bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Nucleic Acid Biosensors for the Detection of Interaction Between Peroxynitrite and DNA
Authors: de la Fuente Elizabeth , Villagra Gonzalo , Bollo Soledad
Published: June 2007

We studied the reactivity of peroxynitrite and different nucleic acid molecules using DNA electrochemical biosensors. SIN‐1 (3‐morpholinosydnonimine) has been used for the simultaneous generation of NO⋅and superoxide, i.e., as a peroxynitrite (ONOO−) donor. Double strand DNA (dsDNA), single strand DNA (ssDNA) and 15 guanine bases oligonucleotide (Oligo(dG)15) were immobilized on a carbon paste electrode to generate the biosensor and DPV was selected as the electroanalytical technique. Results showed that electrochemical biosensors were very sensitive for detecting interaction between ONOO− and DNA. A down/up effect was observed, i.e., at low ONOO− concentrations the guanine oxidation signal decreased while at high ONOO− concentrations the guanine oxidation current increased. Oligo(dG)15 exhibited greater interaction at low ONOO− concentrations than the other DNA molecules. The reactivity between ONOO− and DNA was also evaluated in solution phase, showing the same down/up effect. Finally, the capacity of DNA to hybridize was prevented after interaction with ONOO−.
Detection of NADH and Ethanol at Titanium Containing MCM‐41 with Low Overpotential
Authors: Dai Zhihui , Lu Guofei , Bao Jianchun , Huang Xiaohua , Ju Huangxian
Published: June 2007

Titanium‐containing MCM‐41 (Ti‐MCM‐41) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) can exhibit an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of β‐Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). A dramatic decrease in the overvoltage of NADH oxidation reaction is observed at 0.28 V vs. SCE. The application in the amperometric biosensing of ethanol using alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme (ADH) also has been demonstrated with this material. The proposed sensor shows a highly sensitivity, an acceptable reproducibility and a good stability. The linear range of ethanol is 25–1000 μM and the detection limit is 8.0 μM. Ti‐MCM‐41 modified electrode not only can be used to detect the concentration of NADH in biochemical reaction, but also as the potential matrix for the construction of dehydrogenases sensor.
Electrochemical Determination of Ascorbic Acid in Room Temperature Ionic Liquid BPPF6 Modified Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Sun Wei , Yang Maoxia , Gao Ruifang , Jiao Kui
Published: June 2007

A room temperature ionic liquid N‐butylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate (BPPF6) was used as a binder to make an ionic liquid modified carbon paste electrode (IL‐CPE), which showed good characteristics such as simple preparation procedure, fast electrochemical response and good conductivity. The electrochemical oxidation of ascorbic acid (AA) on the new IL‐CPE was carefully studied. The oxidation peak potential of AA on the IL‐CPE appeared at 109 mV (vs. SCE), which was about 338 mV decrease of the overpotential compared to that obtained on the traditional carbon paste electrode (CPE) and the oxidation peak current was increased for about four times. The electrochemical parameters of AA on the IL‐CPE were calculated with the charge transfer coefficient (α) and the electrode reaction rate constant (ks) as 0.87 and 0.800 s−1, respectively. Based on the relationship of the oxidation peak current and the concentration of AA a sensitive analytical method was established with cyclic voltammetry. The linear range for AA determination was in the range from 1.0×10−5 to 3.0×10−3 mol/L with the linear regression equation as Ip (μA)=−2.52–0.064C (μmol/L) (n=13, γ=0.9942) and the detection limit was calculated as 8.0×10−6 mol/L (3σ). The proposed method was free of the interferences of coexisting substances such as dopamine (DA) and amino acids etc., and successfully applied to the vitamin C tablets determination.
Probabilistic seismic demand analysis using advanced ground motion intensity measures
Authors: Tothong Polsak , Luco Nicolas
Published: June 2007

One of the objectives in performance‐based earthquake engineering is to quantify the seismic reliability of a structure at a site. For that purpose, probabilistic seismic demand analysis (PSDA) is used as a tool to estimate the mean annual frequency of exceeding a specified value of a structural demand parameter (e.g. interstorey drift). This paper compares and contrasts the use, in PSDA, of certain advanced scalar versus vector and conventional scalar ground motion intensity measures (IMs). One of the benefits of using a well‐chosen IM is that more accurate evaluations of seismic performance are achieved without the need to perform detailed ground motion record selection for the nonlinear dynamic structural analyses involved in PSDA (e.g. record selection with respect to seismic parameters such as earthquake magnitude, source‐to‐site distance, and ground motion epsilon). For structural demands that are dominated by a first mode of vibration, using inelastic spectral displacement (Sdi) can be advantageous relative to the conventionally used elastic spectral acceleration (Sa) and the vector IM consisting of Sa and epsilon (ε). This paper demonstrates that this is true for ordinary and for near‐source pulse‐like earthquake records. The latter ground motions cannot be adequately characterized by either Sa alone or the vector of Sa and ε. For structural demands with significant higher‐mode contributions (under either of the two types of ground motions), even Sdi (alone) is not sufficient, so an advanced scalar IM that additionally incorporates higher modes is used. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost related optimum design method for overhead high voltage transmission lines
Authors: Ekonomou L. , Fotis G. P. , Maris T. I.
Published: June 2007

