bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Procedure for Preparation of Covalently Bonded Cellulose Tris‐phenylcarbamate Chiral Stationary Phases
Authors: Feng Qin , Xiao‐Ming Chen , Yue‐Qi Liu , Han‐Fa Zou , Jun‐De Wang
Published: August 2005

The classical method for preparation of covalently boned cellulose derivative chiral stationary phases (CSP) with diisocyanate as spacer was improved. Diisocyanate was firstly allowed to react with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and the resulting product was then applied as the spacer reagent to immobilize cellulose derivatives onto silica gel. Influences of the amount and the length of the spacer on the optical resolution ability of the CSP were investigated. Comparing improved procedure to classical diisocyanate method, the cross‐linking between the glucose units of the cellulose derivatives was avoided to the most extent. With the improved procedure, regio‐nonselective ways could be adopted to prepare covalently bonded CSP, which showed an advantage for the rapid preparation.
Syntheses and Complexation Properties of Novel Macrocyclic Molecular Receptors: Tetrahomodioxacalix[6]arene Derivatives
Authors: Hai‐Bing Li , Yuan‐Yin Chen , Xiang‐Liang Yang
Published: August 2005

Several tetrahomodioxacalix[6]arene hexaesters, hexaacid and hexaamide derivatives were synthesized from tetrahomodioxacalix[6]arene by etherification with ethyl bromoacetate. It was found that p‐tert‐butyltetrahomodioxacalix[6]arene hexaethylester exhibited high selectivity towards lithium ion. p‐tert‐Butyltetrahomodioxacalix[6]arene hexaamides showed high ion‐binding ability towards transition metal ions.
Synthesis of a Chiral Tridentate Ligand from Proline and Its Application to Enantioselective Addition of Diethylzinc to Aldehydes
Authors: Li‐Hua Qiu , Zong‐Xuan Shen , Jian‐Feng Ge , Ya‐Wen Zhang
Published: August 2005

A new chiral tridentate ligand [1‐(1‐methyl‐S‐pyrrolidin‐2‐ylmethyl)‐S‐pyrrolidin‐2‐yl]‐diphenylmethanol (1) has been successfully synthesized from S‐proline. The structure of the ligand was characterized by NMR spectra and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Its catalytic ability has also been examined in enantioselective addition of diethylzinc towards aldehydes with 15%–84% enantiomeric excesses (ee).
Solid Phase Synthesis of 4″‐epi‐Methylamino‐4″‐deoxyavermectin B1 Benzoate
Authors: Ming‐Kun Fu , Xian Wu , Jun Ning , Jian‐Zhong Li
Published: August 2005

To implement the solid phase synthesis of 4″‐epi‐methylamino‐4″‐deoxyavermectin B1 benzoate, tert‐butyl‐ dimethylsilylchloride was chosen for the first solution synthesis. Then a novel silyl chloride resin 1, achieved from hydroxymethyl polystyrene resin and dimethyldichlorosilane, was used successfully for the attachment of avermectin B1 2. Through oxidation, amination formation, cleavage, and benzoate formation, resin bounded avermectin B1 9 gave 4″‐epi‐methylamino‐4″‐deoxyavermectin B1 benzoate 6.
Two Novel Types of Cardiac Glycosides from Parepigynum funingense and the Possible Biogenesis
Authors: Jian‐Xin Cao , Shi‐De Luo
Published: August 2005

Five novel cardiac glycosides with two types of unusual aglycone [funingenin A (2a) and B], named funingenosides EI (2‐6), together with a known compound, funingenoside B (1), were isolated from the aerial part of Parepigynum funingense Tsiang et P. T. Li (Apocynaceae). The structures of 2‐6 were elucidated by means of MS, IR, NMR spectral analyses and chemical degradation. The possible biogenetic pathway of the two types of cardiac glycosides was also discussed.
Effect of Inhibitors on Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of MMA
Authors: Hong Zhang , Dong‐Mei Xu , Ke‐Da Zhang
Published: August 2005

Effect of a series of inhibitors as additives on atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with FeCl2/PPh3 as catalyst system was studied, including 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (TNP), 4‐methoxyphenol (4‐MP), hydroquinone (HQ) and nitrobenzene (NB). It was found that TNP was the only efficient additive for ATRP among these inhibitors. In the presence of small amounts of TNP, the polymerization proceeded rapidly after induction period to yield the polymers with controlled molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions (MWD). The initiating efficiency of the modified catalyst system with TNP was increased. The mechanism was proposed and confirmed by the end group analysis of the polymer.
Influence of Light and Heat on the Stability of Nitrofurazone Solution
Authors: Zhi‐Yi Li , Xian‐Cheng Zhan , Lin‐Li Li , Kai‐Lan Li , Xiu‐Cen Yang , Tao Lin , Cheng‐Rong Li
Published: August 2005

