bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oil and Gas Platform Ocean Current Profile Data from the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Crout Richard L.
Published: June 2009

AbstractApproximately 40 deep water oil production platforms and drilling rigs continue to provide real-time current profile data to NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center (NDBC). The NDBC receives and quality controls the data and transmits it over the Global Telecommunications
System. The NDBC stores the raw binary current profile data where it can be extracted in order to forecast the Loop Current and Loop Eddies for oil and transportation concerns in the Gulf of Mexico and to investigate the oceanography of the northern Gulf of Mexico. After quality control, the
NDBC also stores the processed data.In addition to aiding the oil and gas industry to understand and design for the forces in the water column generated by strong currents in the Gulf of Mexico, the three years of ocean profile data show a number of oceanographic phenomena. This paper
presents an examination of the Loop Current and associated eddies based on the oil and gas industry data. The high currents of the Loop Current that extend to several hundred meters depth are present and generally impact oil platforms as it moves into the northern Gulf of Mexico. Loop Eddies
exhibit many of the same characteristics as the Loop Current, then move into the western Gulf of Mexico to impact oil platforms there before currents diminish. Cyclonic eddies formed from interactions between the Loop Current and topographic or land features are also present. Five-day plots
of the current profiles show the passage of eddies. Wind-driven inertial currents propagate throughout the water column in all regions of the Gulf. The current profiles from delayed-mode, bottom-mounted profilers show that hurricane-generated near-inertial currents reach great depths.
FOXP3 Inhibits Activation-Induced NFAT2 Expression in T Cells Thereby Limiting Effector Cytokine Expression
Authors: Torgerson Troy R. , Genin Anna , Chen Chunxia , Zhang Mingce , Zhou Bin , Añover-Sombke Stephanie , Frank M. Barton , Dozmorov Igor , Ocheltree Elizabeth , Kulmala Petri , Centola Michael , Ochs Hans D. , Wells Andrew D. , Cron Randy Q.
Published: June 2009

The forkhead DNA-binding protein FOXP3 is critical for the development and suppressive function of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (TREG), which play a key role in maintaining self-tolerance. Functionally, FOXP3 is capable of repressing transcription of cytokine genes regulated by NFAT. Various mechanisms have been proposed by which FOXP3 mediates these effects. Using novel cell lines that inducibly express either wild-type or mutant FOXP3, we have identified NFAT2 as an early target of FOXP3-mediated transcriptional repression. NFAT2 is typically expressed at low levels in resting T cells, but is up-regulated by NFAT1 upon cellular activation. We demonstrate that transcription from the NFAT2 promoter is significantly suppressed by FOXP3, and NFAT2 protein expression is markedly diminished in activated CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ TREG compared with CD4+CD25−FOXP3− T cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments indicate that FOXP3 competes with NFAT1 for binding to the endogenous NFAT2 promoter. This antagonism of NFAT2 activity by FOXP3 is important for the anergic phenotype of TREG, as ectopic expression of NFAT2 from a retroviral LTR partially restores expression of IL-2 in FOXP3+ TREG. These data suggest that FOXP3 functions not only to suppress the first wave of NFAT-mediated transcriptional responses, but may also affect sustained NFAT-mediated inflammatory gene expression through suppression of inducible NFAT2 transcription.
VAMP8 Is Essential in Anaphylatoxin-Induced Degranulation, TNF-α Secretion, Peritonitis, and Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Pushparaj Peter N. , Tay Hwee Kee , Wang Cheng-Chun , Hong Wanjin , Melendez Alirio J.
Published: June 2009

VAMP8, a member of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor (SNARE) family of fusion proteins, initially characterized in endosomal and endosomal-lysosomal fusion, may also function in regulated exocytosis. VAMP8 physiological function in inflammation has not been elucidated. In this paper, we show that deficiency of VAMP8 protects mice from anaphylatoxin (C5a)-induced neutropenia, peritonitis, and systemic inflammation. We show that, in vivo, VAMP8 deletion inhibits neutropenia and phagocyte recruitment. We also show that in macrophages, VAMP8 localizes on secretory granules and degranulation is inhibited in VAMP8-deficient macrophages. Moreover, VAMP8−/− mice show reduced systemic inflammation with inhibition of serum TNF-α levels, whereas IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP1α release are not affected. In wild-type macrophages, TNF-α colocalizes with VAMP8-positive vesicles, and in VAMP8-deficient macrophages, the TNF-α release is inhibited. Furthermore, VAMP8 regulates the release of TNF-α and β-hexosaminidase triggered by fMLP, and VAMP8−/− mice are protected from fMLP-induced peritonitis. These data demonstrate that the VAMP8 vesicle-associated-SNARE is required for the proper trafficking of secretory lysosomal granules for exocytosis in macrophages and for the release of the potent proinflammatory cytokine, TNF-α.
Ablation and Regeneration of Tolerance-Inducing Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cells after Cyclosporine, Cyclophosphamide, and Dexamethasone Treatment
Authors: Fletcher Anne L. , Lowen Tamara E. , Sakkal Samy , Reiseger Jessica J. , Hammett Maree V. , Seach Natalie , Scott Hamish S. , Boyd Richard L. , Chidgey Ann P.
Published: June 2009

