bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogeography of the Caspian whipsnake in Europe with emphasis on the westernmost populations
Authors: Paunović Ana , Nagy Zoltán , Wink Michael , Korsós Zoltán , Bellaagh Mátyás
Published: November 2010

The Caspian whipsnake (Squamata: Serpentes: Dolichophis caspius) reaches its northwestern distribution limit in Hungary where it is the single representative of its genus. Recently, several new localities of the species were discovered in Hungary. Focusing on these edge populations and on other ones in the western parts of the distribution, a phylogeographic study based on cytochrome b sequences was carried out. Thereby, a clear mitochondrial divergence was observed in Europe, with eastern and western haplotype groups found by analysing a number of specimens and populations. Our haplotype network analysis suggests a rather rapid postglacial (re)colonization of Europe by this snake species. In Hungary, three different haplotypes were detected.
On the occurrence of facultative paedomorphosis in the three newt species of Southern Iberian Peninsula (Amphibia, Salamandridae)
Authors: Ceacero Francisco , Donaire-Barroso David , García-Muñoz Enrique , Beltrán Juan Francisco , Tejedo Miguel
Published: November 2010

We report the occurrence of facultative paedomorphosis in the three species of newts (Pleurodeles waltl, Lissotriton boscai and Triturus pygmaeus) from dry and seasonal Mediterranean areas from southern Spain. These are the first records of paedomorphosis for P. waltl and L. boscai, and the second for T. pygmaeus. Other than the previous T. pygmaeus record, these are the first observations of paedomorphosis in the southern half of the Iberian Peninsula. Most of specimens demonstrating paedomorphosis live in artificially permanent aquatic environments. Nevertheless, a paedomorphic individual of L. boscai was found in a natural yearly temporary brook that held water during the previous two years. Paedomorphs are at low frequency in most cases. However, a single isolated population of P. waltl is probably composed entirely of paedomorphs.
Sex ratio of breeding Common toads (Bufo bufo) – influence of survival and skipped breeding
Authors: Madsen Thomas , Loman Jon
Published: November 2010

Anuran sex ratio at breeding sites is typically male biased. Such sex ratios may be due to poor female survival, to females not breeding as frequently as males and/or to males becoming sexually mature earlier than females. In the present study, the first two factors are analyzed in a common toad (Bufo bufo) population in southern Sweden. Toads were captured, marked and recaptured at the breeding site during 5 years. Within season capture patterns were analyzed using the Jolly-Seber model and among-year captures using the Closed robust design model. Population estimates of males and females yielded an among year variation in breeding population sex ratio, ranging from 16% to 34% females. On average, 41% (proportion adult alive but not breeding) of the females skipped breeding seasons, whereas the corresponding estimate for males was less than 5%. Yearly survival averaged 42% for adult female and 63% for adult male toads. First year adult males and females had a lower survival rate than older toads. Our results demonstrate that both a female biased mortality rate and a higher proportion of skipped breeding in females contribute to the observed male biased sex ratio. However, a deterministic model suggests other factors may also be involved to obtain this degree of male biased sex ratio, the most likely being that females mature at a later age than male toads.
Warming up for cold water: influence of habitat type on thermoregulatory tactics in a semi-aquatic snake
Authors: Michniewicz Radika , Aubret Fabien
Published: November 2010

In ectotherms, thermal acclimation and behavioural thermoregulation have evolved to match organismal performance with local or temporary thermal conditions. In semi-aquatic species, however, this matching encompasses a trade-off: organisms that thermoregulate close to optimal muscle function on land will inevitably depart from that optimum when entering water, a medium that may differ drastically in temperature. With regard to predator evasion and foraging success, how do semi-aquatic ectotherms deal with such a challenge? We experimentally raised young semi-aquatic Tiger snakes in either terrestrial or semi-aquatic environments over 11 months. When tested in a standardised enclosure, young snakes raised in a semi-aquatic environment selected slightly, but significantly higher mean body temperatures than their terrestrially raised siblings (respectively 30.3°C versus 29.5°C). The former allowed their body temperature to remain higher than 32°C for twice as long as the latter group (4.4 hours vs 2.1 hours). Locomotor performances (swimming speed) were, unsurprisingly, strongly linked to body temperature. Entering water with a higher body temperature (30°C versus 19°C) delayed a sharp drop in locomotor performances, and thus lengthened maximum performance time. We hypothesise that young snakes, by allowing their body temperature to reach above their usual optimum body temperature, may delay the drop in locomotor efficiency in case of foraging opportunity or in order to escape a predator.
Impact of Raltegravir on immune reconstitution and thymopoiesis in HIV‐1‐infected patients with undetectable viremia
Authors: Garrido C , Rallón N , Zahonero N , de la O López M , Soriano V , de Mendoza C , Benito JM
Published: November 2010

16‐17 July 2010, International AIDS Society’s Workshop “Towards a Cure”: HIV Reservoirs and Strategies to Control Them, Vienna, Austria
Measurements of total and integrated HIV DNA demonstrate sporadic blips of unintegrated HIV DNA in HIV‐positive patients on HAART
Authors: Mexas A , Graf E , Agosto L , Yu JJ , Pace M , Liszewski M , Migueles S , Connors M , O’Doherty U
Published: November 2010

