bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathological Effects of Benomyl in Male Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica)
Authors: Khan M. Z. , Sajjad-Ul-Hassan None , Mahmood F. , Khan Q. M. , Muhammad G. , Javed I.
Published: June 2008

The purpose of this experimental study was to observe the pathological and genotoxic effects of a systemic fungicide, Benomyl [methyl 1-(butyl carbamoyl)-2 benzimidazole carbamate] in male Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). Benomyl (Benlate® DoPont 50% w/w benomyl) at dose rates of 0, 100, 400 and 1000 mg/kg for 8 consecutive days was administered into crops of quails kept in different groups. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in feed intake, body weight and relative weight of testes was observed in benomyl-administered quails in a dose related manner. The size of testes decreased in benomyl treated quails. Microscopically, seminiferous tubules of testes exhibited a decreased number of spermatocytes, necrotic spermatids and syncytial cell formation. The number of quails developing testicular alterations increased in a dose-related pattern. These alterations reversed following a withdrawal of benomyl with the exception of the 1000 mg benomyl group, where these persisted till the end of the experiment (56th day). The mean tail length (μm) of the comets produced by leukocytes in single cell gel electrophoresis of 0, 100 and 400 mg dose level groups were 3.48, 3.24 and 3.29, respectively. The mean tail length of comets of the 1000 mg dose level group was 12.03 μm and significantly higher (p < 0.01) than in all other groups indicating DNA strand breaks at this dose level. These results suggested gonadotoxic effects of benomyl (Benlate®) and also a possible genotoxic effect at 1000 mg/kg level in Japanese quails.
Pathogenetical Characterization of MHV-76: a Spontaneous 9.5-Kilobase-Deletion Mutant of Murine Lymphotropic Gammaherpesvirus 68
Authors: Chalupková A. , Hricová M. , Hrabovská Z. , Mistríková J.
Published: June 2008

Murid gammaherpesvirus 4 (MuHV-4) provides a small animal model for the study of animal gammaherpesviruses. MHV-76 is a spontaneous deletion mutant as compared to the prototype strain of MuHV-4 (MHV-68). The MHV-76 genome lacks at least 12 ORFs at the 5'-end including the M1, M2, M3 and M4 genes and the eight viral t-RNA-like genes. During 27 months of experimental infection of BALB/c mice we followed their pathogenesis, immunology and oncogenic properties. After intranasal infection with MHV-76, the infectious virus was detected in the blood, thymus, lungs, heart, liver, spleen, bone marrow, peritoneal macrophages, lymph nodes, kidneys, mammary glands, brain and small intestine. The acute phase of infection was attenuated, but the chronic phase of infection was accompanied with long persistence of virus not only in the lymphatic, but in the neural and glandular tissue, as well. In comparison with the prototype strain, splenomegaly and lymphocytosis was very low. Surprisingly, during 27 months the BALB/c mice infected with MHV-76 did not develop lymphoproliferative disorders like infectious mononucleosis, leukaemia or lymphomas. We hypothesize that the M4 gene, present in all oncogenic MHV isolates, might be related (directly or indirectly) to their transforming properties.
Efficacy Test of Trichoben Vaccine Administered to Calves at Different Intervals between Vaccination and Re-Vaccination
Authors: Rybnikář A. , Obořilová E. , Hedbávný R.
Published: June 2008

The aim of the study was to test a possible extension of the period between vaccination and revaccination with the live Trichoben vaccine (Bioveta, a.s., Czech Republic). The calves (n = 61) were vaccinated intramuscularly. The intervals between vaccination and re-vaccination were 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 or 28 days. Another group of calves (n = 16) was vaccinated once with a double dose of the vaccine. The protective immunity against experimental infection with a virulent Trichophyton verrucosum CCM F-650 strain was investigated in animals one month after the last vaccination and compared with a group of non-vaccinated controls (n = 16). Clinical results were evaluated and compared using balanced two-way-ANOVA. The level of post-vaccination immunity in cattle after re-vaccination was sufficient when the intervals were 5, 7, 10, 14 and 28 days. One-time injection of a double prophylactic dose of the vaccine and a 3-day interval between vaccinations reduced the immunity and vaccine efficacy to an unsatisfactory degree. There were significant differences between the groups of calves vaccinated using an interval longer than 5 days, and the group vaccinated once with a double dose, and the group with a 3-day interval between vaccinations. The level of post-vaccination immunity in cattle after re-vaccination at the commonly used interval of 10 - 14 days was identical with the immunity achieved when the interval was reduced to 5 or 7 days or extended up to 28 days. The extension of the interval between vaccinations to 5 - 28 days is recommended for using the Trichoben vaccine in veterinary practice.
Effect of Butorphanol on Anaesthesia Induction by Isoflurane in the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
Authors: Trnková Š. , Knotková Z. , Knotek Z.
Published: June 2008

