bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of three microwave‐assisted drying methods on the physiochemical, nutritional and sensory qualities of re‐structured purple‐fleshed sweet potato granules
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhang Min , Mujumdar Arun S.
Published: October 2011

Purple‐fleshed sweet potato (PFSP) with high anthocyanin level was attractive to health concern. Three drying methods, namely microwave‐assisted freeze‐drying (MWFD), microwave‐assisted vacuum drying (MWVD) and microwave‐assisted spouted bed drying (MWSBD), were compared in the drying of PFSP granules. Product’s texture, colour, anthocyanin level and energy consumption were investigated. Drying periods varied among drying methods. MWSBD needed the least time to finish the drying process. Different drying methods had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on texture and anthocyanin level. Maximum penetration force of MWSBD treated sample was lowest (14.99 N). Anthocyanin level of MWSBD products was not as high as that of MWFD products, but colour and appearance were fine. MWFD products owned good crispness through sensory evaluation. Energy consumption of MWFD was about two times higher than that of MWVD. Final results indicated that MWSBD may be an alternative way to MWFD with measurements to maintain the anthocyanin level.
Purification and characterisation of a novel antioxidant peptide from porcine haemoglobin hydrolysate
Authors: Sun Qian , Luo Yongkang , Shen Huixing , Li Xue , Yao Lei
Published: October 2011

Porcine haemoglobin, which is normally discarded as a by‐product of meat industry, was hydrolysed using pepsin, AS1398 neutrase, trypsin, flavorzyme, papain and alcalase respectively. The peptic hydrolysate exhibited the highest antioxidant activities than those of other hydrolysates, which was separated using ultrafiltration membranes, and consecutively using chromatographic methods including ion‐exchange chromatography on SP Sephadex C‐25 column, gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex G‐25 column and reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography. Finally, a novel antioxidant peptide from porcine haemoglobin (APPH) was purified, and its sequence was identified to be ARRLGHDFNPDVQAA (1666 Da) using mass spectrometry. APPH exhibited significant higher lipid peroxidation inhibitory ability than that of α‐tocopherol as positive control (P < 0.05), and efficiently quenched hydroxyl radical (IC50 = 26.9 μm). APPH agrees with the 115–129 residues of the β‐chain from porcine haemoglobin. These results indicate that APPH would be a beneficial ingredient for functional food and pharmaceuticals.
Integrating preconceptional care into an IVF programme
Authors: Ockhuijsen Henriëtta D.L. , Gamel Claudia J. , van den Hoogen Agnes , Macklon Nicholas S.
Published: October 2011

ockhuijsen h.d.l., gamel c.j., van den hoogen a. & macklon n.s. (2011) Integrating preconceptional care into an IVF programme. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(5), 1156–1165.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a mixed method study of the outcomes of integrating preconceptional care into an in‐vitro fertilization programme on nurses’ and patients’ attitudes and patients’ weight and smoking behaviour.

Background.  Increasing evidence points to the significant effect of lifestyle factors on in‐vitro fertilization outcomes. Optimizing the health of couples before they commence in‐vitro fertilization may improve the chance of achieving success.

Method.  In 2007, 130 couples attending a university hospital in‐vitro fertilization unit and seven nurses were invited to participate in the study. Questionnaires were developed to assess the attitudes of both patients and nurses. Furthermore, the impact of interventions on body mass index and smoking patterns were evaluated.

Results.  All nurses (n = 7) and 101 patients (77·7%) returned completed questionnaires. Analysis revealed a considerable degree of scepticism among the nurses at the outset as to the value of the programme and their ability to perform their new role effectively. Patients valued positively the increased attention to adjusting lifestyle factors with the goal to improve fertility outcomes. Of those participants who smoked or had a body mass index >30, 30% (n = 7/23) of the patients quit smoking and 50% lost weight (n = 15/30), mean loss: 6·1 kg.

Conclusion.  Fertility nurses can play a key role in the provision of preconceptional care. Patients with a fertility problem can be motivated to address lifestyle issues before embarking on in‐vitro fertilization treatment. The integration of preconceptional care and lifestyle interventions was shown to be feasible in our clinical setting.
Mental health promotion of Iranian university students: the effect of self‐esteem and health locus of control
Authors: MOSHKI M. , AMIRI M. , KHOSRAVAN S.
Published: October 2011

Accessible summary

The students are exposed to various problems that particularly their mental health is much affected.

For promoting mental health in students, approaches could be strengthened through their empowerment and participation in group discussion.

To improve the self‐esteem and health locus of control predictors led to their mental health promotion among university students.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of self‐esteem and health control belief on promoting students' mental health. In so doing, 144 students from two medical universities in the north‐east of Iran were recruited into study. They were pair‐matched and randomly assigned to case and control groups. The data were collected through Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire‐28, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control and Rosenberg's Self‐Esteem Scales. The results showed that there were significant differences between the groups before and after the intervention. The external components of health locus of control (chance and powerful others) showed a significant decrease but the internal health locus of control and self‐esteem revealed a significant increase after the intervention (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the students' mental health had a significant increase after 3 months of intervention (P < 0.0001). The findings emphasize that the programme can improve the health locus of control beliefs, self‐esteem and mental health promotion of the students. This will require additional monitoring and uninterrupted attempts to be effective.
Myelodysplastic syndrome in New Zealand and Australia
Authors: Rodger E. J. , Morison I. M.
Published: October 2011

Background

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a haematological disorder of the elderly, has been formally classified as a neoplastic disease for 10 years.

Aims

Our aim was to collate national cancer registry incidence data to describe the epidemiology of MDS in New Zealand.

