bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Summary of ‘Rapid viral diagnosis for acute febrile respiratory illness in children in the Emergency Department’
Authors: Office Evidence‐Based Child Health Editorial
Published: September 2010

This is a summary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Doan Q, Enarson P, Kissoon N, Klassen TP, Johnson DW. Rapid viral diagnosis for acute febrile respiratory illness in children in the Emergency Department. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD006452. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006452.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Commentary. Copyright © 2010 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Summary of ‘Dietary interventions for recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in childhood’
Authors: Office Evidence‐Based Child Health Editorial
Published: September 2010

This is a summary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Huertas‐Ceballos AA, Logan S, Bennett C, Macarthur C. Dietary interventions for recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in childhood. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD003019. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003019.pub3.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Commentary. Copyright © 2010 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentaries on ‘Dietary interventions for recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in childhood’
Authors: Michail Sonia , Stolfi Adrienne , Slavin Joanne L.
Published: September 2010

These are commentaries on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Huertas‐Ceballos AA, Logan S, Bennett C, Macarthur C. Dietary interventions for recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in childhood. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD003019. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003019.pub3.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2010 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Spectroscopic Characterization and Competitive Inhibition Studies of Azide Binding to a Functional NOR Model
Authors: Yang Ying , Dey Abhishek , Decréau Richard A.
Published: September 2010

Azide binding to a functional nitric oxide reductase (NOR) model has been investigated in its mixed‐valence (LFeIIIFeII and LFeIIFeIII) and fully oxidized (LFeIIIFeIII) forms. FTIR and EPR spectroscopic methods indicate that azide binds in a bridging mode between the heme iron and the non‐heme iron sites. Terminal azide binding at both heme and non‐heme centers is also identified with the reactions of azide and the dinuclear compounds LFeIII/ZnII and LZnII/FeIII: the bound azide at the ferric heme center exhibits a vibrational frequency at 2007 cm–1 in the FTIR, while the bound azide at the ferric non‐heme site shows a band at 2055 cm–1. The reactivity of nitric oxide with the model compounds in the presence of excess azide was investigated. It is demonstrated that azide does not inhibit NO binding to the fully reduced catalyst but binds the FeB tightly in both the mixed‐valence and the fully oxidized states. These results further support the proposal that a bis‐ferrous instead of a mixed‐valence state is the active form of NOR.
Highly Active Nickel Nanoparticles Supported on TiO2 Nanotube Electrodes for Methanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Hosseini M. G. , Momeni M. M. , Faraji M.
Published: September 2010

Nickel nanoparticles/TiO2 nanotubes/Ti electrodes were prepared by galvanic deposition of nickel nanoparticles on the TiO2 nanotubes layer on titanium substrates. Titanium oxide nanotubes were fabricated by anodizing titanium foil in a DMSO fluoride‐containing electrolyte. The morphology and surface characteristics of titanium dioxide nanotubes and Ni/TiO2/Ti electrodes were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, respectively. The results indicated that nickel nanoparticles were homogeneously deposited on the surface of TiO2 nanotubes. The electrocatalytic behaviour of nickel nanoparticles/TiO2/Ti electrodes for the methanol electrooxidation was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry methods. The results showed that Ni/TiO2/Ti electrodes exhibit a considerably higher electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of methanol.
Graphene and Nanogold‐Functionalized Immunosensing Interface with Enhanced Sensitivity for One‐Step Electrochemical Immunoassay of Alpha‐Fetoprotein in Human Serum
Authors: Su Biling , Tang Juan , Huang Jianxin , Yang Huanghao , Qiu Bin , Chen Guonan , Tang Dianping
Published: September 2010

A new electrochemical immunosensing protocol for sensitive detection of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP, as a model) in human serum was developed by means of immobilization of horseradish peroxidase‐anti‐AFP conjugates (HRP‐anti‐AFP) onto graphene and nanogold‐functionalized biomimetic interfaces. The low‐toxic and high‐conductive graphene complex provided a large capacity for nanoparticulate immobilization and a facile pathway for electron transfer. With a one‐step immunoassay format, the antigen‐antibody complex was formed between the immobilized HRP‐anti‐AFP on the electrode and AFP in the sample. The formed immunocomplex was coated on the electrode surface, inhibited partly the active center of HRP, and decreased the catalytic reduction of HRP toward the enzyme substrate of H2O2. Under optimal conditions, the decrease of reduction currents was proportional to AFP concentration, and the dynamic range was 1.0–10 ng/mL with a relative‐low detection limit (LOD) of 0.7 ng/mL AFP. Intra‐ and inter‐assay coefficients of variation (CVs) were less than 10 %. The assay was evaluated for clinical human serum samples, including 8 (possible) patients with hepatocarcinoma and 3 normal human sera. Correct identification of negative/positive samples and perfect accordance with results from Elecsys 2010 Electrochemiluminescent Automatic Analyzer as a reference was obtained. Importantly, the graphene and nanogold‐based sensor provided a promising platform for the detection of other biocompounds, and could be further applied for development of other potential electrochemical bio/chemosensors.
Discovering the somatotopic organization of the motor areas of the medial wall using low‐frequency bold fluctuations
Authors: Cauda Franco , Giuliano Geminiani , Federico D'Agata , Sergio Duca , Katiuscia Sacco
Published: September 2010

