bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Performance of Different Fertilizer Recommendation Methods on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa) in Old Brahmaputra Floodplain Soils
Authors: Akter Shadia , Hosenuzzaman Md , Abedin Md Anwarul , Hoque Md Anamul
Published: April 2024

Improving rice productivity is the challenge for the farmer due to rapid soil health deterioration in intensive agricultural system. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate comparative performance of different nutrient management practices in rice production in Bangladesh. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. There      were six treatments namely, T1 (Control-no fertilizer), T2 (Farmer’s Practice), T3 (Fertilizer Recommendation Guide-2018), T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit), T5 (Soil Test Basis) and T6 (Rice Crop Manager). The results revealed that all the treatments showed better performances over control (T1). Treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit) produced the highest value of plant height (90.18 cm), panicle length (24.90), filled grains panicle-1 (122.60) and 1000-grain weight (26.67g) while T5 (Soil Test Basis) produced maximum effective tillers hill-1 (12.80). The highest grain yield (6.29 t ha-1) and straw yield (7.73 t ha-1) were recorded in treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit). Treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit) also showed the highest grain yield increase (61.49%) and straw yield increase (90.49%) over control. The highest total N, P and K uptake (108.84 kg ha-1, 24.54 kg ha-1 and 128.17 kg ha-1) were obtained in the treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit). Control treatment T1 (No fertilizers) showed minimum performances in all the cases compared to other treatments. The overall result demonstrated that the application of fertilizers following BAU Soil Testing Kit method of fertilizer application system is a better option for rice production.
A Role of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for Enhancing Seed Quality: A Review
Authors: Wankhade Nitesh Janardhan , Shelar Vijay Ramdas , Bhalerao Bharat Murlidhar , Karjule Avinash Prabhakar , Jadhav Vaibhav Baburao
Published: April 2024

Abiotic and biotic stresses impact seed growth, resulting in economic losses. Seeds are being subjected to an increasing number of biotic and abiotic stress combinations as a result of global warming and climate change, which has adverse effects on their growth and production. Drought, flood, salinity, heavy mineral contamination, cold, and heat were all found to have a negative impact on seed germination. Because of their massive surface area-to-volume ratio, nanoparticles—microscopic pieces with a nanoscale dimension ranging from 1-100 nm—have exceptional thermal conductivity, catalytic reactivity, nonlinear optical performance, and chemical durability. There are various methods for creating nanoparticles, such as chemical, physical, and biological ones. However, because dangerous chemical compounds are used as reducing agents, the chemical and physical procedures are expensive, complicated, and might be hazardous to the environment. The synthesis of nanoparticles using green approaches may be easily scaled up, and they are also cost-effective. Because of their superior qualities, greenly coordinated nanoparticles are currently preferred over traditionally delivered NPs. Green synthesis approaches are particularly appealing due to their ability to reduce nanoparticle toxicity. The use of vitamins, amino acids, and plant extracts has increased as a result. While dangerous and extremely hazardous substances are used in the chemical and physical processes that may cause environmental issues, capping and reducing agents are essential to the synthesis of nanoparticles. The capping or reducing agent used in physical and chemical processes is expensive. When used as a seed treatment, nanoparticles can enhance germination as well as the length, vigor, viability, and quality of the seedlings. This paper aims to provide an overview and evaluation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as a potential substitute for biosynthesised nanoparticles in seed quality improvement.
Effect of Sulphur and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Black Gram (Phaseolus mungo L.)
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Singh Karishma , Dawson Joy
Published: April 2024

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid (summer) season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy. The treatments consisted of 3 levels of Sulphur (10, 20 and 30 kg/ha) and 3 levels of zinc (10kg/ha, 0.1% and 0.2% foliar application) and a control. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 10 treatment and replicated thrice. Application of Sulphur (30 kg/ha) + Zinc (10kg/ha) (treatment 9) recorded higher Plant height, higher plant dry weight, higher number of Pods/Plant, higher number of seeds/pod, higher test weight and higher seed yield. The (treatment 9) also recorded Maximum benefit cost ratio (2.41)
Comparative Cardiovascular Efficacy & Safety of NSAIDs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Mahmood Arhum , Chaudhry Raheel , Moazam Mustafa M. , Zahee Mohammed T. , Ullah Imdad
Published: April 2024

NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, are popular and efficient analgesis and frequent mainstay treatements for inflammatory disorders. However, their cardiovascular safety is questionable. The aims of the current study were: (1) to evaluate the comparative cardiovascular efficacy of NSAIDs; (2) to investigate the cardiovascular safety and risks associated with NSAID use; (3) to highlight the importance of alternative therapies for patients who display contraindications to NSAID. A number of digital databases were explored to retrieve relevant studies. These consist of ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, etc. The final sample consisted of 17 primary studies.A total of 12/17 (71%) studies advocated the efficacy and safety of NSAIDs. The remaining 2/17 (11%) showed that there was no discernible difference between the NSAID and non-NSAID groups in terms of mortality, cardio-respiratory morbidity, and cardiovascular risk. A forest plot was created using data from eight distinct studies. The results for the incidence of cardiovascular events were found to be statistically significant. The heterogeneity was calculated to be Tau2= 0.15; Chi2=117.67; df=6; I2=95%. The overall effect size was found to be Z=0.08 (p<0.94); the Hazard Ratio was found to be 0.84, CI=95% (CI, 0.72 = 0.98). Certain agents have a higher risk of causing unfavorable cardiovascular events, although other agents might have a safer profile. Clinicians must have this comprehensive knowledge to balance the therapeutic benefits of NSAIDs with any potential cardiovascular hazards when making judgments.
Template‐Independent DNA Polymerases
Authors: Yue Dongxian , Tabor Stanley , Nichols Nicole M.
Published: October 2008