16‐17 July 2010, International AIDS Society’s Workshop “Towards a Cure”: HIV Reservoirs and Strategies to Control Them, Vienna, Austria
Novel pathways of transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulation of post‐integrative HIV‐1 latency
Authors: Marcello A , Kula A , Dieudonne M , Knezevich A , Maiuri P
Published: November 2010

16‐17 July 2010, International AIDS Society’s Workshop “Towards a Cure”: HIV Reservoirs and Strategies to Control Them, Vienna, Austria
HIV‐1 Tat complexes reveal subunit composition of active P‐TEFb and stable association with 7SKsnRNP
Authors: Sobhian B , Laguette N , Yatim A , Nakamura M , Levy Y , Kiernan R , Benkirane M
Published: November 2010

16‐17 July 2010, International AIDS Society’s Workshop “Towards a Cure”: HIV Reservoirs and Strategies to Control Them, Vienna, Austria
Myeloid dendritic cells induce HIV‐1 latency in non‐proliferating CD4+ T cells
Authors: Evans VA , Saleh S , Haddad EK , Cameron PU , Sekaly R‐P , Lewin SR
Published: November 2010

16‐17 July 2010, International AIDS Society’s Workshop “Towards a Cure”: HIV Reservoirs and Strategies to Control Them, Vienna, Austria
Corpus Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition – the use of ACORN in the teaching of Spanish Grammar
Authors: Yepes Guadalupe Ruiz , Krishnamurthy Ramesh
Published: November 2010

With increasing demands for the use of authentic language in the teaching of a second language, the potential role of corpora has been an important issue of discussion in the last two decades. Corpora have helped to reveal patterns of real language use and uncovered discrepancies between the language portrayed in textbooks and the language used in real life.

This article focuses on corpus-driven as well as corpus-based grammar teaching, summarising the experience of applying ACORN (the Aston Corpus Network) in the teaching of Spanish Grammar to students in the School of Languages and Social Sciences at Aston University. Our main goals were to show the students a large number of examples taken from authentic language texts, in order to support the grammar explained in class, and to provide them with a very useful resource that they can use while writing essays, preparing for exams, etc.
Influence of a helical pitch on orthoconic antiferroelectric liquid crystals performance
Authors: Bennis N. , Dąrowski R. , Rejmer W. , Spadło A. , Quintana X. , Otón J.M.
Published: November 2010

Orthoconic antiferroelectric liquid crystals, whose half cone angle is 45°, are of interest in display technology because they are capable of providing greyscale in passively addressing waveform while exhibiting very good contrast. However, orthoconic antiferroelectrics having short pitch are difficult to be aligned, this makes surface stabilized alignment unfeasible. In this case, dynamic behaviour is usually poor, avoiding electronic addressing with standard electronics. In this work, we report the helical pitch measurements of OAFLC mixtures and we compare electrooptical performance of high and low pitch OAFLCs.
Explanatory Variables for Adult Patients' Self-Reported Recovery After Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain
Authors: van Rijn Rogier M. , Willemsen Sten P. , Verhagen Arianne P. , Koes Bart W. , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M.A.
Published: November 2010

Background

Longitudinal research on musculoskeletal disorders often makes use of a single measure of recovery, despite the large variation in reported recovery that exists. Patients with an acute ankle sprain often experience no pain or functional disability following treatment, yet report not being fully recovered, or vice versa.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to find explanatory variables for reporting recovery by analyzing the extent to which different outcomes (eg, pain intensity) were associated with recovery and how baseline scores of different variables influence this association in adult patients after acute lateral ankle sprain.

Design

This was a cohort study based on data collected in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Methods

This study was constructed within the framework of an RCT. One hundred two patients who incurred an acute ankle sprain were included. Recovery, pain intensity, giving way of the ankle, and Ankle Function Score (AFS) were assessed during the RCT at baseline and at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months postinjury. Mean differences were calculated between baseline and follow-up. Associations were calculated using linear mixed models, and the influence of baseline scores on these associations was determined using linear regression with interaction.

Results

Associations were found between recovery and the mean differences of pain during running on flat and rough surfaces (4 and 8 weeks, 3 months) and between recovery and the mean difference of giving way of the ankle during walking on a rough surface (8 weeks, 3 months).

Limitations

This study used data collected from an RCT. Therefore, the study was limited to the outcomes measured in that trial, and some explanatory factors easily could have been missed.

Conclusions

This study is the first to identify explanatory variables for reporting recovery in adults after ankle sprain. Pain intensity and giving way of the ankle measured during high ankle load activities make it easier to measure and to generalize recovery in this population and should be the primary outcome measures of interest. This study indicates the huge need to reach consensus about primary outcome measures for research in patients sustaining ankle sprains.
The Literature Curriculum in Russia: Cultural Nationalism vs. The Cultural Turn
Authors: Sarsenov Karin
Published: November 2010