A total of 10 clinically healthy green iguanas (5 males and 5 females, body weight ranging from 1 350 to 2 770 g) were given butorphanol by intramuscular injection following 24 h fasting. Inhalation anaesthesia was administered by mask (5% isoflurane with oxygen, 1.0 l/min), once reactions to external stimuli had decreased (15.45 ± 1.54 min later). Tracheal intubation was performed as soon as the iguanas exhibited complete tolerance to mechanical stimuli. A second study was performed 4 weeks later using the same green iguanas with no pre-medication. Marked individual reactions to masking were observed during both experiments. Some iguanas exhibited breath holding which prolonged anaesthetic induction. Physical stimulation was used in these cases in order to stimulate spontaneous breathing. The mean anaesthetic induction time was similar in both groups of green iguanas (4.34 ± 0.47 and 4.93 ± 0.88 min). There was also a comparable interval from masking to safe tracheal intubation in both experimental groups (15.21 ± 4.26 and 14.31 ± 1.39 min). In view of the results, pre-medication with butorphanol cannot be considered an effective method of anaesthetic induction in green iguanas.
Complications Related to Surgical Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs
Authors: Lexmaulová L. , Novotná R. , Raušer P. , Nečas A.
Published: June 2008

After intervertebral disk surgery we often have to deal with various complications (seizures, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) ulcerations, cystitis, and surgical wound healing problems). These complications may lead to the death of the patient. We performed clinical and laboratory investigations in 161 dogs with an intervertebral disc disease. After that, we performed a cranial (n = 31), caudal (n = 125) or both (n = 5) types of myelography at the same time, and surgery - ventral slot decompression (SLOT) (n = 18) or hemilaminectomy (n = 143). During the postsurgical period we observed seizures, GIT complications, cystitis, and surgical wound healing problems or even death of the patients. These complications appeared to be related to the lesion site, the degree of clinical signs and the type of surgical procedure. In our study we found a higher incidence of seizures after cranial myelography, higher incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) complications particularly in paraplegic dogs, and a higher risk of death in patients after the SLOT surgery. The occurrence of cystitis was not significant (p = 0.5524, p = 0.1655, respectively). We consider seizures, GI ulcerations, and death the most frequent complications after intervertebral disc surgery. Their incidence depends on the lesion site and the degree of neurologic symptoms.
Adapting to Decline: The Changing Business World of the Bourgeoisie in Saint John, nb, in the 1920s
Authors: Nerbas Don
Published: June 2008

The regional economic crisis that descended upon the Maritimes in the 1920s wrought considerable change to the business world of the entrepreneurial bourgeoisie in Saint John, nb. While Maritime historiography - shaped, as Ian McKay has observed, by the ‘themes of dependency, underdevelopment and metropolis/hinterland interaction’ - has tended to portray the 1920s as a period of decline and crisis for the region's business leaders, the experience of bourgeois Saint John suggests that the period was also one of important economic transformation. Drawing upon a variety of sources, including the business and local press, company papers, and other archival materials, this article analyses the ways in which bourgeois Saint John residents adapted their accumulation and development strategies to the changing economic circumstances of the decade. The city's bourgeoisie moved away from the old political economy of urban industrialization, and towards an emerging political economy that centred on tourist promotion and resource development, and was more dependent upon state intervention and outside capital. In step with these developments, finance capital became a more important force in local business life, evident by the ascendance of financier Howard P. Robinson, while nationally competitive manufacturers such as Lewis Simms and the McAvity family continued to manage successful local enterprises. Collectively, bourgeois Saint John adapted to broader changes in Canadian capitalism during the 1920s, which produced a more ambiguous brand of ‘community-minded entrepreneurship’ than in past decades and set the stage for future developments.
Synthetic Strategies for Hybrid Materials to Improve Properties for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: García Olga , Garrido Leoncio , Sastre Roberto , Costela Angel , García‐Moreno Inmaculada
Published: June 2008

We report, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, a systematic study to relate the laser action from BODIPY dyes, doped into monolithic hybrid matrices, with the synthetic protocols of the final materials prepared via sol‐gel. To this aim, the influence of both the hydrolysis time, increased in a controlled way, and the nature of the neutralization agent (pyridine, 3‐amino‐propyltriethoxy‐silane (APS), N‐[3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]‐ethylene diamine (TSPDA), and N1‐[3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]‐ diethylene triamine (TSPTA) on the laser action of PM567, incorporated into hybrid matrices based on copolymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), with methyltriethoxysilane (TRIEOS) as inorganic precursor, was analyzed. The presence of the amine‐modified silane TSPDA as neutralization agent, which is able at the same time to be anchored to the inorganic network enhancing the inorganic‐organic compatibility through the matrix interphase, and utilization of hydrolysis times lower than 10 minutes, increased significantly the lasing efficiency and photostability of dye. The extension of this study to the laser behavior of BODIPY dyes embedded in other different hybrid materials based on hydrolyzed‐condensed copolymers of MMA with 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMSPMA) in a 1/1 volumetric proportion, validates the generalization of the above conclusions, which provide guides for the optimization of the synthesis of organic‐inorganic hybrid materials with optoelectronic innovative applications independently of their composition.
Macroscopically Aligned Ionic Self‐Assembled Perylene‐Surfactant Complexes within a Polymer Matrix
Authors: Laiho Ari , Smarsly Bernd M. , Faul Charl F. J. , Ikkala Olli
Published: June 2008

