bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Isolation Methods and the Use of Different Enzymes on Islet Yield and In Vivo Function
Authors: Sabek Omaima M. , Cowan Patricia , Fraga Daniel W. , Gaber A. Osama
Published: November 2008

The ability to isolate high-yield pure and viable islets from human cadaver pancreas donors is dependent on donor factor as well as isolation factors. The aim of this study was to examine factors influencing islets recovery and in vivo function with an emphasis on donor and isolation methods as well as to compare the effectiveness of Liberase, widely used in clinical islet isolation, with Serva for the isolation of pure functional islets. The results of 123 islet isolations using Liberase for digestion were compared with those of 113 isolations with Serva. Islet equivalents per gram of tissue were similar between Liberase and Serva (3620 ± 1858 vs. 4132 ± 2104, p < 0.2) as well as the percent purity (75 ± 16 vs. 74 ± 15, p < 0.9). In vivo function of islets from 71 isolations (Liberase = 45, Serva = 26) were further tested by transplantation into NOD-SCID mice following short-term culture (<6 days, n = 71). Our data show that both Liberase- and Serva-isolated islets showed similar function results following short-term culture. These data demonstrate that there is no difference in islet yield, purity, and function between the two enzymes. However, when these 71 isolations were analyzed for in vivo function with emphasis on donor factors, cold ischemia time (12.0 ± 5.3 vs. 15.0 ± 5.7, p < 0.04), islet integrity (1.6 ± 0.7 vs. 1.3 ± 0.5, p < 0.05), and female gender were the only factors that correlated with in vivo function. We also compared the mechanical-shaking method for islets isolation with hand-shaking methods. Our results show that although there is no different in islet yield, purity, and integrity between different enzymes using the same method, hand-shaking method yields more islets with better integrity than mechanical-shaking method.
Recipient Immune Repertoire and Engraftment Site Influence the Immune Pathway Effecting Acute Hepatocellular Allograft Rejection
Authors: Horne Phillip H. , Lunsford Keri E. , Walker Jon P. , Koester Mitchel A. , Bumgardner Ginny L.
Published: November 2008

As novel acute allograft rejection mechanisms are being discovered, determining the conditions that promote or subvert these distinct rejection pathways is important to interpret the clinical relevance of these pathways for specific recipient groups as well as specific tissue and organ transplants. We have employed a versatile hepatocellular allograft model to analyze how the host immune repertoire and immune locale influences the phenotype of the rejection pathway. In addition, we investigated how peripheral monitoring of cellular and humoral immune parameters correlates with the activity of a specific rejection pathway. Complete MHC mismatched hepatocellular allografts were transplanted into immune competent CD4-deficient, CD8-deficient, or C57BL/6 hosts to focus on CD8-dependent, CD4-dependent, or combined CD4 and CD8-dependent alloimmunity, respectively. Hepatocellular allografts were transplanted to the liver or kidney subcapsular space to investigate the influence of the immune locale on each rejection pathway. The generation of donor-reactive DTH, alloantibody, and allospecific cytotoxicity was measured to assess both cellular and humoral immunity. Graft-infiltrating lymphocytes were phenotyped and enumerated in each recipient group. In the presence of CD8+ T cells, cytolytic cellular activity is the dominant mechanism of graft destruction and is amplified in the presence of CD4+ T cells. The absence of CD8+ T cells (CD8 KO) results in potent humoral immunity as reflected by high levels of cytotoxic alloantibody and graft rejection with similar kinetics. Transplant to the liver compared to the kidney site is distinguished by more rapid kinetics of rejection and alloimmunity, which is predominately cell mediated rather than a mix of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity. These studies define several rejection mechanisms occurring in distinct immune conditions, highlighting the plasticity of acute allograft rejection responses and the need to design specific monitoring strategies for these pathways to allow dynamic immune assessment of clinical transplant recipients and targeted immunotherapies.
Thermophoresis of axisymmetric aerosol particles along their axes of revolution
Authors: Chang Yu C. , Keh Huan J.
Published: November 2008

The axisymmetric thermophoretic motion of an aerosol particle of revolution in a uniformly prescribed temperature gradient is studied theoretically. The Knudsen number is assumed to be small so that the fluid flow is described by a continuum model. A method of distribution of a set of spherical singularities along the axis of revolution within a prolate particle or on the fundamental plane within an oblate particle is used to find the general solutions for the temperature distribution and fluid velocity field. The jump/slip conditions on the particle surface are satisfied by applying a boundary‐collocation technique to these general solutions. Numerical results for the thermophoretic velocity of the particle are obtained with good convergence behavior for various cases. For the axisymmetric thermophoresis of an aerosol spheroid with no temperature jump and frictional slip at its surface, the agreement between our results and the available analytical solutions is very good. The thermophoretic velocity of a spheroid along its axis of revolution in general increases with an increase in its axial‐to‐radial aspect ratio, but there are exceptions. For most practical cases of a spheroid with a specified aspect ratio, its thermophoretic mobility is not a monotonic function of its relative jump/slip coefficients and thermal conductivity. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Studies on morphology, mechanical, thermal, and dynamic mechanical behavior of extrusion blended polypropylene and thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer in presence of compatibilizer
Authors: Mandal P. K. , Chakraborty D.
Published: November 2008

