bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of water temperature on the energetic costs of juvenile and adult California sea lions (Zalophus californianus): the importance of skeletal muscle thermogenesis for thermal balance
Authors: Liwanag H. E. M. , Williams T. M. , Costa D. P. , Kanatous S. B. , Davis R. W. , Boyd I. L.
Published: November 2009

As highly mobile marine predators, many pinniped species routinely encounter a wide range of water temperatures during foraging and in association with seasonal, geographical and climatic changes. To determine how such variation in environmental temperature may impact energetic costs in otariids, we determined the thermal neutral zone of adult and juvenile California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) by measuring resting metabolic rate using open-flow respirometry. Five adult female (body mass range =82.2-107.2 kg) and four juvenile (body mass=26.2-36.5 kg) sea lions were examined over experimental water temperatures ranging from 0 to 20°C (adults) or 5 to 20°C (juveniles). The metabolic rate of adult sea lions averaged 6.4±0.64 ml O2 kg−1 min−1 when resting within the thermal neutral zone. The lower critical temperature of adults was 6.4±2.2°C, approximately 4°C lower than sea surface temperatures routinely encountered off coastal California. In comparison, juvenile sea lions did not demonstrate thermal neutrality within the range of water temperatures examined. Resting metabolic rate of the younger animals, 6.3±0.53 ml O2 kg−1 min−1, increased as water temperature approached 12°C, and suggested a potential thermal limitation in the wild. To determine whether muscle thermogenesis during activity could mitigate this limitation, we measured the active metabolic rate of juveniles swimming at water temperature (Twater)=5, 12 and 20°C. No significant difference (F=0.377, P=0.583) in swimming metabolic rate was found among water temperatures, suggesting that thermal disadvantages due to small body size in juvenile sea lions may be circumvented by recycling endogenous heat during locomotor activity.
Structural and proteomic analyses reveal regional brain differences during honeybee aging
Authors: Wolschin F. , Münch D. , Amdam G. V.
Published: November 2009

Among insects, learning is particularly well studied in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the honeybee Apis mellifera. A senescence-dependent decline in classic pavlovian conditioning is demonstrated for both species. To understand how aging affects learning, genetic approaches used with Drosophila can benefit from complementary studies in Apis. Specifically, honeybees have a larger brain size allowing for compartment-specific approaches, and a unique life-history plasticity. They usually perform within-nest tasks early in life (nest bees) and later they collect food (foragers). Senescence of learning performance is a function of the bees' foraging duration but underlying causes are poorly understood. As cognitive aging is commonly associated with structural and biochemical changes in the brain, we hypothesized that brain areas implicated in learning change in synaptic and biochemical composition with increased foraging duration. First, we used synapse-specific immunohistochemistry and proteomics to screen for alterations in the calyx region of the mushroom body, a key structure for memory formation. Using proteomics, we next profiled the central brain, which comprises all higher-order integration centers. We show that, with increased foraging duration, levels of kinases, synaptic- and neuronal growth-related proteins decline in the central brain while the calyx region remains intact both in structure and biochemistry. We suggest that proteome-level changes within major anatomical sites of memory formation other than the calyx region could be central to learning dysfunction. These include large compartments of the central brain, such as the mushroom body's output regions and the antennal lobes. Our data provide novel information toward heterogeneity in the aging insect brain, and demonstrate advantages of the honeybee for invertebrate neurogerontological research.
AtnMat2, a nuclear-encoded maturase required for splicing of group-II introns in Arabidopsis mitochondria
Authors: Keren Ido , Bezawork-Geleta Ayenachew , Kolton Max , Maayan Inbar , Belausov Eduard , Levy Maggie , Mett Anahit , Gidoni David , Shaya Felix , Ostersetzer-Biran Oren
Published: November 2009

Mitochondria (mt) in plants house about 20 group-II introns, which lie within protein-coding genes required in both organellar genome expression and respiration activities. While in nonplant systems the splicing of group-II introns is mediated by proteins encoded within the introns themselves (known as “maturases”), only a single maturase ORF (matR) has retained in the mitochondrial genomes in plants; however, its putative role(s) in the splicing of organellar introns is yet to be established. Clues to other proteins are scarce, but these are likely encoded within the nucleus as there are no obvious candidates among the remaining ORFs within the mtDNA. Intriguingly, higher plants genomes contain four maturase-related genes, which exist in the nucleus as self-standing ORFs, out of the context of their evolutionary-related group-II introns “hosts.” These are all predicted to reside within mitochondria and may therefore act “in-trans” in the splicing of organellar-encoded introns. Here, we analyzed the intracellular locations of the four nuclear-encoded maturases in Arabidopsis and established the roles of one of these genes, At5g46920 (AtnMat2), in the splicing of several mitochondrial introns, including the single intron within cox2, nad1 intron2, and nad7 intron2.
A Comprehensive Neuropsychiatric Study of Elderly Twins: The Older Australian Twins Study
Authors: Sachdev Perminder S. , Lammel Andrea , Trollor Julian N. , Lee Teresa , Wright Margaret J. , Ames David , Wen Wei , Martin Nicholas G. , Brodaty Henry , Schofield Peter R. ,   OATS research team
Published: November 2009