The design of transmission lines is often the key issue for the existence or absence of failures caused by lightning. Detailed engineering studies are usually performed by electric power utilities for the design of new transmission lines. However, there are also cases where the design is based simply on tradition or on utilities' standardization policy. The paper presents a cost related method for the optimum design of overhead high voltage transmission lines, which intends to reduce or even eliminate the lightning failures. Lightning failures' cost is related to design parameters' cost in order to calculate the optimum and most economic design parameter values. In order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, the method is applied on several operating Hellenic transmission lines of 150 and 400 kV, respectively, carefully selected among others, due to their high failure rates during lightning thunderstorms. Special attention has been paid on open loop lines, where a possible failure in them could bring the system out of service causing significant problems. The proposed parameters that occurred by the design method and which reduce the failure rates caused by lightning, are compared with the operating transmission lines' existing design parameters showing the usefulness of the method, which can be proved a valuable tool for the studies of electric power systems designers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor LOH analysis provides reliable linkage information for prenatal genetic testing of sporadic NF1 patients
Authors: Serra Eduard , Pros Eva , García Carles , López Eva , Gili M. Lluïsa , Gómez Carolina , Ravella Anna , Capellá Gabriel , Blanco Ignacio , Lázaro Conxi
Published: June 2007

The neurofibromatosis type 1 gene has one of the highest mutation rates in humans: about 50% of NF1 patients are de novo cases. Although direct mutation characterization has greatly improved over the past decade, in the context of clinical genetics services worldwide, there is still a significant number of patients for which, while fulfilling NF1 clinical criteria, no constitutive mutation is found at a desired time. This is particularly critical for prenatal genetic testing of sporadic cases. Here we describe the use of loss of heterozygosity information in neurofibromas to obtain linkage information on the affected NF1 haplotype, which may be applied for prenatal testing in sporadic patients. However, proper genetic counseling should be provided regarding the possibility of somatic mosaicism. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alterations of the sense of self and personality in Parkinson's disease
Authors: McNamara Patrick , Durso Raymon , Harris Erica
Published: June 2007

Purpose

We hypothesized that alterations of subcomponents (‘harm‐avoidance’) of personality and the sense of Self in patients with PD would be associated with executive cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

Thirty‐four patients with PD and 17 age‐matched controls with chronic disease were assessed with a set of neuropsychologic, personality and mood tests as well as an experimental assessment of the sense of Self.

Results

On personality and self tests, PD patients evidenced higher harm avoidance, lower novelty seeking scores, and lower recall rates of personally experienced events from childhood than controls and this PD personality profile was associated with poor performance on neuropsychologic tests of executive prefrontal function. PD patients, however, did not differ significantly from controls in their subjectively felt congruence between their present Selves and their hoped‐for Selves.

Conclusions

We suggest that harm‐avoidance personality and Self‐related changes of PD are due, in part, to a memory disorder associated with frontal dysfunction. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dissociation between objective psychomotor impairment and subjective sleepiness after diazepam administration in the aged people
Authors: Echizenya Masaru , Mishima Kazuo , Satoh Kohtoku , Kusanagi Hiroaki , Ohkubo Tadashi , Shimizu Tetsuo
Published: June 2007

The aim of the present study was to clarify whether subjective sleepiness accurately reflects benzodiazepine‐related decline in psychomotor function after taking benzodiazepines (BZPs) in aged people. Subjects were eight healthy, young (mean age, 19.8 years) and seven healthy, older (mean age, 60.9 years) men. Placebo and diazepam (DZP) were administered orally in a single‐blind crossover manner to the young subjects (placebo, 5 mg DZP and 10 mg DZP) and to the older subjects (placebo and 5 mg DZP). Plasma drug concentration, choice reaction time (CRT) as an objective measure of psychomotor function, and the Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) as a measure of subjective sleepiness were monitored every 20 min from 1000 until 1600 h, being the drug administered at 1200 h. Pharmacokinetic variables did not differ significantly between the two age groups. DZP at 10 mg in young subjects induced significant increases in both the CRT and SSS score. DZP at 5 mg induced no significant increase in SSS score in either age group but did induce a significant increase in CRT only in the older subjects that matched that in young subjects given 10 mg DZP. The older subjects suffered from dissociation between subjective sleepiness and objective psychomotor impairment under DZP treatment. Such individuals may underestimate the detrimental effects on brain function. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parameter estimation in semi‐distributed hydrological catchment modelling using a multi‐criteria objective function
Authors: Rouhani Hamed , Willems Patrick , Wyseure Guido , Feyen Jan
Published: June 2007

