost advantages but require adjuvants to induce immunity. Here we examined the adjuvant capacity of glucopyranosyl lipid A (GLA), a new synthetic non‐toxic analogue of lipopolysaccharide. In mice, in comparison with non‐formulated LPS and monophosphoryl lipid A, formulated GLA induced higher antibody titers and generated Type 1 T‐cell responses to HIV gag‐p24 protein in spleen and lymph nodes, which was dependent on TLR4 expression. Immunization was greatly improved by targeting HIV gag p24 to DCs with an antibody to DEC‐205, a DC receptor for antigen uptake and processing. Subcutaneous immunization induced antigen‐specific T‐cell responses in the intestinal lamina propria. Immunity did not develop in mice transiently depleted of DCs. To understand how GLA works, we studied DCs directly from vaccinated mice. Within 4 h, GLA caused DCs to upregulate CD86 and CD40 and produce cytokines including IL‐12p70 in vivo. Importantly, DCs removed from mice 4 h after vaccination became immunogenic, capable of inducing T‐cell immunity upon injection into naïve mice. These data indicate that a synthetic and clinically feasible TLR4 agonist rapidly stimulates full maturation of DCs in vivo, allowing for adaptive immunity to develop many weeks to months later.
Cover Picture: Eur. J. Immunol. 9/11
Authors: Gordon Siamon , Hamann Jörg , Lin Hsi‐Hsien , Stacey Martin
Published: October 2011

This month's cover depicts, by virtue of the scales, the balance of experts' opinions that are provided in the featured Macrophage Viewpoint series. Superimposed on the scales are cartoon drawings of the different macrophage subtypes (classical, alternative and regulatory) discussed by Fleming and Mosser (pp. 2498–2502); the background is kindly provided by Joan Stein‐Streilein and is reprinted with permission from Faunce, D. E. et al., J. Immunol. 2001. 166: 313–321 (© 2001 The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.). The background shows migrating F4/80+ APCs (pink) forming clusters with NKT and B cells in the marginal zone of mouse spleen, in the ACAID model of peripheral tolerance. The F4/80 antigen is discussed in the Viewpoint by Siamon Gordon et al. (pp. 2472–2476), and the paper first describing the F4/80 antibody features as one of the EJI classics on the EJI homepage (www.eji‐journal.eu).
Bioactive compounds in unsaponifiable fraction of oils from unconventional sources
Authors: Czaplicki Sylwester , Ogrodowska Dorota , Derewiaka Dorota , Tańska Małgorzata , Zadernowski Ryszard
Published: October 2011

The aim of the research was to characterize bioactive components of unsaponifiable fraction of selected unconventional oils. Nine oils were analyzed as far as the content of tocopherols, squalene, phenolic compounds, and sterols were concerned. Tocopherols and squalene were analyzed by HPLC coupled with diode array detector and fluorescent detector (HPLC‐DAD‐FLD). The content of sterols in oils was determined by GC coupled with MS (GC‐MS). The total amount of phenolic compounds in oils was determined by the colorimetric methods using Folin–Ciocalteau phenol reagent. The examined oils were characterized by differentiated amount of particular forms of tocopherols. The oil obtained from the seeds of amaranth was the richest source of squalene (over 52 mg/g oil). The presence of 22 different compounds of sterols were identified, whereas β‐sitosterol was found in the largest amount. Total amount of sterols in the oils ranged from 90 (walnut) to 850 mg/100 g (evening primrose). Significant differentiation of total amount of phenolic compounds was observed in the examined oils. Evening primrose oil showed the highest amount of phenolic compounds (679 mg/kg). The presented results prove that plant oils obtained from nonconventional sources are a potential source of bioactive compounds.
Regio‐ and Stereocontrolled Synthesis of 2d‐Deoxy Lewisx Pentasaccharide
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Dong Dengxiang , Qu Huanhuan , Sollogoub Matthieu , Zhang Yongmin
Published: October 2011

