bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption characterization of lead(II) and cadmium(II) on crosslinked carboxymethyl starch
Authors: Chen Yan Xiao , Zhong Ben He , Fang Wei Mao
Published: December 2011

The adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions with crosslinked carboxymethyl starch (CCS) was investigated as function of the solution pH, contact time, initial metal‐ion concentration, and temperature. Isotherm studies revealed that the adsorption of metal ions onto CCS better followed the Langmuir isotherm and the Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm with adsorption maximum capacities of about 80.0 and 47.0 mg/g for Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions, respectively. The mean free energies of adsorption were found to be between 8 and 16 kJ/mol for Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions; this suggested that the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions onto CCS occurred with an ion‐exchange process. For two‐target heavy‐metal ion adsorption, a pseudo‐second‐order model and intraparticle diffusion seem significant in the rate‐controlling step, but the pseudo‐second‐order chemical reaction kinetics provide the best correlation for the experimental data. The enthalpy change for the process was found to be exothermic, and the ΔSθ values were calculated to be negative for the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions onto CCS. Negative free enthalpy change values indicated that the adsorption process was feasible. The studies of the kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics indicated that the adsorption of CCS was more effective for Pb(II) ions than for Cd(II) ions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of blending sequence on the morphology and properties of polyamide 6/EPDM‐g‐MA/epoxy blends
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhu Jiayu , Wang Pan , Li Liping , Yang Qi , Huang Yajiang
Published: December 2011

The ternary blends of polyamide 6/maleated ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber/epoxy (PA6/EPDM‐g‐MA/EP) were prepared by a twin‐screw extruder with four different blending sequences. With the variation of blending sequence, the ternary blends presented distinct morphology and mechanical properties because of different interactions induced by various reactive orders. The addition of epoxy could increase the viscosity of the PA6 matrix, but a considerably larger size of the dispersed rubber phase was observed while first preblending PA6 with epoxy followed by blending a premix of PA6/EP with EDPM‐g‐MA, which was attested by rheological behaviors and SEM observations. It was probably ascribed to the fact that the great increase of the interfacial tension between the matrix and rubber phase aroused a great coalescence of rubber particles. The presence of epoxy in the rubber phase reduced the rubber's ability to cavitate so that the toughening efficiency of the EPDM‐g‐MA was decreased. The results of mechanical testing revealed that the optimum blending sequence to achieve balanced mechanical properties is blending PA6, EPDM‐g‐MA, and epoxy simultaneously in which the detrimental reactions might be effectively suppressed. In addition, thermal properties were investigated by TG and DSC, and the results showed that there was no distinct difference. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Chronological Change from Face‐On to Edge‐On Ordering of Zinc–Tetraphenylporphyrin at the Phenyloctane–Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite Interface
Authors: Sakano Takeshi , Hasegawa Jun‐ya , Higashiguchi Kenji , Matsuda Kenji
Published: December 2011

The self‐assembled structure of alkoxy‐ and N‐alkylcarbamoyl‐substituted zinc–tetraphenylporphyrin at the liquid–highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) interface was observed by using scanning tunneling microscopy. The alkoxy porphyrin showed a phase transition from face‐on to edge‐on ordering. The phase transition requires the close‐packed structure of alkoxy porphyrin. The chronological change of the ordering was traced to show the existence of several types of Ostwald ripening including two‐step phase transition from small edge‐on to face‐on and then further to edge‐on orderings. On the other hand, the N‐alkylcarbamoyl porphyrin showed persistent edge‐on ordering, and the ordering was analyzed by the Moiré pattern. Although the edge‐on ordering is observed only in the nonpolar solvent, the orderings have potential applications in the charge and energy transfer.
Polyelectrolyte‐Functionalized Gold Nanoparticle Scaffold for the Sensing of Heparin and Protamine in Serum
Authors: Dey Ramendra Sundar , Raj C. Retna
Published: December 2011

We describe a shape‐controlled synthesis of polyelectrolyte‐functionalized flowerlike and polyhedral Au nanoparticles and the development of a nanoarchitectured platform for the selective and highly sensitive detection of protamine and heparin by voltammetric, impedimetric, and microgravimetric techniques. The functionalized Au nanoparticles were chemically synthesized in aqueous solution at room temperature in the presence of the polyelectrolyte (either protamine or heparin). The charge on the polyelectrolyte controlled the shape and surface morphology of the nanoparticles. The negatively charged heparin‐functionalized Au nanoparticles have multiple branched flowerlike shapes with an average size of 50 nm, whereas the cationic protamine‐functionalized nanoparticles are of polyhedral shape with an average size of 25 nm. Both flowerlike and polyhedral nanoparticles have (111), (200), (220), and (311) planes of a face‐centered cubic lattice of Au. Voltammetric, impedimetric, and microgravimetric sensing platforms based on functionalized Au nanoparticles have been developed for the sensing of heparin and protamine. The sensing platforms are developed by self‐assembling the functionalized nanoparticles on a thiol‐functionalized three‐dimensional silicate network. The microgravimetric sensing platform shows very high sensitivity and it can detect heparin and protamine at concentrations as low as 0.05 μg mL−1. The selectivity of the sensing platform towards heparin was examined with potential interferents such as hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin‐4‐sulfate (CS). Both HA and CS did not interfere with the measurement of heparin. The practical application of the sensing platform was demonstrated by measuring the concentration of heparin and protamine in human serum samples. The sensing platform could successfully quantify the concentration of heparin and protamine in the real serum samples with excellent recovery. The sensing platform was robust and could be used for repeated measurement without compromising the sensitivity.
The long‐term variability of Vega
Authors: Butkovskaya V. , Plachinda S. , Valyavin G. , Baklanova D. , Lee B.‐C.
Published: December 2011

