bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energetics, Conformation, and Recognition of DNA Duplexes Modified by Monodentate RuII Complexes Containing Terphenyl Arenes
Authors: Novakova Olga , Malina Jaroslav , Suchankova Tereza , Kasparkova Jana , Bugarcic Tijana , Sadler Peter J. , Brabec Viktor
Published: April 2010

We studied the thermodynamic properties, conformation, and recognition of DNA duplexes site‐specifically modified by monofunctional adducts of RuII complexes of the type [RuII(η6‐arene)(Cl)(en)]+, in which arene=para‐, meta‐, or ortho‐terphenyl (complexes 1, 2, and 3, respectively) and en=1,2‐diaminoethane. It has been shown (J. Med. Chem. 2008, 51, 5310) that 1 exhibits promising cytotoxic effects in human tumor cells, whereas 2 and 3 are much less cytotoxic; concomitantly with the high cytotoxicity of 1, its DNA binding mode involves combined intercalative and monofunctional (coordination) binding modes, whereas less cytotoxic compounds 2 and 3 bind to DNA only through a monofunctional coordination to DNA bases. An analysis of conformational distortions induced in DNA by adducts of 1 and 2 revealed more extensive and stronger distortion and concomitantly greater thermodynamic destabilization of DNA by the adducts of nonintercalating 2. Moreover, affinity of replication protein A to the DNA duplex containing adduct of 1 was pronouncedly lower than to the adduct of 2. On the other hand, another damaged‐DNA‐binding protein, xeroderma pigmentosum protein A, did not recognize the DNA adduct of 1 or 2. Importantly, the adducts of 1 induced a considerably lower level of repair synthesis than the adducts of 2, which suggests enhanced persistence of the adducts of the more potent and intercalating 1 in comparison with the adducts of the less potent and nonintercalating 2. Also interestingly, the adducts of 1 inhibited DNA polymerization more efficiently than the adducts of 2, and they could also be bypassed by DNA polymerases with greater difficulty. Results of the present work along with those previously published support the view that monodentate RuII arene complexes belong to a class of anticancer agents for which structure–pharmacological relationships might be correlated with their DNA‐binding modes.
Praxisnahe Tests der Tropfenabscheidung von Koaleszern
Authors: Schmidt F. , Däuber E. , Lindermann J.
Published: April 2010

In den Ansaugluftstrom von Gasturbinen werden oft Koaleszer eingebaut, um zu verhindern, dass angesaugte Wassertropfen auf die nachgeschalteten Filter gelangen. Für die Beurteilung und Weiterentwicklung von Koaleszern und Filterkombinationen wurde ein nach DIN EN 779 gebauter Prüfstand so erweitert, dass es möglich ist, auch die Tropfenabscheidung unter praxisnahen Bedingungen zu testen. Es wurden systematisch Versuche mit handelsüblichen Koaleszern durchgeführt. Durch die Kombination verschiedener Koaleszer wurde ein Ansatz für die mögliche Verbesserung der Abscheideeigenschaften gefunden.
Einfache Methode zur Berechnung des Ausströmverhaltens von Schichtenladern thermischer Speicher
Authors: Göppert S. , Urbaneck T. , Schirmer U. , Lohse R. , Platzer B. , Steinert P.
Published: April 2010

Zur Be‐ und Entladung thermischer Speicher werden häufig Schichtenlader mit freien Auslässen eingesetzt. Dabei können unerwünschte Ansaugeffekte auftreten oder die Strömung kann sich über mehrere Auslässe verteilen. Für die Auslegung der Schichtenlader ist die Kenntnis dieser Ströme wichtig, um eine gute thermische Schichtung zu erzielen. Experimentell lassen sich diese Größen nicht oder nur mit hohem Aufwand ermitteln. Mit Hilfe eines auf der Bernoullischen Gleichung beruhenden Algorithmus können aus gemessenen Temperaturverteilungen die Massenströme in guter Übereinstimmung zu Experimenten und Simulationen bestimmt werden.
Thermal Fluctuations Determine the Electron‐Transfer Rates of Cytochrome c in Electrostatic and Covalent Complexes
Authors: Ly Hoang Khoa , Marti Marcelo A. , Martin Diego F. , Alvarez‐Paggi Damian , Meister Wiebke , Kranich Anja , Weidinger Inez M. , Hildebrandt Peter , Murgida Daniel H.
Published: April 2010

The heterogeneous electron‐transfer (ET) reaction of cytochrome c (Cyt‐c) electrostatically or covalently immobilized on electrodes coated with self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of ω‐functionalized alkanethiols is analyzed by surface‐enhanced resonance Raman (SERR) spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Electrostatically bound Cyt‐c on pure carboxyl‐terminated and mixed carboxyl/hydroxyl‐terminated SAMs reveals the same distance dependence of the rate constants, that is, electron tunneling at long distances and a regime controlled by the protein orientational distribution and dynamics that leads to a nearly distance‐independent rate constant at short distances. Qualitatively, the same behavior is found for covalently bound Cyt‐c, although the apparent ET rates in the plateau region are lower since protein mobility is restricted due to formation of amide bonds between the protein and the SAM. The experimental findings are consistent with the results of MD simulations indicating that thermal fluctuations of the protein and interfacial solvent molecules can effectively modulate the electron tunneling probability.
Modulating the Ground‐ and Excited‐State Oxidation Potentials of Diaminonaphthalene by Sequential N‐Methylation
Authors: Campbell Neil P. , Finch Amethist S. , Rokita Steven E.
Published: April 2010