Immunosuppressive drugs and cytotoxic chemotherapy agents are designed to kill or suppress autoreactive, alloaggressive, or hyperinflammatory T cells, or disseminated malignancies. However, they also cause severe immunological side effects ranging from interrupted thymopoiesis and general immunodeficiency to, paradoxically, autoimmunity. Consistent with the cross-talk between thymocytes and stromal cells, we now show that these common therapeutic agents have major effects on murine thymic epithelial cells (TEC), crucially required to rebuild immunity posttreatment. We show that the immunosuppressant cyclosporine A, which has been linked to a thymus-dependent autoimmune syndrome in some patients, causes extensive loss of autoimmune regulator (Aire+) tolerance-inducing MHC class IIhigh medullary TEC (mTEChigh). Post-cyclosporine A, Aire expression was restored within 7 days. Full recovery of the mTEChigh subset occurred within 10 days and was linked to a decrease in a relatively resistant MHC class IIlow mTEC subset (mTEClow), consistent with a previously described precursor-product relationship. Cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone caused more extensive ablation of thymocytes and stromal cells but again severely depleted tolerance-inducing mTEChigh. Together, these data show that Aire+ mTECs are highly sensitive to damage and that mTEC regeneration follows a conserved pattern regardless of the treatment regimen used.
Reduced Cytotoxic Function of Effector CD8+ T Cells Is Responsible for Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase-Dependent Immune Suppression
Authors: Liu Hanzhong , Liu Li , Liu Kaifeng , Bizargity Peyman , Hancock Wayne W. , Visner Gary A.
Published: June 2009

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), a potent immunosuppressive enzyme, contributes to tumoral escape, immune tolerance, and protection against allograft injury. In this paper, we report that inhibition of CD8+ T cell-mediated cytotoxic function is an important mechanism behind IDO’s immune-modulating property. The experimental rat lung allograft proved attractive for evaluating effector CD8+ T cells. Enhanced IDO activity achieved by using a lung-tissue-targeted nonviral human IDO gene transfer approach reduced, but did not eliminate, infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Although CD8+ T cells existed in the IDO-high lung allografts, CD8+ T cells remained viable and could proliferate for an extended period. However, cells lost their ability to attack allogeneic donor lung cells in vivo and allogeneic target cells in vitro. The impaired cytotoxic function seen in the IDO-treated CD8+ T cells was accompanied by defects in production of granule cytotoxic proteins, including perforin and granzyme A and B. Furthermore, we discovered that IDO leads to an impaired bioenergetic condition in active CD8+ T cells via selective inhibition of complex I in the mitochondrial electron transfer chain. These intriguing findings provide a base for establishing a novel mode of IDO’s immune-suppressing action. Additionally, donor lung IDO delivery, a direct and/or leukocyte passenger effect, impaired CD8+ effector cell function.
MASP-1, a Promiscuous Complement Protease: Structure of Its Catalytic Region Reveals the Basis of Its Broad Specificity
Authors: Dobó József , Harmat Veronika , Beinrohr László , Sebestyén Edina , Závodszky Péter , Gál Péter
Published: June 2009

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL)-associated serine protease (MASP)-1 is an abundant component of the lectin pathway of complement. The related enzyme, MASP-2 is capable of activating the complement cascade alone. Though the concentration of MASP-1 far exceeds that of MASP-2, only a supporting role of MASP-1 has been identified regarding lectin pathway activation. Several non-complement substrates, like fibrinogen and factor XIII, have also been reported. MASP-1 belongs to the C1r/C1s/MASP family of modular serine proteases; however, its serine protease domain is evolutionary different. We have determined the crystal structure of the catalytic region of active MASP-1 and refined it to 2.55 Å resolution. Unusual features of the structure are an internal salt bridge (similar to one in factor D) between the S1 Asp189 and Arg224, and a very long 60-loop. The functional and evolutionary differences between MASP-1 and the other members of the C1r/C1s/MASP family are reflected in the crystal structure. Structural comparison of the protease domains revealed that the substrate binding groove of MASP-1 is wide and resembles that of trypsin rather than early complement proteases explaining its relaxed specificity. Also, MASP-1’s multifunctional behavior as both a complement and a coagulation enzyme is in accordance with our observation that antithrombin in the presence of heparin is a more potent inhibitor of MASP-1 than C1 inhibitor. Overall, MASP-1 behaves as a promiscuous protease. The structure shows that its substrate binding groove is accessible; however, its reactivity could be modulated by an unusually large 60-loop and an internal salt bridge involving the S1 Asp.
Metastatic Pleomorphic Sarcoma to Left Atrium
Authors: Hawasli Ammar H. , Cayce Rachael , Luong Trung , Taiwo Evelyn , Feliciano Michael N. , Reimold Sharon C. , DiMaio John M. , Haley Barbara B.
Published: June 2009

Although several thousand patients are diagnosed with sarcoma annually in the United States, metastases to the heart are very uncommon. In this case report, an overall low frequency cancer presents masquerading with common cardiac symptomology. This case illustrates the importance for detailed diagnostic cardiac evaluations and heightened suspicion by physicians to consider metastatic disease to the heart in cancer patients with cardiovascular complications. Also discussed is a review of surgical and chemotherapeutic options for this problem.
Extraosseous Osteosarcoma in Ibadan: Case Series over a 20-Year Period
Authors: Alonge Temitope O. , Obamuyide Henry A. , Ogun Gabriel Olabiyi
Published: June 2009

Extraosseous osteosarcoma (EOO) is a rare form of sarcoma. There have been few reports of cases and outcome from an African population.