Polypropylene was melt blended in a single screw extruder with thermo tropic Vectra B‐950 liquid crystalline polymer (copolyester amide) in different proportions in presence of 2% of EAA, ethylene‐acrylic acid copolymer (based on PP) as a compatibilizer. The mechanical properties of such compatibilized blends were evaluated and compared in respect of their Young's Modulii, Ultimate tensile strength, percent elongation at break, and toughness to those of Pure PP. The Morphology was studied by using a polarizing light microscope (PLM) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The Thermal characterization of these blends were carried out by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC).The mechanical properties under dynamic conditions of such compatibilized blends and pure PP were studied by dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). Mechanical analysis (Tensile properties) of the compatibilized blends displayed improvements in Modulii and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of PP matrix with the incorporation of 2–10% of LCP incorporation. The development of fine fibrillar morphology in the compatibilized PP/LCP blends had large influence on the mechanical properties. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) studies indicated no remarkable changes in the crystalline melting temperature of the blends with respect to that of pure PP. However, an increase in the softening range of the blends over that of PP was observed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Spectral, thermal, and photoreactivity studies on epoxy resin containing benzylidene units in the main chain
Authors: Balakrishnan P. S. , Murugavel S. C.
Published: November 2008

A photosensitive epoxy resin was synthesized from bis(4‐hydroxy ‐3‐methoxy benzylidene) acetone and epichlorohydrin using solution polycondensation method. The prepared epoxy resin was characterized by UV, IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The thermal stability of the epoxy resin was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis. The glass transition temperature of the polymer was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The photocrosslinking property and photopolymerizing ability of the epoxy resin were studied in film and solution state using UV spectroscopy. The effect of photo acid generator and sensitizer on photosensitivity of the resin was also investigated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Effects of different parameters on the characteristics of chitosan–poly(acrylic acid) nanoparticles obtained by the method of coacervation
Authors: Davidenko N. , Blanco M. D. , Peniche C. , Becherán L. , Guerrero S. , Teijón J. M.
Published: November 2008

Chitosan–poly(acrylic acid) polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles were prepared by coacervation under mild experimental conditions without the use of any organic solvents or surfactants. The influence of some experimental parameters such as the pH of the polyelectrolyte solutions, their concentrations, and the purification procedure on the particle dimensions and their size distribution was studied in detail. The physicochemical properties of the obtained complex were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. It was found that for solution concentrations below 0.1 wt %, it was possible to obtain suspensions of nanometer‐sized particles. Furthermore, it was established that the pH values of the reactant solutions had a great influence on both the particle size and the yield of the complex that was formed. The most convenient pH values for obtaining chitosan–poly(acrylic acid) particles with a nanometric size and optimum yield (near 90%) were found to be 4.5–5.5 for chitosan and 3.2 for poly(acrylic acid). Additionally, the effects of dialysis and ultrasonic treatment on the stability of complex suspensions, prepared under different experimental conditions, were clarified so that recommendations could be made to bring this system into practical use. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Flame‐retardant and mechanical properties of high‐density rigid polyurethane foams filled with decabrominated dipheny ethane and expandable graphite
Authors: Ye Ling , Meng Xian‐Yan , Liu Xing‐Mao , Tang Jian‐Hua , Li Zhong‐Ming
Published: November 2008

The article reported the flame‐retardant and the mechanical properties of expandable graphite (EG), an intumescent type, and decabrominated dipheny ethane (DBDPE), a gas‐phase type of flame‐retardant‐containing high‐density rigid polyurethane foams (RPUF) with a constant density of 0.5g/cm3. The results indicated that both EG and DBDPE could effectively interdict the burning of RPUF, besides, the EG exhibited more effective flame retardancy than the DBDPE. When the flame‐retardant loadings were 20 wt %, the LOI value of DBDPE‐filled RPUF increased to 33 vol %, while, surprisingly, the EG‐filled RPUF reached 41 vol %. Unfortunately, when they were both simultaneously added into RPUF, there was not any flame‐retardant synergistic effect. Although EG had outstanding flame retardancy, the compressive strength and modulus of 20 wt % EG‐filled RPUF dropped to only 9.1MPa and 229.7MPa respectively, which were lower than those of DBDPE (12.4 MPa and 246.8 MPa). The phenomena were ascribed to the different flame‐retardant mechanisms of EG and DBDPE, which were verified by scanning electronic microscope (SEM) observation of the burned surfaces. Besides, the dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) demonstrated that the additions of EG and DBDPE made the glass transition temperature shift to the high temperatures, and the EG‐filled RPUF had the higher storage modulus. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Development of polyurethane‐based sheets by phase inversion method for therapeutic footwear applications: Synthesis, fabrication, and characterization
Authors: Saraswathy G. , Gopalakrishna Gautham , Das B. N. , Radhakrishnan Ganga , Pal S.
Published: November 2008

