bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyimide–polydimethylsiloxane copolymers for low‐dielectric‐constant and moisture‐resistance applications
Authors: Xi Kai , Meng Zhen , Heng Liang , Ge Renjie , He Hui , Yu Xuehai , Jia Xudong
Published: April 2009

Novel, randomly coupled, soluble, segmented polyimide–polydimethylsiloxane (PI–PDMS) copolymers were prepared from aminoalkyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (At–PDMS), 4,4′‐oxydianiline diamine, pyromellitic dianhydride, and 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI). When At–PDMS was introduced into the polyimide chain, the polyimide copolymers exhibited lower dielectric constants and better moisture resistance and mechanical properties. The reductions in the dielectric constant of the PI–PDMS copolymers could be attributed to the incorporation of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) into the polyimide chain and the nanopores in the film generated by carbon dioxide evolvement during the reaction. The lowest dielectric constant was 2.58 with 25 wt % PDMS and 5 wt % MDI. In addition, the water contact angles of the resultant copolymers increased from 51 to 109° when the contents of PDMS increased from 0 to 25 wt %. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Sensitivity analysis of the moments of the profit on an Income Protection Policy
Authors: Cordeiro Isabel Maria , Magalhães Pedro Manuel
Published: April 2009

The main purpose of this paper is to perform a sensitivity analysis where we quantify and analyse the effects on the mean of the profit on an Income Protection policy and two risk measures of changing the values of the transition intensities. All the calculations carried out are based on a multiple state model for Income Protection proposed in Continuous Mortality Investigation Committee (Continuous Mortality Investigation Reports 1991; 12). Within this model, we derive a formula for the mean of the profit, which enables to evaluate it more efficiently. In order to calculate the two risk measures we use the numerical algorithms for the calculation of the moments of the profit proposed by Waters (Insurance: Mathematics and Economics 1990; 9:101–113). We carry out the sensitivity analysis considering two different situations: in the first situation, we update the premium rates used to calculate the moments of the profit, according to the changes in the values of the transition intensities; in the second one, we do not update the premium rates. Both analyses are of practical interest to insurance companies selling Income Protection policies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Field optimization and CCD data simulation for the antarctic International Concordia Explorer Telescope (ICE‐T)
Authors: Fügner D. , Fuhrmann C. , Strassmeier K.G.
Published: April 2009

We performed extensive data simulations for the planned ultra‐wide‐field, high‐precision photometric telescope ICE‐T (International Concordia Explorer Telescope). ICE‐T consists of two 60 cm‐aperture Schmidt telescopes with a joint field of view simultaneously in two photometric bandpasses. Two CCD cameras, each with a single 10.3k × 10.3k thinned back‐illuminated device, would image a sky field of 65 square degrees. Given a location of the telescope at Dome C on the East Antarctic Plateau, we searched for the star fields that best exploit the technical capabilities of the instrument and the site. We considered the effects of diurnal air mass and refraction variations, solar and lunar interference, interstellar absorption, overexposing of bright stars and ghosts, crowding by background stars, and the ratio of dwarf to giant stars in the field. Using NOMAD, SSA, Tycho‐2 and 2MASS‐based stellar positions and BVIJH magnitudes for these fields, we simulated the effects of the telescope's point‐spread‐function, the integration, and the co‐addition times. Simulations of transit light curves are presented for the selected star fields and convolved with the expected instrumental characteristics. For the brightest stars, we showed that ICE‐T should be capable of detecting a 2 REarth Super Earth around a G2 solar‐type star, as well as an Earth around an M0‐star – if these targets were as abundant as hot Jupiters. Simultaneously, the telescope would monitor the host star's surface activity in an astrophysically interpretable manner (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Recent observations of AB Dor and interpretation
Authors: Budding E. , Erdem A. , Innis J.L. , Oláh K. , Slee O.B.
Published: April 2009

