bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coenzyme Q and mitochondrial disease
Authors: Quinzii Catarina M. , Hirano Michio
Published: September 2010

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and an important antioxidant. Deficiency of CoQ10 is a clinically and molecularly heterogeneous syndrome, which, to date, has been found to be autosomal recessive in inheritance and generally responsive to CoQ10 supplementation. CoQ10 deficiency has been associated with five major clinical phenotypes: (1) encephalomyopathy, (2) severe infantile multisystemic disease, (3) cerebellar ataxia, (4) isolated myopathy, and (5) nephrotic syndrome. In a few patients, pathogenic mutations have been identified in genes involved in the biosynthesis of CoQ10 (primary CoQ10 deficiencies) or in genes not directly related to CoQ10 biosynthesis (secondary CoQ10 deficiencies). Respiratory chain defects, ROS production, and apoptosis contribute to the pathogenesis of primary CoQ10 deficiencies. In vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to further understand the pathogenesis of the disease and to develop more effective therapies. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2010;16:183–188.
Emerging therapeutic approaches to mitochondrial diseases
Authors: Wenz Tina , Williams Sion L. , Bacman Sandra R. , Moraes Carlos T.
Published: September 2010

Mitochondrial diseases are very heterogeneous and can affect different tissues and organs. Moreover, they can be caused by genetic defects in either nuclear or mitochondrial DNA as well as by environmental factors. All of these factors have made the development of therapies difficult. In this review article, we will discuss emerging approaches to the therapy of mitochondrial disorders, some of which are targeted to specific conditions whereas others may be applicable to a more diverse group of patients. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2010;16:219–229.
Autism and mitochondrial disease
Authors: Haas Richard H.
Published: September 2010

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as defined by the revised Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM IVTR criteria (American Psychiatric Association [2000] Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing) as impairment before the age of 3 in language development and socialization with the development of repetitive behaviors, appears to be increased in incidence and prevalence. Similarly, mitochondrial disorders are increasingly recognized. Although overlap between these disorders is to be expected, accumulating clinical, genetic, and biochemical evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD is more commonly seen than expected. Some patients with ASD phenotypes clearly have genetic‐based primary mitochondrial disease. This review will examine the data linking autism and mitochondria. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2010;16:144–153.
Bioenergetics and the epigenome: Interface between the environment and genes in common diseases
Authors: Wallace Douglas C.
Published: September 2010

Extensive efforts have been directed at using genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) to identify the genes responsible for common metabolic and degenerative diseases, cancer, and aging, but with limited success. While environmental factors have been evoked to explain this conundrum, the nature of these environmental factors remains unexplained. The availability of and demands for energy constitute one of the most important aspects of the environment. The flow of energy through the cell is primarily mediated by the mitochondrion, which oxidizes reducing equivalents from hydrocarbons via acetyl‐CoA, NADH + H+, and FADH2 to generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The mitochondrial genome encompasses hundreds of nuclear DNA (nDNA)‐encoded genes plus 37 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)‐encoded genes. Although the mtDNA has a high mutation rate, only milder, potentially adaptive mutations are introduced into the population through female oocytes. In contrast, nDNA‐encoded bioenergetic genes have a low mutation rate. However, their expression is modulated by histone phosphorylation and acetylation using mitochondrially‐generated ATP and acetyl‐CoA, which permits increased gene expression, growth, and reproduction when calories are abundant. Phosphorylation, acetylaton, and cellular redox state also regulate most signal transduction pathways and activities of multiple transcription factors. Thus, mtDNA mutations provide heritable and stable adaptation to regional differences while mitochondrially‐mediated changes in the epigenome permit reversible modulation of gene expression in response to fluctuations in the energy environment. The most common genomic changes that interface with the environment and cause complex disease must, therefore, be mitochondrial and epigenomic in origin. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2010;16:114–119.
Photoinduced Processes in Fluorene‐Bridged Rhenium–Phenothiazine Dyads – Comparison of Electron Transfer Across Fluorene, Phenylene, and Xylene Bridges
Authors: Walther Mathieu E. , Grilj Jakob , Hanss David , Vauthey Eric , Wenger Oliver S.
Published: September 2010

The photoinduced processes occurring after pulsed laser excitation of a series of donor–bridge–acceptor molecules comprising a phenothiazine electron donor, variable‐length fluorene bridges, and a rhenium(I) electron acceptor were investigated. A dyad with a single fluorene bridge unit exhibits electron transfer from phenothiazine to the rhenium(I) complex upon photoexcitation, whereas in dyads with fluorene oligomers bridge‐localized triplet excited states are formed rather than electron transfer products. In the monofluorene‐bridged system with a donor–acceptor distance of ca. 15 Å, electron transfer occurs with a time constant of 1.9 ns. The equidistant electron transfer between the same donor and acceptor is considerably slower across a biphenyl bridge (3.9 ns) or a bi‐p‐xylene spacer (20 ns). This finding is interpreted in terms of different tunneling barrier heights associated with the charge transfer across the three different types of molecular bridges.
Competitive Formation of β‐Enaminones and 3‐Amino‐2(5H)‐furanones from the Isoxazolidine System: A Combined Synthetic and Quantum Chemical Study
Authors: Iannazzo Daniela , Brunaccini Elisa , Giofrè Salvatore V. , Piperno Anna , Romeo Giovanni , Ronsisvalle Simone , Chiacchio Maria A. , Lanza Giuseppe , Chiacchio Ugo
Published: September 2010

