bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of return current noise by energy‐compensating active control
Authors: Azuma Satoshi , Yamasaki Hisanori , Itoh Daisuke , Maruyama Takafumi
Published: August 2008

A newly proposed energy‐compensating active control is implemented to reduce the return current noise which is caused by inverter‐driven electric car systems. The energy‐compensating active control detects the energy charged at the filter capacitor, and reduces the energy and current of the noise frequency component by simple feedback loop incorporated with the conventional motor torque controller. No additional sensors or circuit arrangements are necessary; therefore, the return current can be attenuated effectively without any further cost. The return current with an inverter system is measured using a current probe and an FFT analyzer, and it is shown that the 25‐Hz noise current is reduced by up to 10 dB with the control. The results reveal that the low‐frequency return current noise can be attenuated with the simple control scheme, which would expectedly reduce the size of filter reactors and capacitors to meet the current limit level of the signaling system's track relays. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 165(4): 84–91, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20615
A study on power flow congestion relief in cooperation with customer‐side cogeneration systems
Authors: Furusawa Ken , Yanase Kazunori , Sugihara Hideharu , Tsuji Kiichiro
Published: August 2008

Dispersed generation technologies (e.g., gas engines) have greatly advanced in recent years. Gas engines are often operated as the main component of a cogeneration system (CGS). By using exhaust heat, the total efficiency of CGSs can reach from 70% to 80%, and as a result, it is also useful for reductions of CO2 emission. Therefore, CGSs have been given preferential treatment by the Japanese government and their installation and use is expected to become widespread in the future. When customers introduce CGSs, these systems have an influence on the demand profile for electric utilities. On the other hand, CGS operational patterns depend on customers' economic requirements; thus, it is difficult to flexibly change those patterns so that they meaningfully contribute to the electric utility. As a demand response program, the authors proposed a method whereby CGSs at the customer side are used for congestion relief in transmission networks. In the proposed method, the optimal configuration of energy systems including CGSs at the customer side is determined. As well, the optimal operation of the electric utility's generators is also determined taking into account the CGS operation patterns. This paper evaluates both costs to the electric utility and the customers' cost for congestion relief in transmission networks. Further, we evaluate the influence on CO2 emission and primary energy consumption from the viewpoint of a unified energy system with CGSs providing input on a flexible operation pattern. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 165(4): 30– 40, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20674
A fast market splitting matching method for the spot electric power market
Authors: Sawa Toshiyuki , Nakata Yuji , Tsurugai Mitsuo , Sugiyama Shigenari
Published: August 2008

A fast, innovative matching method for the spot power market, considering network constraints, has been developed. In this method, buy and sell order bids are respectively divided into the aggregated volume of several band prices. Then, the aggregated volume and the center of each band price are used to calculate an index band clearing price, which contains the real clearing price. The division and calculation process is iterated until the band price is less than the tick size of the bidding price. This method is applied to a real problem in the Japan power market, with 9 bidding areas, 10 area‐connecting lines, and 9000 orders (volume/price pairs). Numerical simulation results show that the new method is ten times faster than conventional linear programming, demonstrating the effectiveness of this method. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 165(4): 21–29, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20694
Power system control method using customers' energy storage systems and the verification of proposed method
Authors: Kimura Misao , Hayashi Hideki , Kajihara Toshiyuki , Kato Masakazu , Kouchi Katsuhiko
Published: August 2008

Advanced energy storage systems have been widely applied to industries and are being installed at large buildings and factories to realize efficient energy usage. This paper presents a control method involving load frequency control and distribution network control (loss reduction control) using a part of customers' owned battery capacity. When 10% of total battery capacity of 100 MW in a network of 30‐GW generator capacities is used for load frequency control, a total of 1500‐MW generation units for load frequency control, at maximum, can be stopped without deterioration of power quality. In addition, when batteries are used for loss reduction in a distribution network, 2% of the loss on a summer day can be reduced. To realize both effects to their fullest, a novel integrated control algorithm is proposed and its economic effect is evaluated by numerical simulations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 165(4): 11–20, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20704
Neutral Ti Complexes as Catalysts for the Hydroamination of Alkynes and Alkenes: Do the Labile Ligands Change the Catalytic Activity?
Authors: Gräbe Kerstin , Pohlki Frauke , Doye Sven
Published: August 2008

A detailed comparison between three four‐coordinate Ti complexes featuring the general bidentate ligand [η5‐(C5H4)‐SiMe2‐NtBu]2– and two ligands X (NMe2, Me, Cl) as catalyst precursors (I–III) for the intermolecular hydroamination of alkynes and the intramolecular hydroamination of alkenes is presented. The results strongly suggest that the catalytically active species are only identical for reactions performed with the bis(dimethylamido) complex I or the dimethyl complex II. Under the reaction conditions, the labile ligands X are proteolytically removed by the reacting amine to form catalytically active imido or amido complexes, together with dimethylamine or methane. Although both catalyst precursors can be used successfully for many substrate combinations, the preparative and kinetic studies clearly indicate that dimethylamine, which is formed from the bis(dimethylamido) catalyst precursor I and the reacting amine, is able to convert the catalytically active imido or amido complexes back into the catalyst precursor and therefore inhibits the reactions. As a consequence, the bis(dimethylamido) catalyst precursor I shows a poorer catalytic performance than the corresponding dimethyl complex II. Additionally, it is shown that the dichloro complex III is only a suitable catalyst precursor for selected hydroamination reactions. Corresponding reactions that are more difficult to achieve – such as reactions of diarylalkynes or amino alkenes – do not work efficiently with this complex. A possible explanation for this observation is the finding that the dichloro catalyst precursor III is obviously converted into a different catalytically active species. This can happen if the [η5‐(C5H4)‐SiMe2‐NtBu]‐ligand system of the catalyst precursor is being destroyed and removed from the Ti center under the reaction conditions.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Molecular Recognition Properties of a Charge‐Transfer Host System Composed of 10,10′‐Dihydroxy‐9,9′‐biphenanthryl and Viologen Derivatives
Authors: Imai Yoshitane , Kamon Kensaku , Kido Shingo , Sato Tomohiro , Tajima Nobuo , Kuroda Reiko , Matsubara Yoshio
Published: August 2008