In Western educational systems, the question “Why study literature in school?” has been raised in connection with the theoretical development often summarized as “the cultural turn.” The author strives to contribute to this discussion by examining the development of educational discourse in Russia. During the Soviet period, literature was – together with history – the subject most heavily influenced by the dogmas of Soviet state ideology. As such, literature enjoyed great prestige and was a compulsory and separate subject from the fifth to the eleventh school years. Since 1991, the educational system has undergone radical reform, but the number of hours devoted to literature has not changed significantly. This would suggest that literature still is perceived as an important means of incorporating children into the national and political community. The target of this study is to identify authorities’ specific aims in devoting so much time to literature in school, as well as to elucidate in what way literature is to achieve these aims. Russian guidelines for the development of literature curricula published in the years 1991–2010 are examined to see just how literature is legitimated as a secondary school subject. Based on this material, the author draws conclusions about the rhetorical practices and ideological development of curricular discourse, its relationship to Soviet educational thought and the extent to which the cultural turn has influenced this sphere.
The Author on Stage: Björn Ranelid as Performance Artist
Authors: Forslid Torbjörn , Ohlsson Anders
Published: November 2010

Media development has profoundly affected the literary public sphere. Authors as well as politicians may feel obliged to follow “the law of compulsory visibility” (John B. Thompson). All contemporary writers, be it bestselling authors or exclusive, high brow poets, must in one way or another reflect on their marketing and media strategies. Meeting and communicating with the audience, the potential readers, is of critical importance. In the article “The Author on Stage”, the authors consider how different literary performances by Swedish novelist Björn Ranelid (b. 1949) help establish his “brand name” on the literary market place.
Characterization of Activity of a Potential Food-Grade Leucine Aminopeptidase from Kiwifruit
Authors: Premarathne A. A. A. , Leung David W. M.
Published: November 2010

Aminopeptidase (AP) activity in ripe but firm fruit of Actinidia deliciosa was characterized using L-leucine-p-nitroanilide as a substrate. The enzyme activity was the highest under alkaline conditions and was thermolabile. EDTA, 1,10-phenanthroline, iodoacetamide, and had inhibitory effect while a low concentration of dithiothreitol (DTT) had stimulatory effect on kiwifruit AP activity. However, DTT was not essential for the enzyme activity. The results obtained indicated that the kiwifruit AP was a thiol-dependent metalloprotease. Its activity was the highest in the seeds, followed by the core and pericarp tissues of the fruit. The elution profile of the AP activity from a DEAE-cellulose column suggested that there were at least two AP isozymes in kiwifruit: one unadsorbed and one adsorbed fractions. It is concluded that useful food-grade aminopeptidases from kiwifruit could be revealed using more specific substrates.
Reported intimate partner violence amongst women attending a public hospital in Botswana
Authors: Zungu Lindiwe I. , Salawu Akeem O. , Ogunbanjo Gboyega A.
Published: November 2010

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is common worldwide and occurs across social, economic, religious and cultural groups. This makes it an important public health issue for health care providers. In South Africa, the problem of violence against women is complex and it has social and public health consequences. The paucity of data on IPV is related to underreporting and a lack of screening of this form of violence in health care settings.Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IPV and explore the risk factors associated with this type of violence against women who visited a public hospital in Botswana.Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among randomly sampled adult women aged 21 years and older, during their hospital visits in 2007. Data were obtained by means of structured interviews, after obtaining written and signed, informed consent from each participant.Results: A total of 320 women participated in this study. Almost half (49.7%) reported having had an experience of IPV in one form or another at some point in their lifetime, while 68 (21.2%) reported a recent incident of abuse by their partners in the past year. Experiences of IPV were predominantly reported by women aged 21 – 30 years (122; 38%). Most of the allegedly abused participants were single (173; 54%) and unemployed (140; 44%). Significant associations were found between alcohol use by participants’ male intimate partners (χ2 = 17.318; p = 0.001) and IPV, as well as cigarette smoking (χ2 = 17.318; p = 0.001) and IPV.Conclusion: The prevalence of alleged IPV in Botswana is relatively high (49.7%), especially among young adult women, but the prevalence of reported IPV is low (13.2%). It is essential that women are screened regularly in the country’s public and private health care settings for IPV.
Chronic Pain of the Vulva without Dermatologic Manifestations: Distinguishing among a Spectrum of clinical Disorders
Authors: Farage Miranda A. , Miller Kenneth W. , Summers Paul R. , Sobel Jack D. , Ledger William J.
Published: November 2010

The causes of chronic vulvar pain are many and when not accompanied by obvious physical signs they are difficult to unravel. Many common vulvar dermatoses can manifest without obvious erythema or mucocutaneous lesions, as can some less common disorders of both infectious and allergic origin. In addition localized and generalized vulvar dysesthesia, recently defined chronic pain syndromes of neurogenic origin, can also occur in the vulvar area.

