bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and physical properties of nonionic aqueous polyurethane coatings containing different side chain PEGME length
Authors: Tsai Hsiang‐Chin , Hong Po‐Da , Yen Meng‐Shung
Published: February 2008

Nonionic aqueous polyurethane (NAPU) coatings were prepared by a prepolymer process using 4,4‐methylene bis(isocyanatocyclohexane), poly(tetramethylene glycol) with a molecular weight of 2000 g/mol (PTMG2000), ethylenediamine and a synthesized nonionic dispersing centers of various molecular weight produced by isophorone diisocyanate, N‐diethanol amine, and poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (PEGME) with different molecular weights. The dispersion properties of the NAPU emulsions, thermal properties of the NAPU casting films, and its tensile strength were studied. Further, the water vapor permeability (WVP) and waterproof of NAPU‐coated fabric were also examined. Our results showed that the surface tension and particle size of NAPU emulsion increase with the decrease in PEGME chain length. For the thermal properties, the melting point of soft‐segment of NAPU casting films was not affected by the PEGME chain length, but the heat of fusion of the soft‐segment was greatly affected. In particular, the NAPU with PEGME chain length of 2000 g/mol has two obviously crystalline endothermic peaks. The lower peak was attributed to crystallizing PTMG2000. The higher peak was attributed to the crystallizing side chain PEGME of Mw = 2000 g/mol. The WVP followed the order: NAPU with PEGME chain length 750 g/mol > 550 g/mol > 350 g/mol > 2000 g/mol, and the waterproof increases with increase in PEGME length. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Influence of adhesion to activated carbon particles on the viability of waterborne pathogenic bacteria under flow
Authors: van der Mei Henny C. , Atema‐Smit Jelly , Jager Debbie , Langworthy Don E. , Collias Dimitris I. , Mitchell Michael D. , Busscher Henk J.
Published: February 2008

In rural areas around the world, people often rely on water filtration plants using activated carbon particles for safe water supply. Depending on the carbon surface, adhering microorganisms die or grow to form a biofilm. Assays to assess the efficacy of activated carbons in bacterial removal do not allow direct observation of bacterial adhesion and the determination of viability. Here we propose to use a parallel plate flow chamber with carbon particles attached to the bottom plate to study bacterial adhesion to individual carbon particles and determine the viability of adhering bacteria. Observation and enumeration is done after live/dead staining in a confocal laser scanning microscope. Escherichiae coli adhered in higher numbers than Raoultella terrigena, except to a coconut‐based carbon, which showed low bacterial adhesion compared to other wood‐based carbon types. After adhesion, 83–96% of the bacteria adhering to an acidic carbon were dead, while on a basic carbon 54–56% were dead. A positively charged, basic carbon yielded 76–78% bacteria dead, while on a negatively charged coconut‐based carbon only 32–37% were killed upon adhesion. The possibility to determine both adhesion as well as the viability of adhering bacteria upon adhesion to carbon particles is most relevant, because if bacteria adhere but remain viable, this still puts the water treatment system at risk, as live bacteria can grow and form a biofilm that can then be shedded to cause contamination. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 810–813. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proton transport inside the biofilm limits electrical current generation by anode‐respiring bacteria
Authors: Torres César I. , Kato Marcus Andrew , Rittmann Bruce E.
Published: February 2008

Anode‐respiring bacteria (ARB) in a biofilm anode carry out an oxidation half‐reaction of organic matter, producing an electrical current from renewable biomass, including wastes. At the same time, ARB produce protons, usually one proton for every electron. Our study shows how current density generated by an acclimated ARB biofilm was limited by proton transport out of the biofilm. We determined that, at high current densities, protons were mainly transported out of the biofilm by protonating the conjugate base of the buffer system; the maximum current generation was directly related to the transport of the buffer, mainly by diffusion, into and out of the biofilm. With non‐limiting acetate concentrations, the current density increased with higher buffer concentrations, going from 2.21 ± 0.02 A m−2 with 12.5‐mM phosphate buffer medium to 9.3 ± 0.4 A m−2 using a 100‐mM phosphate buffer at a constant anode potential of Eanode = −0.35 V versus Ag/AgCl. Increasing the concentration of sodium chloride in the medium (0–100 mM) increased current density by only 15%, indicating that ion migration was not as important as diffusion of phosphate inside the biofilm. The current density also varied strongly with medium pH as a result of the buffer speciation: The current density was 10.0 ± 0.8 A m−2 at pH 8, and the pH giving one‐half the maximum rate was 6.5. A j–V curve analysis using 100 mM phosphate buffer showed a maximum current density of 11.5 ± 0.9 A m−2 and half‐saturation potential of −0.414 V versus Ag/AgCl, a value that deviated only slightly from the standard acetate potential, resulting in small anode‐potential losses. We discuss the implications of the proton‐transport limitation in the field of microbial fuel cells and microbial electrolytic cells. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 872–881. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protopanaxadiol 6‐hydroxylase and its role in regulating the ginsenoside heterogeneity in Panax notoginseng cells
Authors: Yue Cai‐Jun , Zhou Xin , Zhong Jian‐Jiang
Published: February 2008