The Older Australian Twins Study (OATS) was recently initiated to investigate genetic and environmental factors and their associations and interactions in healthy brain ageing and ageing-related neurocognitive disorders. The study extends the classic MZ-DZ design to include one or two equivalently aged siblings for each twin pair and utilizes the rich resources of the Australian Twin Registry. The study has a number of distinguishing features including comprehensive psychiatric, neuropsychological, cardiovascular, metabolic, and neuroimaging assessments, a longitudinal design and links with a brain donor program. The study measures many behavioral and environmental factors, but in particular lifetime physical and mental activity, physical and psychological trauma, loss of parent early in life, later losses and life events, early-life socioeconomic environment, alcohol and drug use, occupational exposure, and nutrition. It also includes comprehensive cardiovascular assessment, blood biochemistry, genetics and proteomics. The socio-demographic and health data on the first 172 pairs of twins participating in this study are presented. Prevalence of mild cognitive impairment is 12.8% and of dementia 1.5% in the sample. The target sample size is 1000, with at least 400 pairs of twins aged 65–90 years. The cohort will be assessed every two years, with in-depth assessments being repeated. OATS offers an excellent opportunity for collaboration with other similar studies as well as researchers who share the same interests.
The Morphology of the Sella Turcica in Monozygotic Twins
Authors: Brock-Jacobsen Mette T. , Pallisgaard Carsten , Kjær Inger
Published: November 2009

The purpose was to compare the sella turcica morphology of individuals within pairs of monozygotic twins with normal karyotype and to analyze the similarity between the observed morphology and the morphology of non-twins at the same age with normal karyotype. Profile radiographs from 84 individuals of 42 twin pairs (18 male and 24 female pairs, aged 18–23 years) comprised the material. Sella turcica measurements from non-twins aged 6–21 years were used as normal reference. Length, depth and diameter of the sella turcica were measured and controlled by re-measurements. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for comparison of individuals within twin pairs. For comparison of twins and non-twins, normal standard values for length, depth and diameter were subtracted from the twin values. For the mean values of these differences, confidence limitspvalues andtvalues were calculated. The study showed that the size of the sella turcica may be partly similar and partly dissimilar within the pair of monozygotic twins. Statistical evaluation of the data showed correlations between length, depth and diameter of the sella turcica between the two twin individuals in the same twin pair. Differences in sizes are observed between individuals in the twin material and individuals in the non-twin material. As a conclusion, the twin males were more similar within the twin pair, but deviated more from the non-twin material than the females. Female twins had more discrepancy within the twin pair, but deviated less from the non-twin material than the males.
Características físico-químicas de amostras de méis de Apis mellifera L. do estado do Ceará, Brasil
Authors: Moreti Augusta Carolina de Camargo Carmello , Sodré Geni da Silva , Marchini Luís Carlos , Otsuk Ivani Pozar
Published: November 2009

Objetivou-se, na presente pesquisa, desenvolvida com amostras de méis de Apis mellifera coletadas diretamente dos produtores de diversos municípios do estado de Ceará, Brasil, verificar, com base em características físico-químicas, como se agrupam as amostras de méis. Dentre as 52 amostras de méis analisadas as que continham pólen de Serjania sp. como dominante ou acessório, formam um subgrupo distinto quanto aos caracteres físico-químicos, o que confirma que a origem floral interfere decisivamente nas características dos méis. Pela análise dos componentes principais, pôde-se verificar que os caracteres que mais influenciaram no agrupamento das amostras de méis foram acidez e índice de formol no eixo X e pH e cinzas no eixo Y.
Direct sulfenylation of acetone with benzothiazolesulfenamides to benzothiazolylthio-substituted alkylaminopropene: synthesis and application
Authors: Štolcová Magdaléna , Kaszonyi Alexander , Hronec Milan , Liptaj Tibor , Kyselá Gabriela
Published: November 2009

N-Substituted derivatives of 2-benzothiazolesulfenamides give high yields of 1-(2′-benzothiazolylthio)-2-alkylaminoprop-1-ene and 1,1-bis-(2′-benzothiazolylthio)-2-alkylaminoprop-1-ene in a reaction with acetone in the temperature range from 56°C to 70°C and in the presence of a small amount of water. The α-sulfenylated carbonyl product, 2′-benzothiazolylthiopropan-2-one, is supposed to be an intermediate of this one-pot synthesis. 1,1-Bis-(2′-benzothiazolylthio)-2-tert-butylaminoprop-1-ene has been proved an accelerator of sulfur curing of rubber composites with high processing safety.
Numerical properties of equations involving high-order derivatives of pressure with respect to volume
Authors: Leibovici Claude , Nichita Dan
Published: November 2009

This paper presents some unexpected features related to the solution of equations containing a high-order derivative of pressure with respect to volume equated to zero. For pure components, such equations define, in the pressure-temperature plane, nodal curves similar in shape to mixture spinodal curves. The analysis was made for a general form of two-parameter cubic equations of state and various numerical aspects for the Redlich-Kwong equation of state are exemplified.
Synthesis, structure, and solvent-extraction properties of tridentate oxime ligands and their cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II) complexes
Authors: Dede Bülent , Karipcin Fatma , Arabalı Filiz , Cengiz Mustafa
Published: November 2009

