bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farnesoid X Receptor Alleviates Age-Related Proliferation Defects in Regenerating Mouse Livers by Activating Forkhead Box M1b Transcription
Authors: Chen Wei-Dong , Wang Yan-Dong , Zhang Lisheng , Shiah Steven , Wang Meihua , Yang Fan , Yu Donna , Forman Barry M. , Huang Wendong
Published: October 2009

Elucidating the mechanism of liver regeneration could lead to life-saving therapy for a large number of patients, especially elderly patients, after segmental liver transplantation or resection of liver tumors. The forkhead box m1b (Foxm1b) transcription factor is required for normal liver regeneration. Here we report that Foxm1b is the first direct farnesoid X receptor (FXR) target gene known to be involved in cell cycle regulation and that aging regenerating livers have delayed activation of FXR, which results in defective induction of Foxm1b and thereby contributes to defective liver regeneration. An inverted repeat 0 (IR-0) FXR response element, acting as an enhancer in intron 3 of the Foxm1b gene, was identified by a combination of transcriptional reporter, electrophoretic mobility shift, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Diminished FXR binding to the IR-0 element was found in aging regenerating livers. FXR activation by a novel ligand in aging livers induced Foxm1b expression and elevated hepatocyte DNA replication to about 70% of the levels found in young regenerating livers, which were specifically suppressed by hepatic expression of anti-Foxm1b short hairpin RNA.

Conclusion:

Our results have revealed Foxm1b as the first known direct FXR target gene involved in cell cycle regulation and have demonstrated that defective activation of FXR could be an intrinsic defect in aging regenerating livers. Activation of FXR alone is largely able to alleviate age-related liver regeneration defects. These findings highlight FXR as a potential target of drug design for promoting liver regeneration in older subjects. (Hepatology 2010.)
Differences in Betaine-Homocysteine Methyltransferase Expression, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response, and Liver Injury Between Alcohol-Fed Mice and Rats
Authors: Shinohara Masao , Ji Cheng , Kaplowitz Neil
Published: October 2009

Chronic ethanol infusion resulted in greater serum alanine aminotransferase elevation, lipid accumulation, necroinflammation, and focal hepatic cell death in mice than rats. Mice exhibited a remarkable hyperhomocysteinemia but no increase was seen in rats. Similarly, a high-methionine low-folate diet (HMLF) induced less steatosis, serum alanine aminotransferase increase, and hyperhomocysteinemia in rats than in mice. Western blot analysis of betaine homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) expression showed that rats fed either ethanol or HMLF had significantly increased BHMT expression, which did not occur in mice. Nuclear factor-κB p65 was increased in mouse in response to alcohol feeding. The human BHMT promoter was repressed by homocysteine in mouse hepatocytes but not rat hepatocytes. BHMT induction was faster and greater in primary rat hepatocytes than mouse hepatocytes in response to exogenous homocysteine exposure. Mice fed ethanol intragastrically exhibited an increase in glucose-regulated protein 78 and inositol-requiring enzyme 1, which was not seen in the rat, and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 was increased to a greater extent in mice than rats. Thus, rats are more resistant to ethanol-induced steatosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and hyperhomocysteinemia, and this correlates with induction of BHMT in rats.

Conclusion:

These findings support the hypothesis that a critical factor in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver injury is the enhanced ability of rat or impaired ability of mouse to up-regulate BHMT which prevents hyperhomocysteinemia, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and liver injury. (Hepatology 2010.)
Topographical short‐term memory differentiates Alzheimer's disease from frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Bird Chris M. , Chan Dennis , Hartley Tom , Pijnenburg Yolande A. , Rossor Martin N. , Burgess Neil
Published: October 2009

We used a recently developed test of spatial memory—the Four Mountains Test—to investigate the core cognitive processes underpinning topographical disorientation in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (a‐MCI) and mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). Performance of these clinical groups was compared with age‐matched controls, patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), and patients with subjective memory impairments. We investigated the perception (concurrent match‐to‐sample) and short‐term retention (2‐s delayed match‐to‐sample) of the configuration of topographical features in computer‐generated landscapes shown from different viewpoints. Thirty‐one patients were tested (7 AD, 6 a‐MCI, 7 temporal variant FTLD, 5 frontal variant FTLD, 6 subjective memory impairment) and 25 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Brain MRI was available for 27 patients; medial temporal lobe atrophy was assessed using a visual rating scale. Patients with a‐MCI or mild AD were impaired on topographical short‐term memory, but not perception. No other group differences were found on the topographical subtests. Notably, patients with temporal variants of FTLD performed normally, regardless of the laterality of damage. Subtests for the perception and retention of nonspatial aspects of the landscapes (weather conditions, seasonal and daily variations in lighting and color) were poor at differentiating the patient groups. These results indicate a core deficit in representing topographical layout, even for very short durations, within the context of more general long‐term memory impairments found in AD, and suggest that this function is particularly sensitive to the earliest stages of the disease. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modelling lake stage and water balance of Lake Tana, Ethiopia
Authors: Chebud Yirgalem A. , Melesse Assefa M.
Published: October 2009