The total synthesis of 2d‐deoxy Lewisx pentasaccharide is described. Ethyl 2‐O‐acetyl‐3,4,6‐tri‐O‐benzyl‐1‐thio‐α,β‐D‐galactopyranoside was condensed with a diol of glucosamine to regio‐ and stereoselectively give the disaccharide, the C‐2′ position was then reduced after stereoselective fucosylation to afford a Lewisx trisaccharide analogue. Regioselective glycosylation of a known lactoside diol with this trisaccharide provided a pentasaccharide that, after deprotection, gave the target pentasaccharide.
Palladium(0)‐Catalyzed Reaction of Cyclopropylidenecycloalkanes with Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Chen Kai , Jiang Min , Zhang Zhen , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: October 2011

Cyclopropylidenecycloalkanes, which are highly strained methylenecyclopropane (MCPs) containing a cycloalkane moiety, react with carbon dioxide smoothly to give the corresponding five‐membered lactone derivatives in moderate to good yields through a cyclopropane ring‐opening process in the presence of Pd0 catalyst and PCy3 upon heating under 40 atm of CO2. The relative configuration of the major diastereomers has been determined and a plausible reaction mechanism has also been proposed.
Molecular Diversity of the Three‐Component Reactions of N‐Benzylbenzimidazolium Salts, Aromatic Aldehydes, and Active Methylene Compounds
Authors: Hui Li , Jin Yu‐Xiu , Wang Jin‐Xiu , Yan Chao‐Guo
Published: October 2011

The three‐component reactions of in‐situ‐formed N‐benzylbenzimidazolium salts, aromatic aldehydes, and active methylene compounds in the presence of triethylamine showed very interesting molecular diversity. The reactions with Meldrum's acid or barbiturate in acetonitrile gave a series of the novel zwitterionic salts in high yields. Under similar reaction conditions, the reactions with malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate produced functionalized pyrrolo[1,2‐a]benzimidazoles in good yields with an unprecedented regioselectivity.
Online combination of reversed‐phase/reversed‐phase and porous graphitic carbon liquid chromatography for multicomponent separation of proteomics and glycoproteomics samples
Authors: Lam Maggie P. Y. , Lau Edward , Siu S. O. , Ng Dominic C. M. , Kong Ricky P. W. , Chiu Philip C. N. , Yeung William S. B. , Lo Clive , Chu Ivan K.
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we describe an online combination of reversed‐phase/reversed‐phase (RP–RP) and porous graphitic carbon (PGC) liquid chromatography (LC) for multicomponent analysis of proteomics and glycoproteomics samples. The online RP–RP portion of this system provides comprehensive 2‐D peptide separation based on sequence hydrophobicity at pH 2 and 10. Hydrophilic components (e.g. glycans, glycopeptides) that are not retained by RP are automatically diverted downstream to a PGC column for further trapping and separation. Furthermore, the RP–RP/PGC system can provide simultaneous extension of the hydropathy range and peak capacity for analysis. Using an 11‐protein mixture, we found that the system could efficiently separate native peptides and released N‐glycans from a single sample. We evaluated the applicability of the system to the analysis of complex biological samples using 25 μg of the lysate of a human choriocarcinoma cell line (BeWo), confidently identifying a total of 1449 proteins from a single experiment and up to 1909 distinct proteins from technical triplicates. The PGC fraction increased the sequence coverage through the inclusion of additional hydrophilic sequences that accounted for up to 6.9% of the total identified peptides from the BeWo lysate, with apparent preference for the detection of hydrophilic motifs and proteins. In addition, RP–RP/PGC is applicable to the analysis of complex glycomics samples, as demonstrated by our analysis of a concanavalin A‐extracted glycoproteome from human serum; in total, 134 potentially N‐glycosylated serum proteins, 151 possible N‐glycosylation sites, and more than 40 possible N‐glycan structures recognized by concanavalin A were simultaneously detected.
Rapid species identification of seafood spoilage and pathogenic Gram‐positive bacteria by MALDI‐TOF mass fingerprinting
Authors: Böhme Karola , Fernández‐No Inmaculada C. , Barros‐Velázquez Jorge , Gallardo Jose M. , Cañas Benito , Calo‐Mata Pilar
Published: October 2011

