bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Behavior and Non‐isothermal Decomposition Reaction Kinetics of NEPE Propellant with Ammonium Dinitramide
Authors: Pang Weiqiang , Fan Xuezhong , Yi Jianhua , Zhao Fengqi , Xu Huixiang , Li Jizhen , Wang Bozhou , Li Yonghong
Published: June 2010

Thermal decomposition behavior and non‐isothermal decomposition reaction kinetics of nitrate ester plasticized polyether NEPE propellant containing ammonium dinitramide (ADN), which is one of the most important high energetic materials, were investigated by DSC, TG and DTG at 0.1 MPa. The results show that there are four exothermic peaks on DTG curves and four mass loss stages on TG curves at a heating rate of 2.5 K·min−1 under 0.1 MPa, and nitric ester evaporates and decomposes in the first stage, ADN decomposes in the second stage, nitrocellulose and cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) decompose in the third stage, and ammonium perchlorate decomposes in the fourth stage. It was also found that the thermal decomposition processes of the NEPE propellant with ADN mainly have two mass loss stages with an increase in the heating rate, that is the result of the decomposition heats of the first two processes overlap each other and the mass content of ammonium perchlorate is very little which is not displayed in the fourth stage at the heating rate of 5, 10, and 20 K·min−1 probably. It was to be found that the exothermal peak temperatures increased with an increase in the heating rate. The reaction mechanism was random nucleation and then growth, and the process can be classified as chemical reaction. The kinetic equations of the main exothermal decomposition reaction can be expressed as: dα/dt=1012.77(3/2)(1−α)[−ln(1−α)]1/3 e−1.723×104/T. The critical temperatures of the thermal explosion (Tbe and Tbp) obtained from the onset temperature (Te) and the peak temperature (Tp) on the condition of β→0 are 461.41 and 458.02 K, respectively. Activation entropy (ΔS≠), activation enthalpy (ΔH≠), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG≠) of the decomposition reaction are −7.02 J·mol−1·K−1, 126.19 kJ·mol−1, and 129.31 kJ·mol−1, respectively.
Thermodynamic Study of Myelin Basic Protein upon Interaction with [Hg2+] Using Extension Solvation Model
Authors: Rezaei Behbehani G. , Saboury A. A. , Zarean O. , Barzegar L. , Ghamamy S.
Published: June 2010

Mercury ion interaction with myelin basic protein (MBP) was studied at 300 K in 30 mmol/L tris buffer, pH=7 by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). An extended solvation model was used for Hg2++MBP interaction over the whole range of Hg2+ concentrations. The binding parameters recovered from the solvation model were attributed to the structural changes of MBP due to its interaction with mercury ion. It was found that mercury ion acted as a noncooperative effector of MBP, and there is a set of two identical and independent binding sites for Hg2+ ions. The dissociation equilibrium constant is 97.6 µmol/L. The molar enthalpy change of binding is −11.25 kJ·mol−1.
Density Functional Theory Study on Hydrogen Bonding Interaction of Catechin‐(H2O)n
Authors: Hu Feng , Zhang Ying , Zhang Hong , Li Laicai , Tian Anmin
Published: June 2010

Density functional theory B3LYP method with 6‐31G* basis set has been used to optimize the geometries of the catechin, water and catechin‐(H2O)n complexes. The vibrational frequencies have been studied at the same level to analyze these complexes. Six and eleven stable structures for the catechin‐H2O and catechin‐(H2O)2 have been found, respectively. Theories of atoms in molecules (AIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) have been utilized to investigate the hydrogen bonds involved in all the systems. The interaction energies of all the complexes corrected by basis set superposition error, are from −13.27 to −83.56 kJ/mol. All calculations also indicate that there are strong hydrogen‐bonding interactions in catechin‐water complexes. The strong hydrogen‐bonding contributes to the interaction energies dominantly. The O–H stretching motions in all the complexes are red‐shifted relative to that of the monomer.
Kinetics and Mechanism Study of Chemical Treatment of Methylene Green by Urea
Authors: Ahmed Tehseen , Uddin Fahim , Azmat Rafia
Published: June 2010

The kinetics and mechanism studies, for the reduction of methylene green (MG) by urea, in acidic and alkali media, were studied at λmax=652.8 nm by monitoring the depletion in MG concentration. The reaction was carried out by UV radiation, with variable dye concentration, reducing agent (urea), acid and base under different additive ions that are very common in dye waste water. The reduction followed pseudo first‐order kinetics with respect to different anions, cations, dye, reductant and OH− ion concentrations. It was found that most of the cations tested showed the inhibitory effect on dye decoloration, due to the formation of insoluble precipitate and followed the order K+>Na+>Al3+>Ca2+≈Mg2+. Tested anions showed that the dye decoloration was significantly accelerated and followed the order Cl−>Br−>I−>NO−3>SO2−4. A mechanistic model involving generation of a complex of dye with ions was proposed.
One‐Pot Synthesis of 1,4‐Dihydropyridine and Polyhydro‐quinoline Derivatives via L‐Proline Catalyzed Hantzsch Multicomponent Reaction under Ultrasound Irradiation
Authors: Guo Shengrong , Yuan Yanqin
Published: June 2010

