bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The consumption of acidophylus drinks and yogurts in selected population of pupils in years 2004 and 2008
Authors: Habánová Marta , Lorková Marta , Kopčeková Jana
Published: July 2010

The aim of this paper was to compare the frequency of consumption and the amount of consumed acidophylus drinks and yogurts at 427 respondents from various schools at the age between 12 and 26 years in two monitored years. 223 males and 204 females participaded at the survey. The questionaire again confirmed low level of yogurts and acidophylus drinks consumption. The consumption of white yogurts was confirmed only by 2 % of questioned pupils. Fruit yogurts are more popular among pupils and it is necessary to say that we registred the increase of fruit yogurts consumption in year 2008, mainly in cream fruit yogurts. The daily consumption of these increased with male population from 14.8 % in year 2004 to 26.2 % in year 2008. The significant increase of consumtption occured also with female population of half-fat yogurts and the similar trend was also niticed in low-fat fruit yogurts, mainly within the female population. The consumption of clabber, acidophylus drinks and buttermilk, according to our survey in year 2008 went up  in comparison with year 2004 in male population by 8.3 % and with female population by 9.5 %. Based on the monitored frequency of consumption a few times per week we detected growing trend in yogurt and acidophylus beverages, which we evaluate as the positive sing.
Quality of hemp seed oil depending on its obtaining
Authors: Poustkova Ivana , Babička Luboš , Kouřimská Lenka , Siegrová Gabriela , Staruch Ladislav
Published: July 2010

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is probably one of the oldest field crops used in nutrition, but also for the production of fibres for clothes, ropes or canvas. Cannabis sativa is one of the most spread species of cannabis which belongs to family Cannabinaceae. The seeds are important part of cannabis sativa, which contains high part of lipids and proteins. It provides also valuable essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Due to low content of THC is possible to produce valuable oil from seeds, which is used in cosmetic and food industry.
The aim of this work was to evaluate composition of hemp seeds from one harvest, observe and compare quality of parameters both cold pressed hemp seed oil and hemp seed oil by CO2 extraction. 
Both oils are comparable in composition of fatty acids which follow from results of analyses. Also contents of sterols and moisture are similar in both oils. The saponification value is similar in both oils, conformable to as a iodine value. Also were found dissimilarities in colours, phospholipides, unsaponifiable matter, acid value and peroxide value. The cold pressed hemp seed oil contained lower values of unsaponifiable matter, colours and higher concentration of phospholipides and lower acid value. It is caused by influence of CO2. The oxidation stability of cold pressed hemp seed oil was four times higher than oil by CO2 extraction.
Determination of flavonoids content in coloured peas (Pisum sativum L.) In relation to cultivar’s dependence and storage duration under natural conditions
Authors: Timoracká Mária , Vollmannová Alena
Published: July 2010

Our attention is being given especially to four representative flavonoids: kaempherol, apigenin, genistein and daidzein. These flavonoids were studied in the seeds of colored varieties of dry pea. Isocratic HPLC analysis with DAD detection after acid hydrolysis of samples was performed. The differences of flavonoid contents in individual pea varieties were not significant. The determined values of  flavonoids in green peas were: daidzein 1,746-2,688 mg.kg-1, genistein  0,412-0,706 mg.kg-1, kaempherol 0,621-1,484 mg.kg-1, apigenin 0,261-0,479 mg.kg-1. Yellow varieties of pea contained between 0,375-0,779 mg.kg-1 daidzein, 0,115-0,158 mg.kg-1 genistein, kaempherol 0,742-1,314 mg.kg-1, apigenin  0,462-0,698 mg.kg-1. Also the changes in content of chosen flavonoids in pea in the dependence on variety in dried legumes stored under natural conditions were surveyed. From the results it came out that in interval 7 month the content of all observed flavonoids declined in dry material (in some cases even to non-detectable levels).
Aligning Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes By Means Of Langmuir–Blodgett Film Deposition: Optical, Morphological, and Photo‐electrochemical Studies
Authors: Giancane Gabriele , Ruland Andrés , Sgobba Vito , Manno Daniela , Serra Antonio , Farinola Gianluca M. , Omar Omar Hassan , Guldi Dirk M. , Valli Ludovico
Published: July 2010

An alkoxy‐substituted poly(phenylene thiophene) is used in order to suspend single‐walled carbon nanotubes in an organic solvent. The suspension is spread on the air–water interface of a Langmuir trough and the floating film is characterized by means of Brewster angle microscopy and UV‐visible reflection spectroscopy and the compression isotherm is recorded. The polymer/carbon‐nanotube blend is transferred onto different substrates using the Langmuir–Blodgett technique. AFM measurements indicate the formation of globular structures for the samples transferred at low surface‐pressure values and a tubular morphology for high‐pressure‐deposited samples. AFM analysis is repeated on a sample exposed to soft X‐rays for about 5 h and a highly organized structure of bundles of carbon nanotubes rises up. Samples with different numbers of layers are transferred onto ITO substrates by means of the Langmuir–Blodgett method and are tested as photocathodes in a photo‐electrochemical cell. A Voc of 0.18 V, an Isc of 85.8 mA, FF of 40.0%, and η of (6.23 × 10−3)% are obtained.
Entanglement in fermionic chains with interface defects
Authors: Eisler V. , Peschel I.
Published: July 2010