It has been proved that polyurethane (PU) foam and viscoelastic PUs are offering better cushioning and shock absorption properties than other materials such as foam rubbers, polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, and polyvinyl chloride which are used currently as insole materials in therapeutic footwear for diabetic and orthopedic patients to “offload” or redistribute high pressure under the foot. The aim of this research work was to prepare viscoelastic materials based on PUs having the highest degree of phase separation that provides for the elastomeric nature of these polymers. Polymer structures with a high concentration of amide groups can be made with the addition of hydrazine or a diacid hydrazide to a diisocyanate. We had prepared various PUs by chain extending the isocyanate‐terminated prepolymer with terepthalic dihydrazide, 5‐hydroxy isothalic dihydrazide, and 1,4‐butanediol. Polymers were developed into sheets by phase inversion method using dimethyl formamide as solvent and water as nonsolvent. To improve the mechanical properties of PU sheets the polymer solution was blended with polyester‐based PU Desmopan 8078 (CPU) in 1 : 1 ratio and the solution mixture was developed into sheet by the same method. Further PU sheets based on only CPU were also developed with various concentrations of PU. The synthesized PU and their blends with CPU were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermo gravimetric analysis, gel permeation chromatography, and dynamic mechanical analysis. Morphological characteristics of PU sheets were studied by scanning electron microscopy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Stereochemical elucidation of complex α‐methyl and β‐methylene carbon resonances in poly(2‐hydroxy ethyl methacrylate‐co‐methacrylonitrile) by 2D NMR
Authors: Hooda Sunita , Kumar Goyal Ashok , Brar A. S.
Published: November 2008

Copolymers of 2‐hydroxy ethyl methacrylate and methacrylonitrile (H/M) of different composition were synthesized by free radical bulk polymerization using azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator under nitrogen atmosphere. The copolymers composition were calculated from 1H and quantitative 13C{1H}NMR spectra. The complete spectral assignment of complex and overlapped α‐methyl and β‐methylene carbon regions in 13C{1H} NMR spectrum in term of compositional and configurational sequences of H/M copolymers were done with the help of two‐dimensional heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) and total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation and characterization of exfoliated organic montmorillonite/poly(3,4‐ethyldioxythiophene) nanocomposites
Authors: Han Yongqin , Lu Yun
Published: November 2008

Montmorillonite, organically modified by octadecylammine salt, has been adopted to successfully fabricate the exfoliated organic montmorillonite/poly(3,4‐ethyldioxythiophene) (OMMT/PEDOT) nanocomposites by in situ polymerization in aqueous media. Hydrochloric acid, 1,5‐naphthalenedisulfonic acid, and sodium benzenesulphonate have been employed to activate the polymerization of 3,4‐ethyldioxythiophene by offering active sites on the layers of montmorillonite. The resulting exfoliated nanocomposites have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and electrical conductivity measurement and showed controllable conductivity in the range of 10−7 to 10−2 S/cm and improved thermal stability compared with pure PEDOT. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Study on transparent poly(propylene) nucleated by the “in situ” reaction products of dehydroabietic acid and sodium stearate
Authors: Dou Qiang , Wang Jingbo
Published: November 2008

Dehydroabietic acid (DHA), sodium stearate (NaSt), DHA/NaSt (1/1 wt/wt) mixture, the reaction products of DHA/NaSt (1/1 wt/wt) mixture after heating at 220°C for 10 min and sodium dehydroabietate (DHAA‐Na) were qualitatively analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and wide angle X‐ray diffractometry (WAXD). The crystallization behavior, spherulitic morphology, optical and mechanical properties of iPP samples nucleated by DHA, NaSt, DHA/NaSt (1/1 wt/wt) mixture, and DHAA‐Na under the same concentration (0.3 wt %) were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized light microscope (PLM), optical and mechanical measurements. The results showed that an “in situ” reaction occurred between DHA and NaSt, and an effective transparent nucleating agent (DHAA‐Na) was produced during the melting blending of iPP and DHA/NaSt (1/1 wt/wt) mixture in the twin screw extruder. The crystallization onset and peak temperatures, the gloss and the mechanical properties were improved markedly; the crystallization half‐time, the spherulitic size, and the haze were reduced substantially when iPP samples are nucleated by DHA/NaSt (1/1 wt/wt) mixture. The optimum composition ratio of DHA/NaSt should be kept at ≈ 1/1 wt/wt and above 0.4 wt %/0.4 wt %. The DHA/NaSt bi‐component nucleator was effective for iPP with different MFR values. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Lack of effects on fertility and developmental toxicity of a quadrivalent HPV vaccine in Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: David Wise L. , Wolf Jayanthi J. , Kaplanski Catherine V. , Pauley Cindy J. , Ledwith Brian J.
Published: November 2008

