bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neue Wärmeleitfähigkeitsstufen und Leistungsfähigkeit neuer Dämmstoffe
Authors: Albrecht Wolfgang
Published: April 2010

Seit der Einführung der europäischen Dämmstoffnormen, der deutschen Bemessungsnorm DIN V 4108‐4 und der deutschen Anwendungsnorm DIN 4108‐10 ist die Angabe der Wärmeleitfähigkeit in 1 mW/(m · K)‐Stufen auch in Deutschland möglich. Das brachte eine Vielzahl von neuen Produkten im Bereich der Dämmstoffe hervor. Ausgelöst durch neue Energieeinspargesetze gibt es einen starken Trend zu niedrigeren Wärmeleitfähigkeitswerten und größeren Dämmschichtdicken. An einzelnen Beispielen aus dem Bereich der Dämmstoffe wird die Leistungsfähigkeit der neuen Produkte dargestellt und auf die voraussichtliche Entwicklung in den nächsten Jahren hingewiesen.

New thermal conductivity steps and performance of new thermal insulation products. Since the introduction of the European standards for thermal insulation products, the German standard for design values DIN V 4108‐4 and the German applicaton standard DIN 4108‐10 the statement of the thermal conductivity in 1 mW/ (m · K) steps is possible. This created a lot of new products in the range of thermal insulation products. Due to new energy saving regulations a strong trend to lower thermal conductivity values and greater insulation thicknesses is observed. On the basis of individual examples the performance of the new products is described and the expected developments in the next years is indicated.
Thromboelastographic and pharmacokinetic profiles of micro‐ and macro‐emulsions of propofol in swine
Authors: Morey Timothy E. , Modell Jerome H. , Garcia Jorge E. , Bewernitz Michael , Derendorf Hartmut , Varshney Manoj , Gravenstein Nikolaus , Shah Dinesh O. , Dennis Donn M.
Published: April 2010

Purpose. Compared with traditional macroemulsion propofol formulations currently in clinical use, microemulsion formulations of this common intravenous anesthetic may offer advantages. The pharmacokinetics and coagulation effects as assessed by thromboelastography of these formulations were characterized in swine.Methods.Yorkshire swine (20–30 kg, either sex,n=15) were sedated, anesthetized with isoflurane, and instrumented to obtain a tracheostomy, internal jugular access and carotid artery catheterization. Propofol (2 mg/kg, 30 s) was administered as a macroemulsion (10 mg/ml; Diprivan®;n=7) or a custom (2 mg/kg, 30 s) microemulsion (10 mg/ml;n=8). Arterial blood specimens acquired pre‐ and post‐injection (1 and 45 min) were used for thromboelastography. Arterial blood specimens (n=12 samples/subject, 60 min) were serially collected, centrifuged and analysed with solid‐phase extraction with UPLC to determine propofol plasma concentrations. Non‐compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was applied to plasma concentrations.Results. No changes were noted in the thromboelastographicRtime (p=0.74),Ktime (p=0.41),αangle (p=0.97), or maximal amplitude (p=0.71) for either propofol preparation. Pharmacokinetic parametersk(p=0.45),t1/2(p=0.26),Co(p=0.89),AUC0−∞(p=0.23),CL(p=0.14),MRT(p=0.47),Vss(p=0.11) of the two formulations were not significantly different.Conclusion. The microemulsion and macroemulsion propofol formulations had similar pharmacokinetics and did not modify thromboelastographic parameters in swine. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ion channel activity of transmembrane segment 6 of Escherichia coli proton‐dependent manganese transporter
Authors: Ňuňuková Věra , Urbánková Eva , Jelokhani‐Niaraki Masoud , Chaloupka Roman
Published: April 2010

Synthetic peptides corresponding to the sixth transmembrane segment (TMS6) of secondary‐active transporter MntH (Proton‐dependent Manganese Transporter) from Escherichia coli and its two mutations in the functionally important conserved histidine residue were used as a model for structure–function study of MntH. The secondary structure of the peptides was estimated in different environments using circular dichroism spectroscopy. These peptides interacted with and adopted helical conformations in lipid membranes. Electrophysiological experiments demonstrated that TMS6 was able to form multi‐state ion channels in model biological membranes. Electrophysiological properties of these weakly cation‐selective ion channels were strongly dependent on the surrounding pH. Manganese ion, as a physiological substrate of MntH, enhanced the conductivity of TMS6 channels, influenced the transition between closed and open states, and affected the peptide conformations. Moreover, functional properties of peptides carrying two different mutations of His211 were analogous to in vivo functional characteristics of Nramp/MntH proteins mutated at homologous residues. Hence, a single functionally important TMS can retain some of the functional properties of the full‐length protein. These findings could contribute to understanding the structure–function relationship at the molecular level. However it remains unclear to what extent the peptide‐specific channel activity represents a functional aspect of the full‐length membrane carrier protein. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 718–726, 2010.

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
Development of a pouch functional score following restorative proctocolectomy
Authors: Lovegrove R E , Fazio V W , Remzi F H , Tilney H S , Nicholls R J , Tekkis P P
Published: April 2010

Background

The influence of function on quality of life after primary restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) was determined with the aim of developing a pouch functional score.

