bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper‐Catalyzed Efficient Multicomponent Reaction: Synthesis of Benzoxazoline‐Amidine Derivatives
Authors: Shang Yongjia , He Xinwei , Hu Jinsong , Wu Jianwei , Zhang Min , Yu Shuyan , Zhang Qianqian
Published: October 2009

We have developed an efficient copper‐catalyzed method for the synthesis of the benzoxazoline‐amidine derivatives. The protocol uses inexpensive copper(I) iodide as the catalyst, and furnished the expected product in good to excellent yields by a three‐component reaction of sulfonyl azides, terminal alkynes and Schiffs’ bases in terahydrofuran (THF) at room temperature for 8 h in the presence of triethylamine. This novel synthetic protocol is selective, efficient and general. A plausible mechanism for this process is proposed.
Highly Efficient Synthesis of Quaternary α‐Hydroxy Phosphonates via Lewis Acid‐Catalyzed Hydrophosphonylation of Ketones
Authors: Zhou Xin , Liu Yanling , Chang Lu , Zhao Jiannan , Shang Deju , Liu Xiaohua , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming
Published: October 2009

A Lewis acid catalyst has been first applied to the hydrophosphonylation of ketones, giving the corresponding quaternary α‐hydroxy phosphonates in high yields (up to 98%). The present method was highly tolerable for functionalized ketones. Moreover, the first catalytic enantioselective hydrophosphonylation of an unactivated ketone was also realized by using a tridentate Schiff base‐titanium complex.
Preparation of 2H‐1,4‐Benzoxazin‐2‐one Derivatives under Heterogeneous Conditions via Domino Process
Authors: Ballini Roberto , Palmieri Alessandro , Talaq Mohammad AbdulKarim , Gabrielli Serena
Published: October 2009

Carbonate on polymer is a valuable solid supported reagent (SSR) to promote, under eco‐friendly conditions, the preparation of 2H‐1,4‐benzoxazin‐2‐one derivatives starting from β‐nitroacrylates and aminophenols via a domino process.
Technologien der Cellulose‐ und Stärkeverarbeitung
Authors: Fink H.‐P. , Ebeling H. , Vorwerg W.
Published: October 2009

Cellulose und Stärke gehören zu den industriell wichtigsten nachwachsenden Rohstoffen mit einer Vielzahl von Nutzungsmöglichkeiten, die sich aus den besonderen Strukturen und Möglichkeiten der Modifizierung dieser Biopolymere ergeben. Die chemisch‐technische Verarbeitung von Cellulose und Stärke erfordert dabei spezifische Verfahren, die insbesondere bei der nicht schmelzbaren und in herkömmlichen Lösungsmitteln unlöslichen Cellulose aufwendig sind. Im Beitrag wird zunächst ein Überblick über industrielle Verarbeitungsverfahren der Cellulose gegeben, die für die Herstellung von Celluloseregeneraten und Cellulosederivaten heute eingesetzt werden. Dabei wird insbesondere auf neuere Entwicklungen für die effektive und umweltfreundliche Herstellung von Cellulosefasern, Folien und Nonwovens eingegangen. Ein Überblick über technologische Prinzipien der Stärkeverarbeitung wird im zweiten Teil des Beitrags gegeben, wobei physikalische, enzymatische und chemische Verfahren zur Stärkemodifizierung erläutert werden. Von besonderer Bedeutung sind hier neuere Entwicklungen zur Herstellung unterschiedlicher Additive für die Papierindustrie sowie die Produktion von Stärke für den Einsatz in bioabbaubaren Kunststoffen.
Ressourcen‐ und Energieeffizienz
Authors: Woidasky J. , Schweppe R. , Hirth T.
Published: October 2009

Die Steigerung der Ressourceneffizienz ist heute nicht nur ein Gebot der ökologischen Vernunft, sondern wird zunehmend zu einer wirtschaftlichen Notwendigkeit: Deutsche Unternehmen sind in großem Maße abhängig von den Entwicklungen auf den internationalen Rohstoffmärkten. Diese Abhängigkeit kann die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der Unternehmen bedrohen, wenn es nicht gelingt, handelspolitisch und technologisch die Auswirkungen zu begrenzen. Um auch langfristig und nachhaltig eine Wertschöpfung durch Rohstoffveredlung am Standort Deutschland zu sichern, sind vorrangig Innovationen im Bereich der Steigerung von Rohstoff‐ und Energieproduktivität erforderlich. Erste Entwicklungen wurden in Deutschland und Europa bereits eingeleitet mit der Erwartung, hier als „first mover”︁ mittel‐ bis langfristig von den erarbeiteten Lösungen profitieren zu können. Durch die Verbesserung der Materialeffizienz, die Entwicklung Ressourcen schonender Werkstoffe sowie die Verstärkung des Recyclings und des Einsatzes von Sekundärrohstoffen und nachwachsenden Rohstoffen können im industriellen Umfeld Effizienzpotentiale erschlossen werden. Hier werden die Rahmenbedingungen und wichtige Handlungsfelder vorgestellt.
Synthese und Charakterisierung von Polyestern und Polyamiden auf der Basis von Furan‐2,5‐dicarbonsäure
Authors: Fehrenbacher U. , Grosshardt O. , Kowollik K. , Tübke B. , Dingenouts N. , Wilhelm M.
Published: October 2009

