bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superacidic Electrospun Fiber‐Nafion Hybrid Proton Exchange Membranes
Authors: Yao Yingfang , Lin Zhan , Li Ying , Alcoutlabi Mataz , Hamouda Hechmi , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: September 2011

A novel type of hybrid membrane has been fabricated by incorporating superacidic sulfated zirconia (S‐ZrO2) fibers into recast Nafion for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). With the introduction of electrospun superacidic fiber mats, a large amount of protogenic groups aggregated in the interfacial region between S‐ZrO2 fibers and the ionomer matrix, forming continuous pathways for facile proton transport. The resultant hybrid membranes had high proton conductivities, which were controlled by selectively adjusting the fiber diameter and fiber volume fraction. Consequently, the superacidic S‐ZrO2 electrospun fibers are promising filler materials and hybrid membranes containing S‐ZrO2 fiber mats can be potentially used in high‐performance fuel cells.
ADAMTS‐13 activity can predict the outcome of disseminated intravascular coagulation in hematologic malignancies treated with recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin
Authors: Ohshiro Muneo , Kuroda Junya , Kobayashi Yutaka , Akaogi Teruaki , Kawata Eri , Uoshima Nobuhiko , Kamitsuji Yuri , Kaneko Hiroto , Shimura Kazuho , Shimazaki Chihiro , Murakami Satoshi , Hatsuse Mayumi , Okano Akira , Kobayashi Tsutomu , Uchiyama Hitoji , Matsumoto Yosuke , Horiike Shigeo , Taniwaki Masafumi
Published: September 2011

We conducted a multicenter prospective study for evaluating the utility and prognostic markers of recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rTM) treatment for acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) by various types of hematologic malignancies. The study comprised 30 patients with DIC due to hematologic diseases without severe infection. DIC improved in 15 patients and 20 were alive on day 28. Univariate analyses showed that, in comparison with patients who had survived on day 28, patients who had not survived on day 28 showed significantly higher plasma levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐I (PAI‐I) and significantly lower plasma activity of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin Type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS‐13). Moreover, multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a significant association between plasma ADAMTS‐13 activity before treatment and survival on day 28 (P = 0.034). In particular, patients with lower ADAMTS‐13 activity (≤65%) had a poorer survival rate than those with a higher activity (P = 0.042). These findings suggest that the plasma ADAMTS‐13 activity at the time of DIC diagnosis might help to predict the prognosis of patients treated with rTM for DIC associated with hematologic malignancies. Am. J. Hematol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peaceful primates: affiliation, aggression, and the question of female dominance in a nocturnal pair‐living lemur (Avahi occidentalis)
Authors: Ramanankirahina Rindrahatsarana , Joly Marine , Zimmermann Elke
Published: September 2011

Affiliation/agonism and social dominance are central factors determining social organization in primates. The aim of our study is to investigate and describe, for the first time, the intersexual relations in a nocturnal and cohesive pair‐living prosimian primate, the western woolly lemur (Avahi occidentalis), and to determine to what extent phylogeny, activity mode, or the cohesiveness of pair partners shape the quality of social interactions. Six pairs of western woolly lemurs were radio‐collared in the dry deciduous forest of northwestern Madagascar. More than 874 hr of focal animal sampling were conducted. All occurrences of social interactions involving a focal animal were recorded. The rate of affiliation between pair partners was significantly higher than the rate of agonism. Western woolly lemur pairs' interactions were extremely peaceful. All decided agonistic conflicts (N = 15) were exclusively initiated and won by the female. No female showed spontaneous submission toward her male partner. These results are in line with those of diurnal cohesive pair‐living anthropoid primates. Findings support the hypothesis that social relations in pair‐living primates are linked to the cohesiveness of pair partners in time and space irrespective of phylogeny and activity mode. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1261–1268, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wirte für Fullerene: maßgeschneiderte Makrocyclen und Käfige
Authors: Canevet David , Pérez Emilio M. , Martín Nazario
Published: September 2011

Maßgeschneiderte makrocyclische Fullerenrezeptoren erweisen sich als hochaffine Systeme für die selektive Extraktion höherer Fullerene und deren Racematspaltung sowie für die Selbstorganisation funktioneller molekularer Materialien. Dieser Kurzaufsatz fasst einige der wichtigsten Fortschritte zusammen, die auf dem Gebiet der Fullerenwirte erzielt wurden.
Homogeneous hydrogenation of electron‐deficient alkenes by iridium complexes
Authors: Semeniuchenko Volodymyr , Exner Thomas E. , Khilya Volodymyr , Groth Ulrich
Published: September 2011

The catalytic homogeneous hydrogenation of electron‐deficient alkenes (nucleophilic hydrogenation) was achieved in the presence of iridium complexes and a base as co‐catalyst. Contrary to hydrogenation of electron‐rich alkenes, which is inactivated by bases, the hydrogenation of the electron‐deficient alkenes turned out to be base activated. Here, we present a more thorough study on the capacities but also limitations of this new reaction mechanism using screenings of the reaction conditions as well as different Ir complexes and substrates. The formation of a catalytically active Ir complex is proposed. The active complex usually attacks a soft electron‐deficient atom, if more than one possibility exists (as shown by density functional theory computations). Additionally, first examples of enantiomeric enrichments in the presence of chiral Ir complexes are presented. The high catalyst load needed and the moderate yields show that the active complex is very unstable under conditions of nucleophilic hydrogenation and is quickly deactivated, which has to be addressed in further studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of carbon black‐polystyrene composite particles by high‐speed homogenization assisted suspension polymerization
Authors: Liu Hongbo , Wen Shaoguo , Wang Jihu , Zhu Yu
Published: September 2011