Various structure‐similar plant secondary metabolites like ginseng saponins (ginsenosides) possess different or even totally opposite biological activities. Intentional manipulation of the ginsenoside heterogeneity in cellular biosynthesis is of great interest and significance [Zhong and Yue (2005); Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol 100:53–88]. In this work, CO‐binding spectra of microsomes prepared from the suspended cells of Panax notoginseng showed increases in absorption at 450 nm compared with the control without CO sparging, and protopanaxadiol 6‐hydroxylase (P6H), a new enzyme catalyzing the conversion of ginsenoside aglycone protopanaxadiol into protopanaxatriol, was found. P6H was dependent on NADPH and molecular oxygen. The enzymatic reaction was inhibited by carbon monoxide and partially reversible upon illumination with blue light, and sensitive to cytochrome P450 inhibitors. The results supported the contention that P6H was a cytochrome P450‐dependent hydroxylase, whose catalytic product was confirmed to be protopanaxatriol by HPLC‐MS. Induction of P6H activity by phenobarbital, a cytochrome P450 inducer, was observed. A maximal activity of P6H was obtained with addition of 0.5 mM phenobarbital on day 4 of shake‐flask cultivation. The maximum content of protopanaxatriol‐type ginsenosides (Rg1 and Re, Rg group) and the maximum ratio of the content of protopanaxatriol: protopanaxadiol reached 6.88 ± 0.21 mg g−1 dry weight and 7.0, respectively, which was about 1.4 and 2.0‐fold that of respective controls (without addition of phenobarbital). Oxidative burst was also observed in the cell cultures with addition of phenobarbital. P6H was concluded as a key enzyme in regulating Rg‐group ginsenoside biosynthesis in P. notoginseng cells. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 933–940. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electronic problem based learning of electromagnetics through software development
Authors: Mias Christos
Published: February 2008

A computer‐assisted problem‐based learning (PBL) project is proposed to assist undergraduate student learning of electromagnetics through software development. The project employs the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method to model transmission line performance. The usefulness of this approach is evaluated from direct observation and formative assessment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 16: 12–20, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20112
A framework for exercises in computer science
Authors: Fjeldaas Sven
Published: February 2008

This text describes a laboratory course in practical handling of computers, a computer network, and a C++ compiler. Most of the software used is running under the Linux operating system. Some aspects of file and directory structures, revision control, maintenance and backup solutions for hardware, software and instruction material, are discussed. It is suggested that an introductory course of the type described and a geometric modeler make a rich environment, suitable as a basis and a framework for hands‐on exercises in computer science. Applications in other courses are indicated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 16: 55–61, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20118
Exchange Rate Constants of Invisible Protons in Proteins Determined by NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Segawa Takuya , Kateb Fatiha , Duma Luminita , Bodenhausen Geoffrey , Pelupessy Philippe
Published: February 2008

Although labile protons that are exchanging rapidly with those of the solvent cannot be observed directly, their exchange rate constants can be determined by indirect detection of scalar‐coupled neighboring nuclei. We have used heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy to measure the exchange rate constants of labile protons in the side chains of lysine and arginine residues in ubiquitin enriched in carbon‐13 and nitrogen‐15 at neutral pH. Exchange rate constants as fast as 40×103 s−1 were thus measured. These results demonstrate that NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the characterization of lysine NH3+ and arginine NH groups in proteins at physiologically relevant pH values.
Development of Pyrrolo[2,1‐c][1,4]benzodiazepine β‐Galactoside Prodrugs for Selective Therapy of Cancer by ADEPT and PMT
Authors: Kamal Ahmed , Tekumalla Venkatesh , Krishnan Anita , Pal‐Bhadra Manika , Bhadra Utpal
Published: February 2008

The pyrrolo[2,1‐c][1,4]benzodiazepines (PBDs) are a class of well‐studied DNA‐interactive agents with a potential for use in the treatment of cancer. The clinical utility of these molecules is limited because of the lack of selectivity for tumor tissues, high reactivity of the pharmacophoric imine functionality, low water solubility, and stability. To address the shortcomings, especially the lack of selectivity, associated with the molecules, two new β‐galactoside prodrugs of PBDs have been synthesized and evaluated for their potential use in selective therapy of solid tumors by ADEPT and PMT protocols. The preliminary studies reveal the prodrugs to be much less toxic compared to the parent moieties. These prodrugs are activated by E. coli β‐galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) to form the active cytotoxic moiety signifying their utility in ADEPT of cancer. One of the significant outcomes of the present study is the toxification of the prodrug 1 a by the endogenous β‐galactosidase of human liver cancer cells (Hep G2) to form the cytotoxic moiety, enabling selective therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Another important property of these molecules is their enhanced water solubility and stability, which are essential for a molecule to be an effective drug.
Thalamic projections to the posteromedial cortex in the macaque
Authors: Buckwalter Joseph A. , Parvizi Josef , Morecraft Robert J. , van Hoesen Gary W.
Published: February 2008