Kunststoffe, die aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen hergestellt werden, gewinnen als Produkte eine immer größere Bedeutung. Aufgrund der einfachen Bearbeitung sind vor allem Thermoplaste von besonderem Interesse. Derzeit sind allerdings nur thermoplastische Kunststoffe mit aromatischen Bausteinen wie z. B. Terephthalsäure verfügbar, die aus petrochemischen Rohstoffen hergestellt werden. Bekannte Beispiele sind Polyethylenterephthalat und Polytrimethylenterephthalat. Eine mögliche Alternative ist die Furan‐2,5‐dicarbonsäure, die aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen hergestellt werden kann. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurden ausgewählte Polyester und Polyamide auf Basis der Furan‐2,5‐dicarbonsäure mittels Schmelzekondensation hergestellt und die thermischen sowie dynamisch‐mechanischen Eigenschaften bestimmt.
Die dritte industrielle Revolution am Bau auf biogener und bionischer Basis
Authors: Hofbauer W. , Rennebarth T. , Breuer K. , Sedlbauer K.
Published: October 2009

Für nachwachsende Rohstoffe und bionische Applikationen bestehen vielfältige Einsatzmöglichkeiten in der modernen Bautechnik, aber auch traditionell werden seit langer Zeit erneuerbare Materialien verwendet. Biogene Baustoffe haben neben interessanten technischen Eigenschaften den Vorteil, dass sie auch biologisch abbaubar bzw. weitgehend CO2‐neutral thermisch verwertet werden können. Neben der Anwendung von Produkten, die direkt der Landwirtschaft entstammen, wie z. B. Fasern, gibt es heute Ansätze für Biokomposite, die neue Eigenschaften aufweisen, welche für den Bau von Interesse sind. Biogene Composite bieten nicht nur im Hinblick auf das Life Cycle Assessment enorme Vorteile, sondern beispielsweise auch im Hinblick auf ihre bessere Statik bei geringerem Gewicht oder erhöhte Dauerhaftigkeit bei gleichzeitiger Wiederverwertbarkeit. In der Baustoffchemie eröffnen sich durch die Verwendung von Basischemikalien biogenen Ursprungs sowie durch die Nanotechnologie neue Perspektiven. Zusätzliche Impulse erhält die Bautechnik durch Anwendung bionischer Prinzipien.
Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence Sensor Based on Tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)ruthenium(II)‐Immobilized Natural Clay and Ionic Liquid
Authors: Jiang Ping , Yan Lei , Zhang Xicui , Yuan Hongyan , Xiao Dan , Choi Martin M. F.
Published: October 2009

A novel electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor based on natural clay and ionic liquid was fabricated. Tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+) was immobilized on natural clay surface through simple adsorption. An ECL sensor was prepared by mixing Ru(bpy)32+‐incorporated clay, graphite powder and an ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate) as the binder. The electrochemical behavior and ECL of the immobilized Ru(bpy)32+ was investigated. It was observed that the ECL of immobilized Ru(bpy)32+ was activated by the ionic liquid. The proposed ECL sensor showed high sensitivity to tri‐n‐propylamine (TPrA) and the detection limit was found to be 20 pM. In addition, the ECL sensor displayed good stability for TPrA detection and long‐term storage stability.
Electrochemical Preparation and Characterization of Neodymium Hexacyanoferrate and Its Application
Authors: Fang Bin , Shen Rongxing , Zhang Cuihong , Yuan Huali , Yao Li , Wang Guangfeng
Published: October 2009

A novel route for the fabrication of neodymium hexacyanoferrate (NdHCF) modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) was proposed. The morphological characterization of NdHCF was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR). The performances of the NdHCF/GCE were characterized with cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammograms (DPV). The modified electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic effect and high stability toward the electrochemical oxidation of dopamine (DA) in phosphate buffer solution (pH 5.5) with a diminution of the anodic overpotential of 155 mV. The anodic peak currents increased linearly with the concentration of DA from 5.0×10−7 to 6.0×10−4 M with a detection limit of 1.0×10−8 M (S/N=3). The most important is that the modified electrode could be used for the determination of DA in the presence of an ascorbic acid concentration as large as 100‐fold that of DA. The proposed method was used to determine DA in DA‐hydrochloride injection and showed excellent sensitivity and recovery. The ease of fabrication, high stability, and low cost of the modified electrode are the promising features of the proposed sensor.
Electrochemical Detection of Catechol Based on As‐Grown and Nanograss Array Boron‐Doped Diamond Electrodes
Authors: Lv Mei , Wei Min , Rong Fei , Terashima Chiaki , Fujishima Akira , Gu Zhong‐Ze
Published: October 2009

The electrochemical behavior of different redox systems and detection of catechol were performed on the as‐grown boron‐doped diamond (BDD) electrodes and the nanograss array BDD. Compared with as‐grown BDD, the electron transfer on the nanograss array BDD surface became slower toward the negatively charged Fe(CN)63−, whereas changed little toward the positively charged Ru(NH3)63+. The nanograss array BDD showed higher electrocatalytic activity toward the catechol detection than did the as‐grown BDD. Good linearity was observed for a concentration range from 5 to 100 μM with a sensitivity of 719.71 mA M−1 cm−2 and a detection limit of 1.3 μM on the nanograss array BDD.
Complexation of Hg2+with α‐Lipoic and Dihydrolipoic Acids: Study by Differential Pulse Voltammetry on Rotating Au‐Disk Electrode and ESI‐MS
Authors: Chekmeneva Elena , Díaz‐Cruz José Manuel , Ariño Cristina , Esteban Miquel
Published: October 2009