Composite particles of carbon black‐polystyrene with controllable size were successfully prepared using high‐speed homogenization‐assisted suspension polymerization. The carbon black particles were modified by oleic acid to make it more hydrophobic and more compatible with polymers before the encapsulation process. The effects of homogenization speed, homogenization time, agitation speed, pigment concentration, and stabilizer concentration on the properties of complex spheres were investigated in detail. The results of orthogonal experiments proved that the stabilizer concentration plays the most important role in controlling the size of complex particles. The particles were also characterized by FTIR and SEM. SEM photographs proved that the complex particles had good spherical forms with smooth surfaces. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Insights Into Coronary Artery Development in Model of Maternal Protein Restriction in Mice
Authors: Silva‐Junior Geraldo O. , Aguila Marcia B. , Mandarim‐de‐Lacerda Carlos A.
Published: September 2011

Programming of fetal development is considered to be an important risk factor for noncommunicable diseases of adulthood, including coronary heart disease (CHD). Aiming to investigate the association between maternal nutrition and the development of the coronary arteries (CAs) in staged mice embryos, C57BL/6 mice embryos from Stages 16 to 23 were taken from mothers fed a normal protein (NP) or low protein (LP) diet, and the CA were studied. Although the LP embryos had lower masses, they had faster heart growth rates when compared with the NP embryos. The subepicardial plexuses were observed earlier in the NP embryos (Stage 20) than in the LP ones (Stage 22; P < 0.01). Apoptotic nuclei were seen around the aortic peritruncal ring beginning at Stage 18 in the NP and LP embryos. FLK1+ (fetal liver kinase 1 = VEGF‐r2 or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) cells had a homogeneous distribution in the NP embryos as early as Stage 18, whereas a similar distribution in the LP embryos was only seen at Stages 22 and 23. Maternal protein restriction in mice leads to a delay in the growth of the heart in the embryonic period modifying the development of the subepicardial peritruncal plexus and the apoptosis in the future coronary orifice region. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution and Ultrastructure of Afferent Fibers in the Parietal Peritoneum of the Rat
Authors: Tanaka Koichi , Hayakawa Tetsu , Maeda Seishi , Kuwahara‐Otani Sachi , Seki Makoto
Published: September 2011

The distribution and the ultrastructure of afferent fibers innervating the parietal peritoneum in the rat was studied with immunohistochemistry using an antiserum against the neuronal marker protein gene product 9.5. The immunoreactive fibers were distributed throughout the peritoneum. They generally ran straight and parallel to the intercostal nerves running in the abdominal muscles underlying the peritoneum. They sometimes branched and terminated by forming club‐like endings. The number of nerve endings on the peritoneal surface was 3.25 ± 1.66 mm−2. Electron microscopic observations revealed both unmyelinated and myelinated nerve fibers. The unmyelinated fibers were thin and about 1 μm in diameter. Their endings formed slight swellings located just inside the peritoneal cell layer. The myelinated fibers often formed a bundle that was composed of two or three nerve fibers. Each myelinated fiber kept in contact with a Shwann cell and projected toward the peritoneal cavity. Finally, they penetrated the peritoneal cell layer to reach the peritoneal cavity. These fibers then made contacts with the peritoneal cells and became free from the myelin sheath. The ending had a club‐like shape covered with collagen fibers, and contained many neurofilaments, a few mitochondria, but no synaptic vesicles. These results suggest that since the sensory endings are exposed at the peritoneal cavity, the sensory fibers are highly sensitive to somatic or nociceptive stimuli. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Candidate Circuit Approach to Investigating Autism
Authors: Page Damon T.
Published: September 2011

A major problem in understanding mechanisms of pathogenesis in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is deciphering how risk factors act via the brain to influence the behavioral symptoms of this disorder. We may start to bridge this gap in our understanding by systematically examining the structure and function of cell types that make up circuits underlying behavioral endophenotypes in animal models for ASD. A confluence of advances in basic behavioral neurobiology, in ASD mechanisms and animal models, and in genetic tools for imaging and manipulating brain circuits will make this possible. Through a process of elimination of candidates and comparison across models, we may hope to understand how ASD risk factors influence the development and function of neural circuitry at the level of genetically defined cell types. As an example of how this candidate circuit approach may be applied to investigating ASD, here I focus on social behavior as an endophenotype, and I discuss recent findings regarding the development and function of the oxytocin system, which is implicated in both normal social behavior and ASD pathogenesis. I stress the importance of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to probing candidate cell types and circuits across mouse models of ASD. Anat Rec,, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of a chondroprotective effect of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibition in a surgically induced model of osteoarthritis in mice
Authors: Fukai Atsushi , Kamekura Satoru , Chikazu Daichi , Nakagawa Takumi , Hirata Makoto , Saito Taku , Hosaka Yoko , Ikeda Toshiyuki , Nakamura Kozo , Chung Ung‐il , Kawaguchi Hiroshi
Published: September 2011

Objective

To investigate the chondroprotective effect of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) inhibition in experimental osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

The expression of prostaglandin E2synthetic enzymes was examined by immunostaining of tibial cartilage from mice with surgically induced knee joint instability and from OA patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The effect of orally administered celecoxib (10 mg/kg/day and 30 mg/kg/day) or vehicle alone in mice was examined 12 weeks after the induction of OA. To investigate the involvement of COX‐1 and COX‐2 in OA development, we also created the model in COX‐1–homozygous‐knockout (Ptgs1−/−) mice and COX‐2–homozygous‐knockout (Ptgs2−/−) mice. OA severity was assessed using a grading system developed by our group and by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International scoring system.