Treatment of 3‐alkoxycarbonyl‐4‐acyl‐ or 3,4‐dialkoxycarbonyl‐substituted isoxazolidines with a mild base, such as tetrabutylammonium fluoride, affords β‐enaminones and/or 3‐methylamino‐2(5H)‐furanones according to the nature of the substituents at C4 and C5. Two alternative mechanisms (lactonization and retro‐aldolization) have been rationalized by DFT quantum chemical methods. Any realistic theoretical modeling requires the explicit inclusion of countercation and solvent effects.
Design and Synthesis of Optically Active Esters of γ‐Amino‐β‐oxo Acids as Precursors for the Synthesis of Tetramic Acids Derived from L‐Serine, L‐Tyrosine, and L‐Threonine
Authors: Matiadis Dimitris , Igglessi‐Markopoulou Olga
Published: September 2010

Tetramic acids bearing a hydroxyalkyl or hydroxybenzyl group at C‐5 of the heterocyclic ring were successfully prepared. α‐Amino acids appropriately protected and activated were used as acylating agents for the C‐acylation of active methylene compounds. These novel synthesized intermediates, substituted γ‐amino acids, were isolated in excellent yields and enantiomeric purities. Cyclization under basic conditions afforded the desired products in high yields and enantiomeric purity.
Improved and Controlled Complexation of Paraquat Derivatives by the Formation of a Bis(m‐phenylene)‐26‐Crown‐8‐Based Lariat Ether
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Luo Yan , Zheng Bo , Xia Binyuan , Huang Feihe
Published: September 2010

A novel bis(m‐phenylene)‐26‐crown‐8‐based lariat ether (i.e., 3b) was synthesized and characterized. It can bind paraquat derivatives more strongly than bis(m‐phenylene)‐26‐crown‐8 in solution. It forms pseudorotaxanes with two paraquat derivatives in the solid state. N‐Methyl substitution was found to play an important role on the binding strength of lariat ether 3b. Furthermore, due to the introduction of two benzyloxy groups, its binding to paraquat derivatives can be switched off (and back on) by adding K+ (and then dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6), and the disassociation percentage depends on the concentration of the added K+ ions.
Catalytic Alkynylation Coupling Reactions by Copper(II) Complex in Water and Its Applications to Domino Synthesis of 2‐Arylindoles
Authors: Yu Lintao , Jiang Xiaofei , Wang Lixia , Li Zhengkai , Wu Di , Zhou Xiangge
Published: September 2010

A mild and clean protocol for the alkynylation coupling of aryl iodides with terminal alkynes has been developed in yields up to 99 % in the presence of sulfonato‐CuII(salen) in water. Domino synthesis of 2‐arylindoles from 2‐iodoaniline and aryl acetylene was successfully carried out by this catalytic system, and the catalyst could be easily recovered and reused.
Photocatalytic removal of olive mill waste water by TiO2 loaded on sepiolite and under natural solar irradiation
Authors: Uğurlu Mehmet , Karaoğlu M. Hamdi
Published: September 2010

The photocatalytic removal of color, lignin, and phenol from olive mill waste water (OMW) has been investigated by using TiO2/Sepiolite nanoparticle. TiO2 particles were immobilized by using a titanium solution and sepiolite by the wet impregnation method. Nanocrystalline TiO2 anatase phase on sepiolite was obtained using an adequate thermal treatment of 500°C for 2 h considering thermal instability of the sepiolite. TiO2/Sepiolite material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray microanalyses and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area measurements. Then, the photocatalytic experiments have been done under solar irradiation and the different variables (TiO2/Sep. dose, solution pH, oxidant concentration and reaction times) and the degradation rations were found to be strongly influenced by all investigated parameters. The photocatalytic degradation of color, lignin, and phenol was favorable at pH 9–11.0. Optimum values of catalyst dose and oxidant concentration were found to be 0.8 g L−1 and 16 mL L−1, respectively. In addition, the pseudo‐first order model was applied and r2 values were noted from 0.92 to 0.99. It can be said that this study proves the effectiveness of photocatalytic removal for highly concentrated organic pollutants in OMW. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011
Green and fast procedure to obtainN‐alkylbenzimidazole derivatives under microwave activation
Authors: Calvino‐Casilda V. , Martín‐Aranda R.M. , López‐Peinado A.J.
Published: September 2010

In this research, we report for the first time the one‐pot microwave‐assisted synthesis of N‐butylbenzimidazole derivatives via alkylation of benzimidazole with 1‐bromobutane over alkali‐metal doped carbons in absence of any solvent. N‐alkylbenzimidazole derivatives are produced in high yields and in very short reaction times when NaCs‐Norit is used as catalyst (ca. 75% in 5 min). Thus the combination of microwaves and basic carbons in dry media leads to the simplest, most eco‐efficient and fastest procedure reported so far for the preparation of benzimidazole derivatives with pharmacological properties. Under these mild reaction conditions, N‐butylbenzimidazoles are obtained with total selectivity to be used in many important industrial applications. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011
Rate phenomena in the reaction of hydrogen sulfide with a zinc oxide‐based sorbent
Authors: Palmer Bruce R. , Gutierrez Carmen , Gidas Marie‐Beatrice , Berrouk Abdallah , Gawargy Mena W.H.
Published: September 2010