This study explored the somatotopy of the motor areas of the medial wall of the cerebral hemisphere, in the human brain. In a sample of 16 healthy participants, we drew 9 regions of interest (ROI) over the primary motor area (M1), each corresponding to a well‐known somatic representation. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated the resting state functional connectivity between each selected ROI and the motor areas of the medial wall. The main finding was the identification of a rostrocaudal gradient of connectivity in which the more we move from cranial to caudal body representation areas in M1, the more the corresponding connected area in the medial wall is shifted rostrocaudally, confirming the somatotopic schema found in the SMA. We also reanalyzed data obtained in a previous experiment, we performed using hand and foot motor tasks; the reanalysis consisted in traditional BOLD and functional connectivity analyses. Finally, we performed a meta‐analysis of 28 studies of hand and foot motor tasks, mapping their cerebral representations using the tools provided by the Brainmap database. All data converge in confirming a somatotopic representation of the medial wall motor areas, with hand representation placed more rostrally and ventrally than that of the foot. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Abnormal bone remodeling in patients with spontaneous painful vertebral fracture
Authors: Parfitt Michael , Qiu Shijing , Palnitkar Saroj , Rao D Sudhaker
Published: September 2010

The application of tetracycline-based iliac bone histomorphometry to the study of the pathogenesis of osteoporosis has given conflicting results. Accordingly, we performed this procedure in 78 postmenopausal white women with one or more vertebral fractures identified according to rigorous criteria that excluded other causes of vertebral deformity and 66 healthy postmenopausal white women recruited from the same geographic region; the groups did not differ in age or weight. In each subject, measurements were made separately on the cancellous (Cn), endocortical (Ec), and intracortical (Ct) subdivisions of the endosteal envelope. In the fracture patients, osteoblast surface was reduced substantially on each subdivision, most markedly on the Cn surface, where about 25% of the deficit was in cuboidal (type II) osteoblasts, suggesting impaired recruitment; the remaining 75% of the deficit was in intermediate (type III) cells, suggesting earlier transition from type III to type IV (flat) cells. On the Ec and Ct surfaces, the deficit was exclusively in type III cells. Mean bone formation rate was reduced by about 18% on the Cn but not on the Ec or Ct surfaces. The deficit was more significant in subjects matched for Cn BV/TV when adjusted for the inverse regression on osteocyte density and after logarithmic transformation. The difference in bone formation rate resulted from a corresponding reduction in wall thickness without a change in activation frequency. The frequency distribution of bone formation rate was more skewed to the left in the fracture patients than in the controls. Osteoclast surface was significantly lower on each subdivision. The variation in osteoblast surface, bone formation rate, and osteoclast surface was significantly greater in the fracture patients than in the controls, with more abnormally low and abnormally high values. The data suggest the following conclusions: (1) The histologic heterogeneity of postmenopausal osteoporosis is reaffirmed; (2) the different subdivisions of the endosteal envelope, although in continuity, behave differently in health and disease; (3) a combination of defective osteoblast recruitment and premature osteoblast apoptosis would account for the deficit in type II and III cells and the reductions in wall thickness and bone formation rate on the Cn surface and the previously reported osteocyte deficiency in Cn bone; (4) premature disaggregation of multinuclear to mononuclear resorbing cells could account for the osteoclast deficit; and (5) some patients with vertebral fracture have one or another disorder of bone remodeling that at present cannot be identified by noninvasive means. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Double disruption of α2A- and α2C -adrenoceptors results in sympathetic hyperactivity and high-bone-mass phenotype
Authors: Fonseca Tatiana L , Jorgetti Vanda , Costa Cristiane C , Capelo Luciane P , Covarrubias Ambart E , Moulatlet Ana C , Teixeira Marilia B , Hesse Eric , Morethson Priscilla , Beber Eduardo H , Freitas Fatima R , Wang Charles C , Nonaka Keico O , Oliveira Ricardo , Casarini Dulce E , Zorn Telma M , Brum Patricia C , Gouveia Cecilia H
Published: September 2010