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), is a template‐independent DNA polymerase that catalyzes the incorporation of deoxynucleotides at the 3′‐hydroxyl terminus of DNA, accompanied by the release of inorganic phosphate. TdT does not require a template and will not copy one. Reaction conditions and some applications are described in this unit, including cloning DNA fragments, labeling the 3′ terminus of DNA with 32P or nonradioactive tags, synthesizing model polydeoxynucleotide homopolymers, and detecting DNA damage and apoptotic cells. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 84:3.6.1‐3.6.3. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
RNA Ligases
Authors: Nichols Nicole M. , Tabor Stanley , McReynolds Larry A.
Published: October 2008

T4 RNA ligase 1 catalyzes the ATP‐dependent covalent joining of single‐stranded 5′‐phosphoryl termini of DNA or RNA to single‐stranded 3′‐hydroxyl termini of DNA or RNA. T4 RNA ligase 2 also catalyzes the joining of a 3′‐hydroxyl terminus of RNA to a 5′‐phosphorylated RNA or DNA; unlike T4 RNA ligase 1, this enzyme prefers double‐stranded substrates. A truncated form of T4 RNA ligase 2 requires a pre‐adenylated substrate for ligation. This unit describes specific reaction conditions, as well as applications such as radioactive labeling of the 3′ termini of RNA, circularizing oligodeoxyribonucleotides and oligoribonucleotides, ligating oligomers and nicks, creating hybrid and chimeric DNA/RNA molecules, and miRNA cloning. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 84:3.15.1‐3.15.4. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Detection of Proteins on Blot Transfer Membranes
Authors: Sasse Joachim , Gallagher Sean R.
Published: October 2008

The staining of proteins bound to a transfer membrane can be useful for determining the efficiency of transfer and marking the location of molecular weight standards. This unit describes three methods for staining blots, using India ink, gold labeling, and fluorescent labeling with SYPRO Ruby. Detection limits of each staining method are given along with a list of compatible blot transfer membranes and gels. A support protocol describes a method for enhancement of staining using alkali treatment. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 84:10.7.1‐10.7.6. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dietary Manipulation of Mouse Metabolism
Authors: Feige Jérôme N. , Lagouge Marie , Auwerx Johan
Published: October 2008

The maintenance of metabolic homeostasis relies on the balanced intake of nutrients from food. Consequently, diet composition strongly impacts whole‐body physiology. Dietary formulations with strong nutrient imbalances can lead to metabolic disorders, with lipids and simple sugars playing a prominent role. This unit describes how diet formulation can be modified to generate mouse models of human metabolic pathologies, and it details methodological procedures linked to dietary manipulations, including caloric restriction and introduction of a test compound. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 84:29B.5.1‐29B.5.12. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Use of Affymetrix Mapping Arrays in the Diagnosis of Gene Copy Number Variation
Authors: Delaney Allen D. , Qian Hong , Friedman Jan M. , Marra Marco A.
Published: October 2008

Diagnosing constitutional pathogenic copy number variants requires measuring the submicroscopic segmental chromosomal imbalance. The Affymetrix GeneChip mapping array has been used to measure duplication and deletion of genetic material in DNA samples. This protocol describes the measurement and analysis processes, specifically the computational analyses that are involved in identifying pathogenic copy number variants. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 59:8.13.1‐8.13.16. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Management and Quality Assurance in the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory
Authors: Cowan Tina M. , Strovel Erin T.
Published: October 2008

High‐quality biochemical genetics testing is critical for proper diagnosis and management of patients with inborn errors of metabolism. An accurate diagnosis is a prerequisite for proper treatment, ongoing management, and ultimately, for optimal clinical outcome. Quality testing in the biochemical genetics laboratory is managed via adherence to federal regulations that govern clinical laboratory testing. However, because these were not specifically written for biochemical genetics laboratories, a number of professional organizations have developed practice guidelines to address gaps in the federal code. This unit reviews these regulations and guidelines as they apply to quality management of the biochemical genetics laboratory, including test validation, personnel standards, proficiency testing, and overall quality management (including quality assurance, quality control, and quality improvement). It also provides examples of protocols and forms that can be adapted for the documentation of test validation, personnel training, quality control, and quality assurance. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 59:17.7.1‐17.7.12. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Transesterification of dimethyl oxalate with phenol over TiO2/SiO2: Catalyst screening and reaction optimization
Authors: Yang Xia , Ma Xinbin , Wang Shengping , Gong Jinlong
Published: October 2008