Synthesis of four different types of ligands Ar[COC(NOH)R]n (Ar = biphenyl, n = 1, HL1; Ar = biphenyl, n = 2, H2L2; Ar = diphenylmethane, n = 1, HL3; Ar = diphenylmethane, n = 2, H2L4; R = furfurylamine in all ligands) and their dinuclear Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ complexes is reported herein. These compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, ICP-OES, FT-IR spectra, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The ligands were further characterized by 1H NMR. The results suggest that dinuclear complexes of HL1 and HL3 have a metal to ligand mole ratio of 2: 2 and dinuclear complexes H2L2 and H2L4 have a metal to ligand mole ratio of 2: 1. Square pyramidal or octahedral structures are proposed for complexes of oxime ligands. Furthermore, extraction abilities of the four ligands were also evaluated in chloroform using selected transition metal picrates such as Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Pb2+. The ligands show strong binding ability towards Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions.
1,7′-dimethyl-2′-propyl-1H,3′H-2,5′-bibenzo[d]imidazole as a corrosion inhibitor of mild steel in 1 M HCl
Authors: Patel Niketan , Jauhari Smita , Mehta Girishkumar
Published: November 2009

Inhibition effect of imidazole derivative 1,7′-dimethyl-2′-propyl-1H,3′H-2,5′-bibenzo[d]imidazole (DPBI) against mild steel corrosion in 1 M HCl solutions was evaluated using the conventional mass loss method, potentiodynamic polarization, linear polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The mass loss results showed that DPBI is an excellent corrosion inhibitor; electrochemical polarizations data revealed the mixed mode of inhibition; and the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the change in the impedance parameters, charge transfer resistance, and double layer capacitance with the change in the concentration of the inhibitor is due to the adsorption of the molecule leading to the formation of a protective layer on the surface of mild steel. The inhibition action of this compound was assumed to occur via adsorption on the steel surface through the active centers of the molecule.
Kinetics of catalytic Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction of aldehydes and ketones using boron triethoxide
Authors: Uysal Burcu , Buyuktas Birsen
Published: November 2009

Catalytic Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV) reduction of various aliphatic, aromatic, and unsaturated aldehydes and ketones to corresponding alcohols (analyzed by GC-MS) in the presence of boron triethoxide (B(OEt)3) were studied. Kinetics of this reduction reaction was also studied and the respective rate constants were determined. It was found that B(OEt)3 catalyzes the reduction of aliphatic aldehydes and ketones to alcohols at room temperature while aromatic aldehydes and ketones were not reduced under the same conditions. In addition, MPV reduction using B(OEt)3 was found to be chemoselective as unsaturated aldehydes and ketones afforded the corresponding alcohols without affecting unsaturated groups. The mechanism proposed involves a six-membered transition state in which both the alcohol and the carbonyl are coordinated to the same boron centre of a boron alkoxide catalyst.
Substituted pyridopyrimidinones. Part 5. Behavior of 2-hydroxy-4-oxo-4H-pyrido[1,2-α]pyrimidine-3-carbaldehyde in nucleophilic condensation reactions
Authors: Abass Mohamed , Ismail Mostafa , Abdel-Monem Wafaa , Mayas Aisha
Published: November 2009

Reactivity of 2-hydroxy-4-oxo-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidine-3-carbaldehyde (I) towards N- and C-nucleophiles was described. A series of new enaminones II–III, Schiff’s base IV, and hydrazinomethylenediketones V–VIII and X were prepared in good yields. Cyclization of compounds X was achieved by an action of acetic acid to give pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidines XI. Base catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of aldehyde I with some active methyl and methylene compounds led to a series of chalcone-like derivatives XII, XV, XVII, XX, XXIII, XXV, XXVII, XXIX, XXXI, XXXII, and XXXV, in fair yields. Cyclization of enones XII, XV, and XX with hydrazine gave novel heterocyclyl substituted pyrazoles XIII, XVII, and XXI, respectively. Pyrano[2,3-d]pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidine-2,5-diones XXXIII, XXXIV, and XXXVI derivatives were obtained via cyclization of their respective enone derivatives.
The critical role of hemodynamics in the development of cerebral vascular disease
Authors: Nixon Alexander M. , Gunel Murat , Sumpio Bauer E.
Published: November 2009

Atherosclerosis and intracranial saccular aneurysms predictably localize in areas with complex arterial geometries such as bifurcations and curvatures. These sites are characterized by unique hemodynamic conditions that possibly influence the risk for these disorders. One hemodynamic parameter in particular has emerged as a key regulator of vascular biology—wall shear stress (WSS). Variations in geometry can change the distribution and magnitude of WSS, thus influencing the risk for vascular disorders. Computer simulations conducted using patient-specific data have suggested that departures from normal levels of WSS lead to aneurysm formation and progression. In addition, multiple studies indicate that disturbed flow and low WSS predispose patients to extracranial atherosclerosis, and particularly to carotid artery disease. Conversely, in the case of intracranial atherosclerosis, more studies are needed to provide a firm link between hemodynamics and atherogenesis. The recognition of WSS as an important factor in cerebral vascular disease may help to identify individuals at risk and guide treatment options.
Influence of hemolysis on routine clinical chemistry testing
Authors: Haque Mahmudul , Nahar Nazibun , Sultan Md Tipu , Aziz Rehana , Islam Sirajul , Mazed MA
Published: November 2009

doi: 10.3329/jcmcta.v18i1.3814Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2007: 18(1):12-14
Nosogogy: A recent concept of patient education and its role in renal patient
Authors: Dutta Pradip Kumar
Published: November 2009

doi: 10.3329/jcmcta.v18i1.3816Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2007: 18(1):19-22
Left sided acute appendicitis with situs inversus in an elderly - an unusual case
Authors: Ahmed Jashim Uddin , Hossain GM Zakir , Karim Md Masud , Hossain ASM Iftekhar , Ahmed Mina , Bhuya Md Shahed Anwar
Published: November 2009

doi: 10.3329/jcmcta.v18i1.3818Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2007: 18(1):29-31
Medical education in Bangladesh: Is there room for improvement?
Authors: Faiz M Abul
Published: November 2009

doi: 10.3329/jcmcta.v18i2.3821Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2007: 18(2):1-3
Clinical presentation of Spondyloarthropathy: A study of 61 patients
Authors: Hasan Suzon Al , Siddiq Md Abu Bakar , Hossain Md Shawkat
Published: November 2009