L‐Proline efficiently catalyzed the multi‐component Hantzsch reaction in EtOH at 60°C under ultrasound irradiation to afford the corresponding 1,4‐dihydropyridine and polyhydroquinoline derivatives in high yields. This method offers the advantages of neutral and mild reaction conditions, high to excellent yields of the products and simple workup.
Synthesis of Novel Unsymmetric Bisbenzimidazoles
Authors: Mao Zhengzhou , Wang Zhaoyang , Mei Wenjie , Yang Kai
Published: June 2010

Using chloroacetic acid, p‐hydroxyl aromatic aldehydes 1 and aromatic diamines 3 as starting materials, novel bisbenzimidazoles 5 with unsymmetric structure were synthesized via aryloxyacetic acid intermediates 2. Four new intermediates 4 and ten target molecules 5 were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS and elemental analysis. Different synthetic methods, including one‐pot synthesis and intermittent microwave promotion, were investigated. The research provides a new method and idea for the synthesis of bisbenzimidazoles.
Removal of Brilliant Green Dye from Aqueous Solutions Using Home Made Activated Carbons
Authors: Calvete Tatiana , Lima Eder C. , Cardoso Natali F. , Dias Silvio L. P. , Ribeiro Emerson S.
Published: June 2010

Activated carbon materials were prepared from the Brazilian pine‐fruit shell (Araucaria angustifolia) by chemically activated carbon (CAC) and chemically and physically activated carbon (CPAC), and tested as adsorbents for the removal of brilliant green (BG) dye from aqueous effluents. The mixed activation process leads to increases in the specific surface area, average porous volume, and average porous diameter of the adsorbent CPAC when compared to CAC. The effects of shaking time, adsorbent dosage and pH on the adsorption capacity were studied. BG uptake was favorable at pH values ranging from 2.0 to 10.0 for both CAC and CPAC. The contact time required to obtain the equilibrium using CAC and CPAC as adsorbents was 4 h at 298 K, respectively. The fractionary‐order kinetic model provided the best fit to experimental data compared with other models. Equilibrium data were better fit to the Sips and Redlich‐Peterson isotherm models using CAC and CPAC as adsorbents. The enthalpy and entropy of adsorption of BG were obtained from adsorption experiments ranging from 298 to 323 K.
CycloSal‐phosphate Pronucleotides of Cytostatic 6‐(Het)aryl‐7‐deazapurine Ribonucleosides: Synthesis, Cytostatic Activity, and Inhibition of Adenosine Kinases
Authors: Spáčilová Pavla , Nauš Petr , Pohl Radek , Votruba Ivan , Snášel Jan , Zábranská Helena , Pichová Iva , Ameral Ria , Birkuš Gabriel , Cihlář Tomáš , Hocek Michal
Published: June 2010

A series of cycloSal‐phosphate prodrugs of a recently described new class of nucleoside cytostatics (6‐hetaryl‐7‐deazapurine ribonucleosides) was prepared. The corresponding 2′,3′‐isopropylidene 6‐chloro‐7‐deazapurine nucleosides were converted into 5‐O′‐cycloSal‐phosphates. These underwent a series of Stille or Suzuki cross‐couplings with diverse (het)arylstannanes or ‐boronic acids to yield the protected 6‐(het)aryl‐7‐deazapurine pronucleotides that were subsequently deprotected to give 12 derivatives of free pronucleotides. The in vitro cytostatic effect of the pronucleotides was compared with parent nucleoside analogues. In most cases, the activity of the pronucleotide was similar to or somewhat lower than that of the corresponding parent nucleosides, with the exception of 7‐fluoro pronucleotides 13 a, 13 b, and 13 d, which had exhibited GIC50 values that were improved by one order of magnitude (to the low nanomolar range). The presence of a cycloSal‐phosphate group also influenced selectivity toward various cell lines. Several pronucleotides were found which strongly inhibit human adenosine kinase but only weakly inhibit the MTB adenosine kinase.
Epigenetic and genetic silencing of CHFR in esophageal adenocarcinomas
Authors: Soutto Mohammed , Peng DunFa , Razvi Mohammad , Ruemmele Petra , Hartmann Arndt , Roessner Albert , Schneider‐Stock Regine , El‐Rifai Wael
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND:

The checkpoint with forkhead‐associated domain and RING‐finger domain (CHFR) is a mitotic checkpoint protein with tumor‐suppressor functions. In this study, the authors investigated the epigenetic and genetic mechanisms that regulate CHFR expression in esophageal adenocarcinomas (EACs).

METHODS:

Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated downregulation of CHFR transcript in 79% of EACs (44 of 56) compared with 41 normal samples (P < .001). Immunohistochemical analysis of CHFR protein expression showed absence or weak immunostaining for CHFR in 75% of EACs (56 of 75) compared with normal tissue samples. The authors next examined the promoter DNA hypermethylation of CHFR by using quantitative bisulfite pyrosequencing technology. They detected significant CHFR promoter DNA hypermethylation in 31% of tumor samples (18 of 58) compared with normal samples (P < .001). Treatment of OE33 cells with 5‐Aza‐deoxycytidine led to reduction in the promoter DNA methylation levels with restoration of the CHFR mRNA expression, which confirmed promoter DNA methylation as an epigenetic mechanism regulating CHFR expression. However, they identified several EACs where the CHFR mRNA expression was silenced in the absence of notable methylation. Therefore, the authors examined the relative DNA copy number level of CHFR compared with normal samples.

