bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of purified and modified bentonites in linear low‐density polyethylene/organoclay/compatibilizer nanocomposites
Authors: Seyidoglu Tijen , Yilmazer Ulku
Published: October 2011

Polyethylene‐based ternary nanocomposites were prepared with different clay structures, obtained by the modification of purified Resadiye bentonite as the reinforcement, a random terpolymer of ethylene, butyl acrylate, and maleic anhydride with the trade name Lotader3210 as the compatibilizer, and linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) as the polymer matrix in an intensive batch mixer. The quaternary ammonium/phosphonium salts used for the modification of bentonite were dimethyldioctadecyl ammonium (DMDA) chloride (Cl), tetrakisdecyl ammonium (TKA) bromide (Br), and tributylhexadecyl phosphonium (TBHP) Br. The effects of the physical properties and structure of the organoclay on the clay dispersion were studied at different clay contents (2 and 5 wt %) and at a compatibilizer/organoclay ratio of 2.5. The extent of organoclay dispersion was determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and was verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), mechanical testing, and rheological analysis. XRD analysis showed that the nanocomposite with the organoclay DMDA contained intercalated silicate layers, as also verified by TEM. The TEM analysis of the nanocomposites with TBHP exhibited intercalated/partially exfoliated clay dispersion. TKA, with a crowded alkyl environment, sheltered and hindered the intercalation of polymer chains through the silicate layers. In comparison to pure LLDPE, nanocomposites with a 33–41% higher Young's modulus, 16–9% higher tensile strength, and 75–144% higher elongation at break were produced with DMDA and TBHP, respectively (at 5 wt % organoclay). The storage modulus increased by 807–1393%, and the dynamic viscosity increased by 196–339% with respect to pure LLDPE at low frequencies for the samples with DMDA and TBHP (at 5 wt % organoclay). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Determination of formaldehyde/urea molar ratio in amino resins by near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Henriques Ana , Cruz Paulo , Martins Jorge , Ferra João M. , Magalhães Fernão D. , Carvalho Luisa H.
Published: October 2011

New processes for synthesis of urea‐formaldehyde (UF) and melamine‐fortified urea‐formaldehyde (mUF) resins have been developed in the last years, motivated by the current concerns about the effects of formaldehyde on human health. All these formulations are quite susceptible to possible operation error, which can significantly influence the characteristics of the final product. The main objective of this work was to implement chemometric techniques for off‐line monitoring of the product's formaldehyde/urea (F/U) molar ratio using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. This allows the timely implementation of the necessary corrections in case the product is off‐specification. Calibration models for F/U molar ratio were developed taking into account the most relevant spectral regions for these resins, individually or in combination (7502–6098 cm−1 and 5000–4246 cm−1) and using different preprocessing methods. When the appropriate spectral range and preprocessing methods are selected, it is possible to obtain calibration models with high correlation values for these resins. The best preprocessing methods were identified for three cases: UF resin (produced by strongly‐acid process), mUF resin (alkaline‐acid process), and a combined model that involves both UF and mUF resins. It was concluded that significantly better accuracy is obtained when a new model is developed for each particular resin system. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Light‐Induced Electron Transfer over Distances of 5, 10, and 15 Å within Water‐Filled Yoctowells
Authors: Bhosale Sheshanath V. , Hackbarth Steffen , Langford Steven J. , Bhosale Sidhanath V.
Published: October 2011

A small series of variable‐depth yoctowell cavities with ′functional′ walls on aminated silica particles and gold electrodes has been established. The dimensions of the gaps formed were 2.2 nm in diameter with varying ′functional′ depths of 5, 10, and 15 Å, depending on the length of bolaphiles applied and the position of the positive rim; these gaps were prepared through a Michael addition of the incorporated ene‐amide groups. Using this construct and electrostatic interactions between the positive rim and anionic quinones as a means of immobilization, a porphyrin–quinone dyad system has been prepared. The distance between the donor and acceptor was changed systematically in aqueous solution, whilst maintaining a similar environment in each case. Upon photoexcitation of the porphyrin, efficient electron transfer occurs between the porphyrin and quinone units in a distance‐dependent manner on the nanosecond timescale.
Using Delta Range for Fault Detection/Exclusion on GPS Positioning
Authors: Yeh Fu‐Kuang , Chen Hung‐Wei , Tsai Yi‐Hsueh
Published: October 2011

Conventionally, the well‐known position‐velocity‐acceleration (PVA) model is adopted as the dynamic model of the Kalman filter for global positioning system (GPS) positioning. Nevertheless, when a moving vehicle corners in the situation of accelerated motion, the conventional PVA model without using extra sensors is no longer adequate for describing the motion of the vehicle. Thus, the positioning result of the vehicle is less accurate during accelerated motion, and normalized innovation squared is no longer suitable as the test statistic measurement for fault detection and exclusion on GPS positioning. Therefore, in this paper, the delta range (DR) equation is proposed to accurately model the dynamic behavior of a maneuvering vehicle. We propose both the conventional PVA model and the delta range model on the Kalman filter for a maneuvering vehicle to measure its position. Simulation results show that the proposed delta range can perform both positioning and fault detection and exclusion well as the vehicle maneuvers. Finally, we successfully perform two experiments to demonstrate that the DR model has a better positioning effect than the PVA model for a maneuvering vehicle.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Effect of oral intake of winged bean extract on a skin lichenification model: Evaluation by microarray analysis
Authors: Shibata Michio , Ishimatsu‐Tsuji Yumiko , Yokoo Mihoshi , Nakai Yuji , Abe Keiko , Muta Keiko
Published: October 2011