The influence of both light and heat on the stability of nitrofurazone aqueous solution was studied. Results show that in either heating experiments or the exposure to light at high temperatures, the degradation rate obeyed zero‐order kinetics. The total rate constant ktotal caused by both light and heat can be divided into two parts: ktotal=kdark+klight, where kdark and klight are the degradation rate constants caused by heat and light, respectively. The klight can be expressed as klight=Alight·exp(−Ea,light/RT)·E, where E is the illuminance of light, and Alight and Ea,light,light both are experimental constants. The values of these kinetic parameters were determined based on the experiments in the dark and upon exposure to three different light sources. Results show that the values of Alight and Ea,light varied with the light source. To save time, labor, and drugs, exponential heating experiments were employed and compared with the isothermal experiments. Results indicated that kinetic parameters obtained by exponential heating experiments are comparable to those obtained by isothermal experiments either in the dark or upon exposure to light.
Synthesis, Characterization and Properties of Organotin Complexes Dibutyltin(IV) Bis(heteroaromatic carboxylate) and Crystal Structure of Dibutyltin(IV) Bis(2‐thiazolylcarboxylate)
Authors: Han‐Dong Yin , Zhong‐Jun Gao , Chuan‐Hua Wang
Published: August 2005

The six organotin complexes dibutyltin(IV) bis(heteroaromatic carboxylate) were synthesized by the reaction of (n‐Bu)2SnO with heteroaromatic carboxylic acid in 1:2 molar ratio. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H, 13C and 119Sn NMR. The crystal structure of dibutyltin(IV) bis(2‐thiazolylcarboxylate) was determined by X‐ray single crystal diffraction. This compound is a weakly bridged dimer through weak interaction Sn···O between molecules. The tin atoms took six‐coordinate skew‐trapezoidal bipyramidal geometry. The crystal of complex 3 belongs to monoclinic symmetry with space group P21/c, a=1.863(2) nm, b=2.220(3) nm, c=1.0395(10) nm, β=90.275(16)°, Z=8, V=4.292(8) nm3, Dc=1.514 Mg/m3, μ=1.406 mm‐1, F(000)=1968, S=0.999, R=0.0549, wR=0.1011.
Chemical Constituents of Acanthochlamys bracteata
Authors: Bang‐Jing Li , Bao‐Chun Gao , Shu‐Lin Peng , Xun Liao , Li‐Sheng Ding
Published: August 2005

A novel nortriterpene, acanthochlamic acid (6), along with 18 known compounds has been isolated from the whole plants of Acanthochlamys bracteata P. C. Kao, a single species in family Acanthochlamydaceae which is endemic to the southwest of China. The structure of the novel nortriterpene was elucidated as 3,4‐seco‐3‐nor‐lup‐4(23),20(29)‐dien‐2,28‐dioic acid by spectroscopic techniques including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and confirmed by X‐ray crystallography.
Hamiltonian long‐wave expansions for free surfaces and interfaces
Authors: Craig Walter , Guyenne Philippe , Kalisch Henrik
Published: August 2005

The theory of internal waves between two bodies of immiscible fluid is important both for its interest to ocean engineering and as a source of numerous interesting mathematical model equations that exhibit nonlinearity and dispersion. In this paper we derive a Hamiltonian formulation of the problem of a dynamic free interface (with rigid lid upper boundary conditions), and of a free surface and a free interface, this latter situation occurring more commonly in experiment and in nature.

From the formulation, we develop a Hamiltonian perturbation theory for the long‐wave limits, and we carry out a systematic analysis of the principal long‐wave scaling regimes. This analysis provides a uniform treatment of the classical works of Peters and Stoker (28), Benjamin (3, 4), Ono (26), and many others. Our considerations include the Boussinesq and Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) regimes over finite‐depth fluids, the Benjamin‐Ono regimes in the situation in which one fluid layer is infinitely deep, and the intermediate long‐wave regimes. In addition, we describe a novel class of scaling regimes of the problem, in which the amplitude of the interface disturbance is of the same order as the mean fluid depth, and the characteristic small parameter corresponds to the slope of the interface.

Our principal results are that we highlight the discrepancies between the case of rigid lid and of free surface upper boundary conditions, which in some circumstances can be significant. Motivated by the recent results of Choi and Camassa (6, 7), we also derive novel systems of nonlinear dispersive long‐wave equations in the large‐amplitude, small‐slope regime. Our formulation of the dynamical free‐surface, free‐interface problem is shown to be very effective for perturbation calculations; in addition, it holds promise as a basis for numerical simulations. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The emergence of large‐scale coherent structure under small‐scale random bombardments
Authors: Majda Andrew J. , Wang Xiaoming
Published: August 2005

We provide mathematical justification of the emergence of large‐scale coherent structure in a two‐dimensional fluid system under small‐scale random bombardments with small forcing and appropriate scaling assumptions. The analysis shows that the large‐scale structure emerging out of the small‐scale random forcing is not the one predicted by equilibrium statistical mechanics. But the error is very small, which explains earlier successful prediction of the large‐scale structure based on equilibrium statistical mechanics. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interleukin‐10 inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced survival and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activation in human neutrophils
Authors: Ward Carol , Murray Joanna , Clugston April , Dransfield Ian , Haslett Christopher , Rossi Adriano G.
Published: August 2005