A charge‐transfer (CT) complex composed of racemic rac‐10,10′‐dihydroxy‐9,9′‐biphenanthryl as the electron‐donor and the diquaternary derivative of 4,4′‐bipyridinium (viologen) as the electron‐acceptor has been formed by the inclusion of guest molecules. The color and diffuse reflectance spectra of this inclusion CT complex are sensitive to the guest molecules, and their properties can be tuned by changing the component viologen derivatives. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Identification of optimal poultry litter biorefinery location in Alabama through minimization of feedstock transportation cost
Authors: Aksoy Burak , Cullinan Harry T. , Sammons Norman E. , Eden Mario R.
Published: August 2008

The estimated amount of poultry litter produced annually in Alabama is more than 1,250,000 tons. This large amount results in significant litter management challenges. Currently, poultry producers are facing many regulatory issues and challenges with respect to environmental impacts of litter management. Commercialization and implementation of environmentally benign biorefinery technologies have the potential to generate electric power (including on‐site power) and heat as well as transportation fuels, hydrogen, valuable chemicals, and fertilizer from poultry litter economically while addressing environmental problems caused by traditional disposal practices.

In this study, poultry litter generated annually in northern and southern Alabama was documented on the basis of published literature, and transportation cost of poultry litter is minimized for both north and south Alabama by the selection of the best large‐scale biorefining facility location and optimal feedstock allocation using mathematical optimization techniques. The available portion of the existing poultry litter feedstock for a large scale biorefinery is found to be an important factor in determining transportation cost. Transportation cost increases several fold as the local feedstock availability for biorefining reduces from 100 to 50%. Optimum facility locations for both north and south Alabama were found within a 10 mile radius for three different poultry litter feedstock availabilities. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2008
Production of renewable bioproducts and reduction of phosphate pollution through the lime pretreatment and acidogenic digestion of dairy manure
Authors: Blackman Erin D. , van Walsum G. Peter
Published: August 2008

Acidogenic digestion with lime pretreatment was proposed as a means of reducing soluble reactive phosphorous concentrations in dairy cow manure while producing calcium carboxylate salts as a chemical platform for production of fuels and chemicals via the MixAlco Process. When concentrated in small geographic areas, large dairy operations can have environmentally harmful impacts on their watersheds, due to excess nutrients causing eutrophication of local water bodies. In Central Texas, as in many other areas, phosphorous contamination from confined animal feeding operations is a leading cause of human induced eutrophication. It was found that lime pretreatment followed by acidogenic or methanogenic anaerobic digestion led to substantial reductions in soluble reactive phosphate (SRP) levels while also producing potentially valuable products. Dairy manure filtrate was analyzed for SRP before and after the process steps of lime pretreatment and anaerobic digestion. An average reduction of SRP by 89% was observed through the two step process for lime pretreatment coupled with acidogenic digestion. Acidogenic digestion was demonstrated to produce mixed organic acids at mesophillic temperatures and primarily acetic acid at thermophillic temperatures. Using the MixAlco Process, the carboxylate salts of these organic acids could potentially be converted into marketable fuels and chemicals. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
The Orthogonal (e,e,e)‐Tris‐Adduct of 9,10‐Dimethylanthracene with C60‐Fullerene: A Hidden Cornerstone of Fullerene Chemistry. Preliminary Communication
Authors: Duarte‐Ruiz Alvaro , Wurst Klaus , Kräutler Bernhard
Published: August 2008

Tris(9′,10′‐dimethyl[9,10]ethanoanthracene[11′,12′: 1,9;11″,12″: 16,17;11′′′,12′′′: 30,31])[5,6]fullerene C60, the orthogonal (e,e,e)‐tris‐adduct of C60 and 9,10‐dimethylanthracene, was obtained from [4+2]‐cycloaddition (Diels–Alder reaction) at room temperature. The thermally unstable orange red (e,e,e)‐tris‐adduct was purified by chromatography and was isolated in the form of red monoclinic crystals. Its C3‐symmetric addition pattern was established spectroscopically. Its structure could be further investigated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The (e,e,e)‐tris‐adduct of C60 and 9,10‐dimethylanthracene has earlier been suggested as intermediate and reversibly formed critical component in ‘template directed’ addition reactions of C60. This previously elusive compound has now been isolated and structurally characterized.
Addition Reactions of Sulfenyl and Sulfinyl Chlorides with 3‐Phenyl‐1‐azabicyclo[1.1.0]butane
Authors: Mlostoń Grzegorz , Woźnicka Marta , Drabowicz Józef , Linden Anthony , Heimgartner Heinz
Published: August 2008