RESULTS:

The results confirmed a decrease or absence of the relative CHFR DNA copy number levels in 59% of tumor samples. Nine tumors that showed loss of CHFR mRNA expression, in absence of promoter DNA hypermethylation, demonstrated a significant loss of relative CHFR DNA copy numbers.

CONCLUSIONS:

Taken together, their findings demonstrated that both epigenetic and genetic mechanisms were involved in silencing CHFR expression in EACs. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
A phase 1 and pharmacodynamic study of decitabine in combination with carboplatin in patients with recurrent, platinum‐resistant, epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Fang Fang , Balch Curt , Schilder Jeanne , Breen Timothy , Zhang Shu , Shen Changyu , Li Lang , Kulesavage Carol , Snyder Anthony J. , Nephew Kenneth P. , Matei Daniela E.
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND:

Aberrant DNA methylation is a hallmark of cancer, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors have demonstrated clinical efficacy in hematologic malignancies. On the basis of preclinical studies indicating that hypomethylating agents can reverse platinum resistance in ovarian cancer cells, the authors conducted a phase 1 trial of low‐dose decitabine combined with carboplatin in patients with recurrent, platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer.

METHODS:

Decitabine was administered intravenously daily for 5 days, before carboplatin (area under the curve, 5) on Day 8 of a 28‐day cycle. By using a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation, decitabine was tested at 2 dose levels: 10 mg/m2 (7 patients) or 20 mg/m2 (3 patients). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma collected on Days 1 (pretreatment), 5, 8, and 15 were used to assess global (LINE‐1 repetitive element) and gene‐specific DNA methylation.

RESULTS:

Dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) at the 20‐mg/m2 dose was grade 4 neutropenia (2 patients), and no DLTs were observed at 10 mg/m2. The most common toxicities were nausea, allergic reactions, neutropenia, fatigue, anorexia, vomiting, and abdominal pain, the majority being grades 1‐2. One complete response was observed, and 3 additional patients had stable disease for ≥6 months. LINE‐1 hypomethylation on Days 8 and 15 was detected in DNA from PBMCs. Of 5 ovarian cancer‐associated methylated genes, HOXA11 and BRCA1 were demethylated in plasma on Days 8 and 15.

CONCLUSIONS:

Repetitive low‐dose decitabine is tolerated when combined with carboplatin in ovarian cancer patients, and demonstrates biological (ie, DNA‐hypomethylating) activity, justifying further testing for clinical efficacy. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Relationship between cytokine gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and symptom burden and quality of life in lung cancer survivors
Authors: Rausch Sarah M. , Clark Matthew M. , Patten Christi , Liu Heshan , Felten Sara , Li Yafei , Sloan Jeff , Yang Ping
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND:

Previous research has demonstrated that many lung cancer survivors report difficulties with symptom control and experience a poor quality of life (QOL). Although recent studies have suggested a relationship of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in several cytokine genes with cancer susceptibility and prognosis, associations with symptom burden and QOL have not been examined. The current study was conducted to identify SNPs related to symptom burden and QOL outcomes in lung cancer survivors.

METHODS:

All participants were enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Lung Cancer Cohort following diagnosis of lung cancer. A total of 1149 Caucasian lung cancer survivors completed questionnaires and had genetic samples available. The main outcome measures were symptom burden as measured by the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale and health‐related QOL as measured by the Short‐Form General Health Survey.

RESULTS:

Twenty‐one SNPs in cytokine genes were associated with symptom burden and QOL outcomes. Our results suggested both specificity and consistency of cytokine gene SNPs in predicting outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results provide support for genetic predisposition to QOL and symptom burden and may aid in identification of lung cancer survivors at high risk for symptom management and QOL difficulties. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
The integrity of authorship
Authors: Pollock Raphael E. , Ewer Michael S.
Published: June 2010

Submissions to peer‐reviewed publications sometimes involve contributions that are financed by industry in ways that that could interfere with the objectivity of the submission. The authors of this commentary consider it essential that all submissions to peer‐reviewed journals be accompanied by full acknowledgements of such contributions so as to insure that those involved in the editorial process as well as the readers of the final published version of an article are fully informed regarding any relationship that could influence objectivity. The authors examined the balance between industry support of a publication and the integrity of authorship. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Intravenous methotrexate as central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis is associated with a low risk of CNS recurrence in high‐risk patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Abramson Jeremy S. , Hellmann Matthew , Barnes Jeffrey A. , Hammerman Peter , Toomey Christiana , Takvorian Tak , Muzikansky Alona , Hochberg Ephraim P.
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND:

The outcome of patients with systemic diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) had improved over the past decade with the addition of monoclonal antibody therapy. Unfortunately, approximately 5% of these patients still developed a secondary central nervous system (CNS) recurrence followed invariably by rapid death. This rate is substantially increased in patients with certain high‐risk features. Although prophylaxis against CNS recurrence with either intrathecal or intravenous methotrexate is commonly used for such patients, to the authors' knowledge, there is no standard of care. Retrospectively evaluated was the role of high‐dose systemic methotrexate combined with standard cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone with rituximab (R‐CHOP) chemotherapy to decrease CNS recurrence in high‐risk patients.