Winged bean (WB), Psophocarpus tetragonolobus, is a tropical legume, the potential of which is not fully understood. We found that 5‐week oral administration of a WB seed extract inhibited wrinkle formation induced by repeated tape stripping (TS) as a model of lichenification in human chronic eczematous dermatitis. To elucidate the mechanism of the effect of WB on this model, we applied microarray analysis. Hierarchical clustering revealed that each experimental group formed a distinct cluster, suggesting the presence of a distinct gene expression profile among the three groups of non‐TS, TS, and TS with oral administration of WB extract (TS/WB). Gene ontology analysis showed that several gene groups with keratinization and mitosis were significantly upregulated by TS, while other groups with ATP synthesis and glycolysis were significantly downregulated by TS/WB. Moreover, WB extract influenced a number of genes related to epidermal differentiation and inflammation. This suggests that these changes inhibited wrinkle formation by TS.
Adipokines: Biofactors from white adipose tissue. A complex hub among inflammation, metabolism, and immunity
Authors: Conde Javier , Scotece Morena , Gómez Rodolfo , López Verónica , Gómez‐Reino Juan Jesús , Lago Francisca , Gualillo Oreste
Published: October 2011

Until the identification of leptin, the first adipokine discovered in 1994, adipose tissue was considered only as an energy storage tissue. However, it is now clear that adipose tissue is an endocrine/paracrine/autocrine organ, which plays a relevant role in physiopathology of several inflammatory diseases. Actually, it is mainly involved not only in the low‐grade inflammatory status in obesity but also in other relevant inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders. In this review article, we discuss the main biological activities of leptin, adiponectin, lipocalin‐2, resistin, and visfatin, as well as their contributions to certain inflammatory conditions.
Hydrogel design for supporting neurite outgrowth and promoting gene delivery to maximize neurite extension
Authors: Shepard Jaclyn A. , Stevans Alyson C. , Holland Samantha , Wang Christine E. , Shikanov Ariella , Shea Lonnie D.
Published: October 2011

Hydrogels capable of gene delivery provide a combinatorial approach for nerve regeneration, with the hydrogel supporting neurite outgrowth and gene delivery inducing the expression of inductive factors. This report investigates the design of hydrogels that balance the requirements for supporting neurite growth with those requirements for promoting gene delivery. Enzymatically‐degradable PEG hydrogels encapsulating dorsal root ganglia explants, fibroblasts, and lipoplexes encoding nerve growth factor were gelled within channels that can physically guide neurite outgrowth. Transfection of fibroblasts increased with increasing concentration of Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) cell adhesion sites and decreasing PEG content. The neurite length increased with increasing RGD concentration within 10% PEG hydrogels, yet was maximal within 7.5% PEG hydrogels at intermediate RGD levels. Delivering lipoplexes within the gel produced longer neurites than culture in NGF‐supplemented media or co‐culture with cells exposed to DNA prior to encapsulation. Hydrogels designed to support neurite outgrowth and deliver gene therapy vectors locally may ultimately be employed to address multiple barriers that limit regeneration. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:830–839. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytochrome c dissolved in 1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride type ionic liquid undergoes a quasi‐reversible redox reaction up to 140°C
Authors: Tamura Kaori , Nakamura Nobuhumi , Ohno Hiroyuki
Published: October 2011

Solubility of cytochrome c, a typical heme protein, in a various ionic liquids has been analyzed. The solubility has been discussed with polarity parameters of the ionic liquids. Both hydrogen bond basicity and dipolarity/polarizability of the ionic liquids were confirmed to be influential factors to control the solubilization of cytochrome c. Polar ionic liquids such as 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride and 1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride solubilized cytochrome c at 80°C, and the dissolved cytochrome c was found to keep its redox activity in these ionic liquids. The redox response of the dissolved cytochrome c was detected in 1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride up to 140°C. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:729–735. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced recovery of antitumor ganoderic acid T from Ganoderma lucidum mycelia by novel chemical conversion strategy
Authors: Wang Jia‐Le , Gu Tingyue , Zhong Jian‐Jiang
Published: October 2011