Methods

The Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL) score was determined in 4013 patients undergoing RPC between 1977 and 2005 (mean(s.d.) follow-up 7·0(5·1) years; 13 105 follow-up episodes). Linear regression analysis was used to identify independent symptom domains of function as possible predictors of quality of life to develop and validate a pouch functional score.

Results

CGQL scores at 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 years were 85·0, 87·5, 87·5, 85·0 and 82·5 respectively (P = 0·001). On multivariable analysis, the symptom domains of stool frequency (24 h, nocturnal), urgency, incontinence and medication (antidiarrhoeals, antibiotics) were independently associated with CGQL (P < 0·001). The β coefficients within each symptom domain were then adjusted to create a scale of 0–30 for practical use, the Pouch Functional Score (PFS), which correlated with the CGQL score (rs = −0·47, P < 0·001).

Conclusion

Stool frequency, urgency, incontinence and need for medication are major determinants of quality of life following RPC. The PFS demonstrated good correlation with CGQL.
Predictors of the outcome of percutaneous nerve evaluation for faecal incontinence
Authors: Maeda Y , Norton C , Lundby L , Buntzen S , Laurberg S
Published: April 2010

Background

The aim was to identify patient-related and operative factors that might predict the outcome of percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE).

Methods

Demographic data (age, sex, body mass index), primary cause of incontinence, number and type of incontinence episodes, results of endoanal ultrasonography and manometry, and operative factors from 244 patients who underwent PNE for faecal incontinence were reviewed. Each factor was assessed according to the outcome, and explored by univariable and multivariable analysis to identify predictors.

Results

Some 191 patients (78·3 per cent) had a successful PNE. A low amplitude of sensory threshold during PNE (odds ratio (OR) 0·69 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·59 to 0·81); P < 0·001) and lead placement anterior to the sacral cortex (OR 9·06 (4·70 to 17·45); P < 0·001) were positive predictive factors for successful outcome of PNE. Neither a defect nor an abnormality of either the external (OR 0·88 (0·39 to 1·97); P = 0·749) or internal (OR 0·62 (0·27 to 1·42); P = 0·255) anal sphincter was a negative predictive factor. Demographic variables, number of incontinence episodes and the motor response threshold did not predict outcome.

Conclusion

No preoperative predictor of PNE outcome could be identified. Predictors were limited to operative lead placement and sensory response during PNE.
Anatomy in ancient China: The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon of Medicine and Wang Qingren's Correcting the Errors in the Forest of Medicine
Authors: Loukas Marios , Ferrauiola Julie , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Tubbs R. Shane , Cohen‐Gadol Aaron A.
Published: April 2010

Although clouded by mysticism and ancestral worship, early Chinese civilization did make many important and often overlooked contributions to our current understanding of human anatomy. This article reviews these early contributions and focuses on the landmark writings of two of the most influential Chinese texts, the Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon of Medicine) attributed to Huang di, and Wang Qingren's Yi Lin Gai Cuo (Correcting the Errors in the Forest of Medicine). These sources made significant contributions to the Chinese understanding of anatomy and served to promote the study of human anatomy both in early China and in regional countries like Japan. Clin. Anat. 23:364–369, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Innervation of the supinator muscle and its relationship to two‐incision distal biceps tendon repair: An anatomic study
Authors: Duquin Thomas R. , Chavan Prithviraj R. , Bisson Leslie J.
Published: April 2010

Reinsertion of the ruptured distal biceps tendon has been performed using either a single‐anterior incision or a two‐incision approach. A systematic review of these two repair methods has identified a higher incidence of supination weakness following the two‐incision approach. The objective of this study was to describe the innervation of the supinator muscle and its implications regarding a two‐incision distal biceps repair. Twelve fresh upper extremity specimens from 12 males were dissected with the forearm in full pronation. The number of branches of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) to the supinator, their site of exit from the PIN trunk, and their distance from a variety of known anatomic landmarks were recorded. Specimens were characterized as high (<5 mm), moderate (6–10 mm), or low (>10 mm) risk of nerve branch injury depending on the proximity of nerve branches to the bicipital tuberosity. In general, we found the innervation of the supinator to be highly variable. There were from two to nine branches of the PIN which supplied the supinator, with 0–3 arising from the ulnar side of the nerve. Four specimens were at low, five at moderate, and three at high risk of nerve branch injury during dorsal exposure of the bicipital tuberosity. We conclude that there is a substantial amount of variability in the innervation of the supinator, with certain patterns being at higher risk of nerve branch injury if dissection of the supinator is carried out over the bicipital tuberosity. Clin. Anat. 23:413–419, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localization of the supraorbital, infraorbital, and mental foramina using palpable, bony landmarks
Authors: Smith Joshua D. , Surek Christopher C. , Cortez Edwin A.
Published: April 2010

The original article to which this Withdrawal refers was published online in the Clinical Anatomy
EarlyView section with Digital Object Identifier 10.1002/ca.20923.

