bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"Plurality in Unity": European Identity and European Citizenship
Authors: Zweerde Evert van der
Published: June 2009

In this paper, an argument is developed in favour of further integration of “Europe” and, most importantly, its increased “politicization”. It is not based on any romantic or idealistic vision of a positive European cultural identity, but on an assessment of Europe's reality as already integrated economically, socially and ecologically, however lagging behind politically in terms of democratic government and citizenship. The seemingly endless discussions about Europe's identity, limit, unity, civilization, etc. are not a problem that is yet to be solved, but are, precisely, the core of what makes Europe what it is: a plurality in unity instead of a “unity in plurality”, as one of the official slogans of the European Union (EU) has it. Current social, economic and environmental problems require European solutions as well as a more active European citizenship. However, European civil identity that is to match European societal reality, will not be a unitary and homogeneous identity, but heterogeneous and diverse, covering a plurality of perceptions, preferences and ideals ‐ it will be plural, not as a first step towards unity, but in its core; and it will be divided, but not along national lines.
The borderland of civilizations as a research category in the sociology of borderland
Authors: Sadowski Andrzej
Published: June 2009

Current studies on the borderland territories suggest insufficiency of research tools, which, if applied, would improve the theoretical level of the conducted studies, particularly if that research would cover the borderlands of civilizations. Until now, the research on borderlands in Poland and elsewhere were dominated by the concepts of borderlands and trans‐borderness. In my opinion, to cover the full scope of social phenomena and processes, which appear on borderland and trans‐border territories, the new terms should be introduced: “borderlandness” together with the existing “borderland” and the “trans‐borderland” to complement with the “trans‐borderlandness”. In this paper I intend to present shortly the conception of the borderland applied in my research and, on this basis, I try to develop the concept of borderlandness as well as to stress its utility in the studies of borderlands, including the borders of civilizations.
Restauración del Tajo de San Pedro en La Alhambra de Granada. Aspectos de cálculo
Authors: Justo J. L. , Saura J. , Castro D. , Azañón M. , Durand P. , Morales A. , Vázquez N. , Justo E.
Published: June 2009

La muralla-palacio de La Alhambra, que es Patrimonio de la Humanidad, se ve amenazada por el avance del Tajo de San Pedro (Figura1), un diedro de 65,5 m de altura, que corta la colina de La Alhambra y que se ha situado a sólo 23,8 m de ella. Existe en la zona un régimen tectónico de extensión que afloja el terreno y activa la caída de lajas. Otra causa importante del deterioro del Tajo es la erosión. El coeficiente de seguridad al deslizamiento del Tajo sometido al terremoto de periodo de retorno de 1.000 años es de 0,73. La solución propuesta para su preservación es una malla de alambre postesada de alto límite elástico y revegetación autóctona. La presión que puede llegar a aplicar la malla en servicio eleva el coeficiente de seguridad con sismo a un valor próximo a uno. Mediante una simulación en ordenador se ha analizado el impacto ambiental.
Determinación de las características mecánicas de los muros de fábrica de ladrillo en la arquitectura doméstica sevillana de los siglos XVIII Y XIX
Authors: Pérez-Gálvez F. , Rodríguez-Liñán C. , Rubio P.
Published: June 2009

El resultado del trabajo permite manejar datos geométricos, constructivos y mecánicos objetivos en el momento de la recuperación de los muros estudiados y los edificios referidos. Las fases seguidas para el desarrollo del método han sido: – Análisis de edificios objeto de rehabilitación: características constructivas del muro a estudiar, levantamiento de lesiones. – Extracción y análisis en laboratorio de pequeñas muestras de la fábrica para la determinación de las características resistentes de sus materiales. – Trabajo experimental en laboratorio para elaboración de un modelo que permita la obtención de la resistencia a compresión de la fábrica estudiada. – Aplicación del acelerógrafo para medir la rigidez del edificio in situ, aproximándonos al módulo de elasticidad del muro de fábrica. – Obtención de conclusiones con la comparación de valores máximos de tensiones obtenidos para una fábrica no fisurada mediante un Análisis de Elementos Finitos, con los valores obtenidos de resistencia en los estudios anteriores. Esta comparación permitirá decidir el comportamiento de los muros ante la restauración.
Industrialización para la construcción de viviendas. Viviendas asequibles realizadas con prefabricados de hormigón
Authors: Fernández-Ordóñez D. , Fernández Gómez J.
Published: June 2009

Hay una necesidad creciente para la construcción de viviendas, necesidad que se ha incrementado de forma exponencial en las últimas décadas. Esta necesidad es considerable en los países en vías de desarrollo, donde la población tiene una tasa de crecimiento elevada, mucho mayor que en los países desarrollados. Además, la población en el Mundo está desplazándose progresivamente hacia las ciudades. Es en los alrededores de las ciudades de países en desarrollo donde surge una necesidad de construir viviendas de coste controlado, asequibles, que se convierte en algunos casos en crítica. La Comisión de Prefabricación de la fib (International Federation for Structural Concrete, Fédération Internationale du Béton, Federación Internacional del Hormigón Estructural) ha sido consciente por muchos años de este problema y tomó la decisión de crear un grupo de trabajo para desarrollar un documento sobre1* viviendas prefabricadas de coste asequible. Este documento estará dedicado a servir de ayuda sobre las técnicas de la prefabricación para las personas que deseen construir este tipo de viviendas. El presente artículo hace un resumen del trabajo desarrollado por este grupo hasta el momento.
Is reflex sympathetic dystrophy/complex regional pain syndrome type I a small‐fiber neuropathy?
Authors: Oaklander Anne Louise , Fields Howard L.
Published: June 2009