The reactions of 3‐phenyl‐1‐azabicyclo[1.1.0]butane with α‐chlorosulfenyl chlorides and sulfinyl chlorides lead to the corresponding sulfenamides and sulfinamides, respectively, which possess an azetidine ring. It is proposed that a two‐step mechanism occurs involving an intermediate carbenium ion, which is formed by the addition of the electrophile at the N‐atom and cleavage of the N(1)C(3) bond. The structures of 9b and 10b are established by X‐ray crystallography.
Two New Cytotoxic Nonsulfated Pentasaccharide Holostane (=20‐Hydroxylanostan‐18‐oic Acid γ‐Lactone) Glycosides from the Sea Cucumber Holothuria grisea
Authors: Sun Guo‐Quan , Li Ling , Yi Yang‐Hua , Yuan Wei‐Hua , Liu Bao‐Shu , Weng Yi‐Yi , Zhang Shi‐Long , Sun Peng , Wang Zeng‐Lei
Published: August 2008

Two new lanostane‐type nonsulfated pentasaccharide triterpene glycosides, 17‐dehydroxyholothurinoside A (1) and griseaside A (2), were isolated from the sea cucumber Holothuria grisea. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 2D‐NMR and MS experiments, as well as chemical evidence. Compounds 1 and 2 possess the same pentasaccharide moieties but differ slightly in their side chains of the holostane‐type triterpene aglycone. The structures of the two new glycosides were established as (3β,12α)‐22,25‐epoxy‐3‐{(O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐O‐[O‐3‐O‐methyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐6‐deoxy‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐D‐xylopyranosyl)oxy}‐12,20‐dihydroxylanost‐9(11)‐en‐18‐oic acid γ‐lactone (1) and (3β,12α)‐3‐{(O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐O‐[O‐3‐O‐methyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐6‐deoxy‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐D‐xylopyranosyl)oxy}‐12,20,22‐trihydroxylanost‐9(11)‐en‐18‐oic acid γ‐lactone (2). The 17‐dehydroxyholothurinoside A (1) and griseaside A (2) exhibited significant cytotoxicity against HL‐60, BEL‐7402, Molt‐4, and A‐549 cancer cell lines.
Studies on 4‐Thiazolidinones: Scope of the Reactions of 3‐Aryl‐2‐thioxo‐1,3‐thiazolidin‐4‐ones with Cyanide and Cyanate Ions
Authors: Omar Mohamed T. , Shaban Mohamed E. , El‐Aasar Nadia K. , Saied Khaled F.
Published: August 2008

Treatment of 3‐aryl‐2‐thioxo‐1,3‐thiazolidin‐4‐ones 1 with CN− and NCO− effected the ring cleavage providing [(cyanocarbonothioyl)amino]benzenes 4 and arylisothiocyanates 5, respectively. Similar treatment of 5‐(2‐aryl‐2‐oxoethyl) derivatives 2 afforded 2,4‐bis(2‐aryl‐2‐oxoethylidene)cyclobutane‐1,3‐diones 6 along with each of the preceding products. Treatment of the respective (E,Z)‐5‐(2‐aryl‐2‐oxoethylidene) analogues 3b and 3c with CN− gave 4b and 4c and 2‐(arylcarbonyl)‐2‐methoxy‐4‐oxopentanedinitriles 7b and 7c, in addition to 3,6‐bis[2‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1‐methoxy‐2‐oxoethylidene]‐1,4‐dithiane‐2,5‐dione 8c, which has been generated from 3c. Reactions of 3c or 3d with NCO− provided 5c or 5d, together with 8c or 8d as pure isomers. In the formation of the MeO products 7 and 8, the solvent (MeOH) has participated. Structures of these products are based on microanalytical and spectroscopic data. Rationalizations for the above transformations are given.
Phenylethyl Glycosides from Globularia alypum Growing in Turkey
Authors: Kırmızıbekmez Hasan , Bassarello Carla , Piacente Sonia , çalış İhsan
Published: August 2008

From the leaves of Globularia alypum, three new phenylethyl glycosides, namely galypumosides A (=2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl O‐α‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐4‐O‐[(E)‐caffeoyl]‐6‐O‐[(E)‐p‐coumaroyl]‐β‐glucopyranoside; 1), B (=2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl O‐α‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐4‐O‐[(E)‐caffeoyl]‐6‐O‐[(E)‐feruloyl]‐β‐glucopyranoside; 2), and C (=2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl O‐α‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐4‐O‐[(E)‐caffeoyl]‐6‐O‐menthiafoloyl‐β‐glucopyranoside; 3), were isolated, together with two known phenylethyl glycosides, calceolarioside A and verbascoside. Eight iridoid glucosides, catalpol, globularicisin, globularin, globularidin, globularinin, globularimin, lytanthosalin, and alpinoside, a flavon glycoside, 6‐hydroxyluteolin 7‐O‐sophoroside, a lignan glycoside, syringaresinol 4′‐O‐β‐glucopyranoside, and a phenylpropanoid glycoside, syringin, were also obtained and characterized. The structures of the isolates were elucidated on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments as well as HR‐MALDI‐MS.
New N‐Containing Sesquiterpenes from Hainan Marine Sponge Axinyssa sp.
Authors: Li Zhen‐Yu , Yu Zhi‐Guo , Guo Yue‐Wei
Published: August 2008

