bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal and spatial variability in the cycling of nitrogen within a constructed wetland: A whole‐system stable‐isotope‐addition experiment
Authors: Erler Dirk V. , Eyre Bradley D. , Davison Leigh
Published: March 2010

Constructed wetlands attenuate effluent nutrients, are hydrodynamically well defined, and are a useful proxy for the study of nitrogen (N) transformation in eutrophic natural systems. A whole‐system stable‐isotope addition was undertaken to describe the N cycling within a constructed wetland. Addition of 15NH4+ and particulate organic 15N (PO15N) and a conservative tracer (Li+) revealed that, initially, sedimentation of PO15N and assimilatory uptake of 15NH4+ near the wetland inlet removed most of the added 15N. Denitrification of NO3‐ dominated inorganic N dynamics and was higher upstream than downstream owing to the greater availability of NO3− upstream. More NHz 4 was mineralized upstream where PON settlement was highest, and settled PON started being mineralized within 14 d. Nitrification was insignificant upstream but was an important process in the downstream region of the wetland in spite of low oxygen concentration. In the medium term (2–8 weeks), the PO15N initially removed to the sediments continued to be mineralized, releasing 15NH4+ back to the water column. Remineralized 15N spiraled through sediment and then macrophyte pools. A dry‐out period resulted in a minor washout of N during the subsequent inundation. After 157 d, 30.8% ± 7.3% of the added 15N was still in sediments, 7.4% ± 3.8% was in plants, 40.8% ± 8.3% had been lost most likely as 15N2, and the remainder had been released in the wetland outlet water. Internal recycling retards the flow of N through wetlands, and short‐term retention leads to eventual enhanced removal through denitrification.
The attitudes of team members towards family presence during hospital-based CPR: a study based in the Muslim setting of four Iranian teaching hospitals
Authors: Kianmehr N , Mofidi M , Rahmani H , Shahin Y
Published: March 2010

Background: Contrary to international guidelines recommending family presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), allowing family members to be present remains a matter of debate in many countries. The purpose of this study was to determine the opinions of healthcare providers from a Muslim setting concerning family-witnessed resuscitation (FWR).

Methods: The sample population consisted of CPR responders in four teaching hospitals in Tehran. These centres have no policy regarding the presence of family members during resuscitation. We developed and circulated a questionnaire gathering opinions, and collated their comments.

Results: From 200 respondents, 77% opposed FWR. We found that gender, age, experience, previous exposure to FWR or specialty (except for emergency physicians) did not predict opinion towards family presence during CPR. The most common reasons given for opposition to family presence were fear of psychological trauma to family members, possible interference with patient care/ decision-making, and a perceived increase in staff stress.

Conclusion: In a largely Muslim community, and contrary to general guidelines, our survey suggested that the majority of CPR responders do not favour the presence of relatives during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Any counter to this opinion would need to be based on educating team members about the possible benefits of relatives being present during resuscitation. Public education surrounding CPR would also be a fundamental element for implementing any formal programme encouraging family-witnessed CPR in hospitals such as ours.
A pilot observational study of the association between fatigue after stroke and C-reactive protein
Authors: McKechnie F , Lewis S , Mead G
Published: March 2010

Background: The aetiology of fatigue after stroke is unknown. We explored the relationship between fatigue and C-reactive protein (CRP) as a marker of inflammation.

Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited inpatients with a stroke (onset within the previous three months) over a five-week period. Those with dysphasia or confusion severe enough to prevent informed consent and those with current infection were excluded. A semi-structured interview determined a) fulfilment of a case definition for fatigue and b) severity of fatigue (fatigue assessment scale, FAS). Venous blood was taken for CRP. A hospital anxiety and depression score (HADS) was used to screen for emotional distress.

Results: Of the 28 patients recruited (mean age 72.7 years, proportion men 47%), 15 (53%) fulfilled the case definition for fatigue. C-reactive protein data were logarithmically transformed for analysis. C-reactive protein levels did not differ significantly between those with and without fatigue, according to the case definition (n=28, p=0.35). After exclusion of those with pre-stroke fatigue and those with high scores on the HADS (suggestive of emotional distress), the geometric mean CRP of the fatigued group was 16.04 mg/l (95% CI: 7.12–36.14) compared with 5.16 mg/l (95% CI: 2.7–9.85) in the non-fatigued group (n=21, p=0.025, unpaired t test), but the relationship between FAS and CRP was not statistically significant (r=0.37, p= 0.098).

