bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The integration of green chemistry into future biorefineries
Authors: H. Clark James , E. I. Deswarte Fabien , J. Farmer Thomas
Published: December 2008

The use of biorefineries for the production of chemicals as well as materials and energy products is key to ensuring a sustainable future for the chemical and allied industries. Through the integration of green chemistry into biorefineries, and the use of low environmental impact technologies, we can establish future supply chains for genuinely green and sustainable chemical products. The first step in these future biorefineries should be the benign extraction of surface chemicals; here the use of greener solvents, such as supercritical carbon dioxide and bioethanol, should be considered. The residues will often be rich in lignocellulosics and the effective separation of the cellulose is a major challenge which may, in the future, be assisted by greener solvents, such as ionic liquids. Lignin is nature's major source of aromatics; we need new ways to produce small aromatic building blocks from lignin in order to satisfy the enormous and diverse industrial demand for aromatics. Fermentation can be used to convert biomass into a wide range of bioplatform chemicals in addition to ethanol. Their green chemical conversion to higher value chemicals is as important as their efficient production; here clean technologies such as catalysis – notably biocatalysis and heterogeneous catalysis – the use of benign solvents, and energy efficient reactors are essential. Thermochemical processes for the conversion of biomass, such as the production of pyrolysis oil, will also play an important role in future biorefineries and here again green chemistry methods should be used to go to higher value downstream chemicals. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Corporate social responsibility in china: an analysis of domestic and foreign retailers' sustainability dimensions
Authors: Kolk Ans , Hong Pan , van Dolen Willemijn
Published: December 2008

In the past decade, a sizeable body of literature has built up on the concept and characteristics of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Western countries, where it has also been referred to as sustainability. More recently, attention has grown for CSR in emerging countries. Remarkably, China has hardly been studied so far. This paper aims to help fill this gap by considering, against this background, the CSR notion in China, through an exploration of a small sample of large retailers in China, both Chinese and non‐Chinese companies. The analysis of CSR/sustainability dimensions, as communicated by these large retailers in both the Chinese and the English language, shows substantial differences between the Chinese and international contexts. Interestingly, the largest divergence can be found for international retailers between their Chinese and corporate attention for CSR (so home versus host settings), most notably in the case of Carrefour, and to a lesser extent Wal‐Mart. In the Chinese context, there are differences between the Chinese and international retailers as well (so domestic versus foreign firms), with the former reporting more on economic dimensions, including philanthropy, and the latter more on product responsibility – contentious labour issues and the environment receive relatively limited attention in both groups in China. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for research and practice. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The Binding Mode of Petrosaspongiolide M to the Human Group IIA Phospholipase A2: Exploring the Role of Covalent and Noncovalent Interactions in the Inhibition Process
Authors: Monti Maria Chiara , Casapullo Agostino , Cavasotto Claudio N. , Tosco Alessandra , Dal Piaz Fabrizio , Ziemys Arturas , Margarucci Luigi , Riccio Raffaele
Published: December 2008

We report an analysis of the mechanism of human group IIA secretory phospholipase A2(sPLA2‐IIA) inhibition by the natural anti‐inflammatory sesterterpene petrosaspongiolide M (PM). The amphiphilic PM, a γ‐hydroxybutenolide marine terpenoid, selectively reacts with the sPLA2‐IIA Lys67 residue, located near the enzyme–membrane interfacial binding surface, and covalently modifies the enzyme through imine formation. Furthermore, PM is able to target the active site of sPLA2‐IIA through several van der Waals/electrostatic complementarities. The two events cannot co‐occur on a single PLA2molecule, so they may contribute separately to enzyme inhibiton. A more intriguing hypothesis suggests a double interaction of PM with two enzyme molecules, one of them covalently modified and the other contacting the inhibitor through its active site. We have explored the occurrence of this unusual binding mode leading to PM‐induced PLA2supramolecular complexes. These insights could suggest new PLA2‐inhibition‐based therapeutic strategies.
Luminescent Bimetallic Lanthanide Bioprobes for Cellular Imaging with Excitation in the Visible‐Light Range
Authors: Deiters Emmanuel , Song Bo , Chauvin Anne‐Sophie , Vandevyver Caroline D. B. , Gumy Frédéric , Bünzli Jean‐Claude G.
Published: December 2008

A series of homoditopic ligands H2LCX(X=4–6) has been designed to self‐assemble with lanthanide ions (LnIII), resulting in neutral bimetallic helicates of overall composition [Ln2(LCX)3] with the aim of testing the influence of substituents on the photophysical properties, particularly the excitation wavelength. The complex species are thermodynamically stable in water (log β23in the range 26–28 at pH 7.4) and display a metal‐ion environment with pseudo‐D3symmetry and devoid of coordinated water molecules. The emission of EuIII, TbIII, and YbIIIis sensitised to various extents, depending on the properties of the ligand donor levels. The best helicate is [Eu2(LC5)3] with excitation maxima at 350 and 365 nm and a quantum yield of 9 %. The viability of cervix cancer HeLa cells is unaffected when incubated with up to 500 μm of the chelate during 24 h. The helicate permeates into the cells by endocytosis and locates into lysosomes, which co‐localise with the endoplasmatic reticulum, as demonstrated by counterstaining experiments. The relatively long excitation wavelength allows easy recording of bright luminescent images on a confocal microscope (λexc=405 nm). The new lanthanide bioprobe remains undissociated in the cell medium, and is amenable to facile derivatisation. Examination of data for seven EuIIIand TbIIIbimetallic helicates point to shortcomings in the phenomenological rules of thumb between the energy gap ΔE(3ππ*–5DJ) and the sensitisation efficiency of the ligands.
Wie akustische Kaltgasfallen wirken. “Tannenbäume” im stehenden Ultraschallfeld
Authors: Tuckermann Rudolf , Bauerecker Sigurd
Published: December 2008