Withdrawal: The original article from Clinical Anatomy, "Localization of the Supraorbital, Infraorbital,
and Mental Foramina Using Palpable, Bony Landmarks" by Joshua D. Smith, Christopher C. Surek, and Edwin
A. Cortez, has been withdrawn by agreement between the authors, the journal's Editor‐in‐Chief and Wiley‐
Liss. The article has been withdrawn because permission to publish the patient's photos was not obtained
from the patient/family prior to publication.
Exercise prevents the effects of experimental arthritis on the metabolism and function of immune cells
Authors: Navarro Francisco , Bacurau Aline V. N. , Almeida Sandro S. , Barros Carlos C. , Moraes Milton R. , Pesquero Jorge L. , Ribeiro Sandra M. L. , Araújo Ronaldo C. , Costa Rosa Luis F. B. P. , Bacurau Reury F. P.
Published: April 2010

Active lymphocytes (LY) and macrophages (MΦ) are involved in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Due to its anti‐inflammatory effect, physical exercise may be beneficial in RA by acting on the immune system (IS). Thus, female Wistar rats with type II collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) were submitted to swimming training (6 weeks, 5 days/week, 60 min/day) and some biochemical and immune parameters, such as the metabolism of glucose and glutamine and function of LY and MΦ, were evaluated. In addition, plasma levels of some hormones and of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) were also determined. Results demonstrate that CIA increased lymphocyte proliferation (1.9‐ and 1.7‐fold, respectively, in response to concanavalin A (ConA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)), as well as macrophage H2O2 production (1.6‐fold), in comparison to control. Exercise training prevented the activation of immune cells, induced by CIA, and established a pattern of substrate utilization similar to that described as normal for these cells. Exercise also promoted an elevation of plasma levels of corticosterone (22.2%), progesterone (1.7‐fold) and IL‐2 (2.6‐fold). Our data suggest that chronic exercise is able to counterbalance the effects of CIA on cells of the IS, reinforcing the proposal that the benefits of exercise may not be restricted to aerobic capacity and/or strength improvement. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) gene polymorphisms in Turkish patients with scleroderma
Authors: Büyük U , Ates Ö , Dalyan L , Müsellim B , Öngen G , Topal‐Sarıkaya A
Published: April 2010

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs. Fibrosis associated with SSc is characterized by an increased synthesis of a wide range of extracellular matrix (ECM). TGF‐β is a pluripotent cytokine in a wide range of cell types. In particular it has been found to be a potent inducer of ECM protein synthesis and fibroblast migration. The TGF‐β1 gene is highly polymorphic and two signal sequence polymorphisms at codon 10 and codon 25 are linked to disease outcomes. In this study, we analysed two polymorphic sites of the TGF‐β1 gene, codon 10 and codon 25, in 43 Turkish SSc female patients with interstitial lung involvement and in 75 healty individuals by ARMS‐PCR. In our study no significant difference was found in codon 10, codon 25 genotype frequencies between patient with SSc and the control group (p = 0.676, 0.375, respectively). Our findings suggest that codon 10 and 25 polymorphism cannot be related with SSc for Turkish population. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response surfaces, desirabilities and rational functions in optimizing sugar production
Authors: Taavitsainen Veli‐Matti , Lehtovaara Anssi , Lähteenmäki Mira
Published: April 2010

Response surface methods have long been use in various chemical applications, most typically in optimization problems. Very often the problem, in addition to several design variables, has also several response variables to be optimized. A plethora of different approaches to multi‐response optimization exists but, in terms of simplicity, it is difficult to beat the desirability function technique. In spite of its simplicity and efficiency, the desirability function technique seems not to be familiar for all chemometricians. This case study of optimizing full‐scale sugar production will show how desirability functions were successfully used in response surface modeling (RSM)‐based optimization. The optimization was based on ordinary least‐squares regression polynomials. In addition to ordinary polynomial modeling, a new method of using rational functions, a linearizing transform and ridge regression is also introduced and discussed. In this study, a freeware computer program, R, for implementing response surface and desirability function methods is used. R plays the same de‐facto standard role among statisticians as perhaps does Matlab among chemometricians. R is already used by some chemometricians and contains some chemometrics or chemometrics‐related packages (R‐packages are analogous to Matlab toolboxes). This study illustrates the use of some common RSM tools and desirability functions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple response optimization: a global criterion‐based method
Authors: Costa Nuno Ricardo , Pereira Zulema Lopes
Published: April 2010

Processes and products have by nature many quality characteristics that must be in some sense optimized simultaneously. With this aim, a method which can be used easily and efficiently by practitioners for optimizing multi‐response problems is proposed. Implementation steps and considerations, in addition to optimization measures to assess method's solutions and guide the analyst in finding an effective compromise solution, are also presented. Three classical examples from the literature are used to assess the performance of several prominent methods in the response surface methodology (RSM) framework and help practitioners make a better‐informed choice among them. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
e‐WOM Scale: word‐of‐mouth measurement scale for e‐services context
Authors: Goyette Isabelle , Ricard Line , Bergeron Jasmin , Marticotte François
Published: April 2010