A series of 1,5‐diaminonaphthalene derivatives were synthesized and characterized to provide ground‐ and excited‐state electron donors of similar structure but varying potential. Electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of the series are reported and together illustrate two opposing consequences of alkyl substitution on the aryl amines. Inductive effects of methylation are evident from the decrease in ground‐state oxidation potential for derivatives containing monomethylamino substituents. In contrast, steric effects seem to dominate the increase in the ground‐state oxidation potential of derivatives containing dimethylamino substituents since the conformational constraints created by dimethylation suppress delocalization of the nonbonding electrons. Absorption and emission properties also respond to increasing levels of N‐methylation, and the excited‐state oxidation potentials of the parent 1,5‐diaminonaphthalene and its monomethylamine derivatives (ca. −3.2 V) are approximately 200 mV lower than the corresponding dimethylamino derivatives (−3.0 V).
Spectrum sensing scheduling for group spectrum sharing in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Chen Hongbin , Chen Hsiao‐Hwa
Published: April 2010

This paper addresses the issues on spectrum sharing in a cognitive radio network consisting of a primary user and a group of cognitive users. Each cognitive user may occupy a non‐overlapped sub‐band of the primary spectrum, but it needs to perform spectrum sensing independently before accessing the sub‐band. To reduce the complexity of spectrum sensing and thus energy consumption, this paper proposes a scheduled spectrum sensing scheme. First, we consider a single spectrum sensing scenario where only one cognitive user is elected to perform spectrum sensing, and then it broadcasts its sensing results to the other cognitive users. The scheduled spectrum sensing scheme works in both network‐centric and user‐centric ways. Next, the scheduled spectrum sensing scheme is further generalized to work in a multiple spectrum sensing scenario. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed schemes compared with the traditional schemes where all cognitive users may perform spectrum sensing at the same time. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain responses to surprising sounds are related to temperament and parent–child dyadic synchrony in young children
Authors: Pesonen Anu‐Katriina , Huotilainen Minna , Heinonen Kati , Komsi Niina , Putkinen Vesa , Kivikoski Lauri , Tervaniemi Mari
Published: April 2010

This study investigated the relationship between temperament characteristics, parent–child dyadic synchrony and auditory event‐related potentials (ERP) in 15 two‐year‐old children. Temperament was assessed with the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire, and parent–child dyadic synchrony was analyzed from video‐taped play situations. Involuntary switching of attention toward surprising sounds was measured with auditory ERPs by quantifying the P3a response for repeated and nonrepeated novel, naturally varying sounds, presented in a continuous repetitive sound sequence. Lower negative emotionality, higher effortful control and higher dyadic synchrony were associated with larger P3a responses to repeated novel sounds. The results demonstrate that temperament is related to P3a responses in early childhood, and that parent–child synchrony associates with both temperament and P3a responses in a theoretically meaningful way. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 52: 513–523, 2010.
Reduction of neutral conductor current in a three‐phase four‐wire low‐voltage distribution line
Authors: Aizawa Tadao
Published: April 2010

In a low‐voltage distribution line in a three‐phase four‐wire system, the neutral conductor current is increased by a current consisting mainly of the third harmonic, which has no phase rotation if the balance of the load has been removed, when harmonic generation equipment is included in the load. The increase of this neutral conductor current increases the waveform distortion of the receiving end voltage, and various kinds of waveform interference occur. To reduce the neutral conductor current, insertion of an active filter for the third harmonic wave near the load has been proposed, and a protective effect against waveform interference has also been reported. In this paper, a method for drastically reducing the neutral conductor current by using LC resonance, which is simpler than an active filter, is proposed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 171(4): 19–27, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20897
Development of a low‐noise IGBT module
Authors: Tamate Michio , Sasaki Tamiko , Toba Akio , Takubo Hiromu , Pasan Fernand , Okamoto Kenji
Published: April 2010

High‐frequency leakage current that may cause serious conducted EMI problems flows through an inverter system. The paths of the leakage current are stray capacitances that are formed inside of motors, cables, and IGBT modules. This paper proposes a new IGBT module that realizes low conducted emission noise by flipping the IGBT chip of the lower‐voltage side to decrease its stray capacitance. The leakage current flowing through the low‐noise IGBT module becomes small, since the stray capacitance is a main path of the current. Through an experiment, it is clarified that the conducted emission level is reduced by 13 dB at a maximum when the low‐noise IGBT module is applied to a resonant‐type inverter. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 171(4): 45–52, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20971
Magnesium Diimidosulfinates – Conformational Studies in the Solid State and in Solution
Authors: Schulz Thomas , Deuerlein Stephan , Stalke Dietmar
Published: April 2010