Methods

The New Zealand Cancer Registry has now reported five complete years of incidence data, the last three of which were used for analysis. For the years 2005–2007, age–sex specific and age‐standardised MDS incidence rates from New Zealand were compared with those from Australia. Age‐standardised incidence rates were calculated by the direct standardisation method and standardised rate ratios were compared at the 5, 1 and 0.1% levels.

Results

Diagnoses of MDS represented 1.3% of total cancer registrations in New Zealand and 1.0% in Australia. In both New Zealand and Australia, 86–87% of MDS cases were diagnosed in individuals ≥60 years of age, the incidence increased significantly with age, and males had a significantly higher age‐standardised incidence rate (P < 0.001) than females. The incidence rate for New Zealand males was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than Australian males. In both New Zealand males and females, the age‐standardised incidence rate of MDS was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than most other haematological neoplasms.

Conclusions

In New Zealand and Australia, MDS is a common haematological neoplasm. The marked difference between male and female incidence rates, especially with advancing age, may provide insights into the causes of this disease.
The Moral Problem of Risk Impositions: A Survey of the Literature
Authors: Hayenhjelm Madeleine , Wolff Jonathan
Published: October 2011

This paper surveys the current philosophical discussion of the ethics of risk imposition, placing it in the context of relevant work in psychology, economics and social theory. The central philosophical problem starts from the observation that it is not practically possible to assign people individual rights not to be exposed to risk, as virtually all activity imposes some risk on others. This is the ‘problem of paralysis’. However, the obvious alternative theory that exposure to risk is justified when its total benefits exceed its total costs faces the standard distributional challenges of consequentialism. Forms of contractualism have been proposed as a solution, but how exactly such theories can be formulated remains problematic, especially when confronted with the difficult cases of mass, novel, risk such as climate change.
Yamaguchi fox–pigeon imitation test (YFPIT) for dementia in clinical practice
Authors: YAMAGUCHI Haruyasu , TAKAHASHI Satoshi , KOSAKA Kenji , OKAMOTO Koichi , YAMAZAKI Tsuneo , IKEDA Masaki , OSAWA Makoto , AMARI Masakuni , HARIGAYA Yasuo , AWATA Shuichi , MAKI Yohko
Published: October 2011

Background:  In out‐patient clinics, having simple procedures to check for signs of dementia is invaluable. In the present study, we evaluated the imitation of hand gestures to detect visuomotor deficits in dementia in clinical practice.

Methods:  In all, 1219 subjects were enrolled in the present study, including 497 with Alzheimer's disease (AD), 98 with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), 71 with other types of dementia diseases, 175 with a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) of 0.5, and 378 normal controls. All subjects were aged 65 years or older. Subjects were recruited from 10 clinics and two communities. Visuomotor function was evaluated by the Yamaguchi fox–pigeon imitation test (YFPIT), which consists of a simple one‐handed sign for ‘fox’ and a complex two‐handed sign for ‘pigeon’, a rapid, game‐like test with low psychological burden.

Results:  The success rate (successful/total) for imitating the ‘pigeon’ hand gesture was reduced as the severity of the dementia increased: 85.7% in normal controls, 60.6% in CDR 0.5 (mild cognitive impairment), 39.2% in CDR 1 (mild dementia), 21.2% in CDR 2 (moderate dementia), and 5.7% in CDR 3 (severe dementia). The success rate for imitating the ‘pigeon’ hand gesture was higher in patients with DLB than AD within the CDR 1 group (51.2% vs 35.4%, respectively), but lower for patients with DLB than AD within the CDR 2 group (12.5% vs 24.4%, respectively). The success of imitating the hand gesture for ‘fox’ was similar for patients with AD and DLB. Of those subjects who failed to imitate the hand gesture for ‘pigeon’, 49.5% of those with AD showed the palm–palm pattern (both palms facing outward), suggesting deficits of perspective conversion from the first‐person to the third‐person. Conversely, 52.8% of patients with DLB showed a dorsum–dorsum pattern (both dorsa facing outwards), suggesting deterioration of visual attention and recognition.

Conclusion:  In conclusion, the YFPIT is a useful test to detect visuomotor deficits in dementia that can differentiate between AD and DLB.
Advancing drug discovery for schizophrenia
Authors: Marder Stephen R. , Roth Bryan , Sullivan Patrick F. , Scolnick Edward M. , Nestler Eric J. , Geyer Mark A. , Welnberger Daniel R. , Karayiorgou Maria , Guidotti Alessandro , Gingrich Jay , Akbarian Schahram , Buchanan Robert W. , Lieberman Jeffrey A. , Conn P. Jeffrey , Haggarty Stephen J. , Law Amanda J. , Campbell Brian , Krystal John H. , Moghaddam Bita , Saw Akira , Caron Marc G. , George Susan R. , Allen John A. , Solis Michelle
Published: October 2011

Sponsored by the New York Academy of Sciences and with support from the National Institute of Mental Health, the Life Technologies Foundation, and the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, “Advancing Drug Discovery for Schizophrenia” was held March 9–11 at the New York Academy of Sciences in New York City. The meeting, comprising individual talks and panel discussions, highlighted basic, clinical, and translational research approaches, all of which contribute to the overarching goal of enhancing the pharmaceutical armamentarium for treating schizophrenia. This report surveys work by the vanguard of schizophrenia research in such topics as genetic and epigenetic approaches; small molecule therapeutics; and the relationships between target genes, neuronal function, and symptoms of schizophrenia.
Pharmacotherapy and clinical characteristics of ultra‐high‐risk for psychosis according to conversion status: a naturalistic observational study
Authors: Kim Euitae , Jang Joon Hwan , Park Hye‐Yoon , Shim Geumsook , Hwang Jae Yeon , Kim Sung Nyun , Kwon Jun Soo
Published: October 2011

Aim: To explore the differences in pharmacotherapy and clinical characteristics of individuals at ultra‐high‐risk (UHR) for psychosis according to the conversion status, we analyzed the data for UHR patients seen at the Seoul Youth Clinic.