Results

In mouse and human OA cartilage, the expression of the inducible enzymes COX‐2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 (mPGES‐1) was enhanced, while that of the constitutive enzymes COX‐1, cytosolic PGES, and mPGES‐2 was suppressed. Daily celecoxib treatment did not prevent cartilage degradation or osteophyte formation during OA development in the mouse model. Furthermore, neitherPtgs1−/−mice norPtgs2−/−mice exhibited any significant difference in OA development as compared to wild‐type littermates.

Conclusion

The two COX enzymes differ in terms of regulation of their expression during OA development. Nevertheless, experiments using inhibitor and genetic deficiency demonstrated a lack of chondroprotective effect of COX‐2 inhibition in the mouse surgical OA model.
A rare polymorphism in the gene for Toll‐like receptor 2 is associated with systemic sclerosis phenotype and increases the production of inflammatory mediators
Authors: Broen J. C. A. , Bossini‐Castillo L. , van Bon L. , Vonk M. C. , Knaapen H. , Beretta L. , Rueda B. , Hesselstrand R. , Herrick A. , Worthington J. , Hunzelman N. , Denton C. P. , Fonseca C. , Riemekasten G. , Kiener H. P. , Scorza R. , Simeón C. P. , Ortego‐Centeno N. ,   Spanish Systemic Sclerosis Group, Gonzalez‐Gay M. A. , Airò P. , Coenen M. J. H. , Martín J. , Radstake T. R. D. J.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To investigate whether polymorphisms in Toll‐like receptor (TLR) genes, previously reported to be associated with immune‐mediated diseases, are involved in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

We genotyped 14 polymorphisms in the genes for TLRs 2, 4, 7, 8, and 9 in a discovery cohort comprising 452 SSc patients and 537 controls and a replication cohort consisting of 1,170 SSc patients and 925 controls. In addition, we analyzed 15‐year followup data on 964 patients to assess the potential association of TLR variants with the development of disease complications. We analyzed the functional impact of the associated polymorphism on monocyte‐derived dendritic cells.

Results

In the discovery cohort, we observed that a rare functional polymorphism in TLR2 (Pro631His) was associated with antitopoisomerase (antitopo) positivity (odds ratio 2.24 [95% confidence interval 1.24–4.04], P = 0.003). This observation was validated in the replication cohort (odds ratio 2.73 [95% confidence interval 1.85–4.04], P = 0.0001). In addition, in the replication cohort the TLR2 variant was associated with the diffuse subtype of the disease (P = 0.02) and with the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (Cox proportional hazards ratio 5.61 [95% confidence interval 1.53–20.58], P = 0.003 by log rank test). Functional analysis revealed that monocyte‐derived dendritic cells carrying the Pro63His variant produced increased levels of inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin‐6) upon TLR‐2–mediated stimulation (both P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Among patients with SSc, the rare TLR2 Pro631His variant is robustly associated with antitopoisomerase positivity, the diffuse form of the disease, and the development of PAH. In addition, this variant influences TLR‐2–mediated cell responses. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of TLR‐2 in the pathogenesis of SSc.
Defective DNA double‐strand break repair in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Davies Robert C. , Pettijohn Kelly , Fike Francesca , Wang Jiexi , Nahas Shareef A. , Tunuguntla Rashmi , Hu Hailiang , Gatti Richard A. , McCurdy Deborah
Published: September 2011

Objective

Previous reports of cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) note that repair of single‐strand breaks is delayed, and these lesions may be converted to double‐strand breaks (DSBs) at DNA replication forks. We undertook this study to assess the integrity of DSB recognition, signaling, and repair mechanisms in B lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from patients with pediatric SLE.

Methods

Nine assays were used to interrogate DSB repair and recognition in lymphoblastoid cell lines from patients with pediatric SLE, including the neutral comet assay (NCA), colony survival assay (CSA), irradiation‐induced foci formation for γ‐H2AX and 53BP1 proteins, kinetics of phosphorylation of structural maintenance of chromosomes protein 1 (SMC1), postirradiation bromodeoxyuridine incorporation to evaluate S phase checkpoint integrity, monoubiquitination of Fanconi protein D2, ATM protein expression, and non‐homologous DNA end joining protein expression and function.

Results

Three of the 9 assays revealed abnormal patterns of response to irradiation‐induced DNA damage. The NCA and CSA yielded aberrant results in the majority of SLE lymphoblastoid cell lines. Abnormal prolongation of SMC1 phosphorylation was also noted in 2 of 16 SLE lymphoblastoid cell lines.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that DSB repair is defective in some lymphoblastoid cell lines from pediatric patients with SLE, especially when assessed by both NCA and CSA. Since these studies are nonspecific, further studies of DNA repair and kinetics are indicated to further delineate the underlying pathogenesis of SLE and possibly identify therapeutic targets.
Large candidate gene association study reveals genetic risk factors and therapeutic targets for fibromyalgia
Authors: Smith Shad B. , Maixner Dylan W. , Fillingim Roger B. , Slade Gary , Gracely Richard H. , Ambrose Kirsten , Zaykin Dmitri V. , Hyde Craig , John Sally , Tan Keith , Maixner William , Diatchenko Luda
Published: September 2011

Objective

Fibromyalgia (FM) represents a complex disorder that is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness and is frequently accompanied by additional somatic and cognitive/affective symptoms. Genetic risk factors are known to contribute to the etiology of the syndrome. The aim of this study was to examine >350 genes for association with FM, using a large‐scale candidate gene approach.