Key words: spondyloarthropathy; clinical presentationdoi: 10.3329/jcmcta.v18i2.3823Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2007: 18(2):7-10
Lower limb orthoses: A review
Authors: Hasan Suzon Al , Hoque Mohammad Zahidul
Published: November 2009

Key words: orthoses; lower limb; disabilitydoi: 10.3329/jcmcta.v19i1.3850Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2008: 19(1):33-36
Association of maternal socio-biological factors with birth-weight of newborn baby
Authors: Das Jagadish C , Paul Nibedita
Published: November 2009

Key words: socio-biological factors; parity; pregnancy duration; spacing; association; birth weightdoi: 10.3329/jcmcta.v19i1.3851Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2008: 19(1):37-42
Iatrogenic secondary subfertility with anovulation: A case study
Authors: Banu Jesmine , Das Shakti , Fatima Parveen
Published: November 2009

doi: 10.3329/jcmcta.v19i1.3852Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2008: 19(1):43-45
Residential field site training project abstracts - 46th Batch Session: 2003-04, 4th year MBBS students, CMC
Authors: Editor The
Published: November 2009

doi: 10.3329/jcmcta.v19i1.3855Journal of Chittagong Medical College Teachers' Association 2008: 19(1):56-59
Acoustic Sensor Planning for Gunshot Location in National Parks: A Pareto Front Approach
Authors: González-Castaño Francisco Javier , Vales Alonso Javier , Costa-Montenegro Enrique , López-Matencio Pablo , Vicente-Carrasco Francisco , Parrado-García Francisco J. , Gil-Castiñeira Felipe , Costas-Rodríguez Sergio
Published: November 2009

In this paper, we propose a solution for gunshot location in national parks. In Spain there are agencies such as SEPRONA that fight against poaching with considerable success. The DiANa project, which is endorsed by Cabañeros National Park and the SEPRONA service, proposes a system to automatically detect and locate gunshots. This work presents its technical aspects related to network design and planning. The system consists of a network of acoustic sensors that locate gunshots by hyperbolic multi-lateration estimation. The differences in sound time arrivals allow the computation of a low error estimator of gunshot location. The accuracy of this method depends on tight sensor clock synchronization, which an ad-hoc time synchronization protocol provides. On the other hand, since the areas under surveillance are wide, and electric power is scarce, it is necessary to maximize detection coverage and minimize system cost at the same time. Therefore, sensor network planning has two targets, i.e., coverage and cost. We model planning as an unconstrained problem with two objective functions. We determine a set of candidate solutions of interest by combining a derivative-free descent method we have recently proposed with a Pareto front approach. The results are clearly superior to random seeding in a realistic simulation scenario.
The Role of Endocarditis, Myocarditis and Pericarditis in Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis
Authors: Schöffel Norman , Vitzthum Karin , Mache Stefanie , Groneberg David  A. , Quarcoo David
Published: November 2009

The current study is the first scientometric analysis of research activity and output in the field of inflammatory disorders of the heart (endo-, myo- and pericarditis). Scientometric methods are used to compare scientific performance on national and on international scale to identify single areas of research interest. Interest and research productivity in inflammatory diseases of the heart have increased since 1990. The majority of publications about inflammatory heart disorders were published in Western Europe and North America. The United States of America had a leading position in terms of research productivity and quality; half of the most productive authors in this study came from American institutions. The analysis of international cooperation revealed research activity in countries that are less established in the field of inflammatory heart disorder research, such as Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. These results indicate that future research of heart inflammation may no longer be influenced predominantly by a small number of countries. Furthermore, this study revealed weaknesses in currently established scientometric parameters (i.e., h-index, impact factor) that limit their suitability as measures of research quality. In this respect, self-citations should be generally excluded from calculations of h-index and impact factor.
Chronic Stress and the Development of Early Atherosclerosis: Moderating Effect of Endothelial Dysfunction and Impaired Arterial Elasticity
Authors: Chumaeva Nadja , Hintsanen Mirka , Ravaja Niklas , Juonala Markus , Raitakari Olli T. , Keltikangas-Järvinen Liisa
Published: November 2009

This study aims to explore the interactive effect of vital exhaustion (VE) and endothelial dysfunction on preclinical atherosclerosis, assessed by carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Furthermore, interaction between VE and carotid elasticity is examined. Participants were 1,596 young healthy adults from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns study. Endothelial dysfunction was measured by brachial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and carotid elasticity by carotid artery compliance (CAC). Significant interactions between FMD and VE, and between CAC and VE, for IMT were found in participants with the very lowest FMD and CAC. Thus, VE may be harmful if the endothelium is not working properly.
Synthesis of 6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-diphenyl-2(1H)-quinazolinone from 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-urea and benzoic acid in polyphosphoric acid
Authors: Ivanov Iliyan
Published: November 2009