The magnesium diimidosulfinates [(thf)2MgX{(NR)2SR′}] (X = Cl, Br; R = tBu, SiMe3; R′ = Ph, Bz, Me, nBu; 1–5) have been synthesised by treating sulfur diimides with different Grignard reagents and characterized by X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. The structural analyses of compounds 1–5 show that they contain either monomeric or dimeric structural motifs, depending on the steric requirements of the sulfur‐bound organic substituent. NMR experiments suggest a temperature‐dependent dynamic equilibrium between different conformers for all compounds.
Anionic long‐circulating liposomes for delivery of radioiodinated antisense oligonucleotides
Authors: Chao Ma , Jiawei Xie , Zhongxin Jiang , Kuang Anren
Published: April 2010

Long‐circulating liposomes have been widely used to enhance efficacy of gene therapy. Antisense therapy might increase the efficacy of radiation or chemotherapy; therefore, we undertook to optimize the composition of the liposomal delivery vehicles. The radiolabeling efficiency, radiochemistry purity, and specific radioactivity of radioiodinated antisense oligonucleotides (ASON) were 71.66 ± 7.73, 98.33 ± 0.39%, 4.09 ± 0.11 MBq/nmol. Radioiodinated ASON remained stable in 0.01 M HEPES buffer and human serum even after incubation for 4 hours. Mean diameter of the anionic long‐circulating liposomes (ALCL) was 504 ± 31.76 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.107 ± 0.008 before extrusion, 115 ± 8.5 nm with a PDI of 0.103 ± 0.002 after extrusion. The zeta potential of ALCL was −29.23 ± 0.45 mV. ALCL prepared for this study provided 70.28 ± 1.84% encapsulation efficiency. Compared with other liposome formulations, the ALCL mediated enhanced cellular uptake (32.51 ± 1.44%) by MCF‐7 breast cancer cells (p<0.05).

Practical applications: Drug delivery systems can in principle provide enhanced efficacy and/or reduced toxicity for anticancer agents. LCL have become a commonly used carrier for gene therapy recently. ALCL are promising for the mediated radiation and antisense therapy for breast cancer which is the leading cause for women.
Simple Synthesis of Amides and Weinreb Amides Using PPh3 or Polymer‐Supported PPh3 and Iodine
Authors: Kumar Amit , Akula Hari Kiran , Lakshman Mahesh K.
Published: April 2010

The combination of PPh3/I2 has been shown to be effective for the conversion of a range of carboxylic acids into secondary, tertiary, and Weinreb amides. Simplification of the procedure was possible with the use of polymer‐supported PPh3/I2. Weinreb amides produced with the use of polymer‐supported PPh3 could be filtered through a short silica gel plug and used in further transformations. Thus, the use of polymer‐supported PPh3 offers potential applicability to diversity‐oriented reactions. Formal total syntheses of apocynin and pratosine, as well as syntheses of anhydrolychorinone and hippadine, have been achieved through the use of this amide‐forming method. An attempt has been made to gain insight into this reaction.
Pd‐Promoted Homocoupling Reactions of Unsaturated Silanes in Aqueous Micelles (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 12/2010)
Authors: Cicco Stefania R. , Farinola Gianluca M. , Martinelli Carmela , Naso Francesco , Tiecco Matteo
Published: April 2010

The cover picture shows a Pd‐promoted homocoupling reaction of polyenylsilanes carried out in water containing nonionic amphiphiles. The reaction in the “green” aqueous environment affords extended conjugated polyenes with higher yields relative to those obtained when the same process is performed in organic solvents. Details are discussed in the article by G. M. Farinola et al. on p. 2275 ff. The background shows a nice view of Polignano a Mare, a lovely small town few miles away from Bari, located on a sea cliff along the Adriatic coast of Puglia.
Separation of dipeptides with two chiral centers using 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐CD‐modified MEKC
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhang Jianhua , Zhang Lan , Chen Guonan
Published: April 2010

A method was developed for the chiral separation of dipeptides with two chiral centers. Although all analyzed peptides contain chromophores and they can be detected by UV‐adsorption detection without any derivatization, the chiral separations were not achieved for non‐derivatized peptides using the same chiral selectors and experimental conditions. In this paper, these dipeptides were precolumn derivatized by using naphthalene‐2, 3‐dicarboxyaldehyde as a tagging reagent. In the presence of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐CD and sodium deoxycholate, naphthalene‐2,3‐dicarboxyaldehyde‐tagged dipeptide enantiomers were well resolved by MEKC. Good separation of all enantiomers was obtained within 14 min. The proposed method was applied to chiral separation of dipeptide enantiomers in spiked human serum samples.
Estimation of emissions of SO2, PM2.5, and metals released from coke ovens using high sulfur coals
Authors: Khare Puja , Baruah B.P.
Published: April 2010

