bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification procedures in the context of PUB: ways forward?
Authors: Clarke R. T.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Limitations of cluster analysis as a procedure for classifying parameters of rainfall-runoff models are discussed, and a procedure is suggested by which such parameters could be estimated, using site characteristics together with a split record test as a measure of performance. It is suggested that geostatistical models may be a possible alternative to procedures based on cluster analysis, and that long-established principles of experimental design (replication, randomization) be used for comparing alternative PUB procedures.
Block Copolymer Nanocomposites Based on Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes: Effect of the Functionalization of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes on the Morphology of the Block Copolymer
Authors: Albuerne Julio , Fierro Adriana Boschetti‐de‐ , Abetz Clarissa , Fierro Daniel , Abetz Volker
Published: January 2011

Films based on a commercial block copolymer and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by solution casting. The block copolymer has a star asymmetric chain architecture, with polystyrene chains of different lengths and a polybutadiene core. The block copolymer has a lamellar morphology. The MWCNT were grafted with polystyrene chains under atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) conditions. The nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and simultaneous small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS)/strain–stress tests. The morphology of the nanocomposites is influenced by the polystyrene chain grafted from the MWCNT. In the case of the nanocomposite based on pristine MWCNT, most of the nanotubes intersect the lamellar domains of the block copolymer. With the increase of the molecular weight and the grafting chain density of the polystyrene anchored to the MWCNT, a favorable interaction between the polystyrene microdomain phases in the block copolymer and the MWCNT is observed. In the case where the MWCNT grafted with the relative highest molecular weight (20 kg·mol−1) and polystyrene grafted content (> 90 wt%), the MWCNT locally templates the lamellar morphology of the block copolymer. The effect on the block copolymer is analyzed based on the orientation of the morphology under an external deformation.
Topochemical Manipulation of Perovskites: Low‐Temperature Reaction Strategies for Directing Structure and Properties
Authors: Sanjaya Ranmohotti K. G. , Josepha Elisha , Choi Jonglak , Zhang Jianxia , Wiley John B.
Published: January 2011

Topochemical reaction strategies offer an important low‐temperature (<500 °C) approach to the conscious manipulation of various inorganic host materials, allowing access to compounds that cannot be prepared by standard high‐temperature methods. As the utility of these strategies continues to expand, researchers will be able to more effectively target materials with technologically significant properties. This Progress Report presents recent advances in topochemical reaction strategies as applied to perovskite and perovskite‐related compounds. Emphasis is placed on structural modifications and corresponding variations in properties. Additionally, the future prospects of this approach to the rational design of intricate target compounds are discussed.
Chimpanzee oil‐palm use in southern Cantanhez National Park, Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: Sousa Joana , Barata André V. , Sousa Cláudia , Casanova Catarina C. N. , Vicente Luís
Published: January 2011

Cantanhez National Park in southern Guinea‐Bissau is a mosaic of forest, mangrove, savanna, and agricultural fields, with a high prevalence of oil‐palm trees (Elaeis guineensis). It hosts many different animal species, including the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus). Very little is known about the ecology of chimpanzees inhabiting this area. The main aims of this study were to evaluate chimpanzee nesting behavior, define trends of habitat use, and estimate chimpanzee density in four separate forests by applying the marked nest counts methodology. From the 287 new nests counted, 92% were built in oil‐palm trees with a significantly higher frequency of nests in the forest edge than in forest cores. Differences in nest detection rates were observed in the four monitored forests, with two forests being more important for chimpanzee's nesting demands. The number of nests documented in the forests seemed to be correlated with the frequency of other signs of chimpanzee activity. Although chimpanzees selected nests on the forest edge, they were most frequently observed in forest core areas. Constraints associated with estimating chimpanzee density through oil‐palm nest counting are discussed. Am. J. Primatol. 73:485–497, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Das Tn‐Antigen – strukturell einfach und biologisch komplex
Authors: Ju Tongzhong , Otto Vivianne I. , Cummings Richard D.
Published: January 2011

Die Glycoproteine tierischer Zellen enthalten vielfältige Glycanstrukturen, die co‐ und/oder posttranslational an die Proteine angeheftet werden. Mehr als zwanzig verschiedene Bindungsarten von Glycanen an Proteine sind bekannt, doch sind N‐Glycane (gebunden an Asn) und O‐Glycane (gebunden an Ser/Thr) die häufigsten. Ein abnormes O‐Glycan, das bei Krebs und anderen menschlichen Erkrankungen auftritt, ist das Tn‐Antigen. Es hat eine einfache Struktur, bestehend aus einem N‐Acetyl‐D‐galactosamin, das α‐glycosidisch an einen Serin‐ oder Threoninrest gebunden ist. Das Tn‐Antigen war eines der ersten Glycokonjugate, die chemisch synthetisiert wurden. Es wird normalerweise von einer spezifischen Galactosyltransferase, der T‐Synthase, im Golgi‐Apparat modifiziert. Die Expression aktiver T‐Synthase hängt vom molekularen Chaperon Cosmc ab, dessen Gen auf dem X‐Chromosom liegt. Genmutationen, die die Funktion von T‐Synthase, Cosmc oder anderen an der O‐Glycosylierung beteiligten Faktoren beeinträchtigen, können zur Expression des Tn‐Antigens führen. Da dieses bei einer Reihe von Krankheiten auftritt, besteht großes Interesse, es für die Entwicklung von Impfstoffen und anderen therapeutischen Ansätzen zu nutzen.
Applications of transition metal complexes containing aminophosphine ligand to transfer hydrogenation of ketones
Authors: Aydemir Murat , Baysal Akın , Turgut Yılmaz
Published: January 2011