A zinc oxide‐based sorbent was prepared by spraying drying a slurry containing 65% zinc oxide, 18% peptized alumina, and 17% perlite. The spray dried solids were dry sieved, wet sieved, dried at 150°C for 1 h, and subsequently calcined at 635°C for 1 h to produce the sorbent. The rate of sorption of hydrogen sulfide was measured as a function of time with a Cahn VersaTherm™ thermogravimetric analyzer. Sorption rate is reported as a function of hydrogen sulfide partial pressure, temperature, and external particle size. Sorption rate can be described by a hydrogen sulfide mass‐transport model for agglomerated particles. This agglomerate kinetics model satisfactory explains rate phenomena observed in this system. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011
Hazardous waste inventory in Gebze Organized Industrial Zone, Kocaeli, Turkey
Authors: Bektaş N. , Gökşin I.
Published: September 2010

Hazardous waste management (HWM) is one of the most important environmental problems. The lack of sufficient information on hazardous waste (HW) results in failure of the control and monitoring mechanisms. The HW is needed to be identified for an appropriate recovery and disposal strategy. Based on previous studies, the most important problem for effective HWM in Turkey is the lack of a reliable countrywide HW inventory. This insufficient information results in fewer recovery and recycling possibilities and also disposal facilities resulting in illegal and random release of HWs to the environment. A reliable and updated inventory study for waste type, source, and quantity information is required to determine and overcome this problem. The inventory information, such as generation of HW place, type, and collection will be the guide for the prevention, recovery, reuse, and also treatment of these wastes. The aim of this article is to describe a HW inventory study conducted in an organized industrial zone for a year. The inventory lists for HW were prepared on the basis of generation, types, and quantities of HW. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011
Effects of solution pH on adsorption of chlorophenols by cross‐linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP XL) polymers
Authors: Li Zhaohui , Matoska Stephen J. , Rohrer Heather
Published: September 2010

Widely used as insecticides, fungicides, and disinfectants and regarded as having relatively high toxicities, chlorophenols are a group of organic contaminants whose solubility and sorptive properties on different substrates vary greatly with solution pH. In this study, the feasibility and applicability of using cross‐linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP XL) polymers to adsorb and remove chlorophenols from water under different pH conditions were investigated. The adsorption of chlorophenols on PVP XL was instantaneous and followed a linear sorption isotherm under the tested concentrations from 0.05 to 10 mg L–1, suggesting a partitioning mechanism. The chlorophenol adsorption increased as the degree of chlorination, thus the octanol–water partitioning coefficient, increased. A decrease in contaminant distribution coefficients with an increase in solution pH suggested that the deprotonated species had a weaker affinity for PVP XL surfaces than their protonated counterparts. The free energy of adsorption of 2,3,4,6‐tetrachlorophenol (TeCP) on PVP XL was negative, suggesting a spontaneous adsorption. The negative enthalpy values of TeCP adsorption on PVP XL indicated an exothermic process. The results from this study show that PVP XL could be a viable alternative for the adsorption of chlorinated phenols in aqueous media as a remediation tool. The instantaneous adsorption will make PVP XL a possible choice for ultra filtration to remove chlorophenols from water. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011
Biotransformation of the 8:2 fluorotelomer acrylate in rainbow trout. 1. In vivo dietary exposure
Authors: Butt Craig M. , Muir Derek C.G. , Mabury Scott A.
Published: September 2010

The bioaccumulation and biotransformation of the 8:2 fluorotelomer acrylate (C8F17CH2CH2OC(O)CH = CH2, 8:2 FTAc) was investigated in rainbow trout via dietary exposure. The 8:2 FTAc is a monomer used in the manufacture of fluorinated polymers and has been widely detected in the atmosphere. The parent 8:2 FTAc and suspected intermediate and terminal metabolites were monitored in liver, blood, kidney, bile, and feces during the 5-d uptake and 8-d elimination phases using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)- and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)- based methods. Very low levels of the 8:2 FTAc were detected in the internal tissues and feces, suggesting that the 8:2 FTAc was rapidly biotransformed in the gut or liver. Similarly, low concentrations of the 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) were accumulated in the fish tissues. The 8:2 saturated fluorotelomer carboxylate (FTCA) was formed in the highest concentration, reaching steady-state tissue concentrations of approximately 1,000 to 1,400 ng/g wet weight. The 8:2 FTUCA and 7:3 FTCA were also accumulated in high levels, at levels approximately 10-fold lower than the 8:2 FTCA. Both the 7:3 FTCA and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) showed increasing levels throughout the uptake phase and into the initial stages of the elimination phase, indicating continued formation through precursors still present in the body. Perfluorononanoate (PFNA) was formed in low nanogram per gram wet weight levels. The intermediate and terminal metabolites were also detected in the bile and feces, indicating an important elimination pathway for these compounds. In addition, the 8:2 FTOH glucuronide conjugate was measured in relatively high concentrations in the bile and feces. The results of the current study demonstrated a scenario in which a biologically labile compound is biotransformed to terminal metabolites that are much more biologically persistent. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2726–2735. © 2010 SETAC
Toxicity of petroleum hydrocarbon distillates to soil organisms
Authors: Cermak Janet H. , Stephenson Gladys L. , Birkholz Detlef , Wang Zhendi , Dixon D. George
Published: September 2010