Coal combustion processes have inherent characteristics that lead to the release of both gaseous and particulate matter in the atmosphere that have primary and secondary impact on air quality, human health, and climate. Coals from Northeastern region of India have high sulfur, low ash, and high volatile matter. In the present investigation, sulfur, metals and ash contents of feed coals were considered for making an emission inventory for these coals. For the calculation of emission factors of SO2 and metals, mass balance method was used, while for PM2.5, measured values near the coke ovens were taken. The emission factors and emission rates of SO2 for coke ovens ranged between 0.80 to 4.8 Kg/t and 204 to 1226 t/yr respectively. The emission factors for PM2.5, total carbon (TC), black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC) varied between 0.7 to 3 Kg/t, 0.48 to 2.1 Kg/t, 0.007 to 0.03 Kg/t and 0.47 to 2.1 Kg/t, respectively. Total emissions for PM2.5, TC, BC and OC ranged between 72–306 t/yr, 49–217 t/yr, 0.71–2.9 t/yr and 48–214 t/yr, respectively. Emission rates of metals (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Sn, Te, Hg, Pb, and Bi) showed dependency on the volatility of the metals, condition of coke ovens (reductive) and rank of coal. Present investigation provides preliminary information on source profile of coke oven emissions (SO2, PM2.5 and trace metals) which is useful for assessing the impact of coke oven on ambient air quality, source apportionment study in the area and for designing the coke ovens to regulate the emissions. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011
Resistance and uptake of heavy metals by Vorticella microstoma and its potential use in industrial wastewater treatment
Authors: Rehman A. , Shakoori Farah R. , Shakoori A.R.
Published: April 2010

The ciliate, Vorticella microstoma, showed tolerance against Cd2+ (22 μg/mL), Cu2+ (22 μg/mL), Ni2+ (17 μg/mL), and Hg2+ (16 μg/mL). The metal ions slowed down the growth of the ciliate as compared to the culture grown without metal stress. The decrease in cell population was 60% for Cd2+, 49% for Cu2+, 35% for Ni2+, and 49% for Hg2+ after 8 days of metal stress. The order of resistance to heavy metal, in terms of reduction in the cellular population, was Ni2+ < Hg2+ = Cu2+ < Cd2+. Metal‐uptake capability of the ciliate was worked out for its potential use as bioremediator of wastewater. V. microstoma decreased 72% of Cd2+, 82% of Cu2+, 80% of Ni2+, and 74% of Hg2+ from the medium after 96 h of incubation. V. microstoma was also able to remove 73% of Cd2+, 80% of Cu2+, 83% of Ni2+, and 76% of Hg2+ from the industrial wastewater after 6 days of incubation at room temperature. The multiple heavy metal uptake ability of V. microstoma can be exploited for metal detoxification and environmental clean‐up operations. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2010
Implementation of phase change thermodynamic probability for unsteady simulation of cavitating flows
Authors: Asnaghi A. , Jahanbakhsh E. , Seif M. S.
Published: April 2010

The aim of this work is to investigate the non‐equilibrium effects of phase change in cavitating flows. For this purpose, the concept of phase change thermodynamic probability is used along with homogeneous model to simulate two‐phase cavitating flows. For simulation of unsteady behaviors of cavitation, which have practical applications, unsteady PISO algorithm based on the non‐conservative approach is utilized. For multi‐phase simulation, single‐fluid Navier–Stokes equations, along with the volume fraction transport equation, are employed.

In this paper, phase change thermodynamics probabilities and cavitation model is briefly summarized. Thus, derivation of the cavitation model, starting from the basic thermodynamic equations to the mass and momentum conservation equations at a liquid–vapor two‐phase flow, is presented to explain the numerical model. Unsteady simulations of cavitation around a flat plate normal to flow direction are presented to clarify the accuracy of the model. The accuracy of the numerical results is good, and it is possible to apply this method to more complex geometries. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An immersed‐boundary finite‐volume method for direct simulation of flows with suspended paramagnetic particles
Authors: Kang S. , Suh Y. K.
Published: April 2010

In the present study, we have proposed an immersed‐boundary finite‐volume method for the direct numerical simulation of flows with inertialess paramagnetic particles suspended in a nonmagnetic fluid under an external magnetic field without the need for any model such as the dipole–dipole interaction. In the proposed method, the magnetic field (or force) is described by the numerical solution of the Maxwell equation without current, where the smoothed representation technique is employed to tackle the discontinuity of magnetic permeability across the particle–fluid interface. The flow field, on the other hand, is described by the solution of the continuity and momentum equations, where the discrete‐forcing‐based immersed‐boundary method is employed to satisfy the no‐slip condition at the interface. To validate the method, we performed numerical simulations on the two‐dimensional motion of two and three paramagnetic particles in a nonmagnetic fluid subjected to an external uniform magnetic field and then compared the results with the existing finite‐element and semi‐analytical solutions. Comparison shows that the proposed method is robust in the direct simulation of such magnetic particulate flows. This method can be extended to more general flows without difficulty: three‐dimensional particulate flows, flows with a great number of particles, or flows under an arbitrary external magnetic field. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wie das All leuchtet
Authors: Revnivtsev Mikhail , Hetznecker Helmut
Published: April 2010

Milliarden und Abermilliarden von Punktquellen tauchen die gesamte Milchstraßein ein diffuses Röntgenlicht. Was die galaktische Hintergrundstrahlung ausmacht, entzog sich lange irdischen Blicken. Jetzt konnten Astronomen das Rätsel lösen
Aufgehender Stern
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: April 2010

Franz Huber philosophiert mit mathematischen Mitteln
Daten für alle!
Authors: Weichselgartner Erich , Winkler‐Nees Stefan
Published: April 2010