Hydrogen transfer reduction processes are attracting increasing interest from synthetic chemists in view of their operational simplicity. Reaction of [Ph2PNHCH2‐C4H3S] with [Ru(η6‐benzene)(µ‐Cl)Cl]2, [Rh(µ‐Cl)(cod)]2 and [Ir(η5‐C5Me5)(µ‐Cl)Cl]2 gave a range of new monodendate complexes [Ru(Ph2PNHCH2‐C4H3S)(η6‐benzene)Cl2], 1, [Rh(Ph2PNHCH2‐C4H3S)(cod)Cl], 2, and [Ir(Ph2PNHCH2‐C4H3S)(η5‐C5Me5)Cl2], 3, respectively. All new complexes were fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. 1H31P NMR, 1H13C HETCOR or 1H1H COSY correlation experiments were used to confirm the spectral assignments. 1–3 are suitable catalyst precursors for the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives. Notably [Ru(Ph2PNHCH2‐C4H3S)(η6‐benzene)Cl2], 1, acts as an excellent catalyst, giving the corresponding alcohols in 98–99% yields in 30 min at 82 °C (TOF ≤200 h−1) for the transfer hydrogenation reaction in comparison to analogous rhodium or iridium complexes. This transfer hydrogenation is characterized by low reversibility under these conditions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Masochism in political behavior: a Lacanian perspective
Authors: Kovacevic Filip
Published: January 2011

The aim of this paper is to offer an explanation of masochism in political behavior using the concepts developed by the French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan. For the purposes of this paper, masochism in political behavior is defined as any political behavior in which the protagonists willingly pursue self‐directed pain and suffering in order to accomplish their political goals. It involves the self‐chosen endangerment of one's life and liberty and thus includes a whole range of contemporary behaviors, from hunger strikes and suicide bombers to the old “escape from freedom” phenomena now on the rise even in the established democracies. Lacan's basic thesis is that masochistic behavior is an effort on the part of the subject to establish law‐giving structures where there were none before. In other words, the masochist's sacrifice is a provocative attempt to carve out an autonomous space in the political environment whose structure does not allow it. This is why the masochist's “victories” will by necessity be temporary and will require constant repetition. Lasting changes in political structures necessitate other types of behavior. In order to provide evidence for this thesis, I will present two detailed case studies. One will explore the issue of masochism in the Russian political culture based on the studies by Daniel Rancour‐Laferriere. The second case study will be based on my own research and first‐hand experiences as an active participant in the political life of Montenegro. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Taking computer vision aloft – archaeological three‐dimensional reconstructions from aerial photographs with photoscan
Authors: Verhoeven Geert
Published: January 2011

Structure from motion (SFM) algorithms are known for their ability to reconstruct a sparse point cloud of scenes that were imaged by a series of overlapping photographs. When complemented by stereo‐matching algorithms, detailed three‐dimensional models can be built from such photograph collections in a fully automated way. Since 2010, a computer vision software package called PhotoScan has been available from the Russian manufacturer AgiSoft LLC. Even though the programme has a straightforward and simple interface, state‐of‐the‐art SFM and other computer vision algorithms are implemented that enable PhotoScan to generate very dense and accurate three‐dimensional meshes of various (archaeological) settings captured in two‐dimensional imagery. Using a mixture of archaeological case studies, it will be shown that this low‐cost application produces excellent results from aerial imagery in a minimum of time with almost no effort needed. Because of its solid and uncomplicated operation, it looks like this application could become an essential part of the aerial archaeologist's toolkit. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteoglycan‐induced arthritis and recombinant human proteoglycan aggrecan G1 domain–induced arthritis in BALB/c mice resembling two subtypes of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Glant Tibor T. , Radacs Marianna , Nagyeri Gyorgy , Olasz Katalin , Laszlo Anna , Boldizsar Ferenc , Hegyi Akos , Finnegan Alison , Mikecz Katalin
Published: January 2011

Objective

To develop a simplified and relatively inexpensive version of cartilage proteoglycan–induced arthritis (PGIA), an autoimmunity model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to evaluate the extent to which this new model replicates the disease parameters of PGIA and RA.

Methods

Recombinant human G1 domain of human cartilage PG containing “arthritogenic” T cell epitopes was generated in a mammalian expression system and used for immunization of BALB/c mice. The development and progression of arthritis in recombinant human PG G1–immunized mice (designated recombinant human PG G1–induced arthritis [GIA]) was monitored, and disease parameters were compared with those in the parent PGIA model.

Results

GIA strongly resembled PGIA, although the clinical symptoms and immune responses in mice with GIA were more uniform than in those with PGIA. Mice with GIA showed evidence of stronger Th1 and Th17 polarization than those with PGIA, and anti‐mouse PG autoantibodies were produced in different isotype ratios in the 2 models. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) antibodies were detected in both models; however, serum levels of IgG‐RF and anti‐CCP antibodies were different in GIA and PGIA, and both parameters correlated better with disease severity in GIA than in PGIA.