Three new N‐containing sesquiterpenes, isofarnesyl formamide (2), 7‐formamido‐7,8‐dihydro‐α‐bisabolane (3), 4,5‐epi‐10‐isothiocyanatoisodauc‐6‐ene (4), and a known sesquiterpene, farnesyl formamide (1), were isolated from the Hainan marine sponge Axinyssa sp. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by detailed analyses of their spectroscopic data and by comparison of their NMR data with those of structurally related compounds.
Six New Dammarane Triterpenoids from Viburnum cylindricum
Authors: Tu Lin , Zhao Yu , Yu Zu‐Yin , Cong Yu‐Wen , Xu Gang , Peng Li‐Yan , Zhang Peng‐Tao , Cheng Xiao , Zhao Qin‐Shi
Published: August 2008

One new dammarane triterpenoid, cylindrictone A (1), as well as five new nor‐dammarane triterpenoids cylindrictone B–F (2–6) were isolated from the leaves of Viburnum cylindrium, together with three known compounds 3β‐hydroxy‐hexanordammaran‐20‐one (7), 3α‐hydroxyoctanordammar‐12‐en‐17‐one (8), and neoalsogenin B (9). Their structures were identified by extensive NMR‐spectroscopic (especially 2D‐NMR) and mass‐spectrometric experiments, and the structure of 3 was further confirmed by a single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. The compounds exhibited no activity against human promyelocytic leukemia HL60 cell.
Tricycloalternarenes A – E: Five New Mixed Terpenoids from the Endophytic Fungal Strain Alternaria alternata Ly83
Authors: Yuan Lin , Zhao Pei‐Ji , Ma Juan , Li Guo‐Hong , Shen Yue‐Mao
Published: August 2008

Five new mixed terpenoids, tricycloalternarenes (TCAs) A–E (1–5), together with two known compounds, TCA 1b (6) and TCA 2b (7), were isolated from the solid‐state‐cultured endophytic fungus Alternaria alternata of Maytenus hookeri. Their structures were identified by extensive spectroscopic (especially 2D‐NMR) experiments. Compound 7 showed weak activity against human tumor cell lines by MTT assay.
Alcohol consumption, type of alcoholic beverage and risk of colorectal cancer at specific subsites
Authors: Bongaerts Brenda W.C. , van den Brandt Piet A. , Goldbohm R. Alexandra , de Goeij Anton F.P.M. , Weijenberg Matty P.
Published: August 2008

Within the Netherlands Cohort Study on diet and cancer, we investigated associations between total alcohol consumption, specific alcoholic beverage consumption and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) according to anatomical subsite. Hazard Ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Analyses were performed on 2,323 CRC cases, available after 13.3 years of follow‐up. Compared to abstaining, alcohol consumption of ≥30.0 g/day (∼3 alcoholic drinks) was positively associated with the risk of CRC (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.06–1.65). Analyses restricted to subjects who reported to have consumed equal amounts of alcohol 5 years before baseline compared to baseline, showed elevated risk estimates for consumers of ≥30.0 g of total alcohol per day as well (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.16–2.01). Suggestive of a subsite‐specific effect, cancer risk seemed to increase from proximal colon through rectum; HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 0.85–1.96 for proximal colon cancer, HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 0.94–2.11 for distal colon cancer, HR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.03–4.18 for rectosigmoid cancer and HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.08–2.64 for rectal cancer. No associations were observed between consumption of alcoholic beverages and CRC risk when compared with the nondrinkers of the specific beverage and after adjustment for total alcohol intake. No evidence was found for sex‐specific effects of alcohol and alcoholic beverages. In conclusion, our data showed a positive association between alcohol consumption and risk of CRC, which seemed to be mainly explained by the alcoholic content of alcoholic beverages, rather than other constituents. Also, cancer risk may vary according to anatomical subsite. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The antitumor activity of an anti‐CD54 antibody in SCID mice xenografted with human breast, prostate, non‐small cell lung, and pancreatic tumor cell lines
Authors: Brooks Kimberly J. , Coleman Elaine J. , Vitetta Ellen S.
Published: August 2008

We have previously described the development and testing of a monoclonal anti‐human CD54 antibody (UV3) in SCID mice xenografted with human multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and melanoma cell lines. In all 3 cases, UV3 was highly effective at slowing the growth of tumors and/or prolonging survival. Since CD54 (ICAM‐1) is up‐regulated on many different types of cancer cells, we have now investigated the anti‐tumor activity of UV3 in several other CD54+ epithelial tumors. A panel of 16 human breast, prostate, non‐small cell (NSC) lung, and pancreatic tumor cell lines was examined for reactivity with UV3, and 13 were positive. A representative CD54+ cell line from each cancer was grown subcutaneously in SCID mice. Once the tumors were established, UV3 was administered using different dose regimens. UV3 slowed the growth of all 4 tumors, although it was not curative. When UV3 or gemcitabine were administered to SCID mice xenografted with a NSC lung tumor cell line or a pancreatic tumor cell line, UV3 was as effective as the chemotherapy alone. When gemcitabine and UV3 were administered together, the best anti‐tumor responses were observed. UV3 has been chimerized (cUV3) and both toxicology studies and clinical trials are planned to assess the safety and activity of cUV3 in patients with one or more of these tumors. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of the regions of the HPV 5 E6 protein involved in Bak degradation and inhibition of apoptosis
Authors: Simmonds Mark , Storey Alan
Published: August 2008