Methods

The study group comprised 496 patients with FM (cases) and 348 individuals with no chronic pain (controls). Genotyping was performed using a dedicated gene array chip, the Pain Research Panel, which assays variants characterizing >350 genes known to be involved in the biologic pathways relevant to nociception, inflammation, and mood. Association testing was performed using logistic regression.

Results

Significant differences in allele frequencies between cases and controls were observed for 3 genes: GABRB3 (rs4906902; P = 3.65 × 10−6), TAAR1 (rs8192619; P = 1.11 × 10−5), and GBP1 (rs7911; P = 1.06 × 10−4). These 3 genes and 7 other genes with suggestive evidence for association were examined in a second, independent cohort of patients with FM and control subjects who were genotyped using the Perlegen 600K platform. Evidence of association in the replication cohort was observed for TAAR1, RGS4, CNR1, and GRIA4.

Conclusion

Variation in these 4 replicated genes may serve as a basis for development of new diagnostic approaches, and the products of these genes may contribute to the pathophysiology of FM and represent potential targets for therapeutic action.
Sulfated Ligands for the Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition
Authors: Wang Wei , Hong Senglian , Tran Andrew , Jiang Hao , Triano Rebecca , Liu Yi , Chen Xing , Wu Peng
Published: September 2011

The copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), the prototypical reaction of click chemistry, is accelerated by tris(triazolylmethyl)amine‐based ligands. Herein, we compare two new ligands in this family—3‐[4‐({bis[(1‐tert‐butyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl]amino}methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl]propanol (BTTP) and the corresponding sulfated ligand 3‐[4‐({bis[(1‐tert‐butyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl]amino}methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl]propyl hydrogen sulfate (BTTPS)—for three bioconjugation applications: 1) labeling of alkyne‐tagged glycoproteins in crude cell lysates, 2) labeling of alkyne‐ or azide‐tagged glycoproteins on the surface of live mammalian cells, and 3) labeling of azides in surface proteins of live Escherichia coli. Although BTTPS exhibits faster kinetics than BTTP in accelerating the CuAAC reaction in in vitro kinetic measurements, its labeling efficiency is slightly lower than BTTP in modifying biomolecules with a significant amount of negative charges due to electrostatic repulsion. Nevertheless, the negative charge conferred by the sulfate at physiological conditions significantly reduced the cellular internalization of the coordinated copper(I), thus making BTTPS–CuI a better choice for live‐cell labeling.
Thermoresponsive Supramolecular Dendronized Polymers
Authors: Yan Jiatao , Li Wen , Liu Kun , Wu Dalin , Chen Feng , Wu Peiyi , Zhang Afang
Published: September 2011

Combining the concepts of supramolecular polymers and dendronized polymers provides the opportunity to create bulky polymers with easy structural modification and tunable properties. In the present work, a novel class of side‐chain supramolecular dendronized polymethacrylates is prepared through the host–guest interaction. The host is a linear polymethacrylate (as the backbone) attached in each repeat unit with a β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) moiety, and the guest is constituted with three‐fold branched oligoethylene glycol (OEG)‐based first‐ (G1) and second‐generation (G2) dendrons with an adamantyl group core. The host and guest interaction in aqueous solution leads to the formation of the supramolecular polymers, which is supported with 1H NMR spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements. The supramolecular formation was also examined at different host/guest ratios. The water solubility of hosts and guests increases upon supramolecular formation. The supramolecular polymers show good solubility in water at room temperature, but exhibit thermoresponsive behavior at elevated temperatures. Their thermoresponsiveness is thus investigated with UV/Vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and compared with their counterparts formed from individual β‐CD and the OEG dendritic guest. The effect of polymer concentration and molar ratio of host/guest was examined. It is found that the polar interior of the supramolecules contribute significantly to the thermally‐induced phase transitions for the G1 polymer, but this effect is negligible for the G2 polymer. Based on the temperature‐varied proton NMR spectra, it is found that the host–guest complex starts to decompose during the aggregation process upon heating to its dehydration temperature, and this decomposition is enhanced with an increase of solution temperature.
Preservation of reliability classes associated with the mean residual life by a renewal process stopped at a random time
Authors: Badía F.G. , Salehi E.T.
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we show that some ageing classes of a random time T related to the mean residual life are preserved by the discrete random count variable N(T), where {N(t) : t ⩾0}is a renewal process independent from T under suitable conditions. In the particular case of the Poisson process, we extend the results to more reliability classes. We also consider real examples of N(T) and apply the results to queuing systems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of hydrogen sulphide using cataluminescence sensors based on alkaline‐earth metal salts
Authors: Liu Yonghui , Tang Fei , Kang Chol Jin , Cao Xiaoan
Published: September 2011

Detection of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) was conducted based on cataluminescence (CTL) sensors, using alkaline‐earth metal carbonates as catalysts. Optimal working conditions, analytical characteristics and the response properties of the sensor were investigated. CTL intensity examination showed that sensors fabricated with CaCO3, SrCO3 or BaCO3 could be used to detect H2S gas sensitively. The optimal sensing temperature was about 320 °C. Under the sensing conditions with temperature at ca. 320 °C and gas flow rate in the range 180–200 mL/min, the linear range of CTL intensity vs H2S concentration was 25–500 ppm, with a detection limit of 2 ppm. The response and recovery times of the sensor were within 5 and 25 min, respectively. Also, the sensor had the property of high selectivity to H2S with very weak or no obvious response to 14 other gases, such as NO2, NH3, hydrocarbons and alcohol. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HPLC‐ICP‐MS method development to monitor arsenic speciation changes by human gut microbiota
Authors: Alava Pradeep , Tack Filip , Laing Gijs Du , de Wiele Tom Van
Published: September 2011

