bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanometric thin skinned dual‐layer hollow fiber membranes for dehydration of isopropanol
Authors: Tang Yu Pan , Widjojo Natalia , Chung Tai Shung , Weber Martin , Maletzko Christian
Published: February 2013

A novel sulfonated polyphenylsulfone (sPPSU)/polyphenylsulfone (PPSU)‐based dual‐layer hollow fiber membrane with a nanometric thin skin layer has been designed for biofuel dehydration via pervaporation. The thickness of skin selective layer is in the range of 15–90 nm under different spinning conditions measured by positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) coupled with a mono‐energetic positron beam. The effects of outer‐layer dope properties, coagulation temperature, and dope flow rate during spinning were systematically investigated. By tuning these spinning parameters, a high performance sPPSU/PPSU‐based dual‐layer hollow fiber membrane with desirable morphology was successfully obtained. Particularly owing to its nanometric thin skin layer, a high flux of 3.47 kg/m2h with a separation factor of 156 was achieved for dehydration of an 85 wt % isopropanol aqueous solution at 50°C. After post thermal treatment at 150°C for 2 h, the separation factor was dramatically improved to 687 while flux dropped to 2.30 kg/m2h, which make it comparable to the inorganic membranes. In addition, excellent correlations were found among the results from field emission scanning electron microscopy, PAS spectra, and separation performance. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 2943–2956, 2013
Randomized study combining interferon and glatiramer acetate in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lublin Fred D. , Cofield Stacey S. , Cutter Gary R. , Conwit Robin , Narayana Ponnada A. , Nelson Flavia , Salter Amber R. , Gustafson Tarah , Wolinsky Jerry S. ,   for the CombiRx Investigators
Published: February 2013

Objective

A double‐blind, randomized, controlled study was undertaken to determine whether combined use of interferon β‐1a (IFN) 30μg intramuscularly weekly and glatiramer acetate (GA) 20mg daily is more efficacious than either agent alone in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis.

Methods

A total of 1,008 participants were randomized and followed until the last participant enrolled completed 3 years. The primary endpoint was reduction in annualized relapse rate utilizing a strict definition of relapse. Secondary outcomes included time to confirmed disability, Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) score, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics.

Results

Combination IFN + GA was not superior to the better of the single agents (GA) in risk of relapse. Both the combination therapy and GA were significantly better than IFN in reducing the risk of relapse. The combination was not better than either agent alone in lessening confirmed Expanded Disability Status Scale progression or change in MSFC over 36 months. The combination was superior to either agent alone in reducing new lesion activity and accumulation of total lesion volumes. In a post hoc analysis, combination therapy resulted in a higher proportion of participants attaining disease activity‐free status (DAFS) compared to either single arm, driven by the MRI results.

Interpretation

Combining the 2 most commonly prescribed therapies for multiple sclerosis did not produce a significant clinical benefit over 3 years. An effect was seen on some MRI metrics. In a test of comparative efficacy, GA was superior to IFN in reducing the risk of exacerbation. The extension phase for CombiRx will address whether the observed differences in MRI and DAFS findings predict later clinical differences. ANN NEUROL 2013;73:327–340
Synthesis, pH sensitivity, and drug‐release behavior of acrylic acid and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane copolymer
Authors: Jiang Chunmei , Zhang Chunling , Bai Xuetao , Liu Bo , Mu Jianxin
Published: February 2013

pH‐Sensitive organic–inorganic copolymers of hydrogels were developed as drug delivery systems (DDS) to improve the swelling behavior of polyacrylic acid (PAA). They were represented through FTIR, TGA and XRD characterization which revealed that the functional groups of methacryl‐phenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) were successfully added to the acrylic acid (AA) molecular chains through radical solution polymerization. The DSC test results indicate that the addition of POSS could improve the thermal properties of the copolymers. The swelling properties at the pH range of 1.25–8.01 exhibited the pH sensitivity of POSS/AA copolymers (POSS‐co‐AA) and the lower swelling ratio in acidic conditions indicated that the DDS had low amount of release in SGF; this phenomenon suggested that the copolymer was available as DDS of theophylline. And it was proved by drug release curve and scanning electron microscopy. Since the addition of POSS reduced the release rate of theophylline and prolonged the release time of the drug, the concentration range of theophylline could remain low for an extended duration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Modification of wheat gluten with citric acid to produce superabsorbent materials
Authors: Chiou Bor‐Sen , Jafri Haani , Cao Trung , Robertson George H. , Gregorski Kay S. , Imam Syed H. , Glenn Greg M. , Orts William J.
Published: February 2013

Wheat gluten was reacted with citric acid to produce natural superabsorbent materials able to absorb up to 78 times its weight in water. The properties of the modified gluten samples were characterized using Fourier Transform Infra‐red (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and water uptake. The reaction between gluten and citric acid was examined for gluten : citric acid ratios of 0.38 : 1 to 0.75 : 1 at temperatures from 100 to 130°C. More citric acid reacted for samples containing higher citric acid concentrations and at higher temperatures. FTIR analyses indicated the presence of carboxylate groups on the modified gluten samples, which resulted in modified samples having higher water uptake values than neat gluten. The sample with a gluten:citric acid ratio of 0.5 : 1 and reaction temperature of 120°C had the largest water uptake value. Also, all modified gluten samples had lower thermal stability than neat gluten. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone‐silica hybrid membranes for pervaporation separation of methanol/ethylene glycol azeotrope
Authors: Zhang Qiu Gen , Hu Wen Wei , Liu Qing Lin , Zhu Ai Mei
Published: February 2013