Evidence demonstrates that sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation causes osteopenia via β2-adrenoceptor (β2-AR) signaling. Here we show that female mice with chronic sympathetic hyperactivity owing to double knockout of adrenoceptors that negatively regulate norepinephrine release, α2A-AR and α2C-AR (α2A/α2C-ARKO), present an unexpected and generalized phenotype of high bone mass with decreased bone resorption and increased formation. In α2A/α2C-ARKO versus wild-type (WT) mice, micro–computed tomographic (µCT) analysis showed increased, better connected, and more plate-shaped trabeculae in the femur and vertebra and increased cortical thickness in the vertebra, whereas biomechanical analysis showed increased tibial and femoral strength. Tibial mRNA expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) and receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), which are osteoclast-related factors, was lower in knockout (KO) mice. Plasma leptin and brain mRNA levels of cocaine amphetamine–regulated transcript (CART), which are factors that centrally affect bone turnover, and serum levels of estradiol were similar between mice strains. Tibial β2-AR mRNA expression also was similar in KO and WT littermates, whereas α2A-, α2B- and α2C-AR mRNAs were detected in the tibia of WT mice and in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. By immunohistochemistry, we detected α2A-, α2B-, α2C- and β2-ARs in osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and chondrocytes of 18.5-day-old mouse fetuses and 35-day-old mice. Finally, we showed that isolated osteoclasts in culture are responsive to the selective α2-AR agonist clonidine and to the nonspecific α-AR antagonist phentolamine. These findings suggest that β2-AR is not the single adrenoceptor involved in bone turnover regulation and show that α2-AR signaling also may mediate the SNS actions in the skeleton. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Oil production by a consortium of oleaginous microorganisms grown on primary effluent wastewater
Authors: Hall Jacqueline , Hetrick Mary , French Todd , Hernandez Rafael , Donaldson Janet , Mondala Andro , Holmes William
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND: Municipal wastewater could be a potential growth medium that has not been considered for cultivating oleaginous microorganisms. This study is designed to determine if a consortium of oleaginous microorganism can successfully compete for carbon and other nutrients with the indigenous microorganisms contained in primary effluent wastewater.

RESULTS: The oleaginous consortium inoculated with indigenous microorganisms reached stationary phase within 24 h, reaching a maximum cell concentration of 0.58 g L−1. Water quality post‐oleaginous consortium growth reached a maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction of approximately 81%, supporting the consumption of the glucose within 8 h. The oleaginous consortium increased the amount of oil produced per gram by 13% compared with indigenous microorganisms in raw wastewater. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results show a substantial population increase in bacteria within the first 24 h when the consortium is inoculated into raw wastewater.

CONCLUSION: This result, along with the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) results, suggests that conditions tested were not sufficient for the oleaginous consortium to compete with the indigenous microorganisms. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
An efficient protocol for the one‐pot synthesis of 4‐(2‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)‐3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones/thiones catalyzed by Mg(NO3)2
Authors: Liu Chenjiang , Zhao Xinhai , Li Yanping
Published: September 2010

A series of novel 4‐(2‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)‐3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones/thiones were prepared by condensing 2‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐4‐formyl‐1,2,3‐triazole with 1,3‐dicarbonyl compound and urea or thiourea using Mg(NO3)2 as an efficient and cheap catalyst. The satisfactory results were obtained with excellent yields and short reaction time. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
A divergent synthesis of dihydropyridazinones, N‐substituted dihydropyrazoles, and O‐substituted pyrazoles
Authors: Masumoto Eiichi , Maruoka Hiroshi , Okabe Fumi , Nishida Sho , Yoshimura Yuki , Fujioka Toshihiro , Yamagata Kenji
Published: September 2010

Dihydropyridazinones 4a, 4b, N‐substituted dihydropyrazoles 5b, 5c, 5d, and O‐substituted pyrazoles 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d have been synthesized starting from spirocyclopropanepyrazole derivative 2. Treatment of 2 with α‐chloro esters, e.g., methyl chloroacetate, ethyl chloroacetate, isopropyl chloroacetate, and tert‐butyl chloroacetate, in potassium carbonate/sodium iodide system caused ring opening and subsequent C‐ or N‐attack nucleophilic substitution to give the corresponding dihydropyridazinones 4a, 4b and N‐substituted dihydropyrazoles 5b, 5c, 5d. On the other hand, in the absence of sodium iodide, O‐substituted pyrazoles 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d were obtained from 2 via an O‐attack nucleophilic substitution. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 2011.
Aflatoxin determination in commonly consumed foods in Tunisia
Authors: Ghali Ridha , Khlifa Karima H , Ghorbel Hayat , Maaroufi Khira , Hedilli Abderrazak
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND: To investigate natural aflatoxin occurrence, a total of 180 samples of different foods widely consumed in Tunisia were analysed by an in‐house‐validated high‐performance liquid chromatography method including affinity column clean‐up and post‐column bromination techniques.

RESULTS: The method used appeared to be rapid, selective and reproducible, and its performances were established. Detection limits were 0.05 ng g−1 for aflatoxin B1 and 0.025 ng g−1 for aflatoxins B2, G1 and G2. Aflatoxins were detected in all investigated commodities except rice, with an overall contamination frequency of 34.4% and concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 40.6 ng g−1. Aflatoxin B1 was found in all contaminated samples. Sorghum, spices and nuts were most contaminated.

CONCLUSION: This study has provided an effective analytical method for the reliable determination of aflatoxins in food samples. Over one‐third of the samples investigated were contaminated with aflatoxins. Sorghum, spices and nuts were most contaminated, whereas rice showed no contamination. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Predicting factors of unexpected peritoneal seeding in locally advanced gastric cancer: Indications for staging laparoscopy
Authors: Hur Hoon , Lee Han Hong , Jung Hun , Song Kyo Young , Jeon Hae Myung , Park Cho Hyun
Published: September 2010

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate predictive factors for unexpected peritoneal seeding from clinically resectable advanced gastric cancers to suggest the indications for staging laparoscopy (SL).

Methods

A total of consecutive 589 gastric cancer patients who were clinically diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer with no metastatic disease underwent operations at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital.