In this article, using data from a survey of 218 consumers across two samples, we propose a measurement scale for word of mouth (e‐WOM scale) in the context of electronic service. A battery of statistical tests reveals that the WOM construct encompasses four dimensions: WOM intensity, positive valence WOM, negative valence WOM, and WOM content. Our proposed e‐WOM scale can be used as a strategic tool for business managers aiming to improve their word‐of‐mouth marketing strategies. Copyright © 2010 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of e‐information on residential real estate services: transaction costs, social embeddedness, and market conditions
Authors: Saber Jane Lee , Messinger Paul R.
Published: April 2010

This paper examines the possibility of disintermediation of residential real estate agents arising from increased customer access to property information on the Internet (e‐information). The transaction cost viewpoint suggests that since customers now have ready access to e‐information without an agent, customer‐perceived value of agents and agent usage will decline. The social embeddedness perspective, by contrast, suggests that these changes are unlikely because the added value of agents goes beyond mere information aggregation and includes essential transaction activities that are embedded in social networks. A survey of buyers and sellers of real estate in Alberta provides partial support for the transaction cost viewpoint. However, buyers and sellers respond differently to market conditions (slow versus hot markets) in their proclivities to use real estate agents. Copyright © 2010 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and in vitro Anticancer Activity of Octahedral Platinum(IV) Complexes with Cyclohexyl‐Functionalized Ethylenediamine‐N,N′‐Diacetate‐Type Ligands
Authors: Lazić Jelena M. , Vučićević Ljubica , Grgurić‐Šipka Sanja , Janjetović Kristina , Kaluđerović Goran N. , Misirkić Maja , Gruden‐Pavlović Maja , Popadić Dušan , Paschke Reinhard , Trajković Vladimir , Sabo Tibor J.
Published: April 2010

The present study describes the synthesis and anticancer activity of novel octahedral PtIV complexes with cyclohexyl functionalized ethylenediamine‐N,N′‐diacetate‐type ligands. Molecular mechanics calculations and density functional theory analysis revealed that s‐cis is the preferred geometry of these PtIV complexes with tetradentate‐coordinated (S,S)‐ethylenediamine‐N,N′‐di‐2‐(3‐cyclohexyl)propanoate. The viability of cancer cell lines (U251 human glioma, C6 rat glioma, L929 mouse fibrosarcoma, and B16 human melanoma) was assessed by measuring mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity and lactate dehydrogenase release. Cell‐cycle distribution, oxidative stress, caspase activation, and induction of autophagy were analyzed by flow cytometry using appropriate fluorescent reporter dyes. The cytotoxic activity of novel PtIV complexes against various cancer cell lines (IC50 range: 1.9–8.7 μM) was higher than that of cisplatin (IC50 range: 10.9–67.0 μM) and proceeded through completely different mechanisms. Cisplatin induced caspase‐dependent apoptosis associated with the cytoprotective autophagic response. In contrast, the new PtIV complexes caused rapid, caspase‐independent, oxidative stress‐mediated non‐apoptotic cell death characterized by massive cytoplasmic vacuolization, cell membrane damage, and the absence of protective autophagy.
A Series of18F‐Labelled Pyridinylphenyl Amides as Subtype‐Selective Radioligands for the Dopamine D3 Receptor
Authors: Hocke Carsten , Maschauer Simone , Hübner Harald , Löber Stefan , Utz Wolfgang , Kuwert Torsten , Gmeiner Peter , Prante Olaf
Published: April 2010

Synthesis, biological activity, and structure–selectivity relationship (SSR) studies of a novel series of potential dopamine D3 receptor radioligands as imaging agents for positron emission tomography (PET) are reported. Considering a structurally diverse library of D3 ligands, SSR studies were performed for a new series of fluorinated pyridinylphenyl amides using CoMFA and CoMSIA methods. The in vitro D3 affinities of the predicted series of biphenyl amide ligands9 a–drevealed single‐digit to sub‐nanomolar potencies (Ki=0.52–1.6 nM), displaying excellent D3 selectivity over the D2 subtype of 110‐ to 210‐fold for the test compounds9 a–c. Radiofluorination by nucleophilic substitution of Br or NO2by18F led to radiochemical yields of 66–92 % for [18F]9 a–d. However, the specific activities of [18F]9 band [18F]9 dwere insufficient, rendering their use for in vivo studies impossible. Biodistribution studies of [18F]9 aand [18F]9 cusing rat brain autoradiography revealed accumulation in the ventricles, thus indicating insufficient biokinetic properties of [18F]9 aand [18F]9 cfor D3 receptor imaging in vivo.
A multi‐model approach to intravenous filter optimization
Authors: Vassilevski Y. V. , Simakov S. S. , Kapranov S. A.
Published: April 2010

We present a multi‐model approach to the study of side‐effects of endovascular implants. A 2D model of elastic walls and a local 3D model of blood flow are combined with a 1D network blood circulation model. The three numerical models form an endovascular computational stand. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A scheduling and load balancing scheme for dynamic P2P‐based system
Authors: Zhang Ming , Ajaltouni Elie El , Boukerche Azzedine
Published: April 2010