The removal of analog impurities with a very small sample size presents a major challenge in the purification of high‐valued biochemicals such as those derived from fermentation or herbs. Ganoderic acid T (GA‐T), an antitumor drug candidate, is very difficult to purify from the mycelia of medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum due to co‐purifying analog impurities. A novel pretreatment process with three consecutive chemical conversion steps, namely hydrolysis–acetylation–hydrolysis, was developed to convert two key analog impurities (7‐O‐ethyl GA‐O and GA‐Mk) to GA‐T. It increased the GA‐T amount in the 100 g dried mycelia from the initial 0.444 g to 1.621 g after the pretreatment, representing an apparent yield of 365% for the pretreatment. If the yield basis were the initial GA‐T amount plus the GA‐T amount from 100% conversion of 7‐O‐ethyl GA‐O and GA‐Mk in the crude extract, the yield, termed adjusted yield for the pretreatment in this work, would still reach 90.8%. Furthermore, the subsequent RP‐HPLC purification was considerably enhanced due to the conversion of the analog impurities. This game‐changer strategy achieved a daily GA‐T throughput of 2.9 g with 95% purity (mass based). Even at the laboratory scale, it is now possible to produce a sufficient amount of GA‐T for small‐scale pharmacological and clinical evaluations. The approach of converting analog impurities that are otherwise difficult to remove to the product in a bioseparation process may be useful to achieve enhanced recovery of other medicinally useful natural products. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:754–762. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel iron–sulfur containing NADPH‐Reductase from Nocardia farcinica IFM10152 and fusion construction with CYP51 lanosterol demethylase
Authors: Choi Kwon‐Young , Jung Eun‐Ok , Jung Da‐Hye , Pandey Bishnu Prasad , Lee Nahum , Yun Hyungdon , Park Hyung‐yun , Kim Byung‐Gee
Published: October 2011

CYP51, a sterol 14α‐demethylase, is one of the key enzymes involved in sterol biosynthesis and requires electrons transferred from its redox partners. A unique CYP51 from Nocardia farcinica IFM10152 forms a distinct cluster with iron–sulfur containing NADPH‐P450 reductase (FprD) downstream of CYP51. Previously, sequence alignment of nine reductases from N. farcinica revealed that FprC, FprD, and FprH have an additional sequence at their N‐termini that has very high identity with iron–sulfur clustered ferredoxin G (FdxG). To construct an artificial self‐sufficient cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP) with only FprD, CYP51, and iron–sulfur containing FprD were fused together with designed linker sequences. CYP51–FprD fusion enzymes showed distinct spectral properties of both flavoprotein and CYP. CYP51–FprD F1 and F2 in recombinant Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) catalyzed demethylation of lanosterol more efficiently, with kcat/Km values of 96.91 and 105.79 nmol/min/nmol, respectively, which are about 35‐fold higher compared to those of CYP51 and FprD alone. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:630–636. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High tie in anterior resection for rectal cancer confers no increased risk of anastomotic leakage
Authors: Rutegård M , Hemmingsson O , Matthiessen P , Rutegård J
Published: October 2011

Background

It is controversial whether division of the inferior mesenteric artery close to the aorta influences the risk of anastomotic leakage, especially in the elderly and unfit. This population-based study was carried out to evaluate the independent association between a high arterial ligation and anastomotic leakage in anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Methods

All patients who had anterior resection for rectal cancer from 2007 to 2009 inclusive were identified in the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. The association between high tie and anastomotic leakage was evaluated in a logistic regression model, with adjustment for confounders. Stratification was performed for co-morbidity as judged by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification.

Results

Symptomatic anastomotic leakage occurred in 81 (9·9 per cent) of 818 patients with a high tie and 108 (9·8 per cent) of 1101 without. Overall, the use of a high tie was not associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leakage (odds ratio (OR) 1·00, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·72 to 1·39). There was no increased risk in patients classifed as ASA grade I or II (OR 0·97, 0·69 to 1·35), or in those graded ASA III or IV (OR 1·26, 0·58 to 2·75).

Conclusion

In the present population-based setting, use of a high tie was not associated with an increased rate of symptomatic anastomotic leakage. Copyright © 2011 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized clinical trial of a brief psychological intervention to increase walking in patients with intermittent claudication
Authors: Cunningham M A , Swanson V , O'Caroll R E , Holdsworth R J
Published: October 2011

Background

Increased walking is often recommended for patients with intermittent claudication (IC). Current methods to increase walking in these patients increase capability but not daily behaviour. This trial assessed whether a brief psychological intervention could increase daily walking at 4 months.

Methods

This randomized, single-centre, parallel-group trial was conducted between April 2008 and July 2010. Patients newly diagnosed with IC were randomly assigned into two groups. All clinical staff involved in patient management were blinded to allocation. The control group received usual care plus researcher contact, and the treatment group received usual care and a brief psychological intervention to modify illness and walking beliefs and to develop a personalized walking action plan. The psychological intervention was delivered in two 1-h sessions in participants' homes. The primary outcome was daily steps measured by pedometer 4 months later. Analyses were by intention to treat.

Results

Of 109 patients screened, 72 were eligible for inclusion; 58 patients consented to participate and were randomly allocated to usual care (30) or brief psychological intervention (28). All 58 participants were included in the analysis of the primary outcome. Compared with controls at 4-month follow-up, participants who received the psychological intervention walked a mean of 1575·63 (95 per cent confidence interval 731·97 to 2419·29) more steps per day. There were no adverse events.