Results

A total of 72 patients (including 35 patients with seeding to distant peritoneum) were surgically diagnosed with peritoneal seeding. Borrmann type 3 (OR: 4.475) or type 4 (OR: 8.243) cancer, tumor invasion of T3 (OR: 2.794) or T4 (OR: 6.841) and tumor size (4 cm ≤ tumor size < 8 cm; OR: 3.723 and 8 cm ≤ tumor size; OR: 6.971) were predictive factors for overall peritoneal seeding. Borrmann type 3 (OR: 3.524) or 4 (OR: 4.695) cancer, tumor invasion of T3 (OR: 4.378) or T4 (OR: 15.817), and tumors involving the anterior wall (OR: 2.762) also turned out to be predictive factors for distant peritoneal seeding.

Conclusions

If SL were performed by these predictive factors, this should have been performed in 42.4% of advanced gastric cancers and the detection rates for overall peritoneal seeding would have been 24.0%. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:753–757. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peptide‐mediated targeted drug delivery
Authors: Majumdar Sumit , Siahaan Teruna J.
Published: September 2010

Targeted drug delivery to specific group of cells offers an attractive strategy to minimize the undesirable side effects and achieve the therapeutic effect with a lower dose. Both linear and cyclic peptides have been explored as trafficking moiety due to ease of synthesis, structural simplicity, and low probability of undesirable immunogenicity. Peptides derived from sequence of cell surface proteins, such as intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), LHRH, Bombesin, and LFA‐1, have shown potent binding affinity to the target cell surface receptors. Moreover, peptides derived from ICAM‐1 receptor can be internalized by the leukemic T‐cells along with the conjugated moiety offering the promise to selectively treat cancers and autoimmune diseases. Systematic analyses have revealed that physicochemical properties of the drug–peptide conjugates and their mechanism of receptor‐mediated cellular internalization are important controlling factors for developing a successful targeting system. This review is focused on understanding the factors involved in the development of an effective drug–peptide conjugate with an emphasis on the chemistry and biology of the conjugates. Reported results on several promising drug–peptide conjugates have been critically evaluated. The approaches and results presented here will serve as a guide to systematically approach targeted delivery of cytotoxic drug molecules using peptides for treatment of several diseases. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 32, No. 3, 637‐658, 2012
Coupling heat conduction and water–steam flow in a saturated porous medium
Authors: Muhieddine M. , Canot É. , March R. , Delannay R.
Published: September 2010

This paper is devoted to the simulation of water forced evaporation in a porous saturated medium in a 3D‐axisymmetric domain by resolution of partial differential algebraic equations (PDAE) that are encountered in different engineering applications. The goal of this paper is an attempt to present effective realizations, in order to determine the minimal duration of burning for prehistoric occupations. This multidisciplinary work includes scientists in Mathematics, Physics and Archaeology. The model proposed here couples the heat conduction in a water saturated soil with the water steam flow in the medium. We propose an efficient and robust global numerical method, based on a method of lines and differential algebraic equations (DAE) solvers, combined with a Newton method using a powerful sparse linear solver. After a brief overview of classes for numerical techniques applied for moving boundary problems, the Apparent Heat Capacity method (AHC) is used, and in order to validate our codes, a comparison with experiments is done. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cross Canada survey of sperm banking practices in pediatric oncology centers
Authors: Chong Amy Lee , Gupta Abha , Punnett Angela , Nathan Paul C.
Published: September 2010

Background

Childhood cancer survivors have identified fertility preservation as a major concern. Sperm banking is an established fertility preservation option in pubertal males. We sought to describe current practices in Canadian pediatric oncology programs, and to identify perceived barriers to sperm banking for male adolescents.

Procedure

A questionnaire was developed to (1) describe current sperm banking practices and facilities; (2) report on the utilization of sperm banking; and (3) identify barriers to sperm banking and possible solutions to improve current practices. A healthcare professional with an interest in fertility preservation within each institution was approached to participate in the study.

Results

Fifteen of 16 institutions participated, 2 have fertility preservation teams. Only one has written guidelines or adolescent focused educational material. Over 2 years, 50/262 (19%) adolescents in 12 institutions successfully banked a specimen. In 11 of these, additional information was available: of 85/172 (49%) adolescents offered the option to bank, 38/85 (45%) subsequently attempted. Reported barriers to sperm banking included the pressure to start therapy and restricted banking hours. Formal education of healthcare providers in fertility preservation practices, provision of financial support for families, and an adolescent focused approach were identified as important initiatives to improve sperm banking.

