bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Japan's Efforts Against the Illegal Dumping of Industrial Waste
Authors: Fujikura Manami
Published: October 2011

Starting in 1970, Japanese businesses were made responsible for the disposal of their own industrial waste. Thereafter, in principle, tax money could no longer be used to cover the costs of industrial waste disposal, a task entrusted to private‐sector contractors engaged in waste collection, transport and disposal. Letting economic principles dictate the handling of waste – which has no intrinsic value – opened the door to the rampant problem of illegal dumping by waste‐emitting businesses; private‐sector waste disposal contractors carried on a thriving business of improper waste disposal, creating an enormous black market. To deal with the illegal dumping and improper disposal of waste, the Waste Management Act was amended several times starting in 1991. An indirect effect of creation of the Industrial Waste Site Restoration Fund in 1997 was the economic incentive for prefectures to improve their own administrative capacity; in addition, the strengthening of punitive measures not only suppressed criminal activity but also created the incentive for law enforcement to improve its capabilities. Another amendment in 2000 gave waste‐emitting businesses greater responsibility for waste disposal, and the fact that they could become liable for costs, even if not in violation of the Act when waste disposal was subcontracted out, gave them the incentive to select trustworthy contractors with which to deal. As a result, problems such as illegal dumping have begun to decline. Several issues remain for Japan to address, among them some institutional problems in dealing with illegal dumping sites that have not been immediately cleaned up, and the fact that unscrupulous operators are exploiting a loophole that fails to classify contaminated soil as waste, still allowing them to dump it illegally. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The Influence of Local Governments on National Policy‐Setting Processes to Regulate Japan's Vehicle Emissions
Authors: Fujikura Ryo
Published: October 2011

The national government determines vehicle emission standards in Japan with a bottom‐up approach based mainly on a technical perspective, which considers the state of automotive technologies and the cost–benefit trade‐offs of regulation. The regulatory result is a gradual change over the long term. Meanwhile, local governments – which must deal directly with citizens rallying against air pollution – demand bold and early regulation of vehicle emissions. Thus, standards eventually set by the national government may not satisfy local governments. To compare the policy decision‐making processes of the national and local governments, this paper examines the period 1976–1978, when the national government was strengthening nitrogen oxide emission standards, and the 1990s through the years after 2000, when it strengthened diesel emission standards. Nitrogen oxide regulations in Japan and the world were strict in 1970, but automakers had little incentive to respond proactively to them. Local governments in Japan did not trust the standards set by the national government, which had been determined based on data provided by automakers. Japanese regulatory standards for particulate matter in diesel emissions during the 1990s were weaker than in Europe and North America. With advances being made worldwide on the environmental front, Japanese automakers had less incentive to under‐report their state of technological development. Furthermore, because the technology became increasingly specialized, it became more difficult for local governments on their own to evaluate the actual state of technological development. Thus, rather than getting embroiled in debate about the quantitative standards themselves, local governments instead focused on fighting delays in implementation of the standards. Henceforth, the national government will likely play a stronger leading role in the establishment of vehicle emission standards, while the involvement of local governments diminishes even more as the trend moves toward international standards. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Policies for a Low‐Carbon Society in Japan
Authors: Shimada Koji
Published: October 2011

This article discusses possible policies to realize a low‐carbon society at the local level, focusing on population, housing and transport in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Within this context, in order to substantially reduce local demand for automobile based transport in the long term, it may be important both to influence commuting patterns and to increase the population density of the city. Compared with the price elasticity of gasoline consumption in overall Japan, Shiga's elasticity is high. Thus, revising the automobile fuel tax system in some areas can drastically reduce fuel consumption and alter travel patterns. Whilst this may limit travel demand through commuting, we also recognize that residents of densely populated areas are often dissatisfied with the limited living space and with the lack of contact with nature. Policies to attract and promote the construction of apartment houses with adequate living space and that have increased amenity access to the natural environment are therefore important. This is the case both from the perspective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and from the perspective of securing the vitality of the city. Based on our estimation and analysis, Shiga prefectural government has been setting up several policy measures to promote the formation of a compact city, to provide for public transportation and to promote bicycle use. However, the momentum fuelling urban sprawl and an automobile‐dependent lifestyle are difficult to change in reality. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
LEARNING HEALTHY BEHAVIOR? THE IMPACT OF TRAINING IN HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS ON LIFESTYLES
Authors: Bessey Donata
Published: October 2011

This paper analyzes the empirical relationship between health knowledge and the probability of adopting the lifestyles known as the ‘Alameda Seven’. I test whether having accumulated such knowledge during training in a healthcare profession changes individual lifestyles using the Swiss Health Survey. The results suggest that there are indeed effects of health knowledge on smoking for university graduates and on alcohol consumption and eating behavior for graduates of both university level and vocational medical training programs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AKT (v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1) and N-Ras (neuroblastoma ras viral oncogene homolog) coactivation in the mouse liver promotes rapid carcinogenesis by way of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1), FOXM1 (forkhead box M1)/SKP2, and c-Myc pathways
Authors: Ho Coral , Wang Chunmei , Mattu Sandra , Destefanis Giulia , Ladu Sara , Delogu Salvatore , Armbruster Julia , Fan Lingling , Lee Susie A. , Jiang Lijie , Dombrowski Frank , Evert Matthias , Chen Xin , Calvisi Diego F.
Published: October 2011