The medial parietal, posterior cingulate, and retrosplenial cortices collectively constitute a region of cortex referred to as the posteromedial cortices (PMC). In an effort to shed light on the neuroanatomical organization of the PMC, we undertook a study to identify and analyze the thalamocortical connections of these cortices. Retrograde tracer injections were placed in the posterior cingulate (PCC), retrosplenial (RSC), medial parietal cortices (MPC), and posterior cingulate sulcus (PCS), and the labeling patterns within the thalamus were analyzed. Three afferent projection patterns were observed to the PMC from the thalamus: a PCC/RSC pattern that involved the anterior thalamic nuclei, an MPC pattern that involved the lateral posterior and pulvinar nuclei, and a PCS pattern that involved the ventral thalamic nuclei. Additionally, a shared pattern of projections from the anterior intralaminar nuclei (AILN) and posterior thalamic nuclei (PTN) to all cortical regions of the PMC was observed. Our findings suggest that distinct regions within the PMC are supplied by distinctive patterns of thalamic input, but also share common projections from intralaminar and posterior thalamic sources. In addition, we relate our findings to functional abnormalities in aging and dementia, and address a domain‐like pattern of thalamocortical labeling of the PMC that is drawn selectively and collectively from multiple thalamic nuclei. J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1709–1733, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
cpg15 and cpg15‐2 constitute a family of activity‐regulated ligands expressed differentially in the nervous system to promote neurite growth and neuronal survival
Authors: Fujino Tadahiro , Wu Zhen , Lin Walter C. , Phillips Marnie A. , Nedivi Elly
Published: February 2008

Many ligands that affect nervous system development are members of gene families that function together to coordinate the assembly of complex neural circuits. cpg15/neuritin encodes an extracellular ligand that promotes neurite growth, neuronal survival, and synaptic maturation. Here we identify cpg15‐2 as the only paralogue of cpg15 in the mouse and human genome. Both genes are expressed predominantly in the nervous system, where their expression is regulated by activity. cpg15‐2 expression increases by more than twofold in response to kainate‐induced seizures and nearly fourfold in the visual cortex in response to 24 hours of light exposure following dark adaptation. cpg15 and cpg15‐2 diverge in their spatial and temporal expression profiles. cpg15‐2 mRNA is most abundant in the retina and the olfactory bulb, as opposed to the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus for cpg15. In the retina, they differ in their cell‐type specificity. cpg15 is expressed in retinal ganglion cells, whereas cpg15‐2 is predominantly in bipolar cells. Developmentally, onset of cpg15‐2 expression is delayed compared with cpg15 expression. CPG15‐2 is glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored to the cell membrane and, like CPG15, can be released in a soluble‐secreted form, but with lower efficiency. CPG15 and CPG15‐2 were found to form homodimers and heterodimers with each other. In hippocampal explants and dissociated cultures, CPG15 and CPG15‐2 promote neurite growth and neuronal survival with similar efficacy. Our findings suggest that CPG15 and CPG15‐2 perform similar cellular functions but may play distinct roles in vivo through their cell‐type‐ and tissue‐specific transcriptional regulation. J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1831–1845, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Job submission to grid computing environments
Authors: Bruin R. P. , White T. O. H. , Walker A. M. , Austen K. F. , Dove M. T. , Tyer R. P. , Couch P. A. , Todorov I. T. , Blanchard M. O.
Published: February 2008

The problem of enabling scientist users to submit jobs to grid computing environments will eventually limit the usability of grids. The eMinerals project has tackled this problem by developing the ‘my_condor_submit’ (MCS) tool, which provides a simple scriptable interface to Globus, a flexible interaction with the storage resource broker, metascheduling with load balancing within a grid environment, and automatic metadata harvesting. This paper provides an overview of MCS together with a use case. We also describe the use of MCS within parameter‐sweep studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation of Organobrominated Compounds in the Presence of Bromide under Simulated Atmospheric Aerosol Conditions
Authors: Vione Davide , Maurino Valter , Man Simona Cucu , Khanra Swapan , Arsene Cecilia , Olariu Romeo‐Iulian , Minero Claudio
Published: February 2008

Photobromination of phenol takes place upon UV/Vis irradiation of FeIII and bromide under acidic conditions, and most likely involves the brominating agent Br2−.. Bromination is also observed in the presence of nitrate and bromide under UV irradiation, most likely involving Br2−. formed upon oxidation of bromide by .OH. Moreover, quantitative bromination of phenol is observed in the dark in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and bromide. This process is strongly favored under acidic conditions, but a residual, pH‐independent bromination pathway is also present. The rates and yields of bromination (up to 100 %) are considerably higher than those reported for chlorination under comparable conditions, suggesting that the higher activity of bromine species could compensate for the lower concentration of bromide ions in aerosol compared to chlorides. The reported processes are potential sources of reactive bromine species (Br2−., HBrO) and aromatic bromo derivatives in atmospheric aerosols, in particular after the acidification process linked with aerosol aging.
(2,5‐Bis{[(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imino]methyl}pyrrolyl)yttrium and ‐lutetium Complexes – Synthesis and Structures
Authors: Meyer Nils , Kuzdrowska Magdalena , Roesky Peter W.
Published: February 2008