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces a marked delay in human neutrophil apoptosis that is reversed by the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10. The effect of IL‐10 is specific since other agents that delay neutrophil apoptosis are not affected. To investigate mechanisms underlying the actions of IL‐10, we examined signaling pathways activated by LPS per se and in response to IL‐10. The MAPK kinase (MEK) 1 inhibitor PD098059, the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Ro31,8220, and the phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase (PI3‐K) inhibitor LY294002 all partially reversed LPS‐mediated retardation of neutrophil apoptosis, but the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203850 did not. LPS activates the transcription factor NF‐κB, however, IL‐10 did not affect the ability of LPS to activate NF‐κB as assessed by IκB‐α proteolysis. Although IL‐10 did not alter activation of ERK by GM‐CSF or TNF‐α, it did inhibit activation induced by LPS. Thus our data illustrate that LPS‐induced neutrophil survival is regulated by the MAPK, PKC and PI3‐K pathways as well as NF‐κB, and can be reversed by IL‐10, through a mechanism involving inhibition of ERK activation. Because of the specific nature of this inhibition, we conclude that IL‐10 interferes with an ERK activation pathway, which is not involved in GM‐CSF or TNF‐α signaling.
Voltammetric Investigation and Determination of Mefloquine
Authors: Uslu Bengi , Doǧan Burcu , Özkan Sibel A. , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: August 2005

The electrochemical reduction behavior of mefloquine HCl (MEF), the antimalarial drug, was studied in aqueous alcoholic media at a hanging mercury drop electrode. Cyclic voltammetric studies showed one well‐defined reduction peak and one ill‐defined reduction wave between pH 1.5 and 12.03. The reduction was found as irreversible or quasireversible depending on pH and exhibited diffusion controlled process. The mechanism of reduction process was discussed. A systematic study of the experimental parameters that affect the differential pulse and square wave response was carried out and the optimized experimental conditions were obtained. The calibration plots were derived for the determination of MEF in pharmaceutical dosage forms and biological samples. DPV and SWV techniques for the determination of MEF in Britton–Robinson buffer at pH 11.10, which allows quantitation over the 6×10−6 to 8×10−5 M range in the supporting electrolyte, were proposed. The linear response was obtained in samples in the ranges of 6×10−6 to 6×10−5 M for both techniques. These methods are fully validated. The standard addition method was used in the biological media. No electroactive interferences from the excipients and endogenous substances were found in tablets and biological fluids.
MX, a by‐product of water chlorination, lacks in vivo genotoxicity in gpt delta mice but inhibits gap junctional intercellular communication in rat WB cells
Authors: Nishikawa Akiyoshi , Sai Kimie , Okazaki Kazushi , Son Hwa‐Young , Kanki Keita , Nakajima Madoka , Kinae Naohide , Nohmi Takehiko , Trosko James E. , Inoue Tohru , Hirose Masao
Published: August 2005

3‐Chloro‐4‐(dichloromethyl)−5‐hydroxy‐2(5H)‐furanone (MX), a by‐product of water chlorination, is a potent bacterial mutagen and rat carcinogen. In the present study, the in vivo mutagenicity, cell proliferative activity, and carcinogenicity of MX were investigated in gpt delta mice. Groups of 5 male and female 7‐week‐old gpt delta C57BL/6J transgenic mice were given MX at doses of 0, 10, 30, or 100 ppm in their drinking water for 12 weeks, and then killed to assess in vivo mutagenicity using 6‐thioguanine and Spi− selection, and cell proliferative activity using immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Further groups of 10 male and female gpt delta mice were given 0 or 100 ppm MX for 78 weeks, and a full necropsy with histopathological examination of all organs was conducted to detect neoplastic lesions. The 12‐week MX treatment did not result in mutagenicity in the livers or lungs or cell proliferative activity in several organs of the mice, and the 78‐week treatment did not cause carcinogenicity. Additional investigations were conducted to evaluate the potential of MX to inhibit gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in rat liver epithelial cells (WB cells) by the scrape loading/dye transfer method. Inhibition of GJIC was detected within 2 hr with a noncytotoxic dose of MX (4 μg/ml), followed by partial restoration after 5 hr. A second phase of inhibition occurred after 10 hr and then the lowered level persisted for the 24 hr‐incubation period. Dose‐dependent inhibition was evident at both 2 hr and 24 hr, with much stronger effects at the former time. These findings indicate that MX is not mutagenic, mitogenic or carcinogenic in mice, and suggest that the compound exerts epigenetic actions leading to GJIC inhibition. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of leaf inclination, leaf orientation and plant canopy architecture in soil particle detachment by raindrops
Authors: Foot Kirsten , Morgan R. P. C.
Published: August 2005

A laboratory investigation of the effect of plant architecture on soil particle detachment by rainfall is described. The effects of leaf inclination, leaf orientation, effective canopy area, leaf area index, leaf subcatchment area, lowest canopy area, largest canopy area, canopy overlap area and an alternative leaf area index are examined using artificial plants. Detachment from a 30 cm diameter splash cup filled with sand (150 µm–1 mm particle size) was measured under three types of plant (small leaved, broad leaved and long narrow leaved) for a 10 minute simulated rainstorm of 75 mm/h intensity. There were no significant differences in soil particle detachment between the three plant types or between detachment under the plants and detachment of bare soil. No significant relationships were obtained between detachment and any of the plant parameters. Soil particle detachment by leaf drips can offset any protective effects of the canopy so that detachment does not differ significantly from that on bare soil. Plant architecture significantly affected the distance from the plant stem at which detachment was concentrated even though the canopy diameters of the plants were similar. There would appear to be no advantages in a detailed description of plant architecture and its effects in process‐based models of soil erosion. Parameters such as plant height and plant canopy area are sufficient descriptors for modelling plant effects. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radiation‐induced gene expression profile of human cells deficient in 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanine glycosylase
Authors: Chaudhry M. Ahmad
Published: August 2005