Scheduling and load balancing have been one of the key issues in distributed systems due to their significant impact on system performance as well as system resource utilization. With the rapid development of Peer‐to‐Peer (P2P) network technology, traditional scheduling and load balancing techniques are facing new challenges because P2P‐based systems require more dynamic mechanisms for task scheduling and load balancing among heterogeneous network computing nodes. In this paper, we propose a scheme for dynamic scheduling and load balancing in a P2P‐based environment. Our scheme aims at Service‐Oriented P2P‐based distributed systems, however, it can be applied to traditional distributed architecture straightforwardly. Furthermore, we evaluate the performance of our scheme using simulation experiments in a cluster‐based distributed computing environment. Indeed, our results show that our scheme can achieve significant system performance gain compared to commonly used random and round robin scheduling algorithms in P2P‐based systems. Meanwhile, we use a real‐time distributed simulation to evaluate our algorithm, which can provide more trustful results in terms of performance evaluation. Indeed, the ease of using a distributed real‐time simulation, to measure the real‐time performance of the algorithm can promote more flexible and efficient methods for the development of load balancing algorithms. This is especially the case for the hard‐to‐predict P2P‐based distributed systems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stochastic bounds for performance evaluation of Web services
Authors: Fourneau Jean‐Michel , Mokdad Lynda , Pekergin Nihal
Published: April 2010

We propose new techniques to simplify the computation of the end‐to‐end delay for an evaluation of a Web services model. The simplification processes are associated with stochastic comparisons of random variables. Thus, the simplified models are stochastic bounds for the original ones. In this study, we consider that the Web service model can be represented by an acyclic directed graph. Thus, we propose upper and lower bounds on the response times by considering in one case special random variables for service times and in the other case we substitute the precedence graph by another one. We prove that the response times computed on the bounding models are really upper and lower bounds on the considered models. We also propose to generalize the model by considering the contention time when several executions of composite Web services are invocated. We propose in this case upper and lower bounds on response times by proposing bounding models. The response times are easier to compute on these new models. We give the corresponding proofs based on stochastic comparisons. We present several numerical results in order to show the accuracy of our bounds. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance measurement and analysis tools for extremely scalable systems
Authors: Mohr B. , Wylie B. J. N. , Wolf F.
Published: April 2010

High‐performance computing systems continue to employ more and more processor cores. Current typical high‐end machines in industry, university, and government research laboratory computing centers feature thousands of computing cores. While these machines promise ever more compute power and memory capacity to tackle today's complex simulation problems, they force application developers to greatly enhance the scalability of their codes to be able to exploit it. To better support them in their porting and tuning process, many parallel‐tools research groups have already started to work on scaling their methods, techniques, and tools to extreme processor counts. In this paper, we survey existing profiling and tracing tools, report on our experience in using them in extreme scaling environments, review working and promising new methods and techniques, and discuss strategies for solving open issues and problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interplay of Magnetic Exchange Interactions and NiSNi Bond Angles in Polynuclear Nickel(II) Complexes
Authors: Krupskaya Yulia , Alfonsov Alexey , Parameswaran Anupama , Kataev Vladislav , Klingeler Rüdiger , Steinfeld Gunther , Beyer Norman , Gressenbuch Mathias , Kersting Berthold , Büchner Bernd
Published: April 2010

The ability of bridging thiophenolate groups (RS−) to transmit magnetic exchange interactions between paramagnetic NiII ions is examined. Specific attention is paid to complexes with large NiSRNi angles. For this purpose, dinuclear [Ni2L1(μ‐OAc)⋅I2][I5] (2) and trinuclear [Ni3L2(OAc)2][BPh4]2 (3), where H2L1 and H2L2 represent 24‐membered macrocyclic amino‐thiophenol ligands, are prepared and fully characterized by IR‐ and UV/Vis spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, static magnetization M measurements and high‐field electron spin resonance (HF‐ESR). The dinuclear complex 2 has a central N3Ni2(μ‐S)2(μ‐OAc)Ni2N3 core with a mean NiSNi angle of 92°. The macrocycle L2 supports a trinuclear complex 3, with distorted octahedral N2O2S2 and N2O3S coordination environments for one central and two terminal NiII ions, respectively. The NiSNi angles are at 132.8° and 133.5°. We find that the variation of the bond angles has a very strong impact on the magnetic properties of the Ni complexes. In the case of the Ni2‐complex, temperature T and magnetic field B dependencies of M reveal a ferromagnetic coupling J=−29 cm−1 between two NiII ions (H=JS1S2). HF‐ESR measurements yield a negative axial magnetic anisotropy (D<0) which implies a bistable (easy axis) magnetic ground state. In contrast, for the Ni3‐complex we find an appreciable antiferromagnetic coupling J′=97 cm−1 between the NiII ions and a positive axial magnetic anisotropy (D>0) which implies an easy plane situation.
Photophysics of two Prototypical Molecular‐Wire Building Blocks: Solvent‐Induced Conformational Dynamics?
Authors: Rosspeintner Arnulf , Angulo Gonzalo , Onitsch Christine , Kivala Milan , Diederich François , Grampp Günter , Gescheidt Georg
Published: April 2010