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, with approximately half of the HPV‐infected people being adolescents and young adults. A recently developed quadrivalent HPV vaccine, GARDASIL®, has been shown to be highly effective in the prevention of a number of HPV‐mediated diseases. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential effects of the vaccine on female fertility and F1 development, growth, behavior, and reproductive performance. In addition, anti‐HPV antibodies in the F0 females and F1 offspring were measured during the study. Two groups of 65 virgin Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered two or four intramuscular injections of the vaccine (full human dose of 0.5 mL at 5 and 2 weeks prior to mating, on Gestation Day [GD] 6, and Lactation Day [LD] 7; or GD 6 and LD 7 only). Additional groups of rats were administered phosphate‐buffered saline or Merck Aluminum Adjuvant (MAA) at the same four times. All females were mated to males of the same stock. Cesarean sections were performed on 22/group on GD 21, 22/group were allowed to deliver, and remaining females used for blood collections or replacements. F0 female fertility parameters were evaluated. An extensive number of prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal parameters were evaluated in the F1 generation. There were no unscheduled deaths during the study. There was no evidence of toxicity in the F0 females given either MAA or vaccine. There were no effects on the fertility or reproductive performance of the F0 females. There was no evidence of developmental toxicity to the F1 generation, including fetal body weight and morphology, postnatal growth and development, behavior, and reproductive performance. The quadrivalent vaccine induced a specific antibody response to the four HPV types in the F0 female rats following one or multiple injections. Antibodies against all four HPV types were transferred to the F1 generation during gestation and/or lactation, likely via the placenta and milk, respectively. The passively transferred antibodies persisted up to Postnatal Day 77 when they were last measured. These results demonstrate that this quadrivalent HPV vaccine had no detectable adverse effects in either the treated F0 female rats or the F1 generation. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 83:561–572, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multimedia presentations on the human genome
Authors: Kano Kei , Yahata Saiko , Muroi Kaori , Kawakami Masahiro , Tomoda Mari , Miyaki Koichi , Nakayama Takeo , Kosugi Shinji , Kato Kazuto
Published: November 2008

Genome science, including topics such as gene recombination, cloning, genetic tests, and gene therapy, is now an established part of our daily lives; thus we need to learn genome science to better equip ourselves for the present day. Learning from topics directly related to the human has been suggested to be more effective than learning from Mendel's peas not only because many students do not understand that plants are organisms, but also because human biology contains important social and health issues. Therefore, we have developed a teaching program for the introduction to genome science, whose subjects are focused on the human genome. This program comprises mixed multimedia presentations: a large poster with illustrations and text on the human genome (a human genome map for every home), and animations on the basics of genome science. We implemented and assessed this program at four high schools. Our results indicate that students felt that they learned about the human genome from the program and some increases in students' understanding were observed with longer exposure to the mixed multimedia presentations.
Differential Inhibitory Activities and Stabilisation of DNA Aptamers against the SARS Coronavirus Helicase
Authors: Shum Ka To , Tanner Julian A.
Published: November 2008

The helicase from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) possesses NTPase, duplex RNA/DNA‐unwinding and RNA‐capping activities that are essential for viral replication and proliferation. Here, we have isolated DNA aptamers against the SARS‐CoV helicase from a combinatorial DNA library. These aptamers show two distinct classes of secondary structure, G‐quadruplex and non‐G‐quadruplex, as shown by circular dichroism and gel electrophoresis. All of the aptamers that were selected stimulated ATPase activity of the SARS‐CoV helicase with low‐nanomolar apparent Km values. Intriguingly, only the non‐G‐quadruplex aptamers showed specific inhibition of helicase activities, whereas the G‐quadruplex aptamers did not inhibit helicase activities. The non‐G‐quadruplex aptamer with the strongest inhibitory potency was modified at the 3′‐end with biotin or inverted thymidine, and the modification increased its stability in serum, particularly for the inverted thymidine modification. Structural diversity in selection coupled to post‐selection stabilisation has provided new insights into the aptamers that were selected for a helicase target. These aptamers are being further developed to inhibit SARS‐CoV replication.
Water‐Soluble Nile Blue Derivatives: Syntheses and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Jose Jiney , Ueno Yuichiro , Burgess Kevin
Published: November 2008

Four water‐soluble 2‐hydroxy‐Nile Blue derivatives, 1 a, 1 b, 2 a, and 2 b, were prepared by condensation reactions performed under relatively mild conditions (90 °C, N,N‐dimethylformamide with no added acid). These fluorescent probes had more favorable fluorescence characteristics than two known water‐soluble Nile Blue derivatives. Specifically, they were superior to the known dyes with respect to their quantum yields in aqueous media and the sharpness of their fluorescence emissions. Concentration‐dependant UV absorption and fluorescence emission studies indicated that the dyes did not aggregate in aqueous solution at concentrations of less than 1–4 μM. The new water‐soluble materials 1 a, 1 b, 2 a, and 2 b emit in a desirable region of the fluorescence spectrum (λ=670–675 nm). Overall they are potentially interesting for labeling biomolecules in aqueous environments.
Synthesis and Evaluation of 1,1′‐Hydrocarbylenebis(indazol‐3‐ols) as Potential Antimalarial Drugs
Authors: Martins Alho Miriam , García‐Sánchez Rory N. , Nogal‐Ruiz Juan José , Escario José Antonio , Gómez‐Barrio Alicia , Martínez‐Fernández Antonio R. , Arán Vicente J.
Published: November 2008