The complexation of the natural antioxidants α‐lipoic acid (ALA) and its reduced form dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) with Hg2+was investigated by a recently proposed differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) method using the rotating Au‐disk electrode. Complexation processes are proposed from the multivariate curve resolution by alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS) analysis of DPV titration data. Main complexes were both 1 : 1 Hg : ALA and Hg : DHLA, although the formation of 1 : 2 complexes can be also deduced. ALA and DHLA show different Hg2+‐binding patterns at different pH. Voltammetric findings are completed with the data obtained by electrospray ionization mass‐spectrometry (ESI‐MS), especially in negative mode.
Direct Electrochemistry of Cholesterol Oxidase Immobilized on a Conducting Polymer: Application for a Cholesterol Biosensor
Authors: Abdelwahab Adel A. , Won Mi‐Sook , Shim Yoon‐Bo
Published: October 2009

Direct electrochemistry of cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) immobilized on the conductive poly‐3′,4′‐diamine‐2,2′,5′,2″‐terthiophene (PDATT) was achieved and used to create a cholesterol biosensor. A well‐defined redox peak was observed, corresponding to the direct electron transfer of the FAD/FADH2 of ChOx, and the rate constant (ks) was determined to be 0.75 s−1. Glutathione (GSH) covalently bonded with PDATT was used as a matrix for conjugating AuNPs, ChOx, and MP, simultaneously. MP co‐immobilized with ChOx on the AuNPs‐GSH/PDATT exhibited an excellent amperometric response to cholesterol. The dynamic range was from 10 to 130 μM with a detection limit of 0.3±0.04 μM.
Electrochemical Biosensor Based on Carbon Ionic Liquid Electrode Modified with Nafion/Hemoglobin/DNA Composite Film
Authors: Sun Wei , Wang Yan , Li Xiaoqing , Wu Jie , Zhan Tianrong , Jiao Kui
Published: October 2009

A new electrochemical biosensor was constructed by immobilization of hemoglobin (Hb) on a DNA modified carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE), which was prepared by using 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIMBF4) as the modifier. UV‐vis absorption spectroscopic result indicated that Hb remained its native conformation in the composite film. The fabricated Nafion/Hb/DNA/CILE was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). A pair of well‐defined redox peaks was obtained on the modified electrode, indicated that the Nafion and DNA composite film provided an excellent biocompatible microenvironment for keeping the native structure of Hb and promoting the direct electron transfer rate of Hb with the basal electrode. The electrochemical parameters of Hb in the composite film were further calculated with the results of the charge transfer coefficient (α) and the apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (ks) as 0.41 and 0.31 s−1. The proposed electrochemical biosensor showed good electrocatalytic response to the reduction of trichloroacetic acid (TCA), H2O2, NO$\rm{ {_{2}^{-}}}$ and the apparent Michaelis–Menten constant (KMapp) for the electrocatalytic reaction was calculated, respectively.
Electroanalytical Studies and Simultaneous Determination of Amlodipine Besylate and Atorvastatine Calcium in Binary Mixtures Using First Derivative of the Ratio‐Voltammetric Methods
Authors: Dogan‐Topal Burcu , Bozal Burcin , Demircigil B. Tolga , Uslu Bengi , Ozkan Sibel A.
Published: October 2009

The electrochemical behavior of atorvastatin and amlodipine at a glassy carbon electrode has been studied using different voltammetric techniques. First derivative of the ratio voltammetric methods for determination of amlodipine and atorvastatin in tablets in the presence of the other compound has been described. This technique depends on the measuring of first derivative of the ratio voltammograms of each concentration as a function of the increased concentrations. DP and SW voltammetric methods depend on first derivative of the ratio‐voltammetry by measurements of the selected potentials for amlodipine and atorvastatin. The linear response was within the range of 4×10−6–1×10−4 M for amlodipine and 2×10−6–1×10−4 M for atorvastatin. The proposed methods have been extensively validated.
Effect of soil texture, tailwater height, and pore‐water pressure on the morphodynamics of migrating headcuts in upland concentrated flows
Authors: Wells Robert R. , Bennett Sean J. , Alonso Carlos V.
Published: October 2009

Rill and gully erosion in upland and agricultural areas can result in significant soil degradation worldwide, and headcuts are the primary mechanism by which this landscape dissection occurs. Experiments were conducted to further examine the morphodynamic behavior of actively migrating headcuts in upland concentrated flows with varying boundary conditions. The effect of soil texture greatly modified the erodibility of the select soils, and headcut migration rates, scour depths, and sediment discharges were correlated to the critical shear stress and erodibility of the select soils. The effect of increasing tailwater height greatly reduced the nappe entry angle at the brink of the headcut, completely arresting the soil erosion processes. Altering subsurface pore‐water pressures markedly changed the erodibility coefficients of the select soil, which caused greater headcut migration rates and sediment discharges, yet shallower scour holes, in the presence of a subsurface water table. Current analytic formulations based on jet impingement theory successfully predicted these experimental observations, further demonstrating the utility of such analytic formulations in advancing watershed management technology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silica nanoparticles in high silica/alkali molar ratio solutions as fire‐retardant impregnants for woods
Authors: Giudice Carlos A. , Pereyra Andrea M.
Published: October 2009