Neurologist S. Weir Mitchell first described “causalgia” following wartime nerve injury, with its persistent distal limb burning pain, swelling, and abnormal skin color, temperature, and sweating. Similar post‐traumatic symptoms were later identified in patients without overt nerve injuries after trauma. This was labeled reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD; now complex regional pain syndrome type I [CRPS‐I]). The pathophysiology of symptoms is unknown and treatment options are limited. We propose that persistent RSD/CRPS‐I is a post‐traumatic neuralgia associated with distal degeneration of small‐diameter peripheral axons. Small‐fiber lesions are easily missed on examination and are undetected by standard electrophysiological testing. Most CRPS features—spreading pain and skin hypersensitivity, vasomotor instability, osteopenia, edema, and abnormal sweating—are explicable by small‐fiber dysfunction. Small fibers sense pain and temperature but also regulate tissue function through neuroeffector actions. Indeed, small‐fiber–predominant polyneuropathies cause CRPS‐like abnormalities, and pathological studies of nerves from chronic CRPS‐I patients confirm small‐fiber–predominant pathology. Small distal nerve injuries in rodents reproduce many CRPS features, further supporting this hypothesis. CRPS symptoms likely reflect combined effects of axonal degeneration and plasticity, inappropriate firing and neurosecretion by residual axons, and denervation supersensitivity. The resulting tissue edema, hypoxia, and secondary central nervous system changes can exacerbate symptoms and perpetuate pathology. Restoring the interest of neurologists in RSD/CRPS should improve patient care and broaden our knowledge of small‐fiber functions. Ann Neurol 2009;65:629–638
Enantioselective Artificial Metalloenzymes Based on a Bovine Pancreatic Polypeptide Scaffold
Authors: Coquière David , Bos Jeffrey , Beld Joris , Roelfes Gerard
Published: June 2009

Kunstvolles Design: Enantioselektive künstliche Metalloenzyme wurden erzeugt, indem eine zur Koordination von Kupfer(II)‐Ionen befähigte Aminosäure als neues aktives Zentrum in bovines pankreatisches Polypeptid (bPP) eingeführt wurde. Der Hybridkatalysator liefert gute Enantioselektivitäten in Diels‐Alder‐ und Michael‐Reaktionen in Wasser (siehe Schema) und zeigt eine sehr hohe Substratselektivität.

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Mechanisms of Atmospheric Oxidation of the Alkanes.Von Jack G. Calvert et al..
Authors: Rayez Jean‐Claude , Lesclaux Robert
Published: June 2009

Oxford University Press, Oxford 2008. 992 S., geb., 295.00 $.—ISBN 978–0195365818

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Innentitelbild: Adsorption, Diffusion, and Self‐Assembly of an Engineered Gold‐Binding Peptide on Au(111) Investigated by Atomic Force Microscopy (Angew. Chem. 28/2009)
Authors: So Christopher R. , Tamerler Candan , Sarikaya Mehmet
Published: June 2009

Dynamische morphologische Evolution eines künstlichen Peptids auf Au(111) führt zur Bildung einer konfluenten Monoschicht nach getrennten Adsorptions‐, Diffusions‐ und Aggregationsschritten. M. Sarikaya et al. beschreiben in der Zuschrift auf S. 5276 ff. das Verhalten des Peptids auf der Goldoberfläche mithilfe bekannter Theorien zum Wachstum von Submonoschichten, die für metallische und Halbleiter‐Heterostrukturen entwickelt wurden. Graphik: E. E. Oren.

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Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed CH Activation/CC Cross‐Coupling Reactions: Versatility and Practicality
Authors: Chen Xiao , Engle Keary M. , Wang Dong‐Hui , Yu Jin‐Quan
Published: June 2009

Pick your Pd partners: A number of catalytic systems have been developed for palladium‐catalyzed CH activation/CC bond formation. Recent studies concerning the palladium(II)‐catalyzed coupling of CH bonds with organometallic reagents through a PdII/Pd0catalytic cycle are discussed (see scheme), and the versatility and practicality of this new mode of catalysis are presented. Unaddressed questions and the potential for development in the field are also addressed.

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In the past decade, palladium‐catalyzed CH activation/CC bond‐forming reactions have emerged as promising new catalytic transformations; however, development in this field is still at an early stage compared to the state of the art in cross‐coupling reactions using aryl and alkyl halides. This Review begins with a brief introduction of four extensively investigated modes of catalysis for forming CC bonds from CH bonds: PdII/Pd0, PdII/PdIV, Pd0/PdII/PdIV, and Pd0/PdIIcatalysis. A more detailed discussion is then directed towards the recent development of palladium(II)‐catalyzed coupling of CH bonds with organometallic reagents through a PdII/Pd0catalytic cycle. Despite the progress made to date, improving the versatility and practicality of this new reaction remains a tremendous challenge.
Enantioselective Artificial Metalloenzymes Based on a Bovine Pancreatic Polypeptide Scaffold
Authors: Coquière David , Bos Jeffrey , Beld Joris , Roelfes Gerard
Published: June 2009

Site creation: Enantioselective artificial metalloenzymes have been created by grafting a new active site onto bovine pancreatic polypeptide through the introduction of an amino acid capable of coordinating a copper(II) ion. This hybrid catalyst gave good enantioselectivities in the Diels–Alder and Michael addition reactions in water (see scheme) and displayed a very high substrate selectivity.