The level of Lake Tana, Ethiopia, fluctuates annually and seasonally following the patterns of changes in precipitation. In this study, a mass balance approach is used to estimate the hydrological balance of the lake. Water influx from four major rivers, subsurface inflow from the floodplains, precipitation, outflow from the lake constituting river discharge and evapotranspiration from the lake are analysed on monthly and annual bases. Spatial interpolation of precipitation using rain gauge data was conducted using kriging. Outflow from the lake was identified as the evaporation from the lake's surface as well as discharge at the outlet where the Blue Nile commences. Groundwater inflow is estimated using MODular three‐dimensional finite‐difference ground‐water FLOW model software that showed an aligned flow pattern to the river channels. The groundwater outflow is considered negligible based on the secondary sources that confirmed the absence of lake water geochemical mixing outside of the basin. Evaporation is estimated using Penman's, Meyer's and Thornwaite's methods to compare the mass balance and energy balance approaches. Meteorological data, satellite images and temperature perturbation simulations from Global Historical Climate Network of National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration are employed for estimation of evaporation input parameters. The difference of the inflow and outflow was taken as storage in depth and compared with the measured water level fluctuations. The study has shown that the monthly and annually calculated lake level replicates the observed values with root mean square error value of 0·17 and 0·15 m, respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cumulus cell‐enclosed oocytes acquire a capacity to synthesize GSH by FSH stimulation during in vitro maturation in pigs
Authors: Ozawa Manabu , Nagai Takashi , Somfai Tamás , Nakai Michiko , Maedomari Naoki , Miyazaki Hitoshi , Kaneko Hiroyuki , Noguchi Junko , Kikuchi Kazuhiro
Published: October 2009

We investigated (i) follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)‐modulated changes in the expression of glutathione (GSH) and its rate‐limiting enzyme, glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), in porcine oocytes and cumulus cells, and (ii) the contribution of gap‐junctional communications (GJCs) in cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) to intraoocyte GSH accumulation. In experiment (i), COCs were cultured for 48 h with (+FSH group) or without FSH (−FSH group). The GSH content of oocytes increased with cultivation time in the +FSH group, but decreased in the −FSH group. The GSH content of cumulus cells at 48 h was also higher in the +FSH group than that in the −FSH group. Expression of GCL subunit mRNAs in oocytes and cumulus cells was increased by FSH stimulation until 12 h, and then fell to the baseline level. On the other hand, the amount of GCL subunit proteins in oocytes and cumulus cells increased gradually throughout the period of culture with FSH. In experiment (ii), blocking of GJCs in COCs during 0–24 h of culture led to a decrease in the GSH content of oocytes at 24 h of culture, whereas the GSH content at 48 h of culture did not differ even after blocking of the GJCs during 24–48 h of culture. These findings indicate that FSH initiates GSH synthesis in cumulus cells and oocytes by modulating the expression of GCL, and that porcine oocytes are able to synthesize GSH without GJC‐mediated support from cumulus cells, at least in the later half of maturation culture. J. Cell. Physiol. 222: 294–301, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative development of the crocodylian interclavicle and avian furcula, with comments on the homology of dermal elements in the pectoral apparatus
Authors: Vickaryous Matthew K. , Hall Brian K.
Published: October 2009

The pectoral apparatus (shoulder girdle plus sternum) of amniotes plesiomorphically includes an unpaired element of dermal origin. In crocodylians, lepidosaurs, and nontherian synapsids (monotremes and their ancestors) this element is identified as the interclavicle, in Testudines (turtles and tortoises) as the entoplastron, and in Aves as the furcula. We investigated embryonic development of the interclavicle in Alligator mississippiensis (American alligator) and of the furcula in Gallus gallus (domestic chicken). The interclavicle and furcula are among the first skeletal elements to ossify, beginning at Ferguson stage 19 (Alligator) and Hamburger and Hamilton stage 33 (Gallus). Both elements: occupy a similar mid‐ventral position within the pectoral apparatus; develop from paired (bilateral) cell condensations; never coexist at anytime during ontogeny or in the adult; and undergo intramembranous (i.e., direct) ossification. For both the interclavicle and the furcula, the initial onset of ossification is concomitant with mineralization of elements of the dermatocranium, and occurs in advance of mineralization of the replacement bones (e.g., scapula, metacoracoid) of the pectoral apparatus. Shortly after the initiation of ossification the paired condensations of both elements fuse. For each of Alligator and Gallus, only one pair of skeletogenic condensations is present during embryonic development. Based on these data and a review of the evolution and development of dermal elements in the pectoral apparatus, we conclude that the interclavicle is equally parsimonious as a homolog of the furcula. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:196–207, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A further investigation on a MALDI‐based method for evaluation of markers of renal damage
Authors: Lapolla Annunziata , Molin Laura , Sechi Annalisa , Cosma Chiara , Ragazzi Eugenio , Seraglia Roberta , Traldi Pietro
Published: October 2009

