bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen‐Bond‐Assisted “Gold Cold Fusion” for Fabrication of 2D Web Structures
Authors: Mandal Saikat , Shundo Atsuomi , Acharya Somobrata , Hill Jonathan P. , Ji Qingmin , Ariga Katsuhiko
Published: March 2009

Keeping their cool: Fabrication of a 2D weblike nanonetwork of gold was successfully demonstrated through a two‐step procedure including complexation of gold precursors to a weblike supramolecular assembly of surfactant followed by in situ reduction of the precursors to gold. Molecular assemblies stabilized by hydrogen bonding provided a sound template, leading to the highly integrated structure of gold through room‐temperature (cold) nanostructure fusion.

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Effects of natalizumab, an α4 integrin inhibitor, on the development of Hartley guinea pigs
Authors: Wehner Nancy G. , Shopp George , Rocca Meredith S. , Clarke Janet
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Natalizumab is a humanized monoclonal immunoglobulin G4 antibody directed against the human α4 integrin subunit, disrupting interaction with its ligands. Natalizumab inhibits the interaction of α4 integrins with fibronectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, and mucosal addressin cellular adhesion molecule‐1, which are of potential importance in development. Two studies were undertaken to evaluate the effects of natalizumab on embryo/fetal development in guinea pigs. METHODS: In the first study, pregnant guinea pigs were treated with intravenous injections of 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg natalizumab or vehicle every other day from gestational day (GD) 4 to 30. In the second study, females were treated on alternate days starting at least 28 days prior to mating through GD 30. Fetal examinations and histopathologic examination of the liver, heart, thymus, spleen, and intestinal tract were performed following maternal euthanasia on GD 59–62. RESULTS: Natalizumab had no significant effect on embryo/fetal development in either study. Exposure to natalizumab during organogenesis did not result in treatment‐related external, visceral, or skeletal variations or malformations or histopathologic changes. CONCLUSION: No fetotoxicity or teratogenic effects were attributable to natalizumab in these studies. Birth Defects Res (Part B)86: 98‐107, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the safety and pharmacokinetics of the multi‐targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib during embryo–fetal development in rats and rabbits
Authors: Patyna S. , Haznedar J. , Morris D. , Freshwater K. , Peng G. , Sukbuntherng J. , Chmielewski G. , Matsumoto D.
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis plays a key role in embryo–fetal development and, based on nonclinical safety data, the majority of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐targeted antiangiogenic agents used in cancer therapy are not recommended during pregnancy. We investigated the effects of sunitinib (an oral inhibitor of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases [RTKs] including VEGF‐receptors) on embryo–fetal development. METHODS: Presumed‐pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rats and New Zealand White rabbits received repeated daily oral doses of sunitinib (0–30 mg/kg/day), during the major period of organogenesis. Clinical/physical examinations were performed throughout the gestation phase, and blood samples were collected to determine systemic exposure. Necropsy (including uterine examination) was performed on all animals and fetal morphology was examined. RESULTS: The no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level was 1–5 mg/kg/day for maternal toxicity and 3 mg/kg/day for developmental toxicity in rats; 1 and 0.5 mg/kg/day, respectively, in rabbits. Embryo–fetal toxicity included decreases in the number of live fetuses and increases in the numbers of resorptions and post‐implantation/complete litter losses; these were observed at doses of ≥5 mg/kg/day in rats and 5 mg/kg/day in rabbits. Malformations included fetal skeletal malformations (generally thoracic/lumbar vertebral alterations) in rats and cleft lip/palate in rabbits. These developmental effects were observed at ∼5.5‐ (rats) and ∼0.3‐times (rabbits) the human systemic exposure at the approved sunitinib dose (50 mg/day). CONCLUSIONS: Similar effects have been reported with the prototype monoclonal antibody bevacizumab. As is typically observed for potent inhibitors of RTKs involved in angiogenesis, sunitinib was associated with embryo–fetal developmental toxicity in rats and rabbits at clinically relevant dose levels. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 33:204–213, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative sugar recovery and fermentation data following pretreatment of poplar wood by leading technologies
Authors: Wyman Charles E. , Dale Bruce E. , Elander Richard T. , Holtzapple Mark , Ladisch Michael R. , Lee Y. Y. , Mitchinson Colin , Saddler John N.
Published: March 2009

Through a Biomass Refining Consortium for Applied Fundamentals and Innovation among Auburn University, Dartmouth College, Michigan State University, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Purdue University, Texas A&M University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of California at Riverside, leading pretreatment technologies based on ammonia fiber expansion, aqueous ammonia recycle, dilute sulfuric acid, lime, neutral pH, and sulfur dioxide were applied to a single source of poplar wood, and the remaining solids from each technology were hydrolyzed to sugars using the same enzymes. Identical analytical methods and a consistent material balance methodology were employed to develop comparative performance data for each combination of pretreatment and enzymes. Overall, compared to data with corn stover employed previously, the results showed that poplar was more recalcitrant to conversion to sugars and that sugar yields from the combined operations of pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis varied more among pretreatments. However, application of more severe pretreatment conditions gave good yields from sulfur dioxide and lime, and a recombinant yeast strain fermented the mixed stream of glucose and xylose sugars released by enzymatic hydrolysis of water washed solids from all pretreatments to ethanol with similarly high yields. An Agricultural and Industrial Advisory Board followed progress and helped steer the research to meet scientific and commercial needs. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Cover Picture: Investigation of the Substrate Specificity of Lacticin 481 Synthetase by Using Nonproteinogenic Amino Acids (ChemBioChem 5/2009)
Authors: Levengood Matthew R. , Kerwood Christopher C. , Chatterjee Champak , van der Donk Wilfred A.
Published: March 2009