Der Kaltgasfalleneffekt ermöglicht den Einfang von kalten (bzw. schweren) Gasen und Aerosolen in starken, stehenden Ultraschallfeldern. Der Effekt kann mit klassischen akustischen Prinzipien verstanden werden. Man kann ihn kontrolliert nutzen, um Temperaturen bis zu –100 °C in den Bereichen der Druckknoten eines stehenden Ultraschallfeldes (und somit in der unmittelbaren Umgebung einer levitierten Probe) zu erzeugen. Diese Kaltgas‐ und Aerosolfallen werden hier mit einem besonders leistungsstarken Levitator generiert. In ihnen lassen sich beispielsweise die Bildung und das Wachstum von Eis‐ und Schneepartikeln aus primärem Eisaerosol untersuchen, ebenso wie Gefrier‐ und Schmelzprozesse an einzelnen berührungsfrei levitierten Wassertropfen. Mit Hilfe von Hochgeschwindigkeitskameras (VIS, IR) lässt sich die schnelle erste Stufe der Eisbildung an schwebenden unterkühlten Tropfen erforschen.
Mit Antikörpern Alzheimer auf der Spur
Authors: Feil Sylvia
Published: December 2008

Im Gehirn von Alzheimer‐Patienten entstehen zwischen den Zellen amyloide Plaques, die aus schwer abbaubaren Fibrillen bestehen. Am Jenaer Fritz‐Lipmann‐Institut (FLI) betreute Marcus Fändrich, jetzt am Max‐Planck‐Institut in Halle, die Suche nach einem Antikörper, der die Konformation zwischen Fibrille und Fibrillenvorstufe unterscheiden kann. Gefunden hat er ihn in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Hans‐Knöll‐Institut in Jena in einer Bibliothek, deren Antikörper ursprünglich aus der Familie der Kamele stammen.
Viren
Authors: Hille‐Rehfeld Annette
Published: December 2008

Den Nobelpreis für Physiologie oder Medizin teilt sich im Jahr 2008 Harald zur Hausen (Heidelberg) für den Nachweis, dass Viren Krebs auslösen können, mit Francoise Barré‐Sinoussi und Luc Montagnier (Paris) für die Isolierung des HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus).
Keramikmuseum Westerwald und Porzellanmuseum Schloss Fürstenberg
Authors: Schwedt Georg
Published: December 2008

An den Standorten historischer Manufakturen – in Höhr‐Grenzhausen bzw. Fürstenberg an der Weser – zeigen Museen die Entwicklung der Keramik‐ und Porzellanherstellung, sowohl mit chemisch‐technologischen, wirtschaftlichen als auch kulturgeschichtlichen Aspekten.
Semi‐Synthetic Ecdysteroids as Gene‐Switch Actuators: Synthesis, Structure–Activity Relationships, and Prospective ADME Properties
Authors: Lapenna Silvia , Dinan Laurence , Friz Jennifer , Hopfinger Anton J. , Liu Jianzhong , Hormann Robert E.
Published: December 2008

The ligand‐inducible, ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) gene‐expression system can add critical control features to protein expression in cell and gene therapy. However, potent natural ecdysteroids possess absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) properties that have not been optimised for use as gene‐switch actuators in vivo. Herein we report the first systematic synthetic exploration of ecdysteroids toward modulation of gene‐switch potency. Twenty‐three semi‐synthetic O‐alkyl ecdysteroids were assayed in both a natural insect system (Drosophila BII cells) and engineered gene‐switch systems in mammalian cells using Drosophila melanogaster, Choristoneura fumiferana, and Aedes aegypti EcRs. Gene‐switch potency is maintained, or even enhanced, for ecdysteroids methylated at the 22‐position in favourable cases. Furthermore, trends toward lower solubility, higher permeability, and higher blood–brain barrier penetration are supported by predicted ADME properties, calculated using the membrane‐interaction (MI)‐QSAR methodology. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) of alkylated ecdysteroids indicates that 22‐OH is an H‐bond acceptor, 25‐OH is most likely an H‐bond donor, and 2‐OH and 3‐OH are donors and/or acceptors in network with each other, and with the EcR. The strategy of alkylation points the way to improved ecdysteroidal actuators for switch‐activated gene therapy.
Neuron and glia numbers in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala from preweaning through old age in male and female rats: A stereological study
Authors: Rubinow Marisa J. , Juraska Janice M.
Published: December 2008

The rat basolateral nucleus of the amygdala continues to develop connectivity with the frontal cortex through the periadolescent period and even into young adulthood. Although neuronal loss in the prefrontal cortex has been found during the periadolescent period, prior literature has not examined whether neuron number in the basolateral amygdala is stable through this period. In addition, aging of the rat basolateral nucleus is accompanied by significant increases in the dendritic tree of its principal neurons, but whether this occurs in the context of neuronal death has not been previously explored. In the present study, a stereological examination of neuron and glia numbers in the rat basolateral amygdalar nucleus was undertaken in male and female hooded rats at four ages across the lifespan. Our findings indicate 1) a significant decrease in the number of neurons and glia in the basolateral nucleus between adolescence and adulthood; and 2) the number of glia, as well as the volume of the basolateral nucleus, increases between adulthood and old age, whereas neuron number remains stable. These findings provide an important cellular context for interpretation of the neurochemical and other alterations documented in developmental and age‐related literature on the rat basolateral amygdala, and underline the substantial development of this brain area during adolescence, as well as its comparative preservation during aging. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:717–725, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphological heterogeneity of layer VI neurons in mouse barrel cortex
Authors: Chen Chia‐Chien , Abrams Svetlana , Pinhas Alex , Brumberg Joshua C.
Published: December 2008