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) has been classified as a type 1 carcinogen and has also been linked to several noncancerous health effects. Prior to 1995, the AsV methylation pathway was generally considered to be a detoxification pathway, but cellular and animal studies involving MMAIII (mono metyl arsonous acid) and DMAIII (dimethyl arsinous acid) have indicated that their toxicities meet or exceed that of iAs, suggesting an activation process. In addition, thiolated arsenic metabolites were observed in urine after oral exposure of inorganic arsenic in some studies, for which the toxicological profile was not yet fully characterized in human cells. Studies have revealed that microorganisms from the gut environment are important contributors to arsenic speciation changes. This presystemic metabolism necessitates the development of protocols that enable the detection of not only inorganic arsenic species, but also pentavalent and trivalent methylated, thiolated arsenicals in a gastrointestinal environment. We aim to study the biotransformation of arsenic (As) using a Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME). To be able to analyze the arsenicals resulting from biotransformation reactions occurring in this system, a method using liquid chromatography hyphenated to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (HPLC‐ICP‐MS) was developed. A Hamilton PRP‐X100 anion exchange column was used. The method allowed separation, identification and quantification of AsIII(arsenite), AsV(arsenate), DMAV(dimethylarsinicacid), MMAV(monomethylarsonicacid) and MMMTA (monomethylmonothioarsenate). Attempts to optimize the same method for also separating MMAIII and DMAIII did not succeed. These compounds could be successfully separated using a method based on the use of a Zorbax C18 column. The properties of the column, buffer strength, pH and polar nature of mobile phase were monitored and changed to optimize the developed methods. Linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy and resolution of both methods were checked. The combination of the two methods allowed successful quantification of arsenic species in suspensions sampled in vitro from the SHIME reactor or in vivo from the human colon and feces. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Violence Risk Assessment and Women: Predictive Accuracy of the HCR‐20 in a Civil Psychiatric Sample
Authors: Garcia‐Mansilla Alexandra , Rosenfeld Barry , Cruise Keith R.
Published: September 2011

Research to date has not adequately demonstrated whether the HCR‐20 Violence Risk Assessment Scheme (HCR‐20; Webster, Douglas, Eaves, & Hart, 1997), a structured violence risk assessment measure with a robust literature supporting its validity in male samples, is a valid indicator of violence risk in women. This study utilized data from the MacArthur Study of Mental Disorder and Violence to retrospectively score an abbreviated version of HCR‐20 in 827 civil psychiatric patients. HCR‐20 scores and predictive accuracy of community violence were compared for men and women. Results suggested that the HCR‐20 is slightly, but not significantly, better for evaluating future risk for violence in men than in women, although the magnitude of the gender differences was small and was largely limited to historical factors. The results do not indicate that the HCR‐20 needs to be tailored for use in women or that it should not be used in women, but they do highlight that the HCR‐20 should be used cautiously and with full awareness of its potential limitations in women. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The enhancement of neural stem cell survival and growth by coculturing with expanded sertoli cells in vitro
Authors: Shi Bingyang , Deng Lei , Shi Xiaolin , Dai Sheng , Zhang Hu , Wang Yonghong , Bi Jingxiu , Guo Meijin
Published: September 2011

Sertoli cells (SCs) have been described as the “nurse cells” of testis to provide essential growth factors and to create a proper environment for the development of other cells (e.g., germinal and neural stem cell). However, the physiological functions of the SCs obtained from different culture conditions are different in a coculturing system, and thus the optimal SC culturing condition should be investigated in vitro. In this paper, primary Sertoli cells were isolated from a 12‐day‐old mouse and expanded in two different culture conditions: a two dimensional (2D) plastic tissue disc and a three dimensional (3D) microcarrier culture system. They were then cocultured with neural stem cells (NSCs) isolated from 14‐day‐old mouse embryos. The metabolic activities of SCs2D(SCs in 2D) and SCs3D(SCs in 3D) and the amount of proteins secreted from two culturing systems were compared. The results show that the metabolic activity and the amount of secreted proteins from SCs3Dwere higher than both from SCs2D. Three coculturing groups: NSCs+SC2D, NSCs+SC3D, and NSCs +SC‐conditioned medium (SCCM, control group) were also compared regarding cell morphology and the numbers of neurons, neural outgrowths and neurospheres. The quantity of neurons, neural outgrowths and neurospheres were the highest in the NSCs+SC3Dgroup. SCs cultured in the 3D system had a strong trophic effect on NSCs and enhanced their survival and growth. Besides, the mRNA of trophic and nutritive factors such as Glial‐cell‐line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and Interleukin‐1 α (IL‐1 α) secreted by the SCs from both 2D and 3D culture system were analyzed by real time‐PCR and gel assay. The mRNA transcription of GDNF and IL‐1α is more apparent in the 3D culture system than that from the 2D one. The coculturing system of NSCs+SC3Dis a promising candidate for future neural stem cell transplantation. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Metal–Ligand Cooperation in the Catalytic Dehydrogenative Coupling (DHC) of Polyalcohols to Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Trincado Mónica , Kühlein Klaus , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: September 2011