Physicochemical properties of silica‐supported titanium oxide catalysts as well as their performances for transesterification of dimethyl oxalate (DMO) with phenol to methyl phenyl oxalate (MPO) and diphenyl oxalate (DPO) have been investigated systematically. Various wt % of TiO2 were loaded on SiO2 by a two‐step wet impregnation method. The surface properties of TiO2/SiO2 catalysts were explored by various characterization techniques (BET, SEM, ICP, XPS, XRD, FTIR of pyridine adsorption, and NH3‐TPD). Catalytic performances of TiO2/SiO2 catalysts were found to be strongly dependent on TiO2 dispersion and surface acidity. Monolayer dispersion capacity of TiO2 on silica was estimated to be about 4.0 TiO2 molecules per nm2 (SiO2) and no crystalline TiO2 was detected at TiO2 loading less than 12 wt %. FTIR and TPD analysis suggested that weak Lewis acid sites on the surface of TiO2/SiO2 were responsible for their unique selectivity to the target products, MPO and DPO. An optimization of reaction conditions for the transesterification of DMO with phenol was performed over 12 wt % TiO2/SiO2 calcined at 550°C. In addition, we studied the disproportionation reaction from MPO to DPO via a catalytic distillation process, which is highly efficient to promote formation of the desired DPO. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Development of a new soft sensor method using independent component analysis and partial least squares
Authors: Kaneko Hiromasa , Arakawa Masamoto , Funatsu Kimito
Published: October 2008

Soft sensors are used widely to estimate a process variable which is difficult to measure online. One of the crucial difficulties of soft sensors is that predictive accuracy drops due to changes of state of chemical plants. To cope with this problem, a regression model can be updated. However, if the model is updated with an abnormal sample, the predictive ability can deteriorate. We have applied the independent component analysis (ICA) method to the soft sensor to increase fault detection ability. Then, we have tried to increase the predictive accuracy. By using the ICA‐based fault detection and classification model, the objective variable can be predicted, updating the PLS model appropriately. We analyzed real industrial data as the application of the proposed method. The proposed method achieved higher predictive accuracy than the traditional one. Furthermore, the nonsteady state could be detected as abnormal correctly by the ICA model. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Oxidation führt zu Reduktion – redoxinduzierter Elektronentransfer (RIET)
Authors: Miller Joel S. , Min Kil Sik
Published: October 2008

Eine Reihe von komplexen Elektronentransferreaktionen wurde beschrieben, bei denen dem Elektronentransfer elektrochemische, chemische und in einigen Fällen biologische Ereignisse nachfolgen. Beispielsweise kann es zu einem sekundären Elektronentransfer kommen, der eine beträchtliche Umlagerung der elektronischen Struktur nach sich zieht, sodass eine anfängliche Oxidation letztlich zu einer Reduktion führen kann oder umgekehrt. Man spricht in diesem Fall von ambivalenten Verbindungen. Außerdem kann gemischtvalentes oder valenztautomeres Verhalten aus diesen komplexen elektronentransferinduzierten Reaktionen resultieren.
Relationships between multiple births and autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities: autism and developmental disabilities monitoring (ADDM) network—2002 surveillance year
Authors: Van Naarden Braun Kim , Schieve Laura , Daniels Julie , Durkin Maureen , Giarelli Ellen , Kirby Russell S. , Lee Li‐Ching , Newschaffer Craig , Nicholas Joyce , Pinto‐Martin Jennifer
Published: October 2008

Since the 1970s, the prevalence of multiple births (MBs) in the United States has increased significantly. This has been attributed, in large part, to iatrogenic MBs resulting from infertility treatments that include ovulation stimulation. A past study has indicated that children from MBs have an increased prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP). Other studies also have suggested an association between MBs and intellectual disabilities (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); however, results have been inconsistent. From the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, a surveillance project among several US populations, we obtained MB estimates among children born in 1994 and classified by 8 years of age as having: an ASD (n=1,626 total children from 11 sites; 50 born as part of an MB); CP (n=302 total children from 3 sites; 25 born as part of an MB); or ID (n=1,195 total children from 3 sites; 45 born as part of an MB). All three MB estimates were notably higher than age‐adjusted expected estimates of naturally conceived MBs derived from 1971 US natality data. However, when MB estimates from the ADDM Network were compared with expected MB estimates derived from 1994 natality data for the states corresponding to the relevant ADDM Network sites, we observed no association with ASDs (observed/expected=1.08 [0.78–1.38]), a moderate, but not statistically significant association with ID (observed/expected=1.34 [0.95–1.73]), and a strong association with CP (observed/expected=2.96 [1.80–4.12]). Further investigation of specific types of MBs (natural vs. iatrogenic) is warranted.
Interaction of α‐gliadin with poly(HEMA‐co‐SS): Structural characterization and biological implication
Authors: Liang Li , Pinier Maud , Leroux Jean‐Christophe , Subirade Muriel
Published: October 2008

The wheat gluten protein α‐gliadin, a well known trigger of celiac disease, can be complexed by random copolymers of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate (SS). In this work, influence of α‐gliadin and poly(HEMA‐co‐SS) concentrations on α‐gliadin structure was studied using spectroscopic techniques and dynamic light scattering. In 70% ethanol or 0.06M HCl (pH 1.2), α‐gliadin was found to self‐associate upon increasing its concentrations and displayed decreased α‐helical content and increased β‐turn and β‐sheet contents. At pH 1.2, α‐gliadin interacted with poly(HEMA‐co‐SS) to form supra‐molecular complex particles. Poly(HEMA‐co‐SS) induced α‐gliadin structural changes that mimicked those obtained by varying the protein concentration in pure solution. At pH 6.8, α‐gliadin was poorly soluble and formed large particles but α‐helix is still main secondary structure. The influence of the polymer on protein structure was weaker at neutral than acidic pH. Interaction with poly(HEMA‐co‐SS) disrupted α‐gliadin conformation and self‐association to form new complex particles at neutral pH. This study provides insight into the mechanism of poly(HEMA‐co‐SS)/α‐gliadin interaction and the polymer as α‐gliadin sequestering agents in the supportive treatment of celiac disease. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 91: 169–178, 2009.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Paramagnetic Liposomes as Innovative Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance (MR) Molecular Imaging Applications
Authors: Terreno Enzo , Delli Castelli Daniela , Cabella Claudia , Dastrù Walter , Sanino Alberto , Stancanello Joseph , Tei Lorenzo , Aime Silvio
Published: October 2008