Output generated by hydrologic simulation models is traditionally calibrated and validated using split‐samples of observed time series of total water flow, measured at the drainage outlet of the river basin. Although this approach might yield an optimal set of model parameters, capable of reproducing the total flow, it has been observed that the flow components making up the total flow are often poorly reproduced. Previous research suggests that notwithstanding the underlying physical processes are often poorly mimicked through calibration of a set of parameters hydrologic models most of the time acceptably estimates the total flow. The objective of this study was to calibrate and validate a computer‐based hydrologic model with respect to the total and slow flow. The quick flow component used in this study was taken as the difference between the total and slow flow. Model calibrations were pursued on the basis of comparing the simulated output with the observed total and slow flow using qualitative (graphical) assessments and quantitative (statistical) indicators. The study was conducted using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model and a 10‐year historical record (1986–1995) of the daily flow components of the Grote Nete River basin (Belgium). The data of the period 1986–1989 were used for model calibration and data of the period 1990–1995 for model validation. The predicted daily average total flow matched the observed values with a Nash–Sutcliff coefficient of 0·67 during calibration and 0·66 during validation. The Nash–Sutcliff coefficient for slow flow was 0·72 during calibration and 0·61 during validation. Analysis of high and low flows indicated that the model is unbiased. A sensitivity analysis revealed that for the modelling of the daily total flow, accurate estimation of all 10 calibration parameters in the SWAT model is justified, while for the slow flow processes only 4 out of the set of 10 parameters were identified as most sensitive. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impacts of climate variability on stream‐flow in the Yellow River
Authors: Fu Guobin , Charles Stephen P. , Viney Neil R. , Chen Shulin , Wu Joan Q.
Published: June 2007

This paper examines the impacts of climate variability upon the regional hydrological regimes of the Yellow River in China. Results indicate that the average annual precipitation is 494·8 mm in La Niña years and only 408·8 mm in El Niño years. The difference is 86·0 mm, or 18·8% over the long‐term average. The stream‐flows in the La Niña years are higher than that in El Niño years: 9·2% at the Lan‐Zhou station, 9·5% for Tou‐Dao‐Guai station, 11·8% for Long‐Men, 17·6% for San‐Men‐Xia, 19·2% at the Hua‐Yuan‐Hou station, and 22·0% at the Li‐Jin station. Both precipitation and stream‐flow responses show temporal and spatial patterns. The relationship among the stream‐flow, precipitation, and temperature, which was obtained by ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst based on observed data, indicates stream‐flow is sensitive to both precipitation and temperature. For small precipitation increases (less than 13%), the stream‐flow percentage change is less than the precipitation change for the Yellow River. The results of this paper can be used as a reference for watershed water resources planning and management to maintain the healthy life and proper function of the river. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is fractal dispersion subdiffusive or superdiffusive? A theoretical investigation
Authors: Carlier E.
Published: June 2007

A probabilistic approach is used to simulate particle tracking along a fractal path. The particle tracking is modelled as the sum of elementary steps with independent random variables. An exponential distribution is obtained for each elementary step and a Gamma distribution or probability density function is then deduced. The relationship between fractal dispersivity and the elementary step is given. It is theoretically demonstrated that the fractal dispersion is subdiffusive and that the linear dispersion coefficient and the linear dispersivity decrease with the mean travel distance. A review of some fractal models showing an increase of the linear dispersivity is given and an explanation that shows why these models may be not correct is proposed. It is shown that the results presented are in agreement with other studies relating to the application of the fractional calculus to diffusion transport. Lastly, a relation between the fractal dimension and the order of the fractional Langevin equation is proposed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mouse femoral intramedullary injection model: Technique and microCT scan validation
Authors: Zilber Sébastien , Epstein Noah J. , Lee Sheen‐Woo , Larsen Meegan , Ma Ting , Smith Robert L. , Biswal Sandip , Goodman Stuart B.
Published: June 2007

The murine femoral intramedullary injection model is frequently used to examine the in vivo effects of biomaterials or cancer cells. The surgical technique includes a knee arthrotomy with patellar dislocation for intramedullary access. This study examined a less invasive surgical approach of direct injection of particles via the transpatellar tendon without patellar dislocation. By using polymethylmethacrylate injection and μCT scan, we found that, compared with the traditional technique, this new approach was more reproducible, less time consuming, and achieved identical volumes of intramedullary injections. Animal morbidity and the biomechanics of the joints were also improved as a result of the simplified procedure. Furthermore, our study suggested that an intramedullary volume in excess of 10 μL can lead to major vascular filling and so should be avoided. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
The receptor attributable to C‐type natriuretic peptide‐induced differentiation of osteoblasts is switched from type B‐ to type C‐natriuretic peptide receptor with aging
Authors: Kaneki Hiroyuki , Kurokawa Minoru , Ide Hayao
Published: June 2007