Bis(indazol‐3‐ol) derivatives (5,30–38) were prepared by alkylation of 3‐alkoxyindazoles with α,ω‐dibromides, followed by removal of the O‐protecting groups. These compounds were subsequently evaluated as inhibitors of biocrystallization of ferriprotoporphyrin IX (heme) to hemozoin, aPlasmodiumdetoxification specific process. Most bis(5‐nitroindazol‐3‐ols) were good inhibitors, however, a denitro analogue (38), the intermediate bis(3‐alkoxyindazoles) (15–29) as well as bis(indazolin‐3‐ones) (39–42) were not active, showing the importance of the NO2and OH groups in the inhibition process.
Natural‐Product‐Like Spiroketals and Fused Bicyclic Acetals as Potential Therapeutic Agents for B‐Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Authors: Milroy Lech‐Gustav , Zinzalla Giovanna , Loiseau François , Qian Zizheng , Prencipe Giuseppe , Pepper Chris , Fegan Chris , Ley Steven V.
Published: November 2008

B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukaemia in the Western world for which no curative treatments are currently available. Purine nucleotide analogues and alkylating agents feature frequently in combination regimens to treat the malignant state, but their use has not led to any significant improvement in patient survival. Consequently, there still remains a need for alternative small‐molecule chemotherapeutics. Natural products are an unparalleled source of drug leads, and an unending inspiration for the design of small‐molecule libraries for drug discovery. The screening of focused libraries of natural‐product‐like spiroketal and fused bicyclic acetal small molecules against primary CLL cells has led to the identification of a small series of novel and potent cytotoxic agents towards primary CLL cells. The validation of the activity of these molecules is delineated through a series of synthesis and screening iterations, whereas preliminary mode of action studies positively indicate their ability to induce cell death via an apoptotic pathway with no evidence of necrosis to further support their potential as novel chemotherapeutic agents.
Deciphering the Selectivity of Bombyx mori Pheromone Binding Protein for Bombykol over Bombykal: A Theoretical Approach
Authors: Charlier Landry , Antonczak Serge , Jacquin‐Joly Emmanuelle , Cabrol‐Bass Daniel , Golebiowski Jérôme
Published: November 2008

In this article we report calculations dedicated to estimate the selectivity of the Bombyx mori pheromone binding protein towards the two closely related pheromonal components Bombykol and Bombykal. The selectivity is quantified by the binding free‐energy difference, obtained either by the thermodynamic integration or by the MM‐GBSA approach. In the latter, the selectivity is decomposed on a per‐residue basis, which identifies the residues considered crucial for the selectivity of the protein for Bombykol over Bombykal. A discussion on the role of Bombyx mori pheromone binding protein is provided on the basis of these results.
Aerobic FeIII–FeII Reduction in the Presence of 2,4,6‐Tri(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine and Benzilic Acid: Synthesis and Characterization of a Heptacoordinate FeII–Nitrato Complex
Authors: Raptopoulou Catherine P. , Sanakis Yiannis , Boudalis Athanassios K.
Published: November 2008

The simultaneous presence of benzilic acid [Ph2C(OH)CO2H] and tptz [2,4,6‐tri(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine] in FeIII‐containing reaction mixtures leads to partial and/or quantitative metal reduction. In the presence of the oxidative NO3– ions in the reaction mixture, partial reduction of the metal leads to the isolation of a heptacoordinate FeII–nitrato complex, [FeII(tptz)(NO3)(MeOH)2](NO3) (1), along with a FeIII complex (2). In the presence of perchlorate ions in the reaction mixture, the quantitative reduction of FeIII leads to the isolation of a hexacoordinate FeII complex, [FeII(tptzH)2](ClO4)4 (3). Complexes 1 and 3 have been structurally characterized and possess a pentagonal‐bipyramidal and a distorted octahedral coordination geometry, respectively. In both complexes, tptz behaves as a tridentate ligand, adopting the terpy‐like coordination mode, and is coordinated through the triazine nitrogen atom and the two adjacent pyridine nitrogen atoms. One asymmetrically coordinated chelate, NO3–, and two MeOH molecules complete the pentagonal‐bipyramidal geometry around FeII in 1. On the basis of analytical, spectroscopic (IR, Mössbauer) and magnetic susceptibility data from polycrystalline samples of 2, an oxido‐bridged diferric structure is proposed [ΔEQ(78 K) = 1.79 mm s–1, JFe–Fe = –117 cm–1]. The Mössbauer spectra of the polycrystalline samples of 1 and 3 are consistent with high‐spin and low‐spin FeII, respectively, in anN/O coordination environment. Variable‐temperature and variable‐field magnetic measurements of 1 suggest significant zero‐field splitting of the ferrous ions (D = 5.5 cm–1).(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis and 13C NMR Spectroscopy of Model Compounds for the Microstructure Analysis of Poly(Vinyl Glycoside)s
Authors: Yuan Jialong , Frauenrath Holger
Published: November 2008

A series of glycosylated diol and triol derivatives was synthesized in order to serve as model compounds for the analysis of the stereochemistry, regiochemistry, and defect structures of poly(vinyl glycoside)s. 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis of these compounds revealed that the attached chiral carbohydrate substituents induced a strong correlation of the chemical shifts of both the anomeric C and the α‐C atom of the aglycon with the absolute configuration of the latter. The influence of the stereoconfiguration of β‐ and γ‐C atoms as well as the regiochemistry of the aglycon on the chemical shifts of the α‐C and the anomeric C atom was also investigated. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Very Fast Suzuki–Miyaura Reaction Catalyzed by Pd(OAc)2 under Aerobic Conditions at Room Temperature in EGME/H2O
Authors: Del Zotto Alessandro , Amoroso Francesco , Baratta Walter , Rigo Pierluigi
Published: November 2008