The human OGG1 gene encodes a DNA glycosylase that is involved in the base excision repair of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanine (8‐OH‐dG) from oxidatively damaged DNA. Cellular 8‐OH‐dG levels accumulate in the absence of this activity and could be deleterious for the cell. To assess the role of 8‐oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1) in the cellular defense mechanism in a specific DNA repair defect background, we set out to determine the expression pattern of base excision repair genes and other cellular genes not involved in the base excision pathway in OGG1‐deficient human KG‐1 cells after ionizing radiation exposure. KG‐1 cells have lost OGG1 activity due to a homozygous mutation of Arg229Gln. Gene expression alterations were monitored at 4, 8, 12 and 24 hr in 2 Gy irradiated cells. Large‐scale gene expression profiling was assessed with DNA microarray technology. Gene expression analysis identified a number of ionizing radiation‐responsive genes, including several novel genes. There were 2 peaks of radiation‐induced gene induction or repression: one at 8 hr and the other at 24 hr. Overall the number of downregulated genes was higher than the number of upregulated genes. The highest number of downregulated genes was at 8 hr postirradiation. Genes corresponding to cellular, physiologic, developmental and extracellular processes were identified. The highest number of radiation‐induced genes belonged to the signal transduction category, followed by genes involved in transcription and response to stress. Microarray gene expression data were independently validated by relative quantitative RT‐PCR. Surprisingly, none of the genes involved in the base excision repair of radiation‐induced DNA damage showed altered expression. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fabrication and characteristics of bioactive sodium titanate/titania graded film on NiTi shape memory alloy
Authors: Chu C. L. , Chung C. Y. , Zhou J. , Pu Y. P. , Lin P. H.
Published: August 2005

A bioactive sodium titanate/titania graded film was formed in situ on NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) by oxidizing in H2O2 solution and subsequent NaOH treatment and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The bioactivity of the film was investigated using a simulated body fluid (SBF) soaking test. A titania (TiO2) layer was first found on NiTi substrate after oxidized in H2O2 solution, and then a porous sodium titanate (Na2TiO3)/titania film with many TiOH groups and a trace of Ni2O3 was formed by the reaction of partial TiO2 phase with NaOH solution. After immersion in SBF for 12 h, apatite was observed to nucleate and grow on the film. With longer soaking time, more apatite appeared on its surface but our control experiments didn't reveal any apatite formation on the chemically polished NiTi SMA, which indicates the bioactivity of NiTi implants could be improved by the formation of the bioactive film. Moreover, XPS depth profiles of O, Ni, Ti, and Na show the bioactive film possesses a smooth graded interface structure to NiTi substrate, which is in favor of sufficient mechanical stability of apatite layer by subsequent deposition in SBF. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2005
Rate of ammonia oxidation in a synthetic saline wastewater by a nitrifying mixed‐culture
Authors: Sánchez Omar , Aspé Estrella , Martí María C , Roeckel Marlene
Published: August 2005

Most of the kinetic studies on nitrification have been performed in diluted salts medium. In this work, the ammonia oxidation rate (AOR) was determined by respirometry at different ammonia (0.01 and 33.5 mg N‐NH3 L−1), nitrite (0–450 mg N‐NO2− L−1) and nitrate (0 and 275 mg N‐NO3− L−1) concentrations in a saline medium at 30 °C and pH 7.5. Sodium azide was used to uncouple the ammonia and nitrite oxidation, so as to measure independently the AOR. It was determined that ammonia causes substrate inhibition and that nitrite and nitrate exhibit product inhibition upon the AOR. The effects of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate were represented by the Andrews equation (maximal ammonia oxidation rate, rAOMAX, = 43.2 [mg N‐NH3 (g VSSAO h)−1]; half saturation constant, KSAO, = 0.11 mg N‐NH3 L−1; inhibition constant KIAO, = 7.65 mg N‐NH3 L−1), by the non‐competitive inhibition model (inhibition constant, KINI, = 176 mg N‐NO2− L−1) and by the partially competitive inhibition model (inhibition constant, KINA, = 3.3 mg N‐NO3− L−1; α factor = 0.24), respectively. The rAOMAX value is smaller, and the KSAO value larger, than the values reported in diluted salts medium; the KIAO value is comparable to those reported. Process simulations with the kinetic model in batch nitrifying reactors showed that the inhibitory effects of nitrite and nitrate are significant for initial ammonia concentrations larger than 100 mg N‐NH4+ L−1. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Cellular disorders induced by high magnetic fields
Authors: Valiron Odile , Peris Leticia , Rikken Geert , Schweitzer Annie , Saoudi Yasmina , Remy Chantal , Job Didier
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To evaluate whether static high magnetic fields (HMFs), in the range of 10–17 T, affect the cytoskeleton and cell organization in different types of mammalian cells, including fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and differentiating neurons.