Chronic vulvovaginal symptoms in early stages are often presumptuously labeled as vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) by patients and clinicians alike, which can delay accurate diagnosis. When presented with chronic vulvar pain unaccompanied by verifiable signs, the clinician must effect a sensitive integration of a detailed medical history, including temporal associations of all potential exposures, with more definitive diagnostic tools. Effective use of those available tools can improve initial diagnosis, thus allowing prompt initiation of effective therapy. Optimal therapy will recognize the significant psychological distress that accompanies any chronic pain syndrome.
Dynamics of the Antarctic and Arctic mesosphere and lower thermosphere – Part 1: Mean winds
Authors: Sandford D. J. , Beldon C. L. , Hibbins R. E. , Mitchell N. J.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. Zonal and meridional winds have been measured in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere at polar latitudes using two ground-based meteor radars. One radar is located at Rothera (68° S, 68° W) in the Antarctic and has been operational since February 2005. The second radar is located at Esrange (68° N, 21° E) in the Arctic and has been operational since October 1999. Both radars have produced relatively continuous measurements. Here we consider measurements made up to the end of 2009. Both radars are of similar design and at conjugate geographical latitudes, making the results directly comparable and thus allowing investigation of the differences in the mean winds of the Antarctic and Arctic regions. The data from each radar have been used to construct climatologies of monthly-mean zonal and meridional winds at heights between 80 and 100 km. Both Antarctic and Arctic data sets reveal seasonally varying zonal and meridional winds in which the broad pattern repeats from year to year. In particular, the zonal winds display a strong shear in summer associated with the upper part of the westward summertime zonal jet. The winds generally reverse to eastward flow at heights of ~90 km. The zonal winds are eastward throughout the rest of the year. The meridional winds are generally equatorward over both sites, although brief episodes of poleward flow are often evident near the equinoxes and during winter. The strongest equatorward flows occur at heights of ~90 km during summer. There are significant differences between the mean winds observed in the Antarctic and Arctic. In particular, the westward winds in summer are stronger and occur earlier in the season in the Antarctic compared with the Arctic. The eastward winds evident above the summertime zonal wind reversal are significantly stronger in the Arctic. The summertime equatorward flow in the Antarctic is slightly weaker, but occurs over a greater depth than is the case in the Arctic. Comparisons of these observations with those of the URAP and HWM-07 empirical models reveal a number of significant differences. In particular, the zonal winds observed in the Antarctic during wintertime are significantly weaker than those of URAP. However, the URAP zonal winds are a good match to the observations of the Arctic. Significant differences are evident between the observations and HWM-07. In particular, the strong wintertime zonal winds of the Arctic in HWM-07 are not evident in the observations and the summertime zonal winds in HWM-07 are systematically stronger than observed. The agreement with meridional winds is generally poor. There is a significant amount of inter-annual variability in the observed zonal and meridional winds. Particularly high variability is observed in the Arctic zonal winds in spring and is probably associated with stratospheric warmings.
Evidence of the impact of deep convection on reactive Volatile Organic Compounds in the upper tropical troposphere during the AMMA experiment in West Africa
Authors: Bechara J. , Borbon A. , Jambert C. , Colomb A. , Perros P. E.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. A large dataset of reactive trace gases was collected for the first time over West Africa during the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA) field experiment in August 2006. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC from C5–C9) were measured onboard the two French aircrafts the ATR-42 and the Falcon-20 by a new instrument AMOVOC (Airborne Measurement Of Volatile Organic Compounds). The goal of this study is (i) to characterize VOC distribution in the tropical region of West Africa (ii) to determine the impact of deep convection on VOC distribution and chemistry in the tropical upper troposphere (UT) and (iii) to characterize its spatial and temporal extensions. Experimental strategy consisted in sampling at altitudes between 0 and 12 km downwind of Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS) and at cloud base. Biogenic and anthropogenic VOC distribution in West Africa is clearly affected by North to South emission gradient. Isoprene, the most abundant VOC, is at maximum level over the forest (1.26 ppb) while benzene reaches its maximum over the urban areas (0.11 ppb). First, a multiple physical and chemical tracers approach using CO, O3 and relative humidity was implemented to distinguish between convective and non-convective air masses. Then, additional tools based on VOC observations (tracer ratios, proxy of emissions and photochemical clocks) were adapted to characterize deep convection on a chemical, spatial and temporal basis. VOC vertical profiles show a "C-shaped" trend indicating that VOC-rich air masses are transported from the surface to the UT by deep convective systems. VOC mixing ratios in convective outflow are up to two times higher than background levels even for reactive and short-lived VOC (e.g. isoprene up to 0.19 ppb at 12 km-altitude) and are dependent on surface emission type. As a consequence, UT air mass reactivity increases from 0.52 s−1 in non-convective conditions to 0.95 s−1 in convective conditions. Fractions of boundary layer air contained in convective outflow are estimated to be 40 ± 15%. Vertical transport timescale is calculated to be 25 ± 10 min between 0 to 12 km altitude. These results characterize deep convection occurring over West Africa and provide relevant information for tropical convection parameterization in regional/global models.
Review and parameterisation of bi-directional ammonia exchange between vegetation and the atmosphere
Authors: Massad R.-S. , Nemitz E. , Sutton M. A.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. Current deposition schemes used in atmospheric chemical transport models do not generally account for bi-directional exchange of ammonia (NH3). Bi-directional exchange schemes, which have so far been applied at the plot scale, can be included in transport models, but need to be parameterised with appropriate values of the ground layer compensation point (χg), stomatal compensation point (χs) and cuticular resistance (Rw). We review existing measurements of χg, χs as well as Rw and compile a comprehensive dataset from which we then propose generalised parameterisations. χs is related to Γs, the non-dimensional ratio of [NH4+]apo and [H+]apo in the apoplast, through the temperature dependence of the combined Henry and dissociation equilibrium. The meta-analysis suggests that the nitrogen (N) input is the main driver of the apoplastic and bulk leaf concentrations of ammonium (NH4 apo
Measuring Mast Cell Mediator Release
Authors: Kuehn Hye Sun , Radinger Madeleine , Gilfillan Alasdair M.
Published: November 2010