The quinazoline skeleton, when selectively functionalized, is a building block for the preparation of numerous alkaloids and substances capable of exhibiting a wide variety of biological activity [1][...]
1-{[Benzyl-(2-cyano-ethyl)-amino]-methyl}-5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester
Authors: Herrag Leila , Touzani Rachid , Ramdani Abdelkrim , Hammouti Belkheir
Published: November 2009

The products of aza-type Michael addition, i.e., β-amino carbonyl compounds and their derivatives, are often used as peptide analogs or precursors of optically active amino acids, amino alcohols, diamines, and lactams [1].[...]
3-[Benzyl-(1,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-3-ylmethyl)-amino]-propionitrile
Authors: Herrag Leila , Touzani Rachid , Ramdani Abdelkrim , Hammouti Belkheir
Published: November 2009

The products of aza-type Michael addition, i.e., β-amino carbonyl compounds and their derivatives, are often used as peptide analogs or precursors of optically active amino acids, amino alcohols, diamines, and lactams [1].[...]
(4Z)-1-Propargyl(1,3-Dipropargyl)-4-(2-oxopropylidene)-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one
Authors: Said Ould Mohamed Sidya Mohamed , Rachid Bouhfid , Joly Nicolas , Lequart Vincent , Martin Patrick , Massoui M. , Essassi El Mokhtar
Published: November 2009

We describe in this work the synthesis of new benzodiazepine derivatives susceptible to possess various pharmacological activities.[...]
3-[(Phenylsulfonyl)methyl]aniline hydrochloride
Authors: Grohmann Daniel G. , Hathaway Bruce A.
Published: November 2009

In the course of our work to prepare inhibitors of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, we desired to prepare sulfone analogues of some previously reported sulfides [1, 2].[...]
4α,14α,Dimethyl-5α-cholest-8-en-3-one thiosemicarbazone
Authors: Mazoir Noureddine , Itto My Youssef Ait , Artiles Matías Reina , Benharref Ahmed
Published: November 2009

The compound 2 was prepared from equimolecular quantity of 1 (1g, 2.43 mmol), derivative triterpene resulting from Euphorbia officinarum1, and thiosemicarbazide2,3 dissolved in ethanol with several drops of conc. H2SO4.[...]
4α,14α,Dimethyl-5α-cholest-8-en-3-one thiadiazoline
Authors: Mazoir Noureddine , Itto My Youssef Ait , Lassaba Essediya , Benharref Ahmed
Published: November 2009

The compound 2 (0.21g, 0.25mmol) was dissolved in 1ml of pyridine and 1ml of acetic anhydride1,2.[...]
3β-Acetoxy-elemo-lanost-8-en-24-one
Authors: Mazoir Noureddine , Daoubi Mourad , Lassaba Essediya , Benharref Ahmed
Published: November 2009

The sodium periodate is prepared in situ with a equimolecular quantity of soda NaOH (0.5g; 12.50 mmol) and periodic acid H5IO6 (2.85g; 12.50 mmol), the mixture is stirred at 0°C. After 15 min, 5 ml of CCl4, 5 ml of H3CCN and 93.03mg (0.12mmol) of ruthenium trichloride1,2 were added.[...]
3β-Tosyloxy-elemo-lanost-8-en-24-one
Authors: Mazoir Noureddine , Daoubi Mourad , Lassaba Essediya , Benharref Ahmed
Published: November 2009

The sodium periodate is prepared in situ with equimolecular quantity of soda NaOH (0.5g; 12.50 mmol) and periodic acid H5IO6 (2.85g; 12.50 mmol), the mixture is stirred at 0°C.[...]
Synthesis of N, N-Dimethyl-3-phenoxyquinoxalin-2-amine
Authors: Obafemi Craig A. , Pfleiderer Wolfgang
Published: November 2009

The two chloro groups in 2,3-dichloroquinoxaline 1 can be displaced by nucleophiles, a process that may take place in a stepwise manner [1].[...]
Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Thermotropic Liquid Crystal Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Kim Jun Young
Published: November 2009

This paper focuses on the fabrication via simple melt blending of thermotropic liquid crystal polyester (TLCP) nanocomposites reinforced with a very small quantity of modified carbon nanotube (CNT) and the unique effects of the modified CNT on the physical properties of the nanocomposites. The thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of modified CNT-reinforced TLCP nanocomposites are highly dependent on the uniform dispersion of CNT and the interactions between the CNT and TLCP, which can be enhanced by chemical modification of the CNT, providing a design guide of CNTreinforced TLCP nanocomposites with great potential for industrial uses.
The Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Caulerpin, a Bisindole Alkaloid Isolated from Seaweeds of the Genus Caulerpa
Authors: De Souza Éverton Tenório , Pereira de Lira Daysianne , Cavalcanti de Queiroz Aline , Costa da Silva Diogo José , Bezerra de Aquino Anansa , Campessato Mella Eliane A. , Prates Lorenzo Vitor , De Miranda George Emmanuel C. , De Araújo-Júnior João Xavier , De Oliveira Chaves Maria Célia , Barbosa-Filho José Maria , Filgueiras de Athayde-Filho Petrônio , De Oliveira Santos Bárbara Viviana , Alexandre-Moreira Magna Suzana
Published: November 2009