The rapid identification of food pathogenic and spoilage bacteria is important to ensure food quality and safety. Seafood contaminated with pathogenic bacteria is one of the major causes of food intoxications, and the rapid spoilage of seafood products results in high economic losses. In this study, a collection of the main seafood pathogenic and spoilage Gram‐positive bacteria was compiled, including Bacillus spp., Listeria spp., Clostridium spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Carnobacterium spp. The strains, belonging to 20 different species, were obtained from the culture collections and studied by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). A reference library was created, including the spectral fingerprints of 32 reference strains and the extracted peak lists with 10–30 peak masses. Genus‐specific as well as species‐specific peak masses were assigned and could serve as biomarkers for the rapid bacterial identification. Furthermore, the peak mass lists were clustered with the web‐application SPECLUST to show the phyloproteomic relationships among the studied strains. Afterwards, the method was successfully applied to identify six strains isolated from seafood by comparison with the reference library. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene was carried out and contrasted with the proteomic approach. This is the first time MALDI‐TOF MS fingerprinting is applied to Gram‐positive bacterial identification in seafood, being a fast and accurate technique to ensure seafood quality and safety.
Protonated diamines as anion‐binding agents and their utility in capillary electrophoresis separations
Authors: Noblitt Scott D. , Speights Rachel M. , Henry Charles S.
Published: October 2011

Capillary zone electrophoresis is a proven method for separating small ions because of the inherent charge and differences in mobility of these analytes. Despite its resolving power, CZE can be insufficient for separating ions with similar mobilities. One remedy is to modify mobilities via the addition of background electrolyte complexation agents. However, this approach is not straightforward for inorganic anions, which lack complexation options. To address this shortfall, the diprotonated diamine moiety was investigated for complexation of dianions. Dicationic diamines significantly complexed dianions, and this interaction was not purely electrostatic in nature because affinities varied with dianion identity. Aqueous association constants were measured with affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE) and found to be similar in magnitude but different in selectivity to those of dianions with magnesium ion. Binding was also investigated for zwitterionic buffers containing the protonated diamine moiety. Zwitterions exhibited binding constants as high as 18 M−1 (30‐mM ionic strength). This work discusses the observed binding constants and their potential usefulness in CZE separations of inorganic anions. Also covered are improvements to ACE methodology and an evaluation of some of the assumptions employed.
Im Cyber‐Hamsterrad durch virtuelle Welten
Authors: Gantenberg Julia , Schill Kerstin , Zetzsche Christoph
Published: October 2011

„VirtuSphere”︁: Eine neuartige Experimentierplattform hilft besser zu verstehen, wie räumliche Informationen vom Menschen wahrgenommen und verarbeitet werden. Davon können die Planung und Realisierung von Roboter‐ und Assistenzsystemen profitieren.
Wissenschaft und Öffentlichkeit: eine stabile Beziehung?
Authors: Streier Eva‐Maria
Published: October 2011

Die langjährige Pressesprecherin der DFG übernimmt die Leitung des DFG‐Büros in New York. Bilanz nach 25 Jahren Wissenschaftskommunikation: „Wir sind auf gutem Wege.”︁
Executive dysfunction and treatment response in late‐life depression
Authors: Pimontel Monique A. , Culang‐Reinlieb Michelle E. , Morimoto Sarah S. , Sneed Joel R.
Published: October 2011

Objectives

Executive dysfunction in geriatric depression has been shown to predict poor response to antidepressant medication. The purpose of this review is to clarify which aspects of executive functioning predict poor antidepressant treatment response.

Methods

Literature review.

Results

From our review, the aspects of executive functioning that appear to be associated with antidepressant response rates are verbal fluency and response inhibition. There is some indication that the semantic strategy component may account for the effects of verbal fluency, although evidence comes from one study and needs replication. Processing speed has been proposed as a substrate that may underlie the effects of executive dysfunction on treatment response. Although processing speed does not appear to account for the relationship between response inhibition and treatment outcome, this issue has yet to be assessed with respect to verbal fluency.

Conclusions

Verbal fluency and response inhibition are specific aspects of executive dysfunction that appear to impact antidepressant response rates. Disruption of the frontostriatal limbic circuit (particularly the anterior cingulate and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) may explain the relation between these two mechanisms. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social responsibility, global strategy, and the multinational enterprise: global monitory democracy and the meaning of place and space
Authors: Devinney Timothy M.
Published: October 2011