Materials and Methods

Cells were exposed to HMF for 30 or 60 minutes and subsequently assessed for viability. Cytoskeleton arrays and focal adhesions were visualized using immunofluorescence microscopy.

Results

Cell exposure to HMF over 10 T in the case of cycling cells, and over 15 T in the case of neurons, affected cell viability, apparently because of cell detachment from culture dishes. In the remaining adherent cells, the organization of actin assemblies was perturbed, and both cell adhesion and spreading were impaired. Moreover, in the case of neurons, exposure to HMF induced growth cone retraction and delayed cell differentiation.

Conclusion

Cell exposure to HMF (over 10T and 15 T in the case of cycling cells and neurons, respectively) affects the cell cytoskeleton, with deleterious effects on cell viability, organization, and differentiation. Further studies are needed to determine whether such perturbations, as observed here in cultured cells, have consequences in whole animals. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of normal fatty replacement of the thymus with chemical‐shift MR imaging for identification of the normal thymus
Authors: Inaoka Tsutomu , Takahashi Koji , Iwata Kunihiro , Fajardo Laurie , vanBeek Edwin , Sato Yutaka , Yamada Tomonori , Nagasawa Kenichi , Shuke Noriyuki , Aburano Tamio
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To clarify the influences of age and gender on normal fatty replacement of the thymus in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood using chemical‐shift MRI.

Materials and Methods

A total of 95 normal subjects (52 males and 43 females, mean age = 15.6 years, range = 7–25 years) who underwent chemical‐shift MRI of the thymus were assessed prospectively. Signal intensity loss (SIL) of the thymus was determined by dividing the thymus/muscle ratio on the opposed‐phase image by that on the in‐phase image. We evaluated SIL for its correlation with age and gender, and assessed SIL of the thymus with uncommon morphological features.

Results

A significant correlation was found between SIL and age (r = 0.750, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in SIL between the genders. No significant SIL was identified in any of the subjects aged 10 years or less. However, significant SIL was found in 70.8% of those aged 11–20 years, 100% of those aged 21 years or more, and 46.2% of subjects with uncommon morphological features of the thymus.

Conclusion

Chemical‐shift MRI can depict physiologic fatty infiltration within the normal thymus in subjects over 11 years of age. It is crucial to correlate these normal age‐related findings with clinical cases in order to avoid misinterpretation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biological tissue imaging with time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and cluster ion sources
Authors: Brunelle Alain , Touboul David , Laprévote Olivier
Published: August 2005

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) using liquid metal ion guns (LMIGs) is now sensitive enough to produce molecular‐ion images directly from biological tissue samples. Primary cluster ions strike a spot on the sample to produce a mass spectrum. An image of this sample is achieved by rastering the irradiated point over the sample surface. The use of secondary ion mass spectrometry for mapping biological tissue surfaces provides unique analytical capabilities; in particular, it enables in a single acquisition a large variety of biological compounds to be localised on a micrometer scale and scrutinised for colocalisations. Without any treatment of the sample, this method is fully compatible with subsequent and complementary analyses like fluorescence microscopy, histochemical staining, or even matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation imaging. Basic physical concepts, required instrumentation (ion source and mass analyzer), sample preparation methods, image acquisition, image processing, and emerging biological applications will be described and discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Antioch Company brings lean into the office
Authors: Huls Kristi
Published: August 2005

Kaizen Blitzes, intense multiday events that shine a light on waste in processes, have netted companies significant savings in manufacturing and other operations functions. But waste still lurks in the dark corners of administrative, support, and other office processes, buried in the accounting dumping ground called overhead. At The Antioch Company, grass‐roots actions have evolved into a pragmatic lean office program, with benefits from lean events extending well beyond the expected savings in process time and cost. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
LC‐MS/MS in the elucidation of an isomer of the recreational drug methylenedioxy ethylamphetamine: Methylenedioxy dimethylamphetamine
Authors: Vande Casteele Sofie R. , Bouche Marie‐Paule L. , Van Bocxlaer Jan F.
Published: August 2005

This paper describes the surplus value of a quadrupole‐orthogonal acceleration TOF mass spectrometer, coupled to a liquid chromatographic separation system, for the unequivocal identification and structural elucidation of an unknown compound in the field of designer drugs. In a patient sample set (blood, tissues, vitreous humor, etc.), analyzed with a dedicated liquid chromatographic–fluorescence detection method for the determination of methylenedioxy amphetamine, methylenedioxy methamphetamine, and methylenedioxy ethylamphetamine (MDEA), a “strange” inexplicable peak appeared at a retention time not corresponding to any of our reference materials. Based on the identical excitation and emission wavelengths in detection, and a retention behavior comparable to MDEA, it was assumed that this unknown compound was an isomer of the recreational drug MDEA. With a simple and straightforward methodological crossover between LC fluorescence detection and LC‐MS/MS, additional information for structural elucidation was easily obtained. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Hypersil BDS C18 column (fluorescence detection part) and on a Hypersil BDS phenyl column (mass spectrometric detection part). MS showed that the unknown compound's molecular mass was identical to that of MDEA, and, in addition, its fragmentation pattern too proved quite similar to that of MDEA. A thorough literature overview and study of the fragmentation pattern by means of the MS/MS spectrum led to an evidence‐based hypothesis of 3,4‐methylenedioxy N,N‐dimethylamphetamine (MDDM) being the unknown compound. To confirm this hypothesis, MDDM was synthesized and its presence in our biological sample was finally demonstrated by co‐injection with alternatively synthesized MDDM and MDEA. This application shows the synergism between LC and MS in the elucidation of unknown compounds, nevertheless emphasizing the essence of chromatographic separation when dealing with isomers.
Study of oil soluble polymers as drag reducers
Authors: Holtmyer Marlin D. , Chatterji Jiten
Published: August 2005