Weltweit und in allen Disziplinen ist „Data Sharing”︁ auf dem Vormarsch. Das Online‐Archiv PsychData zeigt, wie hoch der Nutzwert sein kann
The identification of some new mixed‐valence phosphorus thiohalides in solution
Authors: Dillon Keith B. , Gemmell Patrick , Hibbert Thomas G. , Xue Bao Y.
Published: April 2010

The reaction of a phosphorus trihalide PX3 (X = Cl, Br, or I) with a thiophosphorus halide P(S)Y3 (Y = Cl or Br) in the presence of zinc powder as a halogen acceptor has led to the formation of several new mixed‐valence phosphorus species in solution. These include examples with two or three phosphorus atoms present, such as Y2P(S)PX2 and Y2P(S)P(X)P(S)Y2, or halogen exchange derivatives thereof. Structural assignments for these species have been made on the basis of 31P NMR shift, multiplicity, intensity, and coupling constant data. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 21:156–160, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20590
Resolving the enigma of prebiotic COP bond formation: Prebiotic hydrothermal synthesis of important biological phosphate esters
Authors: Maheen Gull , Tian Ge , Wang Yingwu , He Chao , Shi Zhan , Yuan Hongming , Feng Shouhua
Published: April 2010

Important biological phosphate esters such as sn‐glycerol‐3‐phosphate, glycerol‐2‐phosphate, and phosphoethanolamine were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Phosphorus was incorporated into the biomolecules, leading to the formation of COP type compounds hydrothermally. Only perlite‐catalyzed reaction at 180°C could result in the formation of sn‐glycerol‐3‐phosphate, whereas glycerol‐2‐phosphate could be easily synthesized at 100°C with or without minerals and phosphoethanolamine was obtained within a temperature range of 100 to 120°C. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 21:161–167, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20591
Tasmanian devil facial tumor disease: Insights into reduced tumor surveillance from an unusual malignancy
Authors: O'Neill Iain D.
Published: April 2010

Tasmanian devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) is a highly aggressive cancer involving the facial tissues that currently presents a serious extinction risk for the Tasmanian devil population. Although the histogenesis is uncertain, an origin from a neural crest cell‐lineage is considered likely. Epidemiological, cytogenetic and immunological data all support the premise that DFTD arose from a single tumor clone from an individual diseased animal, and is being transmitted between individual animals as a tumor “allograft” by biting during social interaction. The spread of this cancer throughout the species is believed to be facilitated by a reduced MHC diversity, possibly as a result of an evolutionary bottleneck. The pathogenesis of DFTD has some similarities with certain human cancers, including donor‐recipient tumor transmission, which may complicate organ transplantation, and certain forms of malignancy at the maternal/fetal interface. The natural history and pathology of DFTD, and the data describing this highly unusual tumor biology are discussed.
X‐ray crystallographic analysis of the complexes of enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase of Plasmodium falciparum with triclosan variants to elucidate the importance of different functional groups in enzyme inhibition
Authors: Maity Koustav , Bhargav Saligram Prabhakar , Sankaran Banumathi , Surolia Namita , Surolia Avadhesha , Suguna Kaza
Published: April 2010

Triclosan, a well‐known inhibitor of Enoyl Acyl Carrier Protein Reductase (ENR) from several pathogenic organisms, is a promising lead compound to design effective drugs. We have solved the X‐ray crystal structures of Plasmodium falciparum ENR in complex with triclosan variants having different substituted and unsubstituted groups at different key functional locations. The structures revealed that 4 and 2′ substituted compounds have more interactions with the protein, cofactor, and solvents when compared with triclosan. New water molecules were found to interact with some of these inhibitors. Substitution at the 2′ position of triclosan caused the relocation of a conserved water molecule, leading to an additional hydrogen bond with the inhibitor. This observation can help in conserved water‐based inhibitor design. 2′ and 4′ unsubstituted compounds showed a movement away from the hydrophobic pocket to compensate for the interactions made by the halogen groups of triclosan. This compound also makes additional interactions with the protein and cofactor which compensate for the lost interactions due to the unsubstitution at 2′ and 4′. In cell culture, this inhibitor shows less potency, which indicates that the chlorines at 2′ and 4′ positions increase the ability of the inhibitor to cross multilayered membranes. This knowledge helps us to modify the different functional groups of triclosan to get more potent inhibitors. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 467–476, 2010
Functional apparent moduli as predictors of oral implant osseointegration dynamics
Authors: Chang Po‐Chun , Seol Yang‐Jo , Kikuchi Noboru , Goldstein Steven A. , Giannobile William V.
Published: April 2010