Mediators released from activated mast cells are responsible for the allergic inflammatory reactions associated with disease states such as anaphylaxis and atopy. These mediators are released as a consequence of immediate degranulation and phospholipid metabolism upon mast cell activation, followed by delayed cytokine gene expression. Thus, techniques that monitor indices of these events in mast cell culture systems, in association with biochemical analysis of parameters of cell signaling, are critical to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating mast cell–mediated disease. Furthermore, these systems can be adapted for high‐throughput screens to identify potential inhibitors of mast cell activation that may provide potential leads for novel therapies for these diseases. In this unit, we describe approaches that can be readily used or adapted to a variety of rodent and human mast cell culture systems for the determination of degranulation, phospholipid‐derived inflammatory mediator production, and cytokine generation. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 91:7.38.1‐7.38.9. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cecal Ligation and Puncture
Authors: Cuenca Alex G. , Delano Matthew J. , Kelly‐Scumpia Kindra M. , Moldawer Lyle L. , Efron Philip A.
Published: November 2010

The cecum contains a high concentration of microbes, which are a combination of Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive flora. These bacteria range from anaerobic to facultative aerobic to aerobic organisms. In the procedure described in this unit, the ligation of the cecum produces a source of ischemic tissue as well as polymicrobial infection. This combination of ischemic/necrotic tissue and microbial infection distinguishes this multifactorial model from a number of other bacterial sepsis models, including but not limited to: bacteremia secondary to intravenous or intraperitoneal administration; fecal administration or intraperitoneal administration of fecal or bacterial plugs; colonic stents; and bacterial abscess formation. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 91:19.13.1‐19.13.11. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Using Host 28S Ribosomal RNA as a Housekeeping Gene for Quantitative Real‐Time Reverse Transcription‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) in Virus‐Infected Animal Cells
Authors: Xue Jian‐Li , Cheng Xiao‐Wen
Published: November 2010

The use of quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) for studying regulation of gene transcription requires an internal template‐loading control or a housekeeping gene to guarantee the validity of the data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Analysis of gene transcription in virus‐infected animal cells is problematic because virus infection often results in modified or fluctuating gene transcription patterns of conventionally used housekeeping genes, such as the glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene and the β‐actin gene. It has been demonstrated that the host 28S ribosomal gene can be used as a housekeeping gene in qRT‐PCR in virus‐infected insect cells. The stability of the human 28S rRNA gene transcription during the infection of HeLa cells with adenovirus has been confirmed, and this method has been extended to the use of the human 28S rRNA gene as a housekeeping gene in adenovirus‐infected HeLa cells. Step‐by‐step instructions are described for use of this control in analysis of gene transcription in both types of virus‐infected animal cells. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 19:1D.2.1‐1D.2.13. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Laboratory Maintenance of Streptomyces argillaceus and Streptomyces griseus
Authors: Bosserman Mary A. , Shepherd Micah D. , Kharel Madan K. , Rohr Jürgen
Published: November 2010

This unit describes general protocols for the laboratory maintenance of Streptomyces argillaceus and griseus, including growth on solid and liquid media, as well as specific considerations for the type of medium to be used with these species. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 19:10E.2.1‐10E.2.4. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Genetic Manipulation of Streptomyces Species
Authors: Nybo S. Eric , Shepherd Micah D. , Bosserman Mary A. , Rohr Jürgen
Published: November 2010

This unit includes general protocols for the genetic manipulation of Streptomyces species, including genomic DNA isolation, genomic library preparation, intergeneric conjugation of Streptomyces with E. coli, generation and transformation of Streptomyces protoplasts, electroporation of Streptomyces mycelia, and colony PCR. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 19:10E.3.1‐10E.3.26. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rapid Re(f)use: 3‐D Fabricated Positive Waste Ecologies
Authors: Joachim Mitchell
Published: November 2010

Mitchell Joachim calls for a radical revision of our approach to waste management. Rather than the low‐level recycling that goes on through municipal authorities, he advocates the proactive use of waste to regenerate our cities. This he illustrates with Terreform One + Terrefuge's Rapid Re(f)use and Homeway projects that aim ‘to capture, reduce and redesign New York's refuse infrastructure’. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production of filled hydrogels by mechanochemically induced polymerization
Authors: Damm C. , Mallembakam M. R. , Voronov A. , Peukert W.
Published: November 2010

Silica nanoparticles functionalized with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were obtained by the grinding/mechanical activation of quartz or nonfunctionalized silica nanoparticles in a stirred media mill in the presence of 1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, as proven by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The polymer layer thickness formed on the silica nanoparticles after 8 h of mechanical activation in the absence of polymerization initiators amounted to about 10 nm, as derived from shear rheology. The silica nanoparticles functionalized with the hydrophilic PVP by mechanochemical polymerization reaction were used as fillers for hydrogels based on poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (polyHEMA). The water absorption, release properties, and mechanical properties of the polyHEMA–silica composites were measured as functions of the filler content and particle size of the filler. PolyHEMA samples containing 20 wt % of the functionalized silica particles exhibited a higher maximum water absorption than the unfilled polymer; this showed that the hydrophilic interface between the filler and the matrix improved the water absorption. The release of methylene blue from the polyHEMA–silica composites was governed by diffusion and was almost unaffected by the silica particles. The values for the storage modulus and loss modulus of the polyHEMA–silica composites increased with growing filler content. For constant filler content, the storage modulus increased with decreasing particle diameter of the filler; this showed that the reinforcing effect increased with the interface between the filler particles and the matrix polymer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Rheometric study of chitosan/activated carbon composite hydrogels for medical applications using an experimental design
Authors: Venault A. , Vachoud L. , Bouyer D. , Pochat‐Bohatier C. , Faur C.
Published: November 2010