This investigation was undertaken to find the most effective material which would reduce the friction coefficient in turbulent flow when added in small quantities to oil pipelines. For this purpose, a series of oil‐soluble polymers, namely homopolymers and copolymers of alkyl methacrylates, alkyl acrylates, and alkyl styrenes were synthesized. Emulsion polymerization techniques were used. Commercially available alkyl methacrylate and alkyl acrylate monomers were used in the synthesis. Monomeric alkyl styrenes were synthesized and structures established prior to polymerization. Intrinsic viscosities were measured and viscosity average molecular weights were calculated for several of the homopolymers synthesized in this study. Reduction of factional drag and resistance to shear degradation were measured by pumping a solution of the polymer in a hydrocarbon solvent through a pipe and recording the pressure drop across the pipe. Drag‐reducing properties of several of the polymers were correlated in terms of their viscosity average molecular weights. Drag reduction of poly (isodecyl methacrylate) was studied in various hydrocarbon solvents. Drag‐reducing behavior of polymers prepared in this study exhibited a strong dependence on molecular weight; increasing the molecular weight increased the drag reduction for a given polymer concentration and pipe size. Several of these polymers were found to be superior to commercially available polyisobutylene as drag reducers, especially in terms of shear stability.
Conformation and shear stability of xanthan gum in solution
Authors: Chen Catherine S. Hsia , Sheppard E. W.
Published: August 2005

Xanthan gum, the extracellular polysacchuride produced by the microorganism Xanthomonas campestris has unique rheological properties and as a result found many industrial uses. The primary structure o xanthan consists of a cellulose backbone substituted on alternate residues with charged trisaccharide side chains. The polymer undergoes an ordered ⇄ disordered conformation transformation, Very recently determinations of the secondary and tertiary structures have shown that the ordered conformation is helical. The two conformations have different solution properties. Rheological evidence indicates that xanthan conformation is critically dependent on the presence or absence of‐salt. In this work we show that the polymer shear degrades to a larger extent in the disordered conformation than in the ordered conformation. That is, the ordered conformation is more shear stable.
A functional annotation of subproteomes in human plasma
Authors: Ping Peipei , Vondriska Thomas M. , Creighton Chad J. , Gandhi TKB , Yang Ziping , Menon Rajasree , Kwon Min‐Seok , Cho Sang Yun , Drwal Garry , Kellmann Markus , Peri Suraj , Suresh Shubha , Gronborg Mads , Molina Henrik , Chaerkady Raghothama , Rekha B. , Shet Arun S. , Gerszten Robert E. , Wu Haifeng , Raftery Mark , Wasinger Valerie , Schulz‐Knappe Peter , Hanash Samir M. , Paik Young‐ki , Hancock William S. , States David J. , Omenn Gilbert S. , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: August 2005

The data collected by Human Proteome Organization's Plasma Proteome Pilot project phase was analyzed by members of our working group. Accordingly, a functional annotation of the human plasma proteome was carried out. Here, we report the findings of our analyses. First, bioinformatic analyses were undertaken to determine the likely sources of plasma proteins and to develop a protein interaction network of proteins identified in this project. Second, annotation of these proteins was performed in the context of functional subproteomes involved in the coagulation pathway, the mononuclear phagocytic system, the inflammation pathway, the cardiovascular system, and the liver; as well as the subset of proteins associated with DNA binding activities. Our analyses contributed to the Plasma Proteome Database (http://www.plasmaproteomedatabase.org), an annotated database of plasma proteins identified by HPPP as well as from other published studies. In addition, we address several methodological considerations including the selective enrichment of post‐translationally modified proteins by the use of multi‐lectin chromatography as well as the use of peptidomic techniques to characterize the low molecular weight proteins in plasma. Furthermore, we have performed additional analyses of peptide identification data to annotate cleavage of signal peptides, sites of intra‐membrane proteolysis and post‐translational modifications. The HPPP‐organized, multi‐laboratory effort, as described herein, resulted in much synergy and was essential to the success of this project.
Enhancement of color purity in blue light emitting poly(fluorene)s and poly(p‐phenylene)s with 2,6‐distyrylpyridine kinked segments along the backbone
Authors: Mikroyannidis John A. , Kazantzis Aristomenis V.
Published: August 2005