Conclusion

GIA is a novel model of seropositive RA that exhibits all of the characteristics of PGIA. Although the clinical phenotypes are similar, GIA and PGIA are characterized by different autoantibody profiles, and the 2 models may represent 2 subtypes of seropositive RA, in which more than 1 type of autoantibody can be used to monitor disease severity and response to treatment.
Density measurement algorithm for freeway segment using two point detectors
Authors: Lee Chungwon , Lee Jung‐Beom , Kim Minsung
Published: January 2011

Density is the most important congestion indicator among fundamental traffic flow variables—flow, speed, and density. Measuring density by aerial monitoring, although accurate, cannot be widely used because of its cost and dependency on weather. The conventional method, estimating density based on the relationship between traffic flow and speed as measured by a point detector, does not yield an accurate density value, because the flow is not homogeneous. A new and advanced density measurement method, which is based on the in‐out counting method, is proposed. This method uses average density instead of instantaneous density. By using two point detectors, this method can capture considerable variation in density and is accurate for single and multilane freeway segments. Establishing the number of floating vehicles necessary to obtain a fair approximation of the true density is for future research. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasonication on a microfluidic chip to lyse single and multiple Pseudo‐nitzschia for marine biotoxin analysis
Authors: Wu Chunsheng , Lillehoj Peter B. , Sabet Leyla , Wang Ping , Ho Chih‐Ming
Published: January 2011

We present a microfluidic platform, which provides a simple and efficient means for handling and processing Pseudo‐nitzschia, a neurotoxin‐producing marine algae. Currently, analyzing the production of such toxins is complicated by multiple environmental factors and high variability among individual Pseudo‐nitzschia species. To address this issue, we developed a device that can precisely trap single and multiple cells for subsequent lysis to extract relevant intracellular molecules. Our results show a cell trapping efficiency of up to 96%, which is achieved by hydrodynamic flow focusing. Additionally, complete cell lysis via ultrasonication can be accomplished within a few seconds. This platform can be applied to other algae and non‐algae cell types with minimal modification, thus providing a valuable tool for studying biological intracellular mechanisms at the single and multi‐cell level.
Modular bioreactor for primary human hepatocyte culture: Medium flow stimulates expression and activity of detoxification genes
Authors: Vinci Bruna , Duret Cédric , Klieber Sylvie , Gerbal‐Chaloin Sabine , Sa‐Cunha Antonio , Laporte Sylvain , Suc Bertrand , Maurel Patrick , Ahluwalia Arti , Daujat‐Chavanieu Martine
Published: January 2011

Down‐regulation of detoxification genes, notably cytochrome P450 (CYPs), in primary hepatocyte cultures is a long‐standing and major concern. We evaluated the influence of medium flow in this model. Hepatocytes isolated from 12 different liver donors were cultured either in a multichamber modular bioreactor (MCmB, flow rate 250–500 μL/min) or under standard/static conditions, and the expression of 32 genes, enzyme activities and biological parameters were measured 7–21 days later. mRNA expression of genes involved in xenobiotic/drug metabolism and transport, including CYP1A1, 1A2, 2B6, 2C9, 3A4 (and activities for some of them), UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1, UGT2B4, UGT2B7, glutathione S‐transferase (GSTα), and multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) and MRP2, were specifically up‐regulated by medium flow as compared with static controls in all cultures tested. In 2‐week‐old cultures, expression of detoxification genes reached levels close to or higher than those measured in freshly isolated hepatocytes. In contrast, CYP2D6 and most of other tested genes were not affected by medium flow. We conclude that medium flow specifically interferes with, and up‐regulates, the activity of xenosensors and/or the expression of detoxification genes in primary human hepatocytes. Down‐regulation of detoxification genes in conventional (static) cultures is therefore partly a consequence of the absence of medium circulation.
Cellular uptake of Poly‐(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles synthesized through solvent emulsion evaporation and nanoprecipitation method
Authors: XIONG Sijing , Zhao Xinxin , Heng Boon Chin , Ng Kee Woei , Loo Joachim Say‐Chye
Published: January 2011

Poly‐(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles have been widely studied for drug delivery. The aim of this study is to determine how cellular uptake of these nanoparticles is influenced by different surface properties, incubation time, particle concentration and cell types. Spherical coumarin‐6 loaded PLGA nanoparticles with a size of about 100 nm were synthesized through solvent emulsion evaporation and nanoprecipitation methods. In vitro cellular uptake efficiency was determined using human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS‐2B) and murine monocyte‐derived macrophage (RAW264.7) cells. PLGA nanoparticles were incubated with these cells in a concentration range of 10‐300 μg/ml for different time periods. The results show that cellular uptake decreased for nanoparticles surface coated with PVA surfactant and was especially limited for severely aggregated particles. At higher particle concentration, the total amount of particles taken up by cells increased while the uptake efficiency decreased. In addition, cells could take up more particles with longer incubation time, although the uptake rate decreased gradually with time. Finally, RAW264.7 cells show increased uptake compared to BEAS‐2B cells. The information drawn from this study would provide important clues on how nanomaterials interact with cells and how these interactions can influence biocompatibility or toxicity.
Tropane Alkaloids from Erythroxylum caatingaePlowman
Authors: de Oliveira Steno L. , Tavares Josean F. , Branco Marianna V. S. Castello , Lucena Hellane F. S. , Barbosa‐Filho José M. , de F. Agra Maria , do Nascimento Silene C. , dos S. Aguiar Jaciana , da Silva Teresinha G. , de Simone Carlos A. , de Araújo‐Júnior João X. , da Silva Marcelo S.
Published: January 2011