METHODS:

A total of 65 patients with DLBCL and CNS risk factors were identified at the study institution between 2000 and 2008 who received intravenous methotrexate as CNS prophylaxis concurrent with standard systemic therapy with curative intent. CNS recurrence rate, progression‐free survival, and overall survival were calculated.

RESULTS:

Patients received a median of 3 cycles of methotrexate at a dose of 3.5 gm/m2 with leucovorin rescue. The complete response rate was 86%, with 6% partial responses. At a median follow‐up of 33 months, there were only 2 CNS recurrences (3%) in this high‐risk population. The 3‐year progression‐free and overall survival rates were 76% and 78%, respectively. Complications associated with methotrexate therapy included transient renal dysfunction in 7 patients and a delay in systemic chemotherapy in 8 patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Intravenous methotrexate can be safely administered concurrently with R‐CHOP and is associated with a low risk of CNS recurrence in high‐risk patients. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
A Web‐based resource model for scholarship 2.0: object reuse & exchange
Authors: Lagoze Carl , Van de Sompel Herbert , Nelson Michael , Warner Simeon , Sanderson Robert , Johnston Pete
Published: June 2010

Digital scholarship offers the opportunity to move beyond the limitations of traditional scholarly publication. Rather than limiting scholarly communication to text‐based static documents, the Web makes it possible for scholars to expose and share the full evidence of their research including data, images, video, and other genre of materials. These aggregations of evidence, or compound documents, can then be integrated into a linked data cloud, the basis of Scholarship 2.0—an open environment in which scholars collaborate and build new knowledge on the existing scholarship. We present Open Archives Initiative–Object Reuse and Exchange (OAI–ORE), a set of standards to identify and describe aggregations of WebResources, thereby making the Scholarship 2.0 vision possible. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic scratch‐pad memory management with data pipelining for embedded systems
Authors: Yang Yanqin , Wang Meng , Yan Haijin , Shao Zili , Guo Minyi
Published: June 2010

In this paper, we propose an effective data pipelining technique, SPDP (Scratch‐Pad Data Pipelining), for dynamic scratch‐pad memory (SPM) management with DMA (Direct Memory Access). Our basic idea is to overlap the execution of CPU instructions and DMA operations. In SPDP, based on the iteration access patterns of arrays, we group multiple iterations into a block to improve the data locality of regular array accesses. We allocate the data of multiple iterations into different portions of the SPM. In this way, when the CPU executes instructions and accesses data from one portion of the SPM, DMA operations can be performed to transfer data between the off‐chip memory and another portion of SPM simultaneously. We perform code transformation to insert DMA instructions to achieve the data pipelining. We have implemented our SPDP technique with the IMPACT compiler, and conduct experiments using a set of loop kernels from DSPstone, Mibench, and Mediabench on the cycle‐accurate VLIW simulator of Trimaran. The experimental results show that our technique achieves performance improvement compared with the previous work. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced weight loss with protein‐enriched meal replacements in subjects with the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Flechtner‐Mors Marion , Boehm Bernhard O. , Wittmann Regina , Thoma Ulrike , Ditschuneit Herwig H.
Published: June 2010

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a protein‐rich diet in comparison with a conventional protein diet on weight loss, weight maintenance, and body composition in subjects with the metabolic syndrome.

Methods

Obese subjects received instructions for an energy‐restricted diet with a calorie deficit of 500 kcal/day and were randomly assigned to either high‐protein (1.34 g/kg body weight) or conventional protein (0.8 g/kg body weight) diets for 12 months. Protein‐enriched meal replacements were used to enrich one arm of the diet with protein throughout the study. In all, 67% of the participants completed the 1‐year study.

Results

Subjects following the high‐protein diet lost more body weight and more fat mass compared with those on the conventional protein diet, whereas the loss of fat‐free mass was similar in both diet groups. Biochemical parameters associated with the metabolic syndrome improved in both diet groups. Improvements were modestly greater in subjects with the high‐protein diet. After 12 months of treatment, 64.5% of the subjects in the high‐protein diet group and 34.8% of the subjects in the conventional diet group no longer met three or more of the criteria for having the metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions

Individuals with the metabolic syndrome achieved significant weight loss while preserving fat‐free mass when treated with an energy‐restricted, high‐protein diet that included nutrient‐dense meal replacements, as compared with the results for conventional protein intake. An intervention with a protein‐enriched diet may have advantages for the management of the metabolic syndrome. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relay association method for optimal path in IEEE 802.16j mobile multi‐hop relay networks
Authors: Ann Sojeong , Kim Hyung Seok
Published: June 2010

IEEE 802.16j mobile multi‐hop relay (MMR) is an attractive solution for coverage extension and throughput enhancement on IEEE 802.16e networks. IEEE 802.16j MMR requires a method for finding the relay station (RS) route that minimises latency and maximises throughput. In this paper, we propose such a path selection method called optimal path relay association (OPRA). In this method, each RS in the MMR network is capable of finding its optimal path with path metrics which are available link bandwidth, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and hop count. Simulation results show that OPRA achieves performance gains over other path selection methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial and temporal variability of canopy and forest floor interception in a beech forest
Authors: Gerrits A. M. J. , Pfister L. , Savenije H. H. G.
Published: June 2010