The objective of this paper is to know the fire performance of wooden panels (Pinus radiata) impregnated with silica nanoparticles added to silica/alkali colloidal solutions. Two series of impregnated panels were prepared with diverse penetrations and retentions (a) after drying/curing the impregnants at laboratory conditions until reaching constant weight and (b) after finishing this stage with prior distiller water immersion for seven days and a later air exposition for attaining moisture balance. Panels were tested in a limiting oxygen chamber and in a two‐foot tunnel. Some results displayed a high fire‐retardant efficiency. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
K‐feldspar sand‐grain provenance in the Triassic, west of Shetland: distinguishing first‐cycle and recycled sediment sources?
Authors: Tyrrell Shane , Leleu Sophie , Souders A. Kate , Haughton Peter D.W. , Daly J. Stephen
Published: October 2009

Sandstone provenance studies can help constrain palaeogeographic reconstructions and ancient drainage system scales and pathways. However, these insights can be obscured by difficulties in geochemically distinguishing or adequately characterizing potential sourcelands, or by failure to identify sedimentary recycling. Triassic basins west of Shetland accumulated ∼2.5 km of sand‐rich sediment. The Middle‐Upper Triassic Foula Formation represents fluvial, aeolian and sabkha facies deposited in the northern interior of the Pangaean supercontinent. Published U‐Pb zircon geochronology and heavy mineral analysis suggest that these sandstones were derived from East Greenland. They contain significant fresh K‐feldspar which is likely to be first cycle and derived directly from its source. Pb isotopic analyses of individual K‐feldspar sand‐grains show a single, unradiogenic Pb population, consistent with the provenance indicated by U‐Pb zircon geochronology. Archaean and Palaeo‐Mesoproterozoic rocks—the Nagssugtoqidian Mobile Belt, the Lewisian Complex or equivalents—are the likely source, with terranes south of the Moine Thrust (Grampian, Caledonian and Variscan) ruled out by both the Pb and U‐Pb data. However, it is not possible to distinguish between rift flank sources to the east and west, as both areas have similar crustal affinity and/or share the same tectonic history. It is possible that the sediment was derived from the West Shetland Platform and not from Greenland. The comparison of provenance signals from robust and less stable mineral phases provides a means of recognizing sedimentary recycling. Robust zircon populations and less stable feldspar in Foula Formation sandstones concur in indicating the same source, suggesting that they are likely to be first cycle. The Triassic sand supply can be contrasted with that in Upper Carboniferous (Namurian) basins in the north of England where a significant zircon population has no corresponding K‐feldspar component. This zircon population is likely to have been recycled from Lower Palaeozoic greywackes from the Southern Uplands Belt or it's along strike extension. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic therapeutic effects of combined adenovirus‐mediated interleukin‐10 and interleukin‐12 gene therapy on airway inflammation in asthmatic mice
Authors: Hsu Chih‐Yu , Eugene Liu H. , Sheu Feei‐Yi , Leu Sy‐Jye , Chiang Bor‐Luen , Hsiao George , Lee Yueh‐Lun
Published: October 2009

Background

Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by airway inflammation caused by the dysregulated production of cytokines secreted by allergen‐specific type 2 T helper (Th2) cells. Although the Th1‐promoting cytokine, interleukin (IL)‐12, is capable of inhibiting Th2‐driven allergen‐induced airway changes in mice, IL‐12 also aggravates the Th1‐driven inflammatory pulmonary pathology. Further, IL‐10 was found to exert both anti‐inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities. To avoid the side‐effects of IL‐12, we hypothesized that the low‐dose expression of IL‐10 with concomitant IL‐12 administration in the airway may represent a more effective therapy for allergic airway diseases. Thus, the present study explored the immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects of IL‐10 combined with IL‐12 in airway inflammation in allergic asthma.

Methods

Adenovirus‐expressing murine IL‐10 (Ad‐IL‐10) and IL‐12 (Ad‐IL‐12) were co‐administrated in an established murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced asthma.

Results

We found that a single combined treatment of low doses of Ad‐IL‐10 and Ad‐IL‐12 efficiently inhibited the development of airway hyper‐responsiveness compared to Ad‐IL‐10 or Ad‐IL‐12 treatment alone. Moreover, both Ad‐IL‐10 and Ad‐IL‐12 treatment reduced pulmonary infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils. In addition, histological studies showed that combined treatment was able to reduce tumor necrosis factor‐α‐mediated airway inflammation induced by IL‐12 treatment. Suppression of IL‐4, IL‐5, Keratinocyte‐derived chemokine (KC) and eotaxin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was also noted in OVA‐immunized mice with combined Ad‐IL‐10 and Ad‐IL‐12 treatment.

Conclusions

Taken together, the results obtained in the present study indicate that co‐administration of IL‐12 and IL‐10 may have therapeutic potential for the immunomodulatory treatment of allergic asthma. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On factors responsible for recent secular trend in the onset phase of monsoon intraseasonal oscillations
Authors: Goswami B. N. , Kulkarni J. R. , Mujumdar V. R. , Chattopadhyay R.
Published: October 2009

The timing of the dramatic ‘onset’ and subsequent northward progression of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) are unique features of the monsoon annual cycle and are strongly linked to planning of agricultural activity and water management. Here, we show that the northward propagation of the first episode of intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) associated with the onset phase of ISM has slowed down significantly during the past decade compared with prior decades. The slowdown is due to systematic weakening of two regional climatic features responsible for northward progression of the tropical convergence zone (TCZ) namely, the vertical easterly wind shear and the north–south gradient of the mean low‐level humidity around the equator. Eastward shift of the Walker circulation associated with increasing strength of El Ninos appears to be responsible for weakening of the vertical wind shear over Indian monsoon region. The slow northward propagation during recent decades leads to a climatological sub‐seasonal oscillation representing a predictable component of the onset phase of the ISM. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Effect of nitrogen forms and levels on β‐glucan accumulation in grains of oat (Avena sativa L.) plants
Authors: Fan Mingshou , Zhang Ziyi , Wang Fengmei , Li Zhen , Hu Yuncai
Published: October 2009