Composite chitosan/activated carbon hydrogels were prepared with the vapor‐induced phase separation process. A rheometric study was performed with a factorial fractional design to determine the formulation and process parameters significantly influencing the mechanical properties of the gels. The results revealed that three factors played a key role in the storage modulus of the gels. According to the model, these factors could be classified with respect to their relative influence on the storage modulus in the following descending order: chitosan concentration > gel time of exposure to ammonia vapors > temperature of the reactor. Increasing these parameters led to an increase in the physical crosslinking density within the matrices and resulted in a reinforcement of the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. Two interactions were also shown to be significant and promoted the formation of supplementary junction zones within the matrix: the first one corresponded to the interaction between the chitosan concentration and the exposure time to ammonia vapors, and the second one concerned the interaction between the chitosan concentration and the temperature of the reactor. A second‐order model was obtained from statistical analysis. Because of the determination coefficient (89.4%) and the P value related to the lack of adjustment of the model (0.043), which was associated with a 95% confidence level, this model could be considered to be of good quality. Three gels were used to validate the model, and good accuracy was obtained. The maximum elastic modulus was obtained with the highest chitosan concentration [4% (w/v)], the highest temperature in the gelation chamber (50°C), and the longest time of exposure to ammonia vapors (24 h). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Indication for oophorectomy during cytoreduction for intraperitoneal metastatic spread of colorectal or appendiceal origin
Authors: Evers D J , Verwaal V J
Published: November 2010

Background

The incidence of ovarian metastases at the time of peritoneal carcinomatosis, and the influence of such metastases on survival after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), are unknown.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 194 women subjected to CRS and HIPEC since 2001. The incidence of ovarian metastases, disease-free survival and disease-specific survival were analysed.

Results

The histological diagnosis was colorectal cancer carcinomatosis in 108 patients, peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis (PMCA) in 23 and disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis (DPAM) in 63. Ninety-nine patients underwent oophorectomy during the HIPEC procedure. Ovarian metastases were confirmed in at least 52 per cent of the patients. There was a significant difference in disease-free survival between women with or without ovarian metastases in both PMCA and DPAM groups (P = 0·044 and P = 0·010 respectively). No significant differences in survival were found in the group with colorectal cancer carcinomatosis.

Conclusion

When peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal or appendiceal origin is confirmed, at least 52 per cent of ovaries will have synchronous metastases. Disease-free survival after a HIPEC procedure for PMCA or DPAM is significantly lower in women with ovarian metastases. Oophorectomy during CRS for peritoneal carcinomatosis should be strongly considered.
Numerical Simulation of Dispersed Gas/Liquid Flows in Bubble Columns at High Phase Fractions using OpenFOAM® Part 1 – Modeling Fundamentals
Authors: Marschall H. , Mornhinweg R. , Kossmann A. , Oberhauser S. , Langbein K. , Hinrichsen O.
Published: November 2010

Zahlreiche Produkte der chemischen Industrie entstehen in Gas/Flüssig‐Reaktoren mit Blasenströmungen. Entsprechend groß ist das Interesse daran, diese Reaktorklasse zu optimieren. Zur Auslegung industrieller Gas/Flüssig‐Reaktoren sind möglichst genaue Informationen über Strömungsstruktur und ‐verhalten des vorliegenden Zwei‐ oder Mehrphasensystems nötig. Die für die Simulationsgüte wesentlichen Modelle für die zwei‐fluid‐modell‐basierte Simulation disperser Gas/Flüssig‐Strömungen in Blasensäulen bei hohen Gasgehalten werden erläutert.
Methanol Needs More Attention as a Fuel and Raw Material for the Future
Authors: Bertau M. , Offermanns H. , Menges G. , Keim W. , Effenberger F. X.
Published: November 2010

Zum Thema der zukünftigen Energieversorgung und zur Vermeidung des Treibhauseffektes sind in jüngster Zeit viele Stellungnahmen und Strategiepapiere von wissenschaftlichen Gesellschaften und Wissenschaftsorganisationen erschienen; die Gesamtschau des Themenkreises „Energie, Kraftstoffe, Chemierohstoffe und Klima”︁ fehlt in aller Regel und dem Recycling von CO2, also der stofflichen Nutzung, z. B. zur Herstellung von Methanol, wird weniger Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt als der Speicherung von CO2, (Carbon Capture and Storage, kurz CCS).
Molecular Packing in Self‐Assembled p‐n and n‐p‐n Heterostructure Co‐oligomers
Authors: Wan Junhua , Li Yibao , Ma Zhun , Li Tingcheng , Huang Wei
Published: November 2010