Depending on season, rainfall characteristics and tree species, interception amounts to 15–50% of total precipitation in a forest under temperate climates. Many studies have investigated the importance of interception of different tree species in all kinds of different climates. Often authors merely determine interception storage capacity of that specific species and the considered event, and only sometimes a distinction is made between foliated and non‐foliated trees. However, interception is highly variable in time and space. First, since potential evaporation is higher in summer, but secondly because the storage capacity has a seasonal pattern. Besides weather characteristics, such as wind and rain intensity, snow causes large variations in the maximum storage capacity. In an experimental beech plot in Luxembourg, we found storage capacity of canopy interception to show a clear seasonal pattern varying from 0·1 mm in winter to 1·2 mm in summer. The capacity of the forest floor appears to be rather constant over time at 1·8 mm. Both have a standard deviation as high as ± 100%. However, the process is not sensitive to this variability resulting only in 11% variation of evaporation estimates. Hence, the number of raindays and the potential evaporation are stronger driving factors on interception. Furthermore, the spatial correlation of the throughfall and infiltration has been investigated with semi‐variograms and time stability plots. Within 6–7 m distance, throughfall and infiltration are correlated and the general persistence is rather weak. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring of laser micromanipulated optically trapped cells by digital holographic microscopy
Authors: Kemper Björn , Langehanenberg Patrik , Höink Alexander , von Bally Gert , Wottowah Falk , Schinkinger Stefan , Guck Jochen , Käs Josef , Bredebusch Ilona , Schnekenburger Jürgen , Schütze Karin
Published: June 2010

For a precise manipulation of particles and cells with laser light as well as for the understanding and the control of the underlying processes it is important to visualize and quantify the response of the specimens. Thus, we investigated if digital holographic microscopy (DHM) can be used in combination with microfluidics to observe optically trapped living cells in a minimally invasive fashion during laser micromanipulation. The obtained results demonstrate that DHM multi‐focus phase contrast provides label‐free quantitative monitoring of optical manipulation with a temporal resolution of a few milliseconds. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of denosumab on bone histomorphometry: The FREEDOM and STAND studies
Authors: Reid Ian R , Miller Paul D , Brown Jacques P , Kendler David L , Fahrleitner-Pammer Astrid , Valter Ivo , Maasalu Katre , Bolognese Michael A , Woodson Grattan , Bone Henry , Ding Beiying , Wagman Rachel B , San Martin Javier , Ominsky Michael S , Dempster David W
Published: June 2010

Denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody against RANKL, reversibly inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and has been developed for use in osteoporosis. Its effects on bone histomorphometry have not been described previously. Iliac crest bone biopsies were collected at 24 and/or 36 months from osteoporotic postmenopausal women in the FREEDOM study (45 women receiving placebo and 47 denosumab) and at 12 months from postmenopausal women previously treated with alendronate in the STAND study (21 continuing alendronate and 15 changed to denosumab at trial entry). Qualitative histologic evaluation of biopsies was unremarkable. In the FREEDOM study, median eroded surface was reduced by more than 80% and osteoclasts were absent from more than 50% of biopsies in the denosumab group. Double labeling in trabecular bone was observed in 94% of placebo bones and in 19% of those treated with denosumab. Median bone-formation rate was reduced by 97%. Among denosumab-treated subjects, those with double labels and those with absent labels had similar levels of biochemical markers of bone turnover. In the STAND trial, indices of bone turnover tended to be lower in the denosumab group than in the alendronate group. Double labeling in trabecular bone was seen in 20% of the denosumab biopsies and in 90% of the alendronate samples. Denosumab markedly reduces bone turnover and also reduces fracture numbers. Longer follow-up is necessary to determine how long such low turnover is safe. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Gestational sac volume in missed abortion and anembryonic pregnancy compared to normal pregnancy
Authors: Odeh Marwan , Tendler Rene , Kais Mohamad , Grinin Vitali , Ophir Ella , Bornstein Jacob
Published: June 2010

Purpose.

To compare gestational sac (GS) volume (GSV) between normal pregnancies and missed abortions and anembryonic pregnancies and to determine at what gestational age differences in GS volume become evident.

Methods.

GSV in missed abortion and anembryonic pregnancy were measured using three‐dimensional ultrasound and the results were compared with GSV in normal pregnancies. Pregnancies between 6 and 12+6 gestational weeks of age according to last menstrual period were included in normal pregnancies, missed abortions, and anembryonic pregnancies.

Results.

There were 141 normal pregnancies and 82 missed or anembryonic abortions. GSV was significantly larger in normal pregnancies than in missed or anembryonic abortion: 27.51 ± 25.25 cm3 and 8.04 ± 10.54 cm3, respectively (p < 0.001). When stratified by weeks, statistically significant differences were found beginning at 7 weeks, while GSV measurements were not significantly different between the normal and abnormal pregnancies from 6 to 6+6 weeks.

Conclusion.