Three tropane alkaloids, 1–3, were isolated from Erythroxylum caatingae, i.e., 6β‐benzoyloxy‐3α‐[(4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxybenzoyl)oxy]tropane (1), a new tropane alkaloid, along with the known alkaloids 3α,6β‐dibenzoyloxytropane (2) and 6β‐benzoyloxy‐3α‐[(3,4,5‐trimethoxybenzoyl)oxy]tropane (catuabine B; 3). Their structures were determined by 2D‐ (1H and 13C) NMR. By LC/ESI‐MS/MS analysis of the fractions of alkaloids 1–3, it was possible to detect five more alkaloids, 4–8, two of these, 4 and 8, possibly being new natural products. X‐Ray crystallography of the chloride derivate of 1, i.e., 6β‐benzoyloxy‐3α‐(4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxybenzoyloxy)tropane hydrochloride (1a) confirmed the structure of 1. Cytotoxicity was tested against the cell lines HEp‐2, NCI‐H292, and KB for the MeOH extract and alkaloid 3, and antitumor activity was tested against Sarcoma 180 only for the MeOH extract.
Comparison of the Chemical Composition and the Organoleptic Profile of Virgin Olive Oil from Two Wild and Two Cultivated Tunisian Olea europaea
Authors: Dabbou Samia , Dabbou Sihem , Selvaggini Roberto , Urbani Stefania , Taticchi Agnese , Servili Maurizio , Hammami Mohamed
Published: January 2011

With the aim to select new olive cultivars with superior physical and chemical properties than the cultivar Chemlali Sfax, the present study focused on the comparison of the chemical composition and the sensory profile of the virgin olive oils (VOOs) of two wild olive trees (Oleasters K and M) with those of VOOs obtained from Chemlali Sfax and Neb Jmel olive cultivars, all growing in the coastal region of Tunisia. Despite the variability in the chemical composition (fatty acids, pigments, and phenolic and volatile compounds) and the organoleptic profile of the VOOs of the oleasters and the cultivars, the quality indices (free fatty acids, peroxide value, and spectrophotometric indices K232 and K270) as well as the fatty acid composition of all VOOs studied met the commercial standards. Both the α‐tocopherol and phenol contents varied between the genotypes. The Neb Jmel and Oleaster K VOOs had more than two times higher total phenol levels than the Chemlali Sfax and Oleaster M VOOs. Also the contents of volatile compounds differed between the olive oils studied. Chemlali Sfax and Oleaster K oils were more abundant in aldehydes, whereas Oleaster M VOO had higher contents of alcohols. These results were confirmed by a sensorial analysis showing that the later oil was deprived for consumption despite its abundance in α‐tocopherol. In conclusion, the oleasters studied revealed to be interesting, since they produced oils with good quality characteristics in terms of minor compounds (phenols and volatiles) compared to the Chemlali Sfax cultivar.
The Structure of Layered Covalent‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Lukose Binit , Kuc Agnieszka , Heine Thomas
Published: January 2011

Covalent‐Organic Frameworks (COFs) are a new family of 2D and 3D highly porous and crystalline materials built of light elements, such as boron, oxygen and carbon. For all 2D COFs, an AA stacking arrangement has been reported on the basis of experimental powder XRD patterns, with the exception of COF‐1 (AB stacking). In this work, we show that the stacking of 2D COFs is different as originally suggested: COF‐1, COF‐5, COF‐6 and COF‐8 are considerably more stable if their stacking arrangement is either serrated or inclined, and layers are shifted with respect to each other by ∼1.4 Å compared with perfect AA stacking. These structures are in agreement with to date experimental data, including the XRD patterns, and lead to a larger surface area and stronger polarisation of the pore surface.
CFD simulation of stirred tanks: Comparison of turbulence models. Part I: Radial flow impellers
Authors: Joshi Jyeshtharaj B. , Nere Nandkishor K. , Rane Chinmay V. , Murthy B. N. , Mathpati Channamallikarjun S. , Patwardhan Ashwin W. , Ranade Vivek V.
Published: January 2011