Out of 112 cases of sarcomas seen at the UCH, Ibadan between 1986-2005, 5 were EOO. All presented late on account of initial excision without histology and outcomes were poor. EOO occurs in the black population of Sub-Saharan Africa. The outlook for these patients is still bleak.
Incidence of suicide among teenagers and young adults in Transkei, South Africa
Authors: Meel Banwari L.
Published: June 2009

Background: Transkei is the least developed of the former black homelands in South Africa and has a population of about 4 million. People in this area are poor and depend mainly on the income from migratory workers to the gold mines. Suicide is a complex problem, with no definitive causative agent that has been identified as yet. Suicide among teenagers and young adults is now emerging as an important mental health issue. Suicidal behaviour in the population is under- researched, and therefore under-reported.Method: This is a retrospective record review from 1993 to 2003, carried out in the Umtata General Hospital mortuary. About 1 000 medico-legal autopsies are conducted annually, and the mortuary caters for a population of about 400 000.Results: Of the 10 340 medico-legal autopsies, 398 (3.84%) suicide cases were due to hanging. The number has increased from 5.2 per 100 000 of the population in 1993 to 16.2 in 2003. More than a half (55%) of the hangings were of people less than 30 years of age, and less than one-quarter (23%) of these victims were younger than 20 years. The rate in males has increased from 4.5 (1993) to 14 per 100 000, and in females from 0.7 to 2.2 per 100 000. The male/female ratio is recorded highest (9 : 1) in the 20- and 29-year age group.Conclusion: There is an increasing incidence of suicides among young adults. Suicidal tendency among teenagers and young adults is emerging as an important health issue that needs to be addressed.
Ferrocene Redox Controlled Reversible Immobilization of Ruthenium Carbene in Ionic Liquid: A Versatile Catalyst for Ring‐Closing Metathesis
Authors: Liu Guiyan , He Haiyan , Wang Jianhui
Published: June 2009

A ferrocene‐tagged ruthenium carbene 15 that can be reversibly immobilized in an ionic liquid (IL) via the controlled oxidation and reduction of a ferrocene tag was prepared. This offers a new strategy which uses redox chemistry to control immobilization and to recycle both the catalyst and the IL. In this experiment, 11 recycles were performed for the ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) of a substrate using 16 as the catalyst in an ionic liquid (IL). More importantly, after the reaction was completed, the ruthenium catalyst was easily separated from the supporting IL by just adding decamethylferrocene (DMFc) to reduce the cationic ferrocene and then extracting it with benzene. Thus, this recycle system offers an easy way to recycle both the ruthenium catalyst and the IL.
Donor‐Stabilized Phosphenium Adducts as New Efficient and Immobilizing Ligands in Palladium‐Catalyzed Alkynylation and Platinum‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Saleh Samer , Fayad Elie , Azouri Michèle , Hierso Jean‐Cyrille , Andrieu Jacques , Picquet Michel
Published: June 2009

The straightforward synthesis of a new donor‐stabilized phosphenium ligand 3d by addition of bromodifurylphosphine to 1,3‐dimethylimidazolium‐2‐carboxylate 1 is described. The obtained ligand exhibits a very strong π‐acceptor character, comparable to that of triphenyl phosphite [P(OPh)3] or of tris‐halogenophosphines, with a νCO(A1) at 2087 cm−1 for its nickel tricarbonyl complex. This ligand, as well as the related 3a which was obtained from chlorodiphenylphosphine, were tested in palladium‐catalyzed aryl alkynylation and in the platinum‐catalyzed selective hydrogenation of chloronitrobenzenes, both in an ionic liquid phase. In CC bond cross‐coupling we observed that the increase of the π‐acceptor character in ligand 3d, due to the introduction of an additional electron‐withdrawing group, provides a very efficient catalyst in the alkynylation reaction of aryl bromides with phenylacetylene, including the deactivated 4‐bromoanisole or the sterically hindered 2‐bromonaphthalene. The catalytic activity decreases with recycling due to the sensitiveness of ligands to protonation in the ionic phase. Conversely, a multiple recycling of the metal/ligand system in non‐acidic media was achieved from platinum‐catalyzed hydrogenation of m‐chloronitrobenzene. The catalytic results obtained by employing the complex of platinum(II) chloride with 3a [trans‐PtCl2(3a)2] in comparison with the non‐ionic related trans‐tris(triphenylphosphine)platinum dichloride [trans‐PtCl2(PPh3)2] complex clearly indicate that the simultaneous existence of a strong π‐acceptor character and a positive charge within the ligand 3a significantly increases the life‐time of the platinum catalyst. The selectivity of the reaction is also improved by decreasing the undesirable formation of dehalogenation products. This cationic platinum complex trans‐PtCl2(3a)2 is the first example of a highly selective catalyst for hydrogenation of chloronitroarenes immobilized in an ionic liquid phase. The system was recycled six times without noticeable metal leaching in the organic phase, and no loss of activity.
Particle shape manipulation and optimization in cooling crystallization involving multiple crystal morphological forms
Authors: Wan Jian , Wang Xue Z. , Ma Cai Y.
Published: June 2009