Understanding the basic neuronal building blocks of the neocortex is a necessary first step toward comprehending the composition of cortical circuits. Neocortical layer VI is the most morphologically diverse layer and plays a pivotal role in gating information to the cortex via its feedback connection to the thalamus and other ipsilateral and callosal corticocortical connections. The heterogeneity of function within this layer is presumably linked to its varied morphological composition. However, so far, very few studies have attempted to define cell classes in this layer using unbiased quantitative methodologies. Utilizing the Golgi staining technique along with the Neurolucida software, we recontructed 222 cortical neurons from layer VI of mouse barrel cortex. Morphological analyses were performed by quantifying somatic and dendritic parameters, and, by using principal component and cluster analyses, we quantitatively categorized neurons into six distinct morphological groups. Additional systematic replication on a separate population of neurons yielded similar results, demonstrating the consistency and reliability of our categorization methodology. Subsequent post hoc analyses of dendritic parameters supported our neuronal classification scheme. Characterizing neuronal elements with unbiased quantitative techniques provides a framework for better understanding structure–function relationships within neocortical circuits in general. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:726–746, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Robust gender and age estimation under varying facial pose
Authors: Takimoto Hironori , Mitsukura Yasue , Fukumi Minoru , Akamatsu Norio
Published: December 2008

This paper presents a method for gender and age estimation which is robust to changing facial pose. We propose a feature point detection method, called the adapted retinal sampling method (ARSM), and a feature extraction method. A basic concept of the ARSM is to add knowledge about the facial structure to the retinal sampling method. In this method, feature points are detected on the basis of seven points corresponding to facial organs from a facial image. The reason why we used seven points as the basis of feature point detection is that facial organs are conspicuous in the facial region, and are comparatively easy to extract. As features robust to changing facial pose, skin texture, hue, and the Gabor jet are used for gender and age estimation. For classification of gender and estimation of age, we use a multilayered neural network. We also examine the left– right symmetry of faces in connection with gender and age estimation by the proposed method. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(7): 32– 40, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10125
Fingerprint sensor based on interior optical characteristics of the finger
Authors: Sano Emiko , Maeda Takuji , Matsushita Masahito , Shikai Masahiro , Sasakawa Koichi , Ohmi Masato , Haruna Masamitsu
Published: December 2008

Fingerprints are widely used as a method of personal authentication because they have the best balance among authentication performance, cost, device size, and ease of use. However, conventional fingerprint sensors have problems: the quality of the fingerprint pattern is sometimes not good due to the condition of the finger surface, such as moisture or wrinkles. These problems are caused by the operating principle of the sensors. Most fingerprint sensors detect a fingerprint pattern from the presence or absence of convexities and concavities of the finger surface. To solve these problems, we have devised a new kind of fingerprint sensor, which detects a fingerprint pattern by the use of optical characteristics inside the finger. This method is based on the new scientific discovery that a layer of skin inside the finger has a transmittance distribution corresponding to the pattern of the concavities and convexities of the finger surface. Therefore, this method can detect stable fingerprint images at all times regardless of the finger surface conditions (moisture, wrinkles). In this paper, we describe the principle of a new type of fingerprint sensor and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed sensor by examples. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(7): 48–56, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10127
New control for HVDC system connected to large windfarm
Authors: Tanomura Kenichi , Arai Junichi , Noro Yasuhiro , Takagi Kikuo , Kato Masakazu
Published: December 2008

HVDC consisting of self‐commutated inverters is able to be applied for power transmission connecting from a remote large windfarm to a weak AC system. Most self‐commutated HVDC is applied for connection between two AC systems that have synchronous power sources, but it is not suitable for a windfarm that consists of induction generators without synchronous power source. This paper presents new control for the self‐commutated HVDC system connected to a large windfarm of induction generators. The effect of the proposed control is shown by EMTP simulation. ©2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 166(4): 31–39, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20539
Synthesis and Characterization of Thiolate‐Oxo Ligated Zinc Alkyl Derivatives for Production of Zn‐Based Nanoparticles
Authors: Boyle Timothy J. , Pratt Harry D. , Alam Todd M. , Headley Thomas , Rodriguez Mark A.
Published: December 2008