We use minimal empirical modelling techniques to interpret recent (2006–2007) photometry and spectroscopy of AB Dor. We compare, in particular, broadband (B and V) maculation effects with emission features in high‐resolution Ca II K‐line spectroscopy. We also compare emission effects in the Ca II Kand Hα lines observed at different rotational phases. We refer to a broader multiwavelength campaign, of which these optical data were a part, involving X‐ray and microwave observations to be published later. The broadband light curves are characterized by one outstanding macula, whereas the emission lines suggest 4 possible main chromospheric activity sites (‘faculae’). These appear at a similar latitude and with comparable size to the main umbra, but there are significant displacements in longitude. However, one strong facular concentration near phase zero may have a physical relationship to the main macula. The derived longitudes of these features would have been affected by differential rotation operating over the several months between the spectroscopic and photometric observations, but the difference of at least ∼30° between facula and umbra appears too great to allow their coincidence. The possibility of a large bipolar surface structure is considered, keeping in mind the bipolar character of solar activity centres: the activity of rapidly rotating cool stars being generally compared with that of the Sun, scaled up by a few orders of magnitude. Observed microwave activity may link to this same main photospheric and chromospheric centre picked up by the optical analysis. Characterization of macular and facular contributions in stellar activity sites would be improved with a closer timing of observations and higher signal to noise ratios in emission line data (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The solar observations at Armagh Observatory in 1795–1797
Authors: Arlt R.
Published: April 2009

This article reports on solar observations by J.A. Hamilton and W. Gimingham at Armagh Observatory made in 1795–1797. A number of sunspot positions were obtained from the original observing notes, mostly from micrometer measurements. The period is particularly interesting for the understanding of the onset of the Dalton minimum and a possible minor cycle between the Cycles 4 and 5. For the same period, sunspot positions recorded by Staudacher were measured and published in an earlier paper (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A new spectrofluorimetric method for determination of trace amounts histamine in human urine and serum
Authors: Peng Qian , He Jixiang , Jiang Chongqiu
Published: April 2009

A new spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of trace amounts of histamine in human urine and serum samples. In NaAc–HAc buffer solution of pH 4.0, histamine can react with the acetylacetone–formaldehyde system to produce a fluorescent derivative which emits yellow‐green fluorescence at 476 nm, according to the Hantzsch reaction, and the enhanced fluorescence intensity is in proportion to the concentration of histamine. Optimum conditions for the determination of histamine were also investigated. The dynamic range and detection limit for the determination of histamine is 5.96 × 10–8–1.50 × 10–5 mol/L and 4.35 × 10–8mol/L, respectively. This method is practical and can be successfully applied to determination of histamine in human urine and serum samples. A proposal of the reaction pathway is suggested. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple and fast detection technique for arsenic speciation based on high‐efficiency photooxidation and gas‐phase chemiluminescence detection
Authors: Xue Junhai , Zhu Zhenli , Zhang Sichun , Zhang Xinrong
Published: April 2009

High‐efficiency photooxidation (HEPO) and gas phase chemiluminescence detection (CL) combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and hydride generation were developed for speciation of As(III), As(V), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). After chromatography separation, the arsenic species were passed through HEPO which performed efficient photooxidation and converted MMA and DMA to As(V) in several seconds. Then the reaction of ozone and arsine upon hydride generation produced a CL signal as the analytical parameter. The total analytical process was completed within 10 min. The effects of operational parameters such as the concentrations of hydrochloric acid and NaBH4 solution, carrier gas flow and air gas flow for ozone generation were investigated. Detection limits were 3.7, 10.3, 10.2 and 10.0 µg/L for As(III), As(V), MMA and DMA, respectively. The recoveries of the four arsenic species in human urine sample ranged from 87 to 94%. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A highly sensitive fluorescent probe for tiopronin based on the cleavage of 2, 4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonate
Authors: Wang Liping , Yang Xiao‐Feng , Xu Hongmei , Zhao Minglei
Published: April 2009