Chitosan (CS)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)‐silica hybrid membranes are prepared to separate the methanol/ethylene glycol (EG) azeotrope. These hybrid membranes are formed in semi‐interpenetrating network structure at the molecular scale via sol‐gel reactions between CS and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). The physico‐chemical property and morphology of the as‐prepared membranes are investigated in detail. They have lower crystallinity, higher thermal stability, and denser structure than the pristine CS membrane and its blending counterpart. The as‐prepared hybrid membranes demonstrate excellent performances and a great potential in pervaporation separation of methanol/EG. Silica‐hybridization depressed the swelling degree of membranes in the azeotrope, and remarkably enhanced methanol sorption selectivity. The membrane containing 7.77 wt % PVP and 14.52 wt % TEOS has a permeation flux of 0.119 kg m−2 h−1 and separation factor of 1899. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Bag6/Bat3/Scythe: A novel chaperone activity with diverse regulatory functions in protein biogenesis and degradation
Authors: Lee Jin‐Gu , Ye Yihong
Published: February 2013

Upon emerging from the ribosome exiting tunnel, polypeptide folding occurs immediately with the assistance of both ribosome‐associated and free chaperones. While many chaperones known to date are dedicated folding catalysts, recent studies have revealed a novel chaperoning system that functions at the interface of protein biogenesis and quality control by using a special “holdase” activity in order to sort and channel client proteins to distinct destinations. The key component, Bag6/Bat3/Scythe, can effectively shield long hydrophobic segments exposed on the surface of a polypeptide, preventing aggregation or inappropriate interactions before a triaging decision is made. The biological consequences of Bag6‐mediated chaperoning are divergent for different substrates, ranging from membrane integration to proteasome targeting and destruction. Accordingly, Bag6 can act in various cellular contexts in order to execute many essential cellular functions, while dysfunctions in the Bag6 system can cause severe cellular abnormalities that may be associated with some pathological conditions.
Organic co‐solvents affect activity, stability and enantioselectivity of haloalkane dehalogenases
Authors: Stepankova Veronika , Damborsky Jiri , Chaloupkova Radka
Published: February 2013

Haloalkane dehalogenases are microbial enzymes with a wide range of biotechnological applications, including biocatalysis. The use of organic co‐solvents to solubilize their hydrophobic substrates is often necessary. In order to choose the most compatible co‐solvent, the effects of 14 co‐solvents on activity, stability and enantioselectivity of three model enzymes, DbjA, DhaA, and LinB, were evaluated. All co‐solvents caused at high concentration loss of activity and conformational changes. The highest inactivation was induced by tetrahydrofuran, while more hydrophilic co‐solvents, such as ethylene glycol and dimethyl sulfoxide, were better tolerated. The effects of co‐solvents at low concentration were different for each enzyme‐solvent pair. An increase in DbjA activity was induced by the majority of organic co‐solvents tested, while activities of DhaA and LinB decreased at comparable concentrations of the same co‐solvent. Moreover, a high increase of DbjA enantioselectivity was observed. Ethylene glycol and 1,4‐dioxane were shown to have the most positive impact on the enantioselectivity. The favorable influence of these co‐solvents on both activity and enantioselectivity makes DbjA suitable for biocatalytic applications. This study represents the first investigation of the effects of organic co‐solvents on the biocatalytic performance of haloalkane dehalogenases and will pave the way for their broader use in industrial processes.
Determination of PF‐04620110, a novel inhibitor of diacylglycerol acyltransferase‐1, in rat plasma using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and its application in pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Lee Kyeong‐Ryoon , Choi Sung Heum , Song Jin‐Sook , Seo Hyewon , Chae Yoon‐Jee , Cho Hwang Eui , Ahn Jin Hee , Ahn Sung‐Hoon , Bae Myung Ae
Published: February 2013

In this study, we developed a method for the determination of PF‐04620110 (2‐{(1r,4r)‐4‐[4‐(4‐amino‐5‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydropyrimido[5,4‐f][1,4]oxazepin‐6(5H)‐yl)phenyl]cyclohexyl}acetic acid), a novel diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT‐1) inhibitor, in rat plasma and validated it using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Rat plasma samples were processed following a protein precipitation method by using acetonitrile and were then injected into an LC‐MS/MS system for quantification. PF‐04620110 and imipramine (internal standard) were separated using a Hypersil Gold C18 column, with a mixture of acetonitrile and 10 mm ammonium formate (90:10, v/v) as the mobile phase. The ion transitions monitored in positive‐ion mode [M + H]+ of multiple‐reaction monitoring were m/z 397.0 → 260.2 for PF‐04620110 and m/z 280.8 → 86.0 for imipramine. The detector response was specific and linear for PF‐04620110 at concentrations within the range 0.05–50 µg/mL and the signal‐to‐noise ratios for the samples were ≥10. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision and accuracy of the method matched the acceptance criteria for assay validation. PF‐04620110 was stable under various processing and/or handling conditions. PF‐04620110 concentrations in the rat plasma samples could be measured up to 24 h after intravenous or oral administration of PF‐04620110, suggesting that the assay is useful for pharmacokinetic studies in rats. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination and pharmacokinetics of geniposidic acid in rat plasma after oral administration of Gardeniajasminoides fruit crude extract and Zhi‐zi‐chi decoction
Authors: Long Zhimin , Zhang Ruowen , Zhao Xu , Meng Xia , Bi Kaishun , Chen Xiaohui
Published: February 2013