Ionic self‐assembled (ISA) surfactant complexes present a facile concept for self‐assembly of various functional materials. However, no general scheme has been shown to allow their overall alignment beyond local polydomain‐like order. Here we demonstrate that ionic complexes forming a columnar liquid‐crystalline phase in bulk can be aligned within polymer blends upon shearing, taken that the matrix polymers have sufficiently high molecular weight. We use an ISA complex of N,N′‐bis(ethylenetrimethylammonium)perylenediimide/bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphate (Pery‐BEHP) blended with different molecular weight polystyrenes (PS). Based on X‐ray scattering studies and transmission electron microscopy the pure Pery‐BEHP complex was found to form a two‐dimensional oblique columnar phase where the perylene units stack within the columns. Blending the complex with PS lead to high aspect ratio Pery‐BEHP aggregates with lateral dimension in the mesoscale, having internal columnar liquid‐crystalline order similar to the pure Pery‐BEHP complex. When the Pery‐BEHP/PS blend was subjected to a shear flow field, the alignment of perylenes can be achieved but requires sufficiently high molecular weight of the polystyrene matrix. The concept also suggests a simple route for macroscopically aligned nanocomposites with conjugated columnar liquid‐crystalline functional additives.
New L‐Dopa Codrugs as Potential Antiparkinson Agents
Authors: Sozio Piera , Iannitelli Antonio , Cerasa Laura Serafina , Cacciatore Ivana , Cornacchia Catia , Giorgioni Gianfabio , Ricciutelli Massimo , Nasuti Cinzia , Cantalamessa Franco , Di Stefano Antonio
Published: June 2008

This paper reports the synthesis and preliminary evaluation of newL‐dopa (LD) conjugates (1and2) obtained by joining LD with two different natural antioxidants, caffeic acid and carnosine, respectively. The antioxidant efficacy of compounds1and2was assessed by evaluating plasmatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the rat. Rat striatal concentration of LD and dopamine (DA), and central nervous effects were evaluated after oral administration of the codrugs1and2. The results suggest that, though our codrugs are devoid of significant antioxidant activity, they are able to induce sustained delivery of DA in rat striatum and can improve LD and DA release in the brain.
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of liver cancer in the hepatic dome using the intrapleural fluid infusion technique
Authors: Kondo Y , Yoshida H , Tateishi R , Shiina S , Kawabe T , Omata M
Published: June 2008

Background

Intrapleural fluid infusion improves ultrasonographic visualization of tumours in the hepatic dome. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and long-term efficacy of ultrasonographically guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for tumours in the hepatic dome with intrapleural infusion.

Methods

Of 2575 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatic metastases treated with radiofrequency ablation, intrapleural fluid infusion was performed in 587 patients for tumours in the hepatic dome. After the tip of a 14-G metallic needle was positioned in the pleural cavity under ultrasonographic guidance, 500–1000 ml of 5 per cent glucose solution was infused in 5–15 min. Radiofrequency ablation was performed using an internally cooled electrode. Long-term results were evaluated in 347 patients with a single hepatocellular carcinoma who were naive to any treatment.

Results

Intrapleural fluid infusion was successfully performed in all 587 patients. The major complication rate on a per tumour basis was similar for patients treated with and without intrapleural infusion (1·6 versus 1·6 per cent; P = 0·924). The overall and recurrence-free survival were both similar for naive patients with a single hepatocellular carcinoma treated with and without intrapleural infusion (P = 0·429 and P = 0·109 respectively). Intrapleural infusion was not associated with lower overall survival in multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

With intrapleural fluid infusion, radiofrequency ablation for tumours in the hepatic dome was safe and effective, resulting in satisfactory overall and recurrence-free survival.
Economic evaluation of sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence
Authors: Dudding T C , Meng Lee E , Faiz O , Parés D , Vaizey C J , McGuire A , Kamm M A
Published: June 2008

Background

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an established treatment for faecal incontinence in patients who have failed conservative management. This study established the cost-effectiveness of treating patients with SNS compared with non-surgical treatment.

Methods

A decision analysis model was performed. Data from 70 patients were obtained from medical records, bowel habit diaries and Short Form 36 quality of life questionnaires. Direct medical and non-medical costs were ascertained using the 2005/2006 national tariff, national statistics, and medication, pad and device costs. Indirect non-medical costs were also estimated.

Results

Incontinence episodes were reduced from a median of 12 per fortnight at baseline to one per fortnight with SNS. Based on direct medical and non-medical costs, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for SNS was £25 070 per QALY gained. It cost £1038 more per year to treat patients with SNS for a median reduction of 286 incontinence episodes, equating to £3·63 per episode reduced. When indirect non-medical costs were included the ICER was reduced to £12 959 per QALY gained.

Conclusion

The ICER of £25 070 is within the £30 000 per QALY threshold recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence as an effective use of National Health Service resources with proper justification.
Destabilization‐Enhanced Centrifugation of Metalworking Oil‐in‐Water Emulsions: Effect of Demulsifying Agents
Authors: Allende D. , Cambiella Á. , Benito J. M. , Pazos C. , Coca J.
Published: June 2008

The effect of a commercial flocculant (Alpacon® WS009) and two coagulant salts (CaCl2 and AlCl3) on the stability of metalworking oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions was examined. Two O/W emulsions were tested: a fresh emulsion, prepared in the laboratory from a commercial concentrate, and a waste metalworking emulsion, provided by a local waste management company, with initial oil concentrations of 32900 and 16900 mg/L, respectively. The emulsion stability was studied at different demulsifier concentrations, temperatures and pH through centrifugation tests, zeta potential and multiple light scattering measurements. Emulsion breakdown is explained by electrostatic repulsion of oil droplets and steric interactions. The former was observed for the laboratory emulsion, while the latter was observed for the waste emulsion. Aluminum chloride was the only effective agent for demulsifying both emulsions.
Heterogeneity of V2O5 Supported Cylindrical Activated Coke Used for SO2 Removal from Flue Gas
Authors: Wang J.‐C. , Liu Q.‐Y. , Liu Z.‐Y. , Huang Z.‐G.
Published: June 2008