C‐type natriuretic peptide (CNP) stimulates the differentiation and inhibits the proliferation of osteoblastic lineage cells. In this study, we examined whether the effects of CNP on osteoblastic functions change with aging using calvarial osteoblast‐like cells from 25‐week‐old (young) and 120‐week‐old (aged) rats. CNP inhibited DNA synthesis and stimulated collagen synthesis and mineralized bone nodule formation. These effects were less pronounced in aged rat cells, suggesting the age‐related attenuation of CNP‐induced signaling. They were also blocked by the treatment of young rat cells with KT5823, a protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor, but not by the treatment of aged rat cells with KT5823. CNP stimulated cGMP production in young rat cells, but not in aged rat cells. Natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR)‐B, which has a guanylyl cyclase activity domain, and NPR‐C, which has no enzyme activity domain, were predominantly expressed in young and aged rat cells, respectively. C‐ANF, an NPR‐C agonist, mimicked the effects of CNP on the proliferation and differentiation of aged rat cells; these effects were inhibited by the treatment with pertussis toxin (PTX), a Gi protein inhibitor. CNP and C‐ANF evoked intracellular levels of inositol‐1,4,5‐triphosphate and Ca2+, which are markers for phospholiase C (PLC) activation, in aged rat cells, and the effects of these two peptides were also blocked by the treatment with PTX. From these results, we concluded that CNP acts as a positive regulator of bone formation by osteoblasts and that the signaling pathway for CNP is switched from NPR‐B/cGMP/PKG to NPR‐C/Gi protein/PLC with aging. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 753–764, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A paradox of alliance management: resource contamination in the recorded music industry
Authors: Gander Jonathan , Haberberg Adrian , Rieple Alison
Published: June 2007

This paper deals with the problem of resource contamination in alliances, where incompatible resources may be transferred into or accessed by partner firms, thereby devaluing their own resources. Theory explains how collaborations between organizations can allow mutually beneficial resource combinations through the transfer of, or access to, the assets and/or capabilities of each partner. Research has focused on how to facilitate intended resource transfer while limiting unplanned appropriation of other resources. Here, we address how organizations can protect themselves from contamination by their partners. Resource inimicality arises from idiosyncratic path‐dependent processes that create organizations with very different skills, assets and institutions. Thus, a paradox emerges where resources that are complementary may nonetheless be hostile if brought together in one firm: the exposure of one partner to another may erode the distinctive properties that make the partnership valuable. This paper explores this resource contamination perspective using interview data from managers of one Major music company and several smaller Independent partners. In this industry it is common for collaborations to occur between organizations whose resources are focused on the identification and creation of new artistic products, and partners whose resources exploit such products. These resources are complementary but also potentially hostile. We discuss the role of institutional structures and boundary spanners, individuals who mediate resource transfer across the organizations' boundaries, in resolving this paradox and inhibiting contamination. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can quarries supplement rare xeric habitats in a piedmont region? Spiders of the Blansky les Mts, Czech Republic
Authors: Tropek R. , Konvicka M.
Published: June 2007

Although there is growing evidence that post‐industrial barrens such as quarries can harbour a substantial proportion of species diversity formerly associated with traditional rural landscapes, most of the evidence originated from limestone quarries in relatively warm areas, while minimum studies exist for cool regions and acidic substrates. We used pitfall trapping to study spiders colonising three quarries in a piedmont region of southwestern Czech Republic. We compare samples from the quarries with adjoining seminatural localities using both univariate and multivariate analyses. Samples from the quarries contained less species per trap, but endangered species occurred both in the quarries and outside of them, and some were sampled in the quarries only. Compared to the seminatural localities, quarries were colonised by species preferring lighter and more open vegetation. These species had, in average, more restricted distribution in the Czech Republic, suggesting that the quarries indeed attracted specialists of early successional habitats that are increasingly rare in modern landscapes. Prospects of such species depend on future restoration policy in existing quarries. To safeguard them, spontaneous succession should be preferred over engineered reclamation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanotechnology and lipids
Authors: Farhang Bita
Published: June 2007

Making high‐quality and smart products at a very low cost, better‐designed, safer, longer lasting, cheaper are every industrial sectors desire. How we can achieve this? The answer is by nanotechnology, a new revolution in technology, which will affect most sectors of business including the food market. Making a healthy fried product with no off‐flavor, a healthy ice–cream with low fat, effective antioxidants and more are new innovations in oils and fats industry powered by nanotechnology.
Radiosensitizing effects of plumbagin in cervical cancer cells is through modulation of apoptotic pathway
Authors: Nair Sreekala , Nair Raghu Ram K. , Srinivas Priya , Srinivas Gopal , Pillai M. Radhakrishna
Published: June 2007

Radiotherapy is the primary line of cancer treatment for cervical cancer and is known to induce cell death in tumors. Radiotherapy is however limited by the total dose that can be given without damaging normal tissue. Plumbagin, a naturally occurring naphthaquinone, has been reported to have free radical producing properties. Hence we hypothesized that plumbagin could also have properties that could modify effects of radiation on cervical cancer cells. Radiation in combination with plumbagin may thus have treatment augmenting effects. Results from our studies have shown that a lower dose of radiation in combination with plumbagin could induce apoptosis more effectively compared to a higher dose of radiation alone. Plumbagin in combination with 2 Gy of radiation was very effective in inducing apoptosis, when compared to a higher radiation dose of 10 Gy alone. This combination also showed a fivefold increase in the activation of caspase 3 in C33A cells. Activation of effector caspases confirms that the induction of apoptosis by irradiation and plumbagin involves caspase‐dependent pathways. Expression of apoptotic regulatory molecules Bcl‐2, Bax and Survivin was also modulated by plumbagin in combination with radiation. In summary, this study shows that a combination of plumbagin and radiation augmented cell growth inhibition compared to higher radiation dose alone, thus indicating that plumbagin may be a potential radiosensitizer acting through the induction of apoptosis. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DFT studies of the conformational/structural dependencies of geminal 1H,1H scalar coupling 2J(H,H′) in substituted methanes
Authors: Barfield Michael
Published: June 2007