A simple and efficient liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of geniposidic acid in rat plasma. After the addition of internal standard salidroside and acidification (0.1% formic acid, pH = 3.2), plasma samples were carried out by protein precipitation with acetonitrile and separated on a Kromasil C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) within a run time of 9.0 min. Analysis was performed in selected ion monitoring mode with a positive electrospray ionization interface. No endogenous interference was observed at retention times of the analytes because of the high specificity of selected ion monitoring mode. The linear range was 0.02–4.0 µg/mL and the lower limit of quantification was 0.02 µg/mL. The mean extraction recoveries of geniposidic acid and internal standard from rat plasma were all >88.0% and the matrix effects were within acceptance criteria (90–110%). The validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of geniposidic acid in rat plasma after oral administration of G. jasminoides fruit crude extract and Zhi‐zi‐chi decoction, respectively. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous determination of cytosine arabinoside and its metabolite, uracil arabinoside, in human plasma using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with UV detection
Authors: Uchiyama Masanobu , Takamatsu Yasushi , Ogata Kentaro , Matsumoto Taichi , Jimi Shiro , Tamura Kazuo , Hara Shuuji
Published: February 2013

A practical high‐performance liquid chromatography using a Cosmosil HILIC column and UV detection was developed for determining the concentrations of cytosine arabinoside (Ara‐C) and uracil arabinoside (Ara‐U), which is a major metabolite of Ara‐C, in human plasma. This method was used to determine the plasma concentrations of Ara‐C and Ara‐U in a patient treated with high‐dose Ara‐C therapy for end‐stage renal failure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy in a neonate with pulmonary artery thrombus
Authors: Nicholson George T. , Kogon Brian , Vincent Robert
Published: February 2013

A newborn infant with obstructed supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous return underwent emergent surgical correction on day of life 0. A surgically placed transthoracic pulmonary artery catheter was used to monitor pulmonary artery pressure and removed on postoperative day 3. Following acute deterioration in respiratory status requiring reintubation, echocardiographic assessment demonstrated findings consistent with pulmonary hypertension and diminished flow to the left lung. Cardiac catheterization confirmed elevated pulmonary artery pressure and near complete occlusion of his left pulmonary artery due to a thrombus. He underwent successful percutaneous catheter‐based thrombectomy using the AngioJet rheolytic catheter, recovered fully, and was discharged home on postoperative day 30. Although thrombotic events resulting in respiratory and hemodynamic compromise are rare in infants, recognition is important and treatment using mechanical thrombectomy can be life saving. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of Sulfonic Acid Functionalised Hybrid Silicas Obtained by Oxidative Cleavage of Tetrasulfide Bridges as Catalysts in Esterification Reactions
Authors: López María Isabel , Esquivel Dolores , Jiménez‐Sanchidrián César , Romero‐Salguero Francisco José
Published: February 2013

Hybrid materials with tetrasulfide bridges were synthesised by co‐condensation between bis[3‐(triethoxysilyl)propyl]tetrasulfide and either tetraethyl orthosilicate or 1,4‐bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene under acidic conditions in the presence of Brij‐76 as a structure‐directing agent. They were post‐modified by treatment with H2O2 for 3 h or 24 h. A progressive loss of the mesostructure in the resulting materials was observed upon increasing the S content in the synthesis mixtures. Thus, only those samples with the lowest tetrasulfide content could be considered as periodic mesoporous organosilicas. This effect was even more pronounced upon oxidation. The oxidised materials exhibited a considerable acidity, particularly those with the two precursors in approximately equal amounts. All sulfonic acid functionalised materials were used as catalysts in the esterification of acetic acid with ethanol, and they exhibited a comparable or very similar activity to that of Amberlyst‐15. Several mesoporous and microporous hybrid materials were selected and compared to this commercial resin in the transformation of more hydrophobic substrates. Some of these hybrid materials were especially attractive for the transformation of benzyl alcohol and various secondary alcohols.
Formal Total Synthesis of the Algal Toxin (−)‐Polycavernoside A
Authors: Brewitz Lennart , Llaveria Josep , Yada Akira , Fürstner Alois
Published: February 2013