Conclusion

A brief psychological intervention significantly increased daily walking in patients with IC at 4 months. This study provided support for a potentially new direction in the treatment of IC. Registration number: ISRCTN28051878 (http://www.controlled-trials.com). Copyright © 2011 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of an LC‐MS‐MS method for determination of methyl kulonate in rat plasma
Authors: Deng Zhipeng , Yuan Tao , Cui Shuxiang , Liu Shaochao , Xie Yanying , Yao Qingqiang
Published: October 2011

A sensitive, rapid and specific LC‐MS‐MS method was established and validated for determination of methyl kulonate, a major bioactive constituent isolated from Meliae Cortex, in rat plasma. Plasma samples were treated by precipitating protein with methanol and were chromatographed using a Capcell Pak C18 column (100 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with the mobile phase comprising a mixture of methanol, 10 m m ammonium formate and formic acid (95:5:0.1, v/v/v). Detection and quantification were performed by mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring mode with positive atmospheric ionization at m/z 467 → 311 for methyl kulonate, and m/z 469 → 451 for dubione B (internal standard), respectively. A good linear response was observed over the concentration range 1.00–500 ng/mL with the lower limit of quantification 1.00 ng/mL in rat plasma. The method also afforded satisfactory results base on sensitivity, specificity, precision, accuracy, recovery, freeze–thaw and long‐time stability. The validated method was successfully applied to determine the pharmacokinetic properties of methyl kulonate in rats after oral administration at dose of 100 mg/kg. This pharmacokinetic study of methyl kulonate is reported here for the first time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of Staphylococcus enterotoxin B using differential isotopic tags and liquid chromatography quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Bao Khanh Dang , Letellier Ann , Beaudry Francis
Published: October 2011

Staphylococcus aureus produces enterotoxins, which are causative agents of foodborne intoxications. Enterotoxins are single‐chain polypeptides and have a molecular weight of about 26–28 kDa. The consumption of food contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins results in the onset of acute gastroenteritis within 2–6 h. The objective of this study was the development of a new method for the quantification of Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in food matrices. Tryptic peptide map was generated and nine proteolytic fragments were clearly identified (sequence coverage of 35%). Among these, three specific tryptic peptides were selected to be used as surrogate peptides and internal standards for quantitative analysis using an isotopic tagging strategy along with analysis by LC‐MS/MS. The linearity of the measurement by LC‐MS/MS was evaluated by combining mixtures of both isotopes at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 1H/2H molar ratios with a slope near to 1, values of R2 above 0.98 and %CV obtained from six repeated measurement was below 8%. The precision and accuracy of the method were assessed using SEB spiked in chicken meat homogenate samples. SEB was fortified at 0.2, 1 and 2 pmol/g. The accuracy results indicated that the method can provide accuracy within a 84.9–91.1% range. Overall, the results presented in this manuscript show that proteomics‐based methods can be effectively used to detect, confirm and quantify SEB in food matrices. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of multiple absorbed constituents in rats after oral administration of Paederia scandens decoction
Authors: Jiang Weixin , Jin Di , Li Zhixiong , Sun Zhaolin , Chen Mingcang , Wu Bin , Huang Chenggang
Published: October 2011

Paederia scandens (Lour.) Merri. (Jishiteng in Chinese) is a Chinese traditional medicine widely used in treating various diseases. However, its active components have remained unknown. In the present study, a rapid and sensitive method by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MSn) techniques was employed to investigate the absorbed constituents in rats after oral administration of Paederia scandens decoction. By comparing their MS data with those of authentic compounds and published data, a total of six compounds (paederosid, 1; paederosidic acid, 2; paederosidic acid methyl ester, 3; 6‐hydroxy geniposide, 4; asperuloside, 5; and deacetyl asperuloside, 6) were identified in the P. scandens decoction samples. In addition, a total of seven compounds, including three iridoid glucosides and four of their metabolites, were identified in rat urine samples after administration. In addition, six compounds, including four iridoid glucosides and two of their metabolites, were identified in rat serum samples after administration. Our results significantly narrow the range of potentially active compounds in P. scandens decoction, and build a solid foundation for future research on its mechanism. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why Does the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Enhance Firm Value? The Case of Japanese Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Nishitani Kimitaka , Kokubu Katsuhiko
Published: October 2011

This paper examines the influence of firms’ reductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on firm value, measured by Tobin's q. If the stockholders/investors regard the reduction of GHG emissions as a form of intangible value, the reduction of GHG emissions will enhance firm value. To prove this relation more precisely, this paper analyzes not only the effect of the reduction of GHG emissions on firm value but also that of the market discipline imposed by the stockholders/investors in terms of the reduction of GHG emissions. Using data on 641 Japanese manufacturing firms in the period 2006–2008, the random effect instrumental variable estimate supports the view that firms with strong market discipline imposed by stockholders/investors are more likely to reduce GHG emissions and, consequently, firms that reduce more GHG emissions are more likely to enhance firm value. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Use of computational fluid dynamics as a tool for establishing process design space for mixing in a bioreactor
Authors: Rathore A. S. , Sharma C. , Persad A.
Published: October 2011