A highly sensitive fluorogenic probe for tiopronin was proposed. 2,4‐Dinitrobenzenesulfonyl‐fluorescein (I) is an almost nonfluorescent compound. Upon mixing with tiopronin in aqueous solution, the 2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonyl group of I was efficiently removed and its parent dye fluorescein was released, hence leading to dramatic increases in both fluorescence and absorbance of the reaction mixture. Under optimal conditions, the fluorescence increase is linear with tiopronin concentration in the range 5.0–600 ng mL−1, with a detection limit of 1.5 ng mL−1 (3σ). The proposed method has been successfully applied to tiopronin determination in pharmaceutical preparations and in spiked human urine samples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soft‐modeling based spectrofluorimetric study of simultaneous equilibria
Authors: Abdollahi H. , Sajjadi S. M.
Published: April 2009

A two‐way soft resolution method will fail when applied to a simultaneous equilibria system due to rank deficiency in its concentration profiles. Increasing the dimensionality of measurements from two‐way to three‐way data can be used to overcome this problem. Simultaneous dissociation of two weak acids is considered as a model for simultaneous equilibria. Three‐way data obtained from excitation–emission spectrofluorimetric monitoring of a pH‐metric titration is analyzed using a proper combination of well‐known soft‐modeling methods. Multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares is used for calculating the excitation and emission spectral profiles of involved species and rank annihilation factor analysis for obtaining the contribution of each species in measured excitation–emission matrices at different pHs. The results of simulated and real simultaneous acids dissociation equilibria showed that the proposed combined method performs well even in situation when the equilibrium constants are close to each other. The applicability of method for study of an acidic dissociation is also shown. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sticky PCR: A PCR‐based protocol for targeted protein engineering
Authors: Yamabhai Montarop
Published: April 2009

This article describes a simple but powerful PCR‐based protocol for the generation of cohesive ends on linear DNA fragments, permitting the precise engineering of DNA constructs for a variety of applications. These include the introduction of deletion mutations, domain swapping, creating hybrid DNA fusions, or targeted protein engineering. This novel method can also facilitate the cloning of large or complex DNA fragments into a relevant cloning vector independent of the use of internal restriction endonuclease sites. The protocol involves the amplification of the required fragments by polymerase chain reaction through the use of two sets of overlapping desalted oligonucleotide primers. The subsequent mixing, denaturation and re‐annealing of these products present correct cohesive terminal ends for ligation. There is no requirement for special vectors, enzymes or bases, suggesting that this protocol provides a unique way of engineering constructs in a rapid and cost‐effective way for specific applications, such as precise deletion or swapping of various domains of the epidermal growth factor receptor to determine their role in membrane localization.
Regulatory effects of oxygen transfer on overexpression of recombinant benzaldehyde lyase production by Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3)
Authors: Kaya‐Çeliker Hande , Angardi Vahideh , Çalık Pınar
Published: April 2009

Effects of oxygen transfer (OT) on benzaldehyde lyase (BAL) production by recombinant E. coli BL21 (DE3) pLySs were investigated at an air‐inlet rate of QO/VR = 0.5 vvm and agitation rates of N = 250, 500, 625, and 750/min; and at constant dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations of CDO = 0.04 and 0.08 mol/m3, on a glucose based defined medium. The highest cell concentration (CX = 3.0 kg/m3) and volumetric BAL activity (A = 1095 U/cm3) were obtained at CDO = 0.08 mol/m3. KLa increased with agitation rate and decreased with CX. The highest KLa (= 0.039 s(1) was obtained at QO/VR = 0.5 vvm and N = 750/min. Damköhler number increased with decrease in agitation rate and increase in CX, while the effectiveness factor was inversely proportional to CX. The specific growth rate and the yield coefficients decreased with cultivation time and higher values were obtained in higher agitation rates. Oxygen consumption and glucose consumption for maintenance were changed proportionally and inverse proportionally with the BAL production, respectively.
Probing active‐site residues of pyranose 2‐oxidase from Trametes multicolor by semi‐rational protein design
Authors: Salaheddin Clara , Spadiut Oliver , Ludwig Roland , Tan Tien‐Chye , Divne Christina , Haltrich Dietmar , Peterbauer Clemens
Published: April 2009