The cover picture shows the forgiveness of lacticin 481 synthetase with respect to its substrate specificity. This enzyme crosslinks Ser (red) and Cys (blue) residues in its precursor peptide through thioether bonds to generate the lantibiotic lacticin 481. Lantibiotics are currently used worldwide in the food industry, in particular in dairy products. Recent years have seen a growing interest in engineering of lantibiotics for potential use as human therapeutics. Towards this goal, the residues shown in green in the precursor peptide could be replaced by a variety of non‐proteinogenic amino acids, including peptoids and β‐amino acids, without affecting the enzymatic activity of lacticin 481 synthetase. The tolerance of lacticin 481 synthetase holds much promise for branching into lantibiotics with increased biostability. For further details, see the article by W. van der Donk et al. on p. 911 ff.

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Cover Picture: Photo‐Induced Spin Transition of Iron(III) Compounds with π–π Intermolecular Interactions (Chem. Eur. J. 14/2009)
Authors: Hayami Shinya , Hiki Kenji , Kawahara Takayoshi , Maeda Yonezo , Urakami Daisuke , Inoue Katsuya , Ohama Mitsuo , Kawata Satoshi , Sato Osamu
Published: March 2009

Introduction of strong intermolecular interactions leads to the observation of the LIESST effect even for iron(III) spin‐crossover (SCO) compounds. For LIESST iron(III) compounds, both stretching and bending modes are considered in the reaction coordinate diagram. The picture depicts the LIESST mechanism in the reaction coordinate diagram considering both stretching and bending modes for SCO iron(III) compounds. For more information see the Full Paper by S. Hayami, O. Sato et al. on page 3497 ff.

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Synthesis, Characterization, and Electro‐Optical Properties of ZnIIComplexes with π‐Conjugated Terpyridine Ligands
Authors: Winter Andreas , Friebe Christian , Chiper Manuela , Schubert Ulrich S. , Presselt Martin , Dietzek Benjamin , Schmitt Michael , Popp Jürgen
Published: March 2009

Leading light: A series of zinc(II) bis‐terpyridine complexes (see picture) is investigated by means of DFT calculations combined with Bader's quantum theory of atoms in molecules. Raman spectroscopy experiments and studies of the electro‐optical properties of the complexes in solution and the solid state are also performed to examine their potential as new emissive materials in light‐emitting devices.

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A series of nine zinc(II) complexes containing substituted 4′‐phenyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridines as ligands is synthesized and fully characterized. The ground‐state structures of four examples are calculated by means of DFT and their structural features are confirmed by experimental Raman spectroscopy. Special focus is placed on the degree of π‐electron delocalization between the terpyridine unit and the attached phenyl moiety. Applying Bader’s quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and visualizing the electron‐density distribution by intermolecular Δρplots reveals an increase in ellipticity—and therefore π‐electron delocalization—for phenylvinyl‐substituted derivatives compared to phenylethynyl‐substituted ones. Experimentally, this is verified by spectroscopic means, because an increase in ellipticity goes along with a pronounced decrease of the HOMO–LUMO energy band gap. Overall, the lateral π‐conjugated substituents are found to strongly influence the electro‐optical properties of the complexes. In solution, the color of emission can be modulated from violet to cyan (425–487 nm) and high quantum yields (ΦPLup to 0.60) are observed. Thin solid films of the complexes in a matrix of poly(methyl methacrylate) have been inkjet‐printed, and their photophysical behavior (bright emission,ΦPLup to 0.30) reveals their potential as new emissive materials for applications in light‐emitting devices.
Cover Picture: Copolymerization of Divinylsilyl‐11‐silicotungstic Acid with Butyl Acrylate and Hexanediol Diacrylate: Synthesis of a Highly Proton‐Conductive Membrane for Fuel‐Cell Applications (ChemSusChem 3/2009)
Authors: Horan James L. , Genupur Anitha , Ren Hui , Sikora Benjamin J. , Kuo Mei‐Chen , Meng Fanqin , Dec Steven F. , Haugen Gregory M. , Yandrasits Michael A. , Hamrock Steven J. , Frey Matthew H. , Herring Andrew M.
Published: March 2009

The cover picture shows the structure of the hybrid inorganic–organic polymer polydivinylsilyl‐11‐silicotungstic acid‐co‐butyl acrylate (picture courtesy of Mark T. Lusk, Colorado School of Mines). In their Communication on page 226, A. M. Herring and co‐workers describe the preparation and characterization of this material for the first time as a free‐standing, acidified film, suitable for a proton‐exchange membrane fuel cell. The material phase separates into clusters that exhibit superior proton transport to that observed in standard perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) materials at 100% relative humidity. The materials require less water for proton transport than PFSA materials, pointing to the future potential of these materials for proton conduction under hotter and drier conditions than can currently be used with PFSA ionomers.