A study is presented of the structural dependencies for scalar, interproton J‐coupling across two bonds in a series of substituted methanes. The coupled perturbed, density functional theory method with a B3PW91 functional and aug‐cc‐pVTZ‐J basis sets is used to examine coupling between geminal protons 2J(H,H′) in methane and a series of substituted compounds CH3X (X = CH3, CH2CH3, CH2, CH, and NH2) as functions of the dihedral angle φ measured about the C1X2 bonds. All four contributions are obtained but all conformational effects are dominated by the Fermi contact term. Simple linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO)‐molecular orbital (MO) sum‐over‐states methods are used to examine the relationships of the coupling constants with dihedral angles as well as internal HCH and HC1X2 angles. This study explores some novel aspects of geminal HH coupling including an analysis of the asymmetry in the conformational dependencies arising from non‐next‐nearest neighbor interactions. For each of the substituted methanes, explicit trigonometric/exponential expressions are given and these accurately reproduce the 2J(H,H′) structural dependencies with standard deviations usually less than 0.03 Hz. The molecular structures for representative bicyclic molecules were fully optimized, and DFT results for 2J(H,H′) reproduce all the trends in the experimental data. A discussion is given on the applicability of the equations for HH coupling in the substituted methanes to coupling in the bicyclic molecules. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantum chemical and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral studies on molecular properties and electronic structure of berberine and berberrubine
Authors: Tripathi A. N. , Chauhan Lata , Thankachan P. P. , Barthwal Ritu
Published: June 2007

The structural and electronic properties of berberine and berberrubine have been studied extensively using density functional theory (DFT) employing B3LYP exchange correlation. The geometries of these molecules have been fully optimized at the B3LYP/6‐311G** level. The chemical shift of 1H and 13C resonances in NMR spectra of these molecules have been calculated using the gauge invariant atomic model (GIAO) method as implemented in Gaussian 98. One‐ and two‐dimensional HSQC (1H13C), HMBC (1H13C) and ROESY (1H1H) spectra were recorded at 500 MHz for the berberine molecule in D2O solution. All proton and carbon resonances were unambiguously assigned, and inter‐proton distances obtained from ten observed NOE contacts. A restrained molecular dynamics (RMD) approach was used to get the optimized solution structure of berberine. The structure of berberine and berberrubine molecules was also obtained using the ROESY data available in literature. Comparison of the calculated NMR chemical shifts with the experimental values revealed that DFT methods produce very good results for both proton and carbon chemical shifts. The importance of the basis sets to the calculated NMR parameters is discussed. It has been found that calculated structure and chemical shifts in the gas phase predicted with B3LYP/6‐311G** are in very good agreement with the present experimental data and the measured values reported earlier. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2J(29SiO29Si) coupling constants in oligosiloxanes
Authors: Kurfürst Milan , Schraml Jan
Published: June 2007

The absolute values of spin–spin couplings between 29Si nuclei in siloxanes, 2J(29SiO29Si), were determined. The couplings are small and cover a narrow range of values (0–5 Hz). The coupling constants depend on the branching or on the number of electronegative substituents on the SiOSi moiety. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H and 13C NMR spectral data of new saponins from Cordia piauhiensis
Authors: Santos Renata P. , Silveira Edilberto R. , Uchôa Daniel Esdras de A. , Pessoa Otília Deusdênia L. , Viana Francisco Arnaldo , Braz‐Filho Raimundo
Published: June 2007

Two new bidesmoside triterpenoid saponins were isolated from stems of Cordia piauhiensis. Their structures, characterized as 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl pomolic acid 28‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl ester (1) and 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1 → 6)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl ester (2), were unequivocally established after extensive NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT 135 , COSY, HSQC, HMBC, TOCSY, and NOESY) studies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
13C‐detected IPAP‐INADEQUATE for simultaneous measurement of one‐bond and long‐range scalar or residual dipolar coupling constants
Authors: Jin Lan , Uhrín Dušan
Published: June 2007