The concept of “design space” plays an integral part in implementation of quality by design for pharmaceutical products. ICH Q8 defines design space as “the multidimensional combination and interaction of input variables (e.g., material attributes) and process parameters that have been demonstrated to provide assurance of quality. Working within the design space is not considered as a change. Movement out of the design space is considered to be a change and would normally initiate a regulatory post‐approval change process. Design space is proposed by the applicant and is subject to regulatory assessment and approval.” Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is increasingly being used as a tool for modeling of hydrodynamics and mass transfer. In this study, a laboratory‐scale aerated bioreactor is modeled using CFD. Eulerian‐Eulerian multiphase model is used along with dispersed k–ε turbulent model. Population balance model is incorporated to account for bubble breakage and coalescence. Multiple reference frame model is used for the rotating region. We demonstrate the usefulness of CFD modeling for evaluating the effects of typical process parameters like impeller speed, gas flow rate, and liquid height on the mass transfer coefficient (kLa). Design of experiments is utilized to establish a design space for the above mentioned parameters for a given permissible range of kLa. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Accessory head of flexor pollicis longus muscle in fetuses and adult cadavers and its relation to anterior interosseous nerve
Authors: Kara Alev , Elvan Ozlem , Yildiz Selda , Ozturk Hakan
Published: October 2011

This study was conducted to examine the accessory head of flexor pollicis longus muscle (ahFPL) and its relation with the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) in human fetuses and adult cadavers. Ninety fetus forearms and 52 adult cadaver forearms were dissected to evaluate the incidence, morphology, and innervation of the ahFPL. The ahFPL was observed in 29/90 (32%) of the fetus forearms and 20/52 (39%) of the adult cadaver forearms. The overall side incidence was 34.5% (49/142) among total forearms examined. On the other hand, the population incidence of ahFPL was 42% (19/45) in fetuses while it was 50% (12/24) in adult cadavers. So, the overall incidence in humans was 44.9% (31/69) in the population studied. Compression of the AIN in the forearm by the ahFPL is known as one of the causes of the anterior interosseous nerve syndrome (AINS). So, the relation of ahFPL with the AIN was evaluated, and in light of previous classifications a modified new classification is proposed. The most common relation detected in this study was Type IVa (71.4%) (AIN and its branches coursed posterior to the ahFPL). While Type I was not observed in this study, the incidences of Type II, Type III, and Type IVb (all AIN branches ‘without AIN itself’ coursed posterior to the ahFPL) were 2%, 14.3%, and 12.3%, respectively. The Types I, IVa, and IVb are thought to be associated with complete or incomplete types of AINS and Type III with incomplete type of AINS only. Clin. Anat. 25:601–608, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design and Synthesis of Caged Fluorescent Nucleotides and Application to Live‐cell RNA Imaging
Authors: Ikeda Shuji , Kubota Takeshi , Wang Dan Ohtan , Yanagisawa Hiroyuki , Umemoto Tadashi , Okamoto Akimitsu
Published: October 2011

A binary photocontrolled nucleic acid probe that contains a nucleotide modified with one photolabile nitrobenzyl unit and two hybridization‐sensitive thiazole orange units has been designed for area‐specific fluorescence imaging of RNA in a cell. The synthesized probe emitted very weak fluorescence regardless of the presence of the complementary RNA, whereas it showed hybridization‐sensitive fluorescence emission at 532 nm after photoirradiation at 360 or 405 nm for uncaging. Fluorescence suppression of the caged probe was attributed to a decrease in the duplex‐formation ability. Caged fluorescent nucleotides with other emission wavelengths (622 and 724 nm) were also synthesized in this study; they were uncaged by 360 nm irradiation, and emitted fluorescence in the presence of the complementary RNA. Such probes were applied to area‐specific RNA imaging in a cell. Only probes in the defined irradiation area were activated by uncaging irradiation, and subnuclear mRNA diffusion in a living cell was monitored.
Zirconium Phosphate Coating on Aluminum Foams by Electrophoretic Deposition for Acidic Catalysis
Authors: Ordomsky Vitaly V. , Schouten Jaap C. , van der Schaaf John , Nijhuis T. Alexander
Published: October 2011

The electrophoretic deposition method has been applied for the formation of an amorphous zirconium phosphate layer on the surface of open‐cell aluminum foam. The aluminum foam was fully and uniformly covered by the zirconium phosphate layer with a good mechanical adherence to the support. The obtained composites were characterized by using XRD, SEM and nitrogen adsorption. The coated aluminum foams showed high catalytic activity in the dehydration of fructose to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural. This method of foam coating is much more convenient and effective than the traditional washcoating procedure, avoiding the anodization pretreatment of the foam to increase adherence.
A further study on closo boron hydrides B16H2−16 (D2) and B16H16Td) using ab initio molecular orbital theory
Authors: Jiang Xin‐Tian , Hu Xu‐Guang , Cai Yu‐Min , Li Qian‐Shu
Published: October 2011

Ab initio molecular orbital calculations of doubly negative charged B16H2−16(D2) and neutral B16H16(Td) have been done at the HF/6‐31G level. They are predicted to be chemically and kinetically stable by vibrational analyses on their respective energy hypersurface of the HF/6‐31G level. The geometrical structure of the species B16H216 (D2) was discussed.
Binding studies of DNA with Co(III) coordination compound
Authors: Jin Lan , Yang Pin
Published: October 2011