The validity of the urinary protein profile to characterize the pathological states of diabetic, nephropathic and diabetic–nephropathic patients was considered on the basis of previously obtained results by MALDI/MS, showing a different abundance ratio of the collagen α1 and α5 chain precursor fragments at m/z 1219 and 2049 and of the uromodulin precursor fragment at m/z 1912 observed in healthy subjects and patients; a larger number of subjects was examined and the obtained results were statistically evaluated. The p values related to the observed differences indicate that they are statistically significant when comparing all patients versus healthy controls, diabetic with normo or microalbuminuria versus nephropathic with advanced renal disease patients and diabetic with normo or microalbuminuria versus diabetic with advanced nephropathy patients. The scatter plot matrix gives evidence of the strict inverse relationship between the abundances of ions at m/z 1912 and 1219, the correlation coefficient being particularly high (r = 0.921, p < 0.001). The relationship between the true positive rate (sensitivity) and false positive rate (1—specificity) for every possible cutoff value in abundance of the considered ionic species was investigated through the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The obtained data indicate that a good differentiation of nephropathic patients with advanced renal disease and diabetic patients with advanced nephropathy versus healthy subjects can be easily obtained by this approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age, work experience, and the psychological contract
Authors: Ng Thomas W. H. , Feldman Daniel C.
Published: October 2009

The purpose of the current paper is to examine the ways in which age and work experience shape how individuals experience psychological contract breaches. We first introduce the concepts of contract malleability (the degree to which individuals can tolerate deviations from contract expectations) and contract replicability (the degree to which individuals believe that their psychological contracts can be replicated elsewhere). Next, we discuss the variety of reasons why contract malleability and replicability become greater with age and work experience and how contract malleability and replicability may temper negative reactions to psychological contract breaches. We also address the different ways contract malleability and replicability mediate the relationships between age and work experience, on one hand, and exit, voice, loyalty, and neglect behaviors on the other. We consider the moderating effects of age similarity and dissimilarity here as well. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for future research designs and for managing older and more experienced workers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A typology of solo independent women travellers
Authors: McNamara Karen Elizabeth , Prideaux Bruce
Published: October 2009

This paper aims to profile solo independent women travellers in Tropical North Queensland, describe their key motivations for travel and behaviours, and locate this group on a typology of solo independent travellers in Australia. Previous research has painted solo independent women at one end of a travel spectrum as fearful and risk‐adverse and at another end, as risk‐takers who have few concerns about safety within the destination. This analysis is based on visitor surveys completed over 21 months at Cairns Airport (n = 2,618). The results indicated that solo independent women travellers (n = 228) felt safe in the destination and participated in a wide variety of activities including those with some degree of risk. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sporadic late onset nemaline myopathy responsive to IVIg and immunotherapy
Authors: Milone Margherita , Katz Amiram , Amato Anthony A. , Soderland Carl A. , Segarceanu Miruna , Young Nathan P. , Jones H. Royden
Published: October 2009

Sporadic late onset nemaline myopathy (SLONM) is a progressive myopathy of indeterminate etiology and poor outcome. If associated with a monoclonal gammopathy, SLONM carries a more unfavorable prognosis. Immunotherapy was unsuccessful. We report two HIV‐negative SLONM/monoclonal gammopathy patients who improved following intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment alone or in combination with immunosuppressant agents. This favorable response to treatment suggests that a dysimmune mechanism is operative in some SLONM individuals. We suggest that IVIg deserves initial consideration for SLONM therapy. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Rituximab in the management of refractory myasthenia gravis
Authors: Zebardast Nazlee , Patwa Huned S. , Novella Steven P. , Goldstein Jonathan M.
Published: October 2009

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an immune‐mediated disorder with a variable response to treatment. In this study, patients with refractory MG who were treated with rituximab were identified. A review of patients referred to the Yale Neuromuscular Clinic was performed. Patients with refractory MG who were treated with rituximab were reviewed for response to treatment. Patients who had muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK+) or acetylcholine receptor (AChR+) antibodies were included. Six patients were identified who met the criteria described. All patients tolerated rituximab without side effects and had a reduced need for immunosuppressants and/or improvement in clinical function. Patients with refractory MG appeared to respond to rituximab in this small, retrospective study. This result suggests that a larger, prospective trial is indicated. Muscle Nerve, 2009
The effect of particle shape and grain‐scale properties of shale: A micromechanics approach
Authors: Ortega J. A. , Ulm F.‐J. , Abousleiman Y.
Published: October 2009

Traditional approaches for modeling the anisotropic elasticity response of the highly heterogeneous clay fabric in shale have mainly resorted to geometric factors such as definitions of particles shapes and orientations. However, predictive models based on these approaches have been mostly validated using macroscopic elasticity data. The recent implementation of instrumented indentation aimed at probing nano‐scale mechanical behaviors has provided a new context for characterizing and modeling the anisotropy of the porous clay in shale. Nanoindentation experimental data revealed the significant contribution of the intrinsic anisotropy of the solid clay to the measured elastic response. In this investigation, we evaluate both the effects of geometric factors and of the intrinsic anisotropic elasticity of the solid clay phase on the observed anisotropy of shale at multiple length scales through the development of a comprehensive theoretical micromechanics approach. It was found that among various combinations of these sources of anisotropy, the elastic response of the clay fabric represented as a granular ensemble of aligned effective clay particles with spherical morphology and anisotropic elasticity compares satisfactorily to nanoindentation and ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements at nano‐ and macroscopic length scales, respectively. Other combinations of sources of anisotropy could yield comparable predictions, particularly at macroscopic scales, at the expense of requiring additional experimental data to characterize the morphology and orientations of particles. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Axisymmetric interaction of a rigid disc with a transversely isotropic half‐space
Authors: Katebi Amir Aabbas , Khojasteh Ali , Rahimian Mohammad , Pak Ronald Y. S.
Published: October 2009