We study the ground‐state entanglement of two halves of a critical transverse Ising chain, separated by an interface defect. From the relation to a two‐dimensional Ising model with a defect line we obtain an exact expression for the continuously varying effective central charge which governs the asymptotic behaviour of the entanglement entropy. The result is relevant also for other fermionic chains.
Polymeric Multilayer Capsules in Drug Delivery
Authors: De Cock Liesbeth J. , De Koker Stefaan , De Geest Bruno G. , Grooten Johan , Vervaet Chris , Remon Jean Paul , Sukhorukov Gleb B. , Antipina Maria N.
Published: July 2010

Recent advances in medicine and biotechnology have prompted the need to develop nanoengineered delivery systems that can encapsulate a wide variety of novel therapeutics such as proteins, chemotherapeutics, and nucleic acids. Moreover, these delivery systems should be “intelligent”, such that they can deliver their payload at a well‐defined time, place, or after a specific stimulus. Polymeric multilayer capsules, made by layer‐by‐layer (LbL) coating of a sacrificial template followed by dissolution of the template, allow the design of microcapsules in aqueous conditions by using simple building blocks and assembly procedures, and provide a previously unmet control over the functionality of the microcapsules. Polymeric multilayer capsules have recently received increased interest from the life science community, and many interesting systems have appeared in the literature with biodegradable components and biospecific functionalities. In this Review we give an overview of the recent breakthroughs in their application for drug delivery.
Prospective study of health-related quality of life after Roux-en-Y bypass surgery for morbid obesity
Authors: Chang C-Y , Huang C-K , Chang Y-Y , Tai C-M , Lin J-T , Wang J-D
Published: July 2010

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity on health-related quality of life (QOL) during the first year of follow-up.

Methods

The World Health Organization Quality of Life—Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) was administered 1 month before operation, and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Body mass index, co-morbidities and operation-related complications were measured at these times. A mixed-effect model was constructed to analyse repeated measurements and determine the relationships between body mass index, WHOQOL-BREF scores and other variables.

Results

A total of 102 patients were enrolled. The mixed-effect model showed that the physical, psychological and social domains improved after bariatric surgery, with simultaneous reduction in weight and improvement in co-morbidities. There was a dip in scores in physical and psychological domains 3–6 months after surgery, significantly related to complications. All patients gradually improved between 6 and 12 months after surgery, reaching levels similar to those of healthy subjects.

Conclusion

Health-related QOL improved dramatically after bariatric surgery, dipped slightly between 3 and 6 months, and improved again up to the end of the first year.
Chondrogenic differentiation and immunological properties of mesenchymal stem cells in collagen type I hydrogel
Authors: Yuan Tun , Zhang Li , Feng Li , Fan HongSong , Zhang XingDong
Published: July 2010

Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are regarded as promising seed cells for engineering cartilage. However, few researches have covered the immune properties of seeded MSCs. Collagen has been considered as good scaffold, whether it has inherent chondrogenic inducibility for MSCs is still in debate. In this study, engineering grafts are constructed by neonatal rabbit MSCs and collagen Type I hydrogel. After periods of culture, the appearance of chondroid tissue in the grafts and the cartilage matrix‐specific genes expressions of seeded cells prove the inducibility of collagen hydrogel, even if the growth factors are absence. With the differentiation, immunological properties of MSCs are changing. The expressions of main histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules increase and the ability to inhibit the proliferation of activated lymphocytes may be declined. But to a large extent, it keeps the low stimulating to allogeneic lymphocytes and the small absolute value of MHCs. The changes are adverse for avoiding inflammation and rejection. Therefore, suitable scaffold and engineering strategies should be selected. For the grafts based on Collagen I hydrogel and MSCs, a longer culture period might not be necessary. To maintain the immune regulation, a higher initial MSCs density in engineering grafts may be more meaningful. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Plasma‐Modified Polypropylene as Carrier for the Immobilization of Candida antarctica Lipase B and Pyrobaculum calidifontis Esterase
Authors: Vorhaben Torge , Böttcher Dominique , Jasinski Dagmar , Menyes Ulf , Brüser Volker , Schröder Karsten , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: July 2010

In this work, the immobilization of two hydrolases on plasma‐modified polypropylene carriers was investigated. Treating Accurel MP1001 with an oxygen plasma was found most suitable to increase the hydrophilicity and to allow for efficient immobilization. Thus, for lipase B from Candida antarctica and for an esterase from Pyrobaculum calidifontis esterase (PestE) a 5‐fold and 14‐fold increase, respectively, in immobilization yield resulted compared to untreated carrier. In contrast to the oxygen‐modified support, modification of the polypropylene carrier with ammonia plasma showed no positive effect. Furthermore, it could be shown that immobilized PestE catalyzed enantioselective transesterification of α‐phenylethanol in vinyl acetate, whereas the free enzyme showed no activity. Both hydrolases could be recycled five times without significant loss of activity.
Prediction model for increasing propylene from FCC gasoline secondary reactions based on Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm coupled with support vector machines
Authors: Zhou Xiaowei , Yang Bolun , Yi Chunhai , Yuan Jun , Wang Longyan
Published: July 2010

Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm was adopted to optimize the multiple parameters of the support vector machines (SVM) model to overcome the difficulty in selecting the parameters of SVM and to fit relational expression of high nonlinearity. Strategy of dividing the training data into working data to train SVM and the testing data so as to avoid over‐fitting was performed. Comparison of the proposed LM/SVM method with three reported hybridized SVM approaches (GA/SVM, SM/SVM and SQP/SVM) was also carried out. The new method was applied in modelling for the prediction of propylene by secondary reactions of FCC gasoline. Best performance of LM/SVM employing polynomial kernel was demonstrated. Good agreement between predicted results and experimental data suggests that the LM/SVM method is successfully developed and the SVM model for increasing propylene is well established. Finally, sequential quadratic programming (SQP) algorithm was employed to optimize the operation conditions of FCC gasoline secondary reaction for maximizing the propylene yield. The obtained optimization conditions are consistent with experimental data and reported results, indicating that the optimization results are reliable. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fatty Acid Carboxylate‐ and Anionic Surfactant‐Controlled Delivery Systems That Use Mesoporous Silica Supports
Authors: Coll Carmen , Aznar Elena , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón , Marcos M. Dolores , Sancenón Félix , Soto Juan , Amorós Pedro , Cano Joan , Ruiz Eliseo
Published: July 2010

We report the preparation of a MCM‐41 mesoporous material that contains the dye [Ru(bipy)3]Cl2 (bipy=bipyridine) inside the mesopores and functionalised with suitable binding groups at the entrance of the pores. Solids S1–S3 were obtained by the reaction of the mesoporous material with N‐methyl‐N′‐propyltrimethoxysilylimidazolium chloride, N‐phenyl‐N′‐[3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]thiourea, or N‐phenyl‐N′‐[3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]urea, respectively. A study of the dye delivery of these systems in buffered water (pH 7.0, 2‐[4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)piperazin‐1‐yl]ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES), 10−3 mol dm−3) in the presence of a family of carboxylate ions was carried out. In the interaction of the anions with the surface of the solids, the response depends on the characteristics of the binding groups (i.e., imidazolium, urea and thiourea) at the pore outlets and their specific interaction with the corresponding anion. The interaction of long‐chain carboxylate ions with the binding sites at the surface of the solids resulted in a remarkable inhibition of the delivery of the dye. This inhibition was observed clearly for the dodecanoate anion, whereas the octanoate, decanoate, cholate, deoxycholate, glycodeoxycholate and taurocholate anions induced a certain pore blockage that varied according to the solid studied. The interaction of smaller anions, such as acetate, butanoate, hexanoate and octanoate, with the solids had no effect on the dye release process. The possible use of the gating system for the chromo‐fluorogenic detection of anionic surfactants through selective dye delivery inhibition was also explored. Molecular dynamic simulations that use force‐field methods have been made to theoretically study the capping carboxylate mechanism. The calculations are in agreement with the experimental results, thus allowing a representation of the dye delivery inhibition in the presence of long‐chain carboxylate ions.
Growth of Shape‐ and Size‐Selective Zinc Oxide Nanorods by a Microwave‐Assisted Chemical Bath Deposition Method: Effect on Photocatalysis Properties
Authors: Shinde Vaishali R. , Gujar Tanaji P. , Noda Takeshi , Fujita Daisuke , Vinu Ajayan , Grandcolas Mathieu , Ye Jinhua
Published: July 2010

Herein, we demonstrate the shape‐ and size‐selective growth of ZnO nanostructures on indium tin oxide‐coated glass substrates by using a microwave‐assisted chemical bath deposition method. By systematically controlling the deposition parameters, it is possible to produce shape‐ and size‐selective nanostructures with high alignment and uniformity. Specifically, the pH of the bath can be used to control the shape of rods from bundled structures to tapered and flat tips. Furthermore, the deposition temperature can be used to control the size of the ZnO array from 770 to 125 nm. The prepared rods were active catalysts in the degradation of methylene blue under UV radiation, and exhibited size‐dependent activity.
Carbodicarbenes and Related Divalent Carbon(0) Compounds
Authors: Klein Susanne , Tonner Ralf , Frenking Gernot
Published: July 2010

Quantum‐chemical calculations using DFT and ab initio methods have been carried out for fourteen divalent carbon(0) compounds (carbones), in which the bonding situation at the two‐coordinate carbon atom can be described in terms of donor–acceptor interactions L→C←L. The charge‐ and energy‐decomposition analysis of the electronic structure of compounds 1–10 reveals divalent carbon(0) character in different degrees for all molecules. Carbone‐type bonding L→C←L is particularly strong for the carbodicarbenes 1 and 2, for the “bent allenes” 3 a, 3 b, 4 a, and 4 b, and for the carbocarbenephosphoranes 7 a, 7 b, and 7 c. The last‐named molecules have very large first and large second proton affinities. They also bind two BH3 ligands with very high bond energies, which are large enough that the bis‐adducts should be isolable in a condensed phase. The second proton affinities of the complexes 5, 6, and 8–10 bearing CO or N2 as ligand are significantly lower than those of the other molecules. However, they give stable complexes with two BH3 ligands and thus are twofold Lewis bases. The calculated data thus identify 1–10 as carbones L→C←L in which the carbon atom has two electron pairs. The chemistry of carbones is different from that of carbenes because divalent carbon(0) compounds CL2 are π donors and thus may serve as double Lewis bases, while divalent carbon(II) compounds are π acceptors. The theoretical results point toward new directions for experimental research in the field of low‐coordinate carbon compounds.
Efficient Synthesis of β‐Hydroxy‐α‐Amino Acid Derivatives via Direct Catalytic Asymmetric Aldol Reaction of α‐Isothiocyanato Imide with Aldehydes
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Zhu Yin , Qiao Zhen , Xie Mingsheng , Lin Lili , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: July 2010