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Death and survival of heterozygous Lurcher Purkinje cells In vitro
Authors: Zanjani Hadi S. , McFarland Rebecca , Cavelier Pauline , Blokhin Andrei , Gautheron Vanessa , Levenes Carole , Bambrick Linda L. , Mariani Jean , Vogel Michael W.
Published: March 2009

The differentiation and survival of heterozygous Lurcher (+/Lc) Purkinje cells in vitro was examined as a model system for studying how chronic ionic stress affects neuronal differentiation and survival. The Lurcher mutation in the δ2 glutamate receptor (GluRδ2) converts an orphan receptor into a membrane channel that constitutively passes an inward cation current. In the GluRδ2+/Lc mutant, Purkinje cell dendritic differentiation is disrupted and the cells degenerate following the first week of postnatal development. To determine if the GluRδ2+/Lc Purkinje cell phenotype is recapitulated in vitro, +/+, and +/Lc Purkinje cells from postnatal Day 0 pups were grown in either isolated cell or cerebellar slice cultures. GluRδ2+/+ and GluRδ2+/Lc Purkinje cells appeared to develop normally through the first 7 days in vitro (DIV), but by 11 DIV GluRδ2+/Lc Purkinje cells exhibited a significantly higher cation leak current. By 14 DIV, GluRδ2+/Lc Purkinje cell dendrites were stunted and the number of surviving GluRδ2+/Lc Purkinje cells was reduced by 75% compared to controls. However, treatment of +/Lc cerebellar cultures with 1‐naphthyl acetyl spermine increased +/Lc Purkinje cell survival to wild type levels. These results support the conclusion that the Lurcher mutation in GluRδ2 induces cell autonomous defects in differentiation and survival. The establishment of a tissue culture system for studying cell injury and death mechanisms in a relatively simple system like GluRδ2+/Lc Purkinje cells will provide a valuable model for studying how the induction of a chronic inward cation current in a single cell type affects neuronal differentiation and survival. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009
SELDI‐TOF as a method for biomarker discovery in the urine of aristolochic‐acid‐treated mice
Authors: Huang Feilei , Clifton James , Yang Xinli , Rosenquist Thomas , Hixson Douglas , Kovac Spomenka , Josic Djuro
Published: March 2009

Aristolochic acids (AAs) present in Aristolochia plants are substances responsible for Chinese herbs nephropathy. Recently, strong indications have also been presented, which dietary poisoning with AA is responsible for endemic (Balkan) nephropathy (EN), an enigmatic renal disease that affects rural population living in some countries in Southeastern Europe. A mouse model was applied to follow the effects of two forms of AA, AAI and AAII. SDS‐PAGE and SELDI‐TOF mass spectrometry with normal phase chips were used to evaluate changes in the urine of treated animals. These two methods are demonstrated to be comparable. The use of SELDI‐TOF MS for rapid analysis of a large number of samples and the combination of this method with nano‐LC‐ESI MS/MS for protein identification were demonstrated. Biomarker discovery after analysis of large cohort of EN patients will be the final aim of these investigations.
The use of CE ECL with ionic liquid for the determination of drug alkaloids and applications in human urine
Authors: Liu Yan‐Ming , Tian Wei , Jia Yu‐Xiu , Yue Hai‐Yan
Published: March 2009

A new approach for the determination of methylephedrine hydrochloride (ME), thebaine, codeine phosphate (CP), and acetylcodeine (AC) was established by CE‐ECL with ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate). The conditions for the CE separation, ECL detection, and the effect of ionic liquid were systematically investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the four analytes were well separated within 8 min using 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate as additive in the electrophoretic buffer. The concentration detection limits of ME, thebaine, CP, and AC were 2.1×10−8, 1.4×10−7, 6.3×10−8, and 3.6×10−8 mol/L (S/N=3), respectively. The LOQs (S/N=10) in real human urine samples were 7.6×10−7 mol/L for ME, 3.6×10−6 mol/L for thebaine, 6.5×10−7 mol/L for CP, and 4.6×10−7 mol/L for AC, respectively. The recoveries of four alkaloids at different levels in human urine samples were between 90.0 and 103.5%. The developed method was successfully applied to the determination of four drug alkaloids in human urine samples.
Structural plasticity of dentate granule cell mossy fibers during the development of limbic epilepsy
Authors: Danzer Steve C. , He Xiaoping , Loepke Andreas W. , McNamara James O.
Published: March 2009

Altered granule cell≫CA3 pyramidal cell synaptic connectivity may contribute to the development of limbic epilepsy. To explore this possibility, granule cell giant mossy fiber bouton plasticity was examined in the kindling and pilocarpine models of epilepsy using green fluorescent protein‐expressing transgenic mice. These studies revealed significant increases in the frequency of giant boutons with satellite boutons 2 days and 1 month after pilocarpine status epilepticus, and increases in giant bouton area at 1 month. Similar increases in giant bouton area were observed shortly after kindling. Finally, both models exhibited plasticity of mossy fiber giant bouton filopodia, which contact GABAergic interneurons mediating feedforward inhibition of CA3 pyramids. In the kindling model, however, all changes were fleeting, having resolved by 1 month after the last evoked seizure. Together, these findings demonstrate striking structural plasticity of granule cell mossy fiber synaptic terminal structure in two distinct models of adult limbic epileptogenesis. We suggest that these plasticities modify local connectivities between individual mossy fiber terminals and their targets, inhibitory interneurons, and CA3 pyramidal cells potentially altering the balance of excitation and inhibition during the development of epilepsy. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radiological findings of early invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immune‐compromised patients
Authors: Brook OR , Guralnik L , Hardak E , Oren I , Sprecher H , Zuckerman T , Engel A , Yigla M
Published: March 2009