Methods: This was a naturalistic observational study. We obtained clinical data, including demographic data, presenting complaint, duration of psychiatric symptoms, diagnosis and scores on clinical rating scales from individual records in the Seoul Youth Clinic. Prescription data were obtained from electronic medical records.

Results: As of April 1, 2010, a total of 78 people were registered as being UHR for psychosis in the Seoul Youth Clinic. Patients commonly presented with paranoid ideas and anxiety. On entry to the Seoul Youth Clinic, 81% of the UHR group were diagnosed as having psychiatric disorders according to DSM‐IV criteria. Of the 67 individuals who did not drop out of the Seoul Youth Clinic, 14 converted to psychosis. The mean time to conversion was 412 days post baseline examination. The mean duration of psychiatric symptoms before clinic presentation was shorter in the converter group than in the non‐converter group. There were no differences in baseline scores on clinical rating scales between the two groups. Antipsychotics were commonly prescribed for UHR patients in the Seoul Youth Clinic, with the converter group exposed to antipsychotics for a longer period and at higher doses than the non‐converter group.

Conclusions: In a naturalistic setting, the different pattern of exposure to antipsychotics between the converter and non‐converter groups calls attention to the effects of antipsychotics on conversion to psychosis.
The Earliest Ascidiate Carpel and Its Implications for Angiosperm Evolution
Authors: WANG Xin , HAN Gang
Published: October 2011

According to the classic doctrine of angiosperm evolution, the archetype carpel in angiosperms is of plicate form. However, this concept is facing increasing challenges from the systematics based on molecular data, which now takes ascidiate carpel as ancestral. This reorientation in evolutionary thinking cannot be fully achieved unless there is supporting fossil evidence. Here a fruit, named Liaoningfructus, is reported from the famous Yixian Formation (Early Cretaceous, 125 Ma), which yielded several pioneer angiosperms in the past decades. The configuration of the fruit suggests that the carpel giving rise to the fruit is most likely ascidiate, favoring the above reorientation. There are two seeds in the fruit, and at least one of them is served by a vascular bundle arising from the bottom of the fruit, implying a basal placentation in the former carpel, which again is different from the classic thinking. This discovery not only enhances the diversity of angiosperms in the Yixian Formation, but also accelerates the on‐going switching of thinking on angiosperm evolution.
Molar Tooth Structure: a Contribution from the Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation, Tianjin City, North China
Authors: MEI Mingxiang , TUCKER Maurice E.
Published: October 2011

Molar‐tooth (MT) structure is an enigmatic sedimentary structure consisting of variously‐shaped cracks and voids filled with a characteristically uniform, equant calcite microspar. It is globally distributed but temporally restricted to rocks from Neoarchean to Neoproterozoic age. The origin of MT structures has been debated for more than a century and the topic continues to be highly contentious. Some features of MT structure occurring in micritic limestones of the Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation (ca. 1500 Ma to ca. 1400 Ma), Jixian section, Tianjin City, North China show that: 1) there is a definite interface or lining, rich in organic material and pyrite, between the MT crack‐filling calcite microspar and the micritic host rock, which is also rich in organic matter; 2) the micritic host rocks are notable for the absence of stromatolites and microbial laminites; 3) distinctive conglomeratic lag deposits made up of intraclasts of MT microspar result from storm reworking of the MT structures; 4) the MT structure is associated with possible algal megafossils such as Chuaria; 5) the MT microspar is made up of the larger calcite crystal and the MT crack is marked by the diversity of configurations; 6) both the TOC content and the carbon‐isotopic value (δ13CPDB) among the host rock, the MT microspar and the possible algae fossil are obviously different. For the forming mechanism of the Gaoyuzhuang MT structure, these features can still indicate that: A) the MT microspar was formed by rapid precipitation and lithification; B) the MT microspar precipitated directly within the cracks; C) the decomposition of organic matter within the host micrite might be the chief mechanism producing gas bubbles; D) microscale gas‐sediment interaction led to the generation of the MT cracks and the precipitation of microspar therein; E) the MT cracks might represent the track of migration and expansion of gas bubbles, and that the recrystallization of host micrites cannot be eliminated during forming process of the MT microspar; F) the MT structure is occurred in early diagenetic period; and G) the formation of MT microspars is a complex diagenetic process. Therefore, model of the microbially‐induced gas‐bubble expansion and migration is the best interpretation for the formation of the MT structure. Effectively, MT structures are a type of sedimentary structure that is formed in the early diagenetic period and is related to microbial activities and organic matter degradation.
Fractal Characteristics of Coal Pores Based on Classic Geometry and Thermodynamics Models
Authors: CAI Yidong , LIU Dameng , YAO Yanbin , LI Junqian , LIU Junlai
Published: October 2011