UVB induced DNA damage is the major aetiological agent in NMSC development, but mounting evidence suggests a role for human papillomaviruses (HPV) from genus beta, including HPV 5 and HPV 8, in the development of NMSC on sun exposed body sites. We have previously shown that UVB activates Bak, an apoptogenic mitochondrial factor that, following an apoptotic stimulus, undergoes a conformational change that leads to pore formation in the mitochondrial membrane that releases apoptotic factors. The HPV E6 protein effectively inhibits UVB‐induced apoptosis and targets Bak for proteolytic degradation. We have now identified the regions of the HPV5 E6 that are required to mediate Bak proteolysis and contribute toward the antiapoptotic activity of the protein. Interestingly, while wild‐type HPV5 E6 does not bind or target p53 for proteolysis, we have isolated specific HPV5 E6 mutants that switch target specificity from Bak to p53 in a p53 codon 72 isoform‐dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the ability of wild‐type HPV5 E6 to target Bak or specific E6 mutants to target p53 for proteolysis is not dependent on the E6‐AP ubiquitin ligase. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic variation in the toll‐like receptor gene cluster (TLR10‐TLR1‐TLR6) and prostate cancer risk
Authors: Stevens Victoria L. , Hsing Ann W. , Talbot Jeffrey T. , Zheng Siqun Lilly , Sun Jielin , Chen Jinbo , Thun Michael J. , Xu Jianfeng , Calle Eugenia E. , Rodriguez Carmen
Published: August 2008

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are key players in the innate immune system and initiate the inflammatory response to foreign pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. The proposed role of chronic inflammation in prostate carcinogenesis has prompted investigation into the association of common genetic variation in TLRs with the risk of this cancer. We investigated the role of common SNPs in a gene cluster encoding the TLR10, TLR6 and TLR1 proteins in prostate cancer etiology among 1,414 cancer cases and 1,414 matched controls from the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort. Twenty‐eight SNPs, which included the majority of the common nonsynonymous SNPs in the 54‐kb gene region and haplotype‐tagging SNPs that defined 5 specific haplotype blocks, were genotyped and their association with prostate cancer risk determined. Two SNPs in TLR10 [I369L (rs11096955) and N241H (rs11096957)] and 4 SNPs in TLR1 [N248S (rs4833095), S26L (rs5743596), rs5743595 and rs5743551] were associated with a statistically significant reduced risk of prostate cancer of 29–38% (for the homozygous variant genotype). The association of these SNPs was similar when the analysis was limited to cases with advanced prostate cancer. Haplotype analysis and linkage disequilibrium findings revealed that the 6 associated SNPs were not independent and represent a single association with reduced prostate cancer risk (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.90). Our study suggest that a common haplotype in the TLR10‐TLR1‐TLR6 gene cluster influences prostate cancer risk and clearly supports the need for further investigation of TLR genes in other populations. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
S413‐PV cell penetrating peptide and cationic liposomes act synergistically to mediate intracellular delivery of plasmid DNA
Authors: Trabulo Sara , Mano Miguel , Faneca Henrique , Cardoso Ana Luísa , Duarte Sónia , Henriques Ana , Paiva Artur , Gomes Paula , Simões Sérgio , de Lima Maria C. Pedroso
Published: August 2008

Background

Cell penetrating peptides have been successfully used to mediate the intracellular delivery of a wide variety of molecules of pharmacological interest. The main aim of the present work was to evaluate the potential of the S413‐PV cell penetrating peptide to mediate the intracellular delivery of plasmid DNA, aiming at its use in gene therapy applications. The S413‐PV cell penetrating peptide is a chimeric peptide that results from the combination of a cell penetrating sequence derived from the Dermaseptin S4 peptide with the nuclear localization signal present in the Simian Virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen.

Methods

S413‐PV cell penetrating peptide and cationic liposomes composed of 1,2‐dioleoyl‐3‐trimethylammonium‐propane:1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine were complexed with pDNA at different charge ratios. Complexation of pDNA was assessed by gel electrophoresis. Luciferase assay, fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis were used to evaluate reporter gene delivery to TSA and HeLa cells. Cytotoxicity of the pDNA complexes was assessed by Alamar blue assay.

Results

Complexes obtained through electrostatic association of the S413‐PV cell penetrating peptide with plasmid DNA are able to very efficiently mediate transfection, particularly at high peptide/DNA charge ratios. Additionally, our results clearly demonstrate that, both in HeLa and TSA cells, ternary complexes, resulting from association of cationic liposomes to peptide/DNA complexes, are significantly more efficient in mediating transfection than the corresponding peptide/DNA or cationic liposome/DNA complexes.