A theoretical formulation is presented for the determination of the interaction of a vertically loaded disc embedded in a transversely isotropic half‐space. By means of a complete representation using a displacement potential, it is shown that the governing equations of motion for this class of problems can be uncoupled into a fourth‐order partial differential equation. With the aid of Hankel transforms, a relaxed treatment of the mixed‐boundary value problem is formulated as dual integral equations, which, in turn, are reduced to a Fredholm equation of the second kind. In addition to furnishing a unified view of existing solutions for zero and infinite embedments, the present treatment reveals a severe boundary‐layer phenomenon, which is apt to be of interest to this class of problems in general. The present solutions are analytically in exact agreement with the existing solutions for a half‐space with isotropic material properties. To confirm the accuracy of the numerical evaluation of the integrals involved, numerical results are included for cases of different degrees of the material anisotropy and compared with existing solutions. Further numerical examples are also presented to elucidate the influence of the degree of the material anisotropy on the response. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyaluronic acid ameliorates bladder hyperactivity via the inhibition of H2O2‐enhanced purinergic and muscarinic signaling in the rat
Authors: Yeh Chung‐Hsin , Chiang Han‐Sun , Chien Chiang‐Ting
Published: October 2009

Aims

We hypothesize that increased H2O2 in the urinary bladder may affect ATP and acetylcholine release and activate urothelial purinergic and muscarinic signaling consequently leading to hyperactive bladder.

Materials and Methods

We infused 0.3% and 1.5% H2O2 to the urinary bladder to evaluate the voiding function and frequency, pelvic afferent (PANA) and pelvic efferent nerve activity (PENA) simultaneously in the urethane anesthetized rats. We measured ATP and acetylcholine content in the rat urinary bladder under saline or H2O2 stimulation. Hyaluronic acid, muscarinic, and purinergic receptor antagonists were used to evaluate their effects and mechanisms on H2O2‐induced hyperactive bladder.

Results

Intravesical H2O2 administration increased the frequency of voiding and the maximal amplitude of intravesical pressure (IVP) in the urethane anesthetized rats. Intravesical H2O2 decreased the threshold level of PANA and PENA for triggering micturition and increased ATP and acetylcholine contents in the H2O2‐treated bladder in the rat. Hyaluronic acid in vitro directly scavenged H2O2 in a dose‐dependent manner. Intravesical hyaluronic acid for 30 min attenuated H2O2‐elicited excitatory effects on the frequency of voiding, amplitude of IVP and the sensitization of PANA and PENA in the rats. Hyaluronic acid treatment reduced H2O2‐induced ATP and acetylcholine release in the urinary bladder. Intravesical administration of muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine methyl nitrate (50 µM) or purinergic receptor antagonist PPADS (1 mM) ameliorated H2O2‐induced hyperactive bladder.

Conclusions

These results indicate that hyaluronic acid treatment can ameliorate H2O2‐induced bladder hyperactivity possibly via the antioxidant activity and the inhibition of activating purinergic and muscarinic signaling pathway. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:765–770, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Journal of Pathology 2008 Jeremy Jass Prize for Research Excellence in Pathology
Authors: Hall Peter A , Poulsom Richard , Coates Philip J , Du Ming‐Qing , Hogendoorn Pancras CW , Jones Louise J , Ladanyi Marc , Murray Graeme I , Niedobitek Gerald
Published: October 2009

The first Jass Prize for Research Excellence has been awarded to a group from Hannover in Germany. These authors discovered the epigenetic inactivation of microRNA gene hsa‐mir‐9‐1 in human breast cancer and characterized its biological and clinical relevance. This frequent epigenetic silencing was found to occur early in the development of breast cancer, and illustrates another mechanism by which tumour development is influenced by genes that operate without expression as proteins. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adjuvant dendritic cell‐based tumour vaccination for children with malignant brain tumours
Authors: Ardon Hilko , De Vleeschouwer Steven , Van Calenbergh Frank , Claes Laurence , Kramm Christof M. , Rutkowski Stefan , Wolff Johannes E.A. , Van Gool Stefaan W.
Published: October 2009

Background

A large experience with dendritic cell (DC)‐based vaccination for malignant brain tumours has been gained in adults. Here we focus on the results obtained in children with relapsed malignant brain tumours.

Procedure

In total 45 children were vaccinated: 33 high grade glioma (HGG), 5 medulloblastoma (MB)/primitive neuro‐ectodermal tumour (PNET), 4 ependymoma and 3 atypical teratoid‐rhabdoid tumour (ATRT). Autologous, monocyte‐derived DC were generated and loaded with tumour lysate, which was used as source of tumour‐associated antigens.