To better understand the characteristics of coal pores and their influence on coal reservoirs, coal pores in eight main coalfields of North China were analyzed by mercury porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fractal characteristics of coal pores (size distribution and structure) were researched using two fractal models: classic geometry and thermodynamics. These two models establish the relationship between fractal dimensions and coal pores characteristics. New results include: (1) SEM imaging and fractal analysis show that coal reservoirs generally have very high heterogeneity; (2) coal pore structures have fractal characteristics and fractal dimensions characteristic of pore structures are controlled by the composition (e.g., ash, moisture, volatile component) and pore parameters (e.g., pore diameter, micro pores content) of coals; (3) the fractal dimensions (D1 and D2) of coal pores have good correlations with the heterogeneity of coal pore structures. Larger fractal dimensions correlate to higher heterogeneity of pore structures. The fractal dimensions (D1 and D2) have strong negative linear correlations with the sorted coefficient of coals (R2=0.719 and 0.639, respectively) that shows the heterogeneity of coal pores; (4) fractal dimension D1 and petrologic permeability of coals have a strong negative exponential correlation (R2=0.82). However, fractal dimension D2 and petrologic permeability of coals have no obvious correlation; and (5) the model of classic geometry is more accurate for fractal characterization of coal pores in coal reservoirs than that of thermodynamics by optimization.
Zero, one, or in between: evaluation of alternative national and entity‐level accounting for bioenergy
Authors: Bird David Neil , Pena Naomi , Frieden Dorian , Zanchi Giuliana
Published: October 2011

Accounting for bioenergy's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, as done under the Kyoto Protocol (KP) and European Union (EU) Emissions Trading Scheme, fails to capture the full extent of these emissions. As a consequence, other approaches have been suggested. Both the EU and United States already use value‐chain approaches to determine emissions due to biofuels – an approach quite different from that of the KP. Further, both the EU and United States are engaged in consultation processes to determine how emissions connected with use of biomass for heat and power will be handled under regulatory systems. The United States is considering whether CO2 emissions from biomass should be handled like fossil fuels. In this context, this article reviews and evaluates the three basic bioenergy accounting options.

CO2 emissions from bioenergy are not counted at the point of combustion. Instead emissions due to use of biomass are accounted for in the land‐use sector as carbon stock losses – a combustion factor (CoF) = 0 approach;

CO2 emissions from bioenergy are accounted for in the energy sector – a CoF = 1 approach; and

End users account for all or a specified subset of CO2 emissions, regardless of where geographically these emissions occur – 0 < CoF < 1.

Following short descriptions of the basic options, this article discusses variations to these options and uses numerical examples to illustrate the impacts of approaches at a local and international level. Finally, the alternative accounting systems are evaluated against general criteria and for impacts on selected stakeholder goals. General criteria considered are: (a) comprehensiveness, (b) simplicity, and (c) scale independence. Stakeholder goals reviewed are: (a) stimulation of rural economies, (b) food security, (c) GHG reductions, and (d) preservation of forests.
Gratitude and Well‐Being: Who Benefits the Most from a Gratitude Intervention?
Authors: Rash Joshua A. , Matsuba M. Kyle , Prkachin Kenneth M.
Published: October 2011

Background: Theory and research have shown that gratitude interventions have positive outcomes on measures of well‐being. Gratitude listing, behavioral expressions, and grateful contemplation are methods of inducing gratitude. While research has examined gratitude listing and behavioral expressions, no study has tested the long‐term effects of a gratitude contemplation intervention on well‐being. Methods: The present experiment examined the efficacy of a 4‐week gratitude contemplation intervention program in improving well‐being relative to a memorable events control condition. Pre‐test measures of cardiac coherence, trait gratitude, and positive and negative affect were collected. Pre‐ and post‐test measures assessing satisfaction with life and self‐esteem were also collected. Daily positive and negative affect were completed twice a week throughout the intervention period. Results: Compared to those in the memorable events condition, participants in the gratitude condition reported higher satisfaction with life and self‐esteem. Trait gratitude was found to moderate the effects of the gratitude intervention on satisfaction with life. Conclusion: Grateful contemplation can be used to enhance long‐term well‐being.
The Influence of Crystal Orientation on the Elastic Stresses of a Single Crystal Nickel-Based Turbine Blade
Authors: Savage Michael W. R.
Published: October 2011

Single crystal nickel-based turbine blades are directionally solidified during the casting process with the crystallographic direction [001] aligned with the blade stacking axis. This alignment is usually controlled within 10 deg, known as the Primary angle. The rotation of the single crystal about the [001] axis is generally not controlled and this is known as the Secondary angle. The variation in Primary and Secondary angles relative to the blade geometry means that the stress response from blade to blade will be different, even for the same loading conditions. This paper investigates the influence of single crystal orientation on the elastic stresses of a CMSX-4 turbine blade root attachment using finite element analysis. The results demonstrate an appreciable variation in elastic stress when analyzed over the controlled Primary angle, and are further compounded by the uncontrolled Secondary angle. The maximum stress range will have a direct impact on the fatigue resistance of the turbine blade. By optimizing the Secondary angle variation the elastic stresses can be reduced, giving the potential to enhance the fatigue resistance of the turbine blade.
Tomography-Based Determination of Effective Transport Properties for Reacting Porous Media
Authors: Haussener Sophia , Jerjen Iwan , Wyss Peter , Steinfeld Aldo
Published: October 2011