D‐Tagatose is a sweetener with low caloric and non‐glycemic characteristics. It can be produced by an enzymatic oxidation of D‐galactose specifically at C2 followed by chemical hydrogenation. Pyranose 2‐oxidase (P2Ox) from Trametes multicolor catalyzes the oxidation of many aldopyranoses to their corresponding 2‐keto derivatives. Since D‐galactose is not the preferred substrate of P2Ox, semi‐rational design was employed to improve the catalytic efficiency with this poor substrate. Saturation mutagenesis was applied on all positions in the active site of the enzyme, resulting in a library of mutants, which were screened for improved activity in a 96‐well microtiter plate format. Mutants with higher activity than wild‐type P2Ox were chosen for further kinetic investigations. Variant V546C was found to show a 2.5‐fold increase of kcat with both D‐glucose and D‐galactose when oxygen was used as electron acceptor. Because of weak substrate binding, however, kcat/KM is lower for both sugar substrates compared to wild‐type TmP2Ox. Furthermore, variants at position T169, i.e., T169S and T169N, showed an improvement of the catalytic characteristics of P2Ox with D‐galactose. Batch conversion experiments of D‐galactose to 2‐keto‐D‐galactose were performed with wild‐type TmP2O as well as with variants T169S, T169N, V546C and V546C/T169N to corroborate the kinetic properties determined by Michaelis‐Menten kinetics.
Ultrasonically enhanced delivery and degradation of PAHs in a polymer–liquid partitioning system by a microbial consortium
Authors: Isaza Pedro A. , Daugulis Andrew J.
Published: April 2009

The current study examined the effects of ultrasonic irradiation on mass transfer and degradation of PAHs, by an enriched consortium, when delivered from polymeric matrices. Rates of release into methanol under sonicated conditions, relative to unmixed cases, for phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, and benzo[a]pyrene were increased approximately fivefold, when delivered from Desmopan 9370 A (polyurethane). Similar effects were observed in Hytrel and Kraton® D4150 K polymers as well as recycled Bridgestone tires. Enhancements were also displayed as shifts to higher release equilibria under sonicated conditions, relative to non‐sonicated cases, agreeing with current knowledge in sonochemistry and attributed to cavitation. Ultrasonic effects on microbial activity were also investigated and cell damage was found to be non‐ permanent with consortium re‐growth being observed after sonic deactivation. Finally, the lumped effect of sonication on degradation of phenanthrene delivered from Desmopan was examined under the absence and presence of sonication. Rates of degradation were found to be increased by a factor of four demonstrating the possibility of using ultrasonic irradiation for improved mass transport in solid–liquid systems. Cellular inactivation effects were not evident, and this was attributed to the attenuation of sonic energy arising from the presence of solid polymer materials in the medium. The findings of the study demonstrate that sonication can be used to improve mass transport of poorly soluble compounds in microbial degradations, and alleviate limiting steps of soil remediation processes proposed in previous research. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 91–101 © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of packing hydrophilization on bacterial attachment and the relationship with the performance of biotrickling filters
Authors: Prado Óscar J. , Popat Sudeep C. , Chen Gexin , Walker Sharon L. , Lafuente Javier , Gabriel David , Deshusses Marc A.
Published: April 2009