Canadian standards for petroleum hydrocarbons in soil are based on four distillate ranges (F1, C6–C10; F2, >C10–C16; F3, >C16–C34; and F4, >C34). Concerns have arisen that the ecological soil contact standards for F3 may be overly conservative. Oil distillates were prepared and characterized, and the toxicity of F3 and two subfractions, F3a (>C16–C23) and F3b (>C23–C34), to earthworms (Eisenia andrei), springtails (Orthonychiurus folsomi), and northern wheatgrass (Elymus lanceolatus), as well as the toxicity of F2 to earthworms, was determined. Clean soil was spiked with individual distillates and measured concentrations were determined for select tests. Results agree with previous studies with these distillates. Reported toxicities of crude and petroleum products to invertebrates were generally comparable to that of F3 and F3a. The decreasing order of toxicity was F3a > F3 > F3b with invertebrates, and F3a > F3b > F3 with plants. The toxicities of F3a and F3b were not sufficiently different to recommend regulating hydrocarbons based on these distillate ranges. The results also suggest that test durations may be insufficient for determining toxicity of higher distillate ranges, and that the selection of species and endpoints may significantly affect interpretation of toxicity test results. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2685–2694. © 2010 SETAC
Packet reservation multiple access in cellular environments
Authors: Frullone  , Riva G. , Grazioso P. , Carciofi C.
Published: September 2010

Some different packet protocols, based on a Reservation ALOHA protocol, have been proposed in literature for use in mobile radio systems, even though their performance have been fully evaluated only in interference free environments. The paper focuses on Packet Reservation Multiple Access (PRMA) and extends the evaluation of its performance to a cellular environment, first by characterising its performance when loaded by a Poisson traffic distribution and then assessing the impact of interference from other cells.
Outage probability in FDMA/TDMA mobile communication networks
Authors: Caini Carlo , Immovilli Gianni , Merani Maria Luisa
Published: September 2010

One of the most crucial problems to solve in the field of mobile communication networks is the evaluation for a generic link of the network of the outage probability due to the random characteristics of the transmission system, essentially determined by anomalous propagation conditions, cochannel interference and user mobility. The exact analytical solution to this problem is very burdensome, regardless of the system implementation technique considered. In this paper the effects of cochannel interference, nonselective fading and user mobility in FDMA/TDMA mobile radio networks are investigated, and an extremely simple approximated methodology is presented for the analytical evaluation of the outage probability and of the frequency reuse distance. It is worth noting that the proposed method allows to consider a general statistical description for the nonselective propagation media of the radio network. Here we successfully apply it in the path loss, fading and shadowing scenario which are typical of cellular and microcellular structures.
Performance of shared medium access protocols for ATM traffic concentration
Authors: Toniatti Tiziana , Verri Luigi , Casals Olga , Garcia Jorge , Blondia Chris , Angelopoulos John D. , Venieris Iakovos S.
Published: September 2010

The paper analyses the problem of Medium Access Control in a Passive Optical Network, used to concentrate ATM user traffic. Feasible solutions for the problem are investigated and two protocols to resolve contention on the shared medium are presented, the single cell and the multiple cell frame based. The performance of the two protocols is evaluated, obtaining indications about the transfer delay introduced by the protocols and the amount of buffering needed at the user side.
The pan‐European mobile radio system: Part II
Authors: Hanzo L. , Steele R.
Published: September 2010

Having considered the mapping of logical traffic and control channels onto physical channels, speech and error correction coding, interleaving as well as the TDMA hierarchy and synchronisation problems in Part I of this contribution, here mainly transmission issues are addressed [1–6] and some performance figures are provided. Constant envelope partial response Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) with a channel spacing of 200 kHz is deployed to support 125 duplex channels in the 890 ‐ 915MHz uplink and 935 ‐ 960 MHz downlink bands, respectively. At a transmission rate of 271 kbit/s 1.35 bit/s/Hz spectral efficiency is achieved. The controlled GMSK‐induced and un‐controlled channel‐induced inter‐symbol interferences are removed by the channel equaliser. The set of standardised wide‐band GSM channels is introduced in order to provide bench‐markers for performance comparisons. Efficient power budgeting and minimum co‐channel interferences are ensured by the combination of adaptive power‐ and handover‐control based on weighted averaging of up to eight uplink and downlink system parameters. Discontinuous transmissions (DTX) assisted by reliable spectral‐domain voice activity detection (VAD) and comfort‐noise insertion further reduce interferences and power consumption. Due to ciphering, no unprotected information is sent via the radio link. As a result, spectrally efficient, high‐quality mobile communications with a variety of services and international roaming is possible in cells of up to 35km radius for signal to noise‐ and interference‐ratios in excess of 10 ‐ 12 dBs.
A genetic algorithm for channel assignment problems
Authors: Cuppini Monica
Published: September 2010