A population balance model for predicting the dynamic evolution of crystal shape distribution is further developed to simulate crystallization processes in which multiple crystal morphological forms co‐exist and transitions between them can take place. The new model is applied to derive the optimal temperature and supersaturation profiles leading to the desired crystal shape distribution in cooling crystallization. Since tracking an optimum temperature or supersaturation trajectory can be easily implemented by manipulating the coolant flowrate in the reactor jacket, the proposed methodology provides a feasible closed‐loop mechanism for crystal shape tailoring and control. The methodology is demonstrated by applying it to a case study of seeded cooling crystallization of potash alum. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Deferasirox removes cardiac iron and attenuates oxidative stress in the iron‐overloaded gerbil
Authors: Al‐Rousan Rabaa M. , Paturi Satyanarayana , Laurino Joseph P. , Kakarla Sunil K. , Gutta Anil K. , Walker Ernest M. , Blough Eric R.
Published: June 2009

Iron‐induced cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in iron‐overloaded patients. Deferasirox is a novel, once daily oral iron chelator that was recently approved for the treatment of transfusional iron overload. Here, we investigate whether deferasirox is capable of removing cardiac iron and improving iron‐induced pathogenesis of the heart using the iron overload gerbil model. Animals were randomly divided into three groups: control, iron overload, and iron overload + deferasirox treatment. Iron‐dextran was given 100 mg/kg per 5 days i.p for 10 weeks. Deferasirox treatment was taken post iron loading and was given at 100 mg/kg/day p.o for 1 or 3 months. Cardiac iron concentration was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Compared with the untreated group, deferasirox treatment for 1 and 3 months decreased cardiac iron concentration 17.1% (P = 0.159) and 23.5% (P < 0.05), respectively. These treatment‐associated reductions in cardiac iron were paralleled by decreases in tissue ferritin expression of 20% and 38% at 1 and 3 months, respectively (P < 0.05). Using oxyblot analysis and hydroethidine fluorescence, we showed that deferasirox significantly reduces cardiac protein oxidation and superoxide abundance by 36 and 47.1%, respectively (P < 0.05). Iron‐induced increase in oxidative stress was also associated with increased phosphorylation of ERK‐, p38‐, and JNK‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). Interestingly, deferasirox treatment significantly diminished the phosphorylation of all three MAPK subfamilies. These results suggest that deferasirox may confer a cardioprotective effect against iron induced injury. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predicting survival in adults with invasive aspergillosis during therapy for hematological malignancies or after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Single‐center analysis and validation of the Seattle, French, and Strasbourg prognostic indexes
Authors: Parody Rocio , Martino Rodrigo , Sánchez Ferran , Subirá Maricel , Hidalgo Alberto , Sierra Jorge
Published: June 2009

In this retrospective monocenter study, we analyzed the outcomes of 130 adult hematological patients who developed a proven (n = 23), probable (n = 71), and possible (n = 36) invasive aspergillosis (IA) in a 13‐year period. Forty‐nine patients (38%) were recipients of an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AlloHSCT). The main goal of the study was the identification of prognostic factors for 4‐month aspergillosis free survival (AFS) and overall survival (OS). IA was identified as the main cause of death in 27/49 recipients of an AlloHSCT (55%) and 28/81 nontransplanted patients (35%). Diagnosis of IA at or before 2000 had a negative impact in both 4‐month AFS and 4‐month OS in the entire group. In multivariate analysis performed separately for nontransplanted and allo‐HSCT patients, five variables (excluding the year of diagnosis) decreased 4‐month AFS: (i) impairment of one organ function (OF), (ii) impairment of two or more OFs (two points), (iii) disseminated IA, (iv) neutropenia lasting more than 10 days (non‐AlloHSCT group only) or monocytopenia (<0.1 × 109/l) [AlloHSCT group only], and (v) high‐dose steroids (non‐AlloHSCT group only) or an alternative donor (AlloHSCT group only). According to the number of adverse risk factors, three prognostic subgroups were defined in non‐transplanted and alloHSCT patients with good (97% and 78% AFS), intermediate (73% and 32% AFS) and poor prognosis (20% and 11% AFS) of IA [P < 0.01]. In addition, we validated the French and Seattle prognostic indexes for allo‐HSCT recipients and the Strasbourg model for all hematological patients with IA. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Declining health insurance access among US hispanic workers: Not all jobs are created equal
Authors: McCollister Kathryn E. , Arheart Kristopher L. , Lee David J. , Fleming Lora E. , Davila Evelyn P. , LeBlanc William G. , Christ Sharon L. , Caban‐Martinez Alberto J. , West Jonathan P. , Clark John E. , Erard Michael J.
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Approximately 18% of the U.S. population are uninsured, a proportion that may continue to rise, particularly among Hispanics, as the cost of medical care increases faster than the growth in wages.

Methods

Health insurance trends were analyzed by race–ethnic category, and among Hispanic workers by occupation type and industrial sector, using data on employed respondents ≥18 years from 1997 to 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) (mean annual n = 17,392, representing 123 million US workers on average over this 11 year period).

Results

From 1997 to 2007, the relative decline in health insurance coverage for US workers was greatest among Hispanics (7.0%). Hispanic workers in the Construction and Services industries had the greatest overall decline in coverage (24.9% and 14.7%), as well as Hispanic blue collar workers (14.0%).