Conclusion: This pilot study is the first to demonstrate an association between fatigue after stroke and higher CRP, after excluding patients with pre-stroke fatigue and those with probable mood disorders. If this finding is confirmed in a larger number of patients, it might provide a target for treating fatigue after stroke.
Update on cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Good R , Broadhurst P
Published: March 2010

Adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been shown to improve survival for individuals suffering cardiac arrest. Despite this, the delivery of basic life support to victims outside the clinical environment remains poor, particularly as only a minority receive resuscitation. In addition, research continues to examine the optimal techniques for CPR and guidelines have been modified to reflect the latest developments. These guidelines are a compromise between simplicity and effectiveness. While the core of the guidelines remains unchanged, the latest recommendations focus on minimising any delay in the assessment of the collapsed patient and the initiation of CPR. They also address the recent body of opinion promoting compression-only CPR as an alternative to the combined technique of compression and mouth-to-mouth ventilation. Throughout the guidelines a more pragmatic approach to resuscitation is adopted to try to encourage all individuals, whether trained healthcare professionals or lay people, to initiate resuscitation. An acknowledgement of the reasons why individuals may be reluctant to start resuscitation through fear or anxiety will hopefully help to encourage the instigation of these techniques. This overview will summarise the guidelines and highlight alterations or alternatives where appropriate.
Current controversies: thrombolysis for patients with acute ischaemic stroke aged over 80
Authors: Ford GA , Sandercock P
Published: March 2010

Stroke is the major cause of disability in the community. Most strokes are due to blocked arteries in the brain. Evidence is accumulating that clot-busting drugs improve outcome after ischaemic stroke. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is licensed for the treatment of selected patients within three hours of acute ischaemic stroke in many parts of the world, and stroke services are being developed so that eligible patients can receive this treatment as soon as possible after the onset of stroke symptoms. However, thrombolysis can cause bleeding into the brain, so the treatment should only be given when the benefits outweigh the risks. Controversy still exists about the risks and benefits in certain groups of patients, and there is variation in practice between stroke physicians, reflecting these uncertainties. The JRCPE editorial team is delighted that two leading experts have agreed to debate the pros and cons of thrombolysis in people over the age of 80 years; one of the areas where there is still variation in practice. We hope that readers will find this debate enlightening, entertaining and informative.
Small‐molecule Inhibitors of
DNA
Base Excision Repair
Authors: Praggastis V Alexandra , Rice Kevin P
Published: March 2010

Cells rely on several DNA (
deoxyribonucleic acid
) repair pathways to maintain the integrity of their genetic information, including DNA base excision repair (BER). BER involves the removal of a DNA base, damaged in some way by a chemical modification, and then subsequent repair to reconstitute the DNA. Inhibition of the proteins and enzymes that mediate BER can result in cell death, especially in actively dividing cells. As such, many of these enzymes are targets for pharmaceutical research to combat cancer and severe inflammatory ailments. Small molecules have been identified that inhibit at least three of the principal enzymes of BER: an enzyme that participates in the signalling of DNA damage, an
endonuclease
involved in processing an intermediate of BER and a
DNA polymerase
. This article focuses on the known BER enzyme inhibitors, many of which are pharmaceutical candidates in clinical trials to treat disease.

Key concepts:

Several small molecules have been developed that inhibit the enzymes involved in DNA base excision repair.

Inhibition of DNA base excision repair can sensitize cells to DNA‐damaging treatments.

Inhibitors of the DNA base excision repair enzymes are being investigated as potential treatments for cancer and severe inflammation.
Pathological Variations in 3′‐untranslated Regions of Human Genes
Authors: Pal Jayanta K , Chatterjee Sangeeta , Berwal Sunil Kumar
Published: March 2010

The 3′‐untranslated regions (UTRs) of messenger
ribonucleic acids
(mRNAs) play a critical role in the stabilization, localization and translation of mRNAs. Mutations that disrupt functional elements of the 3′‐UTR of mRNAs such as polyadenylation signal, micro RNA (miRNA) target sites and AU‐rich elements lead to production of nonfunctional proteins or reduced amounts of functional proteins. Genetic variations in the 3′‐UTR are associated with disease risk or diseases such as spinocerebellar ataxia 8, Parkinson disease, breast cancer, atopic dermatitis, papillary thyroid carcinoma and many others. With the advent of genetic counselling and promise of personalized medicine, genetic variation in this region of mRNAs is the focus of intense research. Current research shows that this region is of immense significance in the context of translational research.

Key concepts:

3′‐Untranslated regions (UTRs) are noncoding regions of mRNAs.

The 3′‐UTR is delimited by stop codon (UAA or UAG or UGA) at the 5′ end and poly (A) tail at the 3′ end.

Motifs like AU‐rich elements, polyadenylation signal, iron responsive elements and others are involved in mRNA stability, localization and translation.

Mutations are changes in the DNA/gene of an organism which are heritable.

Mutations in the AU‐rich elements lead to atypical stabilization of mRNA and associated diseases.

Mutations that lead to abolition of canonical polyadenylation signal interfere with efficient transcription termination and polyadenylation of mRNA.