The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of caulerpin was investigated. This bisindole alkaloid was isolated from the lipoid extract of Caulerpa racemosa and its structure was identified by spectroscopic methods, including IR and NMR techniques. The pharmacological assays used were the writhing and the hot plate tests, the formalin-induced pain, the capsaicin-induced ear edema and the carrageenaninduced peritonitis. Caulerpin was given orally at a concentration of 100 μmol/kg. In the abdominal constriction test caulerpin showed reduction in the acetic acid-induced nociception at 0.0945 μmol (0.0103–1.0984) and for dypirone it was 0.0426 μmol (0.0092–0.1972). In the hot plate test in vivo the inhibition of nociception by caulerpin (100 μmol/kg, p.o.) was also favorable. This result suggests that this compound exhibits a central activity, without changing the motor activity (seen in the rotarod test). Caulerpin (100 μmol/kg, p.o.) reduced the formalin effects in both phases by 35.4% and 45.6%, respectively. The possible anti-inflammatory activity observed in the second phase in the formalin test of caulerpin (100 μmol/kg, p.o.) was confirmed on the capsaicin-induced ear edema model, where an inhibition of 55.8% was presented. Indeed, it was also observed in the carrageenan-induced peritonitis that caulerpin (100 μmol/kg, p.o.) exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, reducing significantly the number of recruit cells by 48.3%. Pharmacological studies are continuing in order to characterize the mechanism(s) responsible for the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions and also to identify other active principles present in Caulerpa racemosa.
A Flexible Flow Sensor System and Its Characteristics for Fluid Mechanics Measurements
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhu Rong , Que Ruiyi
Published: November 2009

In this paper, we present a novel micromachined hot-film flow sensor system realized by a technique using a film depositing processes and incorporating a standard printed circuit. Sensor electrodes and electronic circuits are preprinted on a flexible substrate of polyimide (PI), i.e., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The sensing element, which is made of Cr/Ni/Pt with a temperature coefficient of resistance around 2,000 ppm/K, is fabricated on the FPCB by either magnetron sputtering technology or pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The sensor can be packed efficiently at high-density and integrated with signal processing circuits without additional pads. A simple fabrication process using mature technique and materials selection guarantees that the time and costs are greatly reduced. Both steady-state and transient characteristics of the sensors are experimentally tested, and the results presented to validate the effectiveness of the sensors.
EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement: Potential Impacts on Rural Livelihoods and Gender (with Focus on Bio-fuels Feedstock Expansion)
Authors: Hinojosa Leonith
Published: November 2009

The trade-sustainable impact assessment of the European Union-Mercosur trade agreement found that the economic impact of the trade liberalisation scenario could be positive in the agricultural sectors of Mercosur countries. However, it also found that the social and environmental impacts would be mixed and potentially detrimental. This paper addresses the likely effects on the livelihoods of vulnerable rural populations. It argues that the potential impacts can be analysed within a diversified livelihood strategies framework, which is expanded to include institutional and policy factors. It concludes that the negative expected impact responds to the highly uneven access to capital assets. On the other hand, the effects are not generalised to all Mercosur countries, nor to all regions in each of the member countries. Enhancing or mitigating measures refer to the importance of sequencing and regulation to improve disadvantaged groups‘ abilities to participate in trade-led agricultural intensification or industrialisation processes.
A Closer Look at the NS1 of Influenza Virus
Authors: Dundon William G. , Capua Ilaria
Published: November 2009

The Non-Structural 1 (NS1) protein is a multifactorial protein of type A influenza viruses that plays an important role in the virulence of the virus. A large amount of what we know about this protein has been obtained from studies using human influenza isolates and, consequently, the human NS1 protein. The current global interest in avian influenza, however, has highlighted a number of sequence and functional differences between the human and avian NS1. This review discusses these differences in addition to describing potential uses of NS1 in the management and control of avian influenza outbreaks.
Understanding the shape of the mixture failure rate (with engineering and demographic applications)
Authors: Finkelstein Maxim
Published: November 2009

Mixtures of distributions are usually effectively used for modelling heterogeneity. It is well known that mixtures of DFR distributions are always DFR. On the other hand, mixtures of IFR distributions can decrease, at least in some intervals of time. As IFR distributions often model lifetimes governed by ageing processes, the operation of mixing can dramatically change the pattern of ageing. Therefore, the study of the shape of the observed (mixture) failure rate in a heterogeneous setting is important in many applications. We study discrete and continuous mixtures, obtain conditions for the mixture failure rate to tend to the failure rate of the strongest populations and describe asymptotic behaviour as t→∞. Some demographic and engineering examples are considered. The corresponding inverse problem is discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metagenomic gene discovery: How far have we moved into novel sequence space?
Authors: Tuffin Marla , Anderson Dominique , Heath Cal , Cowan Don A.
Published: November 2009

Metagenomics emerged in the late 1990s as a tool for accessing and studying the collective microbial genetic material in the environment. The advent of the technology generated great excitement, as it has provided new opportunities and technologies for studying the wealth of microbial genetic diversity in the environment. Metagenomics has been widely predicted to access new dimensions of protein sequence space. A decade on, we review how far we have actually moved into new sequence space (and other aspects of protein space) using metagenomic tools. While several novel enzyme activities and protein structures have been identified through metagenomic strategies, the greatest advancement has been made in the isolation of novel protein sequences, some of which have no close relatives, form deeply branched lineages and even represent novel families. This is particularly true for glycosyl hydrolases and lipase/esterases, despite the fact that these activities are frequently screened for in metagenomic studies. However, there is much room for improvement in the methods employed and they will need to be addressed so that access to novel biocatalytic activities can be widened.
Contemporary results for open repair of suprarenal and type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Richards J M J , Nimmo A F , Moores C R , Hansen P A , Murie J A , Chalmers R T A
Published: November 2009

Background

Endovascular and hybrid procedures are not yet widely established in the management of type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). Open surgery remains the treatment of choice until the long-term outcomes of these novel techniques are known.