A concise and largely catalysis‐based approach to the potent algal toxin polycavernoside A (1) is described that intercepts a late‐stage intermediate of a previous total synthesis; from there on, this challenging target can be reached in a small number of steps. Key to success was a sequence of a molybdenum‐catalyzed ring‐closing alkyne metathesis (RCAM) reaction to forge the macrocyclic frame, followed by a gold‐catalyzed and strictly regioselective transannular hydroalkoxylation of the resulting cycloalkyne that allows the intricate oxygenation pattern of the macrolactone ring of 1 to be properly set. The required cyclization precursor 5 was assembled by the arguably most advanced fragment coupling process based on an Evans–Tishchenko redox esterification known to date, which was optimized to the extent that the precious coupling partners could be used in an almost equimolar ratio (6/7 1:1.3). The preparation of these building blocks features, inter alia, the power of the Sc(OTf)3‐catalyzed Leighton crotylation as well as the superb selectivities of alkene cross metathesis, asymmetric keto‐ester hydrogenation, and the Jacobsen epoxidation/epoxide resolution technologies.
Screening of Porous Materials by Thermal Response Measurements
Authors: Leistner Matthias , Grählert Wulf , Kaskel Stefan
Published: February 2013

Adsorption thermal response screening by optical adsorption calorimetry was recently demonstrated to be a versatile tool for rapid surface area and adsorption capacity testing of porous materials. Beyond the high throughput approach, further insight in possibilities and application examples for the method will be presented. Especially a rapid classification of porous materials regarding their pore properties and the possibility to evaluate adsorption kinetics by using thermal response measurements will be discussed.
Fast Optical Tomography for the Detection of OH* Distributions in Flames
Authors: Anikin Nikolay B. , Suntz Rainer , Bockhorn Henning
Published: February 2013

Ein kürzlich entwickeltes und patentiertes schnelles optisches Tomographiesystem wurde eingesetzt, um zweidimensionale Verteilungen der OH*‐Chemilumineszenz in laminaren und turbulenten Flammen zu ermitteln. Dies konnte mit der Anordnung trotz der in Flammen äußerst geringen OH*‐Konzentration von lediglich einigen ppb bei Belichtungszeiten bis zu 100 – 200 μs und einer räumlichen Auflösung von < 1 – 2 mm erreicht werden. Die Ergebnisse liefern u. a. wichtige Informationen im Hinblick auf die Ermittlung der Wärmefreisetzungsrate von Flammen zur Vorhersage instabiler Betriebspunkte in Gasturbinen.
Heavy Metal Pollution in Sediments from Aquatic Ecosystems in China
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Shao Hongbo
Published: February 2013

We conducted an analysis of heavy metals content, including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn in sediments from aquatic ecosystems in China measured in recent publications. Then, we evaluated the extent of heavy metal pollution in these ecosystems in seven different industrial districts in China (Dongbei, Huabei, Huazhong, Huanan, Huaxik, Xibei, and Huadong) with the potential ecological risk index. We found that Cd was the most concentrated pollutant, followed by Hg and As, while Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn were found in low concentrations in sediments from all types of aquatic ecosystem in China. Sediments collected from all seven industrial districts were heavily polluted, and the sequence, from most to least polluted was Dongbei>Huabei>Huazhong>Huanan>Huaxi>Xibei>Huadong. All four types of aquatic ecosystem were found to be seriously polluted and the sequence, from most to least polluted was: river>sea>lake>wetland. Specifically, Cd and Hg were the most serious pollutants in all four aquatic ecosystems, and As was also a serious pollutant in rivers. For the seven industrial districts studied the sea was the most polluted ecosystem in Dongbei, the river was the most polluted ecosystem in Huabei, Huanan, Huazhong, and the lake was the most polluted in Huadong, Huaxi, and Xibei.
A Novel Concept for the Removal of Solvent Vapors from Exhaust Air
Authors: Ludgen Diana , Wichmann Hubertus , Bahadir Muefit
Published: February 2013

The emission of large amounts of solvent vapors with exhaust air from industrial production into the environment is a serious problem. In Germany, industry‐sector‐specific threshold values are applied and technical measures for pollution reduction are required. Different techniques for exhaust air cleaning are in use but still posing problems concerning costs and reliability. For these reasons, the development of processes for exhaust air treatment is the subject of the current research. A new concept for exhaust air cleaning is introduced that combines absorption of a solvent vapor by an organic fluid and a subsequent adsorption by a molecular sieve placed in the absorber. It was managed to close the loops of solvent recovery and sorbents regeneration. In laboratory‐scale experiments it was possible to reduce an initial ethylacetate pollution of 800 mg/m3 or 349 mg C/m3 below the limit value of 75 mg C/m3 over 60 h duration. Thermogravimetric measurements assisted to define optimum conditions for solvent recovery at 180°C from the molecular sieve. One unexpected positive finding was the considerable increase in the solvent release in the presence of the absorption fluid while adsorption isotherms revealed first insight into this process.
Significance of bone marrow reticulin fibrosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia at diagnosis
Authors: Tadmor Tamar , Shvidel Lev , Aviv Ariel , Ruchlemer Rosa , Bairey Osnat , Yuklea Mona , Herishanu Yair , Braester Andre , Levene Naomi , Vernea Fiona , Ben‐Ezra Jonathan , Bejar Jacob , Polliack Aaron ,   on behalf of the Israeli CLL Study Group
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND:

Bone marrow (BM) biopsies from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) may show reticulin fibrosis at diagnosis, but its significance remains unclear. This study sought to assess the prognostic impact of BM reticulin fibrosis in patients with previously untreated CLL.