The effective heat and mass transport properties of a porous packed bed of particles undergoing a high-temperature solid–gas thermochemical transformation are determined. The exact 3D geometry of the reacting porous media is obtained by high-resolution computed tomography. Finite volume techniques are applied to solve the governing conservation equations at the pore-level scale and to determine the effective transport properties as a function of the reaction extent, namely, the convective heat transfer coefficient, permeability, Dupuit–Forchheimer coefficient, tortuosity, and residence time distributions. These exhibit strong dependence on the bed morphological properties (e.g., porosity, specific surface area, particle size) and, consequently, vary with time as the reaction progresses.
Air Suction Characteristics of a Water Hydraulic Piston Pump With Check Valves
Authors: He Xiaofeng , Huang Wei , Zhu Bihai , Luo Liang
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the air suction characteristics of a water hydraulic piston pump with check valves. The influence of some factors on its air suction performance, including compression ratio, initial spring forces, valve gaps, etc., was simulated. The real suction height of the pump prototype was tested and it agreed well with the simulation result. The compression ratio and the outlet pressure of the pump have been found to be dominant. This study can provide a guide for the design of a piston pump whose air suction characteristics need to be considered in application.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Homogeneous Ultralow Molecular Weight Heparins
Authors: Xu Yongmei , Masuko Sayaka , Takieddin Majde , Xu Haoming , Liu Renpeng , Jing Juliana , Mousa Shaker A. , Linhardt Robert J. , Liu Jian
Published: October 2011

An enzymatic synthesis may ultimately offer a more efficient means of producing an important class of anticoagulant drugs.
Clonal Production and Organization of Inhibitory Interneurons in the Neocortex
Authors: Brown Keith N. , Chen She , Han Zhi , Lu Chun-Hui , Tan Xin , Zhang Xin-Jun , Ding Liya , Lopez-Cruz Alejandro , Saur Dieter , Anderson Stewart A. , Huang Kun , Shi Song-Hai
Published: October 2011

Neocortical interneurons develop and migrate in the mouse brain to form spatially organized vertical and horizontal clusters.
Getting the Farm Out of Pharma for Heparin Production
Authors: Turnbull Jeremy E.
Published: October 2011

The production of heparin anticoagulants via chemical and enzymatic steps could avoid the introduction of contaminants that can occur with animal sources.
For the Democracy of Science
Fool Me Twice
Fighting the Assault on Science in America

by Shawn Lawrence Otto

Rodale, Emmaus, PA, 2011. 384 pp. $25.99, C$29.99. ISBN 9781605292175.
Authors: Pelish Alyssa
Published: October 2011

Otto presents the case for the importance of science and evidence-based argumentation to the ideals and demands of democracy.
Another Shot at a Malaria Vaccine
Authors: Kappe Stefan H. I. , Mikolajczak Sebastian A.
Published: October 2011

Clinical trial results may help direct the development of an effective malaria vaccine.
Paradoxical Rising Cytomegalovirus Antigenemia during Preemptive Ganciclovir Therapy in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Park So-Youn , Lee Sang-Oh , Choi Sang-Ho , Kim Yang Soo , Woo Jun Hee , Sung Heungsup , Kim Mi-Na , Kim Dae-Young , Lee Jung-Hee , Lee Je-Hwan , Lee Kyoo-Hyung , Kim Sung-Han
Published: October 2011

Preemptive ganciclovir (GCV) therapy is adopted increasingly in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) recipients, but occasional cases of increasing cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigenemia levels occur during preemptive GCV therapy. This prospective study investigated the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of paradoxical responses during GCV therapy. Adult patients receiving allogeneic HCTs during a 24-month period were enrolled. Patients were prospectively monitored for CMV antigenemia once a week until 3 months after engraftment. Paradoxical responders were defined as patients exhibiting CMV antigenemia levels elevated from the baseline after the first week of preemptive GCV therapy. Of 252 HCT recipients, 97 (38%) received preemptive GCV therapy due to CMV infection. Of these 97 patients, 23 (24%) were classified as paradoxical responders. Risk factors for paradoxical response were a low white blood cell (WBC) count (
P
= 0.02) and a prolonged duration of CMV antigenemia (
P
= 0.04) before preemptive therapy. There were no significant differences in rates of successful viral clearance and secondary episodes of CMV infection between paradoxical responders (87% [20/23] and 26% [6/23]) and nonparadoxical responders (95% [70/74] and 23% [17/74], respectively). However, breakthrough CMV disease during preemptive GCV therapy was significantly more frequent in paradoxical responders (17% [4/23]) than in nonparadoxical responders (3% [2/74],
P
= 0.03). Paradoxical responses occurred in one-quarter of the HCT recipients receiving preemptive GCV therapy. A low WBC count and a long duration of CMV antigenemia before GCV therapy were associated with paradoxical responses, and breakthrough CMV disease during preemptive GCV therapy occurred more frequently in paradoxical responders.
Cathepsin Cleavage Potentiates the Ebola Virus Glycoprotein To Undergo a Subsequent Fusion-Relevant Conformational Change
Authors: Brecher Matthew , Schornberg Kathryn L. , Delos Sue E. , Fusco Marnie L. , Saphire Erica Ollmann , White Judith M.
Published: October 2011

Cellular entry of Ebola virus (EBOV), a deadly hemorrhagic fever virus, is mediated by the viral glycoprotein (GP). The receptor-binding subunit of GP must be cleaved (by endosomal cathepsins) in order for entry and infection to proceed. Cleavage appears to proceed through 50-kDa and 20-kDa intermediates, ultimately generating a key 19-kDa core. How 19-kDa GP is subsequently triggered to bind membranes and induce fusion remains a mystery. Here we show that 50-kDa GP cannot be triggered to bind to liposomes in response to elevated temperature but that 20-kDa and 19-kDa GP can. Importantly, 19-kDa GP can be triggered at temperatures ∼10°C lower than 20-kDa GP, suggesting that it is the most fusion ready form. Triggering by heat (or urea) occurs only at pH 5, not pH 7.5, and involves the fusion loop, as a fusion loop mutant is defective in liposome binding. We further show that mild reduction (preferentially at low pH) triggers 19-kDa GP to bind to liposomes, with the wild-type protein being triggered to a greater extent than the fusion loop mutant. Moreover, mild reduction inactivates pseudovirion infection, suggesting that reduction can also trigger 19-kDa GP on virus particles. Our results support the hypothesis that priming of EBOV GP, specifically to the 19-kDa core, potentiates GP to undergo subsequent fusion-relevant conformational changes. Our findings also indicate that low pH and an additional endosomal factor (possibly reduction or possibly a process mimicked by reduction) act as fusion triggers.
Experimental evaluation of charge distribution on particular skeletal atoms in icosahedral carboranes by means of HS-derivatives
Authors: Plešek Jaromír , Heřmánek Stanislav
Published: October 2011