Results

In 38 patients peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from leukapheresis and in 7 patients from fresh blood samples. 7 HGG patients are still alive with median follow‐up (FU) of 35.7 months (range: 12.1–85.6). Median overall survival (OS) was 13.5 months (range: 1.4–85.6). All patients with MB/PNET died (median OS 5.7 months; range 4.3–51.2). One patient with ependymoma is still alive at 22.3 months FU. The other three patients died at, respectively, 7.7, 30.1 and 31.5 months. Two patients with ATRT are still alive at, respectively, 34.1 and 52.6 months FU. The third patient died at 50.5 months. No severe adverse events were noticed.

Conclusions

In this exploratory study, HGG and ATRT seem to respond more favourably to vaccination than MB/PNET and ependymoma. Although preliminary, our results are promising and support further testing of DC‐based immunotherapy in new treatment protocols for HGG and ATRT. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:519–525. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Barrier properties of organic–inorganic hybrid coatings based on polyvinyl alcohol with improved water resistance
Authors: Minelli Matteo , De Angelis Maria Grazia , Doghieri Ferruccio , Rocchetti Marco , Montenero Angelo
Published: October 2009

A comprehensive study of the gas barrier properties of hybrid organic–inorganic coatings formed by polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and Si‐SiO2, obtained via sol–gel technique, was carried out. It has been shown that the oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide transfer rates of barrier polymers such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) and oriented polypropylene can be further reduced, by up to two orders of magnitude, with a thin coating (1–2 μm) of PVOH/Si‐SiO2. More notably, it has been observed that the material maintains this feature even after a prolonged contact with water, which is a strong solvent for PVOH. Direct moisture sorption measurements show that silica lowers the water uptake of PVOH and inhibits sorption‐induced swelling and plasticization of the polymer. Correlations between the gas transport properties of the hybrid coatings and factors such as the silica content, the type of polymeric substrate, the nature of penetrant and the temperature have been found, providing guidelines for the selection and design of multilayer materials for packaging applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and evaluation of epoxy methacrylate UV‐curable coatings containing phthalazinone
Authors: Kou Yan , Wang Jinyan , Lv Mingxia , Jian Xigao
Published: October 2009

Epoxy methacrylate resin (EMA) UV‐curable coatings exhibit high reactivity, low viscosity and excellent chemical resistance in environmentally friendly coatings. A novel EMA containing phthalazinone moieties for high temperature resistant UV‐curable coatings was synthesized. The formulations were cured with hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) and trimethylol propane triacrylate (TMPTA) as reactive diluents promoted by a photoinitiator, and then interpenetrating polymer networks were generated. The mechanical, chemical and thermal properties of the clear coatings were characterized using Chinese National Standard methods (GB). EMA was used with UV radiation curing in combination with 6.7 wt% of HDDA and 13.4 wt% of TMPTA, and the properties of the cured films were as follows: pencil hardness of 5 H, 30% NaOH resistance for 30 days, 15% HCl resistance for 10 days, 3% NaCl resistance for 30 days and 5% weight loss temperature of 300.5 °C. EMA UV‐curable coatings containing phthalazinone exhibit excellent chemical and thermal stability, and could be potential candidates for UV‐curable zero volatile organic compound coatings applied in the fields of salt spray corrosion, strong radiation and high‐temperature resistance. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Rejection sensitivity and negative self‐beliefs as mediators of associations between the number of borderline personality disorder features and self‐reported adult attachment
Authors: Boldero Jennifer M. , Hulbert Carol A. , Bloom Lisa , Cooper Jae , Gilbert Flora , Mooney Jessica L. , Salinger Jodi
Published: October 2009

The present two studies examine associations between self‐reported adult anxious and avoidant attachment and the number of borderline personality disorder (BPD) features reported by student samples. In addition, they examine the mediating roles of rejection sensitivity (RS) (Studies 1 and 2) and negative self‐beliefs (Study 2) on associations, independent of neuroticism. In both studies, higher anxious and avoidant attachment were associated with reporting more features, and RS partially mediated these associations. In Study 2, the self‐belief negativity was an additional mediator. These factors partially mediated the impact of anxious attachment and fully mediated that of avoidant attachment. The results are consistent with an attachment‐based model of BPD that highlights the role of internal working models of self and others as antecedents of the sensitivity to rejection seen in many with BPD. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and evaluation of an ester‐functional alkoxyamine for nitroxide‐mediated polymerization
Authors: Greene Anna C. , Grubbs Robert B.
Published: October 2009