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Mechanisms of Atmospheric Oxidation of the Alkanes.By Jack G. Calvert et al..
Authors: Rayez Jean‐Claude , Lesclaux Robert
Published: June 2009

Oxford University Press, Oxford 2008. 992 pp., hardcover $ 295.00.—ISBN 978–0195365818

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Gene expression profiling during early response to injury and microbial challenges in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Liu Fei , Ling Erjun , Wu Shan
Published: June 2009

To identify Bombyx mori genes involved in the early response to injury and microbial challenge, we performed genome‐wide gene expression‐profiling experiments using oligonucleotide DNA microarrays. Of approximately 23,000 genes examined, 465 displayed changes in mRNA expression levels. Of these, 306 were induced and 159 were repressed in response to injury (injection with phosphate buffer saline) or challenges by Gram‐negative (Serratia marcescens), Gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), or fungus (Beauveria bassiana). Many of these differentially expressed genes can be assigned to specific functional groups of the innate immune response, including recognition, signaling, melanization and coagulation, and antimicrobial peptides. Seventeen percent of differentially expressed genes encode proteins with no obvious similarity to known functional domains. Of particular interest is a member of the juvenile hormone‐binding protein family, which was highly induced by both injury and microbial challenges. The possible role of juvenile hormone in innate immunity is discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The complexity of different types of attitudes in initial and continued ICT use
Authors: Zhang Ping , Sun Heshan
Published: June 2009

In the information systems (IS) field, research interest in attitude has fluctuated over the past decades given the inconsistent and inconclusive findings on attitude's effects on behavioral intention (BI) to use information and communication technology (ICT). This study addresses the conceptual, operational, and temporal dynamics of attitude that may have caused the inconsistent and inconclusive results. A longitudinal study was conducted to validate our hypotheses. The results show that: (a) The attitude that significantly influences BI needs to be at a particular specificity with BI on two aspects, the same evaluation target and the same evaluation time, where the time specificity can supersede the target specificity; (b) the relationships among attitudes and intention remain the same if they are measured at the same time, regardless of use stages; (c) the two types of attitudes show different long‐lasting effects over time; (d) omitting important mediating factors in a research model may generate misleading messages; and (e) attitudes alone can explain a large amount of variances in BI. The results can help explain the reasons behind inconsistent findings in the literature, inspire additional research efforts, and suggest bringing attitudes back to information systems research due to their theoretical and practical importance.
Multi‐sensor plant imaging: Towards the development of a stress‐catalogue
Authors: Chaerle Laury , Lenk Sándor , Leinonen Ilkka , Jones Hamlyn G. , Van Der Straeten Dominique , Buschmann Claus
Published: June 2009

Agricultural production is limited by a wide range of abiotic (e.g. drought, waterlogging) and biotic (pests, diseases and weeds) stresses. The impact of these stresses can be minimized by appropriate management actions such as irrigation or chemical pesticide application. However, further optimization requires the ability to diagnose and quantify the different stresses at an early stage. Particularly valuable information of plant stress responses is provided by plant imaging, i.e. non‐contact sensing with spatial resolving power: (i) thermal imaging, detecting changes in transpiration rate and (ii) fluorescence imaging monitoring alterations in photosynthesis and other physiological processes. These can be supplemented by conventional video imagery for study of growth. An efficient early warning system would need to discriminate between different stressors. Given the wide range of sensors, and the association of specific plant physiological responses with changes at particular wavelengths, this goal seems within reach. This is based on the organization of the individual sensor results in a matrix that identifies specific signatures for multiple stress types. In this report, we first review the diagnostic effectiveness of different individual imaging techniques and then extend this to the multi‐sensor stress‐identification approach.
Application of a PEG/salt aqueous two‐phase partition system for the recovery of monoclonal antibodies from unclarified transgenic tobacco extract
Authors: Platis Dimitris , Labrou Nikolaos E.
Published: June 2009

Aqueous two‐phase partition systems (ATPS) have been widely used for the separation of a large variety of biomolecules. In the present report, the application of a polyethylene glycol/phosphate (PEG/phosphate) ATPS for the separation of anti‐HIV monoclonal antibodies 2G12 (mAb 2G12) and 4E10 (mAb 4E10) from unclarified transgenic tobacco crude extract was investigated. Optimal conditions that favor opposite phase partitioning of plant debris/mAb as well as high recovery and purification were found to be 13.1% w/w (PEG 1500), 12.5% w/w (phosphate) at pH 5 with a phase ratio of 1.3 and 8.25% w/w unclarified tobacco extract load. Under these conditions, mAb 2G12 and mAb 4E10 were partitioned at the bottom phosphate phase with 85 and 84% yield and 2.4‐ and 2.1‐fold purification, respectively. The proposed ATPS was successfully integrated in an affinity‐based purification protocol, using Protein A, yielding antibodies of high purity and yield. In this study, ATPS was shown to be suitable for initial protein recovery and partial purification of mAb from unclarified transgenic tobacco crude extract.
Improved donor/acceptor BRET couples for monitoring β‐arrestin recruitment to G protein‐coupled receptors
Authors: Kamal Maud , Marquez Marcel , Vauthier Virginie , Leloire Audrey , Froguel Philippe , Jockers Ralf , Couturier Cyril
Published: June 2009