Data on the radiological features of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in early stages is scanty. Detection of Aspergillus (ASP) species in broncho‐alveolar (BAL) fluid by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) enables early diagnosis of IPA. This study describes the radiological features of early stages of IPA. Chest computerized tomography (CT) films of 22 consecutive immune‐compromised patients with IPA diagnosed with the aid of ASP PCR testing from BAL fluid were characterized and compared to that of 18 similar patients diagnosed with traditional bacteriological methods and to data from the literature. It was found that patients diagnosed with the aid of ASP PCR testing tended to have focal disease as manifested by more 11–30 mm nodules with halo (68% vs. 33%, p = 0.04), more focal ground glass (single area 32% vs. 6%, p = 0.05, patchy 32% vs. 0%, p = 0.01) and less diffuse ground glass (0% vs. 22%, p = 0.03), less cavitations (5% vs. 28%, p = 0.05) and less consolidations (segmental 14% vs. 50%, p = 0.02 and diffuse 14% vs. 67%, p = 0.001). It was concluded that the radiological appearance of early IPA diagnosed with the aid of PCR testing included mainly discrete small nodules with halo and focal ground glass, representing the early stage of the disease. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positive interventions in clinical practice
Authors: Rashid Tayyab
Published: March 2009

Mainstream psychotherapy has made huge strides in treating symptoms and disorders, but it has largely overlooked happiness as a therapeutic goal despite frequently hearing from clients, “Doctor, I want to be happy.” This issue of Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session describes a number of positive interventions for specific clinical problems, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, loss, grief, and relationship distress. Although the name may suggest it, positive interventions do not imply that rest of psychotherapies are negative. Neither are negatives denied nor minimized. Distinct from self‐help recipes proffering instant changes, positive psychology interventions refer to systematic approaches to overcome challenges by using clients' strengths and assets. A hybrid psychotherapy‐coaching model and strength‐based assessment can ask a client “What is right with you?” All articles are supplemented with rich case illustrations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 65: 1–6, 2009.
Strength‐based assessment in clinical practice
Authors: Rashid Tayyab , Ostermann Robert F.
Published: March 2009

Strength‐based assessment can enhance clinical clarity, improve the range of information, and provide a more complete picture of clients and their circumstances. Deficit‐oriented assessment has improved the assessment and treatment of a number of disorders but, at the same time, has created a negative bias, considered strengths as clinical peripheries or by‐products, tended to reduce clients to diagnostic categories, and created a power differential, which could be counterproductive to clinical efficacy. Strength‐based assessment explores weaknesses as well as strengths to effectively deal with problems. We present a number of strength‐based strategies for use in clinical practice. These strategies, we hope, will help clinicians to operationalize how strengths and weaknesses reverberate and contribute to a client's psychological status, which is comprehensive and guards against negative bias. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 65: 1–11, 2009.
Mineralisation of the antibiotic amoxicillin in pure and surface waters by artificial UVA‐ and sunlight‐induced Fenton oxidation
Authors: Mavronikola Chariklia , Demetriou Maria , Hapeshi Evroula , Partassides Dora , Michael Costas , Mantzavinos Dionissios , Kassinos Despo
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: The degradation and mineralisation of the antibiotic amoxicillin by photo‐Fenton reactions, mediated by artificial UVA or solar irradiation, were investigated. Experiments were conducted with 30 mg L−1 amoxicillin solutions prepared with deionised or surface water at Fe2+ and H2O2 concentrations in the range 0.0179–0.0895 and 1–10 mmol L−1, respectively. Black‐light irradiation at 365 nm was provided by a 13 W m−2 lamp, while samples were exposed to sunlight at 20 W m−2 for solar experiments.

RESULTS: In all cases, quantitative amoxicillin degradation occurred within 5 min and this was accompanied by lower mineralisation rates. Mineralisation followed first‐order kinetics with respect to organic carbon content and it was not affected by the water matrix with either type of illumination. Solar‐induced reactions were only marginally faster than artificial irradiation. Increasing the H2O2 to Fe2+ concentration ratio increases the extent of mineralisation up to a point beyond which degradation is impeded due to radical scavenging associated with the high concentrations of the Fenton reagents.

CONCLUSION: Amoxicillin is readily degradable by homogeneous photocatalysis, being converted to more stable intermediates as indicated by lower mineralisation rates. The process can be driven by solar irradiation, thus providing a sustainable treatment technology. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantitative real‐time PCR assays to detect DNA degradation in soy‐based food products
Authors: Murray Sarah R , Butler Ruth C , Timmerman‐Vaughan Gail M
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based DNA diagnostics have grown in importance for assessing food quality and safety. PCR diagnostic reliability and sensitivity depend on the quality of the DNA extractions, including the extent of DNA degradation and the presence of PCR inhibitors.