Conclusions

Overall, our data highlight the potential of cell penetrating peptides for the development of improved nonviral gene delivery systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forbidden induced bipartite graphs
Authors: Allen Peter
Published: August 2008

Given a fixed bipartite graph H, we study the asymptotic speed of growth of the number of bipartite graphs on n vertices which do not contain an induced copy of H. Whenever H contains either a cycle or the bipartite complement of a cycle, the speed of growth is ${{2}}^{\Omega({{n}}^{{{{6}}\over {{5}}}})}$. For every other bipartite graph except the path on seven vertices, we are able to find both upper and lower bounds of the form ${{n}}^{{{cn}}+{{o}}({{n}})}$. In many cases we are able to determine the correct value of c. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 60: 219–241, 2009
Antibodies against RNA hydrolyze RNA and DNA
Authors: Krasnorutskii Michael A. , Buneva Valentina N. , Nevinsky Georgy A.
Published: August 2008

Immunization of animals with DNA leads to the production of anti‐DNA antibodies (Abs) demonstrating both DNase and RNase activities. It is currently not known whether anti‐RNA Abs can possess nuclease activities. In an attempt to address this question, we have shown that immunization of three rabbits with complex of RNA with methylated BSA (mBSA) stimulates production of IgGs with RNase and DNase activities belonging to IgGs, while polyclonal Abs from three non‐immunized rabbits and three animals immunized with mBSA are catalytically inactive. Affinity chromatography of IgGs from the sera of autoimmune (AI) patients on DNA‐cellulose usually demonstrates a number of fractions, all of which effectively hydrolyze both DNA and RNA, while rabbit catalytic IgGs were separated into Ab subfractions, some of which demonstrated only DNase activity, while others hydrolyzed RNA faster than DNA. The enzymic properties of the RNase and DNase IgGs from rabbits immunized with RNA distinguish them from all known canonical RNases and DNases and DNA‐ and RNA‐hydrolyzing abzymes (Abzs) from patients with different AI diseases. In contrast to RNases and AI RNA‐hydrolyzing Abs, rabbit RNase IgGs catalyze only the first step of the hydrolysis reaction but cannot hydrolyze the formed terminal 2′,3′‐cyclophosphate. The data indicate that Abzs of AI patients hydrolyzing nucleic acids in part may be Abs against RNA and its complexes with proteins. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A survey of the year 2007 literature on applications of isothermal titration calorimetry
Authors: Bjelić Saša , Jelesarov Ilian
Published: August 2008

Elucidation of the energetic principles of binding affinity and specificity is a central task in many branches of current sciences: biology, medicine, pharmacology, chemistry, material sciences, etc. In biomedical research, integral approaches combining structural information with in‐solution biophysical data have proved to be a powerful way toward understanding the physical basis of vital cellular phenomena. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is a valuable experimental tool facilitating quantification of the thermodynamic parameters that characterize recognition processes involving biomacromolecules. The method provides access to all relevant thermodynamic information by performing a few experiments. In particular, ITC experiments allow to by‐pass tedious and (rarely precise) procedures aimed at determining the changes in enthalpy and entropy upon binding by van't Hoff analysis. Notwithstanding limitations, ITC has now the reputation of being the “gold standard” and ITC data are widely used to validate theoretical predictions of thermodynamic parameters, as well as to benchmark the results of novel binding assays. In this paper, we discuss several publications from 2007 reporting ITC results. The focus is on applications in biologically oriented fields. We do not intend a comprehensive coverage of all newly accumulated information. Rather, we emphasize work which has captured our attention with originality and far‐reaching analysis, or else has provided ideas for expanding the potential of the method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recombinase‐activating gene 1‐associated expression of the myelin basic protein 1‐11‐specific transgenic T‐cell receptor in H‐2b mice
Authors: Buenafe Abigail C. , Sherwood Courtney , Moes Nicole , Jones Richard E.
Published: August 2008

We pursued a breeding strategy intended to generate disease‐resistant mice with exclusive expression of the H‐2u‐restricted myelin basic protein (MBP) 1‐11 peptide‐specific transgenic (Tg) T‐cell receptor (TCR) on the T‐cell‐deficient RAG1KO (H‐2b) background. Utilizing specific screening assays for the offspring, analyses of the F1 intercross and subsequent crosses revealed that the TgTCR‐associated clonotypic marker detected by the 3H12 mAb could be found only in association with the H‐2b homozygous background in offspring possessing a functional rag1 gene. Moreover, expression of the MBP‐specific TgTCR could not be found in H‐2b homozygous offspring that were RAG1 deficient (rag1−/−). PCR analysis of genomic DNA from these 3H12‐negative offspring verified the presence of the TCR transgenes. Thus, the presence of a functional rag1 gene was required for the expression of the MBP‐specific TgTCR on the H‐2b background. Given the role for RAG1, the results have important implications for T‐cell repertoire development. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Green tea polyphenol (–)‐epigallocatechin gallate reduces neuronal cell damage and up‐regulation of MMP‐9 activity in hippocampal CA1 and CA2 areas following transient global cerebral ischemia
Authors: Park Jong‐Wan , Jang Young‐Ho , Kim Jin‐Mo , Lee Hyung , Park Weon‐Kyun , Lim Man‐Bin , Chu Yeun‐Kyung , Lo Eng H. , Lee Seong‐Ryong
Published: August 2008