A series of mercapto‐oxo containing reagents [3‐mercaptopropionic acid (H2‐3MPA), 4‐mercaptophenol (H2‐4MP), 2‐mercaptopyridine N‐oxide (H‐2MPO)] was treated with diethylzinc (ZnEt2) in hexanes/pyridine (py) to yield {(μ4‐3MPA)[Zn(Et)(py)]4}∞ (1), [(py)2(Et)Zn(μ3‐4MP)Zn(Et)(py)]2 (2), and (2MPO)Zn(Et)py (3). For polymeric 1, each of the functional sites of the 3MPA was bound to four tetrahedral (Td) coordinated Zn(Et)(py) subunits. The sulfur of the 3MPA bridges two of the Zn(Et)(py) subunits, which are also bridged by the two carboxylate oxygens of another 3MPA to propagate the chain. In contrast, 2 forms a discrete tetranuclear species consisting of two Zn(Et)(py) moieties bridged by the oxygens of two 4MP ligands with the thiolate sites of each terminated by Zn(Et)(py)2 moieties. Compound 3 adopts a monomeric species using a chelating 2MPO, a terminal Et, and a bound py to fill the Td coordination of the Zn metal center. Compounds 1–3 were then used to generate nanoparticles via solution precipitation and solvothermal routes to determine the effect these precursors have on the morphology and composition of the final materials produced. Compounds 1–3 were found to form zincite, zinc metal, or mixed zincite/wurtzite phases from solution precipitation or solvothermal routes; however, no routes yielded the mixed anion (i.e., ZnOxSy) materials. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Binuclear Copper(II) Chelates with Heptadentate Ligands: Synthesis, Structure, Magnetic Properties, DFT Studies, and Catecholase and Hydrolytic DNA Cleavage Activity
Authors: Banerjee Atanu , Singh Reena , Colacio Enrique , Rajak Kajal Krishna
Published: December 2008

Two binucleating heptadentate ligands 2,6‐bis[{[(2‐hydroxybenzyl)(N,N‐(dimethylamino)ethyl]amino}methyl]‐4‐methylphenol (H3L1) and 2,6‐bis[{(2‐hydroxybenzyl)(N‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)amino}methyl]‐4‐methylphenol (H3L2) were used to synthesize the two new copper(II) complexes [Cu2(L1)(N3)]·2H2O (1·2H2O) and [Cu2(HL2)(O2CPh)(H2O)]PhCO2·H2O (2·H2O). X‐ray diffraction studies disclose that 1 is made up from bridging phenoxido and azido group in an equatorial fashion, whereas 2 is bridged axially–equatorially through a central cresolato and syn–syn benzoate moiety. The geometry around the copper(II) centers is distorted square pyramid in both cases. Variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility data reveals that 1 is moderately antiferromagnetically coupled (J = –119 cm–1) and 2 is very weakly antiferromagnetic (J = –1.0 cm–1). The structural features, as well as the presence of orbital countercomplementary effects, are associated with the magnetic behavior. Theoretical calculations with the use of broken symmetry density functional theory also establish the experimental values of the exchange coupling constants (J). In our case, only 2 exhibits catalytic activity in the oxidation of 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol (3,5‐DTBC) at pH 9.5 and hydrolytic cleavage of plasmid DNA in the absence of any added cofactor, whereas complex 1 cannot display catecholase activity or DNA interaction as a result of strong CuII–azido binding.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
The Reactions of Silver, Zirconium, and Hafnium Fluorides with Liquid Ammonia: Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Ag(NH3)2F·2NH3, [M(NH3)4F4]·NH3 (M = Zr, Hf), and (N2H7)F
Authors: Kraus Florian , Baer Sebastian A. , Fichtl Matthias B.
Published: December 2008

By reaction of the tetrafluorides MF4 or the ternary silver fluorides Ag3M2F14 (M = Zr, Hf) with dry liquid ammonia at –40 °C, the pentaammoniates [M(NH3)4F4]·NH3 (1, M = Zr; 2, M = Hf) were obtained, and these compounds represent hitherto unknown molecular inorganic Zr and Hf compounds that simultaneously bear nitrogen and fluorine ligands. The compounds crystallize isotypically in the shape of colorless needles in the tetragonal space group P4/ncc. As a further product [NH4(NH3)]F (3) was isolated in the form of colorless cubes in the orthorhombic space group Pca21. It is the first ammoniate of ammonium fluoride. Ag(NH3)2F·2NH3 (4) can be synthesized either from AgF or AgF2 in liquid ammonia. The compound crystallizes merohedrally twinned in the orthorhombic space group Pnna and represents the first crystallographically characterized diamine silver(I) halide complex. In the latter two structures, free fluoride anions are encountered. The ammoniates are highly temperature‐sensitive and decompose at temperatures above –30 °C due to their ammonia pressure.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Spin‐Crossover 2D Metal–Organic Frameworks with a Redox‐Active Ligand: [Fe(ttf‐adpy)2M(CN)4]·nH2O (ttf‐adpy = 4‐Tetrathiafulvalenylcarboxamidopyridine; MII = Ni, Pd, Pt)
Authors: Martínez Víctor , Gaspar Ana Belén , Muñoz M. Carmen , Ballesteros Rafael , Ortega‐Villar Norma , Ugalde‐Saldívar Víctor M. , Moreno‐Esparza Rafael , Real José Antonio
Published: December 2008