V2O5 supported activated coke (V/AC) was shown to be a good catalyst for SO2 removal from flue gas. In this work, the heterogeneities of cylindrical V/AC granules (Φ 8.5 · 12.6 mm) are investigated by peeling the granules layer by layer. The results show that the axial ends of the catalyst with a depth of ca. 2 mm contain more pores than other parts of the catalyst. This pore structure distribution results in a similar V2O5 distribution through impregnation and a similar S distribution after SO2 removal. The results show that mass transfer is the main factor affecting SO2 removal over large V/AC granules, and that SO2 removal proceeds mainly along the axial direction of the granules. The granule should be made shorter in the axial direction and longer in the radial direction to improve utilization of V/AC.
Feasibility of Palm Oil as the Feedstock for Biodiesel Production via Heterogeneous Transesterification
Authors: Kansedo J. , Lee K. T. , Bhatia S.
Published: June 2008

The production of biodiesel has become popular recently as a result of increasing demand for a clean, safe and renewable energy. Biodiesel is made from natural renewable sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats. The conventional method of producing biodiesel is by reacting vegetable oil with alcohol in the presence of a homogenous catalyst (NaOH). However, this conventional method has some limitations such as the formation of soap, usage of significant quantities of wash water and complicated separation processes. Heterogeneous processes using solid catalysts have significant advantages over homogenous methods. Currently, more than 90 % of world biodiesel is produced using rapeseed oil. The production of biodiesel from rapeseed oil is considered uneconomical, considering the fact that palm oil is currently the world's cheapest vegetable oil. Therefore, the focus of this study is to show the feasibility of producing biodiesel from palm oil using montmorillonite KSF as a heterogeneous catalyst. The heterogeneous transesterification process was studied using design of experiment (DOE), specifically response surface methodology (RSM) based on a four‐variable central composite design (CCD) with α = 2. The transesterification process variables were reaction temperature, x1 (50–190 °C), reaction period, x2 (60–300 min), methanol/oil ratio, x3 (4–12 mol mol–1) and the amount of catalyst, x4 (1–5 wt %). It was found that the conversion of palm oil to biodiesel can reach up to 78.7 % using the following reaction conditions: reaction temperature of 155 °C, reaction period of 120 min, ratio of methanol/oil at 10:1 mol mol–1 and amount of catalyst at 4 wt %. From this study, it was shown that montmorillonite KSF catalyst can be used as a solid catalyst for biodiesel production from palm oil.
New Approach in the Prediction of RDC Liquid‐Liquid Extraction Column Parameters
Authors: Bastani D. , Shahalami S. M.
Published: June 2008

The liquid‐liquid extraction process is well‐known for its complexity and often entails intensive modeling and computational efforts to simulate its dynamic behavior. This paper presents a new application of the Genetic Algorithm (GA) to predict the modeling parameters of a chemical pilot plant involving a rotating disc liquid‐liquid extraction contactor (RDC). In this process, the droplet behavior of the dispersed phase has a strong influence on the mass transfer performance of the column. The mass transfer mechanism inside the drops of the dispersed phase was modeled by the Handlos‐Baron circulating drop model with consideration of the effect of forward mixing. Using the Genetic Algorithm method and the Numerical Analysis Group (NAG) software, the mass transfer and axial dispersion coefficients in the continuous phase in these columns were optimized. In order to obtain the RDC column parameters, a least‐square function of differences between the simulated and experimental concentration profiles (SSD) and 95 % confidence limit in the plug flow number of the transfer unit prediction were considered. The minus 95 % confidence limit and sum of square deviations for the GA method justified it as a successful method for optimization of the mass transfer and axial dispersion coefficients of liquid‐liquid extraction columns.
Surface Specific Mixing Rule for Ionic Diffusion Coefficients at Infinite Dilution in Polymer/Water Mixtures
Authors: Machefer S. , Schnitzlein K.
Published: June 2008

It has recently been shown that the viscosity of polymer/water mixtures can be accurately predicted with an ideal linear mixing rule based on molecular van der Waals surfaces. Because of the Stokes‐Einstein relation, a similar mixing rule may also be applicable to ionic diffusion coefficients at infinite dilution in polymer/water mixtures. This assumption is confirmed for the example system KDP/polyol/water at various temperatures. Moreover, the impact on electrolyte concentration is calculated and shows that the surface‐based mixing rule can also be used as a good approximation for the ionic diffusion coefficient for finite electrolyte concentrations.
Catalytic and Heating Behavior of Nanoscaled Perovskites under Microwave Radiation
Authors: Krech T. , Möser C. , Emmerich R. , Scholz P. , Ondruschka B. , Cihlar J.
Published: June 2008