Oat consumption has been rapidly increased worldwide because its high β‐glucan concentration may lower the level of blood cholesterol. The rates of β‐glucan accumulation in two husk and two nude oats were determined with an interval of 5 d after anthesis in a pot experiment. The results showed that a higher nitrogen level increased oat grain yield per plant, thousand‐grain weight, and concentrations of protein and β‐glucan. β‐glucan concentration generally increased with development of grain after anthesis, whereas the accumulation rate of β‐glucan was greater at the early stage of grain development and reached a maximum around 25 d after anthesis. We also found a larger β‐glucan concentration when plants were grown with NO$ _3^- $‐N as compared to NH$ _4^+ $‐N. This study may suggest that the agronomic approaches such as nutrient management by optimizing the time and the level of nitrogen application and a higher ratio of NO$ _3^- $‐N to NH$ _4^+ $‐N can play an important role in enhancing β‐glucan concentration in oat grains.
Arsenic uptake is suppressed in a rice mutant defective in silicon uptake
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhang Jun , Teng Man , Wang Li H.
Published: October 2009

Possible mechanisms of the effects of silicon (Si) on arsenic (As) uptake were explored using a wild‐type rice and its low‐Si mutant (lsi1). Hydroponic experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of internal and external Si on the As accumulation and uptake by rice in excised roots (28 d–old seedlings) and xylem sap (61 d–old plants). The presence of Si significantly decreased the As concentrations in both shoots and roots of the wild type but not in the mutant with 13.3 μM–arsenite or 10/20 μM–arsenate treatments. The Si‐defective mutant rice (lsi1) also showed a significant reduction in arsenite or arsenate uptake. Moreover, As concentrations in xylem sap of the wild type were reduced by 51% with 1 mM Si– and 15 μM–arsenate treatments, while Si had no effect on As concentrations in the xylem sap of the mutant. Arsenic‐species analysis further indicated that the addition of 1 mM Si significantly decreased As(III) concentrations but had little effect on As(V) concentrations in the xylem sap of the wild type with 15 μM–arsenate treatments. These results indicated that external Si‐mediated reduction in arsenite uptake by rice is due to the direct competition between Si and arsenite during uptake. This is because both share the same influx transporter Lsi1. In addition, internal Si‐mediated reduction in arsenite uptake by rice is due to competition of the Si/arsenite efflux transporter Lsi2 during the As(III)‐transportation process. Silicon also inhibited arsenate uptake by rice. It is proposed that this could actually be due not to the inhibition of arsenate uptake per se but rather the inhibition of arsenite transformed from arsenate, either in the external solution or in rice roots.
Migration of allosensitizing donor myeloid dendritic cells into recipients after liver transplantation
Authors: Bosma Brenda M. , Metselaar Herold J. , Gerrits Jeroen H. , van Besouw Nicole M. , Mancham Shanta , Groothuismink Zwier M. A. , Boor Patrick P. C. , van der Laan Luc J. W. , Tilanus Hugo W. , Kuipers Ernst J. , Kwekkeboom Jaap
Published: October 2009

It is thought, but there is no evidence, that myeloid dendritic cells (MDCs) of donor origin migrate into the recipient after clinical organ transplantation and sensitize the recipient's immune system by the direct presentation of donor allo-antigens. Here we show prominent MDC chimerism in the recipient's circulation early after clinical liver transplantation (LTx) but not after renal transplantation (RTx). MDCs that detach from human liver grafts produce large amounts of pro-inflammatory [tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6 (IL-6)] and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines upon activation with various stimuli, express higher levels of toll-like receptor 4 than blood or splenic MDCs, and are sensitive to stimulation with a physiological concentration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Upon stimulation with LPS, MDCs detaching from liver grafts prime allogeneic T cell proliferation and production of interferon gamma but not of IL-10. Soluble factors secreted by liver graft MDCs amplify allogeneic T helper 1 responses. In conclusion, after clinical LTx, but not after RTx, prominent numbers of donor-derived MDCs migrate into the recipient's circulation. MDCs detaching from liver grafts produce pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and are capable of stimulating allogeneic T helper 1 responses, and this suggests that MDC chimerism after clinical LTx may contribute to liver graft rejection rather than acceptance. Liver Transpl 16:12–22, 2010. © 2009 AASLD.
A multiobjective coverage‐based model for Civilian search and rescue
Authors: Asiedu Yaw , Rempel Mark
Published: October 2009

The Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) is a Canada‐wide volunteer aviation association that provides air search support services to the Canadian National Search and Rescue (SAR) program. As with any emergency service provider, the locations of CASARA units greatly impact their overall effectiveness. In this article, the optimal location of CASARA units is formulated as a multiobjective maximal covering location problem. The model addresses the objectives of maximizing the coverage, minimizing the number of units, and maximizing the backup coverage of SAR incidents within Canada. A multigender genetic algorithm is proposed to determine a set of nondominated CASARA location configurations. Results are compared with solutions found using commercial integer programming software. It is shown that the nondominated genetic algorithm solutions are near‐optimal. These are determined in much less time than comparable solutions using commercial integer programming software. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.* Naval Research Logistics, 2011
Quantitative analysis of safranal in saffron extract and nanoparticle formulation by a validated high‐performance thin‐layer chromatographic method†
Authors: Pathan Shadab Ahmad , Alam Sanjar , Jain Gaurav K. , Zaidi Syed M. A. , Akhter Sohail , Vohora Divya , Khar Roop K. , Ahmad Farhan J.
Published: October 2009

Introduction – Safranal is an effective anticonvulsant shown to act as an agonist at GABAA receptors. Nose to brain delivery via nanoparticle formulation might improve its brain delivery. A selective and sensitive analytical method is required for evaluation of safranal‐based novel drug delivery systems.