A new ttf (tetrathiofulvalene) ligand containing an amidopyridine moiety was synthesized and characterized. The electrochemical study of the 4‐tetrathiofulvalenylcarboxamidopyridine (ttf–adpy) ligand showed two reversible oxidation processes at EI′1/2 = 0.08 V/Fc+–Fc and EII′1/2 = 0.26 V/Fc+–Fc. The crystal structure of [(ttf–adpyH)2Pt(CN)4] (1) was solved at 293 K, where 1 displays the triclinic space group P$\bar {1}$. The ttf–adpyH+ molecule is planar, and the bond lengths within the ttf core are in the usual range for neutral ttf moieties. The ttf–adpyH+ molecules and the [Pt(CN)4]2– anions organize in a three‐dimensional network by means of hydrogen bonds and short S···S contacts. In the network, the ttf–adpy molecules order following the pattern ‐D‐A‐D‐A‐ (D = donor, pyridine; A = acceptor, ttf moieties). Reaction of the Fe(BF4)2·6H2O salt, ttf–adpy ligand and the [M(CN)4]2– coordinating counterions led to the 2D Hofmann‐like polymers {Fe(ttf–adpy)2[M(CN)4]}·nH2O [M = NiII; n = 1.5 (2), 0 (5); PdII; n = 2 (3), 0 (6); PtII n = 2 (4), 0 (7)]. A 2D structure for 2–7 was proposed on the basis of analytical data. Compounds 2–4 present a complete thermally induced two‐step spin transition. It is observed in the temperature interval from 100 to 200 K for 2; whereas for 3 and 4 it occurred in the interval of 200–250 K. The spin‐transition properties of 2–4 were found to be strongly dependent on the water content, as nonhydrated materials 5–7 are paramagnetic in the studied temperature range (5–350 K). The thermodynamic parameters associated with the spin transition estimated from DSCmeasurements are: ΔH1 = 5.7 kJ mol–1 (3), 6.2 kJ mol–1 (4),ΔH2 = 6.5 kJ mol–1 (3), 7.2 kJ mol–1 (4) and ΔS1 = 24 J K–1 mol–1 (3), 26.6 J K–1 mol–1 (4), ΔS2 = 30.4 J K–1 mol–1 (3) and32.8 J K–1 mol–1(4).(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Hybrid Assembly of Layered Double Hydroxide Nanocrystals with Inorganic, Polymeric and Biomaterials from Micro‐ to Nanometer Scales (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 36/2008)
Authors: Lee Jong Hyeon , Nam Hye Jin , Rhee Seog Woo , Jung Duk‐Young
Published: December 2008

The cover picture shows a wide range of hybrid assemblies; caged proteins (nanometer), polymer beads (hundreds nm) and zeolite crystals (micrometer scale) are self‐assembled onto highly ordered monolayers of layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocrystals by the electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged particles and the positively charged LDH surface. The various composite materials of polymer beads and LDH nanocrystals are also discussed in the article by D.‐Y. Jung et al. on p. 5573 ff.
o‐Benzenedisulfonimide as a Reusable Brønsted Acid Catalyst for Ritter‐Type Reactions
Authors: Barbero Margherita , Bazzi Stefano , Cadamuro Silvano , Dughera Stefano
Published: December 2008

Reactions between various benzyl alcohols or tert‐butyl alcohol and nitriles were carried out in the presence of catalytic amounts (usually 10–20 mol‐%) of o‐benzenedisulfonimide as a Brønsted acid catalyst; the reaction conditions were mild and the yields of amides were good. The catalyst was easily recovered and purified, ready to be used in further reactions, with economic and ecological advantages.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Reciprocal Donor–Acceptor Selectivity: the Influence of the Donor O‐2 Substituent in the Regioselective Mannosylation of myo‐Inositol Orthopentanoate
Authors: Uriel Clara , Gómez Ana M. , López J. Cristóbal , Fraser‐Reid Bert
Published: December 2008

The regioselectivity in the glycosylation of myo‐inositol orthopentanoate with an n‐pentenyl orthoester (NPOE) and an armed thioglycoside as glycosyl donors has been examined. The NPOE displayed higher regioselectivity and its preferred site for glycosidation coincided with that for selective acylation with RCOCl/pyridine. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Cesium (Z)‐2‐Carbomethoxyethenethiolate: A Reagent for the Preparation of (Z)‐2‐Carbomethoxyethenyl Thioethers Including Selected Cysteine and Homocysteine Derivatives
Authors: O'Donnell Jennifer S. , Singh Suneel P. , Metcalf Thomas A. , Schwan Adrian L.
Published: December 2008

As a means to circumvent the standard and sometimes troubling conjugate addition reaction of thiols to alkyl propiolates, a new reagent, cesium (Z)‐2‐carbomethoxyethenethiolate, is introduced. The cesium carbonate mediated methanolysis of (Z)‐2‐carbomethoxyethenyl thiolacetate at low temperature creates cesium (Z)‐2‐carbomethoxyethenethiolate in solution. For base‐insensitive and solvolytically stable electrophiles, efficient substitution can be achieved by direct introduction to the electrophile. The conditions were adapted to accommodate base‐sensitive cysteine derivatives, and the use of DMF as a cosolvent permits the isolation of (Z)‐2‐carbomethoxyethenyl cysteinyl thioethers in high enantiomeric purity (>99:1 er) and with good Z/E ratios. There was no evidence of carbon substitution reactions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Protein‐Based Capacitive Biosensors: a New Tool for Structure‐Activity Relationship Studies
Authors: Mortari Alessia , Campos‐Reales Natalhie , Corda Giulia , Brown Nigel L. , Csöregi Elisabeth
Published: December 2008

The present work reports a new application of a protein‐based capacitive biosensor as an in vitro assay for the selectivity study of the bacterial periplasmic protein MerP and four MerP variants. The modified MerP proteins were produced by site‐directed mutagenesis of the heavy metal associated motif (HMA). The MerP and modified MerPs selectivity for copper, zinc, cadmium and mercury bivalent ions were investigated and compared. The variations in the proteins affinity were related to the primary structure of the HMA motifs. Key amino acids for copper coordination of metalloproteins that contain the metal binding sequence Gly‐Met‐Thr‐Cys‐xxx‐xxx‐Cys were identified. The results brought insights valid for Menkes and Wilson ATPases. The protein‐based capacitive biosensors were a simple and useful tool for studying structure‐activity relationships of proteins.
Floodplain development in an engineered setting
Authors: Singer Michael Bliss , Aalto Rolf
Published: December 2008