The molecular packing structure in the self‐assembled p‐n and n‐p‐n heterostructure oligomers (OT2O and T2O2) was investigated. The macroscopic properties of the two oligomers were systemically investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), which revealed that the 3D (three‐dimensional) assemblies of the two oligomers exhibited obvious differences. The two‐dimensional assemblies (2D) of them were identified by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) on a highly oriented poyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface. Well‐ordered monolayer assembly structures were fabricated by symmetric molecules (OT2Os), while the ordered dormain of asymmetric molecule (T2O2s) could not be clearly resolved. This system, as an excellent example, may provide guidance for the design of the novel p‐n heterostructure oligomer and polymer.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Theoretical Calculation, Specific Heat Capacity, and Thermodynamic Properties of 4,4′‐Bis(3‐N‐methoxyformyl thioureido)‐diphenyloxide
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Huang Jie , Song Jirong , Xu Kangzheng , Ban Qixun
Published: November 2010

4,4′‐Bis(3‐N‐methoxyformyl thioureido)‐diphenyloxide was prepared via reaction of 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl alter with potassium sulfocyanate and ethyl chloroacetate in ethyl acetate. The single crystal of the title compound was cultured by slow evaporation method at room temperature. The crystal structure was determined with X‐ray diffractometer. It is a monoclinic crystal, space group C2/c with a=0.95911(19) nm, b=0.75922(15) nm, c=2.7161(5) nm, α=90°, β=97.675 (3) °, γ=90°, V=1.9601(7) nm3, Z=4, Dc=1.472 g·cm−3, F(000) =904, µ=0.311 cm−1, R1=0.0367, wR2=0.1408. The specific heat capacity of the title compound was determined with continuous Cp mode of mircocalorimeter. The thermal behavior of the title compound was studied under a non‐isothermal condition by DSC method.
Influence of the Synthesis pH on Sorption Behavior of Mesoporous MCM‐41 for Toxic Metal Ions
Authors: Sepehrian Hamid , Waqif‐Husain Syed
Published: November 2010

Two samples of mesoporous MCM‐41 have been prepared in acidic and basic conditions with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as template and characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction and N2 adsorption‐desorption measurement to confirm the ordered mesoporous structure. Sorption of 21 toxic metal ions on these sorbents has been studied and discussed. The results show that distribution coefficient of Ba(II), Fe(III), Th(IV) on the synthesized MCM‐41 in basic condition and Cu(II), Pb(II), Zr(IV) on the synthesized MCM‐41 in acidic condition has been enhanced.
Heterocycle‐bridged and Conformationally Constrained Retinoids: Synthesis of 4‐(7,8,9,10‐Tetrahydro‐7,7,10,10‐tetramethyl‐4H‐benzo[6,7]chromeno‐ [4,3‐d]thiazole‐2‐yl)benzoic Acid
Authors: Lamei Navid , Foroumadi Alireza , Emami Saeed , Amini Mohsen , Shafiee Abbas
Published: November 2010

Retinoids are a class of synthetic and natural compounds structurally related to retinoic acid. In a search for discovery of a new class of heterocycle‐bridged and conformationally constrained retinoids, here we report the synthesis of 4‐(7,8,9,10‐tetrahydro‐7,7,10,10‐tetramethyl‐4H‐benzo[6,7]chromeno[4,3‐d]thiazole‐2‐yl)benzoic acid (10) starting from 5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐5,5,8,8‐tetramethylnaphthalen‐2‐ol (13). Several approaches was attempted to obtain target compound 10. Structure elucidation of synthesized compounds has been made on the basis of elemental analysis and spectral data (1H NMR, IR and MS).
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones Incorporating Sulfonamido‐4‐thiazolidinone
Authors: Patel Navin B. , Patel Jaymin C. , Patel Virendra N.
Published: November 2010

Some new derivatives 7‐chloro‐2‐[2‐(2,6‐dichlorophenyl)amino]benzyl‐3‐[4‐(2‐substituted phenyl‐4‐oxo‐ thiazolidin‐3‐yl)phenyl]sulfonamido‐quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones 5a–5l were synthesized from 2‐[2‐(2,6‐dichloro‐phenyl)amino]phenyl acetic acid via acid chloride, benzoxazinone, amino quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one and Schiff base formation. The synthesized compounds were screened for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities by broth micro dilution method. Some of the Schiff base as well as 4‐thiazolidinone derivatives showed promising antibacterial activity while pronounced antifungal activity was observed against C. albicans.
Pyrrolidine‐based Dicationic Acidic Ionic Liquids: Efficient and Recyclable Catalysts for Esterifications
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Zhao Yingwei , Li Zhen , Chen Jing , Xia Chungu
Published: November 2010

A highly efficient and eco‐friendly esterification was achieved by a series of novel dicationic acidic ionic liquids (DAILs) containing double SO3H cations. High yields of the product esters were obtained by using 2 mol% of the DAILs as catalysts and DAIL I could be reused at least ten times without appreciable loss of its efficicency.
Solvent‐free Synthesis of Alkylaminophenols via Petasis Boronic Mannich Reaction in One Pot without Catalysts
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Limin , Sui Yuanyuan , Yu Jianjun
Published: November 2010