The photophysics of two molecular wire building blocks of different lengths based on p‐phenyleneethylene, namely, 1,4‐bis[p‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)phenyl]‐1,2‐ethyne and 1,4‐bis[p‐(N,N‐dihexylamino)phenylethynyl]benzene, are studied experimentally in a wide range of organic solvents. The band shape and position of the electronic absorption and fluorescence emission of both compounds are discussed in terms of the empirical Catalán linear solvent energy relationship and the analytical solvation model of Liptay. It is found that solute polarizability plays an important part in the description of the pronounced solvatochromism for these highly symmetric molecules. In addition, the dependence of the emission quantum yield and the excited‐state lifetime on the solvent are measured. The experimental findings can only be partially rationalized by the common theoretical models. They indicate that not only torsion about the triple bonds but also solvent–solute reorganization must be taken into account.
Oscillatory behaviour in Galvanostatic Formaldehyde Oxidation on Nanostructured Pt/Glassy Carbon Model Electrodes
Authors: Seidel Yvonne E. , Jusys Zenonas , Lindström Rakel W. , Stenfeldt Marie , Kasemo Bengt , Krischer Katharina
Published: April 2010

The electrocatalytic oxidation of formaldehyde, which results in CO2 and HCOOH formation, was investigated under galvanostatic conditions on nanostructured Pt/glassy carbon (GC) electrodes fabricated by employing colloidal lithography (CL). The measurements were performed on structurally well‐defined model electrodes of different Pt surface coverages under different applied currents (current densities) and at constant electrolyte transport in a thin‐layer flow cell connected to a differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) setup to monitor the dynamic response of the reaction selectivity under these conditions. Periodic oscillations of the electrode potential and the CO2 formation rate appear not only for a continuous Pt film, but also for the nanostructured Pt/GC electrodes when a critical current density is exceeded. The critical current density for achieving regular osillation patterns increased with decreasing Pt nanodisk density. Lower oscillation frequencies of the electrode potential and lower CO2 formation rate for nanostructured Pt/GC electrodes compared to continuous Pt film at similar applied current densities suggest that transport processes play an essential role. Moreover, from the simple periodic response of the nanostructured electrodes it follows that all individual Pt disks in the array oscillate in synchrony. This result is discussed in terms of the different modes of spatial coupling present in the system: global coupling, migration coupling and mass transport of the essential chemical species, and the coverage of corresponding adsorbates.
Spectrophotometric and chemometric determination of hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone in binary mixture in the presence of their impurities and degradants
Authors: Hegazy Maha A. , Metwaly Fadia H. , Abdelkawy M. , Abdelwahab Nada S.
Published: April 2010

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) and spironolactone (SPR) are mostly co‐formulated in antihypertensive formulations. Several methods have been developed and validated for their determination; these methods include spectrophotometric and chemometric‐assisted spectrophotometric methods. The developed spectrophotometric methods were isosbestic point (ISO) and ratio subtraction (RS) methods. The absorbance values at 232.4 (λiso1) and 257.6 nm (λiso2) were used for determination of the total mixture concentration, while HCT could be directly determined at 317.2 nm (λmax) and by subtraction SPR concentration could be obtained. Also SPR concentration could be calculated by RS method using the absorbance at 243.8 nm (λmax). A wavelength selection method based on genetic algorithm (GAs) was developed and compared to the conventional partial least squares method (PLS). In this method, several parameters were adjusted and the optimum parameter settings were determined using experimental design. The developed chemometric methods were successfully applied for the determination of the HCT and SPR, as well as for determination of their impurities and degradation products. The proposed methods were successfully applied for determination of HCT and SPR in commercial tablets and they were statistically compared to each other and to the reported method. No significant difference was found, providing their accuracy and precision. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of spectrofluorimetric method for determination of haloperidol in pharmaceutical dosage forms
Authors: Rahman Nafisur , Siddiqui Sana
Published: April 2010

A simple, sensitive, and accurate spectrofluorimetric method has been developed for the determination of haloperidol in pharmaceutical preparations. The present method is based on the formation of an ion‐pair complex between haloperidol and alizarin red S at pH 3.4 which is extractable with chloroform. The ion‐pair complex exhibits maximum fluorescence intensity at 564 nm with excitation at 466 nm. The reaction conditions were optimized to obtain maximum fluorescence intensity. The relation between the fluorescence intensity and concentration was found to be linear over the range 0.8–20 µg/mL with detection limit of 0.08 µg/mL. The method was successfully employed for quantitation of the active ingredient haloperidol in pharmaceutical preparations. Statistical comparison of the results with the reference method shows excellent agreement and indicates no significant difference between the methods compared in terms of accuracy and precision. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early development of medaka Oryzias latipes muscles as revealed by transgenic approaches using embryonic and larval types of myosin heavy chain genes
Authors: Ono Yosuke , Kinoshita Shigeharu , Ikeda Daisuke , Watabe Shugo
Published: April 2010