Conclusion

Hispanic workers in general, and those employed in blue collar, construction, and services sectors in particular, are at greater risk for poor access to health care due to a lack of health insurance coverage. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:163–170 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary central nervous system lymphoma in a patient treated with natalizumab
Authors: Schweikert Andreas , Kremer Marcus , Ringel Florian , Liebig Thomas , Duyster Justus , Stüve Olaf , Hemmer Bernhard , Berthele Achim
Published: June 2009

A 40‐year‐old man with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) developed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) after having received 21 doses of natalizumab monotherapy. PCNSL is a disease of the elderly, with the majority of patients being diagnosed in the 7th to 8th decade of life. Immunodeficiency, iatrogenic immunosuppression, and some autoimmune diseases are known as predisposing conditions, and in these patients PCNSL peaks in the 4th decade. Because there is no increased prevalence of PCNSL in MS, and the patient was otherwise not immunocompromised, an association between natalizumab therapy and PCNSL cannot be ruled out. Ann Neurol 2009;66:403–406
Imaging the future of stroke: I. Ischemia
Authors: Liebeskind David S.
Published: June 2009

Envisioning the future of stroke appears daunting considering the milestones already achieved in stroke imaging. A historical perspective on the developments in stroke care provides a striking narrative of how imaging has transformed diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of cerebrovascular disorders. Multimodal imaging techniques such as CT and MRI, incorporating parenchymal depictions, illustration of the vasculature, and perfusion data, can provide a wealth of information regarding ischemic pathophysiology. Key elements of ischemic pathophysiology depicted with imaging include vascular occlusion, compensatory collateral flow, resultant hemodynamic conditions that reflect these sources of blood flow, and the neurovascular injury that ensues. The mantra of “time is brain” has been perpetuated, but this does not provide an entirely accurate reflection of ischemic pathophysiology and imaging insight shows far more than time alone. Maximizing the potential of perfusion imaging will continue to expand the nascent concept that cerebral ischemia may be completely reversible in certain scenarios. Novel modalities provide a fertile ground for discovery of therapeutic targets and the potential to assess effects of promising strategies. Beyond clinical trials, imaging has become a requisite component of the neurological examination enabling tailored stroke therapy with the use of detailed neuroimaging modalities. In this first article on ischemia, the focus is on the most recent imaging advances and exploring aspects of cerebral ischemia where imaging may yield additional therapeutic strategies. A subsequent article will review recent and anticipated imaging advances in hemorrhage. These thematic overviews underscore that imaging will undoubtedly continue to dramatically shape the future of stroke. Ann Neurol 2009;66:574–590
Molecularly targeted therapies for glioma
Authors: Yamanaka Ryuya , Saya Hideyuki
Published: June 2009

Over the past decade, molecularly targeted therapies have been added to cytotoxic and antiendocrine drugs in the treatment of cancer, with the aim of targeting the molecular pathways that underlie the carcinogenic process and maintain the cancer phenotype. Success with some of these agents has suggested that identification and validation of drug targets is the starting point for the development of active, safe, and effective drugs. The main molecular targets used to develop anticancer drugs are cell surface receptors, signal transduction pathways, gene transcription targets, ubiquitin‐proteasome/heat shock proteins, and tumor microenvironment components. Here, we review the development of the main molecularly targeted noncytotoxic agents studied in glioma, highlighting lessons derived from the development of these novel drugs and proposing new horizons for the clinical development of molecularly targeted therapies. Ann Neurol 2009;66:717–729
Study on the release characteristics of HCN and NH3 during coal gasification
Authors: Sun Lu Shi , Shi Jinming , Xiang Jun , Zhao Qingsen , Hu Song , Su Sheng
Published: June 2009

The release characteristics of the coal‐gasification products were inspected in the thermo gravimetric analysis and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA‐FTIR) online instruments. Pingdingshan bituminous coals of three sizes had been selected to study in three kinds of atmosphere. The study indicated that there are remarkable influences of the sizes and the atmosphere to the release characteristics of HCN and NH3. The smaller the sizes are, the faster the volatile matter releases, thus the releasing velocity of HCN is easy to most early. Meanwhile, the more the pores are, the more are the active locations for coal gasification. The concentration of CO2 ([CO2]) could influence the releasing characteristic of the N‐containing components: The lower the concentration of CO2, the more difficult is the HCN conversion to NH3 or N2. The littler the coverage rate of active locations is, and the slower C and N containing function component react and the slower active H releases, the slower is the transformation of HCN to NH3 to increase the concentration of HCN. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogels assembled by inclusion complexation of poly(ethylene glycol) with alpha‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Li , Zhu Yunying , Liu Peng , Guo Xuhong
Published: June 2009

Polymeric hydrogels were prepared based on the inclusive complexation between α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Because the rheological property of a thermodynamic stable hydrogel should be gap‐independent, it is found in this work that the uniformed hydrogel can be distinguished from gel‐like aggregation by changing the plate gap during the rheological measurement. By this rheological method it is determined that suitable storage duration is necessary for the preparation of uniform hydrogels. However, the sonication technique after mixing CD and PEG solutions or increasing PEG concentration can shorten the time to form stable hydrogels. Moreover, the molecular weight of PEG should be high enough (≥8000 g/mol) for sol‐gel transition. The higher the molecular weight of PEG is, the longer storage time is needed to obtain a uniform hydrogel. From the observation by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) of prepared hydrogels, we concluded that the driving force of networks should be attributed to the crystallization of complexed α‐CDs in the α‐CD/PEG pseudo‐polyrotaxanes. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SCT reaction kinetics model and diffusion for p.c. combustion in TGA
Authors: Fu Pei‐Fang , Zhou Huai‐Chun
Published: June 2009