Mutations in the 3′‐UTR may alter the binding sites of interacting miRNAs or proteins resulting in deregulation of mRNA translation.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3′‐UTR are associated with individual's drug response and disease risk.
Glucose‐Responsive Bioinorganic Nanohybrid Membrane for Self‐Regulated Insulin Release
Authors: Gordijo Claudia R. , Shuhendler Adam J. , Wu Xiao Yu
Published: March 2010

A bioinorganic nanohybrid glucose‐responsive membrane is developed for self‐regulated insulin delivery analogous to a healthy human pancreas. The application of MnO2 nanoparticles as a multifunctional component in a glucose‐responsive, protein‐based membrane with embedded pH‐responsive hydrogel nanoparticles is proposed. The bio‐nanohybrid membrane is prepared by crosslinking bovine serum albumin (BSA)–MnO2 nanoparticle conjugates with glucose oxidase and catalase in the presence of poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide‐co‐methacrylic acid) nanoparticles. The preparation and performance of this new nanocomposite material for a glucose‐responsive insulin release system is presented. The activity and stability of immobilized glucose oxidase and the morphology and mechanical properties of the membrane are investigated. The enzymatic activity is well preserved in the membranes. The use of MnO2 nanoparticles not only reinforces the mechanical strength and the porous structure of the BSA‐based membrane, but enhances the long‐term stability of the enzymes. The in vitro release of insulin across the membrane is modulated by changes in glucose concentration mimicking possible fluctuations of blood‐glucose level in diabetic patients. A four‐fold increase in insulin permeation is observed when the glucose concentration is increased from normal to hyperglycemic levels, which returns to the baseline level when the glucose concentration is reduced to a normal level.
Functionalized‐Silk‐Based Active Optofluidic Devices
Authors: Tsioris Konstantinos , Tilburey Graham E. , Murphy Amanda R. , Domachuk Peter , Kaplan David L. , Omenetto Fiorenzo G.
Published: March 2010

Silk protein from the silkworm Bombyx mori has excellent chemical and mechanical stability, biocompatibility, and optical properties. Additionally, when the protein is purified and reformed into materials, the biochemical functions of dopants entrained in the protein matrix are stabilized and retained. This unique combination of properties make silk a useful multifunctional material platform for the development of sensor devices. An approach to increase the functions of silk‐based devices through chemical modifications to demonstrate an active optofluidic device to sense pH is presented. Silk protein is chemically modified with 4‐aminobenzoic acid to add spectral‐color‐responsive pH sensitivity. The functionalized silk is combined with the elastomer poly(dimethyl siloxane) in a single microfluidic device. The microfluidic device allows spatial and temporal control of the delivery of analytic solutions to the system to provide the optical response of the optofluidic device. The modified silk is stable and spectrally responsive over a wide pH range from alkaline to acidic.
Surface‐Grafted Gel‐Brush/Metal Nanoparticle Hybrids
Authors: Benetti Edmondo M. , Sui XiaoFeng , Zapotoczny Szczepan , Vancso G. Julius
Published: March 2010

Polymer brushes are classically defined and are to date employed as assemblies of macromolecules tethered at one end to a surface. The concept of preparing surface‐grafted gels by crosslinking such brushes is attractive since it gives rise to new opportunities related to the constraints present in this type of structure. Aiming at the development of nanostructured films possessing precisely adjustable chemical, mechanical, and optical properties, the present article describes the preparation of novel grafted layers based on gel‐brush/metal nanoparticle hybrids. These films were synthesized by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of hydroxyethyl methacrylate with a small percentage of a crosslinker. The swelling, morphological, and mechanical properties of the gel‐brushes are shown to be highly dependent on the relative amount of crosslinker used. The gel‐brushes are subsequently used as matrixes for the controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles with overall characteristics that are specifically tunable as a function of the macromolecular structure of the brush template.
Coaxial Metal Nano‐/Microcables with Isolating Sheath: Synthetic Methodology and Their Application as Interconnects
Authors: Gao Min‐Rui , Xu Wei‐Hong , Luo Lin‐Bao , Zhan Yong‐Jie , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: March 2010

Synthesis of coaxial nano‐/microcables has been an intensive research subject due to their heterogeneous structures, tuneable properties, and important applications in nano‐/micrometer‐scale electronic and optoelectronic devices. Research on the fabrication of nanocables via solution strategies has made great progress in the past few years. In this Research News article, rapidly emerging new solution strategies such as hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and synergistic soft–hard templates (SSHTs) are highlighted. Unique and flexible coaxial nano‐/microcables synthesized by those methods have obvious advantages such as long‐term stability and their electrical transport properties, compared with bare counterparts, suggesting that they are potential candidates as interconnects in the future.
Technical note: A stereological analysis of the cross‐sectional variability of the femoral osteon population
Authors: Villa Chiara , Lynnerup Niels
Published: March 2010

Unbiased selection of regions of interest (ROIs) and unbiased definition of histological structures are needed to improve the repeatability of microscopic methods for age at death determination and to reduce operator subjectivity. We present results obtained by selecting ROIs according to stereological principles on a sample of 28 femoral cross sections of Caucasoid males aged 20–89 years. A regular grid was overlaid on the cross section, and the ROIs were selected as close as possible to the periosteum in the anterior, lateral, and medial regions. The areas consisting of all intact secondary osteons plus fragments were outlined and osteon population density, percent osteon population, area, and perimeter were calculated using stereological methods and software. Overall, the analyses of intra‐ and inter‐section variability showed no significant difference between the ROIs, i.e., the location within the cross section of the ROIs does not affect the outcome of the analyses. The individual variability was found to be higher in adults aged 30–55 years than in other age ranges. ranges. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hetero‐ and homo‐leptic Ru(II) catalyzed synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2; Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and electrochemical properties
Authors: Kilic Ahmet , Ulusoy Mahmut , Durgun Mustafa , Tasci Zeynep , Yilmaz Ismail , Cetinkaya Bekir
Published: March 2010