Activation of v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT) and Ras pathways is often implicated in carcinogenesis. However, the oncogenic cooperation between these two cascades in relationship to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development remains undetermined. To investigate this issue, we generated a mouse model characterized by combined overexpression of activated forms of AKT and neuroblastoma Ras viral oncogene homolog (N-Ras) protooncogenes in the liver by way of hydrodynamic gene transfer. The molecular mechanisms underlying crosstalk between AKT and N-Ras were assessed in the mouse model and further evaluated in human and murine HCC cell lines. We found that coexpression of AKT and N-Ras resulted in a dramatic acceleration of liver tumor development when compared with mice overexpressing AKT alone, whereas N-Ras alone did not lead to tumor formation. At the cellular level, concomitant up-regulation of AKT and N-Ras resulted in increased proliferation and microvascularization when compared with AKT-injected mice. Mechanistic studies suggested that accelerated hepatocarcinogenesis driven by AKT and N-Ras resulted from a strong activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Furthermore, elevated expression of FOXM1/SKP2 and c-Myc also contributed to rapid tumor growth in AKT/Ras mice, yet by way of mTORC1-independent mechanisms. The biological effects of coactivation of AKT and N-Ras were then recapitulated

in vitro

using HCC cell lines, which supports the functional significance of mTORC1, FOXM1/SKP2, and c-Myc signaling cascades in mediating AKT and N-Ras-induced liver tumor development.

Conclusion :

Our data demonstrate the

in vivo

crosstalk between the AKT and Ras pathways in promoting liver tumor development, and the pivotal role of mTORC1-dependent and independent pathways in mediating AKT and Ras induced hepatocarcinogenesis.
Synthesis of Nucleic Acid–Peptide Conjugates Targeted to Proteins
Authors: Erben Anne , Seitz Oliver
Published: October 2011

Nucleic acid–peptide conjugates have frequently been used to manipulate gene expression in living cells or to facilitate on‐array immobilization of peptides or proteins. Recently, it has been recognized that the programmed self‐assembly of nucleic acids can be used as a control element to confine the spatial arrangement or the conformation of peptides. This renders the hybrid molecules useful for studies of proteins and protein function, and could allow switching of the bioactivity of the appended peptides and thus the targeted protein by means of nucleic acid hybridization. A prerequisite of such studies is a feasible access to the desired chimeric molecules. This review describes recent efforts in the synthesis of nucleic acid–peptide hybrid molecules.
Vascular smooth muscle myosin light chain diphosphorylation: Mechanism, function, and pathological implications
Authors: Walsh Michael P.
Published: October 2011

Smooth muscle contraction is activated primarily by phosphorylation at S19 of the 20‐kDa regulatory light chain subunits of myosin II (LC20) catalyzed by Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent myosin light chain kinase. Other kinases, for example, integrin‐linked kinase (ILK), Rho‐associated kinase (ROCK), and zipper‐interacting protein kinase (ZIPK), can phosphorylate T18 in addition to S19, which increases the actin‐activated myosin MgATPase activity at subsaturating actin concentrations ∼3‐fold. These phosphorylatable residues and the amino acid sequence surrounding them are highly conserved throughout the animal kingdom; they are also found in an LC20 homolog within the genome of Monosiga brevicollis, the closest living relative of metazoans. LC20 diphosphorylation has been detected in mammalian vascular smooth muscle tissues in response to specific contractile stimuli and in pathophysiological situations associated with hypercontractility. LC20 diphosphorylation has also been observed frequently in cultured cells where it activates force generation. Kinases such as ILK, ROCK, and ZIPK, therefore, are potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of, for example, cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage and atherosclerosis. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(11): 987–1000, 2011
Annexin A6 is an organizer of membrane microdomains to regulate receptor localization and signalling
Authors: Cornely Rhea , Rentero Carles , Enrich Carlos , Grewal Thomas , Gaus Katharina
Published: October 2011

Annexin A6 (AnxA6) belongs to the conserved annexin protein family—a group of Ca2+‐dependent membrane binding proteins. It is the largest of all annexin proteins and upon activation, binds to negatively charged phospholipids in the plasma membrane and endosomes. In addition, AnxA6 associates with cholesterol‐rich membrane microdomains termed lipid rafts. Membrane cholesterol triggers Ca2+‐independent translocation of AnxA6 to membranes and AnxA6 levels determine the number of caveolae, a form of specialized rafts at the cell surface. AnxA6 also has an F‐actin binding domain and interacts with cytoskeleton components. Taken together, this suggests that AnxA6 has a scaffold function to link membrane microdomains with the organization of the cytoskeleton. Such a link facilitates AnxA6 to participate in plasma membrane repair and it would also impact on receptor signalling at the cell surface, growth factor, and lipoprotein receptor trafficking, Ca2+‐channel activity and T cell activation. Hence, the regulation of cell surface receptors by AnxA6 may be facilitated by its unique structure that allows recruitment of interaction partners and simultaneously bridging specialized membrane domains with cortical actin surrounding activated receptors. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(11): 1009–1017, 2011
Design of an Optical Sensor for Determination of Bismuth
Authors: Rastegarzadeh S. , Fatahinia M.
Published: October 2011