Over the time of 60 years Vega (α Lyrae = HD 172167, A0V) has been generally accepted as a standard star in the nearinfrared, optical, and ultraviolet regions. But is the spectrophotometric standard Vega really non‐variable star? Researchers give very different answers to this question. We aim to search a periodicity in our results of spectropolarimetric study of Vega, namely periodic variations in equivalent width of the spectral lines and longitudinal magnetic field measurements. High‐accuracy spectropolarimetric observations of Vega have been performed during 26 nights from 1997 to 2010 using the Coudé spectrograph of the 2.6‐m Shain reflector at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory (CrAO, Ukraine) and during 4 nights in 2007 and 2008 using the echelle spectrograph BOES at the Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory (BOAO, South Korea). The long‐term (year‐to‐year) variability of Vega was confirmed. It was concluded that this variability does not have magnetic nature (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
General magnetic field on the weakly‐active yellow giant Pollux and on the old dwarf star 61 Cyg A
Authors: Baklanova D. , Plachinda S. , Mkrtichian D. , Han I. , Kim K.‐M.
Published: December 2011

Pollux is yellow giant with known regular surface magnetic field about 1 Gauss. An analysis of the periodic behavior of the magnetic field of Pollux was performed. For this purpose, we used literature data together with spectropolarimetric observations, which were carried out during 10 nights in 2010 at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory, and spectropolarimetric observations, which were obtained at Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory during 4 nights in 2007. The radial velocity measurements of Pollux show variations with a period of 592.9 days due to the planetary companion. The rotational period of the Pollux equals to 491.5 days. Improved dipole parameters are presented. The centered dipole gives the angle between spin axis and line of sight, i ∼ 45°, and the angle between the spin and dipole axes, β ∼ 135°. We suppose that a few points that lie outside of the dipole magnetic field curve by more than three errors are the result of the emergence of magnetic unipolar spots on the stellar surface. We discuss the possibility of these events in comparison with solar‐like star 61 Cyg A and the Sun. Numerical simulations of the magnetic geometry lead us to the conclusion that the spots may have an angular radius of ∼1.5° with the magnetic intensity ∼3000 G. Such active regions can be formed at the same latitudes as on the Sun near the 40° from the equator (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Line profile variability and magnetic fields of Wolf‐Rayet stars: WR 135 and WR 136
Authors: Kholtygin A.F. , Fabrika S.N. , Rusomarov N. , Hamann W.‐R. , Kudryavtsev D.O. , Oskinova L.M. , Chountonov G.A.
Published: December 2011

We have obtained spectropolarimetric observations of two Wolf‐Rayet stars, WR 135 (WC8) and W R136 (WN6), with the 6‐m Russian telescope in July 2009 and July 2010. We have studied the He II 5412 Å line region, which contains also the C IV 5469 Å line (for WR 135 only). Our goals were to investigate the rapid line‐profile variability (LPV) in WR star spectra and to search for magnetic fields. We find small amplitude emission peaks moving from the center of He II line to its wings during the night in spectra of both stars. These emission peaks are likely a signature of accelerating clumps in the stellar wind. We obtained upper limits of the magnetic field strength: ≈200 G for WR 135 and ≈50 G for WR 136 (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spectroscopic variability and magnetic fields of HgMn stars
Authors: Hubrig S. , González J.F. , Ilyin I. , Korhonen H. , Savanov I.S. , Dall T. , Schöller M. , Cowley C.R. , Briquet M. , Arlt R.
Published: December 2011

The discovery of exotic abundances, chemical inhomogeneities, and weak magnetic fields on the surface of late B‐type primaries in spectroscopic binaries has important implications not only for our understanding of the formation mechanisms of stars with Hg and Mn peculiarities themselves, but also for the general understanding of B‐type star formation in binary systems. The origin of the abundance anomalies observed in late B‐type stars with HgMn peculiarity is still poorly understood. The connection between HgMn peculiarity and membership in binary and multiple systems is supported by our observations during the last decade. The important result achieved in our studies of a large sample of HgMn stars is the finding that most HgMn stars exhibit spectral variability of various chemical elements, proving that the presence of an inhomogeneous distribution on the surface of these stars is a rather common characteristic and not a rare phenomenon. Further, in the studied systems, we found that all components are chemically peculiar with different abundance patterns. Generally, He and Si variable Bp stars possess large‐scale organised magnetic fields that in many cases appear to occur essentially in the form of a single large dipole located close to the centre of the star. The presence of magnetic fields in the atmospheres of HgMn stars has been demonstrated in several studies. In addition to the measurements of longitudinal and quadratic magnetic fields, this work also showed evidence for a relative magnetic intensification of Fe II lines produced by different magnetic desaturations induced by different Zeeman‐split components (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
X‐ray emission from massive stars with magnetic fields
Authors: Oskinova L.M. , Hamann W.‐R. , Cassinelli J.P. , Brown J.C. , Todt H.
Published: December 2011