A critical review of the published literature regarding the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling of single‐phase turbulent flow in stirred tank reactors is presented. In this part of review, CFD simulations of radial flow impellers (mainly disc turbine (DT)) in a fully baffled vessel operating in a turbulent regime have been presented. Simulated results obtained with different impeller modelling approaches (impeller boundary condition, multiple reference frame, computational snap shot and the sliding mesh approaches) and different turbulence models (standard k − ε model, RNG k − ε model, the Reynolds stress model (RSM) and large eddy simulation) have been compared with the in‐house laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) experimental data. In addition, recently proposed modifications to the standard k − ε models were also evaluated. The model predictions (of all the mean velocities, turbulent kinetic energy and its dissipation rate) have been compared with the experimental measurements at various locations in the tank. A discussion is presented to highlight strengths and weaknesses of currently used CFD models. A preliminary analysis of sensitivity of modelling assumptions in the k − ε models and RSM has been carried out using LES database. The quantitative comparison of exact and modelled turbulence production, transport and dissipation terms has highlighted the reasons behind the partial success of various modifications of standard k − ε model as well as RSM. The volume integral of predicted energy dissipation rate is compared with the energy input rate. Based on these results, suggestions have been made for the future work in this area.
Sinus Rhythm Restoration and Treatment Success: Insight From Recent Clinical Trials
Authors: Saliba Walid , Wazni Oussama M.
Published: January 2011

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common supraventricular tachyarrhythmia with substantial morbidity and mortality. This review briefly describes the mechanisms of AF development and progression, including electrical, structural, and contractile remodeling. In addition, the potential benefits of achieving and maintaining sinus rhythm are discussed. For example, rhythm control has been associated with improvements in left ventricular function, AF symptoms, exercise tolerance, the ability to perform activities of daily living, and quality of life. More recently, dronedarone, a noniodinated benzofuran derivative approved for use in the treatment of AF, was shown to significantly improve clinical outcomes including cardiovascular hospitalizations and death from any cause in A Placebo‐Controlled, Double‐Blind, Parallel Arm Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Dronedarone 400 mg bid for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Hospitalization or Death From Any Cause in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial Flutter (ATHENA). The review concludes with an examination of AF treatment options and expectations. Evidence suggests that the complete absence of AF recurrence is not always achievable; however, complete restoration of sinus rhythm may not be necessary for patients to achieve clinically meaningful benefits. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The editorial assistance provided for this manuscript was funded by Sanofi‐Aventis. The authors were fully responsible for all content and editorial decision, and received no financial support or other form of compensation related to the development of the paper. The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Myocardial Ischemia Is Not Always Due to Epicardial Atheromatous Disease
Authors: Richard Conti C.
Published: January 2011

magnified image

Symptoms related to myocardial ischemia, for the most part, are due to high‐grade epicardial coronary artery stenoses. However, in some instances at coronary angiography, no such lesions are seen to account for symptoms due to an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and myocardial oxygen demand. Thus, the finding of normal or nonobstructive epicardial coronary arteries at coronary angiography does not exclude the presence of myocardial ischemia in some patients. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The author has no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Pyrido[1,2‐a]benzimidazole‐Based Agents Active Against Tuberculosis (TB), Multidrug‐Resistant (MDR) TB and Extensively Drug‐Resistant (XDR) TB
Authors: Pieroni Marco , Tipparaju Suresh K. , Lun Shichun , Song Yang , Sturm A. Willem , Bishai William R. , Kozikowski Alan P.
Published: January 2011

The struggle against tuberculosis (TB) is still far from over. TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is one of the deadliest infections worldwide. Co‐infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the emergence of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) and extensively drug‐resistant tuberculosis (XDR‐TB) strains have further increased the burden for this disease. Herein, we report the discovery of 2‐(4‐chlorobenzyl)‐3‐methyl‐1‐oxo‐1H,5H‐pyrido[1,2‐a]benzimidazole‐4‐carbonitrile as an effective antitubercular agent and the structural modifications of this molecule that have led to analogues with improved potency and lower toxicity. A number of these derivatives were also active at sub‐micromolar concentrations against resistant TB strains and devoid of apparent toxicity to Vero cells, thereby underscoring their value as novel scaffolds for the development of new anti‐TB drugs.
Soybean Oil–Isosorbide‐Based Waterborne Polyurethane–Urea Dispersions
Authors: Xia Ying , Larock Richard C.
Published: January 2011

A series of soybean oil‐based amide diol‐isosorbide waterborne polyurethane–urea (PUU) dispersions have been successfully prepared, with amounts of isosorbide ranging from 0 to 20 wt % of the total diol content. The thermal and mechanical properties of the resulting PUU films have been characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical testing. The results reveal that the glass transition temperature is increased with increased amounts of isosorbide, and the mechanical properties are improved significantly with the incorporation of isosorbide. For example, the Young’s modulus increases from 2.3 to 63 MPa and the ultimate tensile strength increases from 0.7 to 8.2 MPa when the isosorbide amount is increased from 0 to 20 wt %. The thermal stability decreases slightly with the incorporation of isosorbide. This work provides a new way of utilizing biorenewable materials, such as isosorbide and a soybean oil‐based amide diol, for the preparation of high‐performance polyurethane–urea coatings.
Otx genes in neurogenesis of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Simeone Antonio , Puelles Eduardo , Omodei Daniela , Acampora Dario , Di Giovannantonio Luca Giovanni , Di Salvio Michela , Mancuso Pietro , Tomasetti Carmine
Published: January 2011