RESULTS: An approach has been described that quantifies the extent of DNA degradation in soy food samples using anchored real‐time PCR (qPCR) assays that amplify target sequences ranging from < 100 to > 1000 bp, based on two endogenous soy sequences. DNA degradation was quantified for model foods produced in the laboratory (cooked soy meal, tofu) as well as purchased soy‐containing food products. Considerably less than 1% of the total DNA extracted from samples was available for amplification of the longest amplicons (830 and 1022 bp) from the most highly processed food products (e.g., soy‐based infant formula).

CONCLUSION: The utility of anchored qPCR assays was demonstrated for characterizing the amount of DNA that is available for amplifying different‐length PCR products from a range of soy‐containing processed food products. This approach should be useful for estimating the amount of amplifiable DNA in food ingredients in cases where food processing has caused degradation of DNA. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Parallel Synthesis of Polymer Libraries Using Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP)
Authors: Nasrullah Mohammed J. , Webster Dean C.
Published: March 2009

Parallel atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene and t‐butyl acrylate (t‐BA) was investigated. A series of ATRP polymerizations were carried out in parallel with varying targeted molecular weight ($\overline M _{\rm n}$) and showed excellent reproducibility of $\overline M _{\rm n}$, polydispersity, and conversion. In addition, polymerizations were done to determine the effect of inhibitor on styrene polymerization, yielding similar results. In synthesizing a library of polymers having varying $\overline M _{\rm n}$ using ATRP, polymers having lower $\overline M _{\rm n}$ reach their target values earlier and the others continue to react under heating, resulting in peak broadening for the low $\overline M _{\rm n}$ polymers. Reinitiation experiments indicated that termination reactions were taking place resulting in “dead” polymer chains which were unable to reinitiate polymerization.

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Macromol. React. Eng. 2–3/2009
Authors: Vautz Wolfgang , Mauntz Wolfgang , Engell Sebastian , Baumbach Jörg Ingo
Published: March 2009

Front Cover: Ion mobility spectrometry obtains rapid results for online process control with high sensitivity and selectivity from headspace analysis of a continuous sample flow. An emulsion polymerisation process was investigated exemplarily including quality control of the final product. Further details can be found in the article by W. Vautz*, W. Mauntz, S. Engell, and J. I. Baumbach on page 85.
Effects of hydrophilic monomer types on poly(styrene‐acrylate)/montmorillonite nanocomposites made by in‐site emulsion polymerization
Authors: Zhang Fa‐Ai , Chen Lin , Ma Ji‐Quan
Published: March 2009

Organic modified montmorillonite (OMMT) was made of pristine montmorillonite (MMT) treated with cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Two kinds of nanocomposites, poly(styrene‐acrylate)/MMT (P(S‐A)/MMT) and poly (styrene‐acrylate)/OMMT (P(S‐A)/OMMT) were prepared from styrene (St), hydrophilic acrylate monomer, and MMT (or OMMT) by in‐site emulsion polymerization. Effects of different monomers, β‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), acrylic acid (AA), methacryclic acid (MAA) on the thermal stability of the two nanocomposites were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The structures of the nanocomposites were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology of the nanocomposite was observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results showed that the thermal stabilities of the two composites were enhanced by the addition of HEMA, AA, or MAA. The P(S‐A)/OMMT nanocomposite showed higher thermal stability than that of the P(S‐A)/MMT nanocomposite. In particular, HEMA improved the thermal stability of the P(S‐A)/OMMT nanocomposite, which is more efficient than methacrylic acid (MA) and AA. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic effect of trichostatin A and 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine on growth inhibition of pancreatic endocrine tumour cell lines: A proteomic study
Authors: Cecconi Daniela , Donadelli Massimo , Dalla Pozza Elisa , Rinalducci Sara , Zolla Lello , Scupoli Maria Teresa , Righetti Pier Giorgio , Scarpa Aldo , Palmieri Marta
Published: March 2009

Our research group recently reported that pancreatic endocrine cancer cell lines are sensitive to the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA). In the present paper, we show that the combined treatment of pancreatic endocrine tumour cell lines with TSA and the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (DAC) determines a strong synergistic inhibition of proliferation mainly due to apoptotic cell death. Proteomic analysis demonstrates that the modulation of specific proteins correlates with the antiproliferative effect of the drugs. A schematic network clarifies the most important targets or pathways involved in pancreatic endocrine cancer growth inhibition by single or combined drug treatments, which include proteasome, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and caspase related proteins, p53 and Ras related proteins. A comparison between the patterns of proteins regulated by TSA or DAC in endocrine and ductal pancreatic cancer cell lines is also presented.
Assessment of albumin removal from an immunoaffinity spin column: Critical implications for proteomic examination of the albuminome and albumin‐depleted samples
Authors: Gundry Rebekah L. , White Melanie Y. , Nogee Julie , Tchernyshyov Irina , Van Eyk Jennifer E.
Published: March 2009