From the analysis of pKa values of eight mercaptodicarba-closo-dodecaboranes (1-o, 8-o, 9-o, 1-m, 4-m, 9-m, 1-p, 2-p) and pKa' values of five of their -SCH2COOH derivatives was stated: 1) icosahedral skeleton is capable of conjugative interactions with HS- and generally with all groups of +M character, 2) the measure of M interaction with HS is practically the same in all positions and is very similar to that in benzenethiol, 3) pKa value of HS-isomer reflects the magnitude of the group charge ε on BH or CH according to equation pKa = 7.43-26.5ε; ε values lie between -0.10 (9-o) and +0.156 (1-o) and correlate well with dipole moment and chemical reactivity.
Hydrogenolysis of nitrogen-containing compounds on a cobalt-molybdenum catalyst
Authors: Černý Mirko
Published: October 2011

A sulphidized cobalt-molybdenum catalyst on Al2O3 has been used to study hydrogenolysis of pyridine, piperidine, quinoline and their methyl derivatives. In reaction mixtures were identified the compounds which contribute to the knowledge of the mechanism of hydrogenolysis. The cleavage of 2-methylpiperidine ring takes place between the nitrogen atom and the methylene groups and not between the nitrogen atom and the carbon substituted with the methyl group. The amount of hydrogenolysis products decreases in the series pyridine, 2-methylpyridine, 2,6-dimethylpyridine and 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine, i.e. with the increasing number of the methyl groups bonded to the ring.
Extraction of strontium with dicarbolide in the presence of polyethylene glycol
Authors: Vaňura Petr , Rais Jiří , Selucký Pavel , Kyrš Miroslav
Published: October 2011

The extraction of microquantities of 85Sr in the presence of 3 . 10-4 - 0.25 mol l-1 polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) (L) with solutions of dicarbolide ({(π-(3)-1,2-B9C2H11)2Co}-) in nitrobenzene (10-3 - 10-2M) was investigated. The occurrence of the maxima (up to one order of magnitude) on the plots of the strontium distribution ratio vs the total PEG concentration was explained in terms of the competition between the charged strontium-PEG complex (SrL2+) and protonized PEG (HL+) during the balancing of the dicarbolide electrostatic charge in the organic phase. Theoretical relations were derived for the shape of this dependence, for the effect of the acid concentration in the aqueous phase and that of the dicarbolide concentration in the organic phase, as well as for the positions of the corresponding maxima. The theoretical dependences are in accordance with the experimental data. The values of the concentration equilibrium constants of the reactions Sr2+ + L + 2 H+ ##e SrL2+ + 2 H+ (Kex(SrL2+)) and H+ + L ##e HL+ (Kex(HL+)) (for variable ionic strength) are Kex(SrL2+) = 3.26 . 108 and Kex(HL+) = 538 at 25 °C.
Conformation of 3-acetamido-3,6-dideoxyhexopyranosides: Circular dichroism study
Authors: Bystrický Slavomír , Frič Ivo , Staněk Jan , Čapek Karel , Jarý Jiří , Bláha Karel
Published: October 2011

CD spectra of 15 stereoisomeric methyl 3-acetamido-3,6-dideoxyhexopyranosides were measured in methanol, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol and acetonitrile. The data have been applied for estimation of probable conformations. The factor determining signs of the observed Cotton effects seems to be the spatial orientation of the acetamido group with respect to the pyranose ring. The possible role of a non-planar amide group is also discussed.
Preparation of 12,20-disubstituted lupane derivatives
Authors: Pouzar Vladimír , Vystrčil Alois
Published: October 2011

Ketoester I was reduced to diol VI. The higher reactivity of its primary hydroxy group was made use of for the preparation of 12α-hydroxy derivatives VII, VIII and X the oxidation of which led to oxo derivatives XII, XIII and XIV. The reduction of the 12-oxo group in compounds XII and XIV with lithium aluminium hydride takes place stereospecifically under formation of 12α-hydroxy derivatives VII and X, while on reduction with sodium in 1-propanol corresponding 12β-hydroxy derivatives XV and XVI are also formed. Reduction of the unsaturated ketone XVII with sodium borohydride gave unsaturated alcohols XVIII and XX. As acetoxy ketone XXIV was obtained from olefin XIX in a 12% yield only, its alternative preparation was carried out from acetoxy ketone XXXIV via the intermediates XXXII, XXXV, XXVIII and XXXI in an overall yield of 27%. The structures of the derivatives of 12-lupene (III, V, XVII, XIX and XXI), 12-lupanol (II, VII, X, XV, XXXI and XXVII) and 12-lupanone (I, XII, XIII, XIV, XXIII, XXIV, XXXIII and XXXIV) were confirmed by the analysis of their 1H NMR spectra.
Simmons-Smith methylenation of the 5,6-double bond in 19-hydroxylated steroids
Authors: Fajkoš Jan , Joska Jiří
Published: October 2011