METHODS:

Data was reviewed from untreated CLL patients in the national Israel CLL database, followed during 1987 to 2012. All bone marrow biopsies were graded for reticulin fibrosis using a modified scoring system containing 4 grades (0‐3), based on the European consensus report. Grade of reticulin fibrosis was correlated with overall survival (OS), outcome, and a number of well‐recognized prognostic factors for CLL.

RESULTS:

The final cohort included 176 patients (122 males and 51 females). Median age was 63 years (range, 32‐86 years) and the 5‐year OS was 77.1%. Grade of BM reticulin fibrosis correlated with OS (P < .0001) and mortality (P = .001), and separated patients into 2 groups with different survival curves. Advanced reticulin fibrosis (grades 2‐3) was associated with thrombocytopenia (platelet counts of < 100,000/mm3) (P = .025), anemia (P = .018), elevated β2‐microglobulin < 4000 μg/mL (P = .048), and the presence of 11q deletion (P = .0015).

CONCLUSIONS:

There was a significant correlation between poor survival and grade of BM reticulin fibrosis. This staining procedure is easy to perform and can readily be added routinely when examining BM biopsies in CLL, because the findings do have prognostic implications. Cancer 2013. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Preparation and Formation Mechanism of Highly Dispersed Manganese Silicide on Silica by MOCVD of Mn(CO)5SiCl3
Authors: Guan Jingchao , Jin Jianhui , Chen Xiao , Zhang Bingsen , Su Dangsheng , Liang Changhai
Published: February 2013

MnSi nanoparticles on silica are prepared by metal‐organic (MO)CVD of Mn(CO)5SiCl3 as a single‐source precursor. Mn(CO)5SiCl3 is synthesized from Mn2(CO)10 and SiHCl3 using standard Schlenk techniques, and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and 13C and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Powder XRD patterns, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), elemental maps, and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy show that MnSi particles, with a size of about 5–6 nm, are uniformly dispersed on the silica support. The formation mechanism of MnSi nanoparticles on silica is investigated by in‐situ FTIR spectroscopy. The results demonstrate the formation details of MnSi nanoparticles from Mn(CO)5SiCl3 through the elimination of carbonyl groups and dissociation of SiCl bonds with the promotion of H2.
Parametric Study of Methane Catalytic CVD into Single‐walled Carbon Nanotubes Using Spin‐coated Iron Nanoparticles
Authors: Seah Choon‐Ming , Chai Siang‐Piao , Ichikawa Satoshi , Mohamed Abdul Rahman
Published: February 2013

The effects of reaction temperature, methane partial pressure, and reaction period on growing single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are demonstrated in the present study. Simple methane CVD is carried out using a homemade iron nanoparticles catalyst. The iron nanoparticles are prepared by spin‐coating a colloidal mixture of iron(III) nitrate, PEG‐400, and absolute ethanol on silicon wafers. The experimental results show that the effects of all three reaction parameters studied, on the morphology and the topography of the SWCNT arrays, are significant. There is no evidence showing that the diameter of SWCNTs is correlated with these three reaction parameters.
Collapsin response mediator protein 4 affects the number of tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive neurons in the sexually dimorphic nucleus in female mice
Authors: Iwakura Takashi , Sakoh Miyuki , Tsutiya Atsuhiro , Yamashita Naoya , Ohtani Akiko , Tsuda Mumeko C. , Ogawa Sonoko , Tsukahara Shinji , Nishihara Masugi , Shiga Takashi , Goshima Yoshio , Kato Tomohiro , Ohtani‐Kaneko Ritsuko
Published: February 2013

In the sexually dimorphic anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) of the hypothalamus, females have a greater number of tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive (TH‐ir) and kisspeptin‐immunoreactive (kisspeptin‐ir) neurons than males. In this study, we used proteomics analysis and gene‐deficient mice to identify proteins that regulate the number of TH‐ir and kisspeptin‐ir neurons in the AVPV. Analysis of protein expressions in the rat AVPV on postnatal day 1 (PD1; the early phase of sex differentiation) using two‐dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis followed by MALDI‐TOF‐MS identified collapsin response mediator protein 4 (CRMP4) as a protein exhibiting sexually dimorphic expression. Interestingly, this sexually differential expressions of CRMP4 protein and mRNA in the AVPV was not detected on PD6. Prenatal testosterone exposure canceled the sexual difference in the expression of Crmp4 mRNA in the rat AVPV. Next, we used CRMP4‐knockout (CRMP4‐KO) mice to determine the in vivo function of CRMP4 in the AVPV. Crmp4 knockout did not change the number of kisspeptin‐ir neurons in the adult AVPV in either sex. However, the number of TH‐ir neurons was increased in the AVPV of adult female CRMP4‐KO mice as compared with the adult female wild‐type mice. During development, no significant difference in the number of TH‐ir neurons was detected between sexes or genotypes on embryonic day 15, but a female‐specific increase in TH‐ir neurons was observed in CRMP4‐KO mice on PD1, when the sex difference was not yet apparent in wild‐type mice. These results indicate that CRMP4 regulates the number of TH‐ir cell number in the female AVPV. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 73: 502–517, 2013
N‐cadherin regulates the proliferation and differentiation of ventral midbrain dopaminergic progenitors
Authors: Sakane Fumi , Miyamoto Yasunori
Published: February 2013