High abundance proteins in serum and plasma (e.g., albumin) are routinely removed during proteomic sample processing as they can mask lower abundance proteins and peptides of biological/clinical interest. A common method of albumin depletion is based on immunoaffinity capture, and many immunoaffinity devices are designed for multiple uses. In this case, it is critical that the albumin captured on the affinity matrix is stripped from the column prior to regeneration of the matrix and processing of subsequent samples, to ensure no carryover and that maximal binding sites are available for subsequent samples. The current study examines the ability of a manufacturer's protocol to remove the proteins and peptides captured by an immunoaffinity spin column. The data presented in the current work illustrate the difficulty in completely removing albumin from the immunoaffinity device, and consequently, may explain the variability and decreased efficiency shown for this device in previous studies. In summary, the current data present important considerations for the implementation of multiple‐use immunoaffinity devices for processing subsequent clinical samples in a proteomic workflow.
The 7th East Midlands Proteomics Workshop 12 November 2008, Nottingham, UK
Authors: Liddell Susan , Dyall Sabrina , Matharoo‐Ball Balwir
Published: March 2009

Over 200 scientists with a common interest in proteomic techniques and their application to fundamental biological and biomedical problems participated in the 7th East Midlands Proteomics Workshop. This annual one day meeting was held in Nottingham in November 2008 and is a joint venture of colleagues from three local Universities: The University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, and Loughborough University.
Pressure Effect on the Velocity and Flux Distributions of Sputtered Metal Species in Magnetron Discharge Measured by Space‐Resolved Tunable Diode Laser Induced Fluorescence
Authors: Vitelaru Catalin , de Poucques Ludovic , Hytkova Tereza , Minea Tiberiu M. , Boisse‐Laporte Caroline , Bretagne Jean , Popa Gheorghe
Published: March 2009

The pressure acts on the sputtered species resulting in their thermalization. Space‐resolved velocity distributions of titanium atoms sputtered in a direct‐current magnetron discharge were investigated using the tunable diode‐laser induced fluorescence technique (TD‐LIF). The titanium 3d24s2 − 3d2(3F)4s4p(1P0) transition centred at λ0 = 398.289 nm was used to excite neutral Ti atoms and to measure their velocity distribution profile through the TD‐LIF signal measured at λTD‐LIF = 736.31 nm. Two groups of metallic particles, namely energetic and thermalized atoms, could be clearly distinguished and the corresponding flux distributions along the laser beam direction were deduced. The paper discusses the relative importance of the energetic atoms versus the discharge pressure especially in the vicinity of the target.
Optical and Langmuir Probe Diagnostics in a Magnetized Hollow Cathode Arc
Authors: Avaria Gonzalo , Lunk Achim , Schröder Attila , Vinogradov Igor Pavlovitch
Published: March 2009

The paper presents measurements of the plasma parameters of a hollow cathode arc (HCA) using Langmuir probes (LPs) as well as optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The plasma of a HCA is characterized by a high energy beam‐like component of electrons which causes a relatively high ionization degree. Data of LP measurements were evaluated to obtain the electron energy distribution function (EEDF), which could be approximated by the generalized Druyvesteyn distribution. The spectroscopic method used is based on the analysis of the molecular spectra of nitrogen and the atomic spectra of He and Ar. By considering several lines with different excitation thresholds the EEDF could be obtained in a trial and error procedure using a regularization routine. Because of the high electron density in HCA, stepwise processes initiated by metastable states of Ar and He atoms and N2 molecules are taken into account also. The data evaluated from spectroscopic measurements are compared with those from LP measurements. The EEDF measured by OES could be approximated by a Maxwellian distribution function.
Near infrared photoluminescence in Zn1–xNixS
Authors: Joshi N. V. , Luengo Jorge , Vera Fatima
Published: March 2009

With the view to examine the role of d*‐d transitions of Ni in energy up conversion and in other photonic devices, photoluminescence spectral investigation near infrared region (10000 cm–1 to 12000 cm–1) was carried out at 10 K and 300 K in diluted magnetic semiconductor, Zn1–xNixS. The samples were specially grown for this investigation. Some new emission lines along with a broad emission band are observed. Their origin is discussed on the basis of the transition from the excited T2(1D) state to the ground state A1(3F). The role of a splitted valence band structure and the presence of Ni+ state in photoluminescence is also discussed. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical and electrical characterization of In‐doped ZnMgO films grown by spray pyrolysis method
Authors: Yoshino Kenji , Oshima Minoru , Takemoto Yujin , Oyama Satoshi , Yoneta Minoru
Published: March 2009

In‐doped Zn0.9Mg0.1O (0 ∼ 5 mol%) films on glass substrate were successfully grown by a spray pyrolysis method at 500 °C. The c‐axis orientation became weak with increasing indium concentration. This indicated that In‐doping caused the degree of crystallinity of the Zn0.9Mg0.1O films to decrease. Indium atoms could be acted as a donor type impurity because electrical conduction types in the undoped and In‐doped films indicated all n‐types and In‐doping caused the resistivity to decrease and carrier concentration to increase. Furthermore, In‐doping caused the number of nonradiative recombination centers to increase because photoluminescence intensity decreased with increasing indium concentration. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Luminescent materials based on semiconductor compound templates for random laser applications
Authors: Ursaki V. V. , Tiginyanu I. M. , Sirbu L. , Enachi M.
Published: March 2009