At present, limited functional data exists regarding the application and use of biomechanical and imaging technologies for oral implant osseointegration assessment. The objective of this investigation was to determine the functional apparent moduli (FAMs) that could predict the dynamics of oral implant osseointegration. Using an in vivo dental implant osseous healing model, two FAMs, functional bone apparent modulus (FBAM), and composite tissue apparent modulus (FCAM), of the selected peri‐implant structures were calculated via microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) and finite element (FE) simulations in order to support this concept. Results showed significant sensitivity between FAMs and micro‐CT parameters, especially between bone mineral density and FBAM, while at extraction defect sites the strongest correlations existed between bone‐implant contact and FCAM. Significant enhancement of FCAM indicated progressive functional repair during early osseointegration. Further, the resultant interfacial resistance was predicted by bone mineral content (BMC) and FBAM within a ∼200 μm peri‐implant thickness, while the extraction defects gave zones of ∼575 μm and 200 μm for BMC and FCAM, respectively. These results suggest that the function of dental implant support can be predicted from a peri‐implant structural zone. We conclude that FAMs can be used to predict the dynamics of dental implant osseointegration in vivo. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Chlorhexidine release and antibacterial properties of chlorhexidine‐incorporated polymethyl methacrylate‐based resin cement
Authors: Hiraishi N. , Yiu C. K. Y. , King N. M. , Tay F. R.
Published: April 2010

This study evaluated chlorhexidine release from experimental, chlorhexidine‐incorporated polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)‐based resin cements prepared from Super‐Bond C&B (Sun Medical) and examined the antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis. Chlorhexidine diacetate was added into PMMA polymer to obtain chlorhexidine concentration of 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 wt %. Chlorhexidine‐incorporated, cured resin disks were immersed in distilled water at 37°C for 5 weeks, and the chlorhexidine release was analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The antibacterial effect of freshly mixed resin cements was examined using the agar diffusion test. For the direct contact test, the wells (n = 6) of microtiter plates were coated with cements. The coated wells were aged up to 3 weeks prior to the placement of bacterial suspensions directly on cured cements. The 3.0 and 4.0% chlorhexidine‐incorporated cement exhibited chlorhexidine release for 5 weeks; however, more than 98% of chlorhexidine was retained in resin matrix. No release was detected from the 1.0 and 2.0% incorporated cement at 1 week and 2 weeks, respectively. The agar diffusion test failed to detect antibacterial effects against Enterococcus faecalis, whereas the direct contact test revealed the antibacterial effect of 3.0 and 4.0% incorporated cements against each microbe for 2 weeks. The 3.0 and 4.0% chlorhexidine‐incorporated resin cement possessed prolonged chlorhexidine release and antibacterial properties for 2 weeks. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Characterization of an Importin α/β‐recognized nuclear localization signal in β‐dystroglycan
Authors: Lara‐Chacón Bárbara , de León Mario Bermúdez , Leocadio Daniel , Gómez Pablo , Fuentes‐Mera Lizeth , Martínez‐Vieyra Ivette , Ortega Arturo , Jans David A. , Cisneros Bulmaro
Published: April 2010

β‐dystroglycan (β‐DG) is a widely expressed transmembrane protein that plays important roles in connecting the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton, and thereby contributing to plasma membrane integrity and signal transduction. We previously observed nuclear localization of β‐DG in cultured cell lines, implying the existence of a nuclear targeting mechanism that directs it to the nucleus instead of the plasma membrane. In this study, we delineate the nuclear import pathway of β‐DG, characterizing a functional nuclear localization signal (NLS) in the β‐DG cytoplasmic domain, within amino acids 776–782. The NLS either alone or in the context of the whole β‐DG protein was able to target the heterologous GFP protein to the nucleus, with site‐directed mutagenesis indicating that amino acids R779 and K780 are critical for NLS functionality. The nuclear transport molecules Importin (Imp)α and Impβ bound with high affinity to the NLS of β‐DG and were found to be essential for NLS‐dependent nuclear import in an in vitro reconstituted nuclear transport assay; cotransfection experiments confirmed the dependence on Ran for nuclear accumulation. Intriguingly, experiments suggested that tyrosine phosphorylation of β‐DG may result in cytoplasmic retention, with Y892 playing a key role. β‐DG thus follows a conventional Impα/β‐dependent nuclear import pathway, with important implications for its potential function in the nucleus. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 706–717, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In the eye of the beholder: mothers' perceptions of poor neighborhoods as places to raise children
Authors: Dahl Trayci , Ceballo Rosario , Huerta Marisela
Published: April 2010

This study explores how mothers facing similar neighborhood conditions evaluate their neighborhoods as places to raise children. The authors relied upon a triangulation of methods, using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, with a sample of 91 low‐income mothers. Content analysis of qualitative interviews revealed that mothers often hold divergent views about the quality of the same or similar neighborhoods. Mothers' overall neighborhood perceptions were influenced by several specific indicators, including social interaction, collective efficacy, fear of crime, personal victimization, and neighborhood incivilities. Moreover, mothers' subjective neighborhood perceptions were related to their parenting strategies. This study thus underscores the importance of not solely relying on “objective” neighborhood criteria such as census data, but of also attending to residents' subjective perceptions of their own neighborhoods. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
“If they could make us disappear, they would!” youth and violence in Cité Soleil, Haiti
Authors: Willman Alys , Marcelin Louis Herns
Published: April 2010