Simmons-Smith methylenation of 5-cholestene-3β,19-diol 3-monoacetate has been studied and structure of the products established by spectral and chemical means.
Synthesis of oxytocin analogues modified in the tripeptide side-chain by condensation of aminoterminal linear hexapeptide with the carboxyterminal tripeptide
Authors: Hlaváček Jan , Barth Tomislav , Bláha Karel , Jošt Karel
Published: October 2011

For the synthesis of oxytocin (Ia) analogues modified in the carboxyterminal part of the molecule, a method based on the condensation of protected aminoterminal hexapeptide with tripeptides by the action of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and pentafluorophenol in the presence of 1-hydroxybenzotriazole was devised. Using this method [7-[U-13C]proline]oxytocin (Ib), des-9-glycine-oxytocin (Ic) and methyl ester of oxytocinoic acid ([9-glycine methyl ester]oxytocin) (Id) were prepared.
Polymerization of methyl methacrylate and carbonization of poly(methyl methacrylate) in the presence of Mg(ClO4)2
Authors: Csomorová Katarína , Rychlý Josef , Bakoš Dušan
Published: October 2011

Carbonization of poly(methyl methacrylate), which was prepared by polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated with 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) in the presence of 0-380 mmol/l of Mg(ClO4)2, has been studied. It was found that Mg(ClO4)2 accelerates both methyl methacrylate polymerization and polymer decomposition at 300-700 °C. The decomposition is accompanied with an increased carbonization. Carbonized samples are paramagnetic; the paramagnetic particle concentration increases with increasing perchlorate concentration and temperature, respectively.
Preparation of 2'-deoxyribonucleosides and their 5-halogeno derivatives
Authors: Brokeš Josef , Hřebabecký Hubert , Beránek Jiří
Published: October 2011

Two routes are described for the synthesis of 2'-deoxyribonucleosides from ribonucleosides. The reaction of uridine (Ia) with acetyl bromide affords the acetylated 2'-bromo derivative IIIe (73%) and triacetyluridine (Ib; 7%). The tributyltin hydride reduction of the reaction mixture yields diacetyl-2'-deoxyuridine (IIIc; 71%) along with triacetyluridine (Ib; 8%). On reaction of 5-fluorouridine (Ic) with acetyl bromide, the triacetyl-5-fluorouridine (Id; 39%) and the diacetyl-2'-bromo derivative IIIg are obtained. The tributyltin hydride reduction of IIIg affords diacetyl-2'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (IIIh; 47.5%, referred to Ic). The reaction of cyclouridine (IIa) with acetyl chloride and the subsequent tributyltin hydride reduction followed by methanolysis furnishes 2'-deoxyuridine (IIId; 88.5%, referred to IIa). Diphenyl carbonate (IV) is prepared by reaction of phosgene with phenol in pyridine. On reaction with N-bromosuccinimide, diacetyl-2'-deoxyuridine (IIIc) (2'-deoxyuridine IIId, resp.) affords di-O-acetyl-5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (IIIj; 78%) (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine IIIk; 43%, resp.).
The effect of the content of sulphonic acid groups of an ion exchanger upon its catalytic activity
Authors: Setínek Karel
Published: October 2011

Measurements of the initial reaction rates of the gas and liquid phase reesterification of ethyl acetate by 1-propanol catalyzed by an acid ion exchanger showed that the gradual neutralization of the acid groups by alkali metal ions in aqueous medium decreases uniformly their concentration within the whole mass of the catalyst, which reflects in the gradual decrease in the catalytic activity. On varying the content of sulphonic acid groups by sulphonation of the starting copolymer to a different degree, the ion exchangers possessing fully sulphonated surface layer of different thickness are formed which exhibit the same catalytic activity. The decrease in the activity has been observed only after the sulphonation degree was less than 50 per cent.
Separation and characterization of vanadylporphyrins from Romashkino petroleum
Authors: Šebor Gustav , Kubelka Vladimír , Weisser Otto
Published: October 2011

A combination of extraction and adsorption chromatography was employed for the separation of vanadylporphyrins present in the asphalt of the petroleum from the locality Romashkino (U.S.S.R.). Mass spectrometric analysis revealed that the vanadylporphyrin concentrates contained alkylporphyrins of the etio type and monocycloalkanoalkylporphyrins of the deoxophylloerythroetio type, in both cases with 27-36 carbon atoms in the molecule, and alkylbenzoporphyrins of the rhodo I type with 30-36 carbon atoms in the molecule. The etio type was established to be the predominant porphyrin type.
A mass spectrometric study of the allyl radical interaction with oxides: MoO3
Authors: Dolejšek Zdeněk , Nováková Jana
Published: October 2011

Allyl radicals prepared by pyrolysis of 1,5-hexadiene or allyl bromide in a quartz pyrolyzer were directed at pressures of around 0.1 Pa through an unheated reactor filled loosely with pieces of MoO3. All components of the gaseous phase were analyzed by means of a mass spectrometer; the pyrolyzer and the catalytic reactor were placed in a high vacuum part of the mass spectrometer close to its ionization chamber so that unstable reaction products could also be detected. Acrolein was found to be the main product of the catalytic reaction between MoO3 and allyl radicals; other products were propylene, CO and CO2. The above mentioned interaction of allyl radicals with unheated MoO3 was compared with (i) the interaction of unheated MoO3 with vapours of 1,5-hexadiene or allyl bromide heated below the respective temperature of pyrolysis; (ii) the interaction of MoO3 heated to 510 K with unheated vapours of 1,5-hexadiene or allyl bromide. The difference between these three types of interactions and differences in the behaviour of 1,5-hexadiene and allyl bromide are discussed.
Comparison of spectrophotometric methods of determination of zinc(II) in biological material and study of its complex formation reactions with 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol
Authors: Pollák Miloš , Kubáň Vlastimil
Published: October 2011