The ester‐functional alkoxyamine 2,2‐dimethyl‐3‐(1‐(4‐(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl)ethoxy)‐4‐(4‐(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl)‐3‐azapentane (2) was efficiently synthesized for use as a functional initiator in nitroxide‐mediated polymerization. Two equivalents of 1‐(4‐(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl)ethyl radical were added across the double bond of 2‐methyl‐2‐nitrosopropane to form alkoxyamine 2, which was found to control the polymerization of styrene, isoprene, and n‐butyl acrylate. The ester moieties were hydrolyzed for subsequent esterification with 1‐pyrenebutanol to form a dipyrene‐labeled initiator that was used to probe nitroxide end‐group fidelity after styrene polymerization. High retention of nitroxide was confirmed by UV‐vis studies over a range of monomer conversions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6342–6352, 2009
Multistimuli responsive grafted poly(ether tert‐amine) (gPEA): Synthesis, characterization and controlled morphology in aqueous solution
Authors: Ren Yanrong , Jiang Xuesong , Liu Rui , Yin Jie
Published: October 2009

Multistimuli responsive grafted poly(ether tert‐amine) (gPEAs), which were comprised of poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) in backbone and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as grafted chain, were successfully synthesized through nucleophilic addition/ring‐opening reaction of commercial poly(propylene glycol) diglycidyl ether and Jeffamine L100. These gPEAs exhibit very sharp response to temperature, pH and ionic strength with tunable cloud point (CP). The CP of gPEA aqueous solution increases with increasing the PEO content or decreasing pH value, varying from 27 to 77 °C. Compared with linear PEA101, gPEA110 of completely grafted structure in aqueous solution exhibits sharper response to temperature with ΔT around 1 °C. The results obtained from TEM and dynamic light scattering reveal that gPEAs are dispersed as uniform sized nano‐micelles in aqueous at room temperature, which can further aggregate into mesoglobules of complex structure at high temperature (>CP). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6353–6361, 2009
Polyamido amine dendrimers functionalized with poly(phenylenevinylene) dendrons at their periphery
Authors: Martín‐Zarco Manuela , Toribio Santiago , García‐Martínez Joaquín C. , Rodríguez‐López Julián
Published: October 2009

A series of polyamido amine (PAMAM) dendrimers (Generations 2, 3, 4, and 6) fully functionalized at their periphery with first‐ and second‐generation poly (phenylenevinylene) (PPV) dendrons have been efficiently prepared. MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry proved to be particularly useful for the characterization of the new hybrid dendrimers as well as for the estimation of the average number of PPV dendrons attached to the surface. The optical absorption and emission properties of these systems were studied. The materials display extremely high molar extinction coefficients and emit blue light with only slightly lower fluorescence quantum yields than the corresponding free dendrons. Self‐quenching interactions between PPV units were not observed in THF. However, the luminescence properties underwent a dramatic change when toluene was used as the solvent. The lower polarity of toluene caused shrinkage of the PAMAM structure and brought the PPV chromophores closer together, leading to self‐quenching interactions and excimer formation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6409–6419, 2009
Submicron films prepared from aqueous dispersions of nanoscale polymer crystals
Authors: Tong Qiong , Mecking Stefan
Published: October 2009

Thin and ultrathin films of polyethylene of variable thickness are obtained from aqueous dispersions of prefabricated nanoscale crystals by spin‐coating. Continuous films with a thickness of only 15 nm, up to 220 nm, homogeneous over hundreds of μm, or assembled discontinuous monolayers of flat‐on lamella particles were prepared, depending on the solids content of the dispersion employed, as revealed by AFM and TEM. The morphology of melt‐recrystallized films was not affected by the surfactant present. Homogeneous continuous films without undesirable dewetting were retained upon melting and recrystallization of the films upon cooling, composed of polygonal spherulites for a thicker film (220 nm), randomly grown edge‐on lamella for a 40 nm film, and dominant flat‐on lamella for a 15 nm thick film. Annealing below Tm resulted in lamella thickening, without changes of crystal orientation or structure of the particle assemblies for discontinuous monolayers. Surfactant adsorbed to the nanocrystals in the aqueous dispersion desorbs at least partially during formation of the nascent films, and upon annealing below the melting point surfactant migrates to the film‐air interface to form aggregates, which can be removed by rinsing, during which the film stays intact and structurally unaltered as revealed, amongst others, by water contact angles. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6420–6432, 2009
A comparative theoretical study of the reactivities of the Al+ and Cu+ ions toward methylamine and dimethylamine
Authors: Liu Peng , Liu Jianqiang , Zhang Dongju , Zhang Changqiao
Published: October 2009

A very recent laser ablation‐molecular beam experiment shows that an Al+ ion can react with a single methylamine (MA, CH3NH2) or dimethylamine (DMA, (CH3)2NH) molecule to form a 1:1 ion–molecule complex Al+[CH3NH2] or Al+[(CH3)2NH)], whereas a dehydrogenated complex ion Cu+[CH3N] or Cu+[C2H5N] is detected, respectively, in the similar reaction for a Cu+ ion. Here, we show a comparative density functional theory study for the reactivities of the Al+ and Cu+ ions toward MA and DMA to reveal the intrinsic mechanism. It is found that the interactions of the Al+ ion with MA and DMA are mostly electrostatic, leading to the direct ion–molecule complexes, Al+NH2CH3 and Al+NH( CH3)2, in contrast to the non‐negligible covalent character in the corresponding Cu+‐containing complexes, Cu+NH2CH3 and Cu+NH( CH3)2. The general dehydrogenation mechanism for MA and DMA promoted by the Cu+ ion has been shown, and the preponderant structures contributing to the mass spectra of the product ions Cu+[CH3N] and Cu+[C2H5N] are rationalized as Cu+NHCH2 and Cu+N( CH2)( CH3). The presumed dehydrogenation reactions are also discussed for the Al+‐containing systems. However, the involved barriers are found to be too high to be overcome at low energy conditions. These results have rationalized all the experimental observations well. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Residue mutations in [FeFe]‐hydrogenase impedes O2 binding: A QM/MM investigation
Authors: Dogaru Daniela , Motiu Stefan , Gogonea Valentin
Published: October 2009

[FeFe]‐hydrogenases are enzymes that reversibly catalyze the reaction of protons and electrons to molecular hydrogen, which occurs in anaerobic media. In living systems, [FeFe]‐hydrogenases are mostly used for H2 production. The [FeFe]‐hydrogenase H‐cluster is the active site, which contains two iron atoms. The latest theoretical investigations (Tye et al., Inorg Chem, 2008, 47, 2380; Liu and Hu, J Am Chem Soc, 2002, 124, 5175) advocate that the structure of di‐iron air inhibited species are either FeFeOH−, or FeFeOOH, thus O2 has to be prevented from binding to Fed in all di‐iron subcluster oxidation states in order to retain a catalytically active enzyme. By performing residue mutations1 on [FeFe]‐hydrogenases, we were able to weaken O2 binding to distal iron (Fed) of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans hydrogenase (DdH). Individual residue deletions were carried out in the 8 Å apoenzyme layer radially outward from Fed to determine what residue substitutions should be made to weaken O2 binding. Residue deletions and substitutions were performed for three di‐iron subcluster oxidation states, FeFe, FeFe, and FeFe of [FeFe]‐hydrogenase. Two deletions (ΔThr152 and ΔSer202) were found most effective in weakening O2 binding to Fed in FeFe hydrogenase (ΔGQM/MM = +5.4 kcal/mol). An increase in Gibbs energy (+2.2 and +4.4 kcal/mol) has also been found for FeFe and FeFe hydrogenase, respectively. π‐backdonation considerations for frontier molecular orbital and geometrical analyses corroborate the Gibbs energy results. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Reaction mechanism of cysteine proteases model compound HSH with diketone inhibitor PhCOCOCH3−nXn, (X = F, Cl,n= 0, 1, 2)
Authors: Shankar R. , Kolandaivel P. , Senthilkumar K.
Published: October 2009

Caspases are a family of cysteine proteases, which play a crucial role in apoptosis and inflammation. The reaction mechanisms involving the cysteine proteases model compound HSH with diketone (PhCOCOCH3‐nXn, (X = F, Cl,n= 0, 1, 2) substrate have been studied using B3LYP/6‐311+G* level of density functional theory method. The harmonic vibrational frequencies were calculated at the same level of theory used for the characterization of stationary points and zero‐point vibrational energy corrections. The condensed Fukui functions have been calculated to find the favorable reactive site for the electrophilic (f), nucleophilic (f), and radical (f) attacks in the reactants. The transition states were connected with reactants, intermediate, and products, and the minimum energy paths have been confirmed through intrinsic reaction coordinate calculation. The potential energy barrier between each step of the reactions has been calculated to find the most favorable reaction path. The binding nature of cysteine model compound with diketone substrate has been studied through the interaction energies, bond lengths, electron density, natural bond orbital, and atoms in molecules theory analysis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Theoretical studies of some sulphonamides as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in acidic medium
Authors: Ebenso Eno E. , Arslan Taner , Kandemi̇rlı Fatma , Love Ian , Öğretır Cemi̇l , Saracoğlu Murat , Umoren Savıour A.
Published: October 2009

Density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6‐31G (d,p) and BP86/CEP‐31G* basis set levels and ab initio calculations using the RHF/6‐31G (d,p) methods were performed on four sulfonamides (namely sulfaacetamide (SAM), sulfapyridine (SPY), sulfamerazine (SMR), and sulfathiazole (STI)) used as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in acidic medium to determine the relationship between molecular structure and their inhibition efficiencies (%IE). The order of inhibition efficiency obtained was SMR > SPY > STI > SAM which corresponded with the order of most of the calculated quantum chemical parameters namely EHOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital energy), ELUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy), the energy gap (ΔE), the Mulliken charges on the C, O, N, S atoms, hardness (η), softness (S), polarizability (α), dipole moment (μ), total energy change (ΔET), electrophilicity (ω), electron affinity (A), ionization potential (I), the absolute electronegativity (χ), and the fraction of electrons transferred (ΔN). Quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) approach has been used and a correlation of the composite index of some of the quantum chemical parameters was performed to characterize the inhibition performance of the sulfonamides studied. The results showed that the %IE of the sulfonamides was closely related to some of the quantum chemical parameters but with varying degrees/order. The calculated %IE of the sulfonamides studied was found to be close to their experimental corrosion inhibition efficiencies. The experimental data obtained fits the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The negative sign of the EHOMO values and other thermodynamic parameters obtained indicates that the data obtained supports physical adsorption mechanism. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Starch Granule Size Distribution in Grains at Different Positions on the Spike of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Dai Zhongmin
Published: October 2009