Methods

This study reviewed a 10-year experience of open repair of non-ruptured type IV and suprarenal TAAA. All procedures were performed using a totally abdominal approach with supracoeliac clamping of the aorta.

Results

There were 53 patients (31 men; 58 per cent) of median age 69 (range 54–82) years. Forty-four patients had a type IV TAAA and nine a suprarenal aneurysm. Three patients (6 per cent) died within 30 days and the 12-month mortality rate for patients followed for at least 1 year was 6 per cent (three of 49). Ten patients (19 per cent) had a cardiac complication, 20 (38 percent) a respiratory complication, three (6 percent) required early reoperation, and one patient (2 percent) developed permanent paraplegia. There was one late death resulting from an aneurysm-related complication.

Conclusion

Open repair of suprarenal aneurysms and type IV TAAA may be undertaken using a totally abdominal approach with acceptable levels of morbidity and mortality.
Power consumption and maximum energy dissipation in a milliliter‐scale bioreactor
Authors: Hortsch Ralf , Weuster‐Botz Dirk
Published: November 2009

Mean power consumption and maximum local energy dissipation were measured as function of operating conditions of a milliliter‐scale stirred tank bioreactor (V = 12 mL) with a gas‐inducing impeller. A standard laboratory‐scale stirred tank bioreactor (V = 1,200 mL) with Rushton turbines was used as reference. The measured power characteristics (Newton number as function of Reynolds number) were the same on both scales. The changeover between laminar and turbulent flow regime was observed at a Reynolds number of 3,000 with the gas‐inducing stirrer on a milliliter‐scale. The Newton number (power number) in the turbulent flow regime was 3.3 on a milliliter‐scale, which is close to values reported for six‐blade Rushton turbines of standard bioreactors. Maximum local energy dissipation (εmax) was measured using a clay/polymer flocculation system. The maximum local energy dissipation in the milliliter‐scale stirred tank bioreactor was reduced compared with the laboratory‐scale stirred tank at the same mean power input per unit mass (εø), yielding εmax/εø ≈ 10 compared with εmax/εø ≈ 16. Hence, the milliliter‐scale stirred tank reactor distributes power more uniformly in the reaction medium. These results are in good agreement with literature data, where a decreasing εmax/εø with increasing ratio of impeller diameter to reactor diameter is found (d/D = 0.7 compared with d/D = 0.4). Based on these data, impeller speeds can now be easily adjusted to achieve the same maximum local energy dissipation at different scales. This enables a more reliable and robust scale‐up of bioprocesses from milliliter‐scale to liter‐scale reactors. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Protein recovery from enzyme‐assisted aqueous extraction of soybean
Authors: Campbell Kerry A. , Glatz Charles E.
Published: November 2009

Enzyme‐assisted aqueous oil extraction from soybean is a “green” alternative to hexane extraction that must realize potential revenues from a value‐added protein co‐product. Three technologies were investigated to recover protein from the skim fraction of an aqueous extraction process. Ultrafiltration achieved overall protein yields between 60% and 64%, with solids protein content of 70%, and was effective in reducing stachyose content, with fluxes between 4 and 10 L/m2 hr. Protein content was limited because of high retention of lipids and the loss of polypeptides below 13.6 kDa. Isoelectric precipitation was effective in recovering the minimally hydrolyzed proteins of skim, with a protein content of 70%, again limited by lipid content. However, protein recovery was only 30% because of the greater solubility of the hydrolyzed proteins. Recovery by the alternative of protein capture on dextran‐grafted agarose quaternary‐amine expanded bed adsorption resins decreased with decreasing polypeptide molecular weight. Proteins with molecular mass greater than 30 kDa exhibited slow adsorption rates. Expanded bed adsorption was most effective for recovery of proteins with molecular weight between 30 and 12 kDa. Overall, adsorption protein yields were between 14% and 17%. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Multicomponent cellulase production by Cellulomonas biazotea NCIM‐2550 and its applications for cellulosic biohydrogen production
Authors: Saratale Ganesh D. , Saratale Rijuta G. , Lo Yung‐Chung , Chang Jo‐Shu
Published: November 2009