Several polyols, which are easily available from sugars through biochemical conversion or hydrogenolytic cleavage, are directly converted into carboxylic acids and amides. This efficient dehydrogenative coupling process, catalyzed by a rhodium(I) diolefin amido complex, is an attractive approach for the production of organic fine chemicals from renewable resources. This method tolerates the presence of several hydroxy groups and can be extended to the direct synthesis of lactams from the corresponding amino alcohols under mild conditions.
Acid‐Catalyzed Reactions of Twisted Amides in Water Solution: Competition between Hydration and Hydrolysis
Authors: Wang Binju , Cao Zexing
Published: September 2011

The acid‐catalyzed reactions of twisted amides in water solution were investigated by using cluster‐continuum model calculations. In contrast to the previous widely suggested concerted hydration of the CO group, our calculations show that the reaction proceeds in a practically stepwise manner, and that the hydration and hydrolysis channels of the CN bond compete. The Eigen ion (H3O+) is the key species involved in the reaction, and it modulates the hydration and hydrolysis reaction pathways. The phenyl substitution in the twisted amide not only activates the NCO bond, but also stabilizes the hydrolysis product through nN→πphenyl delocalization, leading exclusively to the hydrolysis product of the ring‐opened carboxylic acid. Generally, the twisted amides are more active than the planar amides, and such a rate acceleration results mainly from the increase in exothermicity in the first N‐protonation step; the second step of the nucleophilic attack is less affected by the twisting of the amide bond. The present results show good agreement with the available experimental observations.
ChemInform Abstract: A Simple Route for Highly Luminescent Quaternary Cu—Zn—In—S Nanocrystal Emitters.
Authors: Zhang Jie , Xie Renguo , Yang Wensheng
Published: September 2011

CuZnInS3 nanocrystals are synthesized from mixtures of Zn(OAc)2, In(OAc)3, CuOAc, 1‐dodecanethiol, oleic acid, octadecene, and sulfur dissolved in oleylamine (150—240 °C for 10 min and 230 °C for 5 min).
ChemInform Abstract: Thallium Chalcohalides for X‐Ray and γ‐Ray Detection.
Authors: Freeman Arthur J. , et al. et al.
Published: September 2011

Crystals of Tl6SeI4 are synthesized from stoichiometric mixtures of TlI and Tl2Se using a vertical Bridgman technique.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Structure of [C6N4H20]0.5 [B5O6(OH)4]: A New Organically Templated Pentaborate with White‐Light‐Emission.
Authors: Yang Yang , Sun Jiang‐Bo , Cui Miao , Liu Rui‐Bin , Wang Yu , Meng Chang‐Gong
Published: September 2011

Title compound (II) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with Z = 4 (single crystal XRD).
ChemInform Abstract: Rapid Self‐Assembly of Uranyl Polyhedra into Crown Clusters.
Authors: Sigmon Ginger E. , Burns Peter C.
Published: September 2011

Three chemically distinct clusters built from 32 uranyl peroxide polyhedra, (NH4)40 [(UO2)32(O2)40(OH)24] (I), (NH4)40 [(UO2)32(O2)44(OH)26] (II), and a third one with a composition consistent with coprecipitation of (I) and (II), self‐assemble and crystallize within 15 min from aqueous solutions of uranyl nitrate, ammonium hydroxide, and hydrogen peroxide in different molar ratios under ambient conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Taking Advantage of the Ambivalent Reactivity of Ynamides in Gold Catalysis: A Rare Case of Alkyne Dimerization.
Authors: Kramer Soeren , Odabachian Yann , Overgaard Jacob , Rottlaender Mario , Gagosz Fabien , Skrydstrup Troels
Published: September 2011

The formation and the nature of the dimeric products depend on the electronic nature of the substituents located on the nitrogen atom and on the alkyne terminus.
ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient Indium‐Mediated 2‐Bromoallylation of Aldehydes at Low Temperature in Aqueous DMF.
Authors: Kim Yu Mi , Lee Sangku , Kim Sung Hwan , Kim Jae Nyoung
Published: September 2011

An efficient synthesis of 2‐bromohomoallylic alcohols (III) is carried out via an In‐mediated Barbier‐type 2‐bromoallylation of aldehydes (I).
ChemInform Abstract: Silicon—(Thio)urea Lewis Acid Catalysis.
Authors: Hrdina Radim , Mueller Christian E. , Wende Raffael C. , Lippert Katharina M. , Benassi Mario , Spengler Bernhard , Schreiner Peter R.
Published: September 2011

The title complex, containing silicon activated by incorporation into a strained cycle and connection with a strongly electron‐withdrawing group, is generated in situ.
ChemInform Abstract: Enantiocontrolled Synthesis of β‐Branched α‐Amino Acids by Using CuI‐Catalyzed 1,4‐Addition of Glycine Imines to β‐Substituted gem‐Diactivated Olefins.
Authors: Hernandez‐Toribio Jorge , Gomez Arrayas Ramon , Carretero Juan C.
Published: September 2011

Glutamic, pyroglutamic, and other β‐branched α‐amino acid derivatives are obtained with high levels of both syn‐diastereoselectivity and enantiocontrol, especially those with a β‐aromatic substituent.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Organocatalytic 1,6‐Conjugate Addition of Aldehydes to Dienic Sulfones.
Authors: Murphy John J. , Quintard Adrien , McArdle Patrick , Alexakis Alexandre , Stephens John C.
Published: September 2011