An optical chemical sensor (optode) for the determination of Bi(III) has been designed by immobilization of methyltrioctylammonium chloride on triacetylcellulose polymer. The exchange of chloride as counter ion with iodide in the membrane changes the colorless film to orange, when it is placed in acidic solution of Bi(III). The sensor can readily be regenerated by 0.1 mol L‐1 sodium citrate solution in less than 15 s. Under optimum conditions, the proposed membrane is capable of determining Bi(III) over a dynamic range between 3.36 × 10‐6 and 4.80 × 101‐5 mol L‐1 with a limit of detection 1.02 × 10‐6 mol L‐1. The relative standard deviation for seven replicate measurements of 9.60 × 10‐6 and 3.84 × 10‐5 mol L‐1 of Bi(III) was 3.79 and 2.14%, respectively. The sensor was successfully applied to the determination of bismuth in tablet and water samples.
Microwave Hydrothermal Synthesis and Acidity of Nanosize Gallosilicate Mesoporous Molecular Sieves
Authors: Cheng Chi‐Feng , Liu Shih‐Miao , Cheng Hsu‐Hsuan , Yao Marina G. , Liu Shang Bin
Published: October 2011

A range of nanosize alkaline‐free gallosilicate mesoporous molecular sieves (GaMMS) were synthesized using microwave hydrothermal method and various analytical and spectroscopic techniques were employed to systematically investigate the structure, coordination geometry of gallium, acidic properties and catalytic activity. These nanosize GaMMSs exhibit high surface area (240 ∼ 720 m2/g), pore volume (1.06 ∼ 1.49 m3/g), narrow pore size distribution and nano‐particle size between 20 and 100 nm and four‐coordinated gallium site mainly, which were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption/desorption, TEM, 71Ga MAS‐NMR and ICP‐AES. Mesoporosity, mesostructure and nanosize can be controlled simply by microwave irradiation time and temperature. Pyridine‐IR result reveals the coexistence of Lewis and Brönstead acid sites in these nanosize GaMMS while NH3‐TPD profiles suggest nanosize one has stronger acid site and contains more acid sites than the conventional one. Catalytic performance was evaluated using the catalytic cumene cracking test. The result indicates that the nanosize GaMMS shows a much higher activity than that of conventional GaMCM‐41, probably due to higher concentrations of H‐form sites, external surface and fast diffusion.
Ion‐flotation Separation of Cd(II), Co(II) and Pb(II) Traces Using a New Ligand before Their Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometric Determinations in Colored Hair and Dryer Agents of Paint
Authors: Tavallali Hossein , Lalehparvar Shahram , Nekoei A‐Reza , Niknam Khodabakhsh
Published: October 2011

A simple, rapid and inexpensive method for separation and preconcentration of some traces of hazardous elements is presented prior to their flame atomic absorption spectrometric determinations. At pH 6.5; cadmium(II), cobalt(II) and lead(II) were separated simultaneously with 1,2‐bis((1H‐benzo[d]imidazol2‐yl)methoxy)benzene (BBIMB) as a new complexing agent and floated after adding sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a foaming reagent. The floated layer was then eluted by concentrated nitric acid in methanol and introduced to the flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). The effects of pH, concentration of BBIMB, type and amount of surfactant as the floating agent, type and amount of eluting agent and influence of foreign ions on the recoveries of the analyte ions were investigated. Also, by using a non‐linear curve fitting method the formation constants of Cd(II), Co(II) and Pb(II) complexes were obtained 1.02 × 106, 1.17 × 106 and 1.46 × 106, respectively. The detection limits of Cd(II), Co(II) and Pb(II) ions were 1.2, 0.7 and 0.5 μg/L, respectively. The enrichment factors were 45.0, 42.0 and 39.0 for Cd(II), Co(II) and Pb(II) ions, respectively. The proposed procedure was then successfully applied for determination of those heavy metals in colored human hair and dryer agents of paint samples.
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Salidroside from Rhodiola rosea L var. rosea Root
Authors: Wu Yu‐Xue , Wang Qiang , Liu Ben , You Men‐Yun , Jin Ting
Published: October 2011

Salidroside from the root of Rhodiola rosea L var. rosea was extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide with and without methanol as modifier. Three parameters, i.e. temperature, pressure and different concentrations of methanol were optimized. Salidroside determinations were carried out using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV‐Vis detector. An experimental design of response surface methodology (RSM) was used to map the effect of pressure (at 200, 300 and 400 bar), temperature (at 50, 60 and 70 °C) and percentage of methanol modifier (at 80, 90 and 100%) on the extraction yield of the active compound and to determine the optimal conditions for the extraction of salidroside from the root of plant. The results showed that supercritical carbon dioxide failed to extract salidroside from the plant material without a methanol as modifier. The yield obtained after 1.5 h extraction with the rate of modifier 0.4 mL/min and 300 bar, 70 °C, and 80 percent of methanol modifier condition was the highest (17.15 mg/g). The optimum conditions were 70 °C, 295.49 bar and 80 percent of methanol as modifier with the yield of 16.17 mg/g. In addition, the yield obtained with supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was compared with the Soxhlet extraction, whose yield was 8.64 mg/g.
Study on Determination of Trace Copper by Spectrophotometry after Flotation Separation Using Microcrystalline Adsorption System
Authors: Wen Xin‐Rong , Tu Chang‐Qing
Published: October 2011