Based on the a ligand BDPPZ [(9a,13a‐dihydro‐4,5,9,14‐tetraaza‐benzo[b]triphenylene‐11‐yl)‐phenyl‐methanone] (1) and its polypyridyl hetero‐ and homoleptic Ru(II) metal complexes, [Ru(bpy)2L](PF6)2 (2), [Ru(phen)2L](PF6)2 (3), [Ru(dafo)2L](PF6)2 (4), [Ru(dcbpy)2L](PF6)2 (5) and [RuL3](PF6)2 (6) (where, L = ligand, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, phen = 1,10‐phenantroline, dafo = 4,5‐diazafluoren‐9‐one and dcbpy = 3,3′‐dicarboxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV–vis, FT‐IR, 1H and 13C‐NMR spectra (for ligand), molar conductivity measurements and X‐ray powder techniques. The electrochemical parameters of the substituted ligand and its polypyridyl hetero‐ and homoleptic Ru(II) metal complexes are reported by cyclic voltammetry. UV–vis spectroscopy is used to compare the differences between the conjugated π systems in this ligand and its Ru(II) metal complexes. The polypyridyl hetero‐ and homoleptic Ru(II) metal complexes also tested as catalysts for the formation of cyclic organic carbonates from carbon dioxide and liquid epoxides which served as both reactant and solvent. The results showed that the [Ru(L)3](PF6)2 (6) complex is more efficient than the other Ru(II) complexes for the formation of cyclic organic carbonates from carbon dioxide. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronic Heart Rate Reduction Facilitates Cardiomyocyte Survival After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Rong‐Lin , Christensen Lance P. , Tomanek Robert J.
Published: March 2010

Chronic heart rate reduction (HRR) therapy following myocardial infarction, using either the pure HRR agent ivabradine or the β‐blocker atenolol, has been shown to preserve maximal coronary perfusion, via reduction of perivascular collagen and a decrease in renin‐angiotensin system activation. In addition ivabradine, but not atenolol, treatment attenuated the decline in ejection fraction and decreased left ventricular wall stress. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that cell survival within the infarct region was enhanced by these two pharmacological agents. Four weeks after ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery, the percentage of the LV that contained the infarct was similar in the untreated (MI) rats and those chronically treated with ivabradine (MI + IVA) or atenolol (MI + ATEN). However, the mean thickness (mm) of the ventricular wall containing the scar was significantly greater in the MI + IVA, 1.54 (P ≤ 0.01) and the MI + ATEN 1.32, compared to 1.1 in the MI group, due to a 2‐fold greater area of surviving cardiomyocytes (P ≤ 0.01) in the treated rats compared to the untreated group. Regions of cell survival were usually in the subepicardium, with cardiomyocytes surrounding veins or venules. However, some hearts displayed surviving cells along the endocardium. These data suggest that HRR by either ivabradine or atenolol facilitates a more favorable O2 microenvironment via improved venous flow and decreased O2 demand. We conclude that chronic HRR by these agents may serve to limit infarct expansion and wall thinning and may serve to reduce the potential for ventricular rupture. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Murine Metapodophalangeal Sesamoid Bones: Morphology and Potential Means of Mineralization Underlying Function
Authors: Doherty Alison H. , Lowder Elizabeth M. , Jacquet Robin D. , Landis William J.
Published: March 2010

Normal murine metapodophalangeal sesamoid bones, closely associated with tendons, were examined in terms of their structure and mineralization with reference to their potential function following crystal deposition. This study utilized radiography, whole mount staining, histology, and conventional electron microscopy to establish a maturation timeline of mineral formation in 1‐ to 6‐week‐old metapodophalangeal sesamoids from CD‐1 mice. An intimate cellular and structural relationship was documented in more detail than previously described between the sesamoid bone, tendon, and fibrocartilage enthesis at the metapodophalangeal joint. Sesamoid calcification began in 1‐week lateral sesamoids of the murine metacarpophalangeal joint of the second digit. All sesamoids were completely calcified by 4 weeks. Transmission electron microscopy of 2‐week metacarpophalangeal sesamoids revealed extensive Type I collagen in the associated tendon and fibrocartilage insertion sites and Type II collagen and proteoglycan networks in the interior of the sesamoid. No extracellular matrix vesicles were documented. The results demonstrate that murine sesamoid bones consist of cartilage elaborated by chondrocytes that predominantly synthesize and secrete Type II collagen and proteoglycan. Type II collagen and proteoglycans appear responsible for the onset and progression of mineral formation in this tissue. These data contribute to new understanding of the biochemistry, ultrastructure, and mineralization of sesamoids in relation to other bones and calcifying cartilage and tendon of vertebrates. They also reflect on the potentially important but currently uncertain function of sesamoids as serving as a fulcrum point along a tendon, foreshortening its length and altering advantageously its biomechanical properties with respect to tendon‐muscle interaction. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inflammation‐Induced Intussusceptive Angiogenesis in Murine Colitis
Authors: Konerding Moritz A. , Turhan Aslihan , Ravnic Dino J. , Lin Miao , Fuchs Christine , Secomb Timothy W. , Tsuda Akira , Mentzer Steven J.
Published: March 2010