Adherens junction (AJ) between dopaminergic (DA) progenitors maintains the structure of ventricular zone and polarity of radial glia cells in the ventral midbrain (vMB) during embryonic development. However, it is unclear how loss of N‐cadherin might influence the integrity of the AJ and the process of DA neurogenesis. Here, we used conditional gene targeting approaches to perform the region‐specific removal of N‐cadherin in the neurogenic niche of DA neurons in the vMB. Removal of N‐cadherin in the vMB using Shh‐Cre disrupts the AJs of DA progenitors and radial glia processes in the vMB. Surprisingly, loss of N‐cadherin in the vMB leads to a significant expansion of DA progenitors, including those expressing Sox2, Ngn2, and Otx2. Cell cycle analyses reveal that the cell cycle exit in the progenitor cells is decreased in the mutants from E11.5 to E12.5. In addition, the efficiency of DA progenitors in differentiating into DA neurons is decreased from E10.5 to E12.5, leading to a marked reduction in the number of DA neurons at E11.5, E12.5, and E17.5. Loss of N‐cadherin leads to the diffuse distribution of β‐catenin proteins, which are a critical component of AJ and Wnt signaling, from the AJ throughout the entire cytoplasm in neuroepithelial cells, suggesting that canonical Wnt signaling might be activated in the DA progenitors in vMB. Taken together, these results support the notion that N‐cadherin regulates the proliferation of DA progenitors and the differentiation of DA neurons through canonical Wnt‐β‐catenin signaling in the vMB. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 73: 518–529, 2013
Generation and characterization of KsprtTA and KsptTA transgenic mice
Authors: Pan Xinchao , Small Erin V. , Igarashi Peter , Carroll Thomas J.
Published: February 2013

The advent of technologies that allow tissue specific expression or ablation of genes has contributed enormously to our knowledge of the mechanism regulating organ development and maintenance in mice. The tetracycline inducible system allows reversible regulation of gene products upon administration of doxycycline. Here we describe the generation and activity of two transgenic lines expressing the cDNAs for the Tet responsive transcription factors rtTA and tTA (Tet‐on and off) respectively under the control of an element that drives expression in the epithelium of the developing and adult kidney. Both lines show inducible and reversible activity in the embryonic and adult organ. genesis 51:430–435. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
β‐Glucan enhances antitumor immune responses by regulating differentiation and function of monocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells
Authors: Tian Jie , Ma Jie , Ma Ke , Guo Hongye , Baidoo Samuel Essien , Zhang Yue , Yan Jun , Lu Liwei , Xu Huaxi , Wang Shengjun
Published: February 2013

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) accumulate in tumor‐bearing hosts and play a major role in tumor‐induced immunosuppression, which hampers effective immuno‐therapeutic approaches. β‐Glucans have been reported to function as potent immuno‐modulators to stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses, which contributes to their antitumor property. Here, we investigated the effect of particulate β‐glucans on MDSCs and found that β‐glucan treatment could promote the differentiation of M‐MDSCs (monocytic MDSCs) into a more mature CD11c+ F4/80+ Ly6Clow population via dectin‐1 pathway in vitro, which is NF‐κB dependent, and the suppressive function of M‐MDSCs was significantly decreased. Treatment of orally administered yeast‐derived particulate β‐glucan drastically downregulated MDSCs but increased the infiltrated DCs and macrophages in tumor‐bearing mice, thus eliciting CTL and Th1 responses, inhibiting the suppressive activity of regulatory T cells, thereby leading to the delayed tumor progression. We show here for the first time that β‐glucans induce the differentiation of MDSCs and inhibit the regulatory function of MDSCs, therefore revealing a novel mechanism for β‐glucans in immunotherapy and suggesting their potential clinical benefit.
Spin‐Crossover Complexes
Authors: Murray Keith S. , Oshio Hiroki , Real José Antonio
Published: February 2013

EurJIC is proud to present a bumper issue on Spin‐Crossover Complexes. Our Guest Editors, Keith Murray, Hiroki Oshio and José Antonio Real, have worked hard to put together a fantastic issue. With a valuable personal account of the field by Philipp Gütlich and inspiring papers by leading experts, you will not be disappointed.
Recent methodological and instrumental development in MEKC
Authors: Deeb Sami El , Dawwas Hanaa Asad , Gust Ronald
Published: February 2013

The review gives an update about the methodological and instrumental developments in micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography as a type of CE analytical technique. Here, the last two years development of the technique are particularly presented. Recent approaches to improve sensitivity are discussed. Newly introduced concentration techniques and experimental methods for verification of the different mechanisms and processes of micellar electrokinetic chromatography analysis are highlighted. A theoretical model to explain changes in separation and electrophoretic mobility order of fully charged analytes are demonstrated. Modern approaches for improving compatibility of micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography to mass spectrometry are also reported.
Partial ranked set sampling design
Authors: Haq Abdul , Brown Jennifer , Moltchanova Elena , Al‐Omari Amer Ibrahim
Published: February 2013

In many environmental studies, the main focus is on observational economy, that is, to obtain data on the basis of cost‐effective and efficient sampling methods. In this paper, we propose a partial ranked set sampling (PRSS) method for estimation of population mean, median and variance. On the basis of perfect and imperfect rankings, Monte Carlo simulations from symmetric and asymmetric distributions are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed estimators. It is found that the estimators under PRSS are more efficient than the estimators based on simple random sampling. The procedure is illustrated with a case study using a real data set. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of gene expression data to determine effects on gonad phenotype in japanese medaka after exposure to trenbolone or estradiol
Authors: Flynn Kevin , Swintek Joe , Johnson Rodney
Published: February 2013