Conclusions

There is a disparity in current sperm banking practices in Canada and at present, <25% of eligible male adolescents attempt to bank sperm. The development of a fertility preservation team, adolescent‐specific guidelines, adolescent friendly sperm banking units, financial support, and improving knowledge translation among professionals and patients may improve the rates of banking. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:1356–1361. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mitochondrial comparative proteomics of human ovarian cancer cells and their platinum‐resistant sublines
Authors: Dai Zhiqin , Yin Jie , He Haojie , Li Wenrui , Hou Chunmei , Qian Xiaohong , Mao Ning , Pan Lingya
Published: September 2010

Resistance to platinum‐based chemotherapy is the major obstacle to successful treatment of ovarian cancer. It is evident that mitochondrial defects and the dysfunctions of oxidative phosphorylation and energy production in ovarian cancer cells were directly related to their resistance to platinum drugs. Using 2‐D DIGE, we compared mitochondrial proteins from two platinum‐sensitive human ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3 and A2780) with that of four platinum‐resistant sublines (SKOV3/CDDP, SKOV3/CBP, A2780/CDDP, and A2780/CBP). Among the 236 differentially expressed spots, five mitochondrial proteins (ATP‐α, PRDX3, PHB, ETF, and ALDH) that participate in the electron transport respiratory chain were identified through mass spectrometry. All of them are downregulated in one or two of the platinum‐resistant cell lines. Three proteins (ATP‐α, PRDX3, and PHB) were validated by using western blot and immunohistochemistry. There is a significant decrease of PHB in tumor tissues from ovarian cancer patients who were resistant to platinum‐based chemotherapies. This is the first direct mitochondrial proteomic comparison between platinum‐sensitive and resistant ovarian cancer cells. These studies demonstrated that 2‐D DIGE‐based proteomic analysis could be a powerful tool to investigate limited mitochondrial proteins, and the association of PHB expression with platinum resistance indicates that mitochondria defects may contribute to platinum resistance in ovarian cancer cells.
Proteomic analysis of human gastric juice: A shotgun approach
Authors: Liang Cynthia R. M. Y. , Tan Sandra , Tan Hwee Tong , Lin Qingsong , Lim Teck Kwang , Liu Yi , Yeoh Khay Guan , So Jimmy , Chung Maxey C. M.
Published: September 2010

Gastric juice is the most proximal fluid surrounding the stomach tissue. The analysis of gastric juice protein contents will thus be able to accurately reflect the pathophysiology of the stomach. This biological fluid is also a potential reservoir of secreted biomarkers in higher concentration as compared to the serum. Unlike the rest of the gastrointestinal fluids, there were very few studies reported on gastric juice proteome. To date, the proteins that routinely populate this biofluid are largely unknown. This is partly due to the technical difficulties in processing a sample that contains a collection of other gastrointestinal fluids, especially saliva. In this study, we attempt to profile the protein components of the gastric fluids from chronic gastritis patients using a direct shotgun proteomics approach. These data represent the first report of the proteome of human gastric juice with gastritis background.
Towards an omnipotent “Artificial Nose”: detection and identification of alkylating agents using an optical sensor array
Authors: Borzin Elena , Shemesh Ariel , Hertzog‐Ronen Carmit , Gerchikov Yulia , Tessler Nir , Eichen Yoav
Published: September 2010

Alkylating agents are reactive, often simple, molecules that are frequently used in diverse fields such as medicine, agriculture, and organic synthesis. For over a century, some highly reactive alkylating agents are also being used as blister chemical warfare agents. The detection and identification of such alkylating agents is not a simple task because of their high reactivity and often simple structure. Here we report on a new approach for the detection and identification of such alkylating agents using a simple luminescence based array sensor that mimics the olfactory system. In order to demonstrate the potential of the approach, seven π‐conjugated oligomers and polymers bearing nucleophilic pyridine groups, 1‐7, were adsorbed onto a solid support and exposed to vapors of alkylators 8‐15. Applying principal component analysis to the alkylation induced color shift patterns of the seven‐spot array results with a clear discrimination of the different alkylators. The comparison of the data obtained from the sensor array with known response patterns allows the clear identification of the specific alkylator. The spots are sensitive to minute concentrations of alkylators and since the detection is based on the formation of new covalent bonds these spots saturate, within seconds even at about 50 ppb. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new near‐infrared switchable electrochromic polymer and its device application
Authors: Sefer Emre , Koyuncu Fatma Baycan , Oguzhan Eda , Koyuncu Sermet
Published: September 2010

A new near‐infrared switchable electrochromic polymer containing carbazole pendant (poly‐SNSC), synthesized by electrochemical polymerization of 2,5‐bis‐dithienyl‐1H‐pyrrole (SNS) main chain, has been prepared. The electrochemical and optical properties of SNSC monomer and its polymer have been investigated. Because of having two different electro‐donor moieties; that is, carbazole and SNS, SNSC gave two separate electrochemical oxidation and also light brown color of the film in the neutral state turn into gray on oxidation. An electrochromic device, contructed in the sandwich configuration [indium tin oxide (ITO)‐coated glass/anodically coloring polymer (poly‐SNSC)//gel electrolyte//cathodically coloring polymer (PEDOT)/ITO‐coated glass] and exhibited a high coloration efficiency (1216 cm2 C–1), a very short response time (about 0.3 s), low driving voltage, and a high redox stability. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Catalytic cyclopropanation of polybutadienes
Authors: Urbano Juan , Korthals Brigitte , Díaz‐Requejo M. Mar , Pérez Pedro J. , Mecking Stefan
Published: September 2010