Intussusceptive angiogenesis is a morphogenetic process that forms new blood vessels by the division of a single blood vessel into two lumens. Here, we show that this process of intraluminal division participates in the inflammation‐induced neovascularization associated with chemically induced murine colitis. In studies of both acute (4–7 days) and chronic (28–31 days) colitis, intravital microscopy of intravascular tracers demonstrated a twofold reduction in blood flow velocity. In the acute colitis model, the decreased velocity was associated with marked dilatation of the mucosal plexus. In contrast, chronic inflammation was associated with normal caliber vessels and duplication (and triplication) of the quasi‐polygonal mucosal plexus. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of intravascular corrosion casts suggested that pillar formation and septation, previously linked to the morphogenetic process of intussusceptive angiogenesis, were present within days of the onset of inflammation. Four weeks after the onset of inflammation, SEM of vascular corrosion casts demonstrated replication of the mucosal plexus without significant evidence of sprouting angiogenesis. These data suggest that mucosal capillaries have comparable aggregate cross‐sectional area in acute and chronic colitis; however, there is a significant increase in functional capillary density in chronic colitis. We conclude that intussusceptive angiogenesis is a fundamental mechanism of microvascular adaptation to prolonged inflammation. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RECK Expression in the Rat Ventral Prostate: Response to Castration Involves a Balance Between Epithelial and Stromal Expression
Authors: Peters Helene , Augusto Taize Machado , Bruni‐cardoso Alexandre , Carvalho Hernandes F
Published: March 2010

RECK is expressed in the rat ventral prostate. The amount of mRNA increased after castration. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry demonstrated a transition from epithelial to stromal expression. This demonstrates that stromal cells upregulate RECK expression to regulate matrix metalloproteinases activity responsible for extracellular matrix (ECM) changes occurring after castration. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lung eNOS and iNOS are Reoxygenation Time‐Dependent Upregulated After Acute Hypoxia
Authors: Rus Alma , Peinado Mª. Ángeles , Castro Lourdes , Del Moral Mª. Luisa
Published: March 2010

Nitric oxide plays a critical role in many physiological and physiopathological processes in the lung. Changes in the NO/NOS (Nitric Oxide/Nitric Oxide Synthase) system after hypoxia situations remain controversial in this organ, so that the aim of this work is to perform a complete study of this system in the hypoxic lung after different reoxygenation times ranging from 0 h to 5 days posthypoxia. This is a novel follow‐up study carried out in Wistar rats submitted for 30 min to acute hypobaric hypoxia. We measured endothelial and inducible NOS (eNOS, iNOS) mRNA and protein expression, location, and in situ NOS activity as well as nitrated protein expression and location. In addition, NO levels were indirectly quantified (NOx) as well as the apoptosis level. Results showed an increase in eNOS mRNA, protein, activity as well as eNOS positive immunostaining at 0 h posthypoxia, coinciding with raised NOx levels. Contrary, iNOS, nitrated protein expression and apoptosis level augmented during the final reoxygenation times. The lung NO/NOS system provokes two responses to the hypoxia/reoxygenation processes: (i) eNOS is responsible of the immediate response, producing NO, which causes vasodilation and bronchodilation, and (ii) iNOS is related to the second late response, which seems to be involved in some of the deleterious consequences that hypoxia induces in the lung. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Investigation of Iodined Salicylimines, New Prototypes of Antimicrobial Drug Candidates
Authors: Xu Suo‐Ping , Lv Peng‐Cheng , Shi Lei , Zhu Hai‐Liang
Published: March 2010

A series of 3,5‐diiodo‐salicylalidene Schiff bases (compounds 1–35) has been synthesized and tested for antimicrobial activity. The compounds were assayed for antibacterial activities by the MTT method. Some of the compounds inhibit the growth of a broad range of bacteria including the species of Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter cloacae. Among them, compounds 2‐[(4‐chloro‐phenylimino)methyl]‐4,6‐diiodo‐phenol 11 and 2,4‐diiodo‐6‐[(2‐morpholin‐4‐yl‐ethylimino)methyl]phenol 19 showed the most potent antibacterial activity with MIC of 3.1, 12.9, 3.3, 6.5, 12.9, 3.3 and 3.2, 12.8, 3.2, 12.8, 12.8, 3.2 μM against B. subtilis, S. aureus, S. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, E. Coli, and E. cloacae, respectively.
Synthesis of New 2,3‐Dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐one Derivatives for Analgesic and Anti‐inflammatory Evaluation
Authors: El‐Sabbagh Osama I. , Ibrahim Samy M. , Baraka Mohamed M. , Kothayer Hend
Published: March 2010