GSV in missed abortion and anembryonic pregnancies is significantly smaller than in normal pregnancies, starting at 7 weeks of gestational age. This finding may be helpful in the diagnosis of missed abortion or anembryonic pregnancies in selected cases. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 38:367‐371, 2010
Synthesis, cytotoxic activity, and thermal studies of novel N‐[(1,3‐diphenylpyrazol‐4‐yl)methyl] α‐amino acids
Authors: Joksović Milan D. , Bogdanović Gordana , Kojić Vesna , Szécsényi Katalin Mészáros , Leovac Vukadin M. , Jakimov Dimitar , Trifunović Snežana , Marković Violeta , Joksović Ljubinka
Published: June 2010

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New N‐[(1,3‐diphenylpyrazol‐4‐yl)methyl]α‐amino acids (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h, 1i) have been synthesized and tested in vitro for their antiproliferative activity against human myelogenous leukemia K562, colon adenocarcinoma HT‐29, cervix carcinoma HeLa, and normal fetal lung fibroblasts, MRC‐5. Compounds derived from both phenylalanine enantiomer precursors appeared to be the most active against myelogenous leukemia K562 cell lines with a high cytotoxic potential. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Studies on the acetylation of 3,6‐diamino‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine‐5‐carbonitrile derivatives
Authors: Chioua Mourad , Soriano Elena , Samadi Abdelouahid , Marco‐Contelles J.
Published: June 2010

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The acetylation reaction of the differently substituted 3,6‐diamino‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine‐5‐carbonitrile derivatives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 is reported. The structure of the resulting acetamides has been investigated and confirmed by analytical, spectroscopic, and chemical transformations. From these studies, we conclude that, in general, under mild conditions, and using acetic anhydride, when free, the N(1)H moiety is a more reactive center respect to the C(3)NH2 and C(6)NH2 groups. This trend is reversed when no steric hindrance due to presence of a phenyl group at C4 drives the preferred acetylation to C(3)NH2, as it is evident by comparing the observed results from precursor 1 with 3. When N1 is blocked, the (C3)NH2 group undergoes preferential acetylation over the (C6)NH2 site, which only has been mono (or diacetylated) at reflux. Computational analyses based on DFT studies have been extensively used to explain the observed reactivities. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
An efficient and highly selective method for the synthesis of cryptotackiene derivatives catalyzed by iodine
Authors: Wang Xiang‐Shan , Zhou Jie , Yin Ming‐Yue , Yang Ke , Tu Shu‐Jiang
Published: June 2010

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A mild, efficient and highly selective approach to the synthesis of cryptotackiene derivatives via three‐component reactions of 3‐amino‐9‐ethylcarbazole and aromatic aldehydes with electron‐rich alkenes, such as 2,3‐dihydrofuran, or 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran catalyzed by iodine in THF is reported. It is worth to note that only trans‐products were obtained with high selectivity in good to high yields, which confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
CAN EDUCATION POLICY ADDRESS THE WAGE GAP? A NOTE ON PUBLIC SKILL FORMATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Patron Rossana , Vaillant Marcel
Published: June 2010

The potential distributional effects of public education as a producer of endowments are discussed, taking into consideration the presence of systemic inefficiency in the sector, which is typical in developing economies. The analysis has implications for policymakers, as it suggests the following: a) not addressing the inefficiency in educational systems has a cost in terms of wage inequality, and b) the effects of trade may be mediated or even reversed by the orientation of the education policy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A TPD‐MS study of the interaction of coumarins and their heterocyclic derivatives with a surface of fumed silica and nanosized oxides CeO2/SiO2, TiO2/SiO2, Al2O3/SiO2
Authors: Kulyk Kostiantyn , Ishchenko Valentyna , Palyanytsya Borys , Khylya Volodymyr , Borysenko Mykola , Kulyk Tetiana
Published: June 2010

The interactions between coumarins and the surface of fumed SiO2, CeO2/SiO2, TiO2/SiO2 and Al2O3/SiO2 were assessed by means of temperature‐programed desorption mass spectrometry. The different stages of the thermolysis of coumarin were identified and an analysis of the underlying reactions was performed. The kinetic parameters of the involved reactions were thus obtained. The decomposition of thiazolyl‐substituted coumarins was found to proceed through a ‘thiazole–thiazine’ ring expansion in the adsorbed state. A linear correlation between the sigma constants (Σσ) of the coumarin substituents and the activation energy of CO2 formation was obtained. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LC/ESI‐MS/MS characterisation of lipopeptide biosurfactants produced by the Bacillus licheniformis V9T14 strain
Authors: Pecci Ylenia , Rivardo Fabrizio , Martinotti Maria Giovanna , Allegrone Gianna
Published: June 2010

Lipopeptide biosurfactants produced by the Bacillus licheniformis V9T14 strain showed an interesting anti‐adhesion activity against biofilm formation of human pathogenic bacterial strains. The chemical characterisation of the crude extract of V9T14 strain was first developed through electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and ESI‐MS/MS direct infusions: two sets of molecular ion species belonging to the fengycin and surfactin families were revealed and their structures defined, interpreting their product ion spectra. The LC/ESI‐MS analysis of the crude extract allowed to separate in different chromatogram ranges the homologues and the isoforms of the two lipopeptide families. The extract was then fractionated by silica gel chromatography in two main fractions, I and II. The purified biosurfactants were analysed through a new, rapid and suitable LC/ESI‐MS/MS method, which allowed characterising the composition and the structures of the produced lipopeptides. LC/ESI‐MS/MS analysis of fraction I showed the presence of C13, C14 and C15 surfactin homologues, whose structures were confirmed by the product ion spectra of the sodiated molecules [M + Na]+ at m/z 1030, 1044 and 1058. LC/ESI‐MS/MS analysis of fraction II confirmed the presence of two main fengycin isoforms, with the protonated molecules [M + H]+ at m/z 1478 and 1506 corresponding to C17 fengycin A and C17 fengycin B, respectively. Other homologues (C14 to C16) were revealed and confirmed as belonging to fengycin A or B according to the retention times and the product ions generated, although with the same nominal mass. Finally, a relative percentage content of each homologue for both lipopeptides families in the whole extract was proposed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organizational neuroscience: The promise and prospects of an emerging discipline
Authors: Becker William J. , Cropanzano Russell
Published: June 2010