Among four cellulolytic microorganisms examined, Cellulomonas biazotea NCIM‐2550 can grow on various cellulosic substrates and produce reducing sugar. The activity of cellulases (endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and cellobiase), xylanase, amylase, and lignin class of enzymes produced by C. biazotea was mainly present extracellularly and the enzyme production was dependent on cellulosic substrates (carboxymethyl cellulose [CMC], sugarcane bagasse [SCB], and xylan) used for growth. Effects of physicochemical conditions on cellulolytic enzyme production were systematically investigated. Using MnCl2 as a metal additive significantly induces the cellulase enzyme system, resulting in more reducing sugar production. The efficiency of fermentative conversion of the hydrolyzed SCB and xylan into clean H2 energy was examined with seven H2‐producing pure bacterial isolates. Only Clostridiumbutyricum CGS5 exhibited efficient H2 production performance with the hydrolysate of SCB and xylan. The cumulative H2 production and H2 yield from using bagasse hydrolysate (initial reducing sugar concentration = 1.545 g/L) were approximately 72.61 mL/L and 2.13 mmol H2/g reducing sugar (or 1.91 mmol H2/g cellulose), respectively. Using xylan hydrolysate (initial reducing sugar concentration = 0.345 g/L) as substrate could also attain a cumulative H2 production and H2 yield of 87.02 mL/L and 5.03 mmol H2/g reducing sugar (or 4.01 mmol H2/g cellulose), respectively. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
The thickness of the ligamentum flavum in relation to age and gender
Authors: Safak Alp Alper , Is Merih , Sevinc Ozdemir , Barut Cagatay , Eryoruk Nesrin , Erdogmus Besir , Dosoglu Murat
Published: November 2009

Hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum (LF) can reduce the diameter of the spinal canal posteriorly. Such stenosis may significantly compress the dural sac and nerve roots, resulting in symptoms, even without a bulging anulus fibrosus or herniated nucleus pulposus. We conducted an anatomical study to determine the influence of age and gender on the thickness of the LF at the lower lumbar levels using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The thickness of 1,280 ligaments was determined at the L4‐L5 and L5‐S1 levels from MRIs. We screened 320 patients (152 males [47.5%] and 168 females [52.5%]) between 21 and 82 years of age. There were no significant differences in LF thickness with respect to gender (P > 0.05). Age was not correlated with the thicknesses of the LF. The left LF at the L4‐L5 and L5‐S1 levels was significantly thicker than on the right side (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the LF thicknesses at L5‐S1 bilaterally were significantly greater than on the corresponding sides at L4‐L5 (P < 0.05). The LF is an important anatomical structure, which might cause low back or leg pain. Therefore, the thickness of the LF should be measured and evaluated carefully in the case of spinal stenosis. Clin. Anat. 23:79–83, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of the static and dynamic musculotendinous architecture of supraspinatus
Authors: Kim S. , Bleakney R. , Boynton E. , Ravichandiran K. , Rindlisbacher T. , McKee N. , Agur A.
Published: November 2009

To date, the architecture of supraspinatus (SP) and its relation to joint position has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to quantify the dynamic architecture of the distinct regions of SP using ultrasound (US). Seventeen subjects (8 M/9 F), mean age 36.4 ± 12.7 years, without tendon pathology were recruited. The SP was scanned in relaxed and contracted states. For the contracted state, SP was scanned with the shoulder actively abducted to 60° and the glenohumeral joint in neutral rotation; 80° external rotation; 80° internal rotation. Fiber bundle length (FBL) and pennation angle (PA) of distinct regions, and muscle thickness were computed. Measurements of the posterior region were limited because of acromion shadowing. Parameters between regions and changes between relaxed and contracted states were analyzed using paired t‐tests and repeated measures ANOVA (P < 0.05). On contraction in the anterior region, mean percentage of FBL shortening ranged between 9% and 21%. However, in the posterior region, shortening of approximately 2% only occurred in two of the three positions; lengthening of approximately 2.5% occurred in internal rotation. For the anterior region, the mean PA increased the least in the externally rotated position, and the mean PA of the middle part was smaller than the deep part for all states. Findings suggest changes in the architecture are not uniform throughout the muscle and joint position may play an important role in force production. The US protocol may serve as an outcome measure of adaptive changes of muscle function following surgery, training, and rehabilitation. Clin. Anat. 23:48–55, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The branching pattern of the deep inferior epigastric artery revisited in‐vivo: A new classification based on CT angiography
Authors: Rozen Warren M. , Ashton Mark W. , Grinsell Damien
Published: November 2009

The deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) is a reliable pedicle in the design of DIEA perforator flaps, with variations in its anatomy infrequent. Previous studies describing its branching pattern have all been based on cadaveric anatomy and described the following three branching patterns: Type 1 (single trunk), Type 2 (bifurcating trunk), and Type 3 (trifurcating trunk). The increased use of preoperative imaging, particularly with computed tomographic angiography (CTA), has enabled visualization of the DIEA and its branches in vivo, providing a functional view of this anatomy. We undertook a study of 250 patients (500 hemiabdominal walls) undergoing preoperative CTA before DIEA perforator flaps for breast reconstruction. The branching pattern of the DIEA and correlation to the contralateral hemiabdominal wall were assessed. The branching patterns of the DIEA were found to be different in vivo compared with cadaveric studies, with a higher than previously reported incidence of Type 1 patterns and lower than reported incidence of Type 3 patterns, and that some patterns exist which were not included within the previous nomenclature (namely, Type 0 or absent DIEA and Type 4 or four‐trunk DIEA). There was also shown to be no overall concordance in the branching patterns of the DIEA between contralateral sides of the same abdominal wall; however, there was shown to be a statistically significant concordance in cases of a Type 1 DIEA (51% concordance, P = 0.04). As such, a new modification to the classification system for the branching pattern of the DIEA is presented based on imaging findings. Clin. Anat. 23:87–92, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.