A survey of methods for the preparation of luminescent nanocomposite materials with the focus on random laser media on the basis of porous semiconductor and dielectric templates is presented. Media with controlled light scattering properties are prepared by electrochemical dissolution of semiconductor substrates, or by electrochemical oxidation of metallic foils. For the introduction of optical gain properties to highly scattering medium prepared by electrochemical technologies, methods for doping porous semiconductor GaP, GaAs and InP as well as dielectric Al2O3 and TiO2 templates with rare earth elements (Eu, Er) and transition metals (Cr, Ti) were developed. The possibility of producing a medium with optical gain properties is demonstrated also by making use of excitonic effects such as exciton‐exciton scattering and stimulated emission of electron‐hole plasma. This approach is suitable for composite materials containing ZnO and ZnSe ingredients. A comparative analysis of the produced structures from the point of view of light emission efficiency, threshold for the onset of laser action, and other characteristics is presented. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Features of incommensurate phases in multiferroics
Authors: Gadjiev Bahruz
Published: March 2009

We present the results of a theoretical analysis of two‐dimensionally modulated incommensurate phases in crystals and define the space distribution of magnetization and polarization vector in the incommensurate phase and demonstrate that their averaging in the incommensurate phase period equals zero. We apply symmetry arguments and show that despite the fact that the phase transition in the system is described by reducible representation of the space group high symmetry phase the superspace symmetry group of the incommensurate phase contains all symmetry point groups of the high symmetry phase. We analyze the influence of the fractal distribution of defects on the evolution of the incommensurate phase and show that a phase transition occurs in the incommensurate phase that is accompanied by the inversion loss. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crystal structure and surface morphology of the Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Romanyuk V. L. , Gremenok V. F. , Merkulov V. S. , Emelyanov V. A. , Syakersky V. S. , Chyhir R. R. , Abetkovskaia S. O.
Published: March 2009

Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 (BST) thin films have been deposited on Si substrates under two different temperatures (200 °C and 450 °C) by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The structural characterization of the BST thin films was performed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and the surface morphology was explored by atomic force microscopy (AFM). All films were found to be crystalline with preferred (100) plane orientation. The diffraction patterns from XRD analysis are attributed to cubic perovskite structure. Annealing did not result in considerable change in XRD spectra of the films. The annealing after deposition resulted in increasing of the grain size and had almost no influence on the roughness of the Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 thin film. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and characterization of Mn‐doped AgInS2 grown by a hot‐press method
Authors: Akaki Yoji , Shirahata Yasuhiro , Yoshino Kenji , Ohno Yutaka , Yonenaga Ichiro
Published: March 2009

Mn‐doped AgInS2 crystals are grown by a hot‐press method at 700 °C for 1 hour under high pressure of 25 MPa from stoichiometric Ag2S and In2S3 powders with the Mn atoms with a concentration between 5 and 20 mol.%. Mn‐doped crystals showed diffraction lines of orthorhombic AgInS2 and AgIn5S8 in addition to the dominant lines of chalcopyrite AgInS2. The S composition in the crystals is slightly deficient independent of the Mn concentration. Electron states of Mn are studied by an electron spin resonance (ESR) at room temperature. The ESR intensity of the Mn‐doped crystals increases with an increase in the Mn concentration. The g ‐factors at room temperature of the Mn‐doped crystals are in the range 1.980‐1.982 with the peak‐to‐peak linewidth in the range 4.5‐8.9 mT. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis of porous CuInS2 crystals
Authors: Akaki Yoji , Matsubara Takanori , Ohno Yuki , Momiki Takanori , Ide Kazuki
Published: March 2009

CuInS2 crystals were grown from starting materials CuCl2 · 2H2O, InCl3 · 4H2O and thiorea with ethylene glycol solution, that were placed into a flask, heated, and refluxed for 1 hour. The diffraction peaks only from CuInS2 phase appear for all the samples. The morphology of CuInS2 crystal was porous, and the porous crystals exist in two kinds. One kind was flower‐like crystals which complexly lack the flakes, another one was sphere‐like crystals existed with a number of the poles. The sizes of sphere‐like porous crystals were approximately 1.0 μm. The specific surface area of the samples grown at 180 °C and 600 rpm estimated approximately 30 m2/g. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
IRS: application reconfiguration scheme for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Ma Huadong , Zhang Dongmei , Wan Bin
Published: March 2009

Application reconfiguration is essential to achieving flexibility and adaptability of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) used in environment monitoring. In this paper, we present an integrated reconfiguration scheme (IRS) for implementing environment adaptive application reconfiguration (EAAR) in WSNs. In our scheme, application reconfiguration is implemented with the push‐based paradigm for densely distributed nodes and the cluster‐based hybrid reconfiguration (CHR) paradigm for sparsely distributed nodes. We demonstrate the energy‐efficiency and scalability of our scheme by analyzing the energy consumption based on a randomly deployed sensor network. Moreover, we derive the density threshold of reconfiguration nodes (RNs) for determining if the nodes are densely or sparsely distributed, and choose the mode of operation for IRS. We use extensive simulation experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness of our scheme. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decision‐Making About Inherited Cancer Risk: Exploring Dimensions of Genetic Responsibility
Authors: Etchegary Holly , Miller Fiona , deLaat Sonya , Wilson Brenda , Carroll June , Cappelli Mario
Published: March 2009