The paper presents a novel method for the flotation separation of Cu2+ using microcrystalline adsorption system prior to the determination by spectrophotometry. The effects of different parameters, such as the dosages of NH4SCN and octadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (OTMAB), various salts on the flotation yield of Cu2+ have been investigated to select the optimum experimental conditions. The possible flotation separation mechanism of Cu2+ was discussed. The results showed that under the optimum conditions, octadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide cation (OTMAB+) reacted with SCN‐ to produce the microcrystalline matter (Ms‐M) of (OTMAB+·SCN‐), the water‐insoluble ternary association complex of [Cu(SCN)4] (OTMAB)2 which produced by Cu2+ and SCN‐, OTMAB+ was quantificationally adsorbed on the surface of Ms‐M of (OTMAB2+·SCN‐) and was floated above water phase, the liquid‐solid phases were formed with clear interface. In this condition, K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Al3+, Fe2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Cd2+ and Co2+ could not be floated. Therefore, Cu2+ was separated completely from the above metal ions. A new method of determination of trace copper by flotation separation was established. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of Cu2+ in plating waster water, and the results agreed well with AAS method. The recoveries were 93.3%∼107.8%, and the RSD was 1.9%∼2.1%.
Ultrasonic Assisted Synthesis of Naphthalene Substituted Schiff Base Derivatives and Their Antioxidant Activity Studies
Authors: Venkatesan K. , Satyanarayana V. S. V. , Sivakumar A.
Published: October 2011

New Schiff base derivatives, 2,2′‐[naphthalene‐2,7‐diylbis(oxy)]bis[N′‐substituted acetohydrazide] (4a‐m) were synthesized by the acid catalyzed condensation of aryl/hetero aromatic aldehydes with 2,2′‐ [naphthalene‐2,7‐diylbis(oxy)]diacetohydrazide (3) under reflux temperature and ultrasonic irradiation. These Schiff base derivatives were confirmed through spectral characterization using IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectra. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical scavenging method.
Two New Iridoids from the Roots of Valeriana officinalis
Authors: Zhao You‐Xing , Wang Peng‐Cheng , Ran Xin‐Hui , Ma Qing‐Yun , Li Ning , Liu Yu‐Qing , Zhou Jun
Published: October 2011

Valeriana officinalis is the official species used in Europe as sedatives and tranquilizers for centuries. Two new iridoids, volvaltrates C and D (1 and 2) were isolated from the ethanol extract as a mixture from the roots of V. officinalis. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic evidence including MS, 1D and 2D‐NMR spectra.
Hypervalent Iodine(III) Sulfonate Mediated Synthesis of 6‐Arylimidazo[2,1‐b]thiazoles in Liquid PEG‐400
Authors: Wu Fang‐Wen , Hou Rei‐Sheu , Wang Huey‐Min , Kang Iou‐Jiun , Chen Ling‐Ching
Published: October 2011

PEG‐400[poly(ethylene glycol‐400)] is used as reaction medium in the one‐pot synthesis of 6‐arylimidazo[2,1‐b]thiazoles by reaction with aryl ketones, hypervalent iodine(III) sulfonate and 2‐aminothiazole. Significant rate enhancements and improved yields have been observed.
Sensitive Determination of Trace Pb2+ in Seawater Using Columnar Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Zhang Xuzhi , Ma Shaosai , Cui Zhengguo , Chen Jufa , Cui Yi , Zhao Jun , Feng Xiaohua
Published: October 2011

We herein report a mercury‐free approach for the sensitive determination of trace Pb2+ in seawater using differential pulse stripping voltammetric (DPSV) method with a novel columnar glassy carbon electrode (CGCE). Compared with the conventional disk glassy carbon electrode with the same diameter, it has much larger electrochemical area (0.627 ± 0.003 cm2). The CGCE shows good accumulation ability and consequently acceptable behavior which makes it suitable as a working electrode in the DPSV determination of Pb2+ with the great advantage of the avoidance of harmful mercury. Using acidified artificial seawater as supporting electrolyte, there was a good linear relationship between the peak currents and the concentration of Pb2+ in the range of 0.6∼140.0 μg L‐1 with a detection limit of 0.3 μg/L (S/N = 3) when the accumulation time was 300 s. The method was employed to determine trace levels of Pb2+ in real seawater samples successfully.
Fast Removal and Recovery of Methylene Blue by Activated Carbon Modified with Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Zargar Behrooz , Parham Hooshang , Rezazade Monir
Published: October 2011

A magnetic adsorbent was synthesized by modification of activated carbons with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (AC‐MIONs). The preparation method is fast and could be carried out in an ordinary condition. The AC‐MIONs were used as quite efficient adsorbents for separation of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution in a batch process. The effect of different parameters such as pH, temperature, electrolyte concentration, contact time and interfering ions on the removal of MB were studied. The adsorption data were analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and a maximum adsorption amount of 47.62 mg g‐1 and a langmuir adsorption equilibrium constant of 3.0 L mg‐1 were obtained. The obtained results revealed that AC‐MIONs were effective adsorbents for fast removal of MB from different aqueous solutions. This adsorbent was successfully used for removal of MB from Karoon River water.
Treatment failure in humanistic and experiential psychotherapy
Authors: Watson Jeanne C.
Published: October 2011