Drawing on scholarship in a wide range of disciplines, this article examines how and where social responsibility can be accommodated within existing global strategy theory. It queries how the evolving global sociopolitical geography fundamentally alters key areas of research and what this may imply about the long‐term veracity of our theories. It is argued that the same forces that have fostered the revolution in information technology are changing the fundamental meaning of place and space and with it the ability of new monitory forces to arise that put pressure on conventional modes of governance and control, particularly with respect to global institutions and multinational enterprises.
Reverse innovation, emerging markets, and global strategy
Authors: Govindarajan Vijay , Ramamurti Ravi
Published: October 2011

‘Reverse innovation’ refers to the case where an innovation is adopted first in poor (emerging) economies before ‘trickling up’ to rich countries. Although examples of reverse innovation are still rare, it raises interesting theoretical questions, such as what kinds of innovation emerging economies are likely to spawn, why such innovations might diffuse to rich countries, what competitive advantages local and foreign firms enjoy in this process, and how it affects the global strategy and organization of established MNEs. Research on reverse innovation can enrich and extend mainstream theories of innovation, internationalization, MNE management, and FDI spillovers.
Reaction of Primary Alkylamines, Heterocumulenes, and Isatoic Anhydride, Catalyzed by Magnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles in H2O
Authors: Yavari Issa , Beheshti Saeideh
Published: October 2011

An efficient protocol for the one‐pot reaction of isatoic anhydride (=1,2‐dihydro‐4H‐3,1‐benzoxazine‐2,4‐dione), primary alkylamines, and heterocumulenes (isothiocyanates and isocyanates) in H2O catalyzed by magnetically recoverable Fe3O4 nanoparticles is described.
Acetylenic Tetrathiafulvalene Scaffolds – Intramolecular Charge‐Transfer Molecules
Authors: Lincke Kasper , Christensen Mikkel Andreas , Diederich François , Nielsen Mogens Brøndsted
Published: October 2011

Two tetrathiafulvalene‐functionalized acetylenic scaffolds were synthesized by GlaserHay and Sonogashira coupling reactions; the one scaffold was based on a central dehydroannulene core and the other on a tetraethynylethene core. Peripheral propyl groups on the tetrathiafulvalenes ascertained solubility. The compounds are strong donoracceptor chromophores and exhibit characteristic charge‐transfer absorptions according to UV/VIS absorption spectroscopy. Furthermore, the redox properties were investigated by cyclic and differential‐pulse voltammetries. The experiments allow for a direct comparison between the acceptor strengths of the two acetylenic cores, and the conclusions are supported by electron‐affinity calculations.
Synthesis and Selected Reactions of Hydrazides Containing an Imidazole Moiety
Authors: Mlostoń Grzegorz , Pieczonka Adam Marek , Kowalczyk Ewelina , Linden Anthony , Heimgartner Heinz
Published: October 2011

The preparation of two types of imidazole derivatives bearing a hydrazide group was achieved by treatment of the corresponding esters with NH2NH2⋅H2O in MeOH at room temperature. In the case of 4‐(ethoxycarbonyl)‐1H‐imidazole 3‐oxides 3, hydrazides of type 1 were formed with retention of the N‐oxide structure (Scheme 1). Interestingly, due to a strong H‐bonding, no deoxygenation of the N→O function could be achieved even by treatment of 3 with Raney‐Ni. The second type, 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)sulfanyl]acetohydrazides 2, was obtained from 1H‐imidazole‐2(3H)‐thiones 4 in two steps via S‐alkylation with methyl bromoacetate, followed by treatment with NH2NH2⋅H2O (Scheme 2). An imidazole 7, containing both types of hydrazide groups, was prepared analogously from ethyl 2,3‐dihydro‐2‐thioxo‐1H‐imidazole‐4‐carboxylate 4d (Scheme 4). Both types of hydrazides, 1 and 2, were transformed successfully to the corresponding acylhydrazones 8 and 9, respectively (Scheme 5). Furthermore, it has been shown that hydrazides of type 1 are useful starting materials for the synthesis of 1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiones 11 and 1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐amines 12, bearing an imidazole 3‐oxide moiety (Scheme 7).
Peristaltic flow of a Phan‐Thien‐Tanner nanofluid in a diverging tube
Authors: Akbar Noreen Sher , Nadeem S.
Published: October 2011