We review and discuss an Organizational Neuroscience perspective on management science research. Reviewing recent findings in the brain sciences, we provide concrete examples of how an organizational neuroscience perspective can advance organizational behavior research. We conclude that this new paradigm offers powerful insights and tools that complement traditional organizational research. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management development in post‐transition Central Europe: Challenges and prospects
Authors: Akbar Yusaf H.
Published: June 2010

The current state of management development in post‐transition Central Europe (PTCE) faces a number of serious challenges, necessitating a revision of the management approaches currently used by both domestic and multinational companies operating in the region due to the fundamental and deeply rooted societal and individual discrepancies that continue to separate this region from Western cultures. Despite common practices, it is wrong to assume that the mere adoption of Western models would be sufficient to achieve desired results in terms of management development. Based on a firm‐level study of multinational companies based in Hungary, we suggest that companies operating in, or wishing to expand into, the region need to consider new ways of management development that are specifically designed for dealing with local realities, rather than copying what they may do elsewhere in Western societies. Adjustments need to be made throughout all the phases of the employment life cycle, encompassing selection and initial training, as well as the continuous development of employees. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polymer Networks: Recent Developments
Authors: Patrickios Costas S.
Published: June 2010

Polymer networks have long been the subject of study by chemists, physicists, biologists, material scientists and engineers, aiming to understand the fundamentals of their preparation and behavior, but also to adopt them for a multitude of technologically important applications. This introductory chapter overviews some of this previous knowledge on polymer networks, and also presents recent important developments in the field, as these are detailed in the chapters of this volume.
Coordination Polymer Networks: An Alternative to Classical Polymers?
Authors: Fromm Katharina M. , Sagué Jorge L. , Mirolo Laurent
Published: June 2010

This chapter provides a brief overview on metal ion containing coordination polymer networks, how and why they are made, as an alternative to classical polymers. Our focus will be polymorphism, supramolecular isomerism and pseudo‐polymorphism. Examples from our group of metal ion containing coordination polymer networks with flexible molecules as building blocks will be highlighted, as they might show parallels with purely organic polymer compounds.
Pressure‐ and Temperature‐Induced Phase Separation Transition in Homopolymer, Block Copolymer, and Protein in Water
Authors: Shibayama Mitsuhiro , Osaka Noboru
Published: June 2010

Effects of temperature, T, and pressure, P, on phase behavior and structure are discussed on three types of polymeric systems, i.e., a homopolymer (HP), a block copolymer (BC), and a protein (PR) in water. Due to the presence of hydrophobic groups, each system underwent a T‐induced and P‐induced phase separation by increasing T and P, respectively. However, these transitions are different from each other depending on their molecular structures. Small‐angle neutron scattering investigations revealed that HP showed a macrophase separation transition (MaST) with respect to both T and P. BC underwent a microphase separation transition (MiST) followed by a MaST with increasing T, while only a MaST was observed with increasing P. In the case of PR, on the other hand, T‐induced and P‐induced denaturations led to densely‐packed aggregates of oligomers and fractal‐aggregates of primary particles, respectively. The results from all systems indicated that hydrophobic interactions become insignificant at high pressures.
A Deformation Mechanism for Double‐Network Hydrogels with Enhanced Toughness
Authors: Nakajima Tasuku , Furukawa Hidemitsu , Gong Jian Ping , Lin Eric K. , Wu Wen‐li
Published: June 2010

The long‐standing pursuit of a synthetic equivalent to tissue cartilage has sprouted significant new activities in strategies for new material synthesis, among them a noticeable one being the double‐network hydrogels (DN‐gels) scheme. DN‐gels were prepared from the combination of an anionic polyelectrolyte network and a lightly crosslinked neutral polymer. These hydrogels exhibit an intriguing combination of properties intrinsic to natural cartilage: a low surface friction coefficient and a fracture toughness much higher than either of the constituent materials. The reinforcement of a hard, brittle polymer gel with a soft, viscoelastic neutral polymer is counter‐intuitive. Based on our recent results from neutron scattering measurements, we proposed a deformation mechanism where the molecular association between these two polymers plays a pivotal role. In this work, we further evaluate the proposed mechanism by performing mechanical measurements on DN‐gel samples with different polyelectrolyte network structure. The experimental results provide qualitative support for the proposed deformation mechanism.
Hybrid Hydrogels: Macromolecular Assemblies through Inorganic Cross‐Linkers
Authors: Hourdet Dominique , Petit Laurence
Published: June 2010