We report highly sensitive bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays with optimized donor/acceptor couples. We combined the energy donors Renilla luciferase (Rluc) and the Rluc8 variant with the energy acceptors yellow fluorescent protein, the YPet variant and the Renilla green fluorescent protein (RGFP). Different donor/acceptor couples were tested in well‐established assays measuring ligand‐induced β‐arrestin (βARR) intramolecular rearrangements and recruitment to G protein‐coupled receptors. We show increased sensitivity with Rluc8/YPet and Rluc8/RGFP couples and measured previously undetectable BRET signals. These tools improve existing βARR assays and offer new options for the development of future BRET assays.
Industrial production of enzyme‐modified wool fibers for machine‐washable bed coverings
Authors: Lenting Herman B. M. , Broekman Henk , Guebitz Georg M. , Kokol Vanja , Shen Jinsong
Published: June 2009

Enzyme technology is explored on wool fibers to prevent shrinkage and consolidation behavior during washing of woolen bed coverings using normal household machine conditions. Enzyme modification of wool fibers after two different pretreatments has been realized on industrial scale. Enlarged proteolytic enzyme by chemical modification was applied successfully to prevent substantial fiber strength loss. Felt‐ball analysis of the fibers as obtained from this industrial process showed substantial improvement in felting resistance. Further processing of these enzyme‐modified fibers and finally integration in bed covering quilts have been executed successfully on industrial production lines. The observed fiber losses during processing were in the range of 4.5–6% which is comparable with that of nonmodified fibers. The machine‐washability of these produced bed covering quilts was tested in a household washing machine using both wool and normal wash programs applied at different temperatures. It appeared that, contrary to the good washing results in terms of shrinkage and consolidation resistance using the wool program at moderate temperatures, this resistance is marginal when washed with the normal washing program with higher mechanical agitation level or with the wool program at elevated temperature. This result was different from that obtained with woolen fabrics and explained by the less‐structured organisation of fibers within a fleece.
Mutants of the pentose‐fermenting yeast Pichia stipitis with improved tolerance to inhibitors in hardwood spent sulfite liquor
Authors: Bajwa Paramjit K. , Shireen Tasnina , D'Aoust Frédéric , Pinel Dominic , Martin Vincent J.J. , Trevors Jack T. , Lee Hung
Published: June 2009

Mutants of Pichia stipitis NRRL Y‐7124 able to tolerate and produce ethanol from hardwood spent sulfite liquor (HW SSL) were obtained by UV mutagenesis. P. stipitis cells were subjected to three successive rounds of UV mutagenesis, each followed by screening first on HW SSL gradient plates and then in diluted liquid HW SSL. Six third generation mutants with greater tolerance to HW SSL as compared to the wild type (WT) were isolated. The WT strain could not grow in HW SSL unless it was diluted to 65% (v/v). In contrast, the third generation mutants were able to grow in HW SSL diluted to 75% (v/v). Mutants PS301 and PS302 survived even in 80% (v/v) HW SSL, although there was no increase in cell number. All the third generation mutants exhibited higher growth rates but significantly lower growth yields on xylose or glucose compared to the WT. The mutants fermented 4% (w/v) glucose as efficiently as the WT and fermented 4% (w/v) xylose more efficiently with a higher ethanol yield than the WT. In a medium containing 4% (w/v) each of xylose and glucose, all the third generation mutants utilized glucose as efficiently and xylose more efficiently than the WT. This resulted in higher ethanol yield by the mutants. The mutants retained the ability to utilize galactose and mannose and ferment them to ethanol. Arabinose was consumed slowly by both the mutants and WT with no ethanol production. In 60% (v/v) HW SSL, the mutants utilized and fermented glucose, mannose, galactose and xylose while the WT could not ferment any of these sugars. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 892–900. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimization of mass transfer for toxin removal and immunoprotection of hepatocytes in a bioartificial liver
Authors: Nedredal Geir I. , Amiot Bruce P. , Nyberg Peter , Luebke‐Wheeler Jennifer , Lillegard Joseph B. , McKenzie Travis J. , Nyberg Scott L.
Published: June 2009

This study was designed to determine optimal operating conditions of a bioartificial liver (BAL) based on mass transfer of representative hepatotoxins and mediators of immune damage. A microprocessor‐controlled BAL was used to study mass transfer between patient and cell compartments separated by a hollow fiber membrane. Membrane permeability (70, 150, or 400 kDa molecular weight cut‐off—MWCO), membrane convection (high: 50 mL/min; medium: 25 mL/min; low: 10 mL/min; diffusion: 0 mL/min), and albumin concentration in the cell compartment (0.5 or 5 g%) were considered for a total of 24 test conditions. Initially, the patient compartment contained pig plasma supplemented with ammonia (0.017 kDa), unconjugated bilirubin (0.585 kDa), conjugated bilirubin (0.760 kDa), TNF‐α (17 kDa), pig albumin (67 kDa), pig IgG (147 kDa), and pig IgM (900 kDa). Mass transfer of each substance was determined by its rate of appearance in the cell compartment. Membrane fouling was assessed by dextran polymer technique. Of the three tested variables (membrane pore size, convection, and albumin concentration), membrane permeability had the greatest impact on mass transfer (P < 0.001). Mass transfer of all toxins was greatest under high convection with a 400 kDa membrane. Transfer of IgG and IgM was insignificant under all conditions. Bilirubin transfer was increased under high albumin conditions (P = 0.055). Fouling of membranes ranged from 7% (400 kDa), 24% (150 kDa) to 62% (70 kDa) during a 2‐h test interval. In conclusion, optimal toxin removal was achieved under high convection with a 400‐kDa membrane, a condition which should provide adequate immunoprotection of hepatocytes in the BAL. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 995–1003. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plasma facilitated delivery of DNA to skin
Authors: Connolly Richard J. , Lopez Gabriel A. , Hoff Andrew M. , Jaroszeski Mark J.
Published: June 2009