Channel assignment problems are NP‐complete optimization problems occurring during design of cellular radio systems. So far, these problems have been treated by sequential graph coloring algorithms [1, 2] and by heuristic techniques [3, 4]. On the other hand, genetic algorithms (GAs) were successfully applied to other NP‐complete problems. In this paper, a strategy for using genetic algorithms to solve channel assignment problems is presented.
The RCELP speech‐coding algorithm
Authors: Kleijn W. Bastiaan , Kroon Peter , Nahumi Dror
Published: September 2010

At bit rates between 4 and 16 kbit/s, many state‐of‐the‐art speech coding algorithms fall into the class of linear‐prediction based analysis‐by‐synthesis (LPAS) speech coders. At the lower bit rates the waveform‐matching, on which LPAS coders rely, constrains the speech quality. To overcome this drawback, we present a coder (RCELP) that uses a generalization of the analysis‐by‐synthesis paradigm. This generalization relaxes the waveform‐matching constraints without affecting speech quality. We describe several implementations at bit rates between 4 and 6 kbit/s. MOS tests show that a 6 kbit/s RCELP has a quality similar or better than the 13 kbit/s GSM full‐rate coder, and a 4.4 kbit/s RCELP has a speech quality significantly better than the 4.8 kbit/s FS1016 standard.
CELP coding at variable rate
Authors: Cellario Luca , Sereno Daniele
Published: September 2010

This paper describes the general principle of variable rate applied to CELP coding and presents an algorithm conceived for mobile applications based on CDMA technique. The speech coder operates at an average rate of around 6 kbit/s with a peak rate of 16 kbit/s, providing a quality close to the one of the G.728 standard. The algorithm is based on a multi‐rate CELP whose operating mode is selected by a combination of open‐loop speech classification and closed‐loop quality evaluation. The scheme is not fully optimized for the average rate, but attention has mainly been paid to the classification algorithm having the constraint to keep the algorithmic delay equal to 10 ms.
Performance and Aging of Microtubular YSZ‐based Solid Oxide Regenerative Fuel Cells
Authors: Laguna‐Bercero M. A. , Campana R. , Larrea A. , Kilner J. A. , Orera V. M.
Published: September 2010

Fuel electrode supported microtubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) fabricated at ICMA have been characterised in both solid oxide steam electrolyser (SOEC) and fuel cell modes. The cells consists of a fuel electrode supporting tube of Ni/YSZ with 40% porosity, ∼400 μm thickness, 2.4 mm diameter and 100–150 mm length, a 15 μm thick YSZ electrolyte and a 50 vol% LSM/YSZ composite air electrode of 20 μm thickness and LSM/YSZ (80/20 vol%) up to 2 cm2 area as current collector in the air side. Platinum paste and wires were used as interconnectors in the air chamber and Ni felt in the fuel side. SOFC and SOEC experiments were performed at temperatures between 750 and 950 °C using synthetic air in the oxygen electrode and different partial pressures of steam in the fuel side. Analysis of the polarisation contributions to the j–V curve in FC operation mode was performed using theoretical models, as discussed in the text. The effect of the steam concentration and temperature on the electrolysis and fuel cell experiments is presented and discussed. The cells are reversible in both modes of operation at low fuel conversion rates. According with previous observations, when cells are operated at high steam conversion rates the cell voltage tends to saturate. Irreversible damage was observed by SEM at the YSZ–oxygen electrode interface after operation, probably due to the electrolyte reduction produced at high voltages.
Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy with characteristic molecular cytogenetic findings of uterine leiomyoma
Authors: Ordulu Zehra , Cin Paola Dal , Chong Wilson W.S. , Choy Kwong Wai , Lee Charles , Muto Michael G. , Quade Bradley J. , Morton Cynthia C.
Published: September 2010

Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis (DPL) is a rare condition characterized by scattered smooth muscle nodules over the peritoneal surfaces. The pathogenesis of DPL remains unclear. Herein, we report a case of DPL occurring 7 years after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy with morcellation for uterine leiomyomata (UL). We analyzed both the original UL and the subsequent DPL by molecular cytogenetics to assess the role of chromosomal abnormalities in DPL pathobiology. Interestingly, all of the chromosomal aberrations detected in this case of DPL, including r(1)(p34.3q41), del(3)(q23q26.33), and t(12;14)(q14.3;q24.1), are characteristic chromosomal abnormalities detected in UL. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of the initial UL confirmed an interstitial deletion spanning at least 3q24 and 3q25.1, suggesting that functional alteration of a potential gene in this chromosomal region may play a role in DPL development from UL. With the increasing rate of hysterectomy through laparoscopic approach to UL, the unique complications of laparoscopy with morcellation, especially seeding and proliferation of tumor cells over abdominal organs and peritoneum, are becoming more significant and may necessitate review of current surgical protocols to prevent future seeding of the pelvic region with tumor particles. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The social impact of anthropogenic landscape modification in the Río Verde drainage basin, Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Joyce Arthur A. , Mueller Raymond G.
Published: September 2010