This article illustrates some innovative applications of liposomes loaded with paramagnetic lanthanide‐based complexes in MR molecular imaging field. When a relatively high amount of a GdIII chelate is encapsulated in the vesicle, the nanosystem can simultaneously affect both the longitudinal (R1) and the transverse (R2) relaxation rate of the bulk H2O H‐atoms, and this finding can be exploited to design improved thermosensitive liposomes whose MRI response is not longer dependent on the concentration of the probe. The observation that the liposome compartmentalization of a paramagnetic LnIII complex induce a significant R2 enhancement, primarily caused by magnetic susceptibility effects, prompted us to test the potential of such agents in cell‐targeting MR experiments. The results obtained indicated that these nanoprobes may have a great potential for the MR visualization of cellular targets (like the glutamine membrane transporters) overexpressing in tumor cells. Liposomes loaded with paramagnetic complexes acting as NMR shift reagents have been recently proposed as highly sensitive CEST MRI agents. The main peculiarity of CEST probes is to allow the MR visualization of different agents present in the same region of interest, and this article provides an illustrative example of the in vivo potential of liposome‐based CEST agents.
Zinc‐Handling in Cyanobacteria: An Update
Authors: Blindauer Claudia A.
Published: October 2008

Zinc is a constituent of all six classes of enzymes, plays important roles in gene regulation, and is thought to be essential for most organisms. Despite initial discoveries of cyanobacterial metallothioneins, zinc efflux pumps and uptake systems, and zinc sensors, our knowledge of the zinc requirements, uptake, and detoxification mechanisms of cyanobacteria is still limited. Although cyanobacteria occupy extremely diverse habitats, most available data pertains to freshwater species, and almost no studies of zinc‐handling mechanisms have been conducted in marine species. The current report highlights what is known about zinc homeostasis in cyanobacteria, and presents an analysis of the 40 sequenced cyanobacterial genomes.
The Hydration of Chloroacetonitriles Catalyzed by Mono‐ and Dinuclear RuII‐ and OsII‐Arene Complexes
Authors: Ashraf Shaheen M. , Kandioller Wolfgang , Mendoza‐Ferri Maria‐Grazia , Nazarov Alexey A. , Hartinger Christian G. , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: October 2008

The hydration of nitriles to the corresponding amides is an important reaction for both laboratory and industry purposes. The classical synthesis method requires harsh conditions, gives low yields, and is nonselective due to further hydrolysis of the amides into carboxylic acids. To obtain good yields and high selectivity, transition metal complexes have been utilized as catalysts for this transformation. Herein, a series of RuII‐ and OsII‐arene complexes – based on pyranone, thiopyranone, and pyridinone ligands – were assayed on the hydration of chloroacetonitriles. The influence of the substitution pattern of the ligand, and of the nuclearity and of the type of substrate on the yield, the selectivity, and the turnover numbers are discussed.
The Influence of X‐Rays on the Structural Studies of Peroxide‐Derived Myoglobin Intermediates
Authors: Hersleth Hans‐Petter , Hsiao Ya‐Wen , Ryde Ulf , Görbitz Carl Henrik , Andersson K. Kristoffer
Published: October 2008

In recent years, the awareness of potential radiation damage of metal centers in protein crystals during crystallographic data collection has received increasing attention. The radiation damage can lead to radiation‐induced changes and reduction of the metal sites. One of the research fields where these concerns have been comprehensively addressed is the study of the reaction intermediates of the heme peroxidase and oxygenase reaction cycles. For both the resting states and the high‐valent intermediates, the X‐rays used in the structure determination have given undesired side effects through radiation‐induced changes to the trapped intermediates. However, X‐rays have been used to generate and trap the peroxy/hydroperoxy state in crystals. In this review, the structural work and the influence of X‐rays on these intermediates in myoglobin are summarized and viewed in light of analogous studies on similar intermediates in peroxidases and oxygenases.
Influence of (Hydroxymethyl)pyridine and Pyridine‐carboxylic Acids, in trans‐Position to the Isopropylamine and Ammine Ligands, on the Cytotoxicity of Platinum Complexes
Authors: Medina Rosa M. , Rodríguez Jorge , Quiroga Adoración G. , Ramos‐Lima Francisco J. , Moneo Victoria , Carnero Amancio , Navarro‐Ranninger Carmen , Macazaga María J.
Published: October 2008