Recently, the process of char burnout is extensively concerned. Global model used widely cannot predict the extent of char burnout at the later burning stage. For the need of predicting the burnout degree in industrial pulverized coal (p.c.) fired furnace by making use of the experimental data from such as thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and drop tube furnace, based on the simple collision theory (SCT) of chemical reaction kinetics, the SCT model is educed. The p.c. combustion is considered as the results of strike and oxidation of oxygen molecules on the surface of p.c. particles, and the frequency of effective strike was determined by Boltzmann factor. Strike and oxidation occur on the oxygen accessible specific surface area (OASA). Chemical regime controlled is at temperature below 1200 K, and molecules diffusion regime controlled is at the temperature above 1600 K, at which OASA corresponds to the specific surface area with pore diameter more than 38 nm of p.c particles in coal‐fired boiler. The OASA of p.c. particles increases with the char burning, for the particles swells, shrinks and cracks. The burning rates calculated based on SCT model have shown good correspondence with experimental data reported. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antinucleating action of polystyrene on the isothermal cold crystallization of poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Wellen Renate M. R. , Rabello Marcelo S.
Published: June 2009

The effect of polystyrene (PS) on the kinetics of the cold crystallization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was thoroughly investigated. The PET/PS blends were essentially immiscible, as observed by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, which showed two distinct glass‐transition temperatures, and by scanning electron microscopy. The neat PET and its blends were isothermally cold‐crystallized at various temperatures, and the kinetic parameters were determined with the Avrami approach. PET and its blends presented values of the Avrami exponent close to 2, and the kinetic constant increased with the crystallization temperature increasing. For all the crystallization temperatures studied, the presence of only 1 wt % PS significantly reduced the rate of cold crystallization of PET. A further increase in the PS concentration did not show any significant influence. The blends presented higher values of the activation energy for cold crystallization, which was estimated from Arrhenius plots. The equilibrium melting temperature of neat PET was determined on the basis of the linear Hoffman–Weeks extrapolative method to be ∼ 255°C. This value decreased in the presence of PS, and this suggested limited solubility between PET and PS. From the spherulitic growth equation proposed by Hoffman and Lauritzen, the nucleation parameter was obtained, and it was shown to be higher for the neat PET than for the blends. Moreover, a transition of regimes (I → II) was observed in both PET and its blends. From the investigations conducted here, it is clear that PS in small amounts causes a reduction in the rate of PET crystallization, acting as an antinucleating agent. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Sodium alginate polymeric floating beads for the delivery of cefpodoxime proxetil
Authors: Gadad Anand P. , Patil Mrityunjaya B. , Naduvinamani Suma N. , Mastiholimath Vinayak S. , Dandagi Panchaxari M. , Kulkarni Anandrao R.
Published: June 2009

Sodium alginate (SA) floating beads containing cefpodoxime proxetil, a third‐generation cephalosporin antibiotic, were prepared by precipitation method using calcium carbonate as gas generating agent.Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was used in all the four formulations in different proportions (F1, F2, F3, and F4) as swelling agent to control the release of the drug. Gas generating agent forms pores on the surface of the beads because of the rapid escape of CO2 during the curing process in precipitating media. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed their porous and grossly spherical structure, and the size of the beads were in the range of 700–1000 μm. The size of the beads increases with the increase in the concentration of gas‐forming agent and decreases with the increase in the concentration SA. The drug entrapment efficiency was found to be in the range of 85.3–91.1%. F2 shows least entrapment, whereas F3 shows maximum entrapment. The percentage porosity was 82.1–89.1%, and the mean pore diameter was 0.41–0.52 μm. The porosity depends on the concentration of gas‐forming agent. The mechanical strength of the beads was 591–1073 g. All the formulations showed good floating time. The in vitro release was performed in glycine dissolution media according to USP for about 12 h. The cumulative % drug release was found to be 67.5–87.3%. The in vitro dissolution study reveals that the concentration of the gas generating agent and SA affects the release rate. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The removal of toxic heavy metal cations by polysulfonebenzylthiourea reactive hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Wang Bing , Liu Wei , Huang Lei
Published: June 2009