We investigate the connections between the magnetic fields and the X‐ray emission from massive stars. Our study shows that the X‐ray properties of known strongly magnetic stars are diverse: while some comply to the predictions of the magnetically confined wind model, others do not. We conclude that strong, hard, and variable X‐ray emission may be a sufficient attribute of magnetic massive stars, but it is not a necessary one. We address the general properties of X‐ray emission from “normal” massive stars, especially the long standing mystery about the correlations between the parameters of X‐ray emission and fundamental stellar properties. The recent development in stellar structure modeling shows that small‐scale surface magnetic fields may be common. We suggest a “hybrid” scenario which could explain the X‐ray emission from massive stars by a combination of magnetic mechanisms on the surface and shocks in the stellar wind. The magnetic mechanisms and the wind shocks are triggered by convective motions in sub‐photospheric layers. This scenario opens the door for a natural explanation of the well established correlation between bolometric and X‐ray luminosities (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Polar branches of stellar activity waves: Dynamo models
Authors: Sokoloff D.D. , Lanza A.F. , Moss D.L. , Tarbeeva S.M.
Published: December 2011

Stellar activity data provide evidence that some activity wave branches propagate polewards rather than equatorwards (the latter being the solar case). This evidence is especially pronounced for the well‐observed subgiant HR 1099. For this star, the polar branch seems to coexist with an equatorward branch which propagates through more or less the same latitudinal domain. Stellar dynamo theory allows poleward propagating dynamo waves for certain governing parameters. We discuss the importance of the choice of dynamo governing parameters in fitting the phenomenology of HR 1099 (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic field studies of massive main sequence stars
Authors: Schöller M. , Hubrig S. , Ilyin I. , Kharchenko N.V. , Briquet M. , González J.F. , Langer N. , Oskinova L.M. , the MAGORI collaboration
Published: December 2011

We report on the status of our spectropolarimetric observations of massive stars. During the last years, we have discovered magnetic fields in many objects of the upper main sequence, including Be stars, β Cephei and Slowly Pulsating B stars, and a dozen O stars. Since the effects of those magnetic fields have been found to be substantial by recent models, we are looking into their impact on stellar rotation, pulsation, stellar winds, and chemical abundances. Accurate studies of the age, environment, and kinematic characteristics of the magnetic stars are also promising to give us new insight into the origin of the magnetic fields. Furthermore, longer time series of magnetic field measurements allow us to observe the temporal variability of the magnetic field and to deduce the stellar rotation period and the magnetic field geometry. Studies of the magnetic field in massive stars are indispensable to understand the conditions controlling the presence of those fields and their implications on the stellar physical parameters and evolution (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic confinement of the solar tachocline: The oblique dipole
Authors: Strugarek A. , Brun A. S. , Zahn J.‐P.
Published: December 2011

3D MHD global solar simulations coupling the turbulent convective zone and the radiative zone have been carried out. Essential features of the Sun such as differential rotation, meridional circulation and internal waves excitation are recovered. These realistic models are used to test the possibility of having the solar tachocline confined by a primordial inner magnetic field. We find that the initially confined magnetic fields we consider open into the convective envelope. Angular momentum is transported across the two zones by magnetic torques and stresses, establishing the so‐called Ferarro's law of isorotation. In the parameter space studied, the confinement of the magnetic field by meridional circulation penetration fails, also implying the failure of the tachocline confinement by the magnetic field. Three‐dimensional convective motions are proven responsible for the lack of magnetic field confinement. Those results are robust for the different magnetic field topologies considered, i.e. aligned or oblique dipole (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Star‐planet interactions and selection effects from planet detection methods
Authors: Poppenhaeger K. , Schmitt J.H.M.M.
Published: December 2011

Planets may have effects on their host stars by tidal or magnetic interaction. Such star‐planet interactions are thought to enhance the activity level of the host star. However, stellar activity also affects the sensitivity of planet detection methods. Samples of planet‐hosting stars which are investigated for such star‐planet interactions are therefore subject to strong selection effects which need to be taken into account (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quasiparallel and parallel stellar wind interaction and the magnetospheres of close‐in exoplanets
Authors: Johansson E.P.G. , Müller J. , Motschmann U.
Published: December 2011