Engineered flood bypasses, or simplified conveyance floodplains, are natural laboratories in which to observe floodplain development and therefore present an opportunity to assess delivery to and sedimentation within a specific class of floodplain. The effects of floods in the Sacramento River basin were investigated by analyzing hydrograph characteristics, estimating event‐based sediment discharges and reach erosion/deposition through its bypass system and observing sedimentation patterns with field data. Sediment routing for a large, iconic flood suggests high rates of sedimentation in major bypasses, which is corroborated by data for one bypass area from sedimentation pads, floodplain cores and sediment removal reporting from a government agency. These indicate a consistent spatial pattern of high sediment accumulation both upstream and downstream of lateral flow diversions and negligible sedimentation in a ‘hydraulic shadow’ directly downstream of a diversion weir. The pads located downstream of the shadow recorded several centimeters of deposition during a moderate flood in 2006, increasing downstream to a peak of ∼10 cm thick and thinning rapidly thereafter. Flood deposits in the sediment cores agree with this spatial pattern, containing discrete sedimentation layers (from preceding floods) that increase in thickness with distance downstream of the bypass entrance to several decimeters thick at the peak and then thin downstream. These patterns suggest that a quasi‐natural physical process of levee construction by advective overbank transport and deposition of sediment is operating. The results improve understanding of the evolution of bypass flood control structures, the transport and deposition of sediment within these environments and the evolution of one class of natural levee systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
After‐hours trading in equity futures markets
Authors: Dungey Mardi , Fakhrutdinova Luba , Goodhart Charles
Published: December 2008

Although it is well known that electronic futures data absorb news (slightly) in advance of spot markets the role of the electronic futures movement in out‐of‐hours trading has not previously been explored. The behavior of the 24‐hour trade in the S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100 futures market reveals the important role of these markets in absorbing news releases occurring outside of normal trading hours. Peaks in volume and volatility in this market occur in conjunction with U.S. 8:30 A.M. EST news releases, before the opening of the open‐outcry markets, and in a less pronounced fashion immediately post‐close the open‐outcry market. Price impact in these markets is statistically higher in the post‐close than in the pre‐open periods. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 29:114–136, 2009
Abrogation of hepatic ATP-citrate lyase protects against fatty liver and ameliorates hyperglycemia in leptin receptor-deficient mice #
Authors: Wang Qiong , Jiang Lei , Wang Jue , Li Shoufeng , Yu Yue , You Jia , Zeng Rong , Gao Xiang , Rui Liangyou , Li Wenjun , Liu Yong
Published: December 2008

Hepatic steatosis is a hallmark of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and a key component of obesity-associated metabolic dysfunctions featuring dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and loss of glycemic control. It has yet to be completely understood how much dysregulated de novo lipogenesis contributes to the pathogenic development of hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. ATP-citrate lyase (ACL) is a lipogenic enzyme that catalyzes the critical reaction linking cellular glucose catabolism and lipogenesis, converting cytosolic citrate to acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA). Acetyl-CoA is further converted to malonyl-CoA, the essential precursor for fatty acid biosynthesis. We investigated whether dysregulation of hepatic ACL is metabolically connected to hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia. We found that in leptin receptor–deficient db/db mice, the expression of ACL was selectively elevated in the liver but not in the white adipose tissue. Liver-specific ACL abrogation via adenovirus-mediated RNA interference prominently reduced the hepatic contents of both acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA, markedly inhibited hepatic de novo lipogenesis, and protected against hepatic steatosis in db/db mice. Surprisingly, liver-specific ACL abrogation markedly inhibited the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma and the entire lipogenic program in the liver. Moreover, hepatic ACL deficiency resulted in significantly down-regulated expression of gluconeogenic genes in the liver as well as enhanced insulin sensitivity in the muscle, leading to substantially improved systemic glucose metabolism. Conclusion: These findings establish a crucial role of hepatic ACL in lipid and glucose metabolism; therefore, hepatic ACL may serve as a potential target to treat NAFLD and type 2 diabetes. (Hepatology 2009.)
Blockade of four-transmembrane L6 family member 5 (TM4SF5)-mediated tumorigenicity in hepatocytes by a synthetic chalcone derivative #
Authors: Lee Sin-Ae , Ryu Hyung Won , Kim Young Mee , Choi Suyong , Lee Mi Ji , Kwak Tae Kyoung , Kim Hyeon Jung , Cho Moonjae , Park Ki Hun , Lee Jung Weon
Published: December 2008

We previously reported that the four-transmembrane L6 family member 5 (TM4SF5) was highly expressed in hepatocarcinoma, induced morphological elongation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and caused abnormal cell growth in multilayers in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. In this study, we identified a synthetic compound, 4′-(p-toluenesulfonylamido)-4-hydroxychalcone (TSAHC) that antagonized both the TM4SF5-mediated multilayer growth and TM4SF5-enhanced migration/invasion. TSAHC treatment induced multilayer-growing cells to grow in monolayers, recovering contact inhibition without accompanying apoptosis, and inhibited chemotactic migration and invasion. Tumor formation in nude mice injected with TM4SF5-expressing cells and the growth of cells expressing endogenous TM4SF5, but not of TM4SF5-null cells, was suppressed by treatment with TSAHC, but not by treatment with its analogs. The structure-activity relationship indicated the significance of 4′-p-toluenesulfonylamido and 4-hydroxy groups for the anti-TM4SF5 effects of TSAHC. Point mutations of the putative N-glycosylation sites abolished the TM4SF5-specific TSAHC responsiveness. Conclusion: These observations suggest that TM4SF5-enhanced tumorigenic proliferation and metastatic potential can be blocked by TSAHC, likely through targeting the extracellular region of TM4SF5, which is important for protein-protein interactions. (Hepatology 2009.)
Encapsulation of a glycosaminoglycan in hydroxyapatite/alginate capsules
Authors: Tan Chong Shuan , Jejurikar Aparna , Rai Bina , Bostrom Thor , Lawrie Gwen , Grøndahl Lisbeth
Published: December 2008