Various aquatic bioassays using one of several fish species have been developed or are in the process of being developed by organizations like the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Office of Economic Cooperation and Development for testing potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Often, these involve assessment of the gonad phenotype of individuals as a key endpoint that is inputted into a risk or hazard assessment. Typically, gonad phenotype is determined histologically, which involves specialized and time-consuming techniques. The methods detailed here utilize an entirely different methodology, reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, to determine the relative expression levels of 4 genes after exposure to either 17β-estradiol or 17β-trenbolone and, by extension, the effects of EDCs on the phenotypic status of the gonad. The 4 genes quantified, Sox9b, protamine, Fig1α, and ZPC1, are all involved in gonad development and maintenance in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes); these data were then inputted into a permutational multivariate analysis of variance to determine whether significant differences exist between treatment groups. This information in conjunction with the sexual genotype, which can be determined in medaka, can be used to determine adverse effects of exposure to EDCs in a similar fashion to the histologically determined gonad phenotype. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1344–1353. © 2013 SETAC
Paralytic shellfish toxins inhibit copper uptake in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Cusick Kathleen D. , Wetzel Randall K. , Minkin Steven C. , Dodani Sheel C. , Wilhelm Steven W. , Sayler Gary S.
Published: February 2013

Paralytic shellfish toxins are secondary metabolites produced by several species of dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria. Known targets of these toxins, which typically occur at detrimental concentrations during harmful algal blooms, include voltage-gated ion channels in humans and other mammals. However, the effects of the toxins on the co-occurring phytoplankton community remain unknown. The present study examined the molecular mechanisms of the model photosynthetic alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in response to saxitoxin exposure as a means of gaining insight into the phytoplankton community response to a bloom. Previous work with yeast indicated that saxitoxin inhibited copper uptake, so experiments were designed to examine whether saxitoxin exhibited a similar mode of action in algae. Expression profiling following exposure to saxitoxin or a copper chelator produced similar profiles in copper homeostasis genes, notably induction of the cytochrome c6 (CYC6) and copper transporter (COPT1, CTR1) genes. Cytochrome c6 is used as an alternative to plastocyanin under conditions of copper deficiency, and immunofluorescence data showed this protein to be present in a significantly greater proportion of saxitoxin-exposed cells compared to controls. Live-cell imaging with a copper-sensor probe for intracellular labile Cu(I) confirmed that saxitoxin blocked copper uptake. Extrapolations of these data to phytoplankton metabolic processes along with the copper transporter as a molecular target of saxitoxin based on existing structural models are discussed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1388–1395. © 2013 SETAC
Absorption, distribution, and biotransformation of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine in B6C3F1 mice (Mus musculus)
Authors: Pan Xiaoping , Ochoa Kelly M. , Francisco Michael J. San , Cox Stephen B. , Dixon Kenneth , Anderson Todd A. , Cobb George P.
Published: February 2013

Absorption, distribution, and biotransformation are 3 critical aspects affecting toxicant action in animals. In the present study, B6C3F1 mice (Mus musculus) were exposed for 28 d to contaminated feed that contained 1 of 5 different hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) concentrations: 0 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg. The authors quantified RDX and its reductive transformation products hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine (MNX), hexahydro-1,3-dinitroso-5-nitro-1,3,5-triazine (DNX), and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine (TNX) in the stomach, intestine, plasma, liver, and brain of these mice. Average RDX concentrations followed a dose-dependent pattern for all matrices tested. No controls had concentrations above limits of detection. Average RDX concentrations in tissues of exposed mice ranged from 11.1 ng/mL to 182 ng/mL, 25.6 ng/g to 3319 ng/g, 123 ng/g to 233 ng/g, 144 ng/g to 35 900 ng/g, and 51.1 ng/g to 2697 ng/g in the plasma, brain, liver, stomach, and intestine, respectively. A considerable amount of RDX was present in the brain, especially in the highest-exposure group. This is consistent with the widely observed central nervous system effects caused by γ-aminobutyric acid inhibition associated with RDX exposure. N-nitroso metabolites of RDX were also present in tested tissues in a dose-dependent pattern. Average MNX concentrations in the stomachs of mice exposed to RDX ranged from nondetectable in control exposures to 490 ng/g in the highest-exposure groups. In the brain, MNX accumulated at a maximum average concentration of 165.1 ng/g, suggesting the potential formation of MNX from RDX within the brain. At higher exposures, DNX and TNX were present in the stomach, plasma, and brain of mice. The presence of RDX metabolites at notable amounts in different tissues suggests that RDX can transform into its N-nitroso metabolites in vivo by an undefined mechanism. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1295–1303. © 2013 SETAC
Model‐Based Ex Situ Diagnostics of Water Fluxes in Catalyst Layers of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Liu J. , Gazzarri J. , Eikerling M.
Published: February 2013