The results of a ligand‐free Pd(OAc)2‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura C–C coupling performed at room temperature under aerobic conditions are presented. It was found that the use of an ethylene glycol monomethyl ether/H2O mixture as the solvent resulted in very rapid reactions of aryl bromides with arylboronic acids. As a matter of fact, under optimized conditions, some substrates were converted quantitatively in less than 1 min with exceptionally high TOF values. For example, the reaction between 4‐methoxyphenylboronic acid and bromobenzene afforded 4‐methoxybiphenyl in 30 s with TOF = 180000 h–1. Furthermore, the reaction tolerates a wide range of functional groups and can be successfully applied to heteroaryl bromides such as 2‐bromopyridine and 5‐bromopyrimidine. Interestingly, also an activated aryl chloride such as 1‐chloro‐4‐nitrobenzene reacted quantitatively with phenylboronic acid at 373 K. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
The information content of an open limit‐order book
Authors: Cao Charles , Hansch Oliver , Wang Xiaoxin
Published: November 2008

Using data from the Australian Stock Exchange, the authors assess the information content of an open limit‐order book with a particular focus on the incremental information contained in the limit orders behind the best bid and offer. The authors find that the order book is moderately informative—its contribution to price discovery is approximately 22%. The remaining 78% is from the best bid and offer prices on the book and the last transaction price. Furthermore, the authors find that order imbalances between the demand and supply schedules along the book are significantly related to future short‐term returns, even after controlling for the autocorrelations in return, the inside spread, and the trade imbalance. ©2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 29:16–41, 2009
Efficient static replication of European options under exponential Lévy models
Authors: Takahashi Akihiko , Yamazaki Akira
Published: November 2008

This study proposes a new scheme for the static replication of European options and their portfolios. First, a general approximation formula for efficient static replication as an extension of Carr P. and Chou A. (1997, 2002) and Carr P. and Wu L. (2002) is derived. Second, a concrete procedure for implementing the scheme by applying it to plain vanilla options under exponential Lévy models is presented. Finally, numerical examples in a model developed by Carr, P., Geman, H., Madan, D., and Yor M. (2002) are used to demonstrate that the replication scheme is more efficient and more effective in practice than a standard static replication method. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 29:1–15, 2009
Stepwise accumulation of distinct genomic aberrations in a patient with progressively metastasizing ependymoma
Authors: Milde Till , Pfister Stefan , Korshunov Andrey , Deubzer Hedwig E. , Oehme Ina , Ernst Aurélie , Starzinski‐Powitz Anna , Seitz Angelika , Lichter Peter , von Deimling Andreas , Witt Olaf
Published: November 2008

Nonresectable ependymomas are associated with poor prognosis despite intensive radiochemotherapy and radiation. The molecular pathogenesis of ependymoma initiation and progression is largely unknown. We here present a case of therapy‐refractory, progressive ependymoma with cerebrospinal as well as extraneural metastases, which allowed us for the first time to follow the stepwise accumulation of chromosome aberrations during disease progression. Genome‐wide DNA copy‐number analysis showed sequential deletions on chromosomes 1, 9, and 14 as well as a homozygous deletion of the CDKN2A locus, underscoring its role in tumor progression. Gradual loss at 1p36 was associated with loss of protein expression of the putative tumor suppressor gene AJAP1/SHREW1. In summary, this is the first report on acquired genomic aberrations in ependymoma over time pointing to novel candidate tumor suppressor genes. This analysis provides molecular insights into the chronology of genetic events in this case from initial localized tumor to widespread metastasized disease. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Controversies in the management of retromolar trigone carcinoma
Authors: Ayad Tareck , Guertin Louis , Soulières Denis , Belair Manon , Temam Stéphane , Nguyen‐Tân Phuc Felix
Published: November 2008

Our objective is to discuss the current controversies that surround the management of retromolar trigone (RMT) cancer. We conducted this literature review to discuss trigone cancer. RTM and anterior pillar cancers should be studied separately. Preoperative clinical and radiographic assessments need to be further investigated to establish their reliability at predicting bone invasion. In the absence of suspicion of bone invasion, surgery and radiotherapy seem to give similar results, but recent reports indicate a greater benefit if they are used in combination. Some authors have advocated systematic segmental resection for all RMT cancers but marginal mandibulectomy is a reasonable option in selected cases. Standard treatment for RMT cancers with N0 necks is selective neck dissection or radiation therapy, depending on the modality of treatment of the primary. Allowing a better understanding of the evolution of RMT cancer and its response to different treatment modalities requires efforts to report different institutional experience with this rare tumor. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Immobilization of polyphenol oxidase on alginate–SiO2 hybrid gel: stability and preliminary applications in the removal of aqueous phenol
Authors: Shao Jian , Huang Ling‐Ling , Yang Yu‐Min
Published: November 2008