The development of suitable vehicles for the delivery of growth‐inducing factors to fracture sites is a challenging area of bone repair. Bone‐specific glycosaminoglycan molecules are of particular interest because of their high stability and proven effect on bone growth. Calcium alginate capsules are popular as delivery vehicles because of their low immunogenic response; they offer a versatile route that enables the controlled release of heparin (a member of the glycosaminoglycan family). In this study, hydroxyapatite (HA)/alginate composite capsules are explored as novel drug delivery vehicles for heparin, using both medium‐ and low‐viscosity alginates. The composition, structure, and stability of the capsules are fully characterized and correlated to the release of heparin in vitro. Heparin is found to associate both with the alginate matrix through polymeric flocculation and also with the HA crystals in the composite beads. The mechanism by which heparin is released is dictated by the stability of the capsule in a particular release media and by the composition of the capsule. The use of medium‐viscosity alginate is advantageous with respect to both drug loading and prolonging the release. The inclusion of HA increases the encapsulation efficiency, but because of its destabilizing effect to the alginate hydrogel matrix, it also increases the rate of heparin release. The bioactivity of heparin is fully retained throughout the assembly and release processes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
S6K1 is involved in polyploidization through its phosphorylation at Thr421/Ser424
Authors: Ma Dongchu , Yu Huiying , Lin Di , Sun Yinghui , Liu Liping , Liu Yage , Dai Bing , Chen Wei , Cao Jianping
Published: December 2008

Studies on polyploidization of megakaryocytes have been hampered by the lack of synchronized polyploid megakaryocytes. In this study, a relatively synchronized polyploid cell model was successfully established by employing Dami cells treated with nocodazole. In nocodazole‐induced cells, cyclin B expression oscillated normally as in diploid cells and polyploid megakaryocytes. By using the nocodazole‐induced Dami cell model, we found that 4E‐BP1 and Thr421/Ser424 of ribosomal S6 kinase 1(S6K1) were phosphorylated mostly at M‐phase in cytoplasm and oscillated in nocodazole‐induced polyploid Dami cells, concomitant with increased expression of p27 and cyclin D3. However, phosphorylation of 4E‐BP1 and S6K1 on Thr421/Ser424 was significantly decreased in differentiated Dami cells induced by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA), concomitant with increased expression of cyclin D1 and p21 and cyclin D3. Overexpression of the kinase dead form of S6K1 containing the mutation Lys 100 → Gln in PMA‐induced Dami cells increased ploidy whereas overexpression of rapamycin‐resistant form of S6K1 containing the mutations Thr421 → Glu and Ser424 → Asp significantly dephosphorylated 4E‐BP1 and reduced expression of cyclin D1, cyclin D3, p21 and p27, and slightly decreased the ploidy of PMA‐induced Dami cells, compared with treatment with PMA alone. Moreover, overexpression of rapamycin‐resistant form of S6K1 significantly reversed polyploidization of nocodazole‐induced Dami cells. Furthermore, MAP (a novel compound synthesized recently) partly blocked the phosphorylation of S6K1 on Thr421/Ser424 and decreased the expression of p27 and polyploidization in nocodazole‐induced Dami cells. Taken together, these data suggested that S6K1/4E‐BP1 pathway may play an important role in polyploidization of megakaryocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 31–44, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bioaccumulation and biosorption of copper(II) and chromium(III) from aqueous solutions by Pichia stipitis yeast
Authors: Yilmazer Pinar , Saracoglu Nurdan
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Bioaccumulation and biosorption by Pichia stipitis yeast has not yet been explored. This paper evaluates, for the first time, the use of both viable and nonviable P. stipitis yeast to eliminate Cu(II) and Cr(III) from aqueous solutions. The effect of Cu(II) and Cr(III) ions on the growth and bioaccumulation properties of adapted and nonadapted biomass is investigated as a function of initial metal concentration. Binding capacity experiments using nonviable biomass are also performed as a function of temperature.

RESULTS: The addition of Cu(II) and Cr(III) had a significant negative effect on the growth of yeast. Nonadapted cells could tolerate Cu(II) and Cr(III) ions up to a concentration of 75 ppm. The growth rate of nonadapted and adapted cells decreased with the increase in Cu(II) and Cr(III) concentration. Adapted P. stipitis biomass was capable of removing Cu(II) and Cr(III) with a maximum specific uptake capacity of 15.85 and 9.10 mg g−1, respectively, at 100 ppm initial Cu(II) and Cr(III) concentration at pH 4.5. Adsorption data on nonviable cells were found to be well modeled by the Langmuir and Temkin isotherms. The maximum loading capacity of dry biomass predicted from Langmuir isotherm for Cu(II) and Cr(III) at 20 °C were 16.89 and 19.2 mg g−1, respectively, at pH 4.5. Biosorptive capacities were dependent on temperature for Cu(II) and Cr(III) solutions.