Many bioprocesses depend on the effective formation of a biofilm on a solid support. In the present study, three different surface treatments (sandblasting, pure‐O2 plasma, and He–O2 plasma treatments) were conducted on polypropylene (PP) Pall rings used as a support in biotrickling filters for air pollution control. The intent was to modify the ring surface and/or electrochemical properties in order to possibly improve cell adhesion, wetting properties, and possibly reduce the start‐up time and increase the performance of the biotrickling filters. The surface treatments were found to generally increase the hydrophilicity and the zeta potential of the surfaces. However, the startup and performance of lab‐scale biotrickling filters packed with treated Pall rings were not significantly different than the control with untreated rings. Cell and colloid deposition experiments conducted in flow cells showed that the treated surfaces and the hydrodynamic conditions were not favorable for cell deposition indicating that there could be significant opportunities for improving packings used in environmental bioprocess applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;103: 1060–1067. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Report on the implementation and evaluation of an interprofessional learning programme for inter‐agency child protection teams
Authors: Watkin Alison , Lindqvist Susanne , Black Jane , Watts Fiona
Published: April 2009

Effective collaborative working between the different professions and agencies working to safeguard children is essential. Lack of knowledge of others' roles, perceived differences in status and expertise, and negative stereotypes are examples of why this can be difficult to achieve. A facilitated interprofessional learning (IPL) programme was implemented to assess if such an intervention could overcome some of the barriers to effective interprofessional and inter‐agency team working. Six teams based in primary and secondary care trusts took part with participants from health, education, police and social services. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from individual participants using a pre‐validated team climate inventory and reflective statements. Findings from this study demonstrate statistically significant changes in five out of six categories in the inventory. Reflective statements suggested that overall the programme offered a positive learning experience at both an individual and team level. The importance of outside facilitation to maintain the team's momentum was acknowledged, as was the difficulty of maintaining a good level of activity once the programme had ended. Nevertheless, the IPL programme provided a timely opportunity to reflect upon the interprofessional and inter‐agency team working needed within Children's Trusts and the implications for staff involved with regard to skills development. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased glycated calmodulin in the submandibular salivary glands of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Nicolau José , de Souza Douglas Nesadal , Carrilho Marcela
Published: April 2009

Non‐enzymatic glycosylation, a post translational protein modification may be implicated in the diabetes complications. Calmodulin is an important calcium binding protein that complexed with Ca2+ may be implicated in salivary gland secretory process. Glycated calmodulin has shown to be less effective in binding calcium. The aim of this study was to determine whether the concentration of glycated‐calmodulin may be elevated in the submandibular salivary glands of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of spreptozotocin, and hyperglycemia was confirmed 72 h after injection using a glucosimeter. Thirty days after the induction of diabetes, submandibular salivary glands were used for the analysis of glycated and non‐glycated calmodulin, using a glycogel B columns for separation. Glycated and non‐glycated calmodulin were assayed by an enzymatic method and by ELISA. The overall concentration of CaM (non‐glycated + glycated) in induced diabetic rats was significantly lower than in controls (p < 0.05). The concentration of non‐glycated CaM in controls was significantly higher than in experimental group (p < 0.05), while the concentration of glycated calmodulin between these groups was statistically similar (p > 0.05). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective Extraction and Transport of the [PtCl6]2−Anion through Outer‐Sphere Coordination Chemistry
Authors: Warr Rebecca J. , Westra Arjan N. , Bell Katherine J. , Chartres Jy , Ellis Ross , Tong Christine , Simmance Timothy G. , Gadzhieva Anastasia , Blake Alexander J. , Tasker Peter A. , Schröder Martin
Published: April 2009

Platinum recovery: Tripodal receptors incorporating urea, amido or sulfonamido hydrogen‐bond donors show high loading and selectivity for extraction of [PtCl6]2−over chloride (present in 60‐fold excess) from a low pH aqueous phase to organic media (see figure). The formation of neutral 2:1 [LH]+/[PtCl6]2−packages in organic solvents is supported by single‐crystal X‐ray structure determinations.