Mesencephalic‐diencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons play a relevant role in the control of movement, behavior, and cognition. Indeed loss and/or abnormal functioning of mdDA neurons are responsible for Parkinson's disease as well as for addictive and psychiatric disorders. In the last years a wealth of information has been provided on gene functions controlling identity, fate, and proliferation of mdDA progenitors. This review will focus on the role exerted by Otx genes in early decisions regulating sequential steps required for the neurogenesis of mesencephalic dopaminergic (mesDA) neurons. In this context, the regulatory network involving Otx functional interactions with signaling molecules and transcription factors required to promote or prevent the development of mesDA neurons will be analyzed in detail. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71:665–679, 2011
Electrochemical Detection of Uric Acid in Mixed and Clinical Samples: A Review
Authors: Lakshmi Dhana , Whitcombe Michael J. , Davis Frank , Sharma Piyush Sindhu , Prasad Bhim Bali
Published: January 2011

The present review has sought to explore the technological advances that have been made in recent years towards the selective analysis of uric acid and critically evaluate how they could, in fact, be exploited as a basis for a multi analyte sensor incorporating uric acid detection. Numerous strategies have evolved in recent years but these have invariably focused on the manufacture and response characterization of discrete sensors. Various methods of obtaining selective detection such as use of uricase enzymes, nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, polymers, conducting polymers and MIPs are also discussed along with the clinical relevance of UA determination.
Pulmonary response to surface‐coated nanotitanium dioxide particles includes induction of acute phase response genes, inflammatory cascades, and changes in microRNAs: A toxicogenomic study
Authors: Halappanavar Sabina , Jackson Petra , Williams Andrew , Jensen Keld A. , Hougaard Karin S. , Vogel Ulla , Yauk Carole L. , Wallin Håkan
Published: January 2011

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nanoTiO2) are used in various applications including in paints. NanoTiO2 inhalation may induce pulmonary toxicity and systemic effects. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, the effects of inhaled surface‐coated nanoTiO2 on pulmonary global messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) expression in mouse were characterized to provide insight into the molecular response. Female C57BL/6BomTac mice were exposed for 1 hr daily to 42.4 ± 2.9 (SEM) mg surface‐coated nanoTiO2/m3 for 11 consecutive days by inhalation and were sacrificed 5 days following the last exposure. Physicochemical properties of the particles were determined. Pulmonary response to nanoTiO2 was characterized using DNA microarrays and pathway‐specific PCR arrays and related to data on pulmonary inflammation from bronchial lavages. NanoTiO2 exposure resulted in increased levels of mRNA for acute phase markers serum amyloid A‐1 (Saa1) and serum amyloid A‐3 (Saa3), several C‐X‐C and C‐C motif chemokines, and cytokine tumor necrosis factor genes. Protein analysis of Saa1 and 3 showed selective upregulation of Saa3 in lung tissues. Sixteen miRNAs were induced by more than 1.2‐fold (adjusted P‐value < 0.05) following exposure. Real time polymerase chain reaction confirmed the upregulation of miR‐1, miR‐449a and revealed dramatic induction of miR‐135b (60‐fold). Thus, inhalation of surface‐coated nanoTiO2 results in changes in the expression of genes associated with acute phase, inflammation and immune response 5 days post exposure with concomitant changes in several miRNAs. The role of these miRNAs in pulmonary response to inhaled particles is unknown and warrants further research. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parachuting in the epigenome: the biology of gene vector insertion profiles in the context of clinical trials
Authors: Baum Christopher
Published: January 2011

Retroviral pre‐integration complexes (PICs) provide a most efficient mechanism to integrate foreign DNA into cellular chromatin. This has made retrovirus‐based vectors a preferred tool for gene delivery in therapeutic settings where the chromosomal integration of a recombinant expression cassette that encodes a protein of interest can lead to a long‐lasting correction of monogenetic diseases (so‐called gene addition strategy). However, the efficiency of retroviral gene addition comes at the expense of a lack of precision in the choice of the integration site. Insertional mutagenesis with potential activation of proto‐oncogenes as a first hit in a multistep scenario of cancer development thus represents one of the major hurdles to a more widespread exploration of gene‐based treatments (Kustikova et al, 2010). To date, four clinical trials were reported to be associated with severe adverse reactions induced by insertional mutagenesis in haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSC/P); two targeting the X‐linked form of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID‐X1), one targeting chronic granulomatous disease, and most recently another trial exploring gene therapy for the Wiskott–Aldrich‐Syndrome. In contrast, in the SCID caused by mutations in the gene encoding the metabolic enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA), retroviral gene addition so far has been free of such complications. Furthermore, numerous trials using similar gene vectors to transfer genes into mature T cells have not been complicated by clonal outgrowth. This explains the great interest in a deeper understanding of retroviral vector–host interactions in the therapeutic setting of SCID‐ADA.
Important technologies applied for UHV AC substations in Japan
Authors: Yamagata Yoshibumi , Ono Masatomo , Sasamori Kenji , Uehara Kyoichi
Published: January 2011

The Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc (TEPCO) plans 1100 kV power network system in Japan in order to meet the steady increasing demand for electricity. Four‐hundred kilometer 1100‐kV‐designed double‐circuit transmission lines have already been constructed and are now operated at 550 kV. 1100‐kV substation equipment has also been developed.