The reaction of 2,5‐bis{[(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imino]methyl}pyrrole (dip2‐pyr)H with nBuLi and KH resulted in the lithium compound [(dip2‐pyr)Li] and the potassium compound [(dip2‐pyr)K], respectively. Transmetallation of [(dip2‐pyr)Li] with YCl3 in thf afforded the “ate complex” [(dip2‐pyr)YCl3Li(thf)3], in which an additional equivalent of LiCl is coordinated as a four‐membered Li–Cl–Y–Cl metallacycle. In contrast, treatment of [(dip2‐pyr)K] with anhydrous yttrium and lutetium trichloride resulted in [(dip2‐pyr)LnCl2(thf)2] (Ln = Y, Lu). Obviously, by using the potassium reagent [(dip2‐pyr)K] the formation of “ate complexes” is inhibited. Reaction of NaC5H5 with [(dip2‐pyr)YCl3Li(thf)3] or [(dip2‐pyr)YCl2(thf)2] afforded the metallocene [(dip2‐pyr)Y(η5‐C5H5)2]. A significant difference in reactivity between the compounds [(dip2‐pyr)YCl3Li(thf)3] and [(dip2‐pyr)YCl2(thf)2] could not be observed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
A New, Efficient and Direct Preparation of TlTp and Related Complexes with TlBH4
Authors: Kitamura Masato , Takenaka Yuta , Okuno Tomoko , Holl Ralph , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: February 2008

Establishment of a highly reliable and safe procedure for the preparation of TlBH4 has led to, for the first time, a simple approach to TlTp‐related complexes, which are known as mild and efficient Tp‐transfer reagents to a variety of metals. The practical use of this method has been demonstrated by the efficient synthesis of (S,S,S)‐TlTp4Bo3MeCpenta from a new and hard‐to‐obtain chiral pyrazole (HPz). In view of the importance of the scorpionates, this new method should attract the attention of researchers in a wide range of scientific and technological fields. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Amide, Amino, Hydroxy and Aminopyridine Groups as Building Blocks for Carbohydrate Receptors
Authors: Mazik Monika , Kuschel Matthias
Published: February 2008

Receptors 1–3, incorporating primary amide, hydroxy or amino groups as recognition units used in nature, as well as 2‐aminopyridine units as heterocyclic analogues of the asparagine/glutamine primary amide side chains, were prepared and their binding properties towards neutral sugar molecules were studied. The design of these receptors was inspired by the binding motifs observed in the crystal structures of protein–carbohydrate complexes. The binding studies with β‐glucopyranoside 5 indicated the formation of complexes with 1:1 and 2:1 receptor–monosaccharide binding stoichiometries, with an overall β21 binding constant of 107–108 M–2. Both hydrogen bonding and interactions of the sugar CH groups with the central phenyl rings of the receptors contribute to the stabilisation of the receptor–sugar complexes. The syntheses, molecular modeling studies and binding properties of the receptors 1–3 are described, as well as comparative binding studies with receptor 4, lacking the third recognition site. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis of a Tripodal Scaffold for Solid Phase Synthesis of Artificial Receptors
Authors: Van der Plas Steven E. , Gea An , Figaroli Sara , De Clercq Pierre J. , Madder Annemieke
Published: February 2008

A convergent synthesis for the preparation of a new orthogonally protected tripodal scaffold has been developed. The scaffold was successfully coupled to a Tentagel solid support and further derivatised at the three attachment points demonstrating its possible use for combinatorial chemistry. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis of 3′‐Deoxyribolactones using a Hydrolysis‐Induced Lactonization Cascade Reaction of Epoxy Cyanohydrins
Authors: Vugts Danielle J. , Aktas Halil , Al‐Mafraji Kanar , de Kanter Frans J. J. , Ruijter Eelco , Groen Marinus B. , Orru Romano V. A.
Published: February 2008

The synthesis of 3′‐deoxyribolactones was accomplished in a few steps from the commercially available 3‐decyn‐1‐ol in 44 % overall yield. The key transformation comprises a one‐pot four‐reaction hydrolysis‐induced lactonization cascade. The strategy was employed to efficiently access optically active 5′‐chloro‐3′‐deoxyribolactones. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Geoadditive Bayesian models for forestry defoliation data: a case study
Authors: Musio Monica , Augustin Nicole H. , von Wilpert Klaus
Published: February 2008

We analyze forestry defoliation data from the Emission Impact and Forest Nutrition (IWE) survey, which was carried out in Baden‐Württemberg, Germany in the year 1988. The survey contains information on individual trees such as the degree of defoliation, age, species and measurements on nutrients in the needles, as well as information on tree locations such as soil and geographical characteristics. Our goal is to find suitable predictors for tree defoliation from the above information, and to find a set of models which can explain the underlying biological and environmental processes. To model the spatial correlation in the data and possible nonlinear effects of the covariates we use a geoadditive hierarchical Bayesian model. Posterior inference and model comparison are computationally assessed via Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques and deviance information criterion (DIC) respectively. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linking series generated at different frequencies
Authors: Hyung Namwon , Granger Clive W.J.
Published: February 2008

This is a report on our studies of the systematical use of mixed‐frequency datasets. We suggest that the use of high‐frequency data in forecasting economic aggregates can increase the accuracy of forecasts. The best way of using this information is to build a single model that relates the data of all frequencies, for example, an ARMA model with missing observations. As an application of linking series generated at different frequencies, we show that the use of a monthly industrial production index improves the predictability of the quarterly GNP. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Credit risk and bank margins in structured financial products: Evidence from the German secondary market for discount certificates
Authors: Baule Rainer , Entrop Oliver , Wilkens Marco
Published: February 2008