Catalytic cyclopropanation of commercial 1,2‐ or 1,4‐cis‐polybutadiene, respectively, with ethyl diazoacetate catalyzed by [TpBr3Cu(NCMe)] (TpBr3 = hydrotris(3,4,5‐tribromo‐1‐pyrazolyl)borate) at room temperature afforded high molecular weight (Mn > 105 mol−1) side‐chain or main‐chain, respectively, carboxyethyl cyclopropyl‐substituted polymers with variable and controlled degrees of functionalization. Complete functionalization of 1,4‐cis‐polybutadiene afforded poly[ethylene‐alt‐(3‐ethoxycarbonyl‐cyclopropene)]. Catalytic hydrogenation of residual double bonds of partially cyclopropanated polybutadienes provided access to the corresponding saturated polyolefins. Thermal properties are reported. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Mechanistic discussion of cationic crosslinking copolymerizations of 1,2‐epoxycyclohexane with diepoxide crosslinkers accompanied by intramolecular and intermolecular chain transfer reactions
Authors: Katahira Chisato , Morishita Nobuya , Ikeda Jun‐Ichi , Lim Pang Boey , Inoue Mitsuteru , Iwasaki Yuri , Aota Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Akira
Published: September 2010

Our previous mechanistic discussion of the free‐radical crosslinking monoallyl/diallyl copolymerizations was extended to the cationic crosslinking monoepoxide/diepoxide copolymerizations, typically including 1,2‐epoxycyclohexane (ECH) as a monoepoxide and bis[3,4‐epoxycyclohexylmethyl] adipate (BECHMA) as a diepoxide crosslinker. In the cationic polymerization, oligomer is usually obtained because of the occurrence of characteristic chain‐forming reactions. Therefore, cationic crosslinking monoepoxide/diepoxide copolymerizations could be in the category of the network formation through free‐radical crosslinking monoallyl/diallyl copolymerizations. Thus, the gelation behavior was discussed by comparing the actual gel points with the theoretical ones; the greatly delayed gelation from theory was observed. Then, the resulting network polymer precursors (NPPs) were characterized by SEC‐MALLS‐viscometry to clarify the cationic crosslinking ECH/BECHMA copolymerization mechanism. Notably, the correlation lines of molecular weight versus elution volume were specific for the NPPs obtained at a high conversion close to the gel point as compared with those obtained by the free‐radical crosslinking monoallyl/diallyl copolymerization. This may be ascribed to the occurrence of intramolecular and intermolecular chain transfer reactions characteristic of cationic polymerization; the chain transfer reactions involve the intramolecular and intermolecular nucleophilic attack of ether oxygen or terminal hydroxyl oxygen in the NPPs to a terminal growing cation that leads to the formation of not only the loop‐ but also the crosslink‐structures containing NPPs, providing fragile ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight NPP in the SEC columns. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Synthesis and characterization of a thiadiazole/benzoimidazole‐based copolymer for solar cell applications
Authors: Chen Guan‐yu , Lan Shang‐che , Lin Po‐yu , Chu Chih‐wei , Wei Kung‐hwa
Published: September 2010

In this study, we synthesized a new polymer, PCTDBI, containing alternating carbazole and thiadiazole‐benzoimidazole (TDBI) units. This polymer (number‐average molecular weight = 25,600 g mol−1), which features a planar imidazole structure into the polymeric main chain, possesses reasonably good thermal properties (Tg = 105 °C; Td = 396 °C) and an optical band gap of 1.75 eV that matches the maximum photon flux of sunlight. Electrochemical measurements revealed an appropriate energy band offset between the polymer's lowest unoccupied molecular orbital and that of PCBM, thereby allowing efficient electron transfer between the two species. A solar cell device incorporating PCTDBI and PCBM at a blend ratio of 1:2 (w/w) exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 1.20%; the corresponding device incorporating PCTDBI and PC71BM (1:2, w/w) exhibited a PCE of 1.84%. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Redox initiated cationic polymerization: Silane‐N‐aryl heteroaromatic onium salt redox couples
Authors: Crivello James V. , Lee Julia L.
Published: September 2010

In this article, a new route for the synthesis of N‐aryl heteroaromatic onium salts by the direct copper catalyzed arylation of pyridine, substituted pyridines, isoquinoline, and acridine with diaryliodonium salts is described. It was demonstrated that these N‐aryl heteroaromatic onium salts undergo facile platinum or rhodium‐catalyzed reduction by silanes bearing SiH groups. The reduction of N‐aryl heteroaromatic onium salts generates Brønsted acids. When this redox reaction was carried out in situ in the presence of an appropriate monomer, cationic polymerization was observed. Using this approach, the cationic polymerizations of epoxides, oxetanes, 1,3,5‐trioxane, styrene, and vinyl ethers were carried out. The use of optical pyrometry to monitor the redox initiated cationic polymerizations of some representative multifunctional monomers is described. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Contact bactericides and fungicides on the basis of amino‐functionalized poly(norbornene)s
Authors: Kreutzwiesner Elisabeth , Noormofidi Nadja , Wiesbrock Frank , Kern Wolfgang , Rametsteiner Karl , Stelzer Franz , Slugovc Christian
Published: September 2010