We cloned three full‐length cDNAs encoding myosin heavy chains (MYHs) previously found to be expressed in embryos or larvae of medaka Oryzias latipes. Based on cDNA sequence information, the three medaka MYH genes, mMYHemb1, mMYHL1 and mMYHL2, were localized on the chromosomes. In vivo promoter assay using the gene encoding green or red fluorescent protein and linked to the 5′‐flanking region of mMYH demonstrated that the transcripts of fast‐type mMYHemb1, first expressed in embryos but belonging to the adult type in phylogenetic analysis, were located in the horizontal myoseptum. On the other hand, embryonic fast‐type mMYHL1 and mMYHL2 were expressed in the whole myotomes. Interestingly, cells expressing mMYHemb1 were localized together with engrailed, and cyclopamine, which blocks hedgehog signaling, inhibited mMYHemb1 expression as well as the formation of the horizontal myoseptum, suggesting that muscle pioneer cells express mMYHemb1 as a key protein in the formation of the horizontal myoseptum. Developmental Dynamics 239:1807–1817, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gli2 activator function in preosteoblasts is sufficient to mediate ihh‐dependent osteoblast differentiation, whereas the repressor function of Gli2 is dispensable for endochondral ossification
Authors: Kesper Dörthe Andrea , Didt‐Koziel Lydia , Vortkamp Andrea
Published: April 2010

Signaling of Indian hedgehog (Ihh), one of the key regulators of endochondral ossification is mediated by transcription factors of the Gli family, Gli1, Gli2, and Gli3. Gli3 and to a lesser extent Gli2 can be proteolytically processed into short repressor proteins. Upon Ihh signaling, processing is inhibited and the full‐length proteins function as activators of transcription. Gli3 has been shown to mainly act as a repressor of Ihh target genes in chondrocytes, but the role of other Gli isoforms is less clear. Analyzing mouse mutants deficient forIhh;Gli2orGli3;Gli2, we show here that the Gli2 repressor has no detectable function in chondrocyte or osteoblast differentiation. Instead, Gli2 seems to act as an activator to fully induce the expression of Ihh target genes in skeletal tissues. Furthermore, we show that, in the absence of Gli3, the activator function of Gli2 is sufficient to induce Ihh‐dependent osteoblast differentiation. Developmental Dynamics 239:1818–1826, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic expression pattern of Sonic hedgehog in developing cochlear spiral ganglion neurons
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Owen Thomas , Zhang Lingli , Zuo Jian
Published: April 2010

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling plays important roles in the formation of the auditory epithelium. However, little is known about the detailed expression pattern of Shh and the cell sources from which Shh is secreted. By analyzing ShhCreEGFP/+ mice, we found that Shh was first expressed in all cochlear spiral ganglion neurons by embryonic day 13.5, after which its expression gradually decreased from base to apex. By postnatal day 0, it was not detected in any spiral ganglion neurons. Genetic cell fate mapping results also confirmed that Shh was exclusively expressed in all spiral ganglion neurons and not in surrounding glia cells. The basal‐to‐apical wave of Shh decline strongly resembles that of hair cell differentiation, supporting the idea that Shh signaling inhibits hair cell differentiation. Furthermore, this ShhCreEGFP/+ mouse is a useful Cre line in which to delete floxed genes specifically in spiral ganglion neurons of the developing cochlea. Developmental Dynamics 239:1674–1683, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of germ plasm‐associated transcripts by microarray analysis of Xenopus vegetal cortex RNA
Authors: Cuykendall Tawny N. , Houston Douglas W.
Published: April 2010

RNA localization is a common mechanism for regulating cell structure and function. Localized RNAs in Xenopus oocytes are critical for early development, including germline specification by the germ plasm. Despite the importance of these localized RNAs, only approximately 25 have been identified and fewer are functionally characterized. Using microarrays, we identified a large set of localized RNAs from the vegetal cortex. Overall, our results indicate a minimum of 275 localized RNAs in oocytes, or 2–3% of maternal transcripts, which are in general agreement with previous findings. We further validated vegetal localization for 24 candidates and further characterized three genes expressed in the germ plasm. We identified novel germ plasm expression for reticulon 3.1, exd2 (a novel exonuclease‐domain encoding gene), and a putative noncoding RNA. Further analysis of these and other localized RNAs will likely identify new functions of germ plasm and facilitate the identification of cis‐acting RNA localization elements. Developmental Dynamics 239:1838–1848, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Pore Structure on the Nitridation of Mesoporous Silica with Ammonia
Authors: Hayashi Fumitaka , Ishizu Ken‐ichi , Iwamoto Masakazu
Published: April 2010

Various mesoporous silicas [MCM‐41(M41), SBA‐15(SBA15), MCM‐48(M48)] and silica gel were nitrided with ammonia in a plug‐flow reactor at 1273 K. The nitrogen contents of various (oxy)nitrides obtained were increased with the amount of ammonia supplied per sample weight. The nitridation rates of silica samples were not changed with the pore sizes of the samples but with the pore structures. They were dependent on the surface areas of the parent silicas. The maximum contents of nitrogen in nitrided M41s, SBA15, M48, and silica gel were ca. 38, 35, 39, and 21 wt.‐%, respectively, which indicates the great difference between the reactivity of the mesoporous silicas and silica gel. 29Si NMR and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy also supported the progress in almost complete nitridation of the former samples. The XRD and the FE‐SEM measurements revealed that the mesoporous (oxy)nitrides maintained the original 2D hexagonal or 3D cubic mesopore structures and particle morphology. Nitrogen sorption analysis showed that the pore diameters, the surface areas, and the primary mesopore volumes were varied with the nitridation degrees and the types of pore structures but there occurred no destruction of pore structures. Finally, the stabilities of the silicon (oxy)nitrides prepared were studied. The pore structures and nitrogen contents remained essentially unchanged upon storage under a nitrogen atmosphere, immersion in 1‐buthanol or toluene, or by heating under H2 flow at 1073 K. Heating samples under O2 flow at 1073 K resulted in the collapse of the pore structures and a decrease in nitrogen content.
Fused Silacarbacycles Containing a Silole Unit: 1,2‐Hydroboration and 1,1‐Organoboration of Alkynyl(vinyl)silanes
Authors: Wrackmeyer Bernd , Tok Oleg L. , Klimkina Elena V. , Milius Wolfgang
Published: April 2010