This study explores community‐level risk and protective factors for youth violence in Cité Soleil, Port‐au‐Prince's most violent slum. The youth of Cité Soleil have often been mobilized to violence by powerful actors as tools for achieving political or financial gain. Drawing on a formal survey (N=1,575) and ethnographic data collected between March 2008 and April 2009, we analyze the factors that contributed—and continue to contribute—to making these youth available for such mobilization. Youth frame their experiences in terms of a broader social conflict between the “included” and the “excluded,” and view violence as an effective means of obtaining what is denied to them by society: opportunity, respect, and material benefits. The experiences from Haiti offer important lessons in understanding the community level drivers of youth violence, and can contribute to policy approaches that go beyond stabilization measures toward addressing structural violence. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of the effect of ammonium carbamate on the stability of proteins
Authors: da Silva Lucimara Lopes , Pessôa Filho Pedro de Alcântara , Miranda Everson Alves
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND: The use of the volatile salt ammonium carbamate in protein downstream processing has recently been proposed. The main advantage of using volatile salts is that they can be removed from precipitates and liquid effluents through pressure reduction or temperature increase. Although previous studies showed that ammonium carbamate is efficient as a precipitant agent, there was evidence of denaturation in some enzymes. In this work, the effect of ammonium carbamate on the stability of five enzymes was evaluated.

RESULTS: Activity assays showed that α‐amylase (1,4‐α–D‐glucan glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.1), lysozyme (1,4‐β‐N‐acetylmuramoylhydrolase, EC 3.2.1.17) and lipase (triacyl glycerol acyl hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3) did not undergo activity loss in ammonium carbamate solutions with concentrations from 1.0 to 5.0 mol kg−1, whereas cellulase complex (1,4‐(1,3:14)‐β‐D‐glucan 4‐glucano‐hydrolase, EC 3.2.1.4) and peroxidase (hydrogen peroxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.7) showed an average activity loss of 55% and 44%, respectively. Precipitation assays did not show enzyme denaturation or phase separation for α‐amylase and lipase, while celullase and peroxidase precipitated with some activity reduction. Analysis of similar experiments with ammonium and sodium sulfate did not affect the activity of enzymes.

CONCLUSION: Celullase and peroxidase were denatured by ammonium carbamate. While more systematic studies are not available, care must be taken in designing a protein precipitation with this salt. The results suggest that the generally accepted idea that salts that denature proteins tend to solubilize them does not hold for ammonium carbamate. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Bioprocess scale‐up: quest for the parameters to be used as criterion to move from microreactors to lab‐scale
Authors: Marques Marco P. C. , Cabral Joaquim M. S. , Fernandes Pedro
Published: April 2010

Advances in high‐throughput process development and optimization involve the rational use of miniaturized stirred bioreactors, instrumented shaken flasks and microtiter plates. As expected, each one provides different levels of control and monitoring, requiring a compromise between data quantity and quality. Despite recent advances, traditional shaken flasks with nominal volumes below 250 mL and microtiter plates are still widely used to assemble wide arrays of biotransformation/bioconversion data, because of their simplicity and low cost. These tools are key assets for faster process development and optimization, provided data are representative. Nonetheless, the design, development and implementation of bioprocesses can present variations depending on intrinsic characteristics of the overall process. For each particular process, an adequate and comprehensive approach has to be established, which includes pinpointing key issues required to ensure proper scale‐up. Recently, focus has been given to engineering characterization of systems in terms of mass transfer and hydrodynamics (through gaining insight into parameters such as kLa and P/V at shaken and microreactor scale), due to the widespread use of small‐scale reactors in the early developmental stages of bioconversion/biotransfomation processes. Within this review, engineering parameters used as criteria for scaling‐up fermentation/bioconversion processes are discussed. Particular focus is on the feasibility of the application of such parameters to small‐scale devices and concomitant use for scale‐up. Illustrative case studies are presented. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessing the dynamic‐downscaling ability over South America using the intensity‐scale verification technique
Authors: De Sales F. , Xue Y.
Published: April 2010

The National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) ETA regional circulation model (RCM) was one‐way nested in the T62 NCEP general circulation model for a series of 3‐month simulations of the austral summer and winter over South America (SA). The intensity‐scale verification technique (ISVT), based on the scale decomposition of precipitation skill score and energy relative difference, was used to quantitatively assess the dynamic‐downscaling ability of seasonal precipitation and inter‐annual precipitation difference. The ISVT showed that the RCM was able to add value to summer and winter rainfall forecasts over southern South America. Largest improvements were associated to precipitation events at spatial scales of about 400–800 km and rainfall rates above 4 mm day−1. In general, downscaling failed to yield better results over northern South America. In terms of inter‐annual precipitation difference, the RCM produced better results over southern South America, by simulating the increase in intense small‐scale events in the wet years. Analysis of meridional moisture flux associated with the South American low‐level jet (SALLJ) suggested that the Andean topography plays an important role in the RCM's rainfall simulations over the La Plata basin. A sensitivity test with lowered Andean topography heights produced weaker moisture advection by the SALLJ, and lower rainfall totals over that basin for both seasons. During summer, results showed that the reduced rainfall was associated with deteriorated simulations of mid‐ to large‐scale precipitation events, whereas during winter it was associated with deteriorated simulations of smaller‐scale events. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Character study strengthening the heart of good leadership
Authors: Klann Gene
Published: April 2010

In recent years, headlines in the business pages have underscored the fact that some corporate leaders leave a lot to be desired in the area of character. Yet because it is subjective and controversial, the issue of character has largely been left out of the equation when it comes to training and preparing leaders. If undertaken with the right perspective, however, there are ways to develop character in leaders.
Ultra‐thin, Free‐Standing Proton‐Conducting Membrane with Organic/Inorganic Sandwich Structure
Authors: Li Haibin , Yi Man , Jiang Fengjing
Published: April 2010

An ultra‐thin, flexible, free‐standing, proton‐conducting membrane of (PEI/PCGF)/SiO2/(PEI/PCGF) with a sandwich structure has been prepared. Giant membranes with areas up to about 16 cm2 and thicknesses of 600 nm have been obtained. The inorganic silica layer suppresses methanol permeation, while the two organic layers provide sufficient mechanical strength and flexibility. This membrane exhibits efficient proton conductivity and low methanol permeability.