Venus‐like interactions between stellar wind and planets can be expected to change radically when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is quasiparallel to the stellar wind velocity in the frame of a planet. There should exist close‐in orbits in which planets are ideally exposed to such (quasi)parallel stellar winds. The abundance of close‐in exoplanets make it likely that exoplanets in such orbits exist. We study how the Venus‐like interaction between a supersonic stellar wind and a terrestrial exoplanet with atmosphere but no intrinsic magnetic field orbiting a Sun‐like star at 0.2 AU, depends on the IMF‐stellar wind angle. We extend an earlier study by adding simulations for the very lowest IMF‐stellar wind angles. For this we use a hybrid simulation code, A.I.K.E.F., that models ions as macroparticles and electrons as a massless, charge‐neutralizing adiabatic fluid. We find that as the IMF becomes closer and closer to parallel to the stellar wind, the lack of shielding stellar wind‐induced magnetic fields leads to the collapse of the magnetosheath and dayside bow shock and stellar wind impacting the atmosphere in bulk, opening up for extensive direct interaction between stellar wind and atmosphere, e.g. ENA production, energy deposition and atmospheric erosion. Combined with an observed order‐of‐magnitude decrease in the rate of ionospheric ions being lost to the stellar wind, the result may prove relevant for atmospheric evolution. Model shortcomings potentially weaken the conclusions that can be drawn from the most extreme case, the perfectly parallel interaction (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A contemporary, laboratory‐intensive course on messenger RNA transcription and processing
Authors: Carson Sue , Miller Heather
Published: December 2011

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) plays a pivotal role in the central dogma of molecular biology. Importantly, molecular events occurring during and after mRNA synthesis have the potential to create multiple proteins from one gene, leading to some of the remarkable protein diversity that genomes hold. The North Carolina State University Biotechnology Program developed and implemented a new, laboratory‐intensive course to provide students with a contemporary view of mRNA entitled “mRNA: Transcription and Processing.” This course, offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, aimed to introduce students to the many functions of RNA, with an emphasis on mRNA. In addition to fundamental aspects of these processes, students were exposed to cutting‐edge techniques used to analyze mRNA in both lecture and laboratory components. We evaluated this course over two semesters and found that learning outcomes were met by both undergraduate and graduate students, based on assessments such as laboratory reports, pre‐lab assignments, a final exam, and successful results in the laboratory. We also examined student perceptions through anonymous surveys, where students reported gains in confidence in both conceptual knowledge and technical skill after completing this course.
Galen's “Anastomosis” revisited
Authors: Naidu L. , Ramsaroop L. , Partab P. , Satyapal K.S.
Published: December 2011

This study aimed to examine the incidence and contribution to the innervation of the larynx from Galen's “Anastomosis” (GA), which is the direct connection between the dorsal branches of the internal laryngeal nerve (ILN) and the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Fifty adult laryngeal specimens were micro‐dissected. The diameter of the ILN and RLN were measured immediately after each had given off their muscular branches to form GA. The incidence of GA was 81%. The average diameter of the ILN after giving off muscular branches to form GA was 1.28 mm (right) and 1.27 mm (left) while the average diameter of the RLN after giving off muscular branches to form GA was 0.65 mm (right) and 0.68 mm (left). The weighted mean incidence of GA (77.3%) calculated from a review of the literature concurred with the present finding of 81%. The ILN and RLN supplied the laryngeal musculature. According to the results obtained; it appears that the ILN may provide a greater contribution to the connection between the ILN and RLN as the morphometric contribution from the ILN was larger in comparison to the RLN. In addition, the authors propose a suitable term viz. the “communicating branch” as opposed to the commonly used misnomer GA to describe the connection between the dorsal branch of the RLN and the ILN, based on the definition that an “Anastomosis” refers to blood vessels and that a single connection exists between the dorsal branch of the RLN and ILN. Clin. Anat. 25:722–728, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Dynamic Structure of Gold Supported on Ceria in the Liquid Phase Hydrogenation of Nitrobenzene
Authors: Kartusch Christiane , Makosch Martin , Sá Jacinto , Hungerbuehler Konrad , van Bokhoven Jeroen A.
Published: December 2011

With regard to heterogeneous catalysis by gold and, in particular, hydrogenation reactions, there is no consensus on the oxidation state of the catalytically active species. By means of high‐resolution X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, we determined in situ the oxidation state of gold in the functioning catalyst Au/CeO2 in the slurry phase of the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene at high pressure. The conversion of nitrobenzene was monitored simultaneously by means of online attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We found that catalysts without measurable amounts of cationic gold were more active than catalysts with cationic gold. Any cationic gold that remained after pretreatment was reduced under reaction conditions, without any loss of activity. No evidence was found that the cationic gold contributed to the catalytic activity.
Chromatographic Separation and Purification of Mitotane Racemate in a Varicol Multicolumn Continuous Process
Authors: da Silva A. C. , Salles A. G. , Perna R. F. , Correia C. R. D. , Santana C. C.
Published: December 2011

The multicolumn continuous chromatographic separation process that increases throughput, purity, and yield compared to batch chromatography is considered as an important preparative technique to purify pharmaceutical drugs. Mitotane is a chiral drug marketed in the racemic form but pharmacological effects due to molecule chirality indicate that one of the enantiomers is more potent. Preparative separation of the mitotane enantiomers was performed by a continuous Varicol unit operated on a scale of 30 g/day. Amylose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) functioned as the stationary phase and acetonitrile‐isopropanol mixtures as mobile phases. The enantiomeric purities obtained were 97.0 % for S‐(–)‐mitotane and 96.8 % for R‐(+)‐mitotane in the raffinate and extract streams, respectively. The unit provided productivities of 1.14 kg raffinate per day and kg adsorbent and 0.68 kg extract per day and kg adsorbent.
Development of a Microrectification Apparatus for Analytical and Preparative Applications
Authors: Ziogas A. , Cominos V. , Kolb G. , Kost H.‐J. , Werner B. , Hessel V.
Published: December 2011