This article examines the effects of anthropogenic landscape modification in the upper drainage basin of the Río Verde on environments and populations of the lower Río Verde Valley, Oaxaca, Mexico. Archaeological and geomorphological research conducted by the Río Verde Formative Project indicates that Late Formative (400–100 B.C.) population growth and agricultural intensification in the Oaxaca and Nochixtlán valleys increased erosion and runoff from the Verde's upper drainage. This geomorphic change in the highland valleys altered the drainage system and led to increased flooding and alluviation in the lower Río Verde Valley. The environmental effect in the lower valley may have increased the agricultural potential of the region, leading to population growth, and at least indirectly to social change.
MicroRNA-151 and Its Hosting Gene FAK (Focal Adhesion Kinase) Regulate Tumor Cell Migration and Spreading of Hepatocellular Carcinoma†
Authors: Luedde Tom
Published: September 2010

Recurrent chromosomal aberrations are often observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but little is known about the functional non-coding sequences, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), at the chromosomal breakpoints in HCC. Here we show that 22 miRNAs are often amplified or deleted in HCC. MicroRNA-151 (miR-151), a frequently amplified miRNA on 8q24.3, is correlated with intrahepatic metastasis of HCC. We further show that miR-151, which is often expressed together with its host gene FAK, encoding focal adhesion kinase, significantly increases HCC cell migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo, mainly through miR-151-5p, but not through miR-151-3p. Moreover, miR-151 exerts this function by directly targeting RhoGDIA, a putative metastasis suppressor in HCC, thus leading to the activation of Rac1, Cdc42 and Rho GTPases. In addition, miR-151 can function synergistically with FAK to enhance HCC cell motility and spreading. Thus, our findings indicate that chromosome gain of miR-151 is a crucial stimulus for tumour invasion and metastasis of HCC.
Improved dendritic cell-based immunization against hepatitis C virus using peptide inhibitors of interleukin 10
Authors: Díaz-Valdés Nancy , Manterola Lorea , Belsúe Virginia , Riezu-Boj José I. , Larrea Esther , Echeverria Itziar , Llópiz Diana , López-Sagaseta Jacinto , Lerat Hervé , Pawlotsky Jean-Michel , Prieto Jesús , Lasarte Juan J. , Borrás-Cuesta Francisco , Sarobe Pablo
Published: September 2010

The high levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10) present in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have been suggested as responsible for the poor antiviral cellular immune responses found in these patients. To overcome the immunosuppressive effect of IL-10 on antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DCs), we developed peptide inhibitors of IL-10 to restore DC functions and concomitantly induce efficient antiviral immune responses. Two IL-10-binding peptides (p9 and p13) were selected using a phage-displayed library and their capacity to inhibit IL-10 was assessed in a bioassay and in STAT-3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) phosphorylation experiments

in vitro

. In cultures of human leukocytes where HCV core protein induces the production of IL-10, p13 restored the ability of plasmacytoid DC to produce interferon alpha (IFN-α) after Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) stimulation. Similarly, when myeloid DCs were stimulated with CD40L in the presence of HCV core, p9 enhanced IL-12 production by inhibiting HCV core-induced as well as CD40L-induced IL-10. Moreover,

in vitro

, p13 potentiated the effect of maturation stimuli on human and murine DC, increasing their IL-12 production and stimulatory activity, which resulted in enhanced proliferation and IFN-γ production by responding T-cells. Finally, immunization with p13-treated murine DC induced stronger anti-HCV T-cell responses not only in wildtype mice but also in HCV transgenic mice and in mice transiently expressing HCV core in the liver.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that IL-10 inhibiting peptides may have important applications to enhance anti-HCV immune responses by restoring the immunostimulatory capabilities of DC. (Hepatology 2011.)
Ribavirin potentiates interferon action by augmenting interferon-stimulated gene induction in hepatitis C virus cell culture models
Authors: Thomas Emmanuel , Feld Jordan J. , Li Qisheng , Hu Zongyi , Fried Michael W. , Liang Jake T.
Published: September 2010

The combination of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin is the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C. Our recent clinical study suggests that ribavirin augments the induction of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in patients treated for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In order to further characterize the mechanisms of action of ribavirin, we examined the effect of ribavirin treatment on ISG induction in cell culture. In addition, the effect of ribavirin on infectious HCV cell culture systems was studied. Similar to interferon (IFN)-α, ribavirin potently inhibits JFH-1 infection of Huh7.5.1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, which spans the physiological concentration of ribavirin

in vivo

. Microarray analysis and subsequent quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays demonstrated that ribavirin treatment resulted in the induction of a distinct set of ISGs. These ISGs, including IFN regulatory factors 7 and 9, are known to play an important role in anti-HCV responses. When ribavirin is used in conjunction with IFN-α, induction of specific ISGs is synergistic when compared with either drug applied separately. Direct up-regulation of these antiviral genes by ribavirin is mediated by a novel mechanism different from those associated with IFN signaling and intracellular double-stranded RNA sensing pathways such as RIG-I and MDA5. RNA interference studies excluded the activation of the Toll-like receptor and nuclear factor κB pathways in the action of ribavirin.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that ribavirin, acting by way of a novel innate mechanism, potentiates the anti-HCV effect of IFN. Understanding the mechanism of action of ribavirin would be valuable in identifying novel antivirals (Hepatology 2011.)
Chemical activity as an integrating concept in environmental assessment and management of contaminants
Authors: Mackay Don , Arnot Jon A. , Wania Frank , Bailey Robert E.
Published: September 2010