magnified image

A series of tripodal receptors designed to recognise the outer coordination sphere of the hexachlorometallate anion [PtCl6]2−, and thus show selectivity for ion‐pair formation over chloride binding, has been synthesised and characterised. The tripodal ligands contain urea, amido or sulfonamido hydrogen‐bond donors, which are aligned to bind to the regions of greatest electron density along the faces and edges of the octahedral anion. The ligand structure incorporates a protonatable bridgehead nitrogen centre that provides a positive charge to ensure the solubility of a neutral 2:1 [LH]+/[PtCl6]2−complex in water‐immiscible solvents. The extraction of [PtCl6]2−from acidic chloride solutions was evaluated by using a pH‐swing mechanism to control the loading and stripping of the metallate anion. The ligands L1–L3, L5–L9, L11–L13and L15showed extremely high loading (up to 95 % in some cases) and high selectivity for [PtCl6]2−over chloride ions (present in a 60‐fold excess) compared with trioctylamine, a model Alamine reagent, which, under identical conditions, only extracted 10 % of the PtIVanions. Generally, extraction was observed to be greater for urea‐containing ligands than their amido analogues, and a quantitative recovery of platinum from feed solutions was achieved. The formation of neutral ([LH]+)2[PtCl6]2−packages in organic media is supported by single‐crystal X‐ray structure determinations of [(L2H)2PtCl6]⋅2 CH3CN, [(L8H)2PtCl6(MeOH)2], [(L12H)2PtCl6]⋅2 CH3CN and [(L14H)2PtCl6], which confirm the presence of significant hydrogen bonding between the anion and urea or amido moieties of the protonated ligand and the anion. The structure of [(L1H)(H3O)PtCl6]⋅C6H6⋅CH3CN shows hydrogen bonding of a H3O+cation to the receptor and confirms that other stoichiometries are also possible, indicating that speciation in solution may be more complex.
Methyleneimidazoline Complexes of Iridium, Rhodium, and Palladium from Selective C(sp3)H Bond Activation
Authors: Song Guoyong , Li Xingwei , Song Zhongcheng , Zhao Jing , Zhang Hongjie
Published: April 2009

Phosphine‐assisted CH activation of the methyl group of 2‐methylimidazolium compounds led to a series of iridium, rhodium, and palladium complexes of 2‐methyleneimidazolines. Experimental results confirmed that the product of methyl CH activation is the kinetic product, whereas the aryl CH activation product is the thermodynamic product (see scheme).

magnified image

Palladium, iridium, and rhodium complexes of 2‐methyleneimidazolines have been synthesized by selective phosphine‐assisted activation of the 2‐methyl CH bonds in 2‐methylimidazolium compounds. Metallacycles of various sizes were obtained in the reaction of phosphine‐tethered 2‐methylimidazolium compounds and [{M(cod)X}2] (M=Rh or Ir; cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene; X=alkoxyl or Cl). Representative complexes were characterized by X‐ray crystallography. The selectivity for aliphatic C(sp3)H versus aromatic C(sp2)H activation could be adjusted by means of the steric bulk of the OR ligand, whereby a bulky OR group favors activation of the 2‐methyl C(sp3)H bond. Experimental results confirmed that a methyl CH activation product (a seven‐membered iridacycle) is the kinetic product, while the aryl CH activation product (a six‐membered iridacycle) is the thermodynamic product.
A New Generation of Anticancer Drugs: Mesoporous Materials Modified with Titanocene Complexes
Authors: Pérez‐Quintanilla Damian , Gómez‐Ruiz Santiago , Žižak Željko , Sierra Isabel , Prashar Sanjiv , del Hierro Isabel , Fajardo Mariano , Juranić Zorica D. , Kaluđerović Goran N.
Published: April 2009

The next generation: The grafting of titanocene complexes on the surfaces of MCM‐41 and SBA‐15 led to a new generation of anticancer drugs, which are very active against human cancer cells.