The sensitivity of cryoprobes, which are rapidly becoming available, means that the measurement of coupling constants involving 13C, 13C pairs at the natural abundance of 13C can now, in principle, be done by using tens rather then hundreds of milligrams of compounds. However, a robust method that would yield reliable values of small long‐range carbon‐‐carbon coupling constants is still missing. In this Communication, we describe a novel 13C–detected incredible natural‐abundance double‐quantum transfer experiment (INADEQUATE) experiment for simultaneous correlation of one‐bond and long‐range 13C13C pairs and the measurement of both types of coupling constants in 13C natural abundance samples. This method yields accurate values of one‐bond and long‐range coupling constants by manipulation of pure phase in‐phase (IP) and antiphase (AP) doublets, and is referred to as 13C‐detected IPAP‐INADEQUATE. It is illustrated by the measurement of interglycosidic 3JCCOC coupling constants in a disaccharide molecule providing important information about the conformation of the glycosidic linkage. Owing to the simplicity of INADEQUATE spectra the carbon–carbon coupling constants are particularly suitable for studies of partially oriented molecules through the measurement of carbon–carbon residual dipolar couplings (RDCs). An example of this approach is presented. We expect the method to find a variety of applications in the conformational analysis of small molecules, determination of diastereoisomers and enantiomers, and studies of molecules in aligned media. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poverty and people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Emerson Eric
Published: June 2007

Epidemiological studies have consistently reported a significant association between poverty and the prevalence of intellectual disabilities. The available evidence suggests that this association reflects two distinct processes. First, poverty causes intellectual disabilities, an effect mediated through the association between poverty and exposure to a range of environmental and psychosocial hazards. Second, families supporting a child with intellectual disabilities and adults with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk of experiencing poverty due to the financial and social impact of caring and the exclusion of people with intellectual disabilities from the workforce. It is likely that the association between poverty and intellectual disabilities accounts in part for the health and social inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Implications for policy and practice are discussed in relation to the funding of services for people with intellectual disabilities and preventative approaches to addressing the health and social inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disabilities and their families. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:107–113.
Exterior problem of magnetic field in Darwin model and its numerical solution
Authors: Liao Caixiu , Ying Lung‐An
Published: June 2007

In this paper, we consider the solutions of magnetic field in the Darwin model to the Maxwell's equations in 2D unbounded domain. We first deduce the variational formulation and prove the well‐posedness of the weak solution, and then prove the existence and uniqueness of the infinite element solution. Error estimate and the numerical examples are provided. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Toward a property/function relationship for metallothioneins: Histidine coordination and unusual cluster composition in a zinc‐metallothionein from plants
Authors: Leszczyszyn Oksana I. , Schmid Ralf , Blindauer Claudia A.
Published: June 2007

Early cysteine labeled (EC) proteins are plant metallothioneins, which were first identified in wheat embryos and are thought to be seed‐specific. An exhaustive analysis of expressed sequence tag (EST) entries reveals that homologs are expressed in embryos of both classes of flowering plants (monocotyledons and dicotyledons), but also occur in conifers (gymnosperms) and seed‐free spike moss (lycophyta). Mass spectrometric and elemental analysis results indicate that, contrary to the widely propagated number of five, EC binds predominantly six zinc ions in at least two zinc‐thiolate clusters. 1H and 111Cd NMR experiments suggest that, in contrast to the majority of previously characterized metallothioneins, two conserved histidine residues participate in metal binding. The collected data is consistent with the presence of clusters unprecedented in metallothioneins so far. This novel cluster composition is accompanied by metal‐binding properties that are substantially different from other metallothioneins; thus wheat EC binds zinc less strongly than either mammalian or cyanobacterial MTs. The unique biochemical properties of wheat EC render it ideally suited for a role in zinc donation to nascent proteins during seed development, a role that has been suggested based on the fact that EC is induced by the plant hormone abscisic acid, but not by heavy metals. Our results provide a step further toward developing a property/function relationship for metallothioneins. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficacy of Shirodkar cervical suture in securing hemostasis following surgical evacuation of Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Jurkovic D. , Ben‐Nagi J. , Ofilli‐Yebovi D. , Sawyer E. , Helmy S. , Yazbek J.
Published: June 2007

Objectives

To assess the efficacy of a Shirodkar cervical suture in arresting hemorrhage following surgical removal of a Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy.

Methods

The study included women with an ultrasound diagnosis of Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy who were scheduled for surgical evacuation. After administration of general anesthetic, a Shirodkar cervical suture was inserted using the standard surgical technique. The suture was left untied and the Cesarean scar pregnancy was evacuated under ultrasound guidance using suction curettage. Once the pregnancy had been successfully removed, the suture was tied and 500 µg ergometrine was administered intravenously to ensure uterine contraction. The patients were prescribed prophylactic antibiotics and the suture was removed 7 days later in the outpatient setting, under local anesthetic.

Results

Over a 4‐year period a total of 33 Cesarean scar pregnancies were diagnosed, and 28 (85%) had surgical evacuation. A cervical suture was necessary to achieve hemostasis in 22/28 (79%; 95% CI, 64–94) cases. In the remaining 6/28 (21%; 95% CI, 6–36) cases, the bleeding was minimal and the suture was not tied. The median estimated intraoperative blood loss was 50 (range, 50–1500) mL. Six of 28 (21%; 95% CI, 6–36) women suffered blood loss ≥ 300 mL and two (7%; 95% CI, 0–17) required blood transfusion. One woman (5%; 95% CI, 0–14) required repeat surgery because of retained products of conception. There were no other significant complications and the uterus was preserved successfully in all cases.