Starting from isatoic anhydrides, several new 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐one derivatives bearing chalcone or pyrazole or thiazole moieties at the third position were synthesized. The analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities for most compounds were studied at a dose level of 50 mg/kg via the acetic‐acid‐induced writhing‐response method and carrageenan‐induced edema method, respectively. The study showed that the chalcones bearing a 4‐chlorophenyl group 4c or 4‐nitrophenyl group 4b were the most active ones as analgesics. Both chalcone 4c and N‐phenyl pyrazole bearing 4‐methoxy phenyl group 5b showed a higher anti‐inflammatory activity than celecoxib but still lower than that of diclofenac sodium. Moreover, the chalcone 4c has nearly the same ulcerogenic index as the selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor celecoxib.
Weighted hybrid clustering by combining text mining and bibliometrics on a large‐scale journal database
Authors: Liu Xinhai , Yu Shi , Janssens Frizo , Glänzel Wolfgang , Moreau Yves , De Moor Bart
Published: March 2010

We propose a new hybrid clustering framework to incorporate text mining with bibliometrics in journal set analysis. The framework integrates two different approaches: clustering ensemble and kernel‐fusion clustering. To improve the flexibility and the efficiency of processing large‐scale data, we propose an information‐based weighting scheme to leverage the effect of multiple data sources in hybrid clustering. Three different algorithms are extended by the proposed weighting scheme and they are employed on a large journal set retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database. The clustering performance of the proposed algorithms is systematically evaluated using multiple evaluation methods, and they were cross‐compared with alternative methods. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed weighted hybrid clustering strategy is superior to other methods in clustering performance and efficiency. The proposed approach also provides a more refined structural mapping of journal sets, which is useful for monitoring and detecting new trends in different scientific fields.
A focused crawler for Dark Web forums
Authors: Fu Tianjun , Abbasi Ahmed , Chen Hsinchun
Published: March 2010

The unprecedented growth of the Internet has given rise to the Dark Web, the problematic facet of the Web associated with cybercrime, hate, and extremism. Despite the need for tools to collect and analyze Dark Web forums, the covert nature of this part of the Internet makes traditional Web crawling techniques insufficient for capturing such content. In this study, we propose a novel crawling system designed to collect Dark Web forum content. The system uses a human‐assisted accessibility approach to gain access to Dark Web forums. Several URL ordering features and techniques enable efficient extraction of forum postings. The system also includes an incremental crawler coupled with a recall‐improvement mechanism intended to facilitate enhanced retrieval and updating of collected content. Experiments conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the human‐assisted accessibility approach and the recall‐improvement‐based, incremental‐update procedure yielded favorable results. The human‐assisted approach significantly improved access to Dark Web forums while the incremental crawler with recall improvement also outperformed standard periodic‐ and incremental‐update approaches. Using the system, we were able to collect over 100 Dark Web forums from three regions. A case study encompassing link and content analysis of collected forums was used to illustrate the value and importance of gathering and analyzing content from such online communities.
Competency evaluation of plant character ontologies against domain literature
Authors: Cui Hong
Published: March 2010

Specimen identification keys are still the most commonly created tools used by systematic biologists to access biodiversity information. Creating identification keys requires analyzing and synthesizing large amounts of information from specimens and their descriptions and is a very labor‐intensive and time‐consuming activity. Automating the generation of identification keys from text descriptions becomes a highly attractive text mining application in the biodiversity domain. Fine‐grained semantic annotation of morphological descriptions of organisms is a necessary first step in generating keys from text. Machine‐readable ontologies are needed in this process because most biological characters are only implied (i.e., not stated) in descriptions. The immediate question to ask is “How well do existing ontologies support semantic annotation and automated key generation?” With the intention to either select an existing ontology or develop a unified ontology based on existing ones, this paper evaluates the coverage, semantic consistency, and inter‐ontology agreement of a biodiversity character ontology and three plant glossaries that may be turned into ontologies. The coverage and semantic consistency of the ontology/glossaries are checked against the authoritative domain literature, namely, Flora of North America and Flora of China. The evaluation results suggest that more work is needed to improve the coverage and interoperability of the ontology/glossaries. More concepts need to be added to the ontology/glossaries and careful work is needed to improve the semantic consistency. The method used in this paper to evaluate the ontology/glossaries can be used to propose new candidate concepts from the domain literature and suggest appropriate definitions.
A diversity optimized combinatorial library for the identification of Fc‐fragment binding ligands
Authors: Nielsen Anders L. , Jørgensen Flemming S. , Olsen Lars , Christensen Søren F. , Benie Andrew J. , Bjørnholm Thomas , St. Hilaire Phaedria M.
Published: March 2010