trans‐PtII Complexes with aliphatic amines and planar amines such as (hydroxymethyl)pyridines, and pyridine‐3‐ and pyridine‐4‐carboxylic acids were synthesized and screened for their potential cytotoxic activity in different cancer cell lines used at the NCI for in vitro screens, i.e., MCF7, NCIH460, and SF268. The complexes studied were designed to differ in geometrical parameters such as the position of the phenyl‐group substituents and the nature of the substituents themselves for gathering information about the structure–activity relationships in the trans‐complexes. The variation of the substituents turns to be crucial for their biological activity, as both pyridine‐3‐ and pyridine‐4‐carboxylic acids in trans‐position to both ammine and isopropylamine ligands provided complexes which displayed no specificity toward any type of cell tested, while (hydroxymethyl)pyridine in trans‐position to isopropylamine ligands led to complexes that were clearly more effective against the cell lines tested.
Studies of Iron‐Uptake Mechanisms in Two Bacterial Species of the Shewanella Genus Adapted to Middle‐Range (Shewanella putrefaciens) or Antarctic (Shewanella gelidimarina) Temperatures
Authors: Pakchung Amalie A. H. , Soe Cho Z. , Codd Rachel
Published: October 2008

Iron(III)‐uptake mechanisms in bacteria indigenous to the Antarctic, which is the most Fe‐deficient continent on Earth, have not been extensively studied. The cold‐adapted, Antarctic bacterium, Shewanella gelidimarina, does not produce detectable levels of the siderophore, putrebactin, in the supernatant of FeIII‐deprived cultures. This is distinct from the putrebactin‐producing bacterium from the same genus, Shewanella putrefaciens, which is adapted to middle‐range temperatures. The production of putrebactin by S. putrefaciens is optimal, when the pH value of the medium is 7.0. According to the strong positive response from whole cells in the Chrome Azurol S (CAS) agar diffusion assay, Shewanella gelidimarina appears to produce cell‐associated siderophores. In the RP‐HPLC trace of an FeIII‐loaded extract from the cell‐associated components of S. gelidimarina cultured in media with [FeIII] ca. 0 μM, a peak appears at [MeCN] ca. 77%, which decreases in intensity in a parallel experiment in which [FeIII] ca. 5 μM, and is barely detectable in FeIII‐replete media ([FeIII] ca. 20 μM). The FeIII‐dependence of this peak suggests that the attendant species, which is significantly more hydrophobic than putrebactin (RP‐HPLC elution: [MeCN] ca. 14%), is associated with FeIII‐management in S. gelidimarina. This study highlights the diversity in FeIII‐uptake mechanisms in Shewanella species adapted to different environmental and thermal niches.
KP1019, A New Redox‐Active Anticancer Agent – Preclinical Development and Results of a Clinical Phase I Study in Tumor Patients
Authors: Hartinger Christian G. , Jakupec Michael A. , Zorbas‐Seifried Stefanie , Groessl Michael , Egger Alexander , Berger Walter , Zorbas Haralabos , Dyson Paul J. , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: October 2008

The promising drug candidate indazolium trans‐[tetrachlorobis(1H‐indazole)ruthenate(III)] (KP1019) is the second Ru‐based anticancer agent to enter clinical trials. In this review, which is an update of a paper from 2006 (Hartinger et al., J. Inorg. Biochem. 2006, 100, 891–904), the experimental evidence for the proposed mode of action of this coordination compound is discussed, including transport into the cell via the transferrin cycle and activation by reduction. The results of the early clinical development of KP1019 are summarized in which five out of six evaluated patients experienced disease stabilization with no severe side effects.
Novel Endothall‐Containing Platinum(IV) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Reithofer Michael R. , Valiahdi Seied M. , Galanski Mathea Sophia , Jakupec Michael A. , Arion Vladimir B. , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: October 2008

Two platinum(IV) complexes (OC‐6‐33)‐dichlorido(ethane‐1,2‐diamine)dihydroxidoplatinum(IV) and (OC‐6‐33)‐diammine(dichlorido)dihydroxidoplatinum(IV) were carboxylated using demethylcantharidin as carboxylation agent. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, multinuclear (1H, 13C, 15N, and 195Pt) NMR spectroscopy, and, in case of (OC‐6‐33)‐diamminebis(3‐carboxy‐7exo‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane‐2‐carboxylato)dichloridoplatinum(IV) via X‐ray diffraction. Cytotoxicity of the complexes was studied in seven human cancer cell lines representing five tumor entities, i.e., ovarian carcinoma (CH1, SK‐OV‐3), cervical carcinoma (HeLa), colon carcinoma (SW480, HCT‐116), osteosarcoma (U‐2 OS), and hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2) by means of the MTT (=3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium hydrobromide) assay.
Chemical Biology Approaches to Probe the Proteome
Authors: Ovaa Huib , van Leeuwen Fred
Published: October 2008