The process proceeds with complete diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity to afford highly interesting cyclic diene subunits.
ChemInform Abstract: Cinchona Alkaloid Amide Catalyzed Enantioselective Formal [2 + 2] Cycloadditions of Allenoates and Imines: Synthesis of 2,4‐Disubstituted Azetidines.
Authors: Denis Jean‐Baptiste , Masson Geraldine , Retailleau Pascal , Zhu Jieping
Published: September 2011

Asymmetric formal [2 + 2] cycloaddition of N‐sulfonylimines (I) and (IV) with allenoates (II) is efficiently catalyzed by a bifunctional glycinamide‐containing quinidine organocatalyst to give azetidines (III) and (V), resp., in high enantioselectivity (up to 98% e.e.).
ChemInform Abstract: Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Formation of Benzo[b]furans from 3‐Silyloxy‐1,5‐enynes.
Authors: Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Yang Weibo , Rominger Frank
Published: September 2011

A novel gold(I)‐catalyzed rearrangement of substrates (I) provides an efficient access to ring system (II) under mild conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Construction of 3‐Vinylidene‐pyrrolidine Derivatives Containing Allene Moiety via Ag(I)/TF‐BiphamPhos‐Catalyzed 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Azomethine Ylides with Diethyl 2‐(3,3‐Diphenylpropa‐1,2‐dienylidene) Malonate.
Authors: Xue Zhi‐Yong , Fang Xin , Wang Chun‐Jiang
Published: September 2011

The procedure provides a new and highly enantioselective method to prepare pyrrolidines of type (III).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and in vitro Cytotoxic Evaluation of N‐Alkylbromo and N‐Alkylphthalimido‐isatins.
Authors: Singh Pardeep , Kaur Sharanjeet , Kumar Vipan , Bedi P. M. S. , Mahajan M. P. , Sehar Irum , Pal Harish Chandra , Saxena Ajit Kumar
Published: September 2011

Synthesis and in vitro cytotoxic evaluation of a series of N‐alkylbromo (III) and N‐alkylphthalimido‐isatins (V) are reported.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Fluorescence Properties of 4‐Aminobenzo[f]isoindole Derivatives.
Authors: Levkov Igor V. , Voitenko Zoia V. , Zaporozhets Olga A. , Linnik Rostislav P. , Shishkina Svetalana V. , Shishkin Oleg V.
Published: September 2011

The fluorescence intensity of (II) depends on the water content in organic solvents.
ChemInform Abstract: Studies on the Reduction of the Nitro Group in 4‐Nitroindazoles by Anhydrous SnCl2 in Different Alcohols.
Authors: Abbassi N. , Rakib E. M. , Bouissane L. , Hannioui A. , Khouili M. , El Malki A. , Benchidmi M. , Essassi E. M.
Published: September 2011

7‐Alkoxy‐4‐amino‐protected indazole and 4‐amino‐protected indazole derivatives are obtained by reduction of the nitro group in 4‐nitroindazoles using anhydrous stannous chloride in different alcohols.
ChemInform Abstract: Enantioselective Intramolecular Crossed Rauhut—Currier Reactions Through Cooperative Nucleophilic Activation and Hydrogen‐Bonding Catalysis: Scope and Mechanistic Insight.
Authors: Wang Xu‐Fan , Peng Liang , An Jing , Li Chao , Yang Qing‐Qing , Lu Liang‐Qiu , Gu Feng‐Long , Xiao Wen‐Jing
Published: September 2011

The title reaction features simple experimental procedures and is completely atom economical under benign conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Enantioselective Organocatalytic Michael‐Hemiketalization Catalyzed by a trans‐Bifunctional Indan Thiourea Catalyst.
Authors: Gao Yaojun , Ren Qiao , Ang Swee‐Meng , Wang Jian
Published: September 2011

It is found that the thiourea efficiently promotes asymmetric Michael‐hemiketalization of the naphthoquinone (I) yielding benzochromenes of type (III) with excellent enantioselectivity.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and anti‐HIV‐1 Activity of New Fluoro‐HEPT Analogues: An Investigation on Fluoro versus Hydroxy Substituents.
Authors: Loksha Yasser M. , Pedersen Erik B. , Loddo Roberta , La Colla Paolo
Published: September 2011

A variety of new 1‐[(2‐hydroxyethoxy)methyl]‐6‐(phenylthio)thymine (HEPT) analogues is synthesized and evaluated for their activity against HIV‐1 wild type and mutant strains.
ChemInform Abstract: The Pyridyldiisopropylsilyl Group: A Masked Functionality and Directing Group for Monoselective ortho‐Acyloxylation and ortho‐Halogenation Reactions of Arenes.
Authors: Huang Chunhui , Chernyak Natalia , Dudnik Alexander S. , Gevorgyan Vladimir
Published: September 2011

The silyl moiety is an efficient and easily removable directing group for monoselective ortho‐acyloxylation and ortho‐halogenation of arenes.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Thiophosphoramidates in Water: Click Chemistry for Phosphates.
Authors: Trmcic Milena , Hodgson David R. W.
Published: September 2011

A convenient method is elaborated for the synthesis of thiophosphoramidates by thiophosphorylation of amines in aqueous media followed by S‐alkylation.
ChemInform Abstract: Radical Addition Reaction of Bis(naphth‐1,8‐diyl‐8‐oxy)hydrophosphorane to Olefins.
Authors: Kajiyama Kazumasa , Itou Daisuke , Hazama Yuki , Yamamoto Yusuke , Miyamoto Takeshi K.
Published: September 2011