Non‐viral delivery of cell‐impermeant drugs and DNA in vivo has traditionally relied upon either chemical or physical stress applied directly to target tissues. Physical methods typically use contact between an applicator, or electrode, and the target tissue and may involve patient discomfort. To overcome contact‐dependent limitations of such delivery methodologies, an atmospheric helium plasma source was developed to deposit plasma products onto localized treatment sites. Experiments performed in murine skin showed that samples injected with plasmid DNA encoding luciferase and treated with plasma demonstrated increased levels of expression relative to skin samples that received injections of DNA alone. Increased response relative to injection alone was observed when either positive or negative voltage was used to generate the helium plasma. Quantitative results over a 26‐day follow‐up period showed that luciferase levels as high as 19‐fold greater than the levels obtained by DNA injection alone could be achieved. These findings indicate that plasmas may compete with other physical delivery methodologies when skin is the target tissue. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 1034–1040. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variance estimation when donor imputation is used to fill in missing values
Authors: Beaumont Jean‐François , Bocci Cynthia
Published: June 2009

Donor imputation is frequently used in surveys. However, very few variance estimation methods that take into account donor imputation have been developed in the literature. This is particularly true for surveys with high sampling fractions using nearest donor imputation, often called nearest‐neighbour imputation. In this paper, the authors develop a variance estimator for donor imputation based on the assumption that the imputed estimator of a domain total is approximately unbiased under an imputation model; that is, a model for the variable requiring imputation. Their variance estimator is valid, irrespective of the magnitude of the sampling fractions and the complexity of the donor imputation method, provided that the imputation model mean and variance are accurately estimated. They evaluate its performance in a simulation study and show that nonparametric estimation of the model mean and variance via smoothing splines brings robustness with respect to imputation model misspecifications. They also apply their variance estimator to real survey data when nearest‐neighbour imputation has been used to fill in the missing values. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 37: 400–416; 2009 © 2009 Statistical Society of Canada
Synthesis and Evaluation of 1‐(1‐(Benzo[b]thiophen‐2‐yl)cyclohexyl)piperidine (BTCP) Analogues as Inhibitors of Trypanothione Reductase
Authors: Patterson Stephen , Jones Deuan C. , Shanks Emma J. , Frearson Julie A. , Gilbert Ian H. , Wyatt Paul G. , Fairlamb Alan H.
Published: June 2009

Thirty two analogues of phencyclidine were synthesised and tested as inhibitors of trypanothione reductase (TryR), a potential drug target in trypanosome and leishmania parasites. The lead compound BTCP (1, 1‐(1‐benzo[b]thiophen‐2‐yl‐cyclohexyl) piperidine) was found to be a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme (Ki=1 μM) and biologically active against bloodstream T. brucei (EC50=10 μM), but with poor selectivity against mammalian MRC5 cells (EC50=29 μM). Analogues with improved enzymatic and biological activity were obtained. The structure–activity relationships of this novel series are discussed.
Indoloquinolizidine–Peptide Hybrids as Multiple Agonists for D1 and D2 Dopamine Receptors
Authors: Vendrell Marc , Soriano Aroa , Casadó Vicent , Díaz José Luis , Lavilla Rodolfo , Canela Enric I. , Lluís Carme , Franco Rafael , Albericio Fernando , Royo Miriam
Published: June 2009

Multiple‐specificity ligands are considered promising pharmacological tools that may show higher efficacy in the treatment of diseases for which the modulation of a single target is therapeutically inadequate. We prepared a set of novel ligands for D1 and D2 dopamine receptors by combining two indolo[2,3‐a]quinolizidine scaffolds with various tripeptide moieties. The binding and functional properties of these molecules were determined by radioligand binding studies in brain striatum membranes and by intracellular cAMP production assays in cells expressing different dopamine receptor subtypes. Some indoloquinolizidine–peptide hybrids, mainly with the trans configuration, showed dual agonist activity at both D1 and D2 dopamine receptors and may therefore be useful for testing the therapeutic potential of multivalent drugs on these targets.
Are they just lazy? Student teachers' attitudes about dyslexia
Authors: Gwernan‐Jones Ruth , Burden Robert L.
Published: June 2009