Understanding disease‐associated cellular defects at a molecular level is critical for the development of pharmacological intervention strategies. Recent breakthroughs in microarray and sequencing technologies have provided powerful tools to rapidly reveal the cellular defects caused by alterations in the genome or transcriptome. However, the picture of how the cellular proteome is affected in a disease state and how changes in DNA and RNA affect protein function is often incomplete. This is perhaps not surprising because the functions of proteins are not just determined by primary sequence and abundance, but are under the control of many regulatory mechanisms. Here, we highlight several recent advances in proteomics technologies that are being developed to generate comprehensive human proteome maps and discuss them in the context of strategies that have been developed in simple model organisms. Chemical biology will play a critical role in drafting a map of the proteome with functional information. Chemical genetic approaches that use high‐throughput small molecule screening have resulted in the public availability of small molecule datasets through web interfaces such as PubChem. With such approaches, the opportunities to investigate disease and to explore the proteome with chemistry are rapidly increasing. In addition, new tools are being developed to probe protein function. Here we highlight recent developments in chemical biology and the exciting opportunities that are arising with them.
Sorting variables by using informative vectors as a strategy for feature selection in multivariate regression
Authors: Teófilo Reinaldo F. , Martins João Paulo A. , Ferreira Márcia M. C.
Published: October 2008

A new procedure with high ability to enhance prediction of multivariate calibration models with a small number of interpretable variables is presented. The core of this methodology is to sort the variables from an informative vector, followed by a systematic investigation of PLS regression models with the aim of finding the most relevant set of variables by comparing the cross‐validation parameters of the models obtained. In this work, seven main informative vectors i.e. regression vector, correlation vector, residual vector, variable influence on projection (VIP), net analyte signal (NAS), covariance procedures vector (CovProc), signal‐to‐noise ratios vector (StN) and their combinations were automated and tested with the main purpose of feature selection. Six data sets from different sources were employed to validate this methodology. They originated from: near‐Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, gas chromatography (GC), fluorescence spectroscopy, quantitative structure‐activity relationships (QSAR) and computer simulation. The results indicate that all vectors and their combinations were able to enhance prediction capability with respect to the full data sets. However, regression and NAS informative vectors from partial least squares (PLS) regression, both built using more latent variables than when building the model presented in most of tested data sets, were the best informative vectors for variable selection. In all the applications, the selected variables were quite effective and useful for interpretation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanomaterialien im Blut‐ und Gewebekontakt
Authors: Werner C.
Published: October 2008

Nanomaterialien haben Einzug in die Medizintechnik gehalten und werden künftig eine immer wichtigere Rolle in neuen diagnostischen und therapeutischen Verfahren spielen. Dabei profitieren sowohl etablierte Produkte wie kardiovaskuläre Implantate als auch neue Konzepte wie etwa die der regenerativen Medizin von den Möglichkeiten der nanoskaligen Gestaltung von Werkstoffen. Der Artikel gibt eine kurze Übersicht über Biomaterialien im Blut‐ und Gewebekontakt und informiert anhand von Beispielen über aktuelle Entwicklungen speziell auf dem Gebiet der nanoskaligen Gestaltung von biofunktionellen polymeren Biomaterialien. Abschließend werden Trends bei der Entwicklung von Nanomaterialien für biomedizinische Anwendungen und sich abzeichnende Schwerpunkte einer künftigen Nanomedizin diskutiert.
NORMUNG in den Nanotechnologien
Authors: Reiners G.
Published: October 2008

Die Festlegung von einheitlicher Terminologie, Schnittstellen sowie Mess‐ und Prüfverfahren in Normen schafft Vertrauen bei Endnutzern und Investoren und ebnet den Weg für weitere marktfähige Innovationen. Wer die Norm setzt, macht den Markt. In dem sich schnell entwickelnden Gebiet der Nanotechnologien wurden 2005 in ISO (International Organisation for Standardization), IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) und CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation) neue Normungsausschüsse etabliert, die jeweils den Titel „Nanotechnologies”︁ führen. Terminologie und Nomenklatur, Messtechnik, Gesundheit, Sicherheit und Umwelt sowie Materialspezifikationen bilden den Rahmen, aus denen die aktuellen Normungsthemen generiert werden. Deutschland ist aktiv an diesen internationalen Anstrengungen beteiligt, insbesondere an den wirtschaftlich wichtigen Themen Terminologie und den in der öffentlichen Diskussion besonders aufmerksam verfolgten Feldern Umwelt‐ und Arbeitsschutz.
Geeignete Methoden zur Prüfung der Sicherheit von Nanomaterialien
Authors: Landsiedel R. , Wiench K. , Wohlleben W.
Published: October 2008

Das tiefere Verständnis der Zusammenhänge in der Nanodimension ist die Basis für eine moderne Produktentwicklung. Nanomaterialien können interessante, neue – auch neue biologische ‐ Eigenschaften haben. Daraus ergibt sich die Frage nach einer möglichen nanospezifischen Toxizität. Sie kann von der spezifischen Oberfläche, der Oberflächenchemie, der Größe oder der Form des Nanomaterials abhängen. Bisher ist eine allgemeine Regel für die Abhängigkeit der Toxizität von den genannten Materialeigenschaften noch nicht bekannt. Spezifische Testverfahren zur Abschätzung der Nanotoxizität existieren noch nicht. Eine Entwicklung von Testmethoden zur Untersuchung der Toxizität von Nanomaterialien bezüglich Umwelt und Gesundheit ist ein Anliegen der BASF. Basierend auf bisherigen Erkenntnissen zur Toxikologie, aber auch unter Berücksichtigung möglicher Expositionen am Arbeitsplatz, ist die Aufnahme sowohl über die Atemwege als auch durch Hautkontakt kritisch zu betrachten. In dem Maß, in dem die Nanotechnologien in konkrete Prozesse und Produkte umgesetzt werden, steigt auch die Beurteilungskompetenz zur Abwägung der Chancen gegenüber möglicher Risiken, die mit der Nutzung neuer Technologien in Form innovativer Produkte und Prozesse verbunden sein können. Die BASF erarbeitet eine wissenschaftlich fundierte Datenbasis zur Beurteilung möglicher Risiken, zu der sowohl die Entwicklung spezifischer Expositionsmessung von Nanomaterialien am Arbeitsplatz und die Gefährdungsbeurteilungen entsprechender Arbeitsplätze, Anwendungs‐ und Produktbewertungen als auch die Untersuchung biophysikalischer Eigenschaften und – damit verbunden – spezieller toxikologischer und ökotoxikologische Prüfungen gehören.
Innovation durch Nanointegration – Das Netzwerk für Materialien der Nanotechnik, NanoMat, nutzt Synergiepotenziale und schafft Lust auf Innovationen
Authors: Hedderich R.
Published: October 2008