This study analyzes bank margins in the German secondary market for exchange‐traded structured financial products, with particular emphasis on the influence of banks' credit risk. A structural model allowing for the incorporation of correlation effects between market and credit risk is applied to compare quoted and fair theoretical prices. For discount certificates, as the most popular type of structured financial products in Germany, an empirical study is conducted. Compared to earlier studies, total margins are found to be rather low, whereas the portion that draws back to credit risk appears to be a material part of the total margin. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 28: 376–397, 2008
Culture, Commerce and Image
Authors: Kaschuba Wolfgang , Färber Alexa , Gdaniec Cordula
Published: February 2008

Theatre and art, music scenes and subcultures have become a “hard” location factor for the metropolis. Taking the examples of Berlin and Moscow, cultural scientists are investigating how to make capital out of culture
Faintly Falling Plaster
Authors: Hinsch Klaus , Joost Holger
Published: February 2008

Shocks and vibrations endanger historical frescoes. A new acoustic‐optical measuring technique enables the remote detection of loose plaster
“There Are Two Hearts Beating in My Chest”
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: February 2008

Torsten Doenst, a heart surgeon from Leipzig, combines his clinical work with pioneering basic research
Liver disease in pregnancy
Authors: Hay Eileen J.
Published: February 2008

Abnormal liver tests occur in 3%–5% of pregnancies, with many potential causes, including coincidental liver disease (most commonly viral hepatitis or gallstones) and underlying chronic liver disease. However, most liver dysfunction in pregnancy is pregnancy-related and caused by 1 of the 5 liver diseases unique to the pregnant state: these fall into 2 main categories depending on their association with or without preeclampsia. The preeclampsia-associated liver diseases are preeclampsia itself, the hemolysis (H), elevated liver tests (EL), and low platelet count (LP) (HELLP) syndrome, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy have no relationship to preeclampsia. Although still enigmatic, there have been recent interesting advances in understanding of these unique pregnancy-related liver diseases. Hyperemesis gravidarum is intractable, dehydrating vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy; 50% of patients with this condition have liver dysfunction. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is pruritus and elevated bile acids in the second half of pregnancy, accompanied by high levels of aminotransferases and mild jaundice. Maternal management is symptomatic with ursodeoxycholic acid; for the fetus, however, this is a high-risk pregnancy requiring close fetal monitoring and early delivery. Severe preeclampsia itself is the commonest cause of hepatic tenderness and liver dysfunction in pregnancy, and 2%–12% of cases are further complicated by hemolysis (H), elevated liver tests (EL), and low platelet count (LP)—the HELLP syndrome. Immediate delivery is the only definitive therapy, but many maternal complications can occur, including abruptio placentae, renal failure, subcapsular hematomas, and hepatic rupture. Acute fatty liver of pregnancy is a sudden catastrophic illness occurring almost exclusively in the third trimester; microvesicular fatty infiltration of hepatocytes causes acute liver failure with coagulopathy and encephalopathy. Early diagnosis and immediate delivery are essential for maternal and fetal survival.
Stream temperature modelling using artificial neural networks: application on Catamaran Brook, New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Chenard Jean‐Francois , Caissie Daniel
Published: February 2008

Fish habitat and aquatic life in rivers are highly dependent on water temperature. Therefore, it is important to understand andto be able to predict river water temperatures using models. Such models can increase our knowledge of river thermal regimes as well as provide tools for environmental impact assessments. In this study, artificial neural networks (ANNs) will be used to develop models for predicting both the mean and maximum daily water temperature. The study was conducted within Catamaran Brook, a small drainage basin tributary to the Miramichi River (New Brunswick, Canada). In total, eight ANN models were investigated using a variety of input parameters. Of these models, four predicted mean daily water temperature and four predicted maximum daily water temperature. The best model for mean daily temperature had eight input parameters: minimum, maximum and mean air temperatures of the current day and those of the preceding day, the day of year and the water level. This model had an overall root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of 0·96 °C, a bias of 0·26 °C and a coefficient of determination R2 = 0·971. The model that best predicted maximum daily water temperature was similar to the first model but excluded mean daily air temperature. Good results were obtained for maximum water temperatures with an overall RMSE of 1·18 °C, a bias of 0·15 °C and R2 = 0·961. The results of ANN models were similar to and/or better than those observed from the literature. The advantages of artificial neural networks models in modelling river water temperature lie in their simplicity of use, their low data requirement and their good performance, as well as their flexibility in allowing many input and output parameters. Copyright © 2008 Crown in the right of Canada and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of hyporheic flow and geomorphology on temperature of a large, gravel‐bed river, Clackamas River, Oregon, USA
Authors: Burkholder Barbara K. , Grant Gordon E. , Haggerty Roy , Khangaonkar Tarang , Wampler Peter J.
Published: February 2008