It is highly likely that teachers' abilities in dealing with different forms of learning difficulties will be affected by their knowledge about and attitudes towards those difficulties. Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) provides a useful framework within which to explore such attitudes and was used as the starting point for investigating trainee teachers' attitudes towards aspects of dyslexia. It is assumed that new teachers will enter the profession with a set of intentions according to personal beliefs, normative views within the teaching profession and the sense of competence and power they feel in dealing with dyslexic difficulties. The purpose of this study was to probe student teachers' attitudes at a prestigious School of Education in the Southwest of England. Four hundred and eight primary and secondary Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) students responded to a survey asking about their attitudes toward dyslexia. The student teachers expressed strongly positive attitudes toward the construct of dyslexia, with the majority expressing confidence in their ability to support dyslexic pupils. Females held significantly more positive attitudes toward dyslexia than males, but there were no significant differences according to PGCE course subject. Students who took the survey before and after teaching practice demonstrated some small but significant changes in attitude scores over that time. It is proposed that a new breed of teachers may be entering the teaching profession with positive beliefs about their ability to help dyslexic pupils, but who remain unclear as to how this can be accomplished. Some implications for action and suggestions for future research are provided. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Structure, Magnetic Properties and Aqueous Optical Citrate Detection of Chiral Dinuclear CuII Complexes
Authors: Khatua Snehadrinarayan , Kim Kibong , Kang Jina , Huh Jung Oh , Hong Chang Seop , Churchill David G.
Published: June 2009

Two chiral dimeric CuII Schiff base complexes, Na2[Cu(S‐lys)2·(H2O)2]·(ClO4)2 (1) and [Cu(S‐ornH)2·(H2O)2]·(ClO4)2 (2) have been prepared by an easy one‐pot method in which the L‐lysine and L‐ornithine‐based Schiff base ligands are generated in situ. These complexes have been characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The molecular structures show that both complexes are indeed dimeric with CuII centers that are phenolate‐bridged. Variable‐temperature magnetic analysis revealed that a strong antiferromagnetic coupling interaction was mediated through the phenolate bridge between the two CuII centers. Since these compounds were highly soluble in water, we explored carboxylate sensing capability through colorimetric indicator displacement assays (IDAs). By using pyrocatechol violet (PV) as a displaceable colorimetric indicator, citrate ion selectivity was demonstrated in 100 % water solution in the physiological pH range.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
A Luminescent Heteronuclear Cluster Featuring an Unusual Cu6 Boat‐Shaped Core Assembled by Two Dialkynyl‐Cycloplatinated Units
Authors: Díez Álvaro , García Ana , Lalinde Elena , Moreno M. Teresa
Published: June 2009

The synthesis and the structure of a luminescent octanuclear 2‐pyridylethynyl cluster [Pt2Cu6(bzq)2(C≡C–C5H4N‐2)6I2] (1) is reported. An X‐ray diffraction study of 1 reveals an unusual Pt2Cu6 species formed by a central dicationic hexanuclear copper(I) core [Cu6(C≡C–C5H4N‐2)2I2]2+ assembled by two monoanionic benzoquinolinate dialkynylplatinate(II) [Pt(bzq)(C≡C–C5H4N‐2)2]– fragments. Solid‐state and solution photoluminescence properties at 298 K and at 77 K are discussed in the context of the structure.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Lipid peroxidation in the liver of rats treated with V and/or Mg in drinking water
Authors: Ścibior Agnieszka , Zaporowska Halina , Niedźwiecka Irmina
Published: June 2009

The effect of V5+and Mg treatment on spontaneous and stimulated lipid peroxidation (LPO) was studied in liver supernatants obtained from outbred 5‐month‐old, albino male Wistar rats. The 2‐month‐old animals daily received deionized water to drink (control, group I); group II — water solution of NaVO3(SMV) at a concentration of 0.125 mg V ml−1; group III — water solution of MgSO4(MS) at a concentration of 0.06 mg Mg ml−1, group IV — water solution of SMV‐MS at the same concentrations as in groups II and III for V and Mg, respectively, over a 12‐week period. Three metal salts were selected as agents that may modify the LPO process (FeSO4, NaVO3and MgSO4). V‐intoxicated rats and those treated with V and Mg in combination had higher liver spontaneous malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, compared with the control and Mg‐supplemented animals. In the same groups of animals the total antioxidant status (TAS) was also significantly lowered, in comparison with the control. In the supernatants obtained from the above‐mentioned groups of rats a significant increase in MDA concentration was found in the presence of exogenous 30 µmFeSO4as well as 30, 100, 200 and 400 µmNaVO3, compared with groups I and III. Significantly elevated MDA production was also observed in the supernatants obtained from the rats exposed to V and Mg in combination in the presence of exogenous 100 and 200 µmMgSO4in comparison with the control and group III as well as in the presence of exogenous 400 and 600 µmMgSO4compared only with group III.In vitrotreatment with 1000 µmMgSO4of control liver supernatants and those obtained from group III significantly enhanced MDA level, compared with spontaneous MDA formation. The two‐way ANOVA indicated that the changes in the basal MDA level and in TAS in the rats at combined V and Mg application, were not due to V–Mg interaction, but resulted from independent action of V. In addition, the three‐way ANOVA revealed that the changes in LPO induced byin vitrotreatment of liver supernatants with exogenous Fe or V or Mg (600, 800 and 1000 µm) were a consequence of independent action of those metals and they also resulted from the interactions between Feexogand Vendand between Vendand Vexog. In conclusion, V consumed by the rats with drinking water at a dose of 12 mg V kg−1body weight per 24 h for 12 weeks decreased TAS and enhanced spontaneous LPO in the hepatic tissue, which confirms its pro‐oxidant potential, was also found inin vitroconditions with regard to LPO. Mg administered to rats in combination with V, at the concentration used, neither reduced nor intensified the basal LPO, compared with V‐only treated animals; however, its stimulating effect on LPO was revealed inin vitroconditions, which requires further study. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of lindane on CYP‐mediated steroid hormone metabolism in male mice following in utero exposure
Authors: Di Consiglio Emma , De Angelis Giovanna , Traina Maria Elsa , Urbani Elisabetta , Testai Emanuela
Published: June 2009