An easily available and efficient chiral N,N′‐dioxide–nickel(II) complex catalyst has been developed for the direct catalytic asymmetric aldol reaction of α‐isothiocyanato imide with aldehydes which produces the products in morderate to high yields (up to 98 %) with excellent diastereo‐ (up to >99:1 d.r.) and enantioselectivities (up to >99 % ee). A variety of aromatic, heteroaromatic, α,β‐unsaturated, and aliphatic aldehydes were found to be suitable substrates in the presence of 2.5 mol % L‐proline‐derived N,N′‐dioxide L5–nickel(II) complex. This process was air‐tolerant and easily manipulated with available reagents. Based on experimental investigations, a possible transition state has been proposed to explain the origin of reactivity and asymmetric inductivity.
Selective Reductions of Cyclic 1,3‐Diesters by Using SmI2 and H2O
Authors: Collins Karl D. , Oliveira Juliana M. , Guazzelli Giuditta , Sautier Brice , De Grazia Sara , Matsubara Hiroshi , Helliwell Madeleine , Procter David J.
Published: July 2010

SmI2/H2O reduces cyclic 1,3‐diesters to 3‐hydroxyacids with no over reduction. Furthermore, the reagent system is selective for cyclic 1,3‐diesters over acyclic 1,3‐diesters, and esters. Radicals formed by one‐electron reduction of the ester carbonyl group have been exploited in intramolecular additions to alkenes. The ketal unit and the reaction temperature have a marked impact on the diastereoselectivity of the cyclizations. Cyclization cascades are possible when two alkenes are present in the starting cyclic diester and lead to the formation of two rings and four stereocenters with excellent stereocontrol.
1,4‐Addition of Bis(iodozincio)methane to α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones: Chemical and Theoretical/Computational Studies
Authors: Sada Mutsumi , Furuyama Taniyuki , Komagawa Shinsuke , Uchiyama Masanobu , Matsubara Seijiro
Published: July 2010

1,4‐Addition of bis(iodozincio)methane to simple α,β‐unsaturated ketones does not proceed well; the reaction is slightly endothermic according to DFT calculations. In the presence of chlorotrimethylsilane, the reaction proceeded efficiently to afford a silyl enol ether of β‐zinciomethyl ketone. The CZn bond of the silyl enol ether could be used in a cross‐coupling reaction to form another CC bond in a one‐pot reaction. In contrast, 1,4‐addition of the dizinc reagent to enones carrying an acyloxy group proceeded very efficiently without any additive. In this case, the product was a 1,3‐diketone, which was generated in a novel tandem reaction. A theoretical/computational study indicates that the whole reaction pathway is exothermic, and that two zinc atoms of bis(iodozincio)methane accelerate each step cooperatively as effective Lewis acids.
Formal Total Synthesis of Fostriecin by 1,4‐Asymmetric Induction with an Alkyne–Cobalt Complex
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Yamaguchi Hirofumi , Toyoshima Maya , Okado Kotaro , Toyo Takumi , Shoji Mitsuru
Published: July 2010

The synthesis of a protected dephosphofostriecin, and thereby a formal synthesis of fostriecin, has been accomplished. The synthetic challenges were the construction of four stereogenic centers and the conformationally labile cis‐cis‐trans‐triene moiety. Previous total syntheses have employed at least two asymmetric reactions that required the use of an external chiral auxiliary. Although remote stereoinduction in a 1,4‐relationship is considered difficult, we have developed a notable 1,4‐asymmetric induction that utilizes an alkyne–cobalt complex for the control of C5 stereochemistry by the C8 stereogenic center. The stereochemistry at C11 was established by 1,3‐asymmetric induction with a higher‐order alkynyl‐zinc reagent. Thus, only one asymmetric reaction requiring an external chiral auxiliary was employed in this route. The labile cis‐cis‐trans‐triene unit was constructed at a late stage of the synthesis by diastereoselective coupling of a dienyne and an aldehyde unit, followed by reduction.
Non‐covalent Versus Covalent Control of Self‐Assembly and Chirality of Nile Red‐modified Nucleoside and DNA
Authors: Varghese Reji , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: July 2010

A DNA‐based covalent versus a non‐covalent approach is demonstrated to control the optical, chirooptical and higher order structures of Nile red (Nr) aggregation. Dynamic light scattering and TEM studies revealed that in aqueous media Nr‐modified 2′‐deoxyuridine aggregates through the co‐operative effect of various non‐covalent interactions including the hydrogen bonding ability of the nucleoside and sugar moieties and the π‐stacking tendency of the highly hydrophobic dye. This results in the formation of optically active nanovesicles. A left‐handed helically twisted H‐type packing of the dye is observed in the bilayer of the vesicle as evidenced from the optical and chirooptical studies. On the other hand, a left‐handed helically twisted J‐type packing in vesicles was obtained from a non‐polar solvent (toluene). Even though the primary stacking interaction of the dye aggregates transformed from H→J while going from aqueous to non‐polar media, the induced supramolecular chirality of the aggregates remained the same (left‐handed). Circular dichroism studies of DNA that contained several synthetically incorporated and covalently attached Nr‐modified nucleosides revealed the formation of helically stacked H‐aggregates of Nr but—in comparison to the noncovalent aggregates—an inversed chirality (right‐handed). This self‐assembly propensity difference can, in principle, be applied to other hydrophobic dyes and chromophores and thus open a DNA‐based approach to modulate the primary stacking interactions and supramolecular chirality of dye aggregates.
Design criterion for high‐speed low‐power SC circuits
Authors: Amoroso F. A. , Pugliese A. , Cappuccino G.
Published: July 2010

The settling behavior of switched‐capacitor (SC) circuits is investigated in this paper. The analysis is performed for typical SC circuits employing two‐stage Miller‐compensated operational amplifiers (op‐amps). It aims to evaluate the real effectiveness of the conventional design approach for the optimization of op‐amp settling performances.