Perovskite powders of the types La0.5Ca0.5AlyM1–yO3–δ (y = 0–0.8), M = Fe, Cr, Mn, Co and LaxSr1–xMnyCo1–y (x = 0.5–1, y = 0–1) were prepared via a sol‐gel route according to the modified Pechini method. Incineration of the resins was performed before final sintering at 1000 °C for 6 h. The phase composition of the samples was established by X‐ray powder diffraction analysis, and the lattice parameters were calculated using Rietveld analysis. The shape and size of the particles were determined via scanning electron microscopy and the specific surface area of the powder perovskites was established by the BET method. The principal particles were ca. 100 nm in size and formed agglomerates larger than 1.0 μm. The composition of the perovskites was established by EDX analysis. Following this, the catalytic behavior was tested by means of total oxidation of propane. The catalytic performance was measured at atmospheric pressure with 3 g of catalyst in a fixed‐bed quartz reactor (i.d. = 18 mm) under thermal‐assisted and microwave‐assisted conditions. Initial results show a strong dependence of the catalytic and heating behavior on the nature of the M‐atom and its number of unpaired d‐electrons as well as on the particle size and its specific surface area. No significant difference in the results could be detected from comparison of the two heating methods.
Investigation into Photocatalytic Degradation of Gaseous Benzene in a Circulated Photocatalytic Reactor (CPCR)
Authors: Geng Q.‐J. , Guo Q.‐J. , Cao C.‐Q. , Wang H.‐Q.
Published: June 2008

Due to the fact that suspended TiO2 powder enjoys free contact with gaseous pollutant molecules in photocatalytic reactors, it can generally achieve better efficiency than immobilized TiO2 catalysts. However, difficulties with the separation of this catalyst powder from treated pollutants and its re‐use often limit its application. Therefore, a circulated photocatalytic reactor (CPCR) was designed to enhance the performance of the photocatalytic degradation of gaseous benzene. TiO2 film photocatalysts were prepared by the sol‐gel method at low temperatures and coated onto the inner wall of this reactor by a bonding agent composed of poly‐(2, 2‐dimethyl)‐acrylic ethylene ester emulsion in which TiO2 powder was characterized by FTIR, TEM and SEM. In particular, the influences of initial concentration and gas flow rate of benzene on the degradation conversion, Dp, apparent reaction rate constants, kr, initial degradation rate, r, and the deactivation and regeneration of catalyst in the CPCR, were investigated. The results indicated that the degradation conversion, apparent reaction rate constants and initial degradation rate were closely correlated to the initial concentration of benzene. To elucidate the factors governing the observations, the adsorption characteristics and kinetics of the photocatalytic degradation of benzene were analyzed using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and Langmuir‐Hinshelwood kinetic model. It was found that the reaction kinetics were best described by a fixed pseudo‐first‐order kinetic equation of photocatalytic degradation of gaseous benzene in the CPCR.
A Study on Modern High Effective Random Packings for Ethanol‐Water Rectification
Authors: Darakchiev S. , Semkov K.
Published: June 2008

Raschig Super‐Ring is a modern and high‐efficient packing used for intensification of absorption and distillation processes. The aim of this work is to characterize the efficiency of this packing applied to rectification of an important industrial system, ethanol‐water, and to compare its efficiency to that of some random packings of the third generation as well as to the structured packing, HOLPACK, which is used in the ethanol production industry. The experiments were carried out in a column installation, 0.213 m in diameter with a packing height of 2.8 m. The column is heated by a number of electrical heaters (total power 45 kW), which can be switched gradually. Operation at total and partial reflux is possible. Eight types of random packings were studied: five types of Raschig Super‐Ring, four metallic (with characteristic dimensions 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, and 1”) and one of plastic material 0.6”; two types of packing IMTP and one plastic Ralu Flow. Some experiments were conducted at total reflux operation at vapor velocity, 0.253–0.936 m/s, and liquid superficial velocity, 4.44 · 10–4–1.63 · 10–3 m3/(m2s). Experiments at partial reflux were carried out at constant liquid superficial velocity and changeable vapor velocity as well as at constant vapor velocity and changeable liquid velocity. The results are presented as height of transfer unit, HTU, and height equivalent to a theoretical plate, HETP, as a function of the velocity of phases.
Heat Exchanger Network synthesis with Detailed Heat Exchanger Design
Authors: Jin Z. L. , Qiwu D. , Minshan L.
Published: June 2008

Pressure drop and fouling are important issues in heat exchanger network synthesis, which are usually neglected. Heat exchangers were designed in detail during the heat exchanger network synthesis, and pressure drop and fouling effects were taken into account. Pinch analysis combined with exergoeconomic analysis was used for determining optimal minimum approach temperature (ΔTmin) for heat exchanger network synthesis. Exergy consumption of heat transfer in HENs was calculated using a subsection integral on balanced composite curves. The heat transfer coefficients of all heat exchangers in the network were calculated iteratively to meet the requirements of optimal area and allowable pressure drops. The proposed method was applied to an industrial case. Numerical results indicate the importance of the detailed design of heat exchangers in HENs synthesis.
Solution‐, Solid‐Phase, and Fluorous Synthesis of β,β‐Difluorinated Cyclic Quaternary α‐Amino Acid Derivatives: A Comparative Study
Authors: Fustero Santos , Sánchez‐Roselló María , Rodrigo Vanessa , Sanz‐Cervera Juan F. , Piera Julio , Simón‐Fuentes Antonio , del Pozo Carlos
Published: June 2008

The diastereoselective synthesis of cyclic β,β‐difluorinated α‐amino acid derivatives bearing a quaternary stereocenter is described. The process relies on the chemo‐ and diastereoselective addition of allylic organometallic reagents to fluorinated α‐imino esters and a subsequent ring‐closing metathesis reaction (RCM). Complete selectivity in the nucleophilic addition was achieved with (R)‐phenylglycinol methyl ether as a chiral auxiliary. The resulting amino acids were introduced into peptide chains, which could facilitate the preparation of potentially bioactive dipeptide derivatives. In addition, the solution synthesis of these cyclic fluorinated α‐amino acids was successfully adapted to solid‐phase and fluorous‐phase techniques. The reaction times and final deprotection were clearly more favorable in the latter, in which a fluorous trimethylsilylethanol (TMSE) tag was used. The tag was then easily removed upon treatment with TBAF in a high‐yield transesterification process.
Awakening dynamics via passive coupling and synchronization mechanism in oscillatory cellular neural/nonlinear networks
Authors: Szatmári István , Chua Leon O.
Published: June 2008