In this article, treatment failure in humanistic experiential psychotherapy is defined and explored. I outline several markers that indicate when treatment is not going well. Factors that contribute to failure include client factors, for example, emotional processing capacities, shame, and impoverished narratives, as well as therapist factors including lack of empathic attunement and inflexibility. Treatment failure is illuminated with a case example drawn from humanistic/experiential psychotherapy, and clinical strategies for dealing with failures are recommended. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session, 67:1117–1128, 2011.
Broad‐range bacterial polymerase chain reaction in the microbiologic diagnosis of complicated pneumonia
Authors: Gollomp Kandace , Rankin Shelley C. , White Caitlin , Mattei Peter , Harris Mary C. , Kilpatrick Laurie E. , Sheffler‐Collins Seth , McGowan Karin L. , Shah Samir S.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

A bacterial cause is not frequently identified in children with pneumonia complicated by parapneumonic effusion (ie, complicated pneumonia).

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the frequency of positive blood and pleural fluid cultures in children with complicated pneumonia and to determine whether broad‐range 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) improves identification of a microbiologic cause.

METHODS:

This prospective cohort study included children 1–18 years of age hospitalized with complicated pneumonia.

RESULTS:

Pleural fluid drainage was performed in 64 (51.6%) of 124 children with complicated pneumonia. A microbiologic cause was identified in 11 of 64 patients (17.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.9%–28.7%). Bacteria were isolated from pleural fluid culture in 6 of 64 patients (9.4 %; 95% CI: 3.5%–19.3%) undergoing pleural drainage; the causative bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 5) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 1). Blood culture identified a bacterial cause in 3 of 44 cases (6.8%; 95% CI: 1.4%–18.7%) undergoing pleural fluid drainage; S. pneumoniae (n = 1), Haemophilus influenzae (n = 1), and S. aureus (n = 1) were isolated. Only 3 of the 19 pleural fluid samples (15.8%; 95% CI: 3.4%–39.6%) analyzed with 16S rRNA PCR were positive. S. pneumoniae was the only organism detected in all three samples; two of these three had negative pleural fluid cultures and absence of bacteria on Gram stain. S. aureus was isolated from pleural fluid culture in one patient with a negative 16S rRNA PCR test.

CONCLUSIONS:

Causative bacteria were infrequently identified in children with complicated pneumonia. Broad‐range 16S rRNA PCR only modestly improved the microbiologic yield over conventional culture methods. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Experimental assessment of toxic phytochemicals in Jatropha curcas: oil, cake, bio‐diesel and glycerol
Authors: Pradhan Subhalaxmi , Naik S N , Khan M Ashhar I , Sahoo PK
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: Jatropha curcas seed is a rich source of oil; however, it can not be utilised for nutritional purposes due to presence of toxic and anti‐nutritive compounds. The main objective of the present study was to quantify the toxic phytochemicals present in Indian J. curcas (oil, cake, bio‐diesel and glycerol).

RESULTS: The amount of phorbol esters is greater in solvent extracted oil (2.8 g kg−1) than in expeller oil (2.1 g kg−1). Liquid chromatography‐mass spectroscopy analysis of the purified compound from an active extract of oil confirmed the presence of phorbol esters. Similarly, the phorbol esters content is greater in solvent extracted cake (1.1 g kg−1) than in cake after being expelled (0.8 g kg−1). The phytate and trypsin inhibitory activity of the cake was found to be 98 g kg−1 and 8347 TIU g−1 of cake, respectively. Identification of curcin was achieved by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the concentration of curcin was 0.95 g L−1 of crude concentrate obtained from cake.

CONCLUSION: Higher amounts of phorbol esters are present in oil than cake but bio‐diesel and glycerol are free of phorbol esters. The other anti‐nutritional components such as trypsin inhibitors, phytates and curcin are present in cake, so the cake should be detoxified before being used for animal feed. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Immunoaffinity purification of α‐momorcharin from bitter melon seeds (Momordica charantia)
Authors: Yao Xingchuan , Li Juan , Deng Nianhua , Wang Shurui , Meng Yanfa , Shen Fubing
Published: October 2011

α‐Momorcharin (α‐MMC), a type I ribosome‐inactivating protein (RIP), has shown therapeutic potential such as anti‐tumor and anti‐viral agent. Traditional process of α‐MMC purification from bitter melon seeds was time consuming and low efficient. To take this challenge, we made an affinity matrix by coupling the monoclonal antibody (McAb) with Sepharose 4B. Using this attractive strategy, 196 mg of α‐MMC was obtained from 100 g of bitter melon seeds as the starting material. The yield of the protein was 2.7%. The homogeneity and properties of the protein were assessed by SDS‐PAGE, acidic PAGE, RP‐HPLC and N‐terminal sequence as well as Western blot. Purified α‐MMC showed remarkable inhibition to the melanoma cell line JAR and EMT‐62058. In addition, it also displayed obvious inhibition on hepatitis B virus (HBV). This work provided a simple, rapid and efficient approach for α‐MMC purification from Momordica charantia.
Determination of oleanolic and ursolic acid in Chinese herbs using HPLC and γ‐CD as mobile phase modifier
Authors: Wang Changhe , Liu Haijing , Zhang Binghua , Guo Huanying
Published: October 2011