To realize the best design technically and economically throughout the transmission line and the substation, important technical solutions for network problems peculiar to the ultra high voltage (UHV) system have been introduced. They include insulation coordination, overvoltage countermeasures, and fast multi‐phase reclosing systems with high speed earthing switches (HSESs). The overvoltage countermeasures are realized by high performance metal oxide surge arresters (MOSAs), gas circuit breakers (GCBs) with closing/opening resistor, and disconnectors (DSs) with resistor. These sophisticated technologies realize highly reliable and economical UHV substations and transmission lines.

This paper describes important, fundamental, and specific requirements for UHV substations such as their compactness, economical view, and environmental harmony. There are many technical/economical aspects to be considered on UHV substation and based on those considerations: (a) compactness, (b) less impacts to the environment, (c) optimizing cost, could be fulfilled.

This paper also describes the technologies addressed to UHV class components such as the introduction of new concept “on‐site assembly transformer,” VFTO reduction countermeasure and the necessity of full‐scale seismic qualification test. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observer‐based model following discrete sliding mode PSS for single machine system
Authors: Yazici I. , Ozdemir A.
Published: January 2011

Power system stabilisers (PSSs) are added to excitation systems of a synchronous generator as a supplementary controller to improve the dynamic stability of a power system by damping the electromechanical oscillations occured in the system. Over the last four decades various approaches, such as phase lead‐lag, Proportional‐Integral‐Derivative (PID), linear quadratic regulator, H∞, sliding mode controller (SMC) and etc., have been reported in the literature for the PSS design. The SMC has some advantages, such as parameter insensitivity and realisation simplicity, over the other approaches. To the best of our knowledge, observer‐based model following discrete SMC (OMFDSMC) method has not been used in the PSS design. Therefore, this paper is the first study that used OMFDSMC method in the PSS design in the literature. Simulation results show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed OMFDSMC‐based PSS under normal load operations, operating point and parameters variation conditions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Altered default mode network connectivity in alzheimer's disease—A resting functional MRI and bayesian network study
Authors: Wu Xia , Li Rui , Fleisher Adam S. , Reiman Eric M. , Guan Xiaoting , Zhang Yumei , Chen Kewei , Yao Li
Published: January 2011

A number of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies reported the existence of default mode network (DMN) and its disruption due to the presence of a disease such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this investigation, first, we used the independent component analysis (ICA) technique to confirm the DMN difference between patients with AD and normal control (NC) reported in previous studies. Consistent with the previous studies, the decreased resting‐state functional connectivity of DMN in AD was identified in posterior cingulated cortex (PCC), medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), inferior parietal cortex (IPC), inferior temporal cortex (ITC), and hippocampus (HC). Moreover, we introduced Bayesian network (BN) to study the effective connectivity of DMN and the difference between AD and NC. When compared the DMN effective connectivity in AD with the one in NC using a nonparametric random permutation test, we found that connections from left HC to left IPC, left ITC to right HC, right HC to left IPC, to MPFC and to PCC were all lost. In addition, in AD group, the connection directions between right HC and left HC, between left HC and left ITC, and between right IPC and right ITC were opposite to those in NC group. The connections of right HC to other regions, except left HC, within the BN were all statistically in‐distinguishable from 0, suggesting an increased right hippocampal pathological and functional burden in AD. The altered effective connectivity in patients with AD may reveal more characteristics of the disease and may serve as a potential biomarker. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reliability of functional magnetic resonance imaging associative encoding memory paradigms in non‐demented elderly adults
Authors: Putcha Deepti , O'Keefe Kelly , LaViolette Pete , O'Brien Jackie , Greve Doug , Rentz Dorene M. , Locascio Joseph , Atri Alireza , Sperling Reisa
Published: January 2011

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) holds significant potential to aid in the development of early interventions to improve memory function, and to assess longitudinal change in memory systems in aging and early Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the test–retest reliability of hippocampal activation and of “beneficial” deactivation in the precuneus has yet to be fully established during memory encoding tasks in older subjects. Using a mixed block and event‐related face‐name associative encoding paradigm, we assessed the reliability of hippocampal activation and default network deactivation over a 4‐ to 6‐week interscan interval in 27 older individuals who were cognitively normal [Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) Scale = 0; n = 18] or mildly impaired (CDR = 0.5; n = 9). Reliability was assessed in whole brain maps and regions of interest using both a full‐task paradigm of six functional runs as well as an abbreviated paradigm of the first two functional runs, which would be advantageous for use in clinical trials. We found reliable hippocampal signal response across both block‐ and event‐related designs in the right hippocampus. Comparable reliability in hippocampal activation was found in the full and the abbreviated paradigm. Similar reliability in hippocampal activation was observed across both CDR groups overall, but the CDR 0.5 group was more variable in left hippocampal activity. Task‐related deactivation in the precuneus demonstrated much greater variability than hippocampal activation in all analyses. Overall, these results are encouraging for the utility of fMRI in “Proof of Concept” clinical trials investigating the efficacy of potentially therapeutic agents for treatment of age‐related memory changes, cognitive impairment, and early AD. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Do we mind other minds when we mind other minds' actions? A functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Wurm Moritz F. , von Cramon D. Yves , Schubotz Ricarda I.
Published: January 2011