The present study was carried out to characterize the effects of soil water status, cultivar and grain position on starch granule size distribution. The starch granule size distribution and protein and starch content were determined from three wheat cultivars with reference to the position of the grain on the spike. The results showed that the contents of A‐, B‐ and C‐type starch granules were affected by soil water, genotype and soil water×genotype interaction. Grain position was significant for A‐ and C‐type starch granules. Genotype×grain position and soil water×genotype×grain position interactions only affected C‐type starch granules. Both basal and distal grains on middle spikelets contained three types of starch granules: smaller C‐type granules with diameters <2.0 μm, medium B‐type granules with diameters 2.0–9.8 μm and large A‐type granules with diameters >9.8 μm at maturity. Both percent volume and percent surface area distribution of starch granules in basal grains showed the typical three populations, and those in distal grains exhibited a two‐peak curve. The volume and surface area percentage of C‐type granules and protein content in basal grains were higher than that in distal grains, but those of A, B‐type granules in basal grains were lower than that in distal grains. Compared with irrigation, the percent volume and surface area of B, C‐type starch granules and protein content in basal and distal grains were significantly increased, and those of A‐type were evidently decreased in rainfed condition.
Crystallinity, Thermal and Morphological Characteristics of Resistant Starch Type III Produced by Hydrothermal Treatment of Debranched Cassava Starch
Authors: Mutungi Christopher , Rost Felix , Onyango Calvin , Jaros Doris , Rohm Harald
Published: October 2009

Cassava starch was debranched using pullulanase and the linear glucans recrystallized by incubation at 60°C or by temperature cycling at 120/60°C, and further subjected to heat‐moisture treatment (HMT). Resistant starch (RS III) contents increased from 21.4 g/100 g in the debranched starch (DS) to 67.3 g/100 g in the debranched starch incubated at 60°C (DRS) and 47.8 g/100 g in the debranched starch subjected to temperature cycling (DCS), and further to 84.8 g/100 g and 88.4% g/100 g in HMT‐DRS and HMT‐DCS, respectively. Total crystallinity varied between 31.4‐59.8% and the crystalline type was C in DS and DRS and A in DCS, HMT‐DRS and HMT‐DCS. The melting properties were characterized by broad endotherms, but the exact melting region and enthalpy were dependent on recrystallization method. The main endothermic peaks of DS and DRS occurred at 103.9 and 109.8°C, respectively, whereas DCS exhibited split endotherms at 113.6 and 138.1°C. Heat‐moisture treatment broadened the endotherms and increased their enthalpies. Scanning electron micrographs revealed surface topography differences related to size and aggregation of individual crystalline bodies.
On the selection of software defect estimation techniques
Authors: Cangussu João W. , Haider Syed W. , Cooper Kendra , Baron Michael
Published: October 2009

Estimating the number of defects in a software product is an important and challenging problem. A multitude of estimation techniques have been proposed for defect prediction. However, not all techniques are applicable in all cases. The selection of the proper approach to use depends on multiple factors: the features of the approach; the availability of resources; and the goals for using the estimated defect data. In this paper a survey of existing estimation techniques and a decision support approach for selecting the most suitable defect estimation technique for a project, with specific goals, is proposed. The results of the ranking are a clear indication that no estimation technique provides a single, comprehensive solution; the selection must be done according to a given scenario. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of 660‐nm gallium–aluminum–arsenide low‐energy laser on nerve regeneration after acellular nerve allograft in rats
Authors: Zhang Li‐Xin , Tong Xiao‐Jie , Yuan Xiu‐Hua , Sun Xiao‐Hong , Jia Hua
Published: October 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore and discuss the effects of 660‐nm gallium–aluminum–arsenide low‐energy laser (GaAlAs LEL) irradiation on neural regeneration after acellular nerve allograft repair of the sciatic nerve gap in rats. Methods: Eight male and female Sprague–Dawley rats were used as nerve donors, and 32 healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, acellular rat sciatic nerve (ARSN) group, laser group, and autograft group. Twelve weeks after surgery, nerve conduction velocity, restoration rate of tibialis anterior wet muscle weight, myelinated nerve number, and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) protein and mRNA expression of the spinal cord and muscle at the injury site were quantified and statistically analyzed. Results: Compared with the ARSN group, laser therapy significantly increased nerve conduction velocity, restoration rate of tibialis anterior wet muscle weight, myelinated nerve number, and CGRP protein and mRNA expression of the L4 spinal cord at the injury site. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that 660‐nm GaAlAs LEL therapy upregulates CGRP protein and mRNA expression of the L4 spinal cord at the injury site and increases the rate of regeneration and target reinnervation after acellular nerve allograft repair of the sciatic nerve gap in rats. Low‐energy laser irradiation may be a useful, noninvasive adjunct for promoting nerve regeneration in surgically induced defects repaired with ARSN. Synapse 64:152–160, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.