It is demonstrated that the classical strategy is quite inaccurate in typical situations in which the load capacitance to be driven by the SC circuit is small. The presented study allows a new settling optimization strategy based on an advanced circuit model to be defined. As shown by design examples in a commercial 0.35‐ µm CMOS technology, the proposed approach guarantees a significant settling time reduction with respect to the existing settling optimization strategy, especially in the presence of small capacitive loads to be driven by the SC circuit. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The contribution of the Tie2+ lineage to primitive and definitive hematopoietic cells
Authors: Tang Yuefeng , Harrington Anne , Yang Xuehui , Friesel Robert E. , Liaw Lucy
Published: July 2010

The regulatory elements of the Tie2/Tek promoter are commonly used in mouse models to direct transgene expression to endothelial cells. Tunica intima endothelial kinase 2 (Tie2) is also expressed in hematopoietic cells, although this has not been fully characterized. We determine the lineages of adult hematopoietic cells derived from Tie2‐expressing populations using Tie2‐Cre;Rosa26R‐EYFP mice. In Tie2‐Cre;Rosa26R‐EYFP mice, analysis of bone marrow cells showed Cre‐mediated recombination in 85% of the population. In adult bone marrow and spleen, we analyzed subclasses of early hematopoietic progenitors, T cells, monocytes, granulocytes, and B cells. We found that ∼ 84% of each lineage was EYFP+, and nearly all cells that come from Tie2‐expressing lineages are CD45+, confirming widespread contribution to definitive hematopoietic cells. In addition, more than 82% of blood cells within the embryonic yolk sac were of Tie2+ origin. Our findings of high levels of Tie2‐Cre recombination in the hematopoietic lineage have implications for the use of the Tie2‐Cre mouse as a lineage‐restricted driver strain. genesis 48:563–567, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of a conditional null allele of NADPH oxidase activator 1 (NOXA1)
Authors: Flaherty John P. , Spruce Catrina A. , Fairfield Heather E. , Bergstrom David E.
Published: July 2010

NADPH oxidase complexes are multiprotein assemblies that generate reactive oxygen species in a variety of mammalian tissues. The canonical phagocytic oxidase consists of a heterodimeric, enzymatic core comprised of the transmembrane proteins, CYBB andCYBA and is regulated, in part, by an “organizing” function of NCF1 and an “activating” activity of NCF2. In contexts outside of the phagocyte, these regulatory functions may be encoded not only by NCF1 and NCF2, but also alternatively by their respective paralogues, NOXO1 and NOXA1. To allow tissue‐specific dissection of Noxa1 function in mouse, we have generated an allele of Noxa1 suitable for conditional inactivation. Moreover, by crossing Noxa1 conditional allele carriers to B6.129S4‐Meox2tm1(Cre)Sor/J mice, we have generated first, Noxa1‐null heterozygotes, and ultimately, Noxa1‐null homozygotes. Through the thoughtful use of tissue‐specific, Cre‐expressing mouse strains, the Noxa1 conditional allele will offer insight into the roles of NOXA1 in the variety of tissues in which it is expressed. genesis 48:568–575, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conversion of Conjugated Enones into Enantiomerically Pure ‐Hydroxy Ketones or 1,3‐Diols – Samarium(II) Bromide Reductions of Protected ,‐Dihydroxy Ketones
Authors: Zörb Andreas , Brückner Reinhard
Published: July 2010

Asymmetric dihydroxylations of α,β‐unsaturated ketones in the presence of Sharpless' AD mix‐β™ delivered α,β‐dihydroxy ketones or, if phenylboronic acid was present, the corresponding phenylboronates. The Cα–O bonds of these species were removed at –78 °C – in the former case after acetonide formation, in the latter case directly – in an unprecedented manner, namely by treatment with a suspension of SmII bromide in THF/MeOH. The resulting monohydroxy ketones could be reduced if so desired to give syn‐ or anti‐configured 1,3‐diols. The same diols were produced in one‐pot reductions of the α,β‐dihydroxy ketone diacetonides with SmII bromide at 0 °C. When the α,β‐dihydroxy ketone phenylboronates were treated likewise, the phenylboronates of the 1,3‐diols were obtained. Diastereocontrol in the one‐pot reductions varied from perfect to nearly absent.
Stereocontrolled Synthesis of 1,3,5‐Triols by an Iteration of Asymmetric Dihydroxylation and Deoxygenation
Authors: Walleser Patrick , Brückner Reinhard
Published: July 2010