This study is aimed at investigating the microbiocidal potential of amino‐functionalized poly(norbornenes) in the solid state. A series of norbornene‐type monomers that carry secondary or tertiary amine functions as well as hexyl and dodecyl groups were prepared. Ring‐opening metathesis polymerization was used to prepare homopolymers of the amine bearing monomers and random copolymers of amine‐ and alkyl‐substituted monomers of high average molar mass. The resulting polymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements, and their contact biocidal potential was evaluated according to the Japanese Industry standard Z2801. Tested microorganisms comprised Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. Microbiocidal activity of selected polymer films against E. coli, S. aureus, and A. niger was found, whereas against C. albicans and P. aeruginosa microbiostatic behavior was observed. Moreover, the most potent copolymer revealed no cytotoxicity rendering a biocidal polymer with potential applications in mammalian‐, and in particular, human‐related fields. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Synthesis and properties of methacrylate‐based networked polymers having ionic liquid structures
Authors: Matsumoto Kozo , Sogabe Shota , Endo Takeshi
Published: September 2010

Methacrylate‐based networked polymers having ionic liquid structures were prepared by radical copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with multifunctional crosslinkers: ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA), or triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), in the presence of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylethyl‐1‐imidazolium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonyl imide (EMImTFSI). The fundamental physical properties of several film samples prepared by varying the monomer composition and ionic liquid content were investigated. The obtained materials became turbid with increasing crosslinker content and ionic liquid content. Their ionic conductivity increased with increasing ionic liquid content, while it was almost independent of the crosslinker content. EGDMA‐derived materials and TMPTMA‐derived materials showed higher ionic conductivity than TEGDMA‐derived materials. TMPTMA‐derived materials showed higher thermal stability than EGDMA or TEGDMA‐derived materials. EGDMA and TMPTMA‐derived materials were stiffer than the TEGDMA‐derived materials. The elastic modulus of the film samples increased but the film became more brittle with the increase of crosslinker content. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy observation revealed that phase separation of networked polymers and ionic liquid occurred in the highly crosslinked samples, and the phase separation structures became larger in scale with the increase of crosslinking density. This phase separation was considered to have a strong effect on the mechanical properties of the film samples. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Synthesis and characterization of low‐bandgap copolymers based on dihexyl‐2h‐benzimidazole and cyclopentadithiophene
Authors: Song Suhee , Park Sung Heum , Jin Youngeup , Park Jina , Shim Joo Young , Kim Il , Lee Heesoo , Lee Kwanghee , Suh Hongsuk
Published: September 2010

A series of new semiconducting polymers based on 4,4‐dihexyl‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene, 2,2‐dihexyl‐2H‐benzimidazole, and thiophene units was synthesized. The polymers show good solubility at room temperature in organic solvents owing to long alkyl chain in new acceptor, 2,2‐dihexyl‐2H‐benzimidazole. The advantage of dihexyl‐2H‐benzimidazole compared to the benzothiadiazole is to improve the solubility of the polymer. It was found that these polymers can finely be tuned for photovoltaic application by adjusting the contents ratio of the dihexyl‐2H‐benzimidazole unit. The spectra of the solid films show absorption bands with maximum peaks in the range of 421–577 nm and the absorption onsets at 588–683 nm, corresponding to band gaps of 2.11–1.82 eV. The devices with PCPDTDTHBI‐1:PC71BM showed an open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.46 V, a short‐circuit current density (JSC) of 3.83 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 0.36, giving a power conversion efficiency of 0.64%. Decrease of the dihexyl‐2H‐benzimidazole contents in the polymers induced red‐shift of the UV absorptions, and increased VOC and JSC values, to improve the efficiency of organic photovoltaics. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Lamellar cluster structure formation resulting from interchain interaction in a novel aromatic polyimide based on PMDA monomer
Authors: Pan Rui , Zhou Tao , Zhang Aiming , Zhao Wei , Gu Yi
Published: September 2010

The aggregation structure of a novel polyimide (PIM‐6) with six methylene flexible spacing groups in biphenyl side chain synthesized by the traditional two‐step imidisation process was investigated by polarized light microscope (PLM), small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), wide angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS), and molecular simulation approach. The agreement between the experimental data and simulation result reveals that due to the predominant interchain interaction, each three backbones stack together to form a distinct lamellar cluster with side chains packed inside dispersedly. The thickness of the lamellar cluster is about 16.0 A°, corresponding to a strong peak at 5.5° in SAXS pattern. As the backbone is not perfectly parallel to each other in each lamellar cluster, the distance between each backbone ranges from 5.8 to 8.8 A° possibly relating to the weak peak at 9.8° in WAXS pattern. Meanwhile, no birefringence or apparent phase texture has been observed by PLM indicating an amorphous nature in this film. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
Nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of poly(ε‐caprolactone) blocks in double crystalline triblock copolymers containing poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) units
Authors: Liu Qingsheng , Deng Bingyao , Tung Chia‐Hsin , Zhu Meifang , Shyr Tien‐Wei
Published: September 2010