Objective – To develop and validate a high‐performance thin‐layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method for the quantitative analysis of safranal as bulk, in saffron extract and in developed safranal‐loaded nanoparticle formulation.

Methodology – Chromatographic separation was achieved on silica gel pre‐coated TLC aluminium plates 60F‐254, using n‐hexane:ethyl acetate (9 : 1, v/v) as the mobile phase. Quantitative analysis was carried out by densitometry at a wavelength of 310 nm. The method was validated and applied to detect related impurities, to analyse safranal in saffron extract and to evaluate safranal‐loaded nanoparticles.

Results – Compact spots of safranal were observed at Rf value 0.51 ± 0.02. The method was linear (r = 0.9991) between 0.5 and 5.0 μg/spot. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were 1.08–2.17 and 1. 86–3.47%, respectively. The limit of detection was 50 ng/spot and the limit of quantification was 150 ng/spot. The method proved to be accurate (recovery 97.4–102.0%) and was selective for safranal. Evaluation of safranal‐loaded nanoparticle formulation demonstrated drug loading of 23.0%, encapsulation efficiency of 42.0% and sustained drug release following biphasic pattern.

Conclusion – The present method is useful for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of safranal and safranal‐loaded nanoparticle formulation. It provides significant advantages in terms of greater specificity and rapid analysis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of iterative learning control for stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Hughes Ann‐Marie , Burridge Jane , Freeman Chris , Chappell Paul , Lewin Paul , Donovan‐Hall Maggie , Dibb Bridget , Rogers Eric
Published: October 2009

In the April 2008 issue of Progress,we featured an article describing a new technique for improving arm movement following stroke developed at the University of Southampton.The technique involves the use of a robotic workstation delivering precisely controlled electrical stimulation mediated by iterative learning control to improve task performance.Here,the scientists who developed the system discuss the promising results of their pilot clinical study using this technique. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Management of migraine during pregnancy
Authors: MacGregor Anne
Published: October 2009

In Pregnancy is a series of reviews focusing on the management of women with psychiatric and neurological conditions during pregnancy. In this article, Dr MacGregor discusses the effect of pregnancy on migraine and the treatment choices available to women during pregnancy and lactation. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
A Thermal Decomposition Model of Aminoguanidium 5,5′‐Azobis‐1H‐Tetrazolate and the Effect of Pressure and Particle Size on the Rate of Decomposition
Authors: Miyata Yasuyoshi , Hasue Kazuo
Published: October 2009

The temperature histories of aminoguanidinium 5,5′‐azobis‐1H‐tetrazolate (C4H14N18, AGAT) were measured in order to construct a thermal decomposition model of the compound. The effects of chamber pressure and AGAT particle size were also examined. The results of the study suggest that the thermal decomposition of AGAT occurs in three phases: solid phase, condensed phase, and residue. It was found that the condensed phase consists of decomposition zone I where dramatic temperature rise occurs, decomposition zone II where gradual temperature rise occurs, and the cooling zone where decomposition and temperature stop rising. It was also suggested that the temperature of the decomposition surface which is the interface of the solid phase and the condensed phase was ∼500 K, and that N2 and NH3 were suggested to occur in the vicinity of the decomposition surface of decomposition zone I. In addition, it was suggested that the thickness of the decomposition zones I and II decreases and that the maximum‐temperature‐reached increases with an increase in atmospheric pressure. The rate of decomposition of AGAT was found to follow Vieille's equation and the rate of decomposition increases with an increase in pressure. The rate of decomposition increased slightly with an increase in particle size.
Alterations in cholesterol regulation contribute to the production of intratumoral androgens during progression to castration‐resistant prostate cancer in a mouse xenograft model
Authors: Leon Carlos G. , Locke Jennifer A. , Adomat Hans H. , Etinger Susan L. , Twiddy Alexis L. , Neumann Rachel D. , Nelson Colleen C. , Guns Emma S. , Wasan Kishor M.
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests that androgens and the androgen receptor (AR) are important mediators of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression. Increased expression of several enzymes responsible for cholesterol synthesis and conversion into downstream androgens has been documented in human CRPC tumors in comparison to primary tumors. Based on these observations it is hypothesized that cholesterol and its overall regulation within the cell are altered, thus modifying precursor levels for de novo androgen synthesis within the castrate tumoral environment.

METHODS

Tumoral steroid levels were assessed by LC‐MS. Free and esterified cholesterol was quantified by LC‐MS and a fluorescent assay. Gene and protein expression were assessed by RT‐PCR and immunoblotting.