The binding of Co(bpy)2dppz3+ to calf thymus DNA was investigated by using absorption and emission spectroscopy, DNA melting techniques, cyclic voltammetry, viscosity and electro phoresis measurements, where bpy is 2,2′‐bipyridyl, dppz is dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c] phenazine. The binding compound shm absorption hypochromicity, fluorescence enhancement, and increasing of DNA melting temperature and the specific viscosity. CV measurement shows the shifts in oxidation‐reduction potential and change in peak current with addition of DNA. The compound ie also shown to be more efficient photosensitisers for strand breaks in plasmid DNA.
Synthesis and structural characterization of a new trimetallic thiocubane cluster
Authors: Yu Rong‐Min , Lu Shao‐Fang , Huang Xiao‐Ying , Huang Jian‐Quan
Published: October 2011

The trimetallic cluster W2CuAgS4(TDT)2(PPh3)2‐CH2Cl2 (TDT= [S2(C6H3)CH3]2–) (2) has been prepared from the reaction of the well‐defined molecule building block [W2S4(TDT)2]2–(1) with AgNO3, CuBr and PPh3. The structure contains a [w2CuAgS4]4+ distorted cubane‐like core. Two types of metal‐metal bonds exist in the core. One is WW bond of which length is 0.2871(1) nm, the other is WM' (M'=Cu or Ag) bonds, whose mean distance is 0.2980 nm. The details of synthesis, structure, IR, UV‐Vis and 31P NMR spectra are reported. The crystallographic data are: space group P21/n, with a=1.6987(4), b=1.7763(6), c=1.8918(5) nm, β=98.54(2)°, V=5.645(3) nm3, Z=4. and final R=0.043 for 6437 observed reflections.
A novel hydrogen peroxide‐initiated reaction of difluorodiiodomethane with alkynes
Authors: Li An‐Rong , Chen Qing‐Yun
Published: October 2011

The reaction of difluorodiiodomethane with alkynes (4a—e) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide afforded the corresponding β‐iodo‐α, β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids. When propargylic alcohol was used as the substrate, β‐iodo‐α, β‐unsaturated γ‐butyrolactone (5f) was produced. The mechanism of the reaction was suggested.
Trichobitacin — a new ribosome‐inactivating protein I. The isolation, physicochemical and biological properties of trichobitacin
Authors: Jin Shan‐Wei , Xiang Bang‐Ping , Cao Bai‐Xun , Wang Yu
Published: October 2011

From the press‐residue of the fresh root tuber of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maim (Cucurbitaceae), a new ribosome‐inactivating protein (RIP), trichobitacin, was isolated. It has the activity of RNA N‐glycosidase and can inhibit the growth of human placental trophoblastic cells. Its molecular weight is 27,228 Da (ES‐MS) and pI 9.6. It is a single chain basic RIP. Its amino acid composition was determined. It is a new RIP. It consists of 0.7∼0.9% galactose and may be a glycoprotein. Its N‐ and C‐terminal amino acid is Asp and Ala, respectively. Its N‐terminal preliminary amino acid sequence has been determined.
Is there a “chain‐foldability” effect without neighboring moiety‐assistance
Authors: Ji Guo‐Zhen , Cui Xi‐Lin
Published: October 2011

The coaggregating tendencies of five methyl esters of saturated or unsaturated single‐chain carboxylic acids, namely, octanoic (8‐Me), dodecanoic (12‐Me), stearic (18‐Me), oleic (o‐18:1‐Me) and elaidic (t‐18:1‐Me) acids, were investigated in five aquiorgano binary solvent systems, V/V DX‐H2O (ϕ=0.50, 0.45, 0.40, 0.30, 0.20), using naphthylethyl octyl (Np‐8), dodecyl (Np‐12), hexadecyl (Np‐16) ether aa fluorescent probes. The orders of their coaggregating tendencies changed in solvents of different ϕ values. Our results could be rationalized by a chain‐foldability effect without neighboring moiety participation.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Recovery from Human Urine by Struvite Precipitation and Air Stripping in Vietnam
Authors: Antonini Samantha , Paris Stefania , Eichert Thomas , Clemens Joachim
Published: October 2011

A “No Mix” sanitation system was installed in a dormitory at the University of CanTho in South Vietnam, with the objective of recycling nutrients from source separated wastewater streams. This paper presents the “Yellow Water” treatment plant and its efficiency in recovering phosphorus and nitrogen from human urine. The pilot plant achieved phosphorus removal efficiencies of 98% with both diluted and undiluted urine. Phosphorus was recovered in the form of struvite, a solid mineral fertilizer with heavy metal concentrations being below the German Fertilizer Regulation's threshold limits. About 110 g of struvite could be generated after one treatment cycle, during which 50 L of urine were processed. Nitrogen removal by air stripping showed best results when circulating the urine for 3 h through the stripping column at a high flow rate (80 L/h). With these settings, more than 90% of the nitrogen could be removed from the urine, and virtually 100% of this nitrogen could be recovered in the form of liquid ammonium sulfate. In the future, treatment costs could be further reduced by making use of the solar energy that is available during daytime in South Vietnam.
Suboptimal responses in chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Jabbour Elias , Saglio Giuseppe , Hughes Timothy P. , Kantarjian Hagop
Published: October 2011