We have studied synchronization mechanism in locally coupled nonlinear oscillators. Here, synchronization takes place by passive coupling based on a reaction–diffusion process. We will compare this mechanism with basic synchronization techniques, showing their similarities and specific properties. In addition to synchronization, passive and local coupling can also ‘awaken’ non‐oscillating cell circuits and trigger oscillation, provided that cells are locally active. This result resembles Turing's and Smale's works showing that locally communicating simple elements can produce very different patterns even if separate elements do not show any activity. This property will be demonstrated for two second‐order cells and also for a large ensemble of oscillatory cells. In latter case, the network of oscillatory cells exhibits very sophisticated spatio‐temporal waves, e.g. spiral waves. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional dichotomy of plasmacytoid dendritic cells: Antigen‐specific activation of T cells versus production of type I interferon
Authors: Jaehn Peter S. , Zaenker Kurt S. , Schmitz Juergen , Dzionek Andrzej
Published: June 2008

Human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) are believed to link innate and adaptive immunity by producing type I interferon (IFN‐I) and triggering adaptive T cell‐mediated immunity. However, it remains elusive to which degree both PDC functions are linked. Here we show that CMV antigen targeted to PDC using a CD303 (blood dendritic cell antigen 2, BDCA‐2) mAb is rapidly endocytosed and traffics via early sorting endosomes to emerging MHC‐enriched compartments. Both processes occur independently of TLR ligand stimulation. Restimulation of CMV‐specific CD4+ effector‐memory T helper cells by autologous PDC and induction of IFN‐I production in PDC are dependent on appropriate stimulation. Type B CpG oligonucleotide (CpG‐B)‐stimulated PDC efficiently process and present CMV antigen and are thus capable of stimulating CMV‐specific effector‐memory T helper cells. CpG‐A‐stimulated PDC produce large amounts of IFN‐I and express programmed death receptor‐1 ligand 1. CpG‐A plus CpG‐B‐co‐stimulated PDC behave like CpG‐B‐stimulated PDC, suggesting that antigen processing and presentation in PDC is dependent on stimulation that concurrently inhibits IFN‐I production. In vivo targeting of antigens to PDC via CD303 combined with appropriate PDC stimulation may allow induction of specific T cell activation.

Supporting Information for this article is available at http://www.wiley‐vch.de/contents/jc_2040/2008/37552_s.pdf
CCL2 recruitment of IL‐6‐producing CD11b+ monocytes to the draining lymph nodes during the initiation of Th17‐dependent B cell‐mediated autoimmunity
Authors: Bai Ying , Liu Ruolan , Huang DeRen , La Cava Antonio , Tang Yi‐yuan , Iwakura Yoichiro , Campagnolo Denise I. , Vollmer Timothy L. , Ransohoff Richard M. , Shi Fu‐Dong
Published: June 2008

The development and function of Th17 cells are influenced in part by the cytokines TGF‐β, IL‐23 and IL‐6, but the mechanisms that govern recruitment and activity of Th17 cells during initiation of autoimmunity remain poorly defined. We show here that the development of autoreactive Th17 cells in secondary lymphoid organs in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis – an animal model of human myasthenia gravis – is modulated by IL‐6‐producing CD11b+ cells via the CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). Notably, acetylcholine receptor (AChR)‐reactive Th17 cells provide help for the B cells to produce anti‐AChR antibodies, which are responsible for the impairment of the neuromuscular transmission that contributes to the clinical manifestations of autoimmunity, as indicated by a lack of disease induction in IL‐17‐deficient mice. Thus, Th17 cells can promote humoral autoimmunity via a novel mechanism that involves CCL2.

Supporting Information for this article is available at www.wiley‐vch.de/contents/jc_2040/2008/37973_s.pdf
Systemic increase in type I interferon activity in Sjögren's syndrome: A putative role for plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Wildenberg Manon E. , van Helden‐Meeuwsen Cornelia G. , van de Merwe Joop P. , Drexhage Hemmo A. , Versnel Marjan A.
Published: June 2008

In the salivary glands of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSjS) patients, type I IFN activity is increased, but systemic levels of type I IFN proteins are rarely detected. This study focused on the systemic activity of type I IFN in pSjS, as well as the role of peripheral plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). Monocytes obtained from pSjS patients showed an increased expression of 40 genes. Twenty‐three of these genes (58%), including IFI27, IFITM1, IFIT3 and IFI44, were inducible by type I IFN. pSjS serum had an enhanced capability of inducing IFI27, IFITM1, IFIT3 and IFI44 in the monocytic cell line THP‐1, likely due to the action of IFN‐β. This effect could be inhibited by blocking the type I IFN receptor, supporting a high type I IFN bioactivity in pSjS serum. In addition, circulatory pDC showed increased expression of CD40. This expression was correlated to the expression level of the type I IFN‐regulated genes IFI27 and IFITM1 in monocytes of the same individual. This study indicates that the increased type I IFN activity observed in pSjS patients is not only a local but also a systemic phenomenon and points to pDC as a possible source of this activity.
Intra‐tumoral Salmonella typhimurium induces a systemic anti‐tumor immune response that is directed by low‐dose radiation to treat distal disease
Authors: Avogadri Francesca , Mittal Deepak , Saccheri Fabiana , Sarrafiore Massimo , Ciocca Mario , Larghi Paola , Orecchia Roberto , Rescigno Maria
Published: June 2008