The hyporheic zone influences the thermal regime of rivers, buffering temperature by storing and releasing heat over a range of timescales. We examined the relationship between hyporheic exchange and temperature along a 24‐km reach of the lower Clackamas River, a large gravel‐bed river in northwestern Oregon (median discharge = 75·7 m3/s; minimum mean monthly discharge = 22·7 m3/s in August 2006). With a simple mixing model, we estimated how much hyporheic exchange cools the river during hot summer months. Hyporheic exchange was primarily identified by temperature anomalies, which are patches of water that demonstrate at least a 1 °C temperature difference from the main channel. Forty hyporheic temperature anomalies were identified through field investigations and thermal‐infrared‐radiometry (TIR) in summer 2006. The location of anomalies was associated with specific geomorphic features, primarily bar channels and bar heads that act as preferential pathways for hyporheic flow. Detailed field characterization and groundwater modelling on three Clackamas gravel bars indicate residence times of hyporheic water can vary from hours to weeks and months. This was largely determined by hydraulic conductivity, which is affected by how recently the gravel bar formed or was reworked. Upscaling of modelled discharges and hydrologic parameters from these bars to other anomalies on the Clackamas network shows that hyporheic discharge from anomalies comprises a small fraction (≪1%) of mainstem discharge, resulting in small river‐cooling effects (0·012 °C). However, the presence of cooler patches of water within rivers can act as thermal refugia for fish and other aquatic organisms, making the creation or enhancement of hyporheic exchange an attractive method in restoring the thermal regime of rivers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of a checklisting technique for the assessment of impacts of the Chashma Right Bank Canal on land use and cropping pattern of D.I.Khan District, Pakistan
Authors: Atta‐ur‐Rahman  , Khan Amir Nawaz
Published: February 2008

This paper attempts to discover the ex post impact of the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) on the land use and cropping pattern of D.I.Khan district. The CRBC commands 250 000 ha and is spread over two provinces. The CRBC project was completed in three stages. Stage I was commissioned in 1987–88, and stages II and III in 1989 and 2001, respectively. The CRBC brought radical changes in the land use and cropping pattern of D.I.Khan district. For this study, three variables were selected including land use, cropping pattern and land values. To discover these changes at micro‐level, five sample villages were randomly selected, four from within the CRBC command area and one outside. The analysis found that after commissioning of the CRBC, prime cultivable land was brought under non‐agricultural use. The net sown area was also enhanced. Dry farming crops were replaced by water‐intensive cash crops, which in effect caused the twin problem of waterlogging and salinity, particularly in stage I. Likewise, land values increased considerably. This study is a sort of ex post evaluation of the CRBC and provides policy guidelines for decision makers and for the proposed Chashma Right Bank 1st Lift Irrigation Project not to repeat the weaknesses of Chashma Right Bank Irrigation Project. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prototypic matricellular protein in the tumor microenvironment—Where there's SPARC, there's fire
Authors: Clark Clancy J. , Sage E. Helene
Published: February 2008

Within the tumor microenvironment is a dynamic exchange between cancer cells and their surrounding stroma. This complex biologic system requires carefully designed models to understand the role of its stromal components in carcinogenesis, tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a prototypic matricellular protein at the center of this exchange. Two decades of basic science research combined with recent whole genome analyses indicate that SPARC is an important player in vertebrate evolution, normal development, and maintenance of normal tissue homeostasis. Therefore, SPARC might also play an important role in the tumor microenvironment. Clinical evidence indicates that SPARC expression correlates with tumor progression, but tightly controlled animal models have shown that the role of SPARC in tumor progression is dependent on tissue and tumor cell type. In this Prospectus, we review the current understanding of SPARC in the tumor microenvironment and discuss current and future investigations of SPARC and tumor–stromal interactions that require careful consideration of growth factors, cytokines, proteinases, and angiotropic factors that might influence SPARC activity and tumor progression. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 721–732, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The secretory function of adipocytes in the physiology of white adipose tissue
Authors: Wang Ping , Mariman Edwin , Renes Johan , Keijer Jaap
Published: February 2008

White adipose tissue, previously regarded as a passive lipid storage site, is now viewed as a dynamic tissue. It has the capacity to actively communicate by sending and receiving different types of signals. An overview of these signals, the external modulators that affect adipose tissue and the secreted signaling molecules, the adipokines, is presented. The secretory function is highlighted in relation to energy metabolism, inflammation and the extracellular matrix and placed in the context of adipose tissue biology. We observe that the endocrine function of adipocytes receives much attention, while its paracrine and autocrine functions are underestimated. Also, we provide examples that species specificity should not be neglected. We conclude that adipose tissue primarily is an energy storage organ, well supported by its secretory function. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 3–13, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of endogenous nuclear bradykinin B2 receptors mediating signaling in immediate early gene activation
Authors: Savard Martin , Barbaz David , Bélanger Simon , Müller‐Esterl Werner , Bkaily Ghassan , D'orléans‐Juste Pedro , Coté Jérôme , Bovenzi Veronica , Gobeil Fernand
Published: February 2008