magnified image

Dehydroxylated MCM‐41 and SBA‐15 surfaces were modified by the grafting of two different titanocene complexes ([Ti(η5‐C5H4Me)2Cl2] and [Ti{Me2Si(η5‐C5Me4)(η5‐C5H4)}Cl2]) to give new materials, which have been characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, nitrogen gas sorption, MAS‐NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, SEM, and TEM. The toxicity of the resulting materials toward human adenocarcinoma HeLa, human myelogenous leukemia K562, human malignant melanoma Fem‐x, and normal immunocompetent cells, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells PBMC has been studied. Estimation of the number of particles per gram of material led to the calculation of Q50 values for these samples, which is the number of particles required to inhibit normal cell growth by 50 %. In addition, M50 values (quantity of material needed to inhibit normal cell growth by 50 %) of the studied surfaces is also reported. Nonfunctionalized MCM‐41 and SBA‐15 did not show notable antiproliferative activity, whereas functionalization of these materials with different titanocene based anticancer drugs led to very promising antitumoral activity. The best Q50 values correspond to titanocene functionalized MCM‐41 surfaces (MCM‐41/[Ti(η5‐C5H4Me)2Cl2] (1) and MCM‐41/[Ti{Me2Si(η5‐C5Me4)(η5‐C5H4)}Cl2] (2)) with Q50 values between 3.8±0.6×108 and 24.5±3.0×108 particles. Titanocene functionalized SBA‐15 surfaces (SBA‐15/[Ti(η5‐C5H4Me)2Cl2] (3) and SBA‐15/[Ti{Me2Si(η5‐C5Me4)(η5‐C5H4)}Cl2] (4)) gave higher Q50 values, showing lower activity from 73.2±9.9×108 to 362±7×108 particles. The best response of the studied materials in terms of M50 values was observed against Fem‐x (309±42 μg for 4) and K562 (338±18 μg for 2), whereas moderate activities were observed in HeLa cells (from 508±63 μg of 2 to 912±10 μg of 1). In addition, the analyzed surfaces presented only marginal activity against unstimulated and stimulated PBMC, showing a slight selectivity on human cancer cells. Comparison of the in vitro cytotoxicity in solution of the titanocene complexes [Ti(η5‐C5H4Me)2Cl2] and [Ti{Me2Si(η5‐C5Me4)(η5‐C5H4)}Cl2] and the corresponding titanocene functionalized materials is also described.
Detecting corpus callosum abnormalities in autism subtype using planar conformal mapping
Authors: Duan Ye , He Qing , Yin Xiaotian , Gu Xianfeng , Karsch Kevin , Miles Judith
Published: April 2009

A number of studies have documented that autism has a neurobiological basis, but the anatomical extent of these neurobiological abnormalities is largely unknown. In this paper, we apply advanced computational techniques to extract 3D models of the corpus callosum (CC) and subsequently analyze local shape variations in a homogeneous group of autistic children. Besides the traditional volumetric analysis, we explore additional phenotypic traits based on the oriented bounding rectangle of the CC. In shape analysis, a new conformal parameterization is applied in our shape analysis work, which maps the surface onto a planar domain. Surface matching among different individual meshes is achieved by aligning the planar domains of individual meshes. Shape differences of the CC between autistic patients and the controls are computed using HotellingT2two‐sample metric followed by a permutation test. The raw and correctedp‐values are shown in the results. Additional visualization of the group difference is provided via mean difference map. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel method for the generation of reaggregated organotypic cultures that permits juxtaposition of defined cell populations
Authors: Sheridan Julie M. , Taoudi Samir , Medvinsky Alexander , Blackburn C. Clare
Published: April 2009

Cellular reaggregation methods have been used to generate in vitro organotypic cultures as a means to elucidate the cellular and molecular requirements of organogenesis. However, reproducibility from experiment to experiment has remained problematic and furthermore, current protocols do not support reaggregation of many important tissues. Here, using the thymus as a model organ, we present a novel reaggregation method termed “compaction reaggregation” that offers improved kinetics of reaggregation and greatly improved efficiency. Using compaction reaggregation we have been able to reaggregate the aorta‐gonad‐ mesonephros region, a tissue that previously proved refractory to commonly used reaggