bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective study of hemostatic alterations in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Giordano Paola , Molinari Angelo Claudio , Del Vecchio Giovanni Carlo , Saracco Paola , Russo Giovanna , Altomare Maria , Perutelli Paolo , Crescenzio Nicoletta , Santoro Nicola , Marchetti Marina , De Mattia Domenico , Falanga Anna
Published: January 2010

In a group of newly diagnosed acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) children we evaluated a number of hemostatic and inflammatory markers at diagnosis and at different time points during chemotherapy for the remission induction to identify alterations in the plasma levels of prothrombotic markers before and during the course of chemotherapy. The following plasma markers were evaluated: thrombin‐antithrombin complex (TAT), D‐Dimer, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‐1), antithrombin, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen and high molecular weight VWF (HMW‐VWF) multimers, P‐selectin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and interleukin 6 (IL‐6). Plasma samples were collected at the following time points: at T0 (baseline) and T1 (+24 days of therapy), T2 (+36 days therapy), and T3 (+64 days therapy). The results show that, at diagnosis, ALL children presented with laboratory signs of increased thrombin generation and fibrin formation (i.e. high TAT and D‐dimer levels), fibrinolysis inhibition (i.e. high PAI‐1 level), endothelial activation (i.e., high HMW‐VWF and soluble P‐selectin levels) and inflammation (i.e. high TNF‐alpha and IL‐6 levels). After starting induction therapy, the thrombin generation markers and inflammatory cytokines significantly decreased. To the opposite, PAI‐1 and P‐selectin significantly increased, suggesting an insult by chemotherapy on the vascular endothelium. These effects were more evident during steroid administration. Symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) episodes developed in two cases during induction therapy, which did not allow the evaluation of the predictive value for VTE of laboratory markers. Am. J. Hematol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Validation of diagnostic criteria for variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
Authors: Heath Craig A. , Cooper Sarah A. , Murray Katy , Lowman Andrea , Henry Colm , MacLeod Margaret A. , Stewart Gillian E. , Zeidler Martin , MacKenzie Jan M. , Ironside James W. , Summers David M. , Knight Richard S. G. , Will Robert G.
Published: January 2010

Objective

Variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD), a novel form of human prion disease, was recognized in 1996. The disease affected a younger cohort than sporadic CJD, and the early clinical course was dominated by psychiatric and sensory symptoms. In an attempt to aid diagnosis and establish standardization between surveillance networks, diagnostic criteria were established. These were devised from the features of a small number of cases and modified in 2000 as the clinical phenotype was established. Since then, only minor changes have been introduced; revalidation of the criteria in the current format is overdue.

Methods

Included in this study are autopsy/cerebral biopsy‐proven cases of vCJD referred to the National CJD Surveillance Unit (NCJDSU) between 1995 and 2004 and suspect cases in which an alternative diagnosis was identified following autopsy/cerebral biopsy.

Results

Over the 10‐year period, 106 definite cases of vCJD and 45 pathologically confirmed “noncases” were identified from the archives of the NCJDSU. The median age at onset of the cases was significantly younger than that of the noncases (27 years [range, 12–74 years] vs 43 years [range, 10–64 years]), and the median duration of illness was significantly shorter (14 months [range, 6–39 months] vs 22 months [range, 2–139 months]). The most commonly identified core clinical feature in cases was dementia; persistent painful sensory symptoms were the least frequent. Eighty‐eight of 106 (83%) vCJD cases were retrospectively classified as probable in life, 6 cases were classified as possible. Most cases were classified as probable on the basis of core clinical features and brain magnetic resonance imaging. To date, the diagnostic criteria remain 100% specific, with no autopsy/cerebral biopsy‐proven noncases classified as probable in life.

Interpretation

This study confirms that the diagnostic criteria for vCJD are sensitive and specific and provide a useful standard framework for case classification in a surveillance setting. ANN NEUROL 2010
Key factors affecting the manufacture of hydrophobic ultrafiltration membranes for surface water treatment
Authors: Dang Huyen T. , Rana Dipak , Narbaitz Roberto M. , Matsuura Takeshi
Published: January 2010

As part of the development of poly(ether sulfone) (PES) membranes whose surface is modified by the incorporation of a newly synthesized hydrophobic surface modifying macromolecule (nSMM) additive, this study investigates the impact of four key membrane preparation factors. They are concentration of PES, concentration of nSMM, casting thickness, and casting speed. The synthesis and characterizations of nSMM by nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimeter, and elemental analysis have been presented. The changes in characteristics and performance of the membranes have been evaluated via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and solute transport tests. The addition of 0.5 wt % of nSMM increased the contact angle of PES membranes by 20°; however, higher nSMM concentrations did not increase the hydrophobicity any further. Only the additive concentration had a statistically significant impact on flux reduction and dissolved organic carbon rejection. Even though other factors such as membrane thickness may alter the pore characteristics, their effect on membrane performance was marginal. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Water absorbance and thermal properties of sulfated wheat gluten films
Authors: Chiou Bor‐Sen , Robertson George H. , Rooff LuAnn E. , Cao Trung , Jafri Haani , Gregorski Kay S. , Imam Syed H. , Glenn Greg M. , Orts William J.
Published: January 2010

Wheat gluten films of various thicknesses formed at 30–70°C were treated with cold sulfuric acid to produce sulfated gluten films. Chemical, thermal, thermal stability, and water uptake properties were characterized for neat and sulfated films. The sulfated gluten films were able to absorb up to 30 times their weight in deionized water. However, this value dropped to 3.5 when the film was soaked in a 0.9% (w/w) NaCl solution. The films were also soaked 4 times in deionized water, and each soaking resulted in a reduced water uptake capacity. The temperature of film formation had no effect on the final water uptake properties. Also, thinner films had higher concentrations of sulfate groups than thicker films; this resulted in higher water uptake values. In addition, sulfated gluten films had comparable glass‐transition temperatures but lower thermal stabilities than the neat gluten films. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Crystallization behavior of poly(ε‐caprolactone)/layered double hydroxide nanocomposites
Authors: Yang Zhe , Peng Hongdan , Wang Weizhi , Liu Tianxi
Published: January 2010

Poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL)/layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites were prepared successfully via simple solution intercalation. The nonisothermal melt crystallization kinetics of neat PCL and its LDH nanocomposites was investigated with the Ozawa, Avrami, and combined Avrami–Ozawa methods. The Ozawa method failed to describe the crystallization kinetics of the studied systems. The Avrami method was found to be useful for describing the nonisothermal crystallization behavior, but the parameters in this method do not have explicit meaning for nonisothermal crystallization. The combined Avrami–Ozawa method explained the nonisothermal crystallization behavior of PCL and its LDH nanocomposites effectively. The kinetic results and polarized optical microscopy observations indicated that the addition of LDH could affect the mechanism of nucleation and growth of the PCL matrix. The Takhor model was used to analyze the activation energies of nonisothermal crystallization. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Melt spinning of poly(vinylidene fluoride) fibers and the influence of spinning parameters on β‐phase crystallinity
Authors: Lund Anja , Hagström Bengt
Published: January 2010

The effects of melt‐spinning and cold‐drawing parameters on the formation of β‐phase crystallinity in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) fibers and ways of increasing such crystallinity were studied. Fibers were melt‐spun with four different melt draw ratios (MDRs) and were subsequently cold‐drawn at different draw ratios (λ). The maximum λ value in cold drawing was dependent on the MDR used in melt spinning. The crystalline structure of the fibers was studied mainly with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the degree of crystallinity in the fibers was determined by the MDR and that before cold drawing the crystalline structure of the fibers was predominantly in the α form. By cold drawing, α‐phase crystallites could be transformed into the β phase. It was established that, under certain conditions of melt spinning and cold drawing, PVDF fibers of up to 80% crystallinity, mainly in the β form, could be prepared. It was further proposed that fibers spun at a sufficiently high MDR consist to a large extent of extended‐chain crystals, and this greatly affects the melting point of PVDF. Thus, DSC melting‐point data were shown to be insufficient for determining the crystalline phase of PVDF. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Photoinduced cografting of vinyl benzyl trimethylammonium chloride and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate onto nylon nonwoven fabric for preparing an anion‐exchange sorbent: Optimum cografting conditions and characterization
Authors: Na Choon‐Ki , Park Hyun‐Ju
Published: January 2010

Vinyl benzyl trimethylammonium chloride (VBTAC) and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were cografted onto nylon fiber by photoirradiation‐induced graft polymerization with benzophenone (BP) as the photoinitiator and methanol (MeOH) as the solvent. The cografted VBTAC afforded an anion‐exchange functionality to the nylon‐g‐HEMA–VBTAC fabric without any further modification. The concentration of each and the ratio of the HEMA and VBTAC monomers in solution were the most important factors determining the degree of grafting and anion‐exchange capacity (AEC) of nylon‐g‐HEMA–VBTAC. With regard to the AEC of the grafted fabric, the optimal HEMA/VBTAC ratio was 10 : 7 (v/w), which gave a molar fraction of VBTAC of 0.286. The photoirradiation time, temperature of the reaction, and concentrations of BP and MeOH were optimized for the cografting of VBTAC and HEMA onto the nylon fabric. The molar ratio of VBTAC units in the grafted polymer was dependent on the photoirradiation time but not on the other parameters. The results showed that the AEC of nylon‐g‐HEMA–VBTAC was governed directly by its VBTAC density rather than by its degree of grafting. The grafted fabric was characterized in terms of its surface area, porosity, and surface charge density by Fourier transform infrared, 13C‐NMR, and scanning electron microscopy studies, and the regeneration efficiency was estimated. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Microbial desulfurization for NR ground rubber by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Jiang Guangming , Zhao Suhe , Luo Jingyuan , Wang Yaqin , Yu Wangyang , Zhang Cuiru
Published: January 2010

This study concentrated on microbial desulfurization for NR ground rubber by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans with sulfur oxidizing capacity. NR ground rubber was desulfurizated in the modified 9K medium during the cultivation of T. ferrooxidans. FTIR–ATR and XPS spectra and the increase of SO in the medium indicated that the main chains of the polymer were not broken by T. ferrooxidans, and SS linkages on the surface of ground rubber were partly oxidized to sulfoxide and sulfone, and at last partly oxidized to SO. Cumulative sulfur convention of ground rubber was 16% (w/w), which means 16% of sulfur has been fully oxidized to SO after 20 days' incubation. A sulfur oxidative scheme was proposed to explain the microbial desulfurization by T. ferrooxidans. Physical properties were determined on carbon black enforced SBR vulcanizates compounded with desulfurizated ground rubber of 40 phr loading. Preferable tensile strength and elongation at break were obtained for SBR vulcanizates filled with desulfurizated ground rubber if compared with that one obtained using ground rubber without modification. Scanning electron microscope photographs and DMA results suggested good interface coherence between desulfurizated ground rubber and SBR matrix. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and properties of electromagnetic wave shielding polymer materials with low flammability
Authors: Volkov V. P. , Zelenetsky A. N. , Shevchenko V. G. , Ponomarenko A. T. , Sizova M. D.
Published: January 2010

Novel polyethylene‐ and polypropylene‐based electromagnetic wave shielding and absorbing composite materials with low combustibility, enhanced thermal and mechanical properties, containing graphite, grinded wood, and fire retardants, were developed and investigated. Flame‐resistance, thermal and mechanical properties of these materials was investigated. Electromagnetic wave reflection coefficients over the frequency range 20–40 GHz were measured; at moderate concentration (10–15%) of functional filler, reflection coefficient can be as low as −16 dB for PE and −11 dB for PP composite, respectively. Coke formation mechanism was investigated, the principal role in this process is attributed to aromatization and condensation of aromatic compounds with the formation of polycyclic aromatic systems, an important role of phosphoric acids in accelerating this process was found. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Novel Fused Pyrrole Heterocyclic Ring Systems as Structure Analogs of LE 300: Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation as Serotonin 5‐HT2A, Dopamine and Histamine H1 Receptor Ligands
Authors: Rostom Sherif A. F.
Published: January 2010

LE 300 represents a structurally novel type of antagonists acting preferentially at the dopamine D1/D5 receptors and the serotonin 5‐HT2A receptor. This compound consists of a ten‐membered central azecine ring fused to an indole ring on one side and a benzene moiety on the other side. To estimate the importance of the indole and / or phenyl moieties in this highly active benz‐indolo‐azecine, both rings were removed and replaced with a 1H‐pyrrole counterpart. Accordingly, some new analogs of LE 300 namely, pyrrolo[2,3‐g]indolizine, pyrrolo[3,2‐a]quinolizine rings and their corresponding dimethylpyrrolo[2,3‐d]azonine, and dimethylpyrrolo[2,3‐d]azecine were synthesized to be evaluated for their activity at the 5‐HT2A and dopamine D1, D2L, D4, D5 receptors in relation to LE 300. In addition, their activity at the H1‐histamine receptors was also determined. The results suggested that the rigid pyrrolo[2,3‐g]indolizine 7 and pyrrolo[3,2‐a]quinolizine 8 analogs lacked biological activity in the adopted three bioassays. However, their corresponding flexible pyrrolo[2,3‐d]azonine 11 and pyrrolo[2,3‐d]azecine 12 derivatives revealed weak partial agonistic activity and weak antagonistic potency at the serotonin 5‐HT2A and histamine H1 receptors, respectively. Meanwhile, they showed no affinity to any of the four utilized dopamine receptors. Variation in ring size did not contribute to a significant influence on the three tested bioactivities. Removal of the hydrophobic moiety (phenyl ring) and replacement of the indole moiety with a 1H‐pyrrole counterpart led to a dramatic alteration in the profile of activity of such azecine‐type compounds.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel 2‐Substituted‐quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones as Potent Analgesic and Anti‐inflammatory Agents
Authors: Rather Bilal Ahmad , Raj Tilak , Reddy Aravind , Ishar Mohan Paul S. , Sivakumar Samitha , Paneerselvam Perumal
Published: January 2010

A novel series of 2‐substituted‐quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones were synthesized by reacting 3,5‐disubstituted‐anthranilic acid with acetic anhydride/benzoyl chloride, which were further reacted with different primary amines to obtain 2,6,8‐substituted‐quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones 6a–f, 7, 8. All the synthesized compounds were characterized and screened for analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities. Compounds 6,8‐dibromo‐2‐phenyl‐3‐(4′‐carboxyl phenyl)quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one 7 and 6,8‐dibromo‐2‐phenyl‐3‐(2′‐phenylethanoic acid)quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one 8 displayed good analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activity in comparison to the reference standards acetyl salicylic acid and indomethacin, respectively.
Anticonvulsant and Neurotoxicity Evaluation of Some Novel Kojic Acids and Allomaltol Derivatives
Authors: Aytemir Mutlu Dilsiz , Çalış Ünsal
Published: January 2010

A series of new 3‐hydroxy‐6‐hydroxymethyl/methyl‐2‐substituted 4H‐pyran‐4‐ones were synthesized and prepared by the reaction of kojic acid or allomaltol with piperidine derivatives and formaline as potential anticonvulsant compounds. The structure of the synthesized compounds was confirmed using the elemental analysis results and the spectroscopic techniques such as IR, 1H‐NMR, and ESI‐MS. Anticonvulsant activities were examined by maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous Metrazol (scMet)‐induced seizure tests. Neurotoxicity was determined by the rotorod toxicity test. All these tests were performed in accordance with the procedures of the Antiepileptic Drug Development (ADD) program. According to the activity studies and at all doses, 3‐hydroxy‐2‐[(4‐hydroxy‐4‐phenylpiperidin‐1‐yl)methyl]‐6‐methyl‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one (compound 1), 2‐{[4‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3,6‐dihydropyridin‐1(2H)‐yl]methyl}‐3‐hydroxy‐6‐methyl‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one (compound 6), 2‐[(4‐acetyl‐4‐phenylpiperidin‐1‐yl)methyl]‐3‐hydroxy‐6‐(hydroxymethyl)‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one (compound 11), and 2‐{[4‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3,6‐dihydropyridin‐1(2H)‐yl] methyl}‐3‐hydroxy‐6‐hydroxymethyl‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one (compound 12) were found to have anticonvulsant activity against MES‐induced seizures at 4 h. Also, 2‐{[4‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐4‐hydroxypiperidin‐1‐yl]methyl}‐3‐hydroxy‐6‐(hydroxymethyl)‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one (compound 8) was determined to be the most active compound against scMet‐induced seizures at all doses at 0.5 and 4 h. In the rotorod neurotoxicity screening, all compounds showed no toxicity at all doses.
Improving Wikipedia's credibility: References and citations in a sample of history articles
Authors: Luyt Brendan , Tan Daniel
Published: January 2010

This study evaluates how well the authors of Wikipedia history articles adhere to the site's policy of assuring verifiability through citations. It does so by examining the references and citations of a subset of country histories. The findings paint a dismal picture. Not only are many claims not verified through citations, those that are suffer from the choice of references used. Many of these are from only a few US government Websites or news media and few are to academic journal material. Given these results, one response would be to declare Wikipedia unsuitable for serious reference work. But another option emerges when we jettison technological determinism and look at Wikipedia as a product of a wider social context. Key to this context is a world in which information is bottled up as commodities requiring payment for access. Equally important is the problematic assumption that texts are undifferentiated bearers of knowledge. Those involved in instructional programs can draw attention to the social nature of texts to counter these assumptions and by so doing create an awareness for a new generation of Wikipedians and Wikipedia users of the need to evaluate texts (and hence citations) in light of the social context of their production and use.
Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Hydrogenation of a Challenging Enamide Derived from 4‐Phenyl‐2‐tetralone: An Appealing Shortcut Towards Enantiopure cis‐2‐Aminotetraline Derivatives
Authors: Lucarini Simone , Alessi Matteo , Bedini Annalida , Giorgini Giorgia , Piersanti Giovanni , Spadoni Gilberto
Published: January 2010

A clean, efficient, and diasteroselective (dr >95 %) catalytic hydrogenation of the enamide N‐(4‐phenyl‐3,4‐dihydronaphthalen‐2‐yl)propionamide (2 a) using palladium on carbon is performed. This procedure provides the melatonin receptor ligand (±)‐cis‐4‐phenyl‐2‐propionamidotetralin (cis‐4‐P‐PDOT, 1 a) and its 8‐methoxy analog. Furthermore, Rh and Ru catalyzed homogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation of the challenging racemic endocyclic enamide 2 a with several chiral phosphine ligands is studied. The best results, in terms of enantioselectivity, for both diastereomers are obtained when chiral Rh‐Josiphos is used as the catalyst.
Untangling the cortex: Advances in understanding specification and differentiation of corticospinal motor neurons
Authors: Shoemaker Lorelei D. , Arlotta Paola
Published: January 2010

The mature cerebral cortex contains a staggering variety of projection neuron subtypes, and a number of complementary studies have recently begun to define their identity and embryonic origin. Among the different types of cortical projection neurons, subcerebral projection neurons, including corticospinal motor neurons (CSMN), have been extensively studied and some of the molecular controls over their differentiation have been elucidated. Here, we first provide an overview of the approaches used to purify and molecularly profile neuronal populations of the neocortex and, more broadly, of the central nervous system (CNS). Next, we specifically review recent progress in understanding the genes that define and control development of the CSMN population. Finally, we briefly discuss the relevance of this work to current questions regarding the mechanisms of the establishment of projection neuron subtype identity in the neocortex and its implications to direct the differentiation of CSMN for therapeutic benefit.
Structure of the Complex of [Ru(tpm)(dppz)py]2+ with a B‐DNA Oligonucleotide—A Single‐Substituent Binding Switch for a Metallo‐Intercalator
Authors: Waywell Philip , Gonzalez Veronica , Gill Martin R. , Adams Harry , Meijer Anthony J. H. M. , Williamson Mike P. , Thomas James A.
Published: January 2010

We report the synthesis of three new complexes related to the achiral [Ru(tpm)(dppz)py]2+ cation (tpm=tripyridazole methane, dppz=dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine, py=pyridine) that contain an additional single functional group on the monodentate ancillary pyridyl ligand. Computational calculations indicate that the coordinated pyridyl rings are in a fixed orientation parallel to the dppz axis, and that the electrostatic properties of the complexes are very similar. DNA binding studies on the new complexes reveal that the nature and positioning of the functional group has a profound effect on the binding mode and affinity of these complexes. To explore the molecular and structural basis of these effects, circular dichroism and NMR studies on [Ru(tpm)(dppz)py]Cl2 with the octanucleotides d(AGAGCTCT)2 and d(CGAGCTCG)2, were carried out. These studies demonstrate that the dppz ligand intercalates into the G2–A3 step, with {Ru(tpm)py} in the minor groove. They also reveal that the complex intercalates into the binding site in two possible orientations with the pyridyl ligand of the major conformer making close contact with terminal base pairs. We conclude that substitution at the 2‐ or 3‐position of the pyridine ring has little effect on binding, but that substitution at the 4‐position drastically disrupts intercalative binding, particularly with a 4‐amino substituent, because of steric and electronic interactions with the DNA. These results indicate that complexes derived from these systems have the potential to function as sequence‐specific light‐switch systems.
Mechanistic Investigation of Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed Asymmetric Baeyer–Villiger Reaction of 3‐Substituted Cyclobutanones with H2O2 as the Oxidant
Authors: Xu Senmiao , Wang Zheng , Li Yuxue , Zhang Xumu , Wang Haiming , Ding Kuiling
Published: January 2010

The mechanism of the chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed Baeyer–Villiger (B–V) reaction of cyclobutanones with hydrogen peroxide was investigated by using a combination of experimental and theoretical methods. Of the two pathways that have been proposed for the present reaction, the pathway involving a peroxyphosphate intermediate is not viable. The reaction progress kinetic analysis indicates that the reaction is partially inhibited by the γ‐lactone product. Initial rate measurements suggest that the reaction follows Michaelis–Menten‐type kinetics consistent with a bifunctional mechanism in which the catalyst is actively involved in both carbonyl addition and the subsequent rearrangement steps through hydrogen‐bonding interactions with the reactants or the intermediate. High‐level quantum chemical calculations strongly support a two‐step concerted mechanism in which the phosphoric acid activates the reactants or the intermediate in a synergistic manner through partial proton transfer. The catalyst simultaneously acts as a general acid, by increasing the electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon, increases the nucleophilicity of hydrogen peroxide as a Lewis base in the addition step, and facilitates the dissociation of the OH group from the Criegee intermediate in the rearrangement step. The overall reaction is highly exothermic, and the rearrangement of the Criegee intermediate is the rate‐determining step. The observed reactivity of this catalytic B–V reaction also results, in part, from the ring strain in cyclobutanones. The sense of chiral induction is rationalized by the analysis of the relative energies of the competing diastereomeric transition states, in which the steric repulsion between the 3‐substituent of the cyclobutanone and the 3‐ and 3′‐substituents of the catalyst, as well as the entropy and solvent effects, are found to be critically important.
A New Synthesis of Charge‐Neutral Tris‐Pyrazolyl and ‐Methimazolyl Borate Ligands
Authors: Bailey Philip J. , Budd Laura , Cavaco Filipa A. , Parsons Simon , Rudolphi Felix , Sanchez‐Perucha Alejandro , White Fraser J.
Published: January 2010

The dimethylamine in the adducts [(HNMe2)B(azolyl)3] (azolyl=methimazolyl, pyrazolyl), obtained by reaction of the azole with B(NMe2)3, can readily be substituted with a range of nitrogen donors to provide new charge‐neutral, tripodal ligands in high yield. This observation has led to a revision of an earlier interpretation of the mechanism of the formation of these species. The donor properties of the ligands [(nmi)B(azolyl)3] (nmi=N‐methylimidazole) have been compared with their anionic analogues [HB(azolyl)3]− by synthesis of their manganese(I)–tricarbonyl complexes and comparison of their infrared νCO energies. This comparison indicates that the new neutral ligands are only marginally weaker donors than the corresponding anionic hydrotris(azolyl)borate ligands. This may be explained by the ability of the attached nmi ring to stabilize a positive charge remotely from the coordinated metal, which may also account for the fact that the [(nmi)B(pyrazolyl)3] ligand is a substantially stronger donor than the similarly neutral tris(pyrazolyl)methane ligand.
„KO2 can do“ – A Brief Glimpse into the Fascinating Properties of Potassium superoxide
Authors: Kunze Nicole , Oetken Marco
Published: January 2010

Die Chemie der Alkali‐ und Erdalkalimetalle sowie deren Verbindungen ist vielfältig, technisch bedeutsam und somit folgerichtig Inhalt des Chemiecurriculums. Eine Substanz mit außergewöhnlichen chemischen Eigenschaften ist das Kaliumhyperoxid (früher Kaliumsuperoxid), das allerdings bisher in der Schulchemie keine besondere Rolle gespielt hat. Das Argument, es gäbe keine interessanten und motivierenden Experimente, möchte der Beitrag ein Stück weit entkräften.
“Forsche Schülerinnen forschen” – Promoting Girls' Interest in Science and Technology
Authors: Herriger Cornelia , Ducci Matthias
Published: January 2010

In diesem Beitrag wird das Karlsruher Projekt „Forsche Schülerinnen forschen“ vorgestellt. Ziel dieses Programms ist es, das naturwissenschaftlich‐technische Interesse junger Frauen im Alter von 13 bis 19 Jahren zu fördern. Die Maßnahmen umfassen Laborkurse mit chemischen und physikalischen Inhalten, Feriencamps mit dem Themenschwerpunkt Bionik sowie berufsberatende Maßnahmen.
The Centenary of the Glass Electrode
Authors: Piosik Romuald , Peper Renate , Jansen Walter
Published: January 2010

Dieser Beitrag befasst sich mit der Geschichte der Erfindung der Glaselektrode durch Fritz Haber und Zygmunt Klemensiewicz vor 100 Jahren. Wesentliche Vorarbeiten gehen auf Max Cremer zurück, der 1906 beobachtete, dass an Glasmembranen in Abhängigkeit von der Acidität der inneren bzw. äußeren Lösung eine Spannung wie bei einer galvanischen Zelle besteht. Haber und Klemensiewicz, die die Arbeit von Cremer kannten, entwickelten daraufhin das eigentliche Glaselektroden‐System und führten damit Säure/Base‐Titrationen durch.
An Instructional Concept for Introducing the Solubility Product in the Upper Secondary School System (Gymnasium)
Authors: Pfangert‐Becker Ursula
Published: January 2010

An einem Unterrichtsbeispiel aus der Sekundarstufe II soll aufgezeigt werden, wie Schüler durch Verknüpfen von experimentellen Untersuchungen und deklarativem wie vernetzendem Wissen Erkenntnisse zum Ausfallen und Auflösen von Niederschlägen gewinnen.
A randomized phase 2 study of etaracizumab, a monoclonal antibody against integrin αvβ3, ± dacarbazine in patients with stage IV metastatic melanoma
Authors: Hersey Peter , Sosman Jeffrey , O'Day Steven , Richards Jon , Bedikian Agop , Gonzalez Rene , Sharfman William , Weber Robert , Logan Theodore , Buzoianu Manuela , Hammershaimb Luz , Kirkwood John M.
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

The alpha v beta 3 (αvβ3) integrin is involved in intracellular signaling regulating cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation and is important for tumor‐induced angiogenesis.

METHODS:

This phase 2, randomized, open‐label, 2‐arm study was designed to capture safety data and evaluate the antitumor efficacy of etaracizumab (Abegrin), an IgG1 humanized monoclonal antibody against the αvβ3 integrin, in patients with previously untreated metastatic melanoma. The objective was to evaluate whether etaracizumab ± dacarbazine had sufficient clinical activity to warrant further study in a phase 3 clinical trial.

RESULTS:

One hundred twelve patients were randomized to receive etaracizumab alone (N = 57) or etaracizumab + dacarbazine (N = 55). Safety of etaracizumab ± dacarbazine was acceptable with infusion‐related, gastrointestinal, and metabolic reactions being the most common adverse events (AEs). The majority of AEs were grade 1 or 2 in severity in both study arms; most events were not considered serious, except for cardiovascular (myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation) and thromboembolic events, which occurred in 3 and 5 patients, respectively. None of the patients in the etaracizumab‐alone study arm and 12.7% of patients in the etaracizumab + dacarbazine study arm achieved an objective response. The median duration of objective response in the etaracizumab + dacarbazine study arm was 4.2 months. Stable disease rate, time to progression (TTP), and progression‐free survival (PFS) appeared to be similar between the 2 treatment arms. Stable disease occurred in 45.6% of patients in the etaracizumab‐alone study arm and 40.0% of patients in the etaracizumab + dacarbazine study arm. Median TTP and median PFS were both 1.8 months in the etaracizumab‐alone study arm and 2.5 and 2.6 months in the etaracizumab + dacarbazine study arm, respectively. Median overall survival was 12.6 months in the etaracizumab‐alone study arm and 9.4 months in the etaracizumab + dacarbazine study arm.

CONCLUSIONS:

The survival results in both treatment arms of this study were considered unlikely to result in clinically meaningful improvement over dacarbazine alone. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Five‐year lung cancer survival
Authors: Wang Tina , Nelson Rebecca A. , Bogardus Alicia , Grannis Frederic W.
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

The core strategy of American College of Chest Physicians lung cancer guidelines is identification of the earliest symptoms of lung cancer and the immediate initiation of diagnosis and treatment. In the absence of screening, most symptomatic lung cancer is discovered at advanced stages, with the goal of long‐term survival entirely dependent on effective treatment of stage III and IV lung cancer.

METHODS:

In a retrospective review, all patients diagnosed with stage IIIA, IIIB, and IV nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between the years 1986 and 2001 at City of Hope National Medical Center who survived 5 years or longer were analyzed to identify parameters that might predict long‐term survival.

RESULTS:

Of 846 patients presenting with stage III or IV disease, 56 (6.6%) survived 5 years or longer. Sixteen patients died of primary tumor progression beyond 5 years. Two 5‐year survivors died of second tobacco‐caused neoplasms, and 16 died from medical conditions potentially related to prior treatment. A substantial majority of survivors were from specific pathologic subsets including: 1) resectable N2 disease (n = 17, 30.4%), 2) multiple lung tumors (n = 7, 12.5%), 3) T3N0 (n = 5, 8.1%), and 4) single site distant metastasis (n = 8, 14.2%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite aggressive multimodality therapy, 5‐year survival in patients with advanced stage NSCLC was very poor and limited to small pathological subsets. Patients with advanced stage NSCLC who did not belong to 1 of these subsets had a small chance of long‐term survival. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Pathogenesis of osteoblastic bone metastases from prostate cancer
Authors: Ibrahim Toni , Flamini Emanuela , Mercatali Laura , Sacanna Emanuele , Serra Patrizia , Amadori Dino
Published: January 2010

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer‐related death in men. A typical feature of this disease is its ability to metastasize to bone. It is mainly osteosclerotic, and is caused by a relative excess of osteoblast activity, leading to an abnormal bone formation. Bone metastases are the result of a complex series of steps that are not yet fully understood and depend on dynamic crosstalk between metastatic cancer cells, cellular components of the bone marrow microenvironment, and bone matrix (osteoblasts and osteoclasts). Prostate cancer cells from primary tissue undergo an epithelial‐mesenchymal transition to disseminate and acquire a bone‐like phenotype to metastasize in bone tissue. This review discusses the biological processes and the molecules involved in the progression of bone metastases. Here we focus on the routes of osteoblast differentiation and activation, the crosstalk between bone cells and tumor cells, and the molecules involved in these processes that are expressed by both osteoblasts and tumor cells. Furthermore, this review deals with the recently elucidated role of osteoclasts in prostate cancer bone metastases. Certainly, to better understand the underlying mechanisms of bone metastasis and so improve targeted bone therapies, further studies are warranted to shed light on the probable role of the premetastatic niche and the involvement of cancer stem cells. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Phase 1 pharmacokinetic and drug‐interaction study of dasatinib in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Johnson Faye M. , Agrawal Shruti , Burris Howard , Rosen Lee , Dhillon Navneet , Hong David , Blackwood‐Chirchir Anne , Luo Feng R. , Sy Oumar , Kaul Sanjeev , Chiappori Alberto A.
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

The recently developed the Src and Abelson (Abl) kinase inhibitor dasatinib has antitumor effects in epithelial and mesenchymal tumors. Preclinical data have indicated that dasatinib is metabolized primarily through cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and may cause QT prolongation. In light of its improved tolerability, the authors were interested in the safety of a once‐daily dasatinib regimen.

METHODS:

The authors conducted a phase 1 trial of dasatinib in 29 patients with advanced solid tumors. Segment 1 of the trial was short term and sequential and was designed to determine whether the coadministration of the potent CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole had an effect on the pharmacokinetics of dasatinib. Segment 2 was designed to evaluate the safety of dasatinib as dosing was increased. QT intervals were monitored closely in both segments. Efficacy was assessed in Segment 2 using both positron emission tomography and computed tomography.

RESULTS:

Hematologic toxicities were markedly less than those observed in patients with leukemia, whereas nonhematologic toxicities were similar. The authors determined that the maximum recommended dose was 180 mg once daily based on the incidence of pleural effusion. Coadministration of ketoconazole led to a marked increase in dasatinib exposure, which was correlated with an increase in corrected QT (QTc) values of approximately 6 msec. No adverse cardiac events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

The dose‐limiting toxic effect for dasatinib was pleural effusion. The pharmacokinetic and cardiac studies indicated that coadministration of dasatinib with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors or agents that prolong the QTc interval should be avoided if possible. Close monitoring for toxicity and dose reduction should be considered if the coadministration of such agents cannot be avoided. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Prediction of pathologic fracture risk of the femur after combined modality treatment of soft tissue sarcoma of the thigh
Authors: Gortzak Yair , Lockwood Gina A. , Mahendra Ashish , Wang Ying , Chung Peter W. M. , Catton Charles N. , O'Sullivan Brian , Deheshi Benjamin M. , Wunder Jay S. , Ferguson Peter C.
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

The objective of the current study was to formulate a scoring system to enable decision making for prophylactic stabilization of the femur after surgical resection of a soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the thigh.

METHODS:

A logistic regression model was developed using patient variables collected from a prospectively collected database. The study group included 22 patients who developed a radiation‐related pathological fracture of the femur after surgery and radiotherapy for an STS of the thigh. The control group of 79 patients received similar treatment but did not sustain a fracture. No patients received chemotherapy. The mean follow‐up was 8.6 years. The variables examined were age, gender, tumor size, radiation dose (low [50 grays (Gy)] vs high [≥60 Gy]), extent of periosteal stripping (<10 cm, 10‐20 cm, and >20 cm), and thigh compartment involvement (posterior, adductor, anterior or other [ie, abductors and groin]).

RESULTS:

On the basis of an optimal regression model, the ability to predict radiation–associated fracture risk was 91% sensitive and 81% specific. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.9, which supports this model as a very accurate predictor of fracture risk.

CONCLUSIONS:

Radiation‐related fractures of the femur after combined surgery and radiotherapy for STS are uncommon, but are difficult to manage and their nonunion rate is extremely high. The results of the current study suggest that it is possible to predict radiation‐associated pathological fracture risk using patient and treatment variables with high sensitivity and specificity. This would allow for the identification of high‐risk patients and treatment with either close follow‐up or prophylactic intramedullary nail stabilization. The presentation of this model as a nomogram will facilitate its clinical use. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Pelvic lymph node F‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose uptake as a prognostic biomarker in newly diagnosed patients with locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Kidd Elizabeth A. , Siegel Barry A. , Dehdashti Farrokh , Grigsby Perry W.
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of F‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) as measured by positron emission tomography (PET) in pelvic lymph nodes in patients with cervical cancer.

METHODS:

The authors studied cervical cancer patients with pelvic lymph node metastasis, as evidenced on FDG‐PET, who were treated between November 2003 and October 2008. The maximum dimension and SUVmaxfor the most FDG‐avid pelvic lymph node (SUVPLN) and the SUVmaxof the primary cervical tumor (SUVcervix) were recorded from the FDG‐PET/computed tomography (CT) scan. The SUVPLNwas analyzed for its association with treatment response, pelvic disease recurrence, disease‐specific survival, and overall survival.

RESULTS:

The population was comprised of 83 women with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages IB1 to IIIB cervical cancer. The average SUVPLNwas 6.9 (range, 2.1‐33.0), whereas the average SUVcervixwas 14.0 (range, 3.2‐38.4). The SUVcervixand SUVPLNwere found to be weakly correlated (correlation coefficient [R2] = 0.301). The average size of the pelvic lymph nodes was 2.1 cm (range, 0.6‐7.9 cm), and was also found to be only weakly associated with the SUVPLN(R2= 0.225). The SUVPLNwas found to be correlated with an increased risk of persistent disease after treatment (P= .0025), specifically within the pelvic lymph node region (P= .0003). The SUVPLNwas found to be predictive of an increased risk of ever developing pelvic disease recurrence (P= .0035). Patients with a higher SUVPLNwere found to have significantly worse disease‐specific (P= .0230) and overall survival (P= .0378) using Kaplan‒Meier evaluation. A Cox proportional hazards model for the risk of pelvic disease recurrence was performed including SUVPLN,patient age, and tumor stage, and found only an increased SUVPLNto be an independent predictor.

CONCLUSIONS:

SUVPLNis a prognostic biomarker, predicting treatment response, pelvic recurrence risk, and disease‐specific survival in patients with cervical cancer. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Microscopic Insights into Methane Activation and Related Processes on Pt/Ceria Model Catalysts
Authors: Lykhach Yaroslava , Staudt Thorsten , Lorenz Michael Peter Andreas , Streber Regine , Bayer Andreas , Steinrück Hans‐Peter , Libuda Jörg
Published: January 2010

Ceria‐based supported noble‐metal catalysts release oxygen, which may help to reduce the formation of carbonaceous residues, for example during hydrocarbon reforming. To gain insight into the microscopic origins of these effects, a model study is performed under ultrahigh‐vacuum conditions using single‐crystal‐based supported model catalysts. The model systems are based on ordered CeO2(111) films on Cu(111), on which Pt nanoparticles are grown by physical vapor deposition. The growth and structure of the surfaces are characterized by means of scanning tunneling microscopy, and the electronic structure and reactivity are probed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Specifically, it is shown that the fully oxidized CeO2 thin films undergo slight reduction upon Pt deposition (CeO1.99). This effect is enhanced upon annealing (CeO1.96), thus indicating facile oxygen release and reverse spillover. The model system is structurally stable up to temperatures exceeding 700 K. The activation of methane is investigated using high‐kinetic‐energy CH4 (0.83 eV), generated by a supersonic molecular beam. It is shown that dehydrogenation occurs under rapid formation of CH or C species without detectable amounts of CH3 being formed, even at low temperatures (100 K). The released hydrogen spills over to the CeO2 support, which leads to the formation of OH groups. At 200 K and above, the OH groups start to decompose leaving additional Ce3+ centers behind (CeO1.97–1.94). At up to 700 K, carbon deposits are quantitatively removed by reaction with oxygen, which is supplied by reverse spillover from the CeO2 film, thus leading to substantial reduction of the support (∼CeO1.90–1.85).
Orientational Analysis of Dodecanethiol and p‐Nitrothiophenol SAMs on Metals with Polarisation‐Dependent SFG Spectroscopy
Authors: Cecchet Francesca , Lis Dan , Guthmuller Julien , Champagne Benoît , Caudano Yves , Silien Christophe , Addin Mani Alaa , Thiry Paul A. , Peremans André
Published: January 2010

Polarisation‐dependent sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy is used to investigate the orientation of molecules on metallic surfaces. In particular, self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of dodecanethiol (DDT) and of p‐nitrothiophenol (p‐NTP), grown on Pt and on Au, have been chosen as models to highlight the ability of combining ppp and ssp polarisations sets (representing the polarisation of the involved beams in the conventional order of SFG, Vis and IR beam) to infer orientational information at metallic interfaces. Indeed, using only the ppp set of data, as it is usually done for metallic surfaces, is not sufficient to determine the full molecular orientation. We show here that simply combining ppp and ssp polarisations enables both the tilt and rotation angles of methyl groups in DDT SAMs to be determined. Moreover, for p‐NTP, while the SFG active vibrations detected with the ppp polarisation alone provide no orientational information, however, the combination with ssp spectra enables to retrieve the tilt angle of the p‐NTP 1,4 axis. Though orientational information obtained by polarisation‐dependent measurements has been extensively used at insulating interfaces, we report here their first application to metallic surfaces.
Motherless rats show deficits in maternal behavior towards fostered pups
Authors: Palombo Daniela J. , Nowoslawski Michael , Fleming Alison S.
Published: January 2010

Complete maternal deprivation in rats, through artificial rearing (AR), produces deficits in subsequent maternal behavior of the offspring. These deficits are partially reversed when isolated pups are provided with additional tactile stimulation designed to simulate maternal licking (e.g., Gonzalez et al. [2001] Developmental Psychobiology, 38, 11–32). These findings highlight the importance of the early maternal environment in subsequent development. However, given the possibility that prenatal environments may differ between AR and maternally reared (MR) offspring, the deficits in the behavior of AR mothers may be driven by the characteristics of their pups derived from the effects of an altered prenatal environment. Hence differences in the neonatal pups of AR mothers may produce the alterations in the AR maternal behavior. To rule out this possibility, we employed a fostering paradigm where AR and MR mothers received cross‐fostered mother‐reared pups. AR mothers showed the same level of deficits in maternal behavior towards MR foster pups as they do with their own pups and these deficits were partially reversed with additional tactile stimulation. Hence, maternal behavior deficits reported in mothers who had been reared in isolation are due primarily to the direct effects of the earlier experience on mechanisms regulating their maternal behavior and not to the effects on their offspring. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 52:142–148, 2010