It is suggested that chemical activity in environmental media can serve as an integrating concept for holistic evaluations of contaminants, including their fate and effects. In support of this assertion, information underlying the thermodynamic principles and the relationships between monitored and modeled concentrations and activities are presented. The toxicological significance of activity is discussed, with emphasis on substances that exert baseline narcosis. Illustrations are given of the application of activity using models and monitoring data for chemical risk assessment and management. It is argued that the proximity of prevailing multimedia environmental activities to activities causing toxic effects is a particularly insightful metric of environmental contamination for both narcotics and reactive toxic substances. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011;7:248–255. © 2010 SETAC
Public perception and stakeholder involvement in the crisis management of sediment-related disasters and their mitigation: The case of the Stože debris flow in NW Slovenia
Authors: Mikoš Matjaz
Published: September 2010

Sediments can pose a threat to humans not only when these deposits are polluted but also due to their large quantities. This physical aspect of sediments as a risk will be shown on a case study of a sediment-related disaster that occurred in the mountainous part of Slovenia, Central Europe in 2000. In November 2000, after a long wet period a large debris landslide had been triggered on the Stože slope and stopped in the channel of the Mangart creek. Such an event took the majority of local inhabitants and emergency staff by surprise. Nevertheless, they had just organized the first mitigation measures when, after 35 hours, they were surprised by an even larger debrisflowinitiated as the second phase of the same mass movement event. Within a few minutes, the wet debris flow had devastated the alpine valley of the Koritnica River and killed 7 people in the village of Log pod Mangartom. This paper deals with crisis management and first mitigation measures under this very tense situation of searching for dead bodies. The uncertainty about possible new debris flows drove all inhabitants out of the village by a decision of the civil protection unit, and also other activities of the emergency relief units were overshadowed by the 7 victims. One of the main problems and challenges at the same time was the over 700,000m3 of wet debris flow deposits in the area of the village of Log pod Mangartom within the Triglav National park, which posed a direct threat of flooding during the first heavy rainfalls in spring 2001, and which were about to be removed to make place for future debris flows. The understanding about what really happened or about the immediate triggering factors was different among the professionals in charge for relief action and for preparing a final remediation plan. The first phase during and immediately after the disaster (relief intervention of emergency units especially those for civil protection) can be described as Concern-Driven Crisis Management or as Judgment-Based Crisis Management, respectively. The Quantitative Risk Assessment came into play in the second remediation phase through special law enforcement. Even after 10 years since the disaster, general public perception speaks in favor of judgment-based risk management rather than quantitative risk assessment, a situation that can be explained by the poor understanding of the system by local inhabitants, by low public involvement in the preparation of the final remediation plan undertaken by the state agencies, and by the fact that the final remediation is still not finished. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011;7:216–227. © 2010 SETAC
Pasty Polymers in Cancer Drug Therapy
Authors: Pawar Rajendra P. , Kharat Kiran R. , Domb Abraham J.
Published: September 2010

Injectable polymeric systems suitable for the localized delivery of anticancer agents are reviewed. These polymeric systems include: drug‐loaded low melting temperature polymers that are injected at the melting temperature of the polymer, usually below 50 °C, that solidify at body temperature to form an in situ device; polymer solutions in buffer or in N‐methyl pyrrolidone, ethanol, or acetate esters which, upon injection in tissue,are absorbed into the tissue and cause precipitation of the polymer at the injection site; in situ crosslinking of polymer solutions to form a polymeric implant; and thermoresponsive polymer solutions that are soluble at room temperature and solidify at body temperature. However, these systems are hydrophilic and suffer from burst release of drug within a few hours post injection. Hydrophobic injectable, pasty, fat‐based polymers that gel when injected in tissue have been used for the extended release of paclitaxel, cisplatin, and other agents. This polymer releases the drug in a controlled manner with no burst release. These systems have a potential use as drug carriers for regional or systemic drug delivery.
Bisphenol A impairs estradiol‐induced protective effects against DLD‐1 colon cancer cell growth
Authors: Bolli Alessandro , Bulzomi Pamela , Galluzzo Paola , Acconcia Filippo , Marino Maria
Published: September 2010

Bisphenol A (BPA), a prototype of endocrine disruptors, mimics 17β‐estradiol (E2)‐induced proliferation in several cancer cells by binding to estrogen receptor α (ERα). However, scarce and conflicting data are available concerning the effect of BPA on estrogen receptor β (ERβ)‐mediated functions. Here, the detailed analysis of the effect of BPA, alone or in combination with E2, on ERβ‐mediated cellular functions is reported in ERβ‐expressing colon cancer cell line. BPA binds to ERβ without activating any receptor activities. On the other hand, BPA inhibits E2‐induced genomic activity of ERβ as well as ERβ extra‐nuclear activities (i.e., ERβ:p38 association and p38 activation). As a consequence, BPA impairs the E2‐induced activation of the apoptotic cascade which is at the root of the protective role played by the hormone against colon cancer growth. Thus, women may be considered a highly susceptible population with an increased risk of colon cancers after BPA exposures. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(9): 684–687, 2010
Retinoids regulate stem cell differentiation
Authors: Gudas Lorraine J. , Wagner John A.
Published: September 2010