RESULTS

Herein, using a prostate cancer xenograft mouse model it is demonstrated by Western blot analysis that proteins responsible for cholesterol regulation (LDL‐r, SR‐B1, HMG‐CoA reductase, ACAT1,2, ABCA1) are altered during disease progression to increase influx and synthesis of cholesterol as well as free cholesterol formation from cholesteryl ester stores. In turn this can provide increased amounts of precursor for intratumoral steroidogenesis after castration. Androgens‐ testosterone and dihydrotestosterone‐ coincidently increase at CRPC to physiologically relevant levels leading to the induction of AR expression and PSA production. Furthermore, cellular cholesterol homeostasis is maintained by increased cholesterol efflux at CRPC so that excess free cholesterol does not cause toxicity to the tumor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Cellular cholesterol regulation processes are altered during progression to CRPC. Free cholesterol from increased biosynthesis or uptake is likely a precursor for intratumoral de novo androgen synthesis. Prostate 70: 390–400, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of 17 prostate cancer susceptibility loci with prostate cancer risk in Chinese men
Authors: Zheng Siqun Lilly , Hsing Ann W. , Sun Jielin , Chu Lisa W. , Yu Kai , Li Ge , Gao Zhengrong , Kim Seong‐Tae , Isaacs William B. , Shen Ming‐Chang , Gao Yu‐Tang , Hoover Robert N. , Xu Jianfeng
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND

Several genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) in populations of European descent have identified more than a dozen common genetic variants that are associated with prostate cancer risk.

METHODS

To determine whether these variants are also associated with prostate cancer risk in the Chinese population, we evaluated 17 prostate cancer susceptibility loci in a population‐based case–control study from Shanghai, including 288 prostate cancer cases and 155 population controls.

RESULTS

After adjustment for age, two of the 17 loci were significantly associated with prostate cancer risk, while the other 15 loci were suggestively associated with prostate cancer risk in this population. The strongest associations were found for chromosome 8q24 Region 2 (rs1016343: OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.35–3.20, P = 9.4 × 10−4) and 8q24 Region 1 (rs10090154: OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.31–3.28, P = 0.002); additional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) assessed in these two 8q24 regions were also significant (ORRegion2 = 1.92–2.05, P = 9.4 × 10−4 to 0.003, and ORRegion1 = 1.77–1.81, P = 0.01 for all SNPs).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that multiple prostate cancer risk loci identified in European populations by GWAS are also associated with prostate cancer risk in Chinese men, a low‐risk population with mostly clinically relevant cancers. Larger studies in Chinese and Asian populations are needed to confirm these findings and the role of these risk loci in prostate cancer etiology in Asian men. Prostate 70: 425–432, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CCL2 is induced by chemotherapy and protects prostate cancer cells from docetaxel‐induced cytotoxicity
Authors: Qian David Z. , Rademacher Brooks L.S. , Pittsenbarger Janet , Huang Chung‐Ying , Myrthue Anne , Higano Celestia S. , Garzotto Mark , Nelson Peter S. , Beer Tomasz M.
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND

Metastatic prostate cancer is either inherently resistant to chemotherapy or rapidly acquires this phenotype after chemotherapy exposure. In this study, we identified a docetaxel‐induced resistance mechanism centered on CCL2.

METHODS

We compared the gene expression profiles in individual human prostate cancer specimens before and after exposure to chemotherapy collected from previously untreated patients who participated in a clinical trial of preoperative chemotherapy. Subsequently, we used the gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approach in vitro to identify a potential mechanism underlying chemotherapy resistance.

RESULTS

Among the molecular signatures associated with treatment, several genes that regulate the inflammatory response and chemokine activity were upregulated including a significant increase in transcripts encoding the CC chemokine CCL2. Docetaxel increased CCL2 expression in prostate cancer cell lines in vitro. CCL2‐specific siRNA inhibited LNCaP and LAPC4 cell proliferation and enhanced the growth inhibitory effect of low‐dose docetaxel. In contrast, overexpression of CCL2 or recombinant CCL2 protein stimulated prostate cancer cell proliferation and rescued cells from docetaxel‐induced cytotoxicity. This protective effect of CCL2 was associated with activation of the ERK/MAP kinase and PI3K/AKT, inhibition of docetaxel‐induced Bcl2 phosphorylation at serine 70, phosphorylation of Bad, and activation of caspase‐3. The addition of a PI3K/AKT inhibitor Ly294002 reversed the CCL2 protection and was additive to docetaxel‐induced toxicity.

CONCLUSION

These results support a mechanism of chemotherapy resistance mediated by cellular stress responses involving the induction of CCL2 expression and suggest that inhibiting CCL2 activity could enhance therapeutic responses to taxane‐based therapy. Prostate 70: 433–442, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the catalytic hydrogenation of graphite for graphene nanoribbon fabrication
Authors: Schäffel Franziska , Warner Jamie H. , Bachmatiuk Alicja , Rellinghaus Bernd , Büchner Bernd , Schultz Ludwig , Rümmeli Mark H.
Published: October 2009

Recent research into the channelling of few layer graphene via catalytic hydrogenation using metallic catalyst nanoparticles shows that this technique is potentially a key engineering route for graphene nanoribbon fabrication with atomic precision. In this contribution we utilized gas phase prepared cobalt nanoparticles to create etch trenches in multi‐layer graphene. Aberration‐corrected low voltage high resolution transmission electron microscopy allowed us to directly determine the etch direction of various tracks. The etch channels are shown to be commensurate with the graphite crystal lattice. More importantly, preferred etching along armchair edges was observed, indicating that tailored fabrication of graphene nanostructures with well‐defined armchair edges may be possible applying ultrafine catalyst particles.
Two component doping of fullerene–cubane cocrystals
Authors: Kürti Jenő , Koltai János , Zólyomi Viktor , Pekker Sándor
Published: October 2009

We present a first principles study of the electronic band structure of doped fullerene–cubane (C60C8H8) cocrystals using density functional theory at the local density approximation level. Three high symmetry orientations of the fullerene molecules were considered. The calculated electronic bands of the fullerene–cubane cocrystal are narrower than those of the pristine fullerene, indicating a possible higher superconducting critical temperature in the doped cocrystal. However, the charge transfer turned out to be incomplete thus acting in the opposite way. Different oxidation state of the fullerene molecules can be achieved by doping with various alkali (K, Na) and alkali earth (Ba, Ca) atoms. Depiction of the C60C8H8cocrystal. The large green and orange orbs are the tetrahedral voids, which can in principle be filled with, for example, alkali or alkali earth atoms.