Conclusions

Insertion of a Shirodkar cervical suture during the evacuation of a Cesarean scar pregnancy is an effective method for securing hemostasis; it minimizes the need for blood transfusion and ensures preservation of fertility. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of fats and oils in pharmaceuticals
Authors: Jerome Joseph B.
Published: June 2007

The role of fats and oils in pharmaceuticals continues to change. One measure of this change is given by an examination of various national compendia which highlight changes within our own country over the years. These changes are compared with those taking place elsewhere. Attention is also given to the categories of pharmaceutical products utilizing fats and oils.
The role of fats and oils in cosmetics
Authors: Berdick Murray
Published: June 2007

The earliest emollients in the history of cosmetics were the naturally occurring animal fats and vegetable oils. These provided soothing and smoothing action on the skin and grooming effects on head and beard hair. For the most part, odor problems limited the interest in oils derived from fish. With the increasing sophistication of users and increasing understanding of the technology of these materials, the short‐comings of natural fats and oils were overcome in several ways: (a) increased stability through use of antioxidants; (b) reduced odor through improved processing; (c) improved stability and diversification through chemical modification; (d) increased diversity through preparation of derivatives, and (e) substitution of mineral oil. Today the most important single cosmetic use of an unmodified natural fat or oil is that of castor oil as the base for lipsticks. Other unmodified oils have largely minor specialty uses, particularly in higher‐priced cosmetics. These include almond oil, apricot kernel oil, sesame oil, safflower oil, wheat germ oil, avocado oil, turtle oil and mink oil. Cocoa butter is used to some extent in suntan products. Reconstituted fractionated coconut oil is widely used. Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids are increasing in importance. Hydrogenation has produced stable oils useful in cosmetics. Alkyl esters and monoglycerol esters of fatty acids offer a wider range of properties than the original oils. Improvements in the naturally occurring fats and oils have made it possible for them to compete in some characteristics, and current interest in “natural” cosmetics may turn the attention of the cosmetic chemist back to improved versions of the classical raw materials.
Preparation and reactions of fatty acid azirines
Authors: Foglia T. A. , Barr P. A. , Maerker G.
Published: June 2007

The 1‐azirine derivatives ofcis‐9‐octadecene and methyl oleate have been prepared, and some of their reactions have been studied. The preparation of these novel fatty acid derivatives was accomplished in a three‐step synthesis with good overall yields. Addition of the electrophile IN3 to the olefin yielded the β‐iodoazide derivatives of octadecane and stearic acid. Treatment of the latter compounds with base resulted in dehydrohalogenation and gave the vinyl azides. Solution photolysis of the vinyl azides yielded the 1‐azirine derivatives. Reduction of the 1‐azirines with metal hydrides gave the known epimino derivatives of octadecane and octadecanol. Other reducing agents were unsuccessful in preserving the three‐membered ring. Reaction with acids caused the dimerization of the 1‐azirines with formation of tetrasubstituted pyrazines. The 1‐azirines were attacked by acid chlorides and hydrochloric acid to give chlorinated amides as principal products.
Fatty acid polymorph identification by infrared
Authors: Bailey A. V. , Mitcham D. , Pittman R. A. , Sumrell G.
Published: June 2007

IR spectra in the 7.5–25.0 µm region are shown to be unique for polymorphic modifications of long chain saturated fatty acids of even carbon number and also for the individual fatty acids. IR spectra are presented for the A‐, B‐, C‐ and E‐forms of stearic acid and for the C‐form of myristic, palmitic, arachidic and behenic acid and the differences discussed. X‐ray determined crystal long spacings for the A‐, B‐, C‐ and E‐forms of a series of homologous even carbon‐numbered acids are presented and compared with literature values. The formation of the different polymorphic forms are found to be temperature‐concentration related and affected little by polarity of the solvent. Wideline nuclear magnetic resonance second moment values are given for the polymorphic forms of stearic acid.
Kinetics of the reaction between chlorine and oleic acid in carbon tetrachloride solution
Authors: Clegg G. T. , Winter P.
Published: June 2007

Kinetic data have been obtained for the reaction between chlorine and oleic acid in carbon tetrachloride solution by measuring the chlorine depletion and hydrogen chloride production as a function of residence time in a rod‐like flow system. The data are well correlated by a kinetic model incorporating parallel, second‐order addition and substitution reactions. Measured reaction rates are an order of magnitude less than those reported in a previous investigation which neglected substitution reactions.
Reactions of unsaturated fatty alcohols. III. Viscosity and molecular weight studies on some vinyl ether polymers
Authors: Gast L. E. , Schneider W. J. , Teeter H. M.
Published: June 2007

Molecular weights of the polymers of the vinyl ethers of stearyl, soybean, and linseed fatty alcohols were measured cryoscopically in cyclohexane at three different concentrations. Corrected number‐average molecular weights were obtained by extrapolation to zero cocentration. For each family of polymers a series of preparations varying in degree of polymerization were studied with number‐average molecular weights ranging from 1,500 to 15,000 or higher.