A wide number of pesticides, including highly persistent organochlorinated compounds, such as lindane (LIN), may induce reproductive and developmental alterations by directly binding to the estrogen/androgen receptors or altering steroid hormone metabolism. In the present work, we have investigated whether LIN in utero exposure of CD1 mice affects the reproductive system in male offspring by causing an impairment of the CYP‐dependent steroid hormone metabolism. Dam exposure to 25 mg kg−1 b.w. LIN occurred during critical developmental periods, from gestational days 9 to 16. Effects on hepatic CYP‐mediated testosterone (TST) hydroxylase, aromatase activities and testicular parameters were tested at postnatal days (PND 50, 65–69, 100) that are critical for sexual maturation in CD1 mice. In the adult F1 mice significant changes of male reproductive endpoints (testis weight, spermatid number) as well as dramatic effects on CYP‐mediated TST metabolism were observed on PND 65–69, in the absence of any of systemic toxicity. The levels of TST 6β‐ and 2α‐hydroxylation and dehydrogenation showed the highest level of reduction, suggesting CYP 3A and 2C families as the major target of LIN induced effects. All changes were almost recovered on PND 100. No effects on aromatase activity were evidenced. Overall, these findings provide useful information for a better characterization of the LIN mode of action. They suggest that LIN‐induced toxicity in males is linked to an impairment of steroid hormone homeostasis, due to CYP‐mediated TST catabolism modulation and differs from LIN receptor‐mediated mechanism previously reported in females. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomechanical and biologic effects of meniscus stabilization using triglycidyl amine
Authors: Hunter Shawn A. , Rapoport H. Scott , Connolly Jeanne M. , Alferiev Ivan , Fulmer James , Murti Brandon H. , Herfat Mohammadsafa , Noyes Frank R. , Butler David L. , Levy Robert J.
Published: June 2009

The susceptibility of meniscus allografts to enzymatic degradation may be reduced through tissue stabilization. We have previously reported on an epoxide‐based crosslinker, triglycidyl amine (TGA), which can be used alone or with a bisphosphonate (MABP) to stabilize heterograft heart valves and reduce their pathologic calcification. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of TGA and TGA‐MABP pretreatment on an orthopedic allograft involving meniscus crosslinking, degradation, calcification, and compressive properties. Ovine menisci treated with TGA or TGA‐MABP for up to seven days and glutaraldehyde crosslinked controls were examined in vitro for degree of crosslinking, resistance to degradation by collagenase, and material property changes. Likewise treated menisci were implanted in rats for eight weeks and examined for calcium content and biomechanical changes. TGA treatment for three days significantly reduced collagen loss by 88% and increased thermal denaturation temperatures (Ts) above 80°C versus Ts of 70°C or less for non‐crosslinked meniscus. In vitro, TGA and TGA‐MABP significantly increased aggregate modulus by 19% and 32% compared to native controls, respectively. TGA decreased permeability by 53% while TGA‐MABP increased it by 303%. In vivo, TGA significantly reduced explant calcification by 42% compared to glutaraldehyde, and including MABP reduced it by 90%. Analyses revealed that TGA and TGA‐MABP stabilized menisci had significantly lower modulus and permeability values than glutaraldehyde controls by at least 28% and 86%, respectively. It is concluded that TGA crosslinking of meniscus increases resistance to both collagenase degradation and pathologic calcification, while demonstrating comparable or improved biomechanical properties versus glutaraldehyde controls. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
In vivo response to cross‐linked polyethylene and polycarbonate‐urethane particles
Authors: Smith Richard A. , Maghsoodpour Anobel , Hallab Nadim James
Published: June 2009

This study was undertaken to examine macrophage response to polycarbonate‐urethane, a proposed alternative material to polyethylene in acetabular components of total hip arthroplasty. Polyethylene wear debris from total joint replacements has been linked to osteolysis and implant lifespan. It has been shown in vitro, that polyethylene particles cleaned of endotoxin generate less of an inflammatory cytokine response than endotoxin bound particles. Comparative particle induced effects on implant fixation were tested using endotoxin free cross‐linked ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (x‐UHMWPE) and polycarbonate‐urethane (PCU) particles with and without intraperitoneal injection (IP) of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using a Ti‐alloy femoral intramedullary nail rat model. MicroCT and mechanical testing assessment of peri‐implant bone indicated significantly less bone and lower fixation strength, respectively, when the implant was surrounded by xUHMWPE particles compared to PCU particles (with and without LPS IP). This indicates particles of PCU may be less disruptive to bone‐implant fixation than x‐UHMWPE in vivo, under both LPS free and challenged conditions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Biological relevance of ion energy in performance of human endothelial cells on ion‐implanted flexible polyurethane surfaces
Authors: Özkucur Nurdan , Richter E. , Wetzel C. , Funk R. H. W. , Monsees T. K.
Published: June 2009