To separate and determine oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, a rapid and accurate HPLC using γ‐CD as the mobile phase additive was developed. The effect of CD nature and concentration, and the acidity of the mobile phase on the chromatographic behavior of two bioactive triterpenes were systematically studied. Two bioactive triterpenes were completely separated (R = 3.11) on a Kromasil® C18 column (150×4.6 mm id, 5 μm) with the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile/0.1% phosphoric acid with 2 mM γ‐CD as the mobile phase modifier (60:40, v/v). The flow rate was set at 1.0 mL/min and the eluent was detected at 210 nm for two bioactive triterpenes. The linearity of the method was excellent (r=0.9999) over the studied range of 6–300 μg/mL for oleanolic acid, and 12–600 μg/mL for ursolic acid. The LOD and LOQ were 1.5 and 5.0, 1.0 and 3.0 μg/mL for oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, respectively. The optimized method was successfully applied to separate and determine two bioactive triterpenes in five Chinese herbs. It is concluded that this method could be used for rapid and accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis of the two bioactive triterpenes in Chinese herbs.
Chromatographic retention and thermodynamics of adsorption of dipeptides on a chiral crown ether stationary phase
Authors: Asnin Leonid , Sharma Kavita , Park Se Won
Published: October 2011

The enantioselective adsorption of several dipeptides on the crown ether‐based stationary phase ChiroSil RCA(+) was studied by means of the linear chromatography method. The retention of analytes was measured with acidified water–methanol mobile phases with varied concentration of methanol (from 60 to 90%, v/v) at different temperatures. Thermodynamic characteristics of adsorption were determined and analyzed applying extrathermodynamic relationships. A considerable difference in adsorption mechanisms of dipeptides with a chiral and achiral N‐terminal fragment was proved. An explanation to this fact was proposed assuming that the enantiorecognition of the dipeptides of the first type occurred through the interaction of side groups of the N‐terminus with the chiral cavity formed by the crown ether ring. The enantiorecognition of the dipeptides of the second type occurs through the interaction of the C‐terminal residue with the side groups of the crown ether moiety. The study also demonstrates how extrathermodynamic concepts can be used for obtaining additional information about retention mechanisms from a limited amount of chromatographic data.
Polyinosine‐polycytidylic acid enhances cellular adherence of Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Kawabata Masaki , Kurono Yuichi
Published: October 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Viral upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) are often followed by secondary bacterial infections. To better understand this phenomenon, we examined the impact of the viral agent polyinosine‐polycytidylic acid [Poly (I:C)] on the adherence of Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) to pharyngeal epithelial cells.

Study Design:

In vitro model of cultured human pharyngeal epithelial cells.

Methods:

Detroit 562 cells, a human pharyngeal carcinoma cell line, were pretreated with Poly (I:C). Poly (I:C)–induced expression of platelet‐activating factor receptor (PAF‐R) was assayed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Bacterial adhesion to these epithelial cells was assessed using immunofluorescence microscopy and colony formation assays.

Results:

Pretreatment with Poly (I:C) increased mRNA and protein expression of PAF‐R in Detroit 562 cells and enhanced the adherence of Spn to these epithelial cells.

Conclusions:

RNA viral infection can enhance PAF‐R expression in epithelial cells and increase the adherence of Spn. These findings might explain in part the mechanisms that underlie the increase in bacterial infection following URIs.
Role of serotonergic 1A receptor dysfunction in depression associated with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ballanger Benedicte , Klinger Helene , Eche Julien , Lerond Jérôme , Vallet Anne‐Evelyne , Le Bars Didier , Tremblay Leon , Sgambato‐Faure Véronique , Broussolle Emmanuel , Thobois Stéphane
Published: October 2011

Depression is frequent in Parkinson's disease, but its pathophysiology remains unclear. Two recent studies have investigated the role of serotonergic system at the presynaptic level. The objective of the present study was to use positron emission tomography and [18F]MPPF to investigate the role of postsynaptic serotonergic system dysfunction in the pathophysiology of depression in Parkinson's disease. Four parkinsonian patients with depression and 8 parkinsonian patients without depression were enrolled. Each patient underwent a scan using [18F]MPPF, a selective serotonin 1A receptor antagonist. Voxel‐by‐voxel statistical comparison of [18F]MPPF uptake of the 2 groups of parkinsonian patients and with 7 matched normal subjects was made using statistical parametric mapping (P uncorrected < .001). Compared with nondepressed parkinsonian patients, depressed patients exhibited reduced tracer uptake in the left hippocampus, the right insula, the left superior temporal cortex, and the orbitofrontal cortex. Compared with controls, nondepressed parkinsonian patients presented reduced [18F]MPPF uptake bilaterally in the inferior frontal cortex as well as in the right ventral striatum and insula. Compared with controls, [18F]MPPF uptake was decreased in depressed parkinsonian patients in the left dorsal anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortices, in the right hippocampic region, and in the temporal cortex. The present imaging study suggests that abnormalities in serotonin 1A receptor neurotransmission in the limbic system may be involved in the neural mechanisms underlying depression in patients with Parkinson's disease. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Mammalian septins: dynamic heteromers with roles in cellular morphogenesis and compartmentalization
Authors: Hall Peter A , Russell SE Hilary
Published: October 2011