CONCLUSION: Cu(II)‐ and Cr(III)‐adapted cells grow and accumulate these ions at high ratios. On the other hand, nonviable P. stipitis was found to be an effective biosorbent for Cu(II) and Cr(III) biosorption. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Semibatch and continuous fructooligosaccharides production by Aspergillus sp. N74 in a mechanically agitated airlift reactor
Authors: Caicedo Luis , Silva Edelberto , Sánchez Oscar
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Fructooligosaccharides are important sweeteners produced by sucrose biotransformation. Although fructooligosccharides production has been reported widely, most studies have been carried out at laboratory level. This study evaluates semibatch and continuous fructooligosaccharides production by Aspergillus sp. N74 at bench scale in a mechanically agitated airlift.

RESULTS: Sucrose biotransformation to fructooligosaccharides was carried out with biomass harvested after 24 or 48 h of culture. For 6.21 ± 0.33 or 9.66 ± 0.62 g biomass dry weight L−1, the highest FOS yields were obtained at batch operating 62.1 and 66.4% after 26 or 6 h of reaction, respectively. Reduction in fructooligosaccharides yield was observed for both biomass concentrations at semibatch operating, while a comparable yield was obtained during continuous operating (62.1% for 6.21 ± 0.33 g L−1 and a dilution rate 0.016 s−1, and 62.8% for 9.66 ± 0.62 g L−1 and a dilution rate 0.032 s−1). Nevertheless, 1‐kestose formation was favored with biomass harvested after 24 h under any operating mode.

CONCLUSION: Biomass concentration, reaction time and operating mode have a notable effect on fructooligosaccharides yield and composition. 1‐kestose, the most valuable fructooligosaccharide, was obtained in greatest proportion at a biomass concentration 6.21 ± 0.33 g L−1. Under the different operating modes, Aspergillus sp. N74 mycelia and the reactor described are presented as a feasible alternative for scaling up fructooligosaccharides production. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Snail phenotypic variation and stress proteins: do different heat response strategies contribute to Waddington's widget in field populations?
Authors: Köhler Heinz‐R. , Lazzara Raimondo , Dittbrenner Nils , Capowiez Yvan , Mazzia Christophe , Triebskorn Rita
Published: December 2008

On the basis of studies with laboratory strains of Drosophila and Arabidopsis, it has been hypothesized that potential buffers to the expression of phenotypic morphological variation, such as Hsp90 and possibly Hsp70, represent important components of Waddington's widget, which may confer capacitive evolution. As studies on field populations of living organisms to test this hypothesis are lacking, we tested whether a heat response strategy involving high stress protein levels is associated with low morphological variation and vice versa, using four natural populations of Mediterranean pulmonate snails. In response to 8 hr of elevated temperatures, a population of Xeropicta derbentina with uniform shell pigmentation pattern showed remarkably high Hsp70 but low Hsp90 levels. In contrast, a highly variable population of Cernuella virgata kept both Hsp90 and Hsp70 levels low when held at diverse though environmentally relevant temperatures. Two other populations (Theba pisana and another X. derbentina population) with intermediate variation in shell pigmentation pattern were also intermediate in inducing Hsp70, though Hsp90 was maintained at a low level. The observed correlation of stress protein levels and coloration pattern variation provide the first indirect evidence for an association of stress proteins with Waddington's widget under natural conditions. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:136–147, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predicting the behaviour of offenders with personality disorder: issues for investigative psychology
Authors: Duff Simon , Kinderman Peter
Published: December 2008

This paper explores the extent to which the diagnosis of personality disorder is valid and reliable, whether such a diagnosis conveys useful information of predictive value to forensic psychology, and thus, the extent to which such a diagnosis may be of use in investigative psychology. It argues that the diagnostic criteria are of questionable reliability, validity, and utility. Using a recently developed model of the psychological underpinnings of the problematic thoughts, emotions, and behaviours encompassed by the term ‘personality disorder’, it argues that such problems emerge from psychological processes that are part of the ‘normal’ architecture of cognition rather than from an ‘abnormal’ psychology particular to personality disorder. Great caution is therefore urged before investigative psychology adopts such terminology and associated methodologies from clinical psychology or psychiatry. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lay perceptions of an expert witness in a sexual discrimination in the workplace case
Authors: Carson Lloyd
Published: December 2008

This study reprised social psychologist Susan Fiske's role as expert witness in a sexual discrimination case in which a claim was successfully brought by an assertive female accountant against her employers, Price Waterhouse. It explored whether a female expert would be judged by mock jurors as more effective than a male expert in the case of an equivalent gender role‐violating (i.e. feminine) male employee, and whether judgements would be influenced by the employee's occupation type—male dominated (accountancy) or female dominated (midwifery). Participants responded to a range of case‐related questions after reading a ‘judge's summary’ of a hypothetical action alleging sexual discrimination in the workplace by means of sexual stereotyping. Expert witness' sex, plaintiff's (i.e. employee's) sex, and workplace type were manipulated in the summary. Evidence for the greater effectiveness of a female social science expert in the ‘gender domain congruent’ area of sexual stereotyping was found; however, plaintiff's sex and occupation type did not influence the participants' judgements except that experts supporting female plaintiffs were viewed positively. The participants' attitudes towards the case, and to other personnel involved, were negative. Analysis of the participants' comments indicated considerable distrust of and scepticism about social science. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.