Asymmetric dihydroxylation of the Cγ=Cδ bonds in trans‐configured α,β,γ,δ‐unsaturated esters, carbonate formation, and Pd0‐catalyzed deoxygenation of Cγ provided α,β‐unsaturated δ‐hydroxy esters. Protection and chain‐extension provided the corresponding α,β‐unsaturated ketones. Their asymmetric dihydroxylation in the presence of phenylboronic acid delivered dioxaborolanes. SmBr2‐mediated deoxygenation of Cα, followed by Narasaka–Prasad and Claisen–Tishchenko reductions, respectively, selectively provided monoprotected 1,3syn,3,5syn‐, 1,3syn,3,5anti‐, 1,3anti,3,5syn‐, and 1,3anti,3,5anti‐configured 1,3,5‐triols. Enones with a bulky OSiR3 group at Cδ were dihydroxylated with significantly poorer syn (vs. anti) selectivities. Dominating reagent control modulated by opposing (“mismatched case”) or enhancing (“matched case”) substrate control, respectively, might be responsible.
Voltammetric, UV–Vis Spectrometric and Fluorescence Study of the Interaction of Ractopamine and DNA with the Aid of Multivariate Curve Resolution‐Alternating Least Squares
Authors: Ni Yongnian , Wang Yingxia , Kokot Serge
Published: July 2010

Interaction of a steroid drug, Ractopamine (RAC), and DNA was investigated by electroanalysis‐differential pulse and cyclic voltammetry (DPV and CV), and UV‐vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. DPV showed that RAC intercalated with DNA, and CV indicated that the reaction mechanism of RAC and dsDNA involved irreversible oxidation with the loss of two H+ and a transfer of two electrons. Reaction binding parameters were obtained. Pure spectra of RAC, DNA and the RAC‐DNA complex, and their concentrations were extracted by multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares method (MCR‐ALS). Concentration profiles indicated quantitatively the course of the reaction.
Complete Elucidation of Electrode Reaction Mechanisms by Using Differential Pulse Polarography
Authors: Mellado José Miguel Rodríguez , Amaro Rafael Rodríguez
Published: July 2010

By exploring the different parameters of the technique, it is shown that Differential Pulse Polarography (DPP) can be used for the elucidation of the reaction mechanisms of the electrochemical processes (with the evident exception of the product and intermediate identification). So, the type of transport towards or from the electrode can be identified from the dependence of the intensities with the pulse amplitude, the electrochemical reaction order with respect to the electroactive species from the shape of the polarogram, the type of rate‐determining step from the dependence of the peak potentials on the pulse duration, the electrochemical reaction order with respect to other species, such as the H+ion, from the dependence of the peak potentials on their concentrations etc.
Use of a Carbon‐Ink Microelectrode Array for Signal Enhancement in Microchip Electrophoresis with Electrochemical Detection
Authors: Mecker Laura C. , Filla Laura A. , Martin R. Scott
Published: July 2010

In this communication, we demonstrate that a carbon ink microelectrode array, where the electrodes are held at the same potential, affords significant signal enhancement in microchip electrophoresis with amperometric detection. The ability to fabricate an array of carbon ink microelectrodes with a palladium decoupler was demonstrated and the resulting electrodes were integrated with a valving microchip design. The use of an 8 electrode array led to a significant improvement in the limits of detection at the expense of separation resolution due to the increased detection zone size. It is also shown that microdialysis sampling can be integrated with the microchip device and a multianalyte separation achieved.
Identifying causes for certain types of electrically initiated fires in residential circuits
Authors: Shea John J.
Published: July 2010

While there are many circumstances that can lead to residential electrical fires, it is useful and practical to identify and document potential hazardous conditions and provide physical explanations of electrically initiated fires. Failure modes for a variety of parallel and series arc faults are described along with circuit breaker response, electrical data, photos, and video frames to explain the conditions that led to a hazardous condition. This work identifies some of the various conditions that can create overheated hazardous conditions and shows how wire insulation is commonly the first to ignite. Conditions explored include bundled extension cords under rugs, abused NM‐B at a load center entrance, broken wires and loose connections. Physical phenomena investigated include glowing connections, series and parallel arcing faults. Low and high current arc energies are discussed and compared to the combustible energy of volatile gases produced from wire insulation to illustrate the wide difference in the arc energy compared to chemical combustion energy from the decomposed PVC. Electrical wire insulation properties were also measured on various wire types to show the effects of thermal aging. Hardness of the wire insulation and cracking of the insulation was used as a measure of insulation lifetime at 140∘C. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Random aggregation with applications in high‐frequency finance
Authors: Tsay Ruey S. , Yeh Jin‐Huei
Published: July 2010

In this paper we consider properties of random aggregation in time series analysis. For application, we focus on the problem of estimating the high‐frequency beta of an asset return when the returns are subject to the effects of market microstructure. Specifically, we study the correlation between intraday log returns of two assets. Our investigation starts with the effect of non‐synchronous trading on intraday log returns when the underlying return series follows a stationary time series model. This is a random aggregation problem in time series analysis. We also study the effect of non‐synchronous trading on the covariance of two asset returns. To overcome the impact of non‐synchronous trading, we use Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to recover the underlying log return series based on the observed intraday data. We then define a high‐frequency beta based on the recovered log return series and propose an efficient method to estimate the measure. We apply the proposed analysis to many mid‐ or small‐cap stocks using the Trade and Quote Data of the New York Stock Exchange, and discuss implications of the results obtained. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spinal cord injury induces differential expression of the profibrotic semaphorin 7A in the developing and mature glial scar
Authors: Kopp Marcel A. , Brommer Benedikt , Gatzemeier Nicole , Schwab Jan M. , Prüss Harald
Published: July 2010