An organic/inorganic hybrid gel of alginate–SiO2 (ALG–SiO2) was used to immobilize the partially purified potato polyphenol oxidase (PPO) for the treatment of phenolic wastewater. The influences of alginate concentration, quantity of both enzyme and tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) on immobilization were investigated. The Michaelis constant for immobilized PPO was determined as 14.7 mmol L−1 at 25 °C, and the highest activity of immobilized PPO was achieved at pH 7.0. The ALG–SiO2 immobilized PPO was more stable than the free PPO or ALG(alone) immobilized PPO. This study suggests that ALG–SiO2 immobilized PPO might be a potential tool for the removal of phenolic compounds from industrial wastewater. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Neuroinflammation contributes to hypokinesia in rats with hepatic encephalopathy: Ibuprofen restores its motor activity
Authors: Cauli Omar , Rodrigo Regina , Piedrafita Blanca , Llansola Marta , Mansouri Mohammad T. , Felipo Vicente
Published: November 2008

Patients with hepatic encephalopathy show altered motor function, psychomotor slowing, and hypokinesia, which are reproduced in rats with portacaval shunts (PCS). Increased extracellular glutamate in substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) is responsible for hypokinesia in PCS rats. The mechanisms by which liver failure leads to increased extracellular glutamate in SNr remain unclear. Inflammation seems to act synergistically with hyperammonemia to induce neurological alterations in hepatic encephalopathy. It is therefore possible that inflammation‐associated alterations may contribute to motor alterations in hepatic encephalopathy. The aim of this work was to assess whether treatment with an antiinflammatory, ibuprofen, is able to normalize extracellular glutamate in SNr and/or to improve hypokinesia in PCS rats. The amounts of the glutamate transporters GLT‐1 and EAAC‐1 are reduced by 26% and 32%, respectively, in SNr of PCS rats. This reduction is associated with a tenfold increase in extracellular glutamate in SNr and a reduction in motor activity. Chronic treatment with 30 mg/kg ibuprofen completely normalizes the amount of GLT‐1 and EAAC‐1 and significantly reduces (by 53%) extracellular glutamate in SNr of PCS rats. Moreover, ibuprofen, at 15 or 30 (but not at 5) mg/kg/day, completely eliminates hypokinesia, restoring normal motor activity. This supports the idea that inflammation is a main contributor to the induction of hypokinesia in hepatic encephalopathy. Moreover, these data point to the possible therapeutic utility of decreasing inflammation, by safe procedures, in the treatment of the motor deficits in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Marked loss of sympathetic nerve fibers in chronic Charcot foot of diabetic origin compared to ankle joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Koeck Franz‐Xaver , Bobrik Verena , Fassold Alexander , Grifka Joachim , Kessler Sigurd , Straub Rainer H.
Published: November 2008

The pathogenesis of Charcot foot is based on three disputed factors: (1) loss of neurotrophic influence, (2) microtraumatic lesions, and (3) neurovascular disturbances. These etiological causes were uncovered by clinicophysiological tests. However, no results of quantitative nerve density studies of sympathetic and sensory substance P‐positive (SP+) nerve fibers are available. We studied the density of sympathetic and SP+ nerve fibers in three distinct areas of the tarsus. Fifteen patients with ankle osteoarthritis (OA) and 15 patients with diabetic Charcot foot were included. Patients with OA did not differ from those with Charcot foot in SP+ sensory nerve fiber density. However, at all three areas, the density of sympathetic nerve fibers was significantly lower in patients with Charcot foot compared to OA (p = 0.006). In addition, we found that the sympathetic nerve repellent factor semaphorin 3C was highly expressed in inflamed tissue in Charcot patients. In Charcot foot of diabetic origin a severe loss of sympathetic nerve fibers was observed. These findings in chronically inflamed Charcot foot lend support to the neurovascular theory in the late chronic phase, which probably depends on the inflammatory upregulation of nerve repellent factors. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 736–741, 2009
Strontium–calcium coadministration stimulates bone matrix osteogenic factor expression and new bone formation in a large animal model
Authors: Li Zhaoyang , Lu William W. , Chiu Peter K.Y. , Lam Raymond W.M. , Xu Bing , Cheung Kenneth M.C. , Leong John C.Y. , Luk Keith D.K.
Published: November 2008

Strontium (Sr) has become increasingly attractive for use in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis by concomitantly inhibiting bone resorption and enhancing bone formation. Strontium shares similar chemical, physical, and biological characteristics with calcium (Ca), which has been widely used as a dietary supplement in osteoporosis. However, the effects of Sr–Ca coadministration on bone growth and remodeling are yet to be extensively reported. In this study, 18 ovariectomized goats were divided into four groups: three groups of five goats each treated with 100 mg/kg/day Ca, Ca plus 24 mg/kg/day Sr (Ca + 24Sr), or Ca plus 40 mg/kg/day Sr (Ca + 40Sr), and three untreated goats fed low calcium feed. Serum Sr levels increased 6‐ and 10‐fold in the Ca + 24Sr and Ca + 40Sr groups, respectively. Similarly, Sr in the bone increased four‐ and sixfold in these two groups. Sr–Ca coadministration considerably increased bone mineral apposition rate (MAR). The expression of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was significantly upregulated within the Ca + 40Sr treatment group; tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐agr; expression was significantly downregulated in the Ca and Ca + 40Sr groups. The results indicate that Sr–Ca coadministration increases osteogenic gene expression and stimulates new bone formation. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 758–762, 2009
Micro‐Raman scattering spectroscopy study of Li‐doped and undoped ZnO needle crystals
Authors: Jothilakshmi R. , Ramakrishnan V. , Thangavel R. , Kumar J. , Sarua Andrei , Kuball Martin
Published: November 2008