The poly(3‐hydroxbutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) block copolymers (PHCLs) with three different weight ratios of PCL blocks (38%, named PHCL‐38; 53%, named PHCL‐53; and 60%, named PHCL‐60) were synthesized by using PHBV with two hydroxyl end groups to initiate ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone. During DSC cooling process, melt crystallization of PHCL‐53 at relatively high cooling rates (9, 12, and 15 °C min−1) and PHCL‐60 at all the selected cooling rates corresponded to PCL blocks so that PHCL‐53 and PHCL‐60 were used to study the nonisothermal crystallization behaviors of PCL blocks. The kinetics of PCL blocks in PHCL‐53 and PHCL‐60 under nonisothermal crystallization conditions were analyzed by Mo equation. Mo equation was successful in describing the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of PCL blocks in PHCLs. Crystallization activation energy were estimated using Kissinger's method. The results of kinetic parameters showed that both blocks crystallized more difficultly than corresponding homopolymers. With the increase of PCL content, the crystallization rate of PCL block increased gradually. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
Practical implementation of order parameter calculation for directed assembly of block copolymer thin films
Authors: Liu Chi‐Chun , Craig Gordon S. W. , Kang Huiman , Ruiz Ricardo , Nealey Paul F. , Ferrier Nicola J.
Published: September 2010

A computational procedure is presented to quantify the order achieved in assembled block copolymer films when no disruptive defects are present (i.e., dislocations or disclinations). Both simulated and real systems were used to show that sub‐nm variation in the domain position, as well as the corresponding reciprocal lattice vectors, can reduce the accuracy in the quantification of the order of the system. The computational procedure in this work was based on fitting to the measured spatial location of the domain centroids, and incorporated a tolerance factor to account for domain position variation. The procedure was used to analyze the translational and orientational order parameters of block copolymer films assembled on a chemical pattern as well as their corresponding autocorrelation functions. The procedure was applied to a patterned substrate during three stages of a template forming process: an e‐beamed patterned photoresist, the domains of a block copolymer directed to assemble on this pattern, and the underlying structure after lift‐off. Use of the procedure demonstrated that the order of the block copolymer film could be retained in subsequent processing of the underlying template. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
Predictors of insufficient sweat production during confirmatory testing for cystic fibrosis
Authors: Kleyn Mary , Korzeniewski Steven , Grigorescu Violanda , Young William , Homnick Douglas , Goldstein‐Filbrun Amy , Schuen John , Nasr Samya
Published: September 2010

Michigan's Newborn Screening (NBS) Program began statewide screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) in October 2007. Confirmatory sweat testing is performed in infants having initial immunoreactive trypsinogen concentrations ≥99.8th percentile or ≥96th percentile and at least one CF mutation identified by DNA analysis. Some infants fail to produce a sufficient quantity of sweat (QNS—quantity not sufficient) to test for CF, meaning disease confirmation is delayed and sweat testing is later repeated. In this study, we evaluate predictors of QNS results. Information from the linked birth certificates and NBS diagnostic confirmation data were used. The study population was resident infants born in Michigan in 2008 who underwent a sweat test. Bivariate analyses revealed that preterm birth, low birth weight, CF care center, and race were significantly associated with QNS sweat testing results. Adjusted analyses indicated that preterm infants were 2.4 times more likely to have QNS results (95% CI 0.9, 6.4). When age at time of test, accounting for gestational age (gestational age at delivery plus postdelivery age of life = corrected age), was used in the multivariable model, infants <39 weeks were 7.4 times more likely to have QNS results (95% CI 2.5, 21.8). Waiting to sweat test until an infant is aged 39 weeks or more (corrected age) would likely reduce the rate of QNS results, thereby reducing the burden of repeat sweat testing on families and healthcare providers. Further research is necessary to understand the impact of potential delays in diagnosis/treatment relative to postponing sweat testing. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:23–30. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Representative hybrid model used for analyses of heat capacities of group‐IV, III–V, and II–VI materials
Authors: Pässler R.
Published: September 2010

Characteristic non‐Debye features inherent to the dispersion‐related hybrid model, which had been devised for the sake of physically adequate representations of isobaric heat capacities of semiconductor and wide band gap materials, are demonstrated and discussed in some detail. We perform least‐mean‐square fittings of low‐ and high‐temperature Cp(T) data sets that are available for group‐IV materials (diamond, Si, Ge, 3C‐SiC), III–V materials (BN, BP, BAs, AlN, AlP, AlAs, AlSb, GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InP, InAs, InSb), and II–VI materials (ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, CdO, CdS, CdSe, CdTe). The simulations of the Cp(T) data sets under study, particularly with respect to the cryogenic region, are graphically represented, and existing data deficiencies are discussed. Important by‐products of the fittings are presented within the frame of Supporting Information (online at: www.pss‐b.com). There are given in tabulated form the characteristic phonon energies, εP(m), for integral orders, m = −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, and 4, including further dispersion‐related parameters like average phonon temperatures, ΘP, dispersion coefficients, ΔP, and high‐temperature limiting values of Debye temperatures, ΘDh(∞). Furthermore, basing on comprehensive calculations of the Cp(T) dependences from absolute zero up to room temperature, we provide representative values of entropies, Sp(T), enthalpies, Hp(T) − Hp(0), and Gibbs free energies, Gp(T) − Gp(0), for the frequently considered reference point, Tr = 298.15 K, the accurate knowledge of which is indispensable for possible high‐temperature continuations of these standard thermodynamic functions within the frame of the commonly used thermo‐chemical formalism.