The septins are a family of GTP‐binding proteins, evolutionarily conserved from yeast through to mammals, with roles in multiple core cellular functions. Here we provide an overview of our current knowledge of septin structure and function and focus mainly on mammalian septins, but gain much insight by drawing on knowledge of septins in other organisms. We describe their genomic and transcriptional complexity: a complexity manifest also in the diversity of scaffold structures that septins can form. Septin complexes can act to localize interacting proteins at specific intracellular locales and can also define membrane compartments by defining diffusion barriers. By such activities, septins can contribute to the definition of spatial asymmetry and cell polarity and we suggest a potential role in stem cell biology. Finally, we review the evidence that septins contribute to various disease states and argue that it is a breakdown in the tight regulation of their expression (particularly of individual isoforms), and also their inherent ability to oligomerize, which is pathogenic. Study of the perturbation of septin complex formation in disease will provide valuable insights into septin biology and will be a fertile ground for study. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mitochondrial DNA and disease
Authors: Greaves Laura C , Reeve Amy K , Taylor Robert W , Turnbull Doug M
Published: October 2011

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defects are a relatively common cause of inherited disease and have been implicated in both ageing and cancer. MtDNA encodes essential subunits of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and defects result in impaired oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Similar OXPHOS defects have been shown to be present in a number of neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's disease, as well as in normal ageing human tissues. Additionally, a number of tumours have been shown to contain mtDNA mutations and an altered metabolic phenotype. In this review we outline the unique characteristics of mitochondrial genetics before detailing important pathological features of mtDNA diseases, focusing on adult neurological disease as well as the role of mtDNA mutations in neurodegenerative diseases, ageing and cancer. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical, thermal, and rheological behavior of ethylene methyl acrylate‐MWNT nanocomposites
Authors: Basuli Utpal , Chaki Tapan Kumar , Chattopadhyay Santanu
Published: October 2011

Mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) composites reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have been reported here. Morphological analyses revealed that MWNTs are more uniformly dispersed in EMA upto 3.5 wt% MWNTs loading. Uniform dispersion of MWNTs in EMA matrix leads to decreased crystallinity and increased crystallite size. These are reflected in the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites. The storage moduli of the composites significantly increase by the incorporation of MWNTs, particularly at higher temperatures. The nanocomposites register a slightly higher viscosity than that of neat EMA depending on the contents of MWNTs. Storage modulus (in dynamic shear) increases especially at higher frequency levels due to increased polymer–filler interactions. Dynamic and steady shear rheological properties register a good correlation in regard to the viscous versus elastic response of the nanocomposites. The morphology correlates well with the dynamic rheological characteristics of these nanocomposites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Studies of the moisture‐sensitive shape memory effect of pyridine‐containing polyurethanes
Authors: Chen Shaojun , Hu Jinlian , Chen Shiguo
Published: October 2011

Shape memory polymers have been much researched in recent years. In the work reported, moisture‐sensitive shape memory effects (SMEs) of novel pyridine‐containing shape memory polyurethanes (Py‐SMPUs) were investigated systematically. The results show that the strain recovery start immersion time (ts), strain recovery immersion time (tr) and final strain recovery immersion time (te) are prolonged with a decrease of relative humidity as well as a decrease of temperature. The final strain recovery decreases with a decrease of relative humidity as well as an increase of temperature. The key component affecting the moisture‐sensitive SME is the N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)isonicotinamide (BINA) unit. The lower limit of BINA content for Py‐SMPUs to exhibit a good moisture‐sensitive SME is 30 wt%. The addition of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) enhances the moisture‐sensitive shape recovery. The final shape recovery decreases with a decrease of BINA content or an increase of MDI–BDO content. In addition, ts, tr and te become shorter in the Py‐SMPUs with higher BINA content or with lower MDI‐BDO content. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
The dual role of fragments in fragment‐assembly methods for de novo protein structure prediction
Authors: Handl Julia , Knowles Joshua , Vernon Robert , Baker David , Lovell Simon C.
Published: October 2011

In fragment‐assembly techniques for protein structure prediction, models of protein structure are assembled from fragments of known protein structures. This process is typically guided by a knowledge‐based energy function and uses a heuristic optimization method. The fragments play two important roles in this process: they define the set of structural parameters available, and they also assume the role of the main variation operators that are used by the optimiser. Previous analysis has typically focused on the first of these roles. In particular, the relationship between local amino acid sequence and local protein structure has been studied by a range of authors. The correlation between the two has been shown to vary with the window length considered, and the results of these analyses have informed directly the choice of fragment length in state‐of‐the‐art prediction techniques. Here, we focus on the second role of fragments and aim to determine the effect of fragment length from an optimization perspective. We use theoretical analyses to reveal how the size and structure of the search space changes as a function of insertion length. Furthermore, empirical analyses are used to explore additional ways in which the size of the fragment insertion influences the search both in a simulation model and for the fragment‐assembly technique, Rosetta. Proteins 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bihelix: Towards de novo structure prediction of an ensemble of G‐protein coupled receptor conformations
Authors: Abrol Ravinder , Bray Jenelle K. , Goddard William A.
Published: October 2011