Retinoids are ubiquitous signaling molecules that influence nearly every cell type, exert profound effects on development, and complement cancer chemotherapeutic regimens. All‐trans retinoic acid (RA) and other active retinoids are generated from vitamin A (retinol), but key aspects of the signaling pathways required to produce active retinoids remain unclear. Retinoids generated by one cell type can affect nearby cells, so retinoids also function in intercellular communication. RA induces differentiation primarily by binding to RARs, transcription factors that associate with RXRs and bind RAREs in the nucleus. Binding of RA: (1) initiates changes in interactions of RAR/RXRs with co‐repressor and co‐activator proteins, activating transcription of primary target genes; (2) alters interactions with proteins that induce epigenetic changes; (3) induces transcription of genes encoding transcription factors and signaling proteins that further modify gene expression (e.g., FOX03A, Hoxa1, Sox9, TRAIL, UBE2D3); and (4) results in alterations in estrogen receptor α signaling. Proteins that bind at or near RAREs include Sin3a, N‐CoR1, PRAME, Trim24, NRIP1, Ajuba, Zfp423, and MN1/TEL. Interactions among retinoids, RARs/RXRs, and these proteins explain in part the powerful effects of retinoids on stem cell differentiation. Studies of this retinol signaling cascade enhance our ability to understand and regulate stem cell differentiation for therapeutic and scientific purposes. In cancer chemotherapeutic regimens retinoids can promote tumor cell differentiation and/or induce proteins that sensitize tumors to drug combinations. Mechanistic studies of retinoid signaling continue to suggest novel drug targets and will improve therapeutic strategies for cancer and other diseases, such as immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 322–330, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Whether to target single or multiple CDKs for therapy? That is the question
Authors: Węsierska‐Gądek Józefa , Maurer Margarita , Zulehner Nora , Komina Oxana
Published: September 2010

Complexes consisting of cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) and their regulatory subunits (the cyclins) control the progression of normal mammalian cells through the cell cycle. However, during malignant transformation this regulatory apparatus malfunctions, allowing cells to undergo unchecked proliferation. In many cases, the high mitotic potential of malignant cells is due to the constitutive activation of CDK–cyclin complexes, facilitated by the inactivation of cellular CDK inhibitors, such as p16INK4A or p27Kip1, and the loss of functional tumor suppressors, such as the p53 and pRb proteins. It has recently been suggested that pharmacological intervention based on remedying the deficiency or loss of activity of these negative regulators of the cell cycle could be a very effective therapeutic option in the treatment of cancer. Multiple CDK inhibitors have been synthesized over the last two decades, spanning at least five classes of compounds. While these inhibitors can be classified on the basis of their chemical structure, it may be more interesting to categorize them according to their pharmacological nature, as broad‐spectrum unspecific, pan‐specific, or very selective antagonists. This review offers a critical assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of both pan‐specific and highly selective CDK inhibitors in therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 341–349, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Community college supervisors and their subordinates: A quantitative investigation of personality temperament and leader‐member exchange
Authors: Holliday Tacy , Martin Magy , Martin Don
Published: September 2010

Community college leadership is facing a crisis fueled by leaders retiring and student enrollment that outpaces budget growth. The purpose of this study was to better understand the leadership dynamics of community college supervisors and direct subordinates by examining the relationship bgetween leader‐member exchange (LMX) and personality temperament. Data from the Supervisor Leader‐Member Exchange Multidimensional Model (SLMX‐MDM) survey was used to determine LMX total within four subscales: affect, loyalty, contribution, and professional respect. Participants' temperaments were determined by the Keirsey Temperament Sorter II (KTS‐II). Research questions focused on whether differences in LMX existed among groups of supervisor–subordinate dyads that were categorized according to temperament similarity: 1) identical temperament (e.g., both supervisor and subordinate are SJ), 2) one letter (e.g., SP and SJ), or 3) no letters in common (e.g., NF and SP). The 50 participating dyads were selected through proportionate stratified sampling. Results from one‐way ANOVAs showed significant differences among groups with respect to total LMX, contribution, and professional respect.
Personality similarities and differences between Mexican and American business leaders
Authors: Ojeda Arnulfo H. , James Ree Malcolm , Carretta Thomas R.
Published: September 2010

A study was conducted to investigate personality similarities and differences for a group of 200 business leaders, 100 each from Southern Mexico and the United States. Mexican and American leaders were administered the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) in their native language (Spanish or English). A demographic questionnaire solicited information about age, education, and gender. These variables were used as covariates in some analyses. After controlling for the effects of age, gender, and education level, the authors found that Mexican leaders scored higher than their American counterparts on the warmth, emotional stability, social boldness, and openness to change scales. American leaders scored higher on the abstractedness and self‐reliance scales. On scales related to leadership there were between‐nationality differences on emotional stability, social boldness, abstractedness, and self‐reliance. Additional studies are suggested to illuminate cross‐nationality similarities and differences.