2,6‐bis(4‐Distyrylpyridine) (1) was synthesized by the condensation of 2,6‐dimethylpyridine with 4‐bromobenzaldehyde. Two new series of soluble random or alternating polyfluorenes (PF‐Py) and poly‐p‐phenylenes (PP‐Py) with various compositions were prepared by Suzuki coupling utilizing 1 as a comonomer. These polymers showed optical band gaps of 3.00–3.07 eV and photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields in solution of 0.37–0.91 for PF‐Py and 0.29–0.38 for PP‐Py. Polymers PF‐Py emitted blue light with PL maximum at 410–424 nm in solution and 406–428 nm in thin films that was red shifted with increasing distyrylpyridine content. Polymers PP‐Py behaved as blue emitters both in solution and in solid state, with PL maximum at 416–436 nm. The optical properties of these polymers could be tuned by the reversible protonation–deprotonation process of the pyridine ring. The emitted color of the polymers in solution and thin film could be changed continuously between blue and green (PL maximum up to about 520 nm) by exposing the polymers to the acid or base environment. Thin films of PF‐Py displayed excellent color stability with a small red shift of 10 nm but without additional emission band in the long wave region of the spectrum, even after being annealed at high temperature for a long time. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4486–4495, 2005
Evaluation of long‐term performance of antioxidants using prooxidants instead of thermal acceleration
Authors: Burman Lina , Albertsson Ann‐Christine
Published: August 2005

Evaluation of stabilization efficiencies of different antioxidants in polymers at low temperature and relatively short time was performed using incorporation of a prooxidant for catalytic oxidation. Comparisons were made between polypropylene films stabilized with primary antioxidants (Irganox 1076, Irganox 1010, and α‐tocopherol), with or without the prooxidant manganese stearate at different temperatures. A faster degradation was obtained in the presence of a prooxidant than without it. The relative efficiency of the antioxidants at prooxidant acceleration correlated better to low temperature long‐term test than at the thermal acceleration. The results were affected by initial differences in the amounts of the antioxidants present after the processing of the films. These differences were corrected for by a recalculation using microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) and high performance liquid chromatography analysis from the exponential decrease in the amount of antioxidant in the films. The fastest comparison of the antioxidants efficiency was obtained from oxidation induction times, using total luminescence intensity measurements, but reliable results could also be obtained from the time to apparent failure. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals,Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4537–4546, 2005
General and targeted statistical potentials for protein–ligand interactions
Authors: Mooij Wijnand T. M. , Verdonk Marcel L.
Published: August 2005

We present a novel atom–atom potential derived from a database of protein–ligand complexes. First, we clarify the similarities and differences between two statistical potentials described in the literature, PMF and Drugscore. We highlight shortcomings caused by an important factor unaccounted for in their reference states, and describe a new potential, which we name the Astex Statistical Potential (ASP). ASP's reference state considers the difference in exposure of protein atom types towards ligand binding sites. We show that this new potential predicts binding affinities with an accuracy similar to that of Goldscore and Chemscore. We investigate the influence of the choice of reference state by constructing two additional statistical potentials that differ from ASP only in this respect. The reference states in these two potentials are defined along the lines of Drugscore and PMF. In docking experiments, the potential using the new reference state proposed for ASP gives better success rates than when these literature reference states were used; a success rate similar to the established scoring functions Goldscore and Chemscore is achieved with ASP. This is the case both for a large, general validation set of protein–ligand structures and for small test sets of actives against four pharmaceutically relevant targets. Virtual screening experiments for these targets show less discrimination between the different reference states in terms of enrichment. In addition, we describe how statistical potentials can be used in the construction of targeted scoring functions. Examples are given for cdk2, using four different targeted scoring functions, biased towards increasingly large target‐specific databases. Using these targeted scoring functions, docking success rates as well as enrichments are significantly better than for the general ASP scoring function. Results improve with the number of structures used in the construction of the target scoring functions, thus illustrating that these targeted ASP potentials can be continuously improved as new structural data become available. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Real value prediction of solvent accessibility in proteins using multiple sequence alignment and secondary structure
Authors: Garg Aarti , Kaur Harpreet , Raghava G.P.S.
Published: August 2005

The present study is an attempt to develop a neural network‐based method for predicting the real value of solvent accessibility from the sequence using evolutionary information in the form of multiple sequence alignment. In this method, two feed‐forward networks with a single hidden layer have been trained with standard back‐propagation as a learning algorithm. The Pearson's correlation coefficient increases from 0.53 to 0.63, and mean absolute error decreases from 18.2 to 16% when multiple‐sequence alignment obtained from PSI‐BLAST is used as input instead of a single sequence. The performance of the method further improves from a correlation coefficient of 0.63 to 0.67 when secondary structure information predicted by PSIPRED is incorporated in the prediction. The final network yields a mean absolute error value of 15.2% between the experimental and predicted values, when tested on two different nonhomologous and nonredundant datasets of varying sizes. The method consists of two steps: (1) in the first step, a sequence‐to‐structure network is trained with the multiple alignment profiles in the form of PSI‐BLAST‐generated position‐specific scoring matrices, and (2) in the second step, the output obtained from the first network and PSIPRED‐predicted secondary structure information is used as an input to the second structure‐to‐structure network. Based on the present study, a server SARpred (http://www.imtech.res.in/raghava/sarpred/) has been developed that predicts the real value of solvent accessibility of residues for a given protein sequence. We have also evaluated the performance of SARpred on 47 proteins used in CASP6 and achieved a correlation coefficient of 0.68 and a MAE of 15.9% between predicted and observed values. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assembly of the hexameric Escherichia coli arginine repressor investigated by nano‐electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Šamalíková Mária , Carey Jannette , Grandori Rita
Published: August 2005