The high response rates and increased survival associated with imatinib therapy prompted a paradigm shift in the management of chronic myeloid leukemia. However, 25% to 30% of imatinib‐treated patients develop drug resistance or intolerance, increasing the risk of disease progression and poor prognosis. In 2006, the European LeukemiaNet proposed criteria to identify patients with a suboptimal response to, or failure associated with, imatinib; these recommendations were updated in 2009. Suboptimal responders represent a unique treatment challenge. Although they may respond to continued imatinib therapy, their long‐term outcomes may not be as favorable as those for optimally responding patients. Validation studies demonstrated that suboptimal responders are a heterogeneous group, and that the prognostic implications of suboptimal response vary by time point. There are few data derived from clinical trials to guide therapeutic decisions for these patients. Clinical trials are currently underway to assess the efficacy of newer tyrosine kinase inhibitors in this setting. Identification of suboptimal responders or patients failing treatment using hematologic, cytogenetic, and molecular techniques allows physicians to alter therapy earlier in the treatment course to improve long‐term outcomes. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Myeloid neoplasms with isolated isochromosome 17q represent a clinicopathologic entity associated with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative features, a high risk of leukemic transformation, and wild‐typeTP53
Authors: Kanagal‐Shamanna Rashmi , Bueso‐Ramos Carlos E. , Barkoh Bedia , Lu Gary , Wang Sa , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Vadhan‐Raj Saroj , Hoehn Daniela , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Yin C. Cameron
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

Isolated isochromosome (17q) is a rare cytogenetic abnormality in Philadelphia chromosome‐negative myeloid neoplasms, usually myelodysplastic and/or myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN). De novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with isochromosome 17q has rarely been reported. The frequency of genetic mutations is unknown.

METHODS:

The authors assessed clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular genetic features of 22 myeloid neoplasms with isolated isochromosome 17q.

RESULTS:

Fourteen patients presented as MDS/MPN; 8 as de novo AML. Most presented with leukocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and splenomegaly. Morphologically, all showed myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative features, including pseudo‐Pelger‐Huet‐like neutrophils, micromegakaryocytic hyperplasia, hypercellularity, fibrosis, and osteosclerosis. Blasts were increased (median, 40% in de novo AML; 9% in MDS/MPN). Immunohistochemical assessment of proliferation and apoptosis rates in AML were similar to a matched group without isochromosome 17q. In most patients, isochromosome 17q occurred at time of blast transformation or disease progression. DNA sequencing revealed no mutation in the uninvolvedTP53allele. Mutational analyses showed rare mutations inNRAS(3 of 10),FLT3(2 of 16), andJAK2(1 of 18), and no mutations inNPM1(0 of 15),KIT(0 of 4), andCEBPA(0 of 4). The median overall survival was 14.5 months for de novo AML, and 11.0 months for MDS/MPN. With a median follow‐up of 8.5 months (range, 1.5‐107 months), 15 died of disease, 6 had persistent disease, and 1 was in remission after bone marrow transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS:

The authors conclude that myeloid neoplasms with isolated isochromosome 17q represent a distinct clinicopathologic entity with myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative features, high risk of leukemic transformation, and wild‐typeTP53. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Genetic polymorphisms in obesity‐related genes and endometrial cancer risk
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Xiang Yong‐Bing , Long Ji‐Rong , Cai Hui , Cai Qiuyin , Cheng Jiarong , Wen Wanqing , Gao Yu‐Tang , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao‐Ou
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

Obesity is associated with circulating levels of adiponectin and leptin and endometrial cancer risk. Little is known about whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes that encode adiponectin (ADIPOQ), leptin (LEP), adiponectin receptor 1 (ADIPOR1), adiponectin receptor 2 (ADIPOR2), and leptin receptor (LEPR) are associated with endometrial cancer.

METHODS:

The authors selected 87 tagging SNPs to capture common genetic variants in these 5 genes. These SNPs were evaluated in 1028 endometrial cancer cases and 1932 community controls recruited from Chinese women. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS:

Three of the 10 SNPs evaluated in the ADIPOQ gene were significantly associated with reduced cancer risk. The OR for women homozygous for the minor allele (A/A) for rs3774262 was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.48‐0.97) compared with women homozygous for the major allele (G/G). Similar results were found for SNPs rs1063539 and rs12629945 in ADIPOQ, which were in linkage disequilibrium with rs3774262. These associations became nonsignificant after Bonferroni correction was applied. Controls with the minor allele A at rs3774262 had lower weight, smaller waist and hip circumferences, and lower body mass index than controls with the major allele G (all P < .05). Women homozygous for the minor allele (T/T) of rs2071045 in the LEP gene also had significantly lower risk (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54‐0.90) than women homozygous for the major allele (C/C). No other SNPs in the LEP, ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, or LEPR genes were found to be associated with cancer risk.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although a chance finding cannot be ruled out, the consistency of findings for gene‐endometrial cancer risk and gene‐obesity measurements suggests that genetic polymorphisms in the ADIPOQ gene may play a role in endometrial cancer development. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Interpretation of Nuclear Resonant Vibrational Spectra of Rubredoxin Using a Combined Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Mechanics Approach
Authors: Paulsen Hauke , Trautwein Alfred X. , Wegner Patrick , Schmidt Christian , Chumakov Aleksandr I. , Schünemann Volker
Published: October 2011