Die NanoMat‐Partner haben das Ziel, Erkenntnisse der Nanotechnologie in Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu integrieren, um hochqualifizierte industrielle Arbeitsplätze in Deutschland zu schaffen. Von Nanotechnologie spricht man heute im Allgemeinen, sobald Strukturen und Materialien mit einer Dimension oder Fertigungstoleranz typischerweise unter 100 nm zum Tragen kommen. Die Hohensteiner Institute haben in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Netzwerk NanoMat (www.nanomat.de) eine Definition für Nanotechnologie gefunden, die sich auch auf den breiten Bereich der Textilien anwenden lässt. Unter Nanotechnologie versteht man Herstellungs‐ und oder Fertigungsverfahren, die zu einer systemischen Anordnung funktioneller Strukturen führen, die durch ihre Nanoskaligkeit zu größenabhängigen Eigenschaften und zu neuen Funktionalitäten und Anwendungsoptionen von Materialien und Produkten führen.
Modelle und Modelldenken im Chemieunterricht und ein Einblick in das Verständnis von erfahrenen Chemielehrkräften
Authors: Bindernagel Janina A. , Eilks Ingo
Published: October 2008

Erkenntnisgewinnung ist eine der vier Kompetenzen der Bildungsstandards. Zu dieser Kompetenz gehört unbestritten auch ein reflektierter Umgang mit naturwissenschaftlichen Modellen und dem Prozess der Modellierung. Modelle werden aber auch für die Kommunikation von Chemie genutzt und sind vor dem Hintergrund ihrer Erklärungsmächtigkeit zu bewerten. Daher bilden Modelle und Modellierung ganz wesentliche Säulen der prozessbezogenen Kompetenzen. Der vorliegende Beitrag greift die Diskussion um Modelle und Modelldenken im Chemieunterricht auf und fasst einige aktuelle Forschungs‐ und Diskussionsbeiträge zusammen. Es wird der Versuch unternommen, unklare Trennlinien bei der Diskussion über Modelle und Modelldenken sowie die Bedeutung eines reflektierten Modellbegriffs für den Chemieunterricht herauszuarbeiten. Verbunden wird dies mit Ergebnissen einer Fallstudie aus einem Projekt forschungsorientierten Lernens über die Nutzung des Modellbegriffs von erfahrenen Chemielehrkräften bei ihrer Reflektion über eigene Unterrichtskonzepte.
Efficient and fair scheduling for two‐level information broadcasting systems
Authors: Lee Byoung‐Hoon , Lim Sung‐Hwa , Kim Jai‐Hoon , Cho We‐Duke
Published: October 2008

In a ubiquitous environment, there are many applications where a server disseminates information of common interest to pervasive clients and devices. For an example, an advertisement server sends information from a broadcast server to display devices. We propose an efficient information scheduling scheme for information broadcast systems to reduce average waiting time for information access while maintaining fairness between information items. Our scheme allocates information items adaptively according to relative popularity for each local server. Simulation results show that our scheme can reduce the waiting time up to 30% compared with the round robin scheme while maintaining cost‐effective fairness. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conformational Dynamics of Minimal Elastin‐Like Polypeptides: The Role of Proline Revealed by Molecular Dynamics and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Glaves Rachel , Baer Marcel , Schreiner Eduard , Stoll Raphael , Marx Dominik
Published: October 2008

Previous molecular dynamics studies of the elastin‐like peptide (ELP) GVG(VPGVG) predict that this ELP undergoes a conformational transition from an open to a more compact closed state upon an increase in temperature. These structural changes occurring in this minimal elastin model at the so‐called inverse temperature transition (ITT), which takes place when elastin is heated to temperatures of about 20–40 oC, are investigated further in this work by means of a combined theoretical and experimental approach. To do this, additional extensive classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the capped octapeptide are carried out, analyzed, and compared to data obtained from homonuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of the same octapeptide. Moreover, in the previous simulations, the proline residue in the ELP is found to act as a hinge, thereby allowing for the large‐amplitude opening and closing conformational motion of the ITT. To explore the role of proline in such elastin repeating units, a point mutant (P5I), which replaces the proline residue with an isoleucine residue, is also investigated using the aforementioned theoretical and experimental techniques. The results show that the site‐directed mutation completely alters the properties of this ELP, thus confirming the importance of the highly conserved proline residue in the ITT. Furthermore, a correlation between the two different methods employed is seen. Both methods predict the mutant ELP to be present in an unstructured form and the wild type ELP to have a β‐turn‐like structure. Finally, the role of the peptidyl cis to trans isomerization of the proline hinge is assessed in detail.
Choroidal metastasis from an occult primary diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration: A case report
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Sudeshna , Adrean Sean D. , Puklin James E. , Feng Jining
Published: October 2008