The realization of efficient microrectification equipment that can be operated intermittently or continuously is reported. The equipment can be used for both analytical and preparative separations of mixtures of liquid substances. Different binary systems were separated. A theoretical separation stage number of 12 was obtained, together with a height equivalent to one theoretical plate of 1.08 cm. Compared to the state of microtechnology, this can be regarded as excellent progress.
Spectroscopic Response of Ferrocene Derivatives Bearing a BODIPY Moiety to Water: A New Dissociation Reaction
Authors: Chen Suming , Chen Wei , Shi Wen , Ma Huimin
Published: December 2011

Ferrocence and its derivatives have long been known to be a class of stable organometallic compounds, and their dissociation usually occurs under harsh conditions. Here we report a new type of ferrocene derivatives, 4,4‐difluoro‐8‐ferrocenyl‐1,3,5,7‐tetramethyl‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene and 4,4‐difluoro‐2,6‐diethyl‐8‐ferrocenyl‐1,3,5,7‐tetramethyl‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene, which surprisingly can hydrolyze under mild conditions. These two derivatives, initially developed as donor–acceptor probes for reactive oxygen species by incorporating the electron donor of ferrocene as a quencher into the fluorophore of BODIPY (boron dipyrromethene difluoride), barely emit fluorescence. Upon reaction with H2O under the irradiation of natural light at room temperature, however, both of the probes display a dramatic color change and fluorescence retrievement. Detailed experimental results reveal that the reaction of the probes with H2O leads to the removal of a cyclopentadiene unit and iron(II), yielding a BODIPY derivative that retains the other cyclopentadiene unit and shows a large fluorescence enhancement (over 100‐fold). Moreover, the increase in fluorescence intensity is directly proportional to microamount of water, and the presence of both light and H2O is indispensable in the reaction, which makes the present system of great potential not only for determining water but also for forming a AND logic gate. Most importantly, the present mild dissociation reaction may give a new insight into the stability of ferrocene and its derivatives.
Honeycomb Micropatterning of Proteins on Polymer Films through the Inverse Microemulsion Approach
Authors: Ma Yingyi , Liang Jing , Sun Hang , Wu Lixin , Dang Yongqiang , Wu Yuqing
Published: December 2011

Here we report the rapid and convenient patterning of proteins on porous polymer film using the inverse microemulsion approach. Following this method, proteins, which were dissolved in water, were transferred into dichloromethane solution of polymers through the formation of inverse microemulsion by mixing the two solutions. The protein‐containing microemulsion droplets accumulated automatically into large and stable ones on the surface of organic solution casting on solid substrates, and formed tightly packed microemulsion droplet arrays driven by surface tension. With the evaporation of organic solvent and water, the microemulsion droplet arrays, which act as the template, turn to honeycomb patterned pores bearing proteins in them. The formed protein patterns can be locally applied for the detection of other proteins through specific recognition. The generality and reproducibility for the formation of BSA/PS microporous film and protein patterning by using different polymers and solvents were demonstrated by investigating surfactant addition, polymer and solvent types, and casting volume on the morphology of the microporous films. A preliminary mechanism for the protein patterning is discussed based on the analysis of the experimental results.
Synthesis of Renewable Bisphenols from Creosol
Authors: Meylemans Heather A. , Groshens Thomas J. , Harvey Benjamin G.
Published: December 2011

A series of renewable bisphenols has been synthesized from creosol (2‐methoxy‐4‐methylphenol) through stoichiometric condensation with short‐chain aldehydes. Creosol can be readily produced from lignin, potentially allowing for the large scale synthesis of bisphenol A replacements from abundant waste biomass. The renewable bisphenols were isolated in good yields and purities without resorting to solvent‐intense purification methods. Zinc acetate was shown to be a selective catalyst for the ortho‐coupling of formaldehyde, but was unreactive when more sterically demanding aldehydes were used. Dilute HCl and HBr solutions were shown to be effective catalysts for the selective coupling of aldehydes in the position meta to the hydroxyl group. The acid solutions could be recycled and reused multiple times without decrease in activity or yield.
Thyroid hormone‐induced sonic hedgehog signal up‐regulates its own pathway in a paracrine manner in the Xenopus laevis intestine during metamorphosis
Authors: Hasebe Takashi , Kajita Mitsuko , Fu Liezhen , Shi Yun‐Bo , Ishizuya‐Oka Atsuko
Published: December 2011