Salmonella typhimurium is a facultative anaerobic bacterium able to multiply preferentially in tumors and inhibit their growth. The mechanisms through which Salmonella exerts its anti‐cancer properties are not fully understood. We recently showed that intra‐tumoral Salmonella injection results not only in the regression of even bulky tumor masses, but also impacts on the growth of distant untreated lesions. Here we describe how Salmonella exerts its systemic anti‐cancer effects and means to potentiate them. The outburst of an early inflammatory reaction in the treated tumor promotes the development of an immunostimulatory cytokine environment both locally and in the draining lymph node. Within the next 10 days, an efficient cross‐presentation of endogenous tumor antigens by dendritic cells at the tumor‐draining lymph node leads to the priming of effective anti‐tumor CD8+ T cell responses. This potentially broadly reactive T cell repertoire can be directed to other pre‐established melanomas by low‐dose radiotherapy enhancing the Salmonella anti‐cancer effect. We demonstrate that Salmonella‐based therapy coupled to low‐dose radiotherapy dampens tumor immune escape mechanisms at different levels and allows controlling systemic disease in a CD8+ T cell‐dependent manner.
Interferon‐γ limits the availability of iron for intramacrophage Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: Nairz Manfred , Fritsche Gernot , Brunner Peter , Talasz Heribert , Hantke Klaus , Weiss Günter
Published: June 2008

In stimulating effector functions of mononuclear phagocytes, IFN‐γ is of pivotal importance in host defense against intramacrophage pathogens including salmonellae. As the activity of IFN‐γ is modulated by iron and since a sufficient availability of iron is essential for the growth of pathogens, we investigated the regulatory effects of IFN‐γ on iron homeostasis and immune function in murine macrophages infected with Salmonella typhimurium. In Salmonella‐infected phagocytes, IFN‐γ caused a significant reduction of iron uptake via transferrin receptor 1 and resulted in an increased iron efflux caused by an enhanced expression of the iron exporter ferroportin 1. Moreover, the expression of haem oxygenase 1 and of the siderophore‐capturing antimicrobial peptide lipocalin 2 was markedly elevated following bacterial invasion, with IFN‐γ exerting a super‐inducing effect. This observed regulatory impact of IFN‐γ reduced the intracellular iron pools within infected phagocytes, thus restricting the acquisition of iron by engulfed Salmonella typhimurium while concomitantly promoting NO and TNF‐α production. Our data suggest that the modulation of crucial pathways of macrophage iron metabolism in response to IFN‐γ concordantly aims at withdrawing iron from intracellular Salmonella and at strengthening macrophage immune response functions. These regulations are thus consistent with the principles of nutritional immunity.

See accompanying commentary http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200838505
Increased cytotoxicity of CD4+ invariant NKT cells against CD4+CD25hiCD127lo/– regulatory T cells in allergic asthma
Authors: Nguyen Khoa D. , Vanichsarn Chris , Nadeau Kari C.
Published: June 2008

CD4+CD25hiCD127lo/– regulatory T cells (Treg) have been implicated in the resolution of asthma‐associated inflammation while the opposite role of CD4+ invariant NKT (iNKT) cells has been the subject of recent investigations. Studies here focused on mechanisms of interaction between CD4+ iNKT cells and Treg to further explore their roles in allergic asthma (AA). Flow cytometry analysis revealed a significant increase in the expression of the natural cytotoxicity receptors NKp30 and NKp46 by CD4+ iNKT cells in AA subjects compared to healthy controls (HC) and non‐allergic asthmatics (NA). Subsequent intracellular staining showed that CD4+ iNKT cells also expressed higher levels of granzyme B and perforin in AA than HC. In in vitro killing assays, AA CD4+ iNKT cells selectively killed autologous Treg, but not CD4+CD25– T cells, more potently than HC and NA counterparts. This increased cytotoxicity positively correlated with asthma severity and granzyme B/perforin expression of CD4+ iNKT cells. Furthermore, it could be abrogated by either inhibition of the granzyme B‐/perforin‐dependent cell death pathway or oral corticosteroid administration. Altogether, these findings suggest that increased cytotoxicity of CD4+ iNKT cells against Treg might contribute to dysfunctional cellular interactions in AA.

Supporting Information for this article is available at www.wiley‐vch.de/contents/jc_2040/2008/38082_s.pdf
The canonical Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in lymphopoiesis and hematopoiesis
Authors: Staal Frank J. T. , M. Sen Jyoti
Published: June 2008