Choroidal masses are rarely the first presentation without the primary tumor being discovered. We described fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of a choroidal mass for diagnosis and determining the primary site. The patient, a 50‐year‐old Caucasian male without significant past medical history, presented with visual disturbances and headaches. Intraoperative ocular FNA was performed which was sparsely cellular showing a few loosely cohesive sheets and singly arranged epithelial cells with moderate amount cytoplasm, round large nuclei and prominent nucleoli. Immunohistochemical stainings on the cell block material showed positive staining of cytokeratin and negative staining of melanoma markers. The diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma was rendered. During clinical follow up studies, the patient was found to have a PET positive lung nodule and multiple visceral metastasis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytopathologic differential diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma, adenocarcinoma and reactive mesothelial cells: A logistic regression analysis
Authors: Cakir Ebru , Demirag Funda , Aydin Mehtap , Unsal Ebru
Published: October 2008

Distinguishing malignant mesothelioma, adenocarcinoma and reactive mesothelial proliferation in both cytologic and surgical pathologic specimens is often a diagnostic challenge. Conventional cytomorphologic assessment is an important step in the differential diagnosis of these entities.

The pleural effusion cytologies from 40 cases of malignant mesothelioma, 40 cases of adenocarcinoma and 30 cases of reactive mesothelial proliferation diagnosed between 1997 and 2007 were reviewed. Twenty‐seven cytologic features which are regarded as useful in the differential diagnosis of mesothelioma, adenocarcinoma and benign mesothelial proliferation were assessed. These cytologic features were subjected to a stepwise logistic regression analysis. Three features were selected to distinguish malignant mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma: giant atypical mesothelial cell (P = 0.0001), nuclear pleomorphism (P = 0.0001) and acinar structures (P = 0.0001), the latter two being characteristics of adenocarcinoma. The variables selected to differentiate malignant mesothelioma from reactive mesothelial cells were: cell ball formation (P = 0.0001), cell in cell engulfment (P = 0.0001) and monolayer cell groups (P = 0.0001), the latter being a feature of benign mesothelial proliferation. When these selected variables were subjected to a stepwise logistic regression analysis, the logistic model correctly predicted 90% of cases of benign mesothelial proliferation versus 97.5% of malignant mesothelioma and 92.5% of malignant mesothelioma versus 92.5% of adenocarcinoma.

Conventional cytomorphologic assessment is the first step to establish an accurate diagnosis in pleural effusions. Several cytologic features have predictive value to seperate malignant mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma and reactive mesothelial proliferation. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Indeterminate diagnosis in fine‐needle aspiration of the pancreas: Reasons and clinical implications
Authors: Payne Misty , Staerkel Gregg , Gong Yun
Published: October 2008

An indeterminate diagnosis made on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) samples of the pancreatic lesions can cause dilemmas in clinical management. We retrospectively analyzed FNA features of such lesions in 65 consecutive pancreatic FNAs from 56 lesions to learn more about the sources of uncertainty and their clinical implications. A definitive diagnosis based on follow‐up information was available in 50 lesions. Radiologically, 39% of the lesions showed a cystic component, and 25% of the lesions were ill‐defined. Cytologically, contributing factors included scant atypical cells, coexistence of gastrointestinal epithelium, pancreatitis, poor cellular preservation, and interpretation error. Repeat sampling, as requested by clinicians prior to treatment, was performed in 33 (66%) of the 50 lesions, leading to a definitive pathologic diagnosis in 20 (61%) lesions. Seventeen lesions were eventually resected, of which a definitive preoperative diagnosis was attempted in 12 lesions via repeat sampling and was successful in seven. We concluded that indeterminate cytologic diagnosis of a pancreatic lesion often needs to be pursued for optimal management. Although intrinsic natures of a lesion such as cystic component may contribute to insufficient sampling, diagnostic certainty can be improved by proper specimen handling, interpretation, and clinical and/or radiographic correlation. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Melanoma with cartilaginous differentiation: Diagnostic challenge on fine‐needle aspiration with emphasis on differential diagnosis
Authors: Hanley Krisztina Z. , Weiss Sharon W. , Logani Sanjay
Published: October 2008

Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive, fast, and accurate diagnostic method for the evaluation of patients with locally recurrent or distant metastases of malignant melanoma. In the vast majority of cases, the diagnosis is straightforward with the characteristic cytologic features well documented in the literature. Divergent differentiation (chondroid, neural, myofibroblastic, and osteocartilagenous) in a melanoma is rare and can potentially create diagnostic challenges if the evaluator is unaware of the same. We report a case of a 46‐year‐old female with a history of primary anal melanoma who presented with a groin mass. The FNA of the groin mass showed a neoplasm rich in chondroid matrix and raised the possibility of a second primary mesenchymal neoplasm rather than metastasis from the patient's known primary anal melanoma. A review of the histologic features of the anal melanoma showed divergent chondroid differentiation in the anal melanoma with the metastatic deposit in the groin exhibiting extensive chondroid differentiation. The differential diagnostic considerations are discussed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.