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Amphiphilic Block Copolymers Containing Regioregular Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) and Poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline)
Authors: Alemseghed Mussie G. , Servello John , Hundt Nadia , Sista Prakash , Biewer Michael C. , Stefan Mihaela C.
Published: April 2010

Poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐block‐poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) amphiphilic rod–coil diblock copolymers have been synthesized by a combination of Grignard metathesis (GRIM) and ring‐opening cationic polymerization. Diblock copolymers containing 5, 15, and 30 mol‐% poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) have been synthesized and characterized. The synthesized rod–coil block copolymers display nanofibrillar morphology where the density of the nanofibrills is dependent on the concentration of the poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) coil segment. The conductivity of the diblock copolymers was lowered from 200 to 35 S · cm−1 with an increase in the content of the insulating poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) block. By contrast, the field‐effect mobility decreased by 2–3 orders of magnitude upon the incorporation of the poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) insulating segment.

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Processability, Structure and Mechanical Properties of Poly(ether imide)/Amorphous Copolyester Blends
Authors: Granado Ainhoa , Eguiazábal José Iqnacio , Nazábal Jon
Published: April 2010

Blends of PEI with an amorphous copolyester (PCTG) were obtained by melt‐mixing followed by injection molding. The processability of PEI increased several times upon addition of just 10% PCTG, thus expanding the applications of PEI. All the blends showed a single Tg and most of them were transparent. However, they were biphasic as suggested by the widening of the Tg's and proved by SEM. A fine dispersed particle size and good adhesion level were also observed by SEM. The values of the modulus of elasticity and the yield stress appeared close the additivity rule, and were attributed to the combined effects of the density increase and orientation decrease in the blends. These morphological changes had a slightly negative influence on ductility which was nevertheless high.

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Effect of Comonomer Content on the Behavior of Propylene Copolymer/Compatibilizer/Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Palza Humberto
Published: April 2010

A set of isotactic propylene copolymers with either 1‐hexene or 1‐octadecene were synthesized using a metallocene catalyst, and their nanocomposites with 5 wt.‐% of clay and 15 wt.‐% of compatibilizer were prepared and characterized. Clay intercalation and dispertion depend on the comonomer content in the matrix which improves at high short‐chain‐branching levels. The presence of both clay and compatibilizer increased the crystallization temperature of the matrix. A strong correlation between the elastic modulus of the matrix and its relative increase in the nanocomposite was observed. By adding clay and compatibilizer to the copolymer, the modulus can be increased by a factor of two. The results open new perspectives in the understanding of the effect of polyolefin topology on nanocomposites properties.

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Using vignettes to study family consumption processes
Authors: Grønhøj Alice , Bech‐Larsen Tino
Published: April 2010

The use of vignettes for qualitative consumer research is discussed in this article. More specifically, vignettes are proposed as a useful research technique for conducting systematic and rigorous studies of consumer interaction processes, in particular as these relate to family consumption issues. Following an overview of methodological and practical problems of studying consumption interaction processes in families, a discussion of how vignettes may be used to enhance knowledge of family decision‐making processes in real‐life contexts is presented. Design implications are discussed and strategies for applying the vignette method are outlined and illustrated by two recent studies of pro‐environmental consumer behavior in a family context. The paper concludes with a discussion of the benefits and the possible pitfalls of using vignettes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The moderating effect of manipulative intent and cognitive resources on the evaluation of narrative ads
Authors: Wentzel Daniel , Tomczak Torsten , Herrmann Andreas
Published: April 2010

This research examines how salience of manipulative intent affects the evaluation of ads that are presented in a narrative or expository format. Study 1 shows that when manipulative intent is not salient, narrative ads are evaluated more positively than expository ads because they trigger a narrative processing style. When manipulative intent is salient, however, consumers regard the advertiser's tactics more suspiciously and adopt an analytical processing style to evaluate both narrative and expository ads. As a result, the relative advantage of narrative ads over expository ads disappears. A mediational analysis reveals that these effects are mediated by inferences of manipulative intent. Furthermore, Study 2 shows that cognitive load moderates these effects and that the negative impact of manipulative intent is significantly attenuated when cognitive load is high. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
B‐bounded nonlinear semigroups
Authors: Lisi Meri , Totaro Silvia
Published: April 2010

In this paper we study the properties of a new one parameter family of nonlinear operators which is a generalization of B‐bounded linear semigroups. This family is constructed by means of a nonlinear operator A and a linear operator B. We give also examples of problems which can be solved by using such a family. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.