The ability to predict the electrochemical performance of the cathode catalyst layer in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell hinges on a precise knowledge of water distribution and fluxes. Water transport mechanisms that must be accounted for include vapor diffusion, liquid water permeation and vaporization exchange. In order to facilitate experimental efforts to this effect, we propose an ex situ model of water fluxes in catalyst layers. The model formulation is similar to transmission line models that are widely used in the analysis of electrochemical impedance spectra of porous composite electrodes. Focusing in this article on steady state and isothermal conditions, we rationalize the response function between defined environmental conditions, i.e. gas pressures, partial vapor pressures and temperature, which are defined at the boundaries of the catalyst layer, and the net water flux. This response function provides diagnostic capabilities to isolate and extract water transport parameters of catalyst layers from measurements of water fluxes through membrane electrode assemblies or half cell systems. An important asset of the model is the ability to analyze catalyst layer transport properties under partial saturation.
Chromium Poisoning of LaMnO3‐Based Cathode within Generalized Approach
Authors: Yokokawa H. , Horita T. , Yamaji K. , Kishimoto H. , Yamamoto T. , Yoshikawa M. , Mugikura Y. , Tomida K.
Published: February 2013

Recent progress of the NEDO project on durability/reliability of SOFC stacks is reported with an emphasis on the achievement of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' segment‐in‐series cells in which the lanthanum manganite cathode has been improved. Durability tests were made by CRIEPI on their cells with/without doped ceria interlayer to check plausible effects of microstructure change and of chromium poisoning. Improved cells exhibit essentially no degradation for 10,000 h and also strong tolerance against the Cr contamination from stainless steel tubes. These features are discussed within the generalized degradation model developed inside the NEDO project. In particular, the extremely small overpotential can be considered to be effective in lowering the Cr poisoning by reducing the driving forces for the electrochemical Cr deposition at active sites. Insertion of doped ceria is also useful in preventing the Cr deposition or enhancing the volatilization of deposited Cr with cathodically emitted water vapors from ceria. Thermodynamic considerations reveal that the initial composition of LSM cathode is important to determine the microstructure change due to the chromium dissolution into the B‐sites in the perovskite lattice. Discussions are made on a role of doped ceria to prevent deterioration of Mn‐dissolved electrolyte by lowering the Mn dissolution into YSZ.
What role for revenue decoupling for today's utilities?
Authors: Hansen Daniel G.
Published: February 2013

To understand revenue‐decoupling mechanisms, it is necessary to start with an explanation of what typically is “coupled” in utility‐rate structures.
Electric regulation: Freeing LNG exports from the United States
Authors: Bowden Nicholas S.
Published: February 2013

Increased technical and financial viability of renewable energy resources has polarized the energy policy debate.
Regulatory economics: Should geothermal heat pumps qualify for state renewable energy standards?
Authors: Barclay Richard A.
Published: February 2013

State renewable energy standards (RESs), or renewable portfolio standards, are constantly being reviewed and updated. One relatively new approach being considered around the country is to allow geothermal heat pumps (GHPs), or ground source heat pumps, to be treated the same as traditional renewable energy sources for awarding renewable energy credits (RECs).
Taurolithocholate-induced MRP2 retrieval involves MARCKS phosphorylation by protein kinase Cε in HUH-NTCP Cells
Authors: Schonhoff Christopher M. , Webster Cynthia R. L. , Anwer Sawkat M.
Published: February 2013

Taurolithocholate (TLC) acutely inhibits the biliary excretion of multidrug-resistant associated protein 2 (Mrp2) substrates by inducing Mrp2 retrieval from the canalicular membrane, whereas cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) increases plasma membrane (PM)–MRP2. The effect of TLC may be mediated via protein kinase Cε (PKCε). Myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) is a membrane-bound F-actin crosslinking protein and is phosphorylated by PKCs. MARCKS phosphorylation has been implicated in endocytosis, and the underlying mechanism appears to be the detachment of phosphorylated myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (pMARCKS) from the membrane. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that TLC-induced MRP2 retrieval involves PKCε-mediated MARCKS phosphorylation. Studies were conducted in HuH7 cells stably transfected with sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (HuH-NTCP cells) and in rat hepatocytes. TLC increased PM–PKCε and decreased PM-MRP2 in both HuH-NTCP cells and hepatocytes. cAMP did not affect PM-PKCε and increased PM-MRP2 in these cells. In HuH-NTCP cells, dominant-negative (DN) PKCε reversed TLC-induced decreases in PM-MRP2 without affecting cAMP-induced increases in PM-MRP2. TLC, but not cAMP, increased MARCKS phosphorylation in HuH-NTCP cells and hepatocytes. TLC and phorbol myristate acetate increased cytosolic pMARCKS and decreased PM-MARCKS in HuH-NTCP cells. TLC failed to increase MARCKS phosphorylation in HuH-NTCP cells transfected with DN-PKCε, and this suggested PKCε-mediated phosphorylation of MARCKS by TLC. In HuH-NTCP cells transfected with phosphorylation-deficient MARCKS, TLC failed to increase MARCKS phosphorylation or decrease PM-MRP2. Conclusion: Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that TLC-induced MRP2 retrieval involves TLC-mediated activation of PKCε followed by MARCKS phosphorylation and consequent detachment of MARCKS from the membrane. (HEPATOLOGY 2013;)