Background: During Xenopus laevis metamorphosis, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is directly induced by thyroid hormone (TH) at the transcription level as one of the earliest events in intestinal remodeling. However, the regulation of other components of this signaling pathway remains to be analyzed. Here, we analyzed the spatiotemporal expression of Patched (Ptc)‐1, Smoothened (Smo), Gli1, Gli2, and Gli3 during natural and TH‐induced intestinal remodeling. Results: We show that all of the genes examined are transiently up‐regulated in the mesenchymal tissues during intestinal metamorphosis. Conclusions: Interestingly, in the presence of protein synthesis inhibitors, Gli2 but not the others was induced by TH, suggesting that Gli2 is a direct TH response gene, while the others are likely indirect ones. Furthermore, we demonstrate by the organ culture experiment that overexpression of Shh enhances the expression of Ptc‐1, Smo, and Glis even in the absence of TH, indicating that Shh regulates its own pathway components during intestinal remodeling. Developmental Dynamics 241:403–414, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulating the effect of groundwater withdrawals on intermittent‐pond vegetation communities
Authors: Laidig Kim J.
Published: December 2011

Groundwater withdrawals in a shallow unconfined aquifer can reduce water levels in connected wetlands and lead to changes in vegetation. I simulated the effect of withdrawals on the vegetation of intermittent ponds in the New Jersey Pinelands by first characterising the vegetation communities and associated hydrologic regimes of 15 ponds. A model, which was based on these results, was used in conjunction with simulated water‐level drawdowns to predict changes in plant communities. Five dominant vegetation communities found at the study ponds included Carex striata, Chamaedaphne calyculata, and Vaccinium corymbosum patch types and aquatic‐herbaceous and wetland‐herbaceous types, which represent combinations of other vegetation types. A vegetation‐hydrology model related mean vegetation cover for the five patch types to water level in 5‐cm classes. Groundwater withdrawals were simulated by reducing pond‐water depth by 5‐cm intervals, and the resulting changes in modelled vegetation were assessed. Aquatic‐herbaceous and wetland‐herbaceous patch types displayed reductions in area beginning at the smallest simulated drawdowns evaluated. C. striata patch area changed only slightly for drawdowns ≤10 cm, but decreased steadily in response to greater drawdowns. C. calyculata and V. corymbosum patch areas increased for water‐level reductions ≤15 cm and then decreased at drawdowns ≥20 cm. The area of combined pond‐vegetation types, which represents the entire pond as a single vegetation community, consistently decreased at reductions of ≥10 cm. These simulations suggest that groundwater withdrawals favour the expansion of woody species into intermittent ponds, with eventual replacement of pond vegetation by adjacent forest vegetation if extreme hydrologic modifications occur. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IKKβ‐induced inflammation impacts the kinetics but not the magnitude of the immune response to a viral vector
Authors: Hopewell Emily L. , Bronk Crystina C. , Massengill Michael , Engelman Robert W. , Beg Amer A.
Published: December 2011

Microbial adjuvants in vaccines activate key transcription factors, including NF‐κB and interferon response factors (IRFs). However, the individual role of these transcription factor pathways in promoting adaptive immunity by adjuvants is not clear. It is widely believed that induction of a strong inflammatory response potentiates an adaptive immune response. In this study, we sought to determine whether activation of the pro‐inflammatory inhibitor of κB kinase β (IKKβ) canonical NF‐κB pathway promoted vaccine‐induced immune responses. An adenovirus expressing constitutively activated IKKβ (AdIKK) induced robust DC maturation and high expression of key cytokines compared with a control virus. In vivo, AdIKK triggered rapid inflammation after pulmonary infection, increased leukocyte entry into draining LNs, and enhanced early antibody and T‐cell responses. Notably, AdIKK did not influence the overall magnitude of the adaptive immune response. These results indicate that induction of inflammation by IKKβ/NF‐κB in this setting impacts the kinetics but not the magnitude of adaptive immune responses. These findings therefore help define the individual role of a key pathway induced by vaccine adjuvants in promoting adaptive immunity.
Zirconium‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Hydroamination of Alkynes with Primary Amines
Authors: Born Karolin , Doye Sven
Published: December 2011

A simple catalyst system generated in situ by combination of 5 mol‐% [Zr(NMe2)4] and 10 mol‐% of a sulfonamide catalyzes the intermolecular hydroamination of alkynes with primary amines. At elevated temperatures, hydroamination is achieved with both internal and terminal alkynes as well as with sterically demanding and less demanding primary amines. In contrast, secondary amines do not react under identical conditions. Of the sulfonamide additives investigated, sterically demanding tosylamides such as N‐(tert‐butyl)‐p‐toluenesulfonamide give the best results. The regioselectivity of the addition of amine to unsymmetrically substituted internal as well as terminal alkynes is significantly influenced by the nature of the sulfonamide additive. In particular, the successful use of sterically less demanding primary amines such as n‐hexyl‐ or benzylamine clearly indicates that the assumption that Zr catalysts generally form catalytically inactive bridging μ2‐imido dimers or other unreactive intermediates in the presence of these amines is not correct.
[1,4]Dithiepino[2,3‐b]furans from Oxiranecarbaldimines and Lithiated 1,3‐Dithiane: A Series of Rearrangement Reactions in One Pot
Authors: Michel Kristin , Glotzbach Christoph , Fröhlich Roland , Würthwein Ernst‐Ulrich
Published: December 2011