Previous studies have demonstrated that (–)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol, protects against ischemia and reperfusion‐induced injury in many organ systems. Here, we test the hypothesis that part of EGCG's neuroprotective effects may involve a modulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) after cerebral ischemia. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 20 min of transient global cerebral ischemia. EGCG (50 mg/kg) or vehicle (saline) was administered i.p. immediately after ischemia. Brains were examined 3 days after ischemia. The effects of EGCG on MMP (gelatinase) activity and neuronal damage in the hippocampus were assessed. Gelatin gel zymography showed induction of active forms of MMP‐9 protein after transient global cerebral ischemia. In situ zymography showed that ischemic gelatinase activity occurred primarily in pyramidal neuronal areas after brain ischemia. Mice treated with EGCG showed significantly reduced gelatinase levels. Neuronal damage was evident in CA1 and CA2 pyramidal sectors, corresponding to TUNEL‐positive signals. In EGCG‐treated mice, delayed neuronal damage was significantly reduced compared with vehicle‐treated mice. These results demonstrate that the green tea polyphenol EGCG suppresses MMP‐9 activation and reduces the development of delayed neuronal death after transient global cerebral ischemia in mouse brain. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term variations of surface air temperature during summer in India
Authors: Ganguly Nandita D. , Iyer K. N.
Published: August 2008

Increase in our earth's surface air temperature has been a subject of major concern in the recent years, as it may destroy the existing ecosystem and exert varied adverse effects on mankind and vegetation. In view of the gravity of the impending crises, the changes in surface air temperature during summer (March–June), their expected statistical critical limits and possible association with the changes in stratospheric ozone, aerosol concentration and solar irradiance have been investigated for different Indian regions over a period of 103 years from 1901 to 2003. It is observed that the overall air temperature is higher in the northwest (NW), north central (NC) and interior peninsula (IP) regions of India compared to the east coast (EC), west coast (WC), northeast (NE) and western Himalayan (WH) regions. However, the surface air temperature during summer is found to exhibit a small decreasing trend in the NW and WH regions and a small increasing trend in the IP, EC, NC, NE and WC regions. The results are discussed in light of observed decreasing trend in stratospheric column ozone (SCO), solar irradiance, concentration of aerosols and overall wind direction during summer. The maximum surface air temperatures for different Indian regions are observed to be well within the statistically computed critical limits. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Acceleration of spinal fusion using syngeneic and allogeneic adult adipose derived stem cells in a rat model
Authors: Lopez Mandi J. , McIntosh Kevin R. , Spencer Nakia D. , Borneman Jade N. , Horswell Ronald , Anderson Paul , Yu Gang , Gaschen Lorrie , Gimble Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2008

Posterolateral spinal fusion is the standard treatment for lumbar compression fractures. Adult adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ASCs) promote osteogenesis in vivo and in vitro. The hypothesis tested in this study was that syngeneic and allogeneic ASCs on a biomaterial scaffold composed of tricalcium phosphate and collagen I will accelerate spinal fusion in a rat model. ASCs from male Fischer or ACI rats were loaded onto scaffolds (53,571 cells/mm3) and cultured in stromal media for 48 h. Male Fisher rats were assigned to 4 cohorts (n = 14/cohort) after bilateral decortication of the L4 and L5 transverse processes: (1) No treatment; (2) scaffold only; (3) scaffold + syngeneic ASCs; or (4) scaffold + allogeneic ASCs. Half of each cohort was harvested 4 or 8 weeks after surgery. Spinal fusion was evaluated with radiographs, microcomputed tomography, and light microscopy. Callus did not form in spines without scaffolds. There were no significant differences in callus formation among scaffold cohorts 4 weeks after surgery. Callus formation was more mature in both ASC cohorts versus scaffold alone 8 weeks after surgery based on microstructure as well as radiographic and microcomputed tomographic evidence of active bone formation. Inflammatory cell infiltrate was significantly lower in both ASC cohorts (syngeneic = 18.3 ± 0.85%; allogeneic = 23.5 ± 2.33%) versus scaffold alone (46.8 ± 11.8%) 4 weeks after surgery. Results of this study support syngeneic and allogeneic ASC acceleration of posterior lumbar spinal fusion in a rat model. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:366–373, 2009
Activation of rat nucleus pulposus cells by coculture with whole bone marrow cells collected by the perfusion method
Authors: Umeda Masayuki , Kushida Taketoshi , Sasai Kunihiko , Asada Taku , Oe Kenichi , Sakai Daisuke , Mochida Joji , Ikehara Susumu , Iida Hirokazu
Published: August 2008

Cell proliferation and matrix synthesis were compared for rat nucleus pulposus cells cocultured with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or fresh whole bone marrow cells (BMCs), harvested by the perfusion or aspiration methods. Nucleus pulposus cells were isolated from tail intervertebral discs of F344/slc rats, and BMCs were obtained from femora. Proteoglycan synthesis, DNA synthesis, and aggrecan mRNA expression were measured. The level of transforming growth factor‐β in supernatants from the culture system was also measured. Cell number, aggrecan mRNA expression, and uptake of [35S]‐sulfate and [3H]‐thymidine by nucleus pulposus cells cocultured with fresh whole BMCs all increased significantly compared with nucleus pulposus cells cocultured with MSCs. TGF‐β secreted by nucleus pulposus cells cocultured with fresh whole BMCs also significantly increased when compared with cocultures with MSCs. The perfusion method was superior to the aspiration method for preventing contamination of BMCs with peripheral red blood cells and lymphocytes, which may cause an autoimmune response in the disc. In conclusion, we suggest that fresh whole BMCs harvested by the perfusion method are more effective for increasing the proliferative and matrix synthesis capacity of nucleus pulposus cells. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:222–228, 2009
Ultrasound‐induced modifications of cytoskeletal components in osteoblast‐like SAOS‐2 cells
Authors: Hauser Joerg , Hauser Manfred , Muhr Gert , Esenwein Stefan
Published: August 2008