Semaphorin 7A (Sema7A) is involved in the formation of the central nervous system during development by operating axon guidance and neuronal migration. We investigated the expression of the TGFβ‐inducible Sema7A following spinal cord injury (SCI). After SCI, Sema7A+ cells accumulated specifically in lesion areas resulting in significantly enhanced Sema7A expression at the injury site (P < 0.0001). During the first days lesional Sema7A expression was confined to neurons, ballooned neurite fibers/retraction bulbs, and endothelial cells. At day 7, we observed Sema7A expression by components of the glial scar, such as reactive astrocytes and pronounced extracellular Sema7A deposition. In the direct perilesional rim, Sema7A+ astrocytes coexpressed the activation‐associated intermediate filament vimentin. In the injured spinal cord, numbers of Sema7A+ cells reached maximum levels at day 14. The restricted accumulation of Sema7A+ reactive astrocytes and Sema7A deposition in fibronectin+ extracellular matrix territories suggests a participation of the fibrostimulatory Sema7A in the developing and maturating scar following SCI. In addition, Sema7A appears to be marker a for astrocyte activation. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrasonographic screening for occult thyroid cancer
Authors: Yuen Anthony Po Wing , Ho Ambrose Chung Wai , Wong Birgitta Yee Hang
Published: July 2010

Background.

It has been shown that occult thyroid carcinoma can be identified in about 10% of thyroid glands in autopsy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of asymptomatic thyroid carcinoma in the Hong Kong Chinese population by ultrasonographic screening.

Methods.

Volunteer subjects without symptoms of thyroid disease were recruited for ultrasonographic screening for thyroid cancer. A total of 1140 subjects were recruited in this study.

Results.

Thyroid nodules were found in 45% subjects (511 of 1140); the mean age was 48 years. Ultrasonographic‐guided aspiration cytology was performed in 258 subjects. Twenty‐six subjects (2.3%) had cytologic findings suspicious of malignancy. Fourteen subjects (1.2%) had pathologic diagnosis of thyroid cancer, including 13 papillary carcinomas and 1 follicular carcinoma.

Conclusion.

A high incidence of occult thyroid cancer could be identified on ultrasonographic screening. Subjects could benefit with early diagnosis with either early intervention or close monitoring. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Sustained NF‐kappaB activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is independent of genetic and epigenetic alterations in the TNFAIP3 (A20) locus
Authors: Frenzel Lukas P. , Claus Rainer , Plume Nadine , Schwamb Janine , Konermann Carolin , Pallasch Christian P. , Claasen Julia , Brinker Reinhild , Wollnik Bernd , Plass Christoph , Wendtner Clemens‐Martin
Published: July 2010

Inappropriate nuclear factor (NF) κB activity is one major hallmark of B‐cell malignancies and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). NFκB‐dependent genes are involved in antiapoptosis, cell proliferation and metastasis and are responsible for survival and proliferation of tumors. However, the mechanisms of NFκB activity in CLL still need to be elucidated. Previously, we identified translocations in a region on chromosome 6q that encodes tumor necrosis factor alpha‐induced protein 3, which is a key player in negative feedback loop regulation of NFκB. Inactivation of this ubiquitin‐editing enzyme is involved in immunopathologies and in tumorigenesis. Frequent mutations in the A20 locus—leading to sustained NFκB activity—could be shown to play a dominant role in development of different B‐cell malignancies. To check if A20 is involved in upregulation of NFκB activity in CLL, we sequenced Exons 2–9 of the A20 gene in 55 CLL DNA samples. Furthermore, we determined the methylation status of the promoter region in 63 CLL DNA samples and compared to 10 control DNAs of B cells from healthy donors. Contrary to reports from other B‐cell malignancies, the A20 region showed neither mutations nor aberrant DNA methylation. Moreover, its expression could be confirmed by immunoblotting and showing comparable results to healthy B cells. These results indicate that malignant development in CLL differs from most of other B‐cell malignancies, which show frequent inactivation of A20.
Bone material properties in actively bone-forming trabeculae in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis after three years of treatment with once-yearly Zoledronic acid
Authors: Gamsjaeger Sonja , Buchinger Birgit , Zwettler Elizabeth , Recker Robert , Black Dennis , Gasser Juerg A , Eriksen Erik F , Klaushofer Klaus , Paschalis Eleftherios P
Published: July 2010