Action observation engages higher motor areas, possibly reflecting an internal simulation. However, actions considered odd or unusual were found to trigger additional activity in the so‐called theory of mind (ToM) network, pointing to deliberations on the actor's mental states. In this functional magnetic resonance imaging study, the hypothesis was tested that an allocentric perspective on a normal action, and even more so the sight of the actor's face, suffices to evoke ToM activity. Subjects observed short videos of object manipulation filmed from either the egocentric or the allocentric perspective, the latter including the actor's face in half of the trials. On the basis of a regions of interest analysis using ToM coordinates, we found increased neural activity in several regions of the ToM network. First, perceiving actions from an allocentric compared with the egocentric perspective enhanced activity in the left temporoparietal junction (TPJ). Second, the presence of the actor's face enhanced activation in the TPJ bilaterally, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Finally, the mPFC and PCC showed increased responses when the actor changed with respect to the preceding trial. These findings were further corroborated by zmap findings for the latter two contrasts. Together, findings indicate that observation of normal everyday actions can engage ToM areas and that an allocentric perspective, seeing the actor's face and seeing a face switch, are effective triggers. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inverse association between toothbrushing and upper aerodigestive tract cancer risk in a Japanese population
Authors: Sato Fumihito , Oze Isao , Kawakita Daisuke , Yamamoto Noriyuki , Ito Hidemi , Hosono Satoyo , Suzuki Takeshi , Kawase Takakazu , Furue Hiroki , Watanabe Miki , Hatooka Shunzo , Yatabe Yasushi , Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Shinoda Masayuki , Ueda Minoru , Tajima Kazuo , Tanaka Hideo , Matsuo Keitaro
Published: January 2011

Background

Oral hygiene is attracting increasing attention as a potential risk factor for cancers. To investigate the association between toothbrushing frequency and upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancer, the authors conducted a large‐scale case‐control study.

Methods

A total of 856 UADT cancer case participants and 2696 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects without cancer were included. Edentulous or participants with unknown frequency of toothbrushing or number of remaining teeth were excluded. Associations were assessed by odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals in logistic regression models with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

Compared with toothbrushing once per day, the adjusted odds ratio for brushing twice or more was 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.68, 0.99) whereas that for not brushing was 1.79 (0.79, 4.05). This association was observed especially in subjects who had a history of heavy smoking or drinking.

Conclusions

The authors suggest that toothbrushing could have a protective effect for UADT cancer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
An experimental study on pool boiling of milk
Authors: Kumar Mahesh , Prakash Om , Kasana K.S.
Published: January 2011

This research paper reports the results for convective heat transfer coefficient and nucleate boiling heat flux for pool boiling of milk during khoa making. Various indoor experiments were conducted for different heat flux inputs varying from 9638.55 to 14457.83 W/m2. Experimental data obtained for pool boiling of milk were analyzed by using the Rohsenow correlation with the help of simple linear regression analysis. The convective heat transfer coefficients were estimated in the range of 334.48 to 837.78 W/m2 °C for the given heat inputs. The results for heat flux were found to be varying from 3344.8 to 8377.8 W/m2 at 10 °C excess temperature of the aluminum pot surface above the saturation temperature of the milk. The experimental errors in terms of percent uncertainty were also calculated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20336
Microwave‐assisted expeditious synthesis of novel benzo[b][1,8]‐naphthyridine‐3‐carbonitriles
Authors: Singh Satish Kumar , Singh Krishna Nand
Published: January 2011

A rapid and facile method for the synthesis of novel 5‐amino‐2‐sulfanyl tetrahydrobenzo[b][1,8]‐naphthyridine‐3‐carbonitrile derivatives has been developed by the treatment of 2‐amino‐3,5‐dicarbonitrile‐6‐sulfanyl pyridines with cyclohexanone in the presence of anhydrous aluminium chloride in dry dichloromethane under controlled microwave irradiation. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 00, 00 (2011).
Biaryl sulfonamides from O‐acetyl amidoximes: 1,2,4‐Oxadiazole cyclization under acidic conditions
Authors: Dosa Stefan , Daniels Jörg , Gütschow Michael
Published: January 2011

A series of 4‐cyanobenzenesulfonamides (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h) was converted to the corresponding O‐acetylated amidoximes (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h). The reaction of 1a was exemplarily investigated with respect to the formation of a byproduct, which was identified as 1,2,4‐oxadiazole derivative 3a. This observation led to the development of an improved procedure for the preparation of 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h. Compounds 2 could be transformed to 1,2,4‐oxadiazoles 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h in high yields and purity upon heating in acetic acid. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Selective substitution reactions of methoxycarbonylamino‐1‐(1‐benzotriazolyl)alkanes with active methylene compounds
Authors: Zhou Liejin , Lv Xin , Mao Hui , Wang Xiaoxia
Published: January 2011

Benzotriazole adducts methoxycarbonylamino‐1‐(1‐benzotriazolyl)alkanes 1 were derived from the condensation of an aldehyde, benzotriazole, and methylcarbamate. The leaving tendency of methoxycarbonylamino group (MeOCONH) and benzotriazole group (Bt) was investigated by treatment of the adducts with active methylene compounds under either Lewis acid‐catalyzed or basic conditions. In the presence of SmI3, MeOCONH take priority over Bt in the leaving process, whereas in the presence of MeONa, the Bt was substituted in preference. Thus, the tunable substitution of the two leaving groups could be used for different synthetic purposes. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 00, 00 (2011).