The title reaction is regioselective, and polymerization and reduction of the olefins are suppressed.
ChemInform Abstract: A Novel Mode of Reactivity for Gold(I): The Decarboxylative Activation of (Hetero)Aromatic Carboxylic Acids.
Authors: Cornella Josep , Rosillo‐Lopez Martin , Larrosa Igor
Published: September 2011

AuCl(P(tBu)3) (II) AuCl(PPh3), and AuCl(PEt3) efficiently promote the decarboxylation of o‐substituted aromatic and heteroaromatic carboxylic acids to produce stable and isolable aryl‐gold complexes such as (III).
ChemInform Abstract: A Protecting Group‐Free Synthesis of the Antineoplastic Agent Combretastatin A4.
Authors: Guo Xiaotao , Zhang Dan , Yu Zhifang , Liu Tianzhen , Li Dachang , Li Chunbao
Published: September 2011

The presented method does not require protection of the phenolic hydroxy group and is simple and cost‐efficient.
ChemInform Abstract: Direct Aldol Reaction
Authors: Yliniemela‐Sipari S. M. , Pihko P. M.
Published: September 2011

Review: 213 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Hydrocyanation, Cyanosilylation, and Hydrophosphonylation of Carbonyl and Imino Groups
Authors: Bergin E.
Published: September 2011

Review: 83 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Alkylation of Carbonyl and Imino Groups
Authors: Ramon D. J. , Yus M.
Published: September 2011

Review: 305 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Epoxidation and Aziridination of Carbonyl Groups and Imines
Authors: Aggarwal V. K. , McGarrigle E. M. , Shaw M. A.
Published: September 2011

Review: 116 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Bismuth Complexes of Porphyrins and Their Potential in Medical Applications
Authors: Boitrel Bernard
Published: September 2011

Review: 41 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: The Chemistry of Cyclotides
Authors: Craik David J. , Conibear Anne C.
Published: September 2011

Review: 114 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemistry of Endohedral Metallofullerenes: The Role of Metals
Authors: Lu Xing , Akasaka Takeshi , Nagase Shigeru
Published: September 2011

Review: 112 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Nitroxides: Applications in Synthesis and in Polymer Chemistry
Authors: Tebben Ludger , Studer Armido
Published: September 2011

Review: ca. 550 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Switchable Rotaxane System in Response to External Stimulus
Authors: Tokunaga Yuji
Published: September 2011

Review: ca. 80 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Substituted Polynorbornenes as Promising Materials for Gas Separation Membranes
Authors: Finkelshtein E. Sh. , Bermeshev M. V. , Gringolts M. L. , Starannikova L. E. , Yampolskii Yu. P.
Published: September 2011

Review: 88 refs.
Biophysical Investigations of GBV‐C E1 Peptides as Potential Inhibitors of HIV‐1 Fusion Peptide
Authors: Sánchez‐Martín Maria Jesús , Urbán Patricia , Pujol Montserrat , Haro Isabel , Alsina M. Asunción , Busquets M. Antònia
Published: September 2011

Five peptide sequences corresponding to the E1 protein of GBV‐C [NCCAPEDIGFCLEGGCLV (P7), APEDIGFCLEGGCLVALG (P8), FCLEGGCLVALGCTICTD (P10), QAGLAVRPGKSAAQLVGE (P18), and AQLVGELGSLYGPLSVSA (P22)] were synthesized because they were capable of interfering with the HIV‐1 fusion peptide (HIV‐1 FP)–vesicle interaction. In this work the interaction of these peptides with the HIV‐1 FP, as well as with membrane models, was analyzed to corroborate their inhibition ability and to understand if the interaction with the fusion peptide takes place in solution or at the membrane level. Several studies were carried out on aggregation and membrane fusion, surface Plasmon resonance, and conformational analysis by circular dichroism. Moreover, in vitro toxicity assays, including cytotoxicity studies in 3T3 fibroblasts and hemolysis assays in human red blood cells, were performed to evaluate if these peptides could be potentially used in anti‐HIV‐1 therapy.

Results show that P10 is not capable of inhibiting membrane fusion caused by HIV‐1 and it aggregates liposomes and fuses membranes, thus we decided to discard it for futures studies. P18 and P22 do not inhibit membrane fusion, but they inhibit the ability of HIV‐1 FP to form pores in bilayers, thus we have not discarded them yet. P7 and P8 were selected as the best candidates for future studies because they are capable of inhibiting membrane fusion and the interaction of HIV‐1 FP with bilayers. Therefore, these peptides could be potentially used in future anti‐HIV‐1 research.
Ultrafast Dynamics of UV‐Excited Imidazole
Authors: Crespo‐Otero Rachel , Barbatti Mario , Yu Hui , Evans Nicholas L. , Ullrich Susanne
Published: September 2011

The ultrafast dynamics of UV‐excited imidazole in the gas phase is investigated by theoretical nonadiabatic dynamics simulations and experimental time‐resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that different electronic excited‐state relaxation mechanisms occur, depending on the pump wavelength. When imidazole is excited at 239.6 nm, deactivation through the NH‐dissociation conical intersection is observed on the sub‐50 fs timescale. After 200.8 nm excitation, competition between NH‐dissociation and NH‐puckering conical intersections is observed. The NH‐dissociation to NH‐puckering branching ratio is predicted to be 21:4, and the total relaxation time is elongated by a factor of eight. A procedure for simulation of photoelectron spectra based on dynamics results is developed and employed to assign different features in the experimental spectra.