The methods of determination of Zn(II) with dithizone, zincone, PAN, and PAR were compared by considering the fundamental parameters of the photometric methods. The compositions, values of the molar absorptivities, and values of the equilibrium and stability constants of the complex species MLH, ML, ML2H2, ML2H, and ML2 of zinc(II) with PAR were determined graphically by means of the slope-intercept transformations, and numerically from the absorbance-pH curves and from the absorbance dependences on the component concentrations by employing the program PRCEK T200 and from the continual variations curves by using the program JOBCON.
Crystal and molecular structure of dinickel(II) (S,S)-ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinate heptahydrate
Authors: Pavelčík František , Kettmann Viktor , Majer Jaroslav
Published: October 2011

[Ni2(S,S)-EDDS].7 H2O structure has been solved by the heavy atom method and by the least squares method at R = 0.058; the substance crystallizes in orthorhombic system and space symmetry group P212121 with the lattice parameters a = 0.9904 (5), b = 1.2477 (8), c = 1.6036 (17) nm. The crystal structure is composed of the binuclear units Ni2(H2O)5[(S,S)-EDDS] and molecules of crystal water. The anion [(S,S)-EDDS]4- coordinates to Ni(II) as a stereospecific hexadentate ligand, the six-membered β-alanine rings being situated in equatorial plane of the coordination polyhedron, the glycine rings being axial. Absolute configuration of the complex anion is (OC-6-13-A).
Unsteady diffusion in irregular bodies
Authors: Wein Ondřej
Published: October 2011

Asymptotic functional models have been formulated and numerically tested of an unsteady diffusion in particles of an arbitrary shape and under arbitrary course of the surface concentration.
[1-β-Mercaptopropionic acid, 8-norarginine]vasopressin and [1-β-mercaptopropionic acid, 8-D-norarginine]vasopressin. Two analogs with strong biological effects
Authors: Zaoral Milan , Brtník František , Flegel Martin , Barth Tomislav , Machová Alena
Published: October 2011

[1-β-Mercaptopropionic acid, 8-norarginine]vasopressin (L8, D8; I, II) was prepared by condensation of β-benzylthiopropionyl-tyrosyl-phenylalanyl-glutaminyl-asparaginyl-S-benzylcysteine with Nγ-benzyloxycarbonyl-α,γ-diaminobutyryl-glycine amide (L2, D2) by the azide or carbodiimide method, respectively, removal of the benzyloxycarbonyl residue, guanidination of γ-amino groups, removal of protecting groups, closing of the disulfide bridge, and electrophoretic purification. I has an almost 2 times higher antidiuretic effect than DDAVP and a 3 times higher pressor effect than AVP. II has 20-25% of the antidiuretic effect of DDAVP and 16 IU/mg of the pressor effect.
Turbulent characterization of the flow in the cylindrical apparatus by the mixing
Authors: Vasilcov Eduard A. , Maiorov Alexander S. , Ushakov Vladimir G.
Published: October 2011

Abstract in Russian
Isoerivanin and dehydroisoerivanin - Minor sesquiterpene lactone components from Balsamita major DESF.
Authors: Samek Zdeněk , Holub Miroslav , Herout Vlastimil , Błoszyk Ełżbieta , Drożdż Bohdan
Published: October 2011

Two minor sesquiterpene lactone components, isoerivanin (II) and dehydroisoerivanin (III) were isolated from the species Balsamita major DESF. (Compositae) and their structure, including relative and absolute configuration, was derived.
Steric accessibility of tyrosine residues in human serum albumin
Authors: Morávek Ladislav , Ali Saber Mohamed , Meloun Bedřich
Published: October 2011

Human serum albumin was nitrated by an excess of tetranitromethane at pH 8.0. As shown by amino acid analysis, of the 18 tyrosine residues present in albumin about 7-7.5 residues remain unaltered, 9 residues are converted into 3-nitrotyrosine, and 1.2 residue into 3,5-dinitrotyrosine. The nitrated albumin was digested with cyanogen bromide to three fragments which comprise the whole original molecule. The individual fragments were converted into their S-sulfo derivatives and the latter digested with chymotrypsin or stepwise with trypsin and thermolysin. The yellow, nitrotyrosine-containing peptides were isolated from the digest and the positions of nitrated tyrosine residues in albumin thus located. Residues No 30, 148, 150, 161, 334, 341, 401, and 411 were identified as strongly nitrated and residues No 84, 138, 452, and 497 as medium nitrated. Residues No 140, 263, 319, 332, 353, and 367 either react weakly or were not found in nitrated form. Residue No 411 and partly also 161 were converted into 3,5-dinitrotyrosine. The accessibility of the individual tyrosine residues to the nitrating agent is discussed with respect to their positions in disulfide loops and hypothetic parts of the secondary structure of albumin.
Synthesis of substituted 2-aryl-4H-furo[3,2-b]pyrroles
Authors: Krutošíková Alžbeta , Kováč Jaroslav , Kristofčák Jozef
Published: October 2011

Ethyl 3-(5-aryl-2-furyl)-2-azidoacrylates were prepared by reacting 5-aryl-2-furaldehydes with ethyl azidoacetate. Thermolysis of the prepared compounds gave 2-arylfuro[3,2-b]pyrrole-5-carboxylates.