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Environmental influence on linear optical spectra and relaxation dynamics in carbon nanotubes
Authors: Malić Ermin , Hirtschulz Matthias , Maultzsch Janina , Reich Stephanie , Knorr Andreas
Published: October 2009

We present theoretical investigations on linear optical spectra and the temporal non‐equilibrium dynamics of single‐walled carbon nanotubes. In particular we discuss the importance of the surrounding medium. Our approach is based on the density matrix theory, which in combination with tight‐binding wave functions allows the calculation of linear and nonlinear optical properties of arbitrary nanotubes. Its strength lies in the straightforward way to describe non‐equilibrium properties, such as Coulomb driven ultrafast intrasubband carrier relaxation. We find a strong influence of the surrounding dielectric medium on the position of the peaks, the excitonic binding energy, and the carrier relaxation time. Furthermore, simple scaling laws describing the dependence on the dielectric background constant $\varepsilon _{{\rm bg}}$ are shown.
Fabrication of graphene nanoribbons via nanowire lithography
Authors: Fasoli A. , Colli A. , Lombardo A. , Ferrari A. C.
Published: October 2009

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are the counterpart of nanotubes in graphene nanoelectronics. The search for a cheap, parallel, and deterministic technique for practical implementation of these structures is still open. Nanowire lithography (NWL) consists in using nanowires (NWs) as etch masks to transfer their one‐dimensional morphology to an underlying substrate. Here, we show that oxidized silicon NWs (SiNWs) are a simple and compatible system to implement NWL on graphene. The SiNWs morphology is transferred onto a graphene flake by a low‐power O2 plasma in a deep‐reactive‐ion‐etcher. The process leads to conformal GNRs with diameter comparable to the overlaying NW lateral dimensions. The diameter can be further reduced by multiple O2 etching steps. Field‐effect measurements show the transition to a semiconductor for low diameters.
Stochastic dynamic response of masonry minarets subjected to random blast and earthquake‐induced ground motions
Authors: Haciefendi̇oğlu Kemal , Bi̇ri̇nci̇ Fahri
Published: October 2009

This paper presents the stochastic seismic response analysis of masonry minarets subjected to random underground blast and earthquake‐induced ground motions by using a three‐dimensional finite element model. The random blast and earthquake‐induced ground motions are represented by the power spectral density function and applied to each support point of the three‐dimensional finite element model of the masonry minaret system. This research conducted a parametric study to estimate the effects of the blast‐induced ground motion on the stochastic response of the minaret. Therefore, the analyses were carried out for the different values of the charge weight and the distance from the charge centre. In addition, in order to investigate the effect of earthquake‐induced ground motion on the stochastic response of the masonry minaret, three different soil conditions—soft, medium and firm soils—are considered in the analyses. Finally, it is noted that underground blast and earthquake effects cause the stochastic behaviour of minaret to change considerably. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Duodenum‐preserving total pancreatectomy for pancreatic neoplasms
Authors: Hatori Takashi , Kimijima Akira , Fujita Izumi , Furukawa Toru , Yamamoto Masakazu
Published: October 2009

Background/Purpose

Total pancreatectomy (TP) is sometimes performed to treat low‐grade malignant neoplasms that are spreading to the entire pancreas. However, TP impairs quality of life, due to the resulting loss of pancreatic exocrine and endocrine function, and an organ‐preserving procedure should be chosen to minimize the impact of pancreatic dysfunction. Recently, we performed four duodenum‐preserving TPs (DPTPs) on patients with low‐grade malignant neoplasms of the entire pancreas and we introduce our operative technique and results herein.

Methods

DPTP is performed with the objective of preserving the arterial arcade of the posterior pancreas so as to maintain good blood flow in the duodenum and common bile duct. Care must also be taken to preserve the splenic artery and vein to protect the spleen. When patients are also undergoing a bile duct resection, an end‐to‐side choledochoduodenostomy is also performed to reconstruct the biliary tract.

Results

Patient 1: DPTP with preservation of the spleen, conserving splenic vessels, was performed on a patient with hereditary pancreatic carcinoma with pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia‐3 (PanIN‐3). Patient 2: DPTP with splenectomy was performed on a patient with multiple metastases of the entire pancreas from renal cell carcinoma. Patient 3: DPTP with preservation of the common bile duct and the spleen, conserving splenic vessels, was performed on a patient with minimally invasive carcinoma derived from intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). Patient 4: DPTP with preservation of the spleen, conserving splenic vessels, was performed on a patient with minimally invasive carcinoma derived from IPMN. No deaths or morbidity occurred. All patients were placed on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy and given a daily dose of insulin of approximately 30 U. Complete professional rehabiliation was achieved in all patients. All patients except one gained weight, and the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels have been maintained at around 7%.

Conclusions

DPTP is a useful organ‐preserving procedure for low‐grade malignant neoplasms spreading within the entire pancreas. This procedure minimizes the impact of pancreatic dysfunction and allows the patient to maintain good nutrition after surgery.