Oxiranecarbaldimines 1, which are easily accessible in a two‐step procedure, were converted into [1,4]dithiepino[2,3‐b]furans 5 by the addition of lithiated 1,3‐dithiane and subsequent aqueous workup under acidic conditions. In case of bis(imine) 6, the isolation of the intermediate bis(aziridinyl alcohol) 7 was possible and resulted from an aza‐Payne rearrangement. Acid treatment of 7 led to the bis(furan) 8. According to quantum chemical calculations, the key step of the acid‐catalyzed step is the ring expansion of the 1,3‐dithiane with simultaneous ring opening of the aziridine. Several [1,4]dithiepino[2,3‐b]furan derivatives 5 and 8 were characterized by X‐ray diffraction.
Racial/ethnic differences in serious psychological distress among older adults in California
Authors: Kim Giyeon , Bryant Ami N. , Parmelee Patricia
Published: December 2011

Objectives

This study examined racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence and correlates of past year serious psychological distress ([SPD] defined as having a score of 13 or higher on the K6 scale), as well as impairments caused by SPD among older adults in California.

Methods

Data drawn from the 2007 California Health Interview Survey, representing racially/ethnically diverse adults 65 years and older, were analyzed: Whites, African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and American Indians/Alaska Natives. Using weighted data, descriptive analyses for prevalence rates and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results

The prevalence of past year SPD was significantly different across the five racial/ethnic groups (p = 0.000), with American Indians/Alaska Natives having the highest prevalence (18.2%) and Asians having the lowest prevalence (2.6%). Disability was significantly associated with prevalence of SPD in all five racial/ethnic groups (all ps < 0.05). Impairments caused by past year SPD did not significantly differ across the five racial/ethnic groups, but overall functional impairments caused by SPD were highest among Whites and lowest among Latinos. Racial/ethnic‐specific correlates of past year SPD for Asians were lower educational attainment (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.55–0.92) and for African Americans, a greater number of chronic diseases (OR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.55–3.54).

Conclusions

Apparent racial/ethnic differences existed in the prevalence and correlates of past year SPD among older adults in California. The findings suggest that different disease burden caused by SPD may exist across diverse racial/ethnic elderly groups and highlight the need to develop race/ethnicity‐specific intervention strategies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of a full hydrodynamic model for large‐scale hydrologic modelling in the Amazon
Authors: Paiva Rodrigo C. D. , Collischonn Walter , Buarque Diogo Costa
Published: December 2011

A key aspect of large river basins partially neglected in large‐scale hydrological models is river hydrodynamics. Large‐scale hydrologic models normally simulate river hydrodynamics using simplified models that do not represent aspects such as backwater effects and flood inundation, key factors for some of the largest rivers of the world, such as the Amazon. In a previous paper, we have described a large‐scale hydrodynamic approach resultant from an improvement of the MGB‐IPH hydrological model. It uses full Saint Venant equations, a simple storage model for flood inundation and GIS‐based algorithms to extract model parameters from digital elevation models. In the present paper, we evaluate this model in the Solimões River basin. Discharge results were validated using 18 stream gauges showing that the model is accurate. It represents the large delay and attenuation of flood waves in the Solimões basin, while simplified models, represented here by Muskingum Cunge, provide hydrographs are wrongly noisy and in advance. Validation against 35 stream gauges shows that the model is able to simulate observed water levels with accuracy, representing their amplitude of variation and timing. The model performs better in large rivers, and errors concentrate in small rivers possibly due to uncertainty in river geometry. The validation of flood extent results using remote sensing estimates also shows that the model accuracy is comparable to other flood inundation modelling studies. Results show that (i) river‐floodplain water exchange and storage, and (ii) backwater effects play an important role for the Amazon River basin hydrodynamics. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of dynamic panel data models with sample selection
Authors: Semykina Anastasia , Wooldridge Jeffrey M.
Published: December 2011

We propose a new method for estimating dynamic panel data models with selection. The method uses backward substitution for the lagged dependent variable, which leads to an estimating equation that requires correcting for contemporaneous selection only. The estimator is valid under relatively weak assumptions about errors and permits avoiding the weak instruments problem associated with differencing. We also propose a simple test for selection bias that is based on the addition of a selection term to the first‐difference equation and subsequent testing for significance of this term. The methods are applied to estimating dynamic earnings equations for women. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of microRNA‐34a in cell cycle, differentiation, and apoptosis: A review
Authors: Chen Fei , Hu Shen‐Jiang
Published: December 2011

The tumor suppressor gene p53 was shown to directly regulate the expression of microRNA‐34a (miR‐34a). miR‐34a regulates a plethora of target proteins, which are involved in cell cycle, apoptosis, differentiation, and cellular development.miR‐34a resides in the region of chromosome 1p36.23, which is commonly deleted in many tumor types, while it results in the loss expression of miR‐34a. The promoters of the miR‐34a gene subject to inactivation by CpG methylation also induce the loss expression of miR‐34a. Ectopic miR‐34a expression induces apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and differentiation or reduces migration. This review summarizes the progress regarding the role of miR‐34a in cell cycle, differentiation, and apoptosis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:79–86 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20412
Exploring the relevance of feminist pedagogy to community psychology: continuing the dialogue
Authors: St. Germaine‐Small Melissa , Walsh‐Bowers Richard , Mitchell Terry L.
Published: December 2011