The hollow fiber asymmetric matrix membranes were prepared with phase inversion by utilization of the chloromethyl polysulfone/polyethylene glycol/DMAC casting solution and chloromethyl polysulfone as membrane materials. The effects of composition of spinning casting solution and process parameters of dry–wet spinning on the structure of hollow fiber matrix membrane were investigated. Through the reaction between matrix membrane and thiourea, the highly qualified polysulfonebenzylthiourea reactive hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes were able to afford. The adsorption isotherms of the polysulfonebenzylthiourea hollow fiber membrane for Cd2+ and Zn2+ were determined and the effects of mobile phase conditions and the operating parameters on removal performance of the polysulfonebenzylthiourea hollow fiber membrane for Cd2+ and Zn2+ were also investigated. The experimental results showed that adsorption isotherms of Cd2+ and Zn2+ could be described by the Langmuir isotherm, the polysulfonebenzylthiourea hollow fiber membrane could be operated at high feed flow rate, and a large‐scale removal of Cd2+ and Zn2+ could be realized. According to required recovery of Cd2+ and Zn2+ and the saturation degree of polysulfonebenzylthiourea hollow fiber membrane, the optimum loading amount of Cd2+ and Zn2+ should be selected in the actual removal of Cd2+ and Zn2+. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Characterization of an anisotropic hydrogel tissue substrate for infusion testing
Authors: Lee Sung Jin , Pishko Gregory L. , Astary Garret W. , Mareci Thomas H. , Sarntinoranont Malisa
Published: June 2009

Artificial tissue models that capture specific transport properties are useful for investigating physical phenomena important to drug delivery. In this study, an in vitro tissue model was developed and characterized with the goal of mimicking aligned tissue. An anisotropic porous medium was developed by the construction of a 1% agarose hydrogel implanted with different volume fractions (∼ 5, 10, and 20%) of 10‐μm‐diameter glass fibers. The developed substrate was able to capture anisotropic transport after the direct infusion of a macromolecular tracer, Evans blue albumin (EBA). To further characterize the test substrate, the diffusion tensor of water was measured by diffusion tensor imaging, and the ratios of the diffusivities in the directions parallel and perpendicular to the glass fibers were 1.16, 1.20, and 1.26 for 5, 10, and 20% fiber volume fractions, respectively. The hydraulic conductivity was estimated by the measurement of pressure gradients across samples under controlled microflow conditions in the direction parallel to implanted fibers. The hydraulic conductivities at various hydrogel concentrations without fibers and in a 1% hydrogel with various fiber volume fractions were measured; for example, K∥ = 1.20 × 10−12 m4 N−1 s−1 (where K∥ is the conductivity component in the direction parallel to the glass fibers) for 20% fiber volume fractions. Also, EBA distributions were fit to porous medium transport models to estimate hydraulic conductivity in the direction perpendicular to glass fibers. The estimated ratio of directional hydraulic conductivity, K∥/K⟂ (where K⟂ is the conductivity component in the direction perpendicular to the glass fibers), ranged from approximately 3 to 5, from 6 to 10, and from 40 to 90 for 5, 10, and 20% fiber volume fractions, respectively. These agarose hydrogel models provided convenient media for quantifying infusion protocols at low flow rates. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Comparison of the effects of collagen and modified collagen fillers on the properties of XNBR rubber
Authors: Chrońska K. , Przepiórkowska A.
Published: June 2009

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 5 to 30 parts by weight of unmodified and modified collagen on the properties of XNBR rubber vulcanized with a cross‐linking system. This study is a part of experimental series concerning polymeric materials that are biodegradable due to their filling with a waste protein such as collagen. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Study of the influence of IPPD on thermo‐oxidation process of elastomeric hose
Authors: Colom X. , Andreu‐Mateu F. , Cañavate F. J. , Mujal R. , Carrillo F.
Published: June 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the N‐isopropyl‐N′‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (IPPD) antioxidant agent on degradation of composites NBR/SiO2. The inhibition of the early stages of the degrading process has been particularly analyzed.

Several NBR‐SiO2 matrix samples with and without IPPD have been exposed to an oxidizing atmosphere at 140°C for periods between 0 and 120 h. Besides, IPPD alone has been subject to the same aging thermo‐oxidizing process. The degraded samples have been characterized by ATR‐FTIR, TG, and SEM. Mechanical properties and degree of crosslinking have been determined. The results show that the IPPD improves the mechanical behavior of the composites submitted to thermo‐oxidization, increasing the time in which composite retains rather good mechanical properties. IPPD decreases the ability of crosslinking of the rubber. ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy study shows that the degradation process increases the volatility of the plasticizer and generates new unsaturation sites, which later will be the nuclei of crosslinking. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Effect of low molar mass liquid crystal and lubricant on miscibility and thermal properties of syndiotactic polystyrene blends
Authors: Pahupongsab Pichet , Thongyai Supakanok , Wacharawichanant Sirirat , Praserthdam Piyasan
Published: June 2009

This research concerned with the miscibility and thermal properties of syndiotactic polystyrene (SPS) blended with several polymers such as poly (α‐methyl styrene)—PaMS, poly(ethyl methacrylate)—PEMA, poly(n‐butyl methacrylate)—PBMA, poly(cyclohexyl acrylate)—PCHA, and poly(cis‐isoprene)—PIP. The SPS synthesized by using metallocene catalyst and modified‐methylaluminoxane (MMAO) as cocatalyst. From the experimental results, it was found that the SPS can be miscible with PaMS, PEMA, PBMA, PCHA, and PIP. Furthermore, the effects of the addition of low molar mass liquid crystal (cyclohexyl‐biphenyl‐cyclohexane, CBC33) and lubricant (glycerol monostearate, GMS) on thermal properties of the blended polymers with SPS are concerned. Both CBC33 and GMS can lower the crystallization temperature (Tc) of the blend and can also slightly lower the melting temperature (Tm) of the blends. This might be because of the higher mobility of SPS molecules induced the separation from the crystal both in the case of the depression of Tc or Tm. The higher mobility of the blends happened together with the further reduction of the melt viscosity of the blends according to CBC33 that can be proven by Motong et al. in 2008 (Motong et al., J Appl Polym Sci 2008, 107, 1108). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Nanocomposites of urethane and montmorillonite clay in emulsion: In situ preparation and characterization
Authors: Yuan Guo‐Li , Li Wen‐Ming , Yin Sheng , Zou Fang , Long Kai‐Chun , Yang Zhong‐Fang
Published: June 2009