Since genetic information has implications for family members, some choices about genetic risk may be influenced by perceptions of responsibility to relatives. Drawing upon 25 semi‐structured interviews with test recipients in Canada, this study explored decisions about inherited breast‐ovarian and colon cancer. Qualitative data analysis revealed the pervasive significance of genetic responsibility in test decisions. We highlight three dimensions of genetic responsibility: 1) to know about the self for self; 2) to know about the self for others; 3) to know about the self to oblige others to know. It is argued that these dimensions of genetic responsibility have implications for test decisions, family relationships and other family members’ desire to know (or not know) and to act (or not act) with respect to their own genetic risk. In particular, genetic responsibility may play out as a framing of a relative's moral obligation to know their risk that could obviate any interest they might have in not knowing. We conclude that perceptions of responsibility to—and of−other family members be thoroughly explored in genetic counseling sessions.
Biocompatible Nanocomplexes for Molecular Targeted MRI Contrast Agent
Authors: Chen Zhijin , Yu Dexin , Wang Shaojie , Zhang Na , Ma Chunhong , Lu Zaijun
Published: March 2009

Accurate diagnosis in early stage is vital for the treatment of Hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of poly lactic acid–polyethylene glycol/gadolinium–diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (PLA–PEG/Gd–DTPA) nanocomplexes using as biocompatible molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. The PLA–PEG/Gd–DTPA nanocomplexes were obtained using self-assembly nanotechnology by incubation of PLA–PEG nanoparticles and the commercial contrast agent, Gd–DTPA. The physicochemical properties of nanocomplexes were measured by atomic force microscopy and photon correlation spectroscopy. The T1-weighted MR images of the nanocomplexes were obtained in a 3.0 T clinical MR imager. The stability study was carried out in human plasma and the distribution in vivo was investigated in rats. The mean size of the PLA–PEG/Gd–DTPA nanocomplexes was 187.9 ± 2.30 nm, and the polydispersity index was 0.108, and the zeta potential was −12.36 ± 3.58 mV. The results of MRI test confirmed that the PLA–PEG/Gd–DTPA nanocomplexes possessed the ability of MRI, and the direct correlation between the MRI imaging intensities and the nano-complex concentrations was observed (r = 0.987). The signal intensity was still stable within 2 h after incubation of the nanocomplexes in human plasma. The nanocomplexes gave much better image contrast effects and longer stagnation time than that of commercial contrast agent in rat liver. A dose of 0.04 mmol of gadolinium per kilogram of body weight was sufficient to increase the MRI imaging intensities in rat livers by five-fold compared with the commercial Gd–DTPA. PLA–PEG/Gd–DTPA nanocomplexes could be prepared easily with small particle sizes. The nanocomplexes had high plasma stability, better image contrast effect, and liver targeting property. These results indicated that the PLA–PEG/Gd–DTPA nanocomplexes might be potential as molecular targeted imaging contrast agent.
Electron acceleration by stochastic wave packets
Authors: Rolland P.
Published: March 2009

An analytical theory for the time evolution of the distribution function, energy and current of an assembly of electrons submitted to a quasi-sinusoidal stochastic field is given. To the first order, energy and current are obtained using Sturrock's stochastic acceleration theory. The calculation of the transition probability enables us to get the distortion of the distribution function, and to recover the preceding first-order results. To the second order, collisions are taken into account, in the framework of the two-dimensional theory. The turn-on time for the current is evaluated. The results obtained are compared with the numerical results of Karney & Fisch.
On the evolution of normal ionizing shock waves in helium
Authors: Synakh V. S. , Zakajdakov V. V.
Published: March 2009

The generation, structure and propagation of one-dimensional ionizing MHD shock waves in helium under a pressure of 100 mTorr are investigated with the help of numerical simulation. The normal magnetic field varies within 3 to 10 kG and the longitudinal magnetic field varies up to 2·5 kG. The model includes the kinetics of ionization and photo-processes. If a solid conducting piston is a source of perturbation, it may give rise to generation and further development of an MHD switch-on wave. Its evolution at an advanced stage depends weakly on the source. The curves for the dependence of the shock speed on time and the driving magnetic field as well as the profiles for the main quantities are presented. A possibility of comparison with real experiments is discussed. Algorithms based on Godunov's sliding meshes and the imbedding methods are used for numerical simulation.
Finite-n ballooning mode theory for axisymmetric toroidal plasmas
Authors: Moore R. W. , Dobrott D.
Published: March 2009

Ballooning mode theory for finite toroidal mode number n is derived for shearfree and sheared axisymmetric toroidal plasmas. The resulting finite-n theory is applicable for both compressible and incompressible perturbations. The inclusion of finite compressibility changes the ballooning mode eigenfunctions and eigenvalues, but not the form of the finite-n correction.
The effects of thermal motion of neutrals on the non-potential instabilities in a weakly ionized sodium plasma
Authors: Žigman V. J. , Milić B. S.
Published: March 2009

The results of recent experimental measurements of the differential cross-section for elastic scattering of electrons on sodium atoms were used to evaluate the electron steady-state distribution function in a weakly ionized, uniform and non-magnetized sodium plasma placed in a d.c. electric field. The field was assumed to be of moderate intensity, so that the thermal motion of the neutrals had to be taken into account in the evaluation of the distribution function. The resulting ‘modified Druyvesteinian function’ was applied to study the non-potential instabilities arising from the presence of the field in this particular plasma. Threshold drifts for both very slow and slow modes were obtained and the conditions for the onset of instabilities were discussed. It is shown that the thermal motion of the neutrals affects both critical drifts and the angles of propagation.