Reduced viscosity measurements at 25°C. were made on benzene solutions of each polymer preparation at three different concentrations. Intrinsic viscosities were obtained by extrapolating to zero concentration. Intrinsic viscosities for the polymers range from 0.05 to 0.20.

Logarithmic plots of molecular weightvs. intrinsic viscosity gave linear relationships for stearyl, soybean, and linseed polymers. Values forK′ anda in the equation of Mark and Houwink were obtained from these plots.
Effect of dehulling and heat processing on nutritional value of sesame proteins
Authors: Shamanthaka Sastry M. C. , Subramanian N. , Parpia H. A. B.
Published: June 2007

Processing of edible sesame flour involves use of hot lye treatment of the seed for dehulling followed by drying, screw pressing, and solvent extraction. The effect of such processing on protein quality, especially lysine availability has been studied. The enzymatic digestibility of protein is improved as a result of dehulling, and lysine present in the flour exhibits remarkable stability to heat treatment, the maximum losses being less than 15% even under drastic conditions of heat treatment of the flour (1 kg/cm2 for 60 min). Supplementation of the flour with lysine at an optimal level of 1.25 g L‐lysine HCl/100 g flour enhances the nutritive value of protein, making it comparable to that of milk powder.
Soap‐based detergent formulations: VI. Alkylaryl sulfonamide derivatives as lime soap dispersing agents
Authors: Bistline R. G. , Noble W. R. , Linfield W. M.
Published: June 2007

Alkylbenzenes, such as industrial detergent alkylates, as well as pure 1‐phenylalkanes whose side chain lengths varied C8−C12, were converted into the corresponding alkylbenzenensulfonyl chlorides with chlorosulfonic acid. Surface active sulfonamides were obtained from the reaction of the sulfonyl chlorides with various low mol wt aminosulfonic acids, such as N‐methyltaurine, or with aminoalkyl esters of sulfuric acid, such as 2‐aminoethyl hydrogen sulfate. The hydrolytic stability of the resulting surface active sulfonamide derivatives was investigated. As expected, the sulfonates were quite resistant to acid or alkaline hydrolysis, while the sulfates were more susceptible to hydrolysis. Hydrolytic stability of the sulfonamides was compared with that of the analogous fatty acid amide sulfactants. All of the compounds were excellent lime soap dispersing agents giving Borhetty‐Bergman values of 4–10. The compounds were evaluated for detergency either alone or formulated either with tallow soap or with tallow soap and sodium silicate (Na2O/SiO2 ratio of 1∶1.6) The derivatives of the pure hydrocarbons which gave the best overall detergency were those of 1‐phenyldecane and 1‐phenyldodecane, whereas those of 1‐phenyloctane exhibited poor detergency. This ranking was observed when the compounds were tested alone as well as when formulated. The sulfonamide derivatives of the detergent alkylate type of alkylbenzenes exhibited excellent detergency characteristics and showed substantial potentiation of detergency when mixed with soap or with a soap‐sodium silicate blend. The detergency performance of some of these formulated detergents was equal to that of a commercial household detergent used as a control.
Processing for nonruminant feed markets
Authors: Rathbone C. R.
Published: June 2007

Processing methods can be controlled to provide a cottonseed meal that is improved nutritionally and substantially free from toxic principles. In so doing, cottonseed meal can be fed beneficially to cattle, poultry, swine, and even trout. It is, therefore, possible to feed cottonseed meal to animals and poultry up to 10% of their dietary levels without harmful effects like minimizing their growth, reducing their bone marrow, harming their spleens, or discoloring their egg yolks. It is, however, necessary to prove to those who might use the meal that the feeding is economically sound and as productive as other meals.
Improved system for bulk meal storage
Authors: Milligan E. D. , Suriano J. F.
Published: June 2007

A system was installed for the bulk storage of soybean meal and operated in a manner designed to eliminate the problems commonly associated with such storage, such as hangups and damage to tanks due to dropping of arched meal. The final system design and operation was based upon the results of a study of a large number of operating soybean meal storage systems and their problems. The primary consideration in successful storage of meal was found to be the condition of the meal itself and its tendency to consolidate when stored fresh from production. When the meal stored in this system was disturbed at regular intervals, this tendency was overcome; and the meal moved freely and uniformly without arching. The design and operating features of the system are described.
Production of food‐grade cottonseed protein by the liquid cyclone process
Authors: Ridlehuber J. M. , Gardner H. K.
Published: June 2007

A brief background is presented on the development of the Liquid Cyclone Process as modified to process glanded cottonseed kernels from the Texas high plains into a gland‐free 65+% protein flour. Southern Regional Research Center's pilot plant process is described and related to the commercial process that will become operational in early 1974 at Plains Cooperative Oil Mill, Lubbock, Texas. Some of the functional properties of the flours and results of their evaluation in food application are discussed.