To improve the biocompatibility of polyurethane (PUR), we modified the surface by irradiation with different ions (Carbon; C, Oxygen; O, Nitrogen; N, or Argon; Ar) at 0.3–50 keV energy and doses of 1,00E+13 − 1,00E+15 ions/cm2. The effects of ion implantation using different ion energies and densities were observed on adhesion, proliferation, and viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The long‐termin vitrostability of ion‐implanted PUR was also investigated. Ion irradiation moderately affected the surface roughness (Ra), but strongly enhanced the work of adhesion (Wa). Cell adhesion was markedly improved on O‐, N‐, and Ar‐, but not on C‐implanted PUR surfaces. Medium ion energies and lower ion doses produced the best HUVEC attachment and proliferation, indicating the importance of choosing the proper range of energy applied during ion irradiation. In addition, apoptosis rates were significantly reduced when compared with unmodified PUR (uPUR). N implantation significantly protected the surface, although C implantation led to stronger surface erosions than on uPUR. In total, ion implantation on flexible PUR surfaces strongly improved the material surface characteristics and biocompatibility. Electron beam ion implantation within an appropriate energy window is thus a key to improving flexible PUR surfaces for clinical use to support endothelial cell performance. Thus, it can contribute to designing small‐diameter grafts, which are in great demand, towards vascular tissue engineering applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Sodium time course using 23Na MRI in reversible focal brain ischemia in the monkey
Authors: LaVerde George C. , Jungreis Charles A. , Nemoto Edwin , Boada Fernando E.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

To demonstrate the use of sodium MRI for measuring the time course of tissue sodium concentration (TSC) in a nonhuman primate model of reversible focal brain ischemia.

Materials and Methods

Reversible endovascular focal brain ischemia was induced in nonhuman primates (n = 4), and sodium MRI was performed on a 3 Tesla scanner for monitoring changes in TSC during both the middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion and MCA reperfusion portions of the experiment.

Results

The TSC increased linearly in the ischemic tissue during MCA occlusion (ranging from a mean TSC increase of 5.44%/h to 7.15%/h across the four subjects), and then there was a statistically significant change from a positive TSC slope during MCA occlusion to a TSC slope after MCA reperfusion that was not statistically different from zero. The linear increase in sodium MRI during brain ischemia was used to estimate the stroke onset time to within 0.45 h in each of the four subjects (with a maximum 95% confidence interval of ± 1.147 h).

Conclusion

The data indicate that sodium MRI increases linearly during brain ischemia, and that this increase is stopped by tissue reperfusion within 5.4 h after stroke onset. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:219–223. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving computation of cardiovascular relative pressure fields from velocity MRI
Authors: Ebbers Tino , Farnebäck Gunnar
Published: June 2009

Purpose

To evaluate a multigrid‐based solver for the pressure Poisson equation (PPE) with Galerkin coarsening, which works directly on the specified domain, for the computation of relative pressure fields from velocity MRI data.

Materials and Methods

We compared the proposed structure‐defined Poisson solver to other popular Poisson solvers working on unmodified rectangular and modified quasirectangular domains using synthetic and in vitro phantoms in which the mathematical solution of the pressure field is known, as well as on in vivo MRI velocity measurements of aortic blood flow dynamics.

Results

All three PPE solvers gave accurate results for convex computational domains. Using a rectangular or quasirectangular domain on a more complicated domain, like a c‐shape, revealed a systematic underestimation of the pressure amplitudes, while the proposed PPE solver, working directly on the specified domain, provided accurate estimates of the relative pressure fields.

Conclusion

Popular iterative approaches with quasirectangular computational domains can lead to significant systematic underestimation of the pressure amplitude. We suggest using a multigrid‐based PPE solver with Galerkin coarsening, which works directly on the structure‐defined computational domain. This solver provides accurate estimates of the relative pressure fields for both simple and complex geometries with additional significant improvements with respect to execution speed. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:54–61. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multicenter validation of the magnetic resonance t2* technique for segmental and global quantification of myocardial iron
Authors: Ramazzotti Anna , Pepe Alessia , Positano Vincenzo , Rossi Giuseppe , De Marchi Daniele , Brizi Maria Gabriella , Luciani Antongiulio , Midiri Massimo , Sallustio Giuseppina , Valeri Gianluca , Caruso Vincenzo , Centra Michele , Cianciulli Paolo , De Sanctis Vincenzo , Maggio Aurelio , Lombardi Massimo
Published: June 2009

Purpose

To assess the transferability of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) multislice multiecho T2* technique for global and segmental measurement of iron overload in thalassemia patients.

Materials and Methods

Multiecho T2* sequences were installed on six MRI scanners. Five healthy subjects (n = 30) were scanned at each site; five thalassemia major (TM) patients were scanned at the reference site and were rescanned locally (n = 25) within 1 month. T2* images were analyzed using previously validated software.

Results

T2* values of healthy subjects showed intersite homogeneity. On TM patients, for global heart T2* values the correlation coefficient was 0.97, coefficients of variation (CoVs) ranged from 0.04–0.12, and intraclass coefficients (ICCs) ranged from 0.94–0.99. The mean CoV and ICC for segmental T2* distribution were 0.198 and 88, respectively.

Conclusion

The multislice multiecho T2* technique is transferable among scanners with good reproducibility. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:62–68. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.