To generate a library covering a relatively wide area of the chemical space, molecular descriptors, and multivariate data analysis were combined to select the building blocks required for generating a diversity optimized library of putative Fc‐fragment binding ligands. In such a method of library design, structural information about the target protein is not needed. Synthesis of the resulting 770 member virtual library was carried out using encoded beads, which facilitated rapid identification of the subsequent hits. The library was screened in an on‐bead fluorescence assay with immunoglobulin G Fc‐fragment of the subtype 4 to identify Fc‐fragment binding ligands that would be useful for purifying monoclonal antibodies. An analysis of the positions of the hits in the chemical space revealed that the ones with the highest fluorescence were primarily concentrated in a particular part of the chemical space. One of the identified hits, when immobilized on amino sepharose, was able to purify a monoclonal antibody from crude cell supernatant with purity of 84% and a 70% recovery. The chemometric tools employed for the library design allowed the identification of the fraction of the available chemical space that would be preferred for a second generation library. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 94: 192–205, 2010.
Transglutaminase‐mediated methods for site‐selective modification of human growth hormone
Authors: Buchardt Jens , Selvig Helle , Nielsen Per Franklin , Johansen Nils Langeland
Published: March 2010

Two methods for the site‐selective modification of native human growth hormone (hGH) using microbial transglutaminase were developed. In the first method, 1,3‐bisaminoxypropane was attached to hGH, providing a direct incorporation of reactive aminoxy groups for further modification. The reaction was shown to be selective for Gln141, with minor modification at Gln40. In the second method, modified glutamine substrates were developed for attachment to Lys145 in hGH. A series of glutamine‐substrates were screened, and it was shown that microbial transglutaminase was selective towards substitutions on the glutamine core structure. Products from both methods could be transformed to site selectively mono‐PEGylated hGH‐derivatives in good isolated yield. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 94: 229–235, 2010.
Oxidative folding of hepcidin at acidic pH
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , Diamond Stephanie , Arvedson Tara , Sasu Barbra J. , Miranda Les P.
Published: March 2010

Hepcidin is a four disulfide 25‐residue peptide hormone which has a central role in the regulation of iron homeostasis. To support studies on hepcidin we have sought to establish reliable and robust synthetic methods for the preparation of correctly folded materials. While correctly‐folded hepcidin has good aqueous solubility, we have found that its direct synthetic precursor, linear (reduced) hepcidin peptide, is resistant to solubilization, prone to precipitation at pH ≥ 6, and thus difficult to fold efficiently. Attempts to directly fold either the crude or purified linear hepcidin peptide by air or DMSO oxidation methods under basic conditions were ineffective. However, addition of a glutathione redox pair system improved folding of purified linear hepcidin at mild basic pH (pH 7.5). Under acidic conditions, it was possible to oxidatively fold both crude and purified hepcidin using a polymer‐supported oxidizing strategy. Peptide precipitation was also avoided under acidic conditions. Isolated folding yields of human hepcidin under acidic polymer‐assisted conditions were superior to yields under basic folding conditions. These studies enabled identification of a reliable synthetic route for correctly‐folded hepcidin. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 94: 257–264, 2010.
Value of combined 6-[18F]fluorodihydroxyphenylalanine PET/CT for imaging of neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Schiesser M , Veit-Haibach P , Muller M K , Weber M , Bauerfeind P , Hany T , Clavien P-A
Published: March 2010

Background

Accurate knowledge of tumour presence and location is essential to treat neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). Standard imaging has been hampered by low sensitivity and lack of spatial resolution. This study assessed prospectively the diagnostic value and impact of combined 6-[18F]fluorodihydroxyphenylalanine positron emission tomography–computed tomography (18F-DOPA-PET/CT) in the management of NET.

Methods

18F-DOPA-PET/CT findings in 61 patients with suspected NET were compared with a composite reference standard including somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS), magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, histological examination and clinical follow-up. The impact on clinical management was estimated by calculating the proportion of patients whose treatment changed as a result of 18F-DOPA-PET/CT findings.

Results

18F-DOPA-PET/CT correctly identified 32 of 36 patients with NET. The sensitivity and specificity of 18F-DOPA-PET/CT for the detection of NET were 91 and 96 per cent respectively. Sensitivity using SRS was significantly lower (59 per cent), whereas the specificity was similar (86 per cent). In 16 (26 per cent) of the 61 patients the management was altered as a result of new findings on 18F-DOPA-PET/CT.

Conclusion

18F-DOPA-PET/CT yields a high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of NET. The clinical impact was highly relevant as changes in therapy were observed in more than a quarter of the patients.
Platycodin D Improves the Immunogenicity of Newcastle Disease Virus‐Based Recombinant Avian Influenza Vaccine in Mice
Authors: Xie Yong , Sun Hong‐Xiang , Li Duo
Published: March 2010