The arginine repressor (ArgR) from Escherichia coli regulates genes for L‐arginine metabolism and is a required recombination factor for colE1 plasmid replication. Both functions require binding of L‐arginine to the protein. In this work, nano‐electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (nano‐ESI‐TOFMS) is used to study conformational and oligomeric states of intact ArgR and its isolated structural domains. In agreement with X‐ray diffraction studies, it is shown that ArgR oligomerizes to form hexamers in both the presence and absence of L‐arginine, and the basic unit of oligomerization appears to be the trimer. Higher‐order assembly into dodecamers is also detected. The isolated C‐terminal domain is found to associate into trimers and hexamers whereas the N‐terminal domain is detected in its monomeric form. The observed species distributions suggest a role for the N‐terminal domain in hexamer stabilization. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tandem mass spectrometric analysis of cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and their metabolites
Authors: Liu Zhongfa , Chan Kenneth K. , Wang Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2005

A detailed multi‐stage (MSn) fragmentation study of cyclophosphamide (CP), ifosfamide (IF) and their major metabolites, using an ion‐trap mass spectrometer and a Q‐TOF mass spectrometer, was performed with the aid of specifically deuterium‐labeled analogs. The analytes showed good responses in positive‐ion electrospray mass spectrometry as [MH]+ ions. Tandem mass spectra revealed a wealth of structurally specific ions, allowing characterization of the fragmentation pathways of these analytes. The major fragmentation pathways of the protonated CP and IF are elimination of ethylene from C5 and C6 of 1,3,2‐oxazaphosphorine‐2‐oxide via a McLafferty rearrangement, and cleavage of the PN bond. However, their activated 4‐OOH and 4‐OH metabolites primarily underwent hydrogen peroxide elimination and dehydration, respectively, followed by fragmentation pathways similar to those of CP and IF. These results should prove useful in structural elucidation of future analogs of CP and IF, and/or of their metabolites. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neither sustainable nor development: reconsidering sustainability in development
Authors: Luke Timothy W.
Published: August 2005

This paper questions the rhetorical workings of ‘sustainable development’ as an ideological construct in contemporary global society. It suggests that this term actually is increasingly used as a label to place over modes of existence that are neither sustainable nor developmental. Yet, the rhetoric is also now a material culture of being that is created, carried and continued in the everyday practices of design, exchange and production. Copyright ©; 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Effect of 4‐hydroxynonenal on phosphatidylethanolamine containing condensed monolayer and on its interaction with apolipoprotein A‐I
Authors: Lecompte Marie-France , Clavilier Jean , Rolland Corinne , Collet Xavier , Nègre-Salvayre Anne , Salvayre Robert
Published: August 2005

The stability of a phospholipid monolayer relative to potential (around the potential of zero charge) is dependent on lipid composition (PE >
PC >
PE/PC). ApoA‐I insertion into PE/PC monolayer is easier than in PC monolayer. Pre‐treatment of PE/PC monolayer by 4HNE does not alter monolayer stability, but decreases apo A‐I insertion into the monolayer.
The therapeutic potential of RNA interference
Authors: Uprichard Susan L.
Published: August 2005

In recent years, we have witnessed the discovery of a new mechanism of gene regulation called RNA interference (RNAi), which has revitalized interest in the development of nucleic acid‐based technologies for therapeutic gene suppression. This review focuses on the potential therapeutic use of RNAi, discussing the theoretical advantages of RNAi‐based therapeutics over previous technologies as well as the challenges involved in developing RNAi for clinical use. Also reviewed, are the in vivo proof‐of principle experiments that provide the preclinical justification for the continued development of RNAi‐based therapeutics.
Localization of a putative ClC chloride channel in spinach chloroplasts
Authors: Teardo Enrico , Frare Erica , Segalla Anna , Marco Veronica De , Giacometti Giorgio Mario , Szabò Ildikò
Published: August 2005

Seven genes seem to encode for putative ClC chloride channels (AtClC‐a to AtClC‐g) in Arabidopsis thaliana. Their function and localization is still largely unknown. AtClC‐f shares considerable sequence similarity with putative ClC channel proteins from Synechocystis, considered to represent the precursor of chloroplasts. We show by biochemical and mass spectrometry analysis that ClC‐f is located in the outer envelope membrane of spinach chloroplasts. Consistent with the plastidial localization of ClC‐f, p‐chlorophenoxy‐acetic acid (CPA) reduces photosynthetic activity and the protein is expressed in etioplasts and chloroplasts but not in root tissue. These findings may represent a step toward the molecular identification of ion channel activities in chloroplast membranes.
A Simple Clinical Test of Flexor Pollicis Longus Rupture
Authors: MELTON J. T. K. , MURRAY J. R. D. , LOWDON I. M. R.
Published: August 2005

Rupture of the tendon of flexor pollicis longus is suspected when active flexion of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb is not possible. This can be a result of trauma but, when spontaneous, diagnostic confusion can exist as incomplete palsy of the anterior interosseous nerve can present in a similar way. We describe a simple clinical sign which can differentiate between these conditions.