G‐Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) play a critical role in cellular signal transduction pathways and are prominent therapeutic targets. Recently there has been major progress in obtaining experimental structures for a few GPCRs. Each GPCR, however, exhibits multiple conformations that play a role in their function and we have been developing methods aimed at predicting structures for all these conformations. Analysis of available structures shows that these conformations differ in relative helix tilts and rotations. The essential issue is, determining how to orient each of the seven helices about its axis since this determines how it interacts with the other six helices. Considering all possible helix rotations to ensure that no important packings are overlooked, and using rotation angle increments of 30° about the helical axis would still lead to 127 or 35 million possible conformations each with optimal residue positions. We show in this paper how to accomplish this. The fundamental idea is to optimize the interactions between each pair of contacting helices while ignoring the other 5 and then to estimate the energies of all 35 million combinations using these pair‐wise interactions. This BiHelix approach dramatically reduces the effort to examine the complete set of conformations and correctly identifies the crystal packing for the experimental structures plus other near‐native packings we believe may play an important role in activation. This approach also enables a detailed structural analysis of functionally distinct conformations using helix‐helix interaction energy landscapes and should be useful for other helical transmembrane proteins as well. Proteins 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural and binding studies of the C‐terminal domains of yeast TFIIF subunits Tfg1 and Tfg2
Authors: Kilpatrick Adina M. , Koharudin Leonardus M.I. , Calero Guillermo A. , Gronenborn Angela M.
Published: October 2011

The general transcription factor TFIIF plays essential roles at several steps during eukaryotic transcription. While several studies have offered insights into the structure/function relationship in human TFIIF, much less is known about the yeast system. Here, we describe the first NMR structural and binding studies of the C‐terminal domains (CTDs) of Tfg1 and Tfg2 subunits of Saccharomyces cerevisiae TFIIF. We used the program CS‐ROSETTA to determine the three‐dimensional folds of these domains in solution, and performed binding studies with DNA and protein targets. CS‐ROSETTA models indicate that the Tfg1 and Tfg2 C‐terminal domains have winged‐helix architectures, similar to the human homologs. We showed that both Tfg1 and Tfg2 CTDs interact with double‐stranded DNA oligonucleotides, and mapped the DNA binding interfaces using solution NMR. Tfg1‐CTD, but not Tfg2‐CTD, also binds to yeast FCP1, an RNA polymerase II‐specific phosphatase, and we delineated the interaction surface with the CTD of FCP1. Our results provide insights into the structural basis of yeast TFIIF function and the differential roles of Tfg1 and Tfg2 subunits during transcription. Proteins 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autonomous transportation and deployment with aerial robots for search and rescue missions
Authors: Bernard Markus , Kondak Konstantin , Maza Ivan , Ollero Anibal
Published: October 2011

It is generally accepted that systems composed of multiple aerial robots with autonomous cooperation capabilities can assist responders in many search and rescue (SAR) scenarios. In most of the previous research work, the aerial robots are mainly considered as platforms for environmental sensing and have not been used to assist victims. In this paper, outdoor field experiments of transportation and accurate deployment of loads with single/multiple autonomous aerial vehicles are presented. This is a novel feature that opens the possibility to use aerial robots to assist victims during rescue phase operations. Accuracy in the deployment location is a critical issue in SAR scenarios in which injured people may have very limited mobility. The presented system is composed of up to three small‐size helicopters and features cooperative sensing, using several different sensor types. The system supports several forms of cooperative actuation as well, ranging from the cooperative deployment of small sensors/objects to the coupled transportation of slung loads. The complete system is described, outlining the hardware and software framework used, as well as the approaches for modeling and control used. Additionally, the results of several flight field experiments are presented, including a description of the worldwide first successful autonomous load transportation experiment, using three coupled small‐size helicopters (conducted in December 2007). During these experiments strong, steady winds and wind gusts were present. Various solutions and lessons learned from the design and operation of the system are also provided. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new method for efficient three‐dimensional reconstruction of outdoor environments using mobile robots
Authors: Fentanes Jaime A. Pulido , Alonso Raul Feliz , Zalama Eduardo , García‐Bermejo Jaime Gómez
Published: October 2011

In this paper, a method for robotic exploration oriented to the automatic three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of outdoor scenes is presented. The proposed algorithm focuses on optimizing the exploration process by maximizing map quality, while reducing the number of scans required to create a good‐quality 3D model of the environment. This is done by using expected information gain, expected model quality, and trajectory cost estimation as criteria for view planning. The method has been tested with an all‐terrain mobile robot, which is also described in the paper. This robot is equipped with a SICK LMS 111 laser scanner attached to a spinning turret, which performs quick and complete all‐around scans. Different experiments of autonomous 3D exploration show the suitable performance of the proposed exploration algorithm. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.