The evolutionarily conserved canonical Wnt‐β‐catenin‐T cell factor (TCF)/lymphocyte enhancer binding factor (LEF) signaling pathway regulates key checkpoints in the development of various tissues. Therefore, it is not surprising that a large body of gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function studies implicate Wnt‐β‐catenin signaling in lymphopoiesis and hematopoiesis. In contrast, recent papers have reported that Mx‐Cre‐mediated conditional deletion of β‐catenin and/or its homolog γ‐catenin (plakoglobin) did not impair hematopoiesis or lymphopoiesis. However, these studies also report that TCF reporter activity remains active in β‐catenin‐ and γ‐catenin‐deficient hematopoietic stem cells and all cells derived from these precursors, indicating that the canonical Wnt signaling pathway was not abrogated. Therefore, these studies in fact show that the canonical Wnt signaling pathway is important in hematopoiesis and lymphopoiesis, even though the molecular basis for the induction of the reporter activity is currently unknown. In this perspective, we provide a broad background to the field with a discussion of the available data and create a framework within which the available and future studies may be evaluated.
Molecular mimicry in innate immunity? The viral RNA recognition receptor TLR7 accelerates murine lupus
Authors: Anders Hans‐Joachim , Krug Anne , Pawar Rahul D.
Published: June 2008

Toll‐like receptors (TLR), such as TLR7, were first described as innate pathogen recognition receptors that trigger appropriate antimircrobial immune responses upon exposure to pathogen‐associated molecules, e.g. viral ssRNA. In parallel to ongoing studies on TLR‐biology, mounting experimental evidence suggests that endogenous RNA‐related autoantigens may also activate dendritic cells (DC) and B cells through TLR7. TLR7‐mediated DC activation, autoantibody secretion, lymphoproliferation, and autoimmune tissue injury, are frequently observed in various murine models of systemic lupus and lupus nephritis. A paper in the current issue of the European Journal of Immunology, provide striking experimental evidence for this concept; the authors show that the Y chromosome‐linked autoimmune accelerating (Yaa) translocation from the X‐chromosome, consisting of 16 genes including Tlr7, largely mediates the autoimmune phenotype via the duplication of Tlr7. This finding highlights the need to address the significance of TLR7 in human lupus in terms of both genetic risk and as a therapeutic option.

See accompanying article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200838138
A Fast Catalytic Asymmetric Aza‐Morita–Baylis–Hillman Reaction of N‐Sulfonated Imines with Methyl Vinyl Ketone in the Presence of Chiral Bifunctional Phosphane Lewis Bases
Authors: Lei Zhi‐Yu , Ma Guang‐Ning , Shi Min
Published: June 2008

A series of novel bifunctional chiral phosphane Lewis bases having one phenyl group and an electron‐donating alkyl group on the phosphorus atom was designed and successfully synthesized. The use of these bifunctional chiral phosphane Lewis bases in catalytic asymmetric aza‐Morita–Baylis–Hillman reactions (aza‐MBH reactions) of N‐sulfonated imines with methyl vinyl ketone affords the corresponding adducts in good‐to‐excellent yields and moderate‐to‐good enantioselectivities within a few hours at room temperature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fastest catalytic asymmetric MBH reaction reported thus far.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
A Novel Potentiometric Sensor for Thiocyanate Based on an Amide‐Linked Manganese Diporphyrin Xanthene
Authors: Dong Yan‐Yan , Li Chun‐Yan , Zhang Xiao‐Bing , Yu Ru‐Qin , Shen Guo‐Li
Published: June 2008

The synthesis of a new compound, amide‐linked manganese diporphyrin xanthene (Mn2Cl2ADPX), and its application for preparation of thiocyanate selective electrodes was described. The electrode was prepared with a PVC membrane combining Mn2Cl2ADPX as an electro active material, 2‐nitrophenyl octyl ether (o‐NPOE) as a plasticizer in the percentage ratio of 3 : 65 : 32 (Mn2Cl2ADPX: o‐NPOE: PVC, w : w : w). The electrode exhibited linear response within the concentration range of 2.4×10−6 to 1.0×10−1 M SCN−, with a working pH range from 3.0 to 8.0 and a fast response time of less than 60 s. Several electroactive materials and solvent mediators have been compared and the experimental conditions were optimized. The Mn2Cl2ADPX based electrode shows obviously better response characteristics than that of monoporphyrin manganese in terms of working concentration range and slope. Selectivity coefficients for SCN− relative to a number of interfering ions were investigated. The electrode exhibits anti‐Hofmeister selectivity toward SCN− with respect to common coexisting anions. The electrode was applied to the determination of SCN− in body urine with satisfactory results.
Synthesis and Characterization of MWNTs/Au NPs/HS(CH2)6Fc Nanocomposite: Application to Electrochemical Determination of Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Qiu Jian‐Ding , Wang Rui , Liang Ru‐Ping , Xiong Meng
Published: June 2008

In this article, a detailed electrochemical study of a novel 6‐ferrocenylhexanethiol (HS(CH2)6Fc) self‐assembled multiwalled carbon nanotubes‐Au nanoparticles (MWNTs/Au NPs) composite film was demonstrated. MWNTs/Au NPs were prepared by one‐step in situ synthesis using linear polyethyleneimine (PEI) as bifunctionalizing agent. HS(CH2)6Fc, which acted as the redox mediator, was self‐assembled to MWNTs/Au NPs via Au‐S bond. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transformed infrared absorption spectroscopy (FT‐IR), UV‐visible absorption spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry were used to characterize the properties of the MWNTs/Au NPs/HS(CH2)6Fc nanocomposite. The preparation of the nanocomposite was very simple and effectively prevented the leakage of the HS(CH2)6Fc mediator during measurements. The electrooxidation of AA could be catalyzed by Fc/Fc+ couple as a mediator and had a higher electrochemical response due to the unique performance of MWNTs/Au NPs. The nanocomposite modified electrode exhibited excellent catalytic efficiency, high sensitivity, good stability, fast response (within 3 s) and low detection limit toward the oxidation of AA at a lower potential.