Bradykinin (BK) represents a pro‐inflammatory mediator that partakes in many inflammatory diseases. The mechanism of action of BK is thought to be primarily mediated by specific cell surface membrane B2 receptors (B2Rs). Some evidence has suggested, however, the existence of an intracellular/nuclear B2R population. Whether these receptors are functional and contribute to BK signaling remains to be determined. In this study, by mean of Western blotting, 3D‐confocal microscopy, receptor autoradiography and radioligand binding analysis, we showed that plasma membrane and highly purified nuclei from isolated rat hepatocytes contain specific B2R that bind BK. The results depicting B2R nuclear expression in isolated nuclear organelles were reproduced in situ on hepatic sections by immunogold labeling and transmission electron microscopy. Functional tests on single nuclei, by means of confocal microscopy and the calcium‐sensitive probe fluo‐4AM, showed that BK induces concentration‐dependent transitory mobilization of nucleoplasmic calcium; these responses were blocked by B2R antagonist HOE 140, not by the B1R antagonist R954 and, were also found in wild‐type C57/Bl6 mice, but not in B2R‐KO mice. In isolated nuclei, BK elicited activation/phosphorylation of Akt, acetylation of histone H3 and ensuing pro‐inflammatory iNOS gene induction as determined by Western blot and RT‐PCR. ChIP assay confirmed binding of acetylated‐histone H3 complexes, but not B2R, to promoter region of iNOS gene suggesting that B2R‐mediated gene expression is bridged with accessory downstream effectors. This study discloses a previously undescribed mechanism in BK‐induced transcriptional events, via intracrine B2R‐mediated signaling, occurring in rat autologous hepatic cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 234–244, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of COD:N:P ratio on dark greywater treatment using a sequencing batch reactor
Authors: Krishnan Vijayaraghavan , Ahmad Desa , Jeru Juriah Binti
Published: February 2008

The recycling of greywater is an integral part of a water management system owing to the scarcity of fresh water resources. This article explores the effectiveness of an aerobic sequencing batch reactor in treating nutrient‐deficit and nutrient‐spiked dark greywater for agricultural reuse. The dark greywater in the present investigation had a COD:N:P ratio of 100:1.82:0.76, while the preferred ratio for biological oxidation is 100:5:1 (COD, chemical oxygen demand). The aerobic oxidation of nutrient‐deficit and nutrient‐spiked dark greywater with a COD:N:P ratio of 100:2.5:0.5; 100:3.5:0.75 and 100:5:1 resulted in outlet COD values of 64; 35; 15 and 12 mg L−1, with a corresponding BOD5 value of 37; 22; 10 and 8 mg L−1 at 36 h hydraulic retention time (HRT). Hence treatment of nutrient‐added dark greywater at a COD:N:P ratio 100:3.5:0.75 and 100:5:1 for 36 h HRT complied with the Malaysian discharge standards for agricultural activities. Treated greywater has the potential for consideration as a resource, since it can be used as a supplement or replacement for potable water in landscape irrigation and other agricultural activities in rural and urban areas. Moreover, the level of greywater treatment is dictated by the final water quality requirement. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Tissue engineering of cartilages using biomatrices
Authors: Melrose James , Chuang Christine , Whitelock John
Published: February 2008

Tissue engineering is an exciting new cross‐disciplinary methodology which applies the principles of engineering and structure‐function relationships between normal and pathological tissues to develop biological substitute to restore, maintain or improve tissue function. Tissue engineering therefore involves a melange of approaches encompassing developmental biology, tissue mechanics, medicine, cell differentiation and survival biology, mechanostransduction and nano‐fabrication technology. The central tissue of interest in this review is cartilage. Traumatic injuries, congenital abnormalities and age‐related degenerative diseases can all lead to cartilage loss; however, the low cell density and very limited self‐renewal capacity of cartilage necessitate the development of effective therapeutic repair strategies for this tissue. The ontogeny of the chondrocyte, which is the cell that provides the biosynthetic machinery for all the component parts of cartilage, is discussed, since an understanding of cartilage development is central to the maintenance of a chondrocytic phenotype in any strategy aiming to produce a replacement cartilage. A plethora of matrices have been developed for cartilage engineering approaches and many of these are discussed and their in vitro and in vivo applications covered in this review. Tissue engineering is entering an exciting era; significant advances have been made; however, many technical challenges remain to be solved before this technology becomes widely applicable across all areas of cartilage repair biology. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Stability studies with different vector backbones utilizing the T7 expression system in Escherichia coli
Authors: Walia Rupali , Deb Jahar Kanti , Mukherjee Krishna Jyoti
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: The T7 system is used ubiquitously for high‐level expression of recombinant proteins in lab scale cultures of Escherichia coli. However, its functional stability during scale‐up is critical for it to be useful in industrial scale fermentations.

RESULTS: E. coli DH5α cells containing the dual plasmid heat inducible T7 system were tested for sustained expression of interferon gamma for 60 generations. The pRSET‐IFNγ recombinant lost its ability to express h‐IFNγ after 30 generations even though the plasmid containing the unaltered sequence of the gamma interferon gene was retained. These non‐expressing mutants had a higher specific growth rate than the original recombinant cells. In contrast, pCR2‐IFNγ recombinant had a higher specific growth rate under uninduced conditions and was able to retain its expression capacity even in the absence of selection pressure. To demonstrate the usefulness of this construct a high cell density fed batch culture was run without ampicillin and high‐level expression was obtained.