Psychology has made advances in rectifying its historical negation of women's perspectives, as evidenced by a steady increase in women's scholarship and distinctly feminist works. However, in community psychology, the scope and magnitude of works generated both by and about women from a feminist framework have not kept pace with discourse on the nature of graduate education. The purpose of this article is to stimulate further discussion about the ways in which greater attention to the principles and practices of feminist pedagogy can enhance the interpersonal processes and content of community psychology graduate education. We provide illustrative examples of feminist pedagogy for community psychology from doctoral student and female and male faculty perspectives. We conclude by discussing the challenges to actualizing the potential for social action inherent in feminist pedagogy in relation to its apparent congruency with the principles and practices of community psychology. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The educational journey of a Latina feminist community psychologist
Authors: Guzman Bianca
Published: December 2011

This narrative describes how my educational journey led me to become a Latina feminist community psychologist. My experiences as a Central American woman living in the United States has made me deeply committed to feminist community values and the importance of social justice. Throughout the journey, I connect how immigration status, culture, and gender are intertwined in my career path. My journey includes discussion of my education from elementary school to a doctoral program. I acknowledge the positive role that mentors have had in my educational success. I also discuss how the voices of people of color and women are not always adequately heard or represented in feminist community psychology (FCP). My intensely personal stories are shared in the spirit of connecting with other women and acknowledging that lived experiences are a way of learning and valid forms of inquiry in the field of FCP. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of circumferential resection margin clearance criteria with survival after surgery for cancer of esophagus
Authors: Rao V.S.R. , Yeung M.M.Y. , Cooke J. , Salim E. , Jain P.K.
Published: December 2011

Background

Circumferential resection margin (CRM) is widely recognized as an important prognostic factor in esophageal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of CRM according to the current criteria of the Royal College of Pathologists (RCP) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP).

Methods

Patients (115) who underwent esophagectomy between 2000 and 2006 were included in this retrospective study. Factors such as neo‐adjuvant therapy, site, histological type, size, and lymph node involvement were tested to determine predictability of CRM involvement. Along with these, age, sex, CRM, and adjuvant therapy were analyzed to determine influence on survival.

Results

On the basis of CRM, patients were divided into three groups (involved, 0.1–1 mm and >1mm). Size (T) was the only factor strongly predictive of CRM involvement (P < 0.001). Size (T; P = 0.04) and lymph node involvement (N; P = 0.0003) were found to significantly influence overall survival (OS). When patients with CRM (involved and 0.1–1mm) were compared with those with CRM > 1 mm, OS was significantly prolonged in the latter (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

This study appears to lend credence to the RCP criteria for definition of CRM over the CAP criteria. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:745–749. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The number of pathologic lymph nodes involved is still a significant prognostic factor even after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Akutsu Yasunori , Shuto Kiyohiko , Kono Tsuguaki , Uesato Masaya , Hoshino Isamu , Shiratori Toru , Isozaki Yuka , Akanuma Naoki , Uno Takashi , Matsubara Hisahiro
Published: December 2011

Background

The correlation between the number of pathologic metastatic LNs in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) and surgical outcome has rarely been reported. We evaluated the correlation between the number of pathologic metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) and the surgical outcome in ESCC after NACRT.

Methods

Eighty‐eight patients with ESCC who underwent NACRT followed by surgery were evaluated. The clinical response of NACRT was evaluated and surgical specimens of the primary tumor and resected LNs were analyzed clinicopathologically.

Results

Fewer pathologic metastatic LNs was associated with better survival. According to the number of metastatic LNs, the difference in the median survival was the largest between the groups when patients were divided into those with 2 and 3 metastatic LNs (χ2: 13.694, P < 0.001). With regard to clinical factors, the initial N status prior to treatment had the most significant impact on survival by a univariate analysis (P = 0.064), and the number of pathologic metastatic LNs was a risk factor for poor survival, with a hazard ratio of 5.128 (95% C.I.: 1.438–18.285, P = 0.012) by a multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Of the various factors, the number of pathologic metastatic LNs was the strongest indicator to predict the patients' survival. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:756–760. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microvascular cricoid cartilage reconstruction with the thoracodorsal artery scapular tip autogenous transplant
Authors: Chanowski Eric J. P. , Haxer Marc J. , Chepeha Douglas B.
Published: December 2011

Conservation laryngeal surgery has been limited by difficulties with partial resection of the cricoid. Numerous options have been suggested that include temporoparietal flaps, free cartilage grafts, radial forearm free tissue transfers, and tracheal autotransplantation with vascular carriers. The authors present a one‐stage procedure for the reconstruction of the cricoid cartilage based on the thoracodorsal artery scapular tip (Tdast) autogenous transplant that uses the curved tip of the scapula and does not create a secondary tracheal defect. Because the Tdast is a vascularized graft it may withstand radiation treatment.