Zoledronic acid (ZOL), a third-generation aminobisphosphonate, showed pronounced antifracture efficacy in a phase III clinical trial [Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic Acid Once Yearly—Pivotal Fracture Trial (HORIZON-PFT)] when administered yearly (5-mg infusions of ZOL), producing significant reductions in morphometric vertebral, clinical vertebral, hip, and nonvertebral fractures by 70%, 77%, 41%, and 25%, respectively, over a 3-year period. The purpose of this study was to analyze the biopsies obtained during the HORIZON clinical trial (152 patients, 82 ZOL and 70 placebo) by means of Raman microspectroscopy (a vibrational spectroscopic technique capable of analyzing undecalcified bone tissue with a spatial resolution of approximately 0.6 µm) to determine the effect of ZOL therapy on bone material properties (in particular mineral/matrix ratio, lamellar organization, carbonate and proteoglycan (based on spectral identification of glycosaminoglycan) content, and mineral maturity/crystallinity) at similar tissue age (based on the presence of tetracycline double labels). The results indicated that while ZOL administration increased the mineral/matrix ratio compared with placebo, it also resulted in mineral crystallites with a quality profile (based on carbonate content and maturity/crystallinity characteristics) of younger (with respect to tissue age) bone. Since the comparisons between ZOL- and placebo-treated patients were performed at similar tissue age at actively forming bone surfaces, these results suggest that ZOL may be exerting an effect on bone matrix formation in addition to its well-established antiresorptive effect, thereby contributing to its antifracture efficacy. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
QM/MM method for metal–organic interfaces
Authors: Sushko Maria L. , Sushko Peter V. , Abarenkov Igor V. , Shluger Alexander L.
Published: July 2010

We present a QM/MM method for modeling metal/organic interfaces, which incorporates contributions from long‐range electron correlation, characteristic to metals and non‐bonded interactions in organic systems. This method can be used to study structurally irregular systems. We apply the method to model finite size domains of self‐assembled monolayers on the gold (111) surface and discuss the influence of boundary effects on the electrostatic and electronic properties of these systems. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
NUPACK: Analysis and design of nucleic acid systems
Authors: Zadeh Joseph N. , Steenberg Conrad D. , Bois Justin S. , Wolfe Brian R. , Pierce Marshall B. , Khan Asif R. , Dirks Robert M. , Pierce Niles A.
Published: July 2010

The Nucleic Acid Package (NUPACK) is a growing software suite for the analysis and design of nucleic acid systems. The NUPACK web server (http://www.nupack.org) currently enables:

Analysis: thermodynamic analysis of dilute solutions of interacting nucleic acid strands.

Design: sequence design for complexes of nucleic acid strands intended to adopt a target secondary structure at equilibrium.

Utilities: evaluation, display, and annotation of equilibrium properties of a complex of nucleic acid strands.

NUPACK algorithms are formulated in terms of nucleic acid secondary structure. In most cases, pseudoknots are excluded from the structural ensemble. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Isomerization of stilbene using enforced geometry optimization
Authors: Baker Jon , Wolinski Krzysztof
Published: July 2010

Using our recently proposed quantum chemical model to simulate the effect of external forces acting on a molecule (Wolinski and Baker, Mol Phys 2009, 107, 2403), which we subsequently termed enforced geometry optimization (EGO), we investigate structural isomerism in C14H12, starting from cis‐stilbene. By applying an external force to pairs of carbon atoms, one from each “half” of the molecule, we have generated 10 different structural isomers. Each was characterized as a minimum by vibrational analysis. Not only can EGO generate potentially new, metastable isomers it can also provide good initial guesses for transition states connecting the starting and final structures, thus giving an estimate of the stability of the new isomers to rearrangement back to the starting material. In addition to the new isomers, we provide a full set of vibrational fundamentals for cis‐ and trans‐stilbene and 4a,4b‐dihydrophenanthrene. The agreement with experimental assignments is excellent, with mean average deviations for the stilbenes of 5.0 cm−1 or less. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Synthesis and characterization of novel color chemosensors based on azo dyes for possible application in opioid pharmacology
Authors: Genady Afaf R.
Published: July 2010

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An applicable strategy of chemical labeling of morphine (M) and 6‐acetyl morphine (6‐AM) using diazonium salts is described. M or 6‐AM was coupled with aryl diazoinum salts to give morphine azo dyes. The coupling of the diazotized 4,4′‐diaminostilbene with M or 6‐AM in ratio 1:2 gave stilbene‐based azo dyes containing two M or 6‐AM units, respectively. Diazotization of 5‐(p‐aminophenyl)‐10,15,20‐triphenylporphyrin and subsequent azo coupling of the diazoniun salt with M and with 6‐AM was our route to get highly fluorescent morphine dyes. The resulting dyes can exist in two possible tautomeric structures, azo and hydrazone, stabilized to a significant extent by intramolecular H‐bonding. It was shown that these dyes exists predominantly or exclusively in their hydrazone form. This conclusion is drawn from the lack of a distinct band in the 380–420 nm region of the absorption spectra (a region in which the long wavelength absorption band for the azo‐form is observed), together with results of NMR studies in deuterated DMSO. The tautomeric properties of the compounds were judged by density functional calculations at the B3LYP/6‐31G* and B3LYP/6‐31G** levels. The analysis of spiked compounds in human urine samples was studied by capillary electrophoresis (CE) with UV‐fluorescence photo‐diode array detectors. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis of pyrano[3,4‐c]chromene skeleton via CuI‐mediated domino Knoevenagel hetero‐Diels‐Alder reaction
Authors: Mollazadeh Marjan , Khoshkholgh Malihe Javan , Balalaie Saeed , Rominger Frank , Bijanzadeh Hamid Reza
Published: July 2010

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A new strategy involving domino Knoevenagel hetero‐Diels‐Alder reaction is described for the preparation of pyrano[3,4‐c]chromenes scaffold. Reaction of O‐propargylated salicylaldehyde with benzoylacetonitrile or Meldrum's acid in the presence of CuI and diammonium hydrogen phosphate affords pyrano[3,4‐c]chromenes with good yields and high bond‐forming efficiency. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).