CONCLUSIONS: The pCR2 vector backbone is a useful addition to the repertoire of E. coli plasmids, particularly for scaling up high‐level expression systems in the absence of selection pressure. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Bone marrow‐derived cells expressing Iba1 are constitutively present as resident tissue macrophages in the mouse cochlea
Authors: Okano Takayuki , Nakagawa Takayuki , Kita Tomoko , Kada Shinpei , Yoshimoto Momoko , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Ito Juichi
Published: February 2008

Immune‐mediated inner ear disorder has been well established as a clinical entity; however, the innate immune system of the inner ear is a poorly understood area of research with high clinical and immunological importance. Although the presence of resident tissue macrophages in the inner ear has been suggested, there has been some controversy. In this study, we analyzed the origin of cochlear resident macrophages and the contribution of hematopoietic bone marrow (BM) to the recruitment of macrophages in the cochlea. To visualize the localization of BM‐derived cells, BM chimeric mice were made by transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells, which were genetically labeled with enhanced green fluorescent protein, into lethally irradiated C57BL/6 mice. The distribution and characteristics of BM‐derived cells in the mouse cochlea were studied immunohistochemically. We successfully identified the constitutive presence of tissue resident macrophages in the spiral ligament and spiral ganglion that are derived from BM in larger numbers than previously reported. Moreover, cochlear resident macrophages gradually turn over for several months during steady‐state replacement by BM‐derived cells, and the number of cochlear macrophages immediately increased in response to local surgical stress. The present findings demonstrate the hematopoietic origin of cochlear resident and infiltrating macrophages. Our study provides a novel anatomical and immunological basis for the inner ear and indicates that the cochlear resident macrophages would be a therapeutic target in inner ear disorders. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adenovirus‐mediated retrograde transfer of neurotrophin‐3 gene enhances survival of anterior horn neurons of twy/twy mice with chronic mechanical compression of the spinal cord
Authors: Uchida Kenzo , Nakajima Hideaki , Inukai Tomoo , Takamura Takaharu , Kobayashi Shigeru , Furukawa Shoei , Baba Hisatoshi
Published: February 2008

Chronic mechanical compression of the spinal cord causes neural tissue damage, including loss of anterior horn cells around the level of injury. Exogenous delivery of neurotrophins to neuronal cells could provide neuroprotection to a spinal cord subjected to mechanical injury. We investigated the efficacy of retrograde gene delivery of adenoviral vector (AdV) carrying neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) gene into twy (twy/twy) mouse spinal cord anterior horn neurons with chronic and progressive mechanical compression at C1‐C2 level. AdV‐NT‐3 was used for retrograde delivery via the sternomastoid muscle to the cervical spinal accessory motoneurons in 16‐week‐old adult twy mice with relatively mild spinal cord compression. Four weeks after the AdV‐NT‐3 or AdV‐β‐galactosidase cDNA (LacZ) as a marker gene injection, the compressed cervical spinal cord was examined histologically, immunohistologically, and by immunoblot analysis. Immunoreactivity to NT‐3 was significantly enhanced in the AdV‐NT‐3‐injected twy mice compared with the AdV‐LacZ‐injected mice. The numbers of anterior horn neurons of Nissl‐, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)‐, and trkC‐stained and wheat germ agglutinin‐horseradish peroxidase (WGA‐HRP)‐labeled neurons at the spinal cord level with maximum compression were significantly higher in AdV‐NT‐3‐transfected than in AdV‐LacZ‐transfected twy mice. Retrograde NT‐3 gene transfer to twy mouse anterior horn neurons increased neurite axonal length and arborization of WGA‐HRP‐labeled neurons. Our results suggest that targeted retrograde NT‐3 gene delivery is feasible in the intact animal and that it enhances neuronal survival even under chronic mechanical compression of the spinal cord. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Raman spectra of crystalline iron perchlorate hexahydrate
Authors: Chiang D. P. , Peng C. H. , Mei J. K. , Jiang I. M. , Lin S. C. , Chen Y. C. , Liu H. T. , Chen Y. F. , Tse W. S.
Published: February 2008

Raman studies of crystalline iron perchlorate hexahydrate (Fe(ClO4)2·6H2O) in the region of lattice and anion internal modes were carried out in the temperature range 80–385 K. The temperature‐dependent Raman results are consistent with those from previous works, showing that two phase transitions occur around 336 and 245 K. The transition at 336 K may be considered as an order–disorder transformation, while the one at 245 K is associated with the configurational disorder of the tetrahedron of the perchlorate ions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lithium solvation and diffusion in the 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ionic liquid
Authors: Duluard Sandrine , Grondin Joseph , Bruneel Jean‐Luc , Pianet Isabelle , Grélard Axelle , Campet Guy , Delville Marie‐Hélène , Lassègues Jean‐Claude
Published: February 2008

The Raman spectra of (1 − x)(BMITFSI), xLiTFSI ionic liquids, where 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium cation (BMI+) and bis(trifluoromethane‐sulfonyl)imide anion (TFSI−) are analyzed for LiTFSI mole fractions x < 0.4. As expected from previous studies on similar TFSI‐based systems, most lithium ions are shown to be coordinated within [Li(TFSI)2]− anionic clusters. The variation of the self‐diffusion coefficients of the 1H, 19F, and 7Li nuclei, measured by pulsed‐gradient spin‐echo NMR (PGSE‐NMR) as a function of x, can be rationalized in terms of the weighted contribution of BMI+ cations, TFSI− ‘free’ anions, and [Li(TFSI)2]− anionic clusters. This implies a negative transference number for lithium. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.