The adsorption process onto a silica surface of oligomers from three different monomers, N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMA), N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) and ethylene oxide (EO), was studied. From the adsorption isotherms and calorimetric experiments, it was shown that N‐alkylacrylamide derivatives strongly interact with silica nanoparticles. At low coverage (Γ < 0.5 mg m−2), the polymers were adsorbed in a flat conformation with a high proportion of trains, while for higher coverages (Γ = 0.5 – 1 mg m−2), the adsorption of new chains proceeded by chain displacement, forming an increasing proportion of loops and tails. Similarly, PEO chains readily interacted with silica nanoparticles but showed a lower affinity with an adsorbed amount (Γ ≅ 0.6 mg m−2) that was approximately half of the value obtained for both PDMA and PNIPA. When these oligomers were grafted onto a non‐adsorbing poly(acrylamide‐co‐sodium acrylate) backbone (PAMH), the binding process of these adsorbing side‐chains with silica nanoparticles proceeded very similarly and gave rise to the formation of hybrid hydrogels above critical copolymer and silica concentrations. The viscoelastic properties of these networks were controlled by the concentration of inorganic cross‐links and the fraction of adsorbing grafts that participated in the formation of bridges between particles, the others being involved in inelastic loops or pendant chains. For all the hybrid mixtures investigated, an optimum weight ratio between silica and grafts was found for the viscoelastic properties, which was in agreement with the saturation of silica beads by the graft precursors. Due to the temperature‐dependence of the solubility of the PNIPA side‐chains in aqueous solutions, the PAMH‐g‐PNIPA copolymer was also able to self‐assemble with temperature, giving rise to a hybrid conetwork in the presence of added silica.
Theoretical Modelling of Hierarchically Associated Structures in Hydrophobically Modified PNIPAM Aqueous Solutions on the Basis of a Neutron Scattering Study
Authors: Koga Tsuyoshi , Tanaka Fumihiko , Motokawa Ryuhei , Koizumi Satoshi , Winnik Françoise M.
Published: June 2010

We developed a theoretical model for a self‐assembling telechelic poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) carrying octadecyl end‐groups in aqueous solution, as a function of temperature and concentration, on the basis of small‐angle neutron scattering data. In solutions of concentration 10 g L−1 at temperatures between 10 and 20 °C, the telechelic PNIPAM of molecular weight of 22,200 g mol−1 associates in the form of flower micelles containing about 12 polymer chains. Micelles have a 3‐layered core‐shell morphology with an inner core consisting of the octadecyl units, a dense inner shell consisting of partly collapsed PNIPAM chains, and an outer shell of swollen hydrated PNIPAM chains. Drastic changes in the scattering profile of the solution heated above 31 °C are attributed to the formation of mesoglobules of diameter of 100 nm consisting of about 1000 polymer chains. In solutions of lower concentration (1 g L−1), association of flower micelles and mesoglobules is suppressed. The structure of the individual flower micelles and mesoglobules is not affected by changes in concentration. In solutions of 50 g L−1, a peak attributed to a correlation between flower micelles appears in the scattering profiles at low temperature (10 °C). Despite the difference in the population of intermicellar bridges, the overall temperature dependence of the scattering profile at 50 g L−1 remains similar to that at 10 g L−1.
Jamming in Filled Polymer Systems
Authors: Richter Sven , Saphiannikova Marina , Stöckelhuber Klaus Werner , Heinrich Gert
Published: June 2010

After an introduction into the general characteristics of the jamming behavior, two filler flocculation experiments on a polycarbonate melt filled with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and on a silica‐filled ethylene propylene diene monomer elastomer are presented. We propose that these experiments can be regarded as jamming phenomena. The experimental data are successfully modeled using the power saturation equation. Further insights into the physics of such jamming processes have been obtained with the help of X‐ray photon correlation spectroscopy experiments.
Physical Gels Based on Polyrotaxanes: Kinetics of the Gelation, and Relative Contributions of α‐Cyclodextrin and Poly(ethylene oxide) to the Gel Cohesion
Authors: Travelet Christophe , Schlatter Guy , Hébraud Pascal , Brochon Cyril , Anokhin Denis V. , Ivanov Dimitri A. , Hadziioannou Georges
Published: June 2010

Polyrotaxanes (PRs) based on α‐cyclodextrins (α‐CDs) threaded onto 22 kg mol−1 poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains in concentrated solution in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) showed the particularity to form physical gels when resting at 21 °C. The wide range of studied degrees of complexation N (from 7 up to 176), where N is the number of threaded α‐CDs per PEO chain, allowed to better understand the molecular origin of the physical gelation. The non‐monotonous evolution of the mechanical properties of the gels with the complexation degree can be attributed to the crystallization of naked PEO segments and the aggregation of α‐CDs. In fact, differential scanning calorimetry measurements carried out on these physical gels showed two distinct endothermic peaks. The first peak at 29.4 °C was attributed to the crystals of naked PEO segments (the parts of the PR molecule not covered by α‐CDs). The second peak at 32.0 °C was attributed to α‐CD aggregates. The dissolution enthalpy of the low temperature peak decreased monotonously with increasing N and the dissolution enthalpy of the high temperature peak increased monotonously with increasing N. These results were confirmed using X‐ray scattering and 1H NMR spectroscopy measurements showing these two contributions to gelation. These results showed that the cohesion of the physical gel was due to the crystallization of naked PEO segments, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, to the regular aggregation of α‐CDs driven by intra‐ and inter‐molecular hydrogen bonding interactions of their hydroxyl groups.