ZnO nanostructures have attracted great attention for possible applications in optoelectronic and spintronic devices. The electrical resistivity because of carriers can be improved by the introduction of Li ions, as Li is a possible dopant for achieving p‐type ZnO. We have carried out a comprehensive micro‐Raman scattering study of the phonons in 1% Li‐ and undoped ZnO needle crystals grown and annealed at 1073 K for 1 and 2 h under oxygen environment. Phonon mode of doped and undoped ZnO does not show any measurable shift for the doping concentration of 1%. As line width is related to point defect density, we find for both Li‐ and undoped ZnO crystals the crystallinity is improving towards the tip of the needle crystals. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is lymph node count an ideal quality indicator for cancer care?
Authors: Baxter Nancy N.
Published: November 2008

Although lymph node count has substantial appeal as a quality indicator because of the ease of measurement, the presence of variation in the population, the association with survival for many cancers, and the previous success of quality intervention programs, improvements in patient outcome by increasing lymph node counts have not yet been demonstrated. This article discusses potential pitfalls in the use of lymph node count as a quality indicator. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:265–268. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nationwide outcome registrations to improve quality of care in rectal surgery. An initiative of the European society of surgical oncology
Authors: van Gijn Willem , Wouters Michel W.J.M. , Peeters Koen C.M.J. , van de Velde Cornelis J.H.
Published: November 2008

In recent years there have been significant improvements in rectal cancer treatment. New surgical techniques as well as effective neoadjuvant treatment regimens have contributed to these improvements. Key is to spread these advances towards every rectal cancer patient and to ensure that not only patients who are treated within the framework of clinical trials may benefit from these advancements. Throughout Europe there have been interesting quality programmes that have proved to facilitate the spread of up to date knowledge and skills among medical professionals resulting in improved treatment outcome. Despite these laudable efforts there is still a wide variation in treatment outcome between countries, regions and institutions, which calls for a European audit on cancer treatment outcome. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:491–496. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trimethylsilylation of Cellulose in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Mormann Werner , Wezstein Markus
Published: November 2008

Trimethylsilylation of cellulose in different 1,3‐dialkylimidazolium ionic liquids (IL) with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) as a silylating agent was investigated. Trimethylsilyl (TMSi) cellulose with a degree of substitution (DS) greater than 1 is insoluble in the IL. The maximum DS obtained depends on the nature of the anion. Carboxylate and diethylphosphate counterions gave better results than chloride or thiocyanate, which corresponds to the solubility of HMDS in the IL. Controlled silylation with stoichiometric amounts of HMDS was feasible in imidazolium carboxylates and diethylphosphate. Analysis of the substitution pattern of the silyl groups in the anhydroglucose unit (AGU) by methylation analysis gave a more homogeneous distribution under (initially) homogeneous conditions (fewer unsubstituted AGUs, fewer trisubstituted AGUs) compared to TMSi cellulose obtained in liquid ammonia.

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Atomoxetine for the treatment of executive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: A pilot open‐label study
Authors: Marsh Laura , Biglan Kevin , Gerstenhaber Melissa , Williams James R.
Published: November 2008

Executive dysfunction (ED) is a prominent and often disabling feature of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD). Few studies have examined treatments. Given the role of noradrenergic pathology in ED, atomoxetine, a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor indicated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may be a potential treatment for PD‐related ED. Twelve patients with PD and disabling ED completed an 8‐week pilot open‐label, flexible dose (25–100 mg/day) trial of atomoxetine. On primary outcome measures, atomoxetine was associated with improved ED based on the Clinical Global Impression‐Change Scale (75% positive response rate; 95% CI: 43–95%, P < 05) and behavioral measures of ED [Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBE) Executive Dysfunction and Connors Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) inattention/memory subscales]. Adverse effects included sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances and hypomania. Atomoxetine is tolerable in PD and may benefit clinical manifestations of ED, warranting further study in controlled trials. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Stability of numerical schemes on staggered grids
Authors: Oishi C. M. , Cuminato J. A. , Yuan J. Y. , McKee S.
Published: November 2008

This paper considers the stability of explicit, implicit and Crank–Nicolson schemes for the one‐dimensional heat equation on a staggered grid. Furthermore, we consider the cases when both explicit and implicit approximations of the boundary conditions are employed. Why we choose to do this is clearly motivated and arises from solving fluid flow equations with free surfaces when the Reynolds number can be very small, in at least parts of the spatial domain. A comprehensive stability analysis is supplied: a novel result is the precise stability restriction on the Crank–Nicolson method when the boundary conditions are approximated explicitly, that is, at t=nδt rather than t=(n+1)δt. The two‐dimensional Navier–Stokes equations were then solved by a marker and cell approach for two simple problems that had analytic solutions. It was found that the stability results provided in this paper were qualitatively very similar, thereby providing insight as to why a Crank–Nicolson approximation of the momentum equations is only conditionally stable. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.