The present study examines the peristaltic flow of a PTT nanofluid in a diverging tube. This is the first article on the PTT peristaltic flow in nanofluid. The governing equations for PTT nanofluid are modelled in a cylindrical coordinates system. The flow is investigated in a wave frame of reference moving with velocity of the wave c1. Temperature and nanoparticle equations are coupled so the homotopy perturbation method is used to calculate the solutions of temperature and nanoparticle equations, while exact solutions have been evaluated for the velocity profile and pressure gradient. The solutions analyze the Brownian motion number Nb, thermophoresis number Nt, local temperature Grashof number Br, and local nanoparticle Grashof number Gr. The effects of various physical parameters of the model are investigated and discussed. It is observed that the pressure rise decreases with the increase in thermophoresis number Nt. Increases are noted in the Brownian motion parameter Nb and the thermophoresis parameter Nt as the temperature profile increases. Streamlines have been plotted at the end of the article. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20386
Evolution of bisphosphonate-related atypical fracture retrospectively observed with DXA scanning
Authors: Ahlman Mark A , Rissing Michael S , Gordon Leonie
Published: October 2011

We present a case of a 61-year-old female with history of long-term bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis initially diagnosed by screening dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). After 4 years of treatment with bisphosphonates, the patient presented to primary care with left hip pain. Diagnostic hip radiographs were interpreted as normal, and she continued to take bisphosphonates. Two months later, she experienced a complete transverse subtrochanteric left femur fracture after minimal trauma. The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Review of the patient's postoperative films revealed lateral subtrochanteric cortical beaking at the fracture. This type of “atypical” fracture has been reported to be a result of chronic bisphosphonate-associated fractures with high specificity. In addition, the right femur also showed cortical beaking with a horizontal linear lucency in an identical location, suggesting an impending fracture. Longitudinal review of the both diagnostic radiographs as well as DXA images shows a stepwise development of these subtrochanteric abnormalities in both femurs. A current hypothesis regarding the pathophysiology of bisphosphonate-associated fracture is that the medication inhibits bone turnover and repair of microscopic trauma. A cycle of defective repair and continual microtrauma compounded over time gradually weakens the bone and creates an architectural conduit for transverse or “atypical” fracture. Standard practice is not to use DXA as a diagnostic “image.” We present this case to show that a common location and classic appearance of subtrochanteric bisphosphonate-associated fractures may be clearly visualized on absorptiometry images long before fracture. This observation is important because the majority of patients taking bisphosphonate therapy also receive regular DXA imaging. Because of the chronicity of standard bone-density monitoring for these patients throughout their treatment regimen, DXA may find a role for early detection of cortical abnormalities. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
A Phex mutation in a murine model of X-linked hypophosphatemia alters phosphate responsiveness of bone cells
Authors: Ichikawa Shoji , Austin Anthony M , Gray Amie K , Econs Michael J
Published: October 2011

Mutations in the PHEX gene cause X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). Hypophosphatemia in XLH results from increased circulating levels of a phosphaturic hormone, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), which inhibits renal phosphate reabsorption and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol) synthesis. The current standard therapy for XLH—high-dose phosphate and calcitriol—further increases FGF23 concentrations, suggesting that patients with XLH may have an altered response to extracellular phosphate. To test for the presence of abnormal phosphate responsiveness, we compared serum biochemistries and femoral Fgf23 mRNA expression between wild-type mice, murine models of XLH (PhexK496X) and hyperphosphatemic tumoral calcinosis (Galnt3−/−), and Galnt3/Phex double-mutant mice. Phex mutant mice had not only increased Fgf23 expression but also reduced proteolytic cleavage of intact Fgf23 protein, resulting in markedly elevated intact Fgf23 levels and consequent hypophosphatemia. In contrast, despite markedly increased Fgf23 expression, Galnt3 knockout mice had significantly high proteolytic cleavage of Fgf23 protein, leading to low intact Fgf23 concentrations and hyperphosphatemia. Galnt3/Phex double-mutant mice had an intermediate biochemical phenotype between wild-type and Phex mutant mice, including slightly elevated intact Fgf23 concentrations with milder hypophosphatemia. Despite the hypophosphatemia, double-mutant mice attempted to reduce serum phosphate back to the level of Phex mutant mice by upregulating Fgf23 expression as much as 24-fold higher than Phex mutant mice. These data suggest that Phex mutations alter the responsiveness of bone cells to extracellular phosphate concentrations and may create a lower set point for “normal” phosphate levels. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research