Nanocomposites of polyurethane‐montmorillonite (PU‐MMT) were successfully prepared by in situ emulsion polymerization. The PU‐MMT particles size in emulsion was controlled in nanolevel, which was confirmed by laser scattering size distribution analyzer. The morphology of MMT in PU‐MMT composites was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Wide angle x‐ray diffraction (WAXD) was also used to detect the dispersion of MMT in composites. The thermal property was evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis. Mechanical and fracture properties were also been tested. Gas barrier property was discussed on the basis of testing oxygen permeability of PU‐MMT films. The permeability coefficient of the films is found to reduce after composing with MMT, which indicates that the potential application of PU‐MMT could be realized as coating materials to prevent metal rusting. It is also found that dimethyl distearylbenzyl ammonium chloride (DMDSBA) is a better modifier for MMT in PU than dimethyldistearyl ammonium chloride (DMDSA). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis and characterization of a novel amphiphilic copolymer capable as anti‐biofouling coating material
Authors: Feng Shijun , Wang Qiang , Gao Yu , Huang Yangen , Qing Feng‐Ling
Published: June 2009

A novel cross‐linked copolymer containing hydrophobic perfluoropolyether and hydrophilic oligo(ethylene glycol) units was synthesized and characterized. The anti‐biofouling properties of the fluoropolymer were evaluated by laboratory assays using the fouling diatom Nitzschia and bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results from the preliminary study showed that this fluorinated copolymer has promising anti‐biofouling performance. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Differences in benthic cover inside and outside marine protected areas on the Great Barrier Reef: influence of protection or disturbance history?
Authors: Myers Monique R. , Ambrose Richard F.
Published: June 2009

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are being used increasingly to manage and protect marine resources. Most studies of MPAs have focused on fish. In this study, the influence of MPA protection on coral reef benthic organisms on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) was investigated. In addition, the interaction between protection and natural disturbance history was examined.

Differences in benthic cover inside and outside MPAs were assessed at 15 pairs of Protected and General Use reefs on the GBR using annual monitoring data from the Australian Institute of Marine Science's Long‐Term Monitoring Programme (LTMP). At each reef, benthic cover was determined using a benthic video survey at three sites, with each site consisting of five 50 m transect lines separated by at least 250 m running parallel to the reef crest at 6–9 m depth.

Benthic cover was related to both protection status and disturbance history, but natural perturbations exerted a stronger influence on benthic cover than did protection status. The influence of natural perturbation was most noticeable for hard coral.

Most reefs where no natural disturbance events had occurred (‘undisturbed reefs’) had higher hard coral cover and lower soft coral cover than General Use reefs. While the high levels of hard coral on Protected reefs may be a result of protection status, it might also have resulted from selection bias that occurred during the initial zoning of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (i.e. managers may have given protection status to reefs with high coral cover).

These results are likely influenced by the relatively low intensity of human use, both on the Great Barrier Reef in general and at the particular monitoring sites studied. Over time, as local populations and tourism increase, the effect of protection may become more evident at LTMP sites. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chagos feels the pinch: assessment of holothurian (sea cucumber) abundance, illegal harvesting and conservation prospects in British Indian Ocean Territory
Authors: Price A. R. G. , Harris A. , Mcgowan A. , Venkatachalam A. J. , Sheppard C. R. C.
Published: June 2009

Data are analysed from visual censuses of shallow‐water holothurians (sea cucumbers) in 72 shallow water transects 100 m×2 m within four atolls of Chagos. Mean holothurian abundance in Diego Garcia, where harvesting is absent, was 18.5 individuals/transect (all transects) and 55.4 individuals/transect (only those containing holothurians). In the three exploited atolls, mean abundance did not exceed 3.5 and 5.2 individuals/transect, respectively.

Comparison with data collected during this study and an earlier investigation reveals a marked decline over four years in both mean and maximum density of commercially valuable Stichopus chloronotus and Holothuria atra in Salomon and Peros Banhos, both exploited atolls, and also for Holothuria nobilis in the latter.

Holothurian counts were also made along an extensive transect (21 km×4 m) encircling Salomon atoll. Abundance showed highly significant negative correlation with fishing pressure, the latter estimated using an ordinal (0–3) scale (Rs=−0.605, P⩽0.01). Harvesting effects were not discernible using data from 200 m2 transects.

While recent studies have shown Chagos is virtually pristine regarding contaminant levels, its holothurian resources are under increasing pressure. Results from this study, and examination of Sri Lanka's fishing activity in distant waters, point to heavy and illegal harvesting.

Stronger measures are needed to control the illegal fishery, to prevent holothurian abundances falling to the non‐sustainable levels now prevalent across much of the Indo‐Pacific, and to ensure that Chagos remains a biodiversity hotspot and environment of international renown. Use of smaller surveillance vessels would facilitate this.Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.