The development of an effective influenza vaccine is urgently important for controlling outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) and reducing the impact of pandemics. The use of an adjuvant in such a vaccine can significantly contribute to improve the immunogenicity. To explore a novel and safe adjuvant for improving the potency of influenza vaccines, platycodin D (1), a saponin from the root of Platycodon grandiflorum, was evaluated for the adjuvant potentials on the specific cellular and humoral immune responses to Newcastle disease virus‐based recombinant avian influenza vaccine (rL‐H5) in mice. Compound 1 significantly promoted the concanavalin A (Con A)‐, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐, and the antigen‐induced splenocyte proliferation and enhanced the serum antigen‐specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibody titers (P<0.05, P<0.01, or P<0.001) in mice immunized with rL‐H5. The mRNA expressions of Th1/Th2 cytokines (IFN‐γ and IL‐10) and transcription factors (T‐bet and GATA‐3) in splenocytes were also markedly up‐regulated by 1, compared with the control group immunized with rL‐H5 alone (P<0.01 or P<0.001). In addition, 1 remarkably increased the killing activities of natural killer (NK) cells from splenocytes in the immunized mice (P<0.05), which may have important implications for the vaccination against the avian influenza virus. We concluded that 1 could improve the immunogenicity of the rL‐H5 vaccine by enhancing both humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, and that 1 is a promising adjuvant for influenza vaccines.
A knowledge‐based approach for screening chemical structures withinde novomolecular evolution
Authors: Chu Chunmei , Alsberg Bjørn Kåre
Published: March 2010

Despite the advantage of employing evolutionary algorithms (EAs) forde novocreation of novel molecular structures with optimal properties, the approach is hampered by sampling chemically undesirable structures. Such structures are undesirable for different reasons, such as a critical structural pattern may be ignored or too many rotational degrees of freedom exist for conformational search. A new method is presented which creates a user‐defined structure filter, here referred to as the bias filter (BF)b, generated from a set of molecules representing typical structure types that are allowed to evolve in thede novoprocess. The BF can be seen as constraining the chemical structure space according to external requirements given by the user. No explicit programming of structure rules is necessary which makes the proposed method much more intuitive and user friendly than other methods commonly used inde novoapplications. We have tested the proposed method in the process of evolving a set of Factor Xa inhibitors where the aim is to create molecules with optimal logPvalues. Thede novoGeneGear system developed in our group is responsible for the corresponding evolutionary computation and bias filtering. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3,4,5,6‐Tetrafluorophenylnitren‐2‐yl: A Ground‐State Quartet Triradical
Authors: Grote Dirk , Finke Christopher , Kossmann Simone , Neese Frank , Sander Wolfram
Published: March 2010

The photochemistry of 2‐iodo‐3,4,5,6‐tetrafluorophenyl azide (7 d) has been investigated in argon and neon matrices at 4 K, and the products characterized by IR and EPR spectroscopy. The primary photochemical step is loss of a nitrogen molecule and formation of phenyl nitrene 1 d. Further irradiation with UV or visible light results in mixtures of 1 d with azirine 5 d′, ketenimine 6 d′, nitreno radical 2 d, and azirinyl radical 9. The relative amounts of these products strongly depend on the matrix and on the irradiation conditions. Nitreno radical 2 d with a quartet ground state was characterized by EPR spectroscopy. Electronic structure calculations in combination with the experimental results allow for a detailed understanding of the properties of this unusual new type of organic high‐spin molecules.
ChemInform Abstract: Polymorphism of In5S5Cl — X‐Ray and HRTEM‐Investigations.
Authors: Nickel Vera , Deiseroth Hans‐Joerg , Kienle Lorenz , Duppel Viola , Reiner Christof
Published: March 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Apparently Regular Octahedral Coordination of Ag(II) in IF6[Ag(SbF6)3].
Authors: Mazej Zoran , Goreshnik Evgeny , Arcon Iztok , Zabukovec Logar Natasa , Kaucic Venceslav
Published: March 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: α‐ and β‐Na2[BH4][NH2]: Two Modifications of a Complex Hydride in the System NaNH2—NaBH4; Syntheses, Crystal Structures, Thermal Analyses, Mass and Vibrational Spectra.
Authors: Somer Mehmet , Acar Selcuk , Koz Cevriye , Kokal Ilkin , Hoehn Peter , Cardoso‐Gil Raul , Aydemir Umut , Akselrud Lev
Published: March 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A 121Sb and 151Eu Moessbauer Spectroscopic Investigation of EuMn2Sb2, EuZn2Sb2, YbMn2Sb2, and YbZn2Sb2.
Authors: Schellenberg Inga , Eul Matthias , Hermes Wilfried , Poettgen Rainer
Published: March 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Solid State Phase Equilibria in the Te‐Rich Region of the RE (RE: Ce, Nd and Pr)—Sn—Te Ternary Systems.
Authors: Zhang Guanghua , Zhan Yongzhong , Luo Fusheng , Liang Jianlie , Li Xianxiang , Zhou Weiping , Gao Qiannan
Published: March 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: First Observation of Phase Transformation of All Four Fe2O3 Phases (γ→ε→β→α‐Phase).
Authors: Sakurai Shunsuke , Namai Asuka , Hashimoto Kazuhito , Ohkoshi Shin‐ichi
Published: March 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: La3TWS3O6 (T: Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni): Quinary Rare Earth Transition‐Metal Compounds Showing a Nonmagnetic/Magnetic Transition (T: Co) — Synthesis, Structure and Physical Properties.
Authors: Bryhan Douglas N. , Rakers Rosemary , Klimaszewski Krzysztof , Patel Nihar , Bohac Joshua J. , Kremer Reinhard K. , Mattausch Hansjuergen , Zheng Chong
Published: March 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.