By using solvent‐free and heat conditions, the Petasis boronic Mannich reaction of salicylaldehydes with various boronic acids and secondary amines without catalyst is described. The alkylaminophenols were obtained in moderate to good yields in a shorter reaction time than the traditional methods.
Study on Vapor‐Liquid Nucleation Rates for n‐Alcohols by Density Functional Theory
Authors: Wu Huijie , Li Xiaosen
Published: November 2010

The statistical associating fluid theory (SAFT) in conjunction with the Weeks‐Chandler‐Anderson (WCA) approximation for intermolecular interaction is employed to construct a non‐uniform equation of state (EOS) for n‐alcohols. The molecular parameters for methanol, ethanol, 1‐propanol, 1‐butanol, 1‐pentanol and 1‐hexanol are obtained by fitting to the experimental data of vapor‐liquid equilibria and then used to predict the nucleation rates under the framework of density functional theory (DFT). The predictions are found to be in quite good agreement with the experimental data. Investigation shows that the combination of DFT and SAFT is a successful approach for vapor‐liquid nucleation rates of n‐alcohols.
Point Mutation Genotyping Based on Melting‐Point Difference without Fluorescent Probes
Authors: Meng Xuan , Huang Jianhua , Meng Xiangxian , Wu Yanqiong , Mo Qiuhua
Published: November 2010

Fluorescent method is a powerful tool for genotyping point mutations. Current existing methods usually need cost labeled fluorescent probes, which causes great limitation to their applications in clinic. Here, a fidelity method for genotyping point mutations has been developed based on melting‐point difference without labeled fluorescent probes. The method employs ligase to ligate two specific probes to produce a high melting temperature. The homozygotes and heterozygotes are scored accurately by obvious melting‐point difference among genotypes. This method would provide an accurate and economical‐cost tool for point mutation genotyping.
Mg Environments in the Octahedral Sheet of 2:1 Talc‐Like Hybrid Phyllosilicates: A Comparative XAFS Study
Authors: Miehé‐Brendlé Jocelyne , Tuilier Marie‐Hélène , Marichal Claire , Gallego Jean‐Christophe , Reinholdt Marc
Published: November 2010

Phenethyl and Phenylaminomethyl talc‐like hybrid (TLH) materials prepared by a one‐step synthetic procedure are investigated by Mg K‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) to obtain structural information on the octahedral sheet of these 2:1 phyllosilicates. A comparison of Mg K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectra of the talc‐like hybrids, synthetic montmorillonite containing 20 % Mg and 80 % Al in the octahedral sheet, and MgO is presented. Three peaks are observed in the near‐edge XAFS spectra of the phyllosilicates. Their interpretation is drawn from previous multiple scattering, band structure, and molecular cluster simulations of electron energy loss near‐edge structures spectra of MgO. Among the theoretical approaches found in the literature, the molecular cluster calculations highlight the dependence of the observed features on Mg–O and Mg–Mg orbital overlaps. Our results reveal a lower Mg–Mg orbital overlap in the hybrid materials than in MgO. The extended XAFS analysis emphasises a deviation from the regular Mg octahedral coordination in the TLHs. Two different Mg–O distances are identified; the shorter one is found to be significantly higher than predicted in the theoretical talc structure.
Visual recognition memory: A double anatomo‐functional dissociation
Authors: Barbeau Emmanuel J. , Pariente Jérémie , Felician Olivier , Puel Michèle
Published: November 2010

There is an ongoing debate regarding the respective role of anterior subhippocampal structures and the hippocampus in recognition memory. Here, we report a double anatomo‐functional dissociation observed in two brain‐damaged patients, FRG and JMG. They both suffered from complete destruction of left MTL structures. In the right hemisphere however, FRG sustained extensive lesions to the hippocampus sparing anterior subhippocampal structures, while JMG suffered from the reversed pattern of lesion, i.e., extensive damage to anterior subhippocampal structures but preserved hippocampus. FRG was severely amnesic and failed all recall tasks involving visual material, but exhibited normal performance at a large battery of visual recognition memory tasks. JMG was not amnesic and showed the opposite pattern of performance. These results strongly support the view that right anterior subhippocampal structures are a critical relay for visual recognition memory in the human. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NMDA receptor hypofunction in the dentate gyrus and impaired context discrimination in adult Fmr1 knockout mice
Authors: Eadie Brennan D. , Cushman Jesse , Kannangara Timal S. , Fanselow Michael S. , Christie Brian R.
Published: November 2010

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability in humans. This X‐linked disorder is caused by the transcriptional repression of a single gene, Fmr1. The loss of Fmr1 transcription prevents the production of Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) which in turn disrupts the expression of a variety of key synaptic proteins that appear to be important for intellectual ability. A clear link between synaptic dysfunction and behavioral impairment has been elusive, despite the fact that several animal models of FXS have been generated. Here we report that Fmr1 knockout mice exhibit impaired bidirectional synaptic plasticity in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. These deficits are associated with a novel decrease in functional NMDARs (N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors). In addition, mice lacking the Fmr1 gene show impaired performance in a context discrimination task that normally requires functional NMDARs in the DG. These data indicate that Fmr1 deletion results in significant NMDAR‐dependent electrophysiological and behavioral impairments specific to the DG. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.