In clinical and experimental studies an acceleration of fracture healing and increased callus formation induced by low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been demonstrated. The exact molecular mechanisms of ultrasound treatment are still unclear. In this study ultrasound transmitted cytoskeletal and growth rate changes of SAOS‐2 cells were examined. Osteoblast‐like cell lines (SAOS‐2) were treated using low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound. Cytoskeletal changes were analyzed using rhodamine phalloidine for f‐actin staining and indirect immunofluorescence techniques with different monoclonal antibodies against several tubulin modifications. To examine changes of cell number after ultrasound treatment cell counts were done. Significant changes in cytoskeleton structure were detected compared to controls, including an enhancement of stress fiber formation combined with a loss of cell migration after ultrasound application. We further observed that sonication altered the proportion of the more stable microtubules to the more labile microtubule subclass. The labile tyrosinated microtubules appeared highly enhanced, whereas the amount of the more stable acetylated microtubules was remarkably diminished. All these observations were quantified by fluorometric measurements. The centrosomal γ‐tubulin was frequently scattered throughout the cell's cytoplasm, giving rise to additional polyglu‐positive microtubular asters, which induced multipolar spindles, leading either to aneuploid mini‐or giant cells. Moreover, a significant increase of cell number was noticed in the sonicated group. These experiments demonstrate that ultrasound treatment increases cell number and leads to significant changes of the cytoskeletal structure and composition in vitro. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:286–294, 2009
The effects of impingement and dysplasia on stress distributions in the hip joint during sitting and walking: A finite element analysis
Authors: Chegini Salman , Beck Martin , Ferguson Stephen J.
Published: August 2008

Soft tissue damage has been observed in hip joints with pathological geometries. Our primary goal was to study the relationship between morphological variations of the bony components of the hip and resultant stresses within the soft tissues of the joint during routine daily activities. The secondary goal was to find the range of morphological parameters in which stresses are minimized. Computational models of normal and pathological joints were developed based on variations of morphological parameters of the femoral head (Alpha angle) and acetabulum (CE angle). The Alpha angle was varied between 40° (normal joint) and 80° (cam joint). The CE angle was varied between 0° (dysplastic joint) and 40° (pincer joint). Dynamic loads and motions for walking and standing to sitting were applied to all joint configurations. Contact pressures and stresses were calculated and crosscompared to evaluate the influence of morphology. The stresses in the soft tissues depended strongly on the head and acetabular geometry. For the dysplastic joint, walking produced high acetabular rim stresses. Conversely, for impinging joints, standing‐to‐sitting activities that involved extensive motion were critical, inducing excessive distortion and shearing of the tissue–bone interface. Zones with high von Mises stresses corresponded with clinically observed damage zones in the acetabular cartilage and labrum. Hip joint morphological parameters that minimized were 20° ≤ CE ≤ 30° and alpha ≤ 50°. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:195–201, 2009
First evidence for episodic flooding events in the arid interior of central Saudi Arabia over the last 60 ka
Authors: McLaren Sue J. , Al‐Juaidi Farhan , Bateman Mark D. , Millington Andrew C.
Published: August 2008

Although evidence for Quaternary environmental changes in the Arabian Peninsula is now growing, research has mostly been conducted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and in the Sultanate of Oman. There have been virtually no recent studies in Saudi Arabia, especially in the central region such as around Al‐Quwaiayh. In this area there are a series of outwash plains developed along the eastern edge of the Arabian Shield that formed in the late Quaternary. Four sedimentary sections, which are representative of the deposits that have accumulated, have been studied and five luminescence ages obtained. These are the first luminescence ages acquired from Quaternary sediments in central Saudi Arabia. The preserved fluvial deposits in the study area have formed during humid events at ca. 54 ka, ca. 39 ka and ca. 0.8 ka. In more recent times aeolian sands have been encroaching on to the distal parts of the outwash plains. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuity properties of preference relations
Authors: Baroni Marian A. , Bridges Douglas S.
Published: August 2008

Various types of continuity for preference relations on a metric space are examined constructively. In particular, necessary and sufficient conditions are given for an order‐dense, strongly extensional preference relation on a complete metric space to be continuous. It is also shown, in the spirit of constructive reverse mathematics, that the continuity of sequentially continuous, order‐dense preference relations on complete, separable metric spaces is connected to Ishihara's principleBD‐ℕ, and therefore is not provable within Bishop‐style constructive mathematics alone. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Connectivity properties of dimension level sets
Authors: Lutz Jack H. , Weihrauch Klaus
Published: August 2008

This paper initiates the study of sets in Euclidean spaces ℝn (n ≥ 2) that are defined in terms of the dimensions of their elements. Specifically, given an interval I ⊆ [0, n ], we are interested in the connectivity properties of the set DIMI , consisting of all points in ℝn whose (constructive Hausdorff) dimensions lie in I, and of its dual DIMI str, consisting of all points whose strong (constructive packing) dimensions lie in I. If I is [0, 1) or (n – 1, n ], it is easy to see that the sets DIMI and DIMI str are totally disconnected. In contrast, we show that if I is [0, 1] or [n – 1, n ], then the sets DIMI and DIMI str are path‐connected. Our proof of this fact uses geometric properties of Kolmogorov complexity in Euclidean spaces. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)