Nuclear resonant vibrational spectra of the reduced and oxidized form of a mutant of rubredoxin from Pyrococcus abyssii were measured and are compared with simulated spectra that were calculated by a combined quantum mechanics (QM) and molecular mechanics (MM) method. Density functional theory was used for the QM level. Calculations were performed for different models of rubredoxin. Realistic spectra were simulated with reduced models that include at least the iron center, the four cysteins coordinating it, and the residues connected to the cysteins together with a QM layer that comprises the first two coordination shells of the iron center. Larger QM layers did not lead to significant changes of the simulated spectra.
Phenazepam and cannabinomimetics sold as herbal highs in New Zealand
Authors: Couch R. A. F. , Madhavaram H.
Published: October 2011

A smokeable product called Kronic, is legally available, sold under five product names, and marketed in New Zealand as containing natural extracts. Two such products called Pineapple Express and Purple Haze were purchased from shops in Auckland city. They were investigated for the presence of synthetic drugs specifically synthesized for recreational purposes. The synthetic cannabinomimetics identified were JWH‐018, JWH‐073, JWH‐122, JWH‐250, and 1‐pentyl‐3‐(4‐methoxybenzoyl)indol. A compound not previously reported in such designer drug preparations 1‐butyl‐3‐(4‐methoxybenzoyl)indol was also seen. There was a marked variation in the content of these compounds within a named brand. The pharmaceutical benzodiazepine phenazepam (fenazepam) was identified as a constituent, along with certain cannabinominetics, in nearly all of the Kronic samples examined. Phenazepam has not previously been reported as a constituent of designer drug or herbal high products. The amount of phenazepam was approximately 1 mg per gram of Kronic leaf material. Use of these products could result in severe toxicity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent developments in dehydration of glycerol toward acrolein over heteropolyacids
Authors: Martin Andreas , Armbruster Udo , Atia Hanan
Published: October 2011

As biodiesel production from triglyceride transesterification increases, a surplus amount of by‐product glycerol is produced. The glycerol production per year in Europe has tripled within the last 10 years to 800–900 kt per year. This motivates the development of new processes for the conversion of glycerol into valuable chemicals, e.g., the transformation into acrolein. It is an attractive intermediate for acrylates, methionine, glutaraldehyde, etc. In the recent years, some researchers studied the dehydration of glycerol to acrolein over acidic bulk and supported catalysts, in particular with heteropolyacids (HPAs) as active compounds. HPAs attracted the attention due to their high Brønsted acidity and well known structures, however, they have some disadvantages such as low surface area, low thermal stability, and rapid coking leading to deactivation. To overcome these drawbacks, HPAs are often supported on oxidic carriers showing high surface areas. In addition, redox active metals are incorporated into HPAs and oxygen‐containing feed is used to suppress coke formation. This review presents a summary on recent research on HPA based catalysts in the gas phase dehydration of glycerol to acrolein.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 4′‐C,3′‐O‐Propylene‐Linked Bicyclic Nucleosides
Authors: Hatton Wilfried , Hunault Julie , Egorov Maxim , Len Christophe , Pipelier Muriel , Blot Virginie , Silvestre Virginie , Fargeas Valérie , Ané Adjou , McBrayer Tami , Detorio Mervi , Cho Jong‐Hyun , Bourgougnon Nathalie , Dubreuil Didier , Schinazi Raymond F. , Lebreton Jacques
Published: October 2011

A set of pyrimidine nucleosides fused with a 4′‐C,3′‐O‐propylene bridge was successfully synthesised in 12 steps from 1,2:5,6‐di‐O‐isopropylidene‐α‐D‐glucofuranose, an inexpensive starting material, based on a ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) reaction followed by Vorbrüggen‐type nucleobase coupling. Antiviral and cytotoxicity activities of the targeted modified nucleosides, as well as their phosphoramidate prodrugs, are described.
Study of the potential energy savings in Ethernet by combining Energy Efficient Ethernet and Adaptive Link Rate
Authors: Reviriego P. , Maestro J.A. , Hernández J.A. , Larrabeiti D.
Published: October 2011

The Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) standard (IEEE 802.3az) has introduced some modifications to existing Ethernet standards with the aim of improving energy efficiency in the transmission of data frames. The adopted mechanism is to use different power modes of operation such that a device can be put into a low‐power mode when there is no data to transmit and awake it very quickly upon frame arrival. This is expected to reduce energy consumption significantly, especially on low‐loaded links. An alternative to EEE, known as Adaptive Link Rate (ALR), was also proposed to improve energy efficiency in Ethernet by dynamically changing the link speed at different traffic loads. ALR reduces the energy consumption because the lower the link speed, the less energy is consumed. However, this option is no longer considered in the EEE standard process.

In this work, the potential energy savings of combining both EEE and ALR are explored. The results show that such a combination can further improve the already efficient EEE standard given the different power overheads associated with transitions between the active and idle power modes at different link speeds. This conclusion provides a clear motivation to investigate the combination of EEE and ALR more in detail in further developments. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.