The reaction of various alkynyl(vinyl)silanes containing two alkynyl groups with 9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (9‐BBN) proceeds by regioselective 1,2‐hydroboration of the vinyl group in the first step, followed by two intramolecular 1,1‐organoboration reactions to afford 1,6‐disilapentalene derivatives, fused silacarbacycles with a silole unit. Similarly, the analogous reaction of an alkynyl(allyl)silane gives a 1,7‐disilaindene derivative. The products were characterized by multinuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 11B, 13C and 29Si NMR) in solution and in two cases by X‐ray structural analysis in the solid state.
Synthesis of (+)‐ and (–)‐Gossonorol and Cyclisation to Boivinianin B
Authors: Abecassis Keren , Gibson Susan E.
Published: April 2010

The first enantioselective synthesis of gossonorol has been achieved in good overall yield and excellent enantioselectivity, demonstrating the utility of a novel approach to enantiopure tertiary benzylic alcohols. Epoxidation of enantiopure gossonorol followed by acid‐catalysed cyclisation gave a diastereoisomeric mixture of boivinianin B,typical of the diastereoisomeric mixtures of this compound found in nature. Separation of the diastereoisomers and determination of their enantiopurity revealed that the stereochemical integrity of the benzylic alcohol of gossonorol had been preserved during the epoxidation/cyclisation reaction.
The inter‐ and intra‐operator variability in manual spot segmentation and its effect on spot quantitation in two‐dimensional electrophoresis analysis
Authors: Millioni Renato , Sbrignadello Stefano , Tura Andrea , Iori Elisabetta , Murphy Ellen , Tessari Paolo
Published: April 2010

Separation of complex mixtures of proteins by 2‐DE is a fundamental component of current proteomic technology. Quantitative analysis of the images generated by digitization of such gels is critical for identifying alterations in protein expression within a given biological system. Software packages are designed for this purpose. The accurate definition of protein spot boundaries, using a suitable method of image segmentation, is a key requirement for image analysis. It is often necessary for operators to intervene manually to correct mistakes in spot segmentation; therefore operator subjectivity and differences in ability can weaken the analysis. We estimated the error in spot quantification after manual spot segmentation, which was performed by different operators, using two different software packages. Our results clearly show that this operation was associated with significant inter‐ and intra‐variability and an overestimation of subsequent spot intensity, especially when spots were weak. For comparative studies, we suggest separately analysing spots which have been manually segmented by imposing a requirement for at least a threefold difference in spot intensity in addition to use of statistical tests.
Climate change and sediment flux from the Roof of the World
Authors: Lu X.X. , Zhang Shurong , Xu Jianchu
Published: April 2010

Potential rises in global temperature are likely to have major impacts on high altitude environments, including glacier recession and permafrost degradation. In turn, these could have far‐reaching impacts on riverine sediment flux. Such impacts are emerging in the Himalayas and Tibet Plateau region, one of the world's largest and most environmentally‐sensitive cold regions. Closer monitoring is urgently required to track changing trends of sediment load from the interactions of glacial recession treat, rainfall changes and human interventions, and to study the implications of such changes for the large Asian river systems of the region. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical modelling of climate change impacts on Saint‐Lawrence River tributaries
Authors: Verhaar P. M. , Biron P. M. , Ferguson R. I. , Hoey T. B.
Published: April 2010

The impacts of climate‐induced changes in discharge and base level in three tributaries of the Saint‐Lawrence River, Québec, Canada, are modelled for the period 2010–2099 using a one‐dimensional morphodynamic model. Changes in channel stability and bed‐material delivery to the Saint‐Lawrence River over this period are simulated for all combinations of seven tributary hydrological regimes (present‐day and those predicted using three global climate models and two greenhouse gas emission scenarios) and three scenarios of how the base level provided by the Saint‐Lawrence River will alter (no change, gradual fall, step fall). Even with no change in base level the projected discharge scenarios lead to an increase in average bed material delivery for most combinations of river and global climate model, although the magnitude of simulated change depends on the choice of global climate model and the trend over time seems related to whether the river is currently aggrading, degrading or in equilibrium. The choice of greenhouse gas emission scenario makes much less difference than the choice of global climate model. As expected, a fall in base level leads to degradation in the rivers currently aggrading or in equilibrium, and amplifies the effects of climate change on sediment delivery to the Saint‐Lawrence River. These differences highlight the importance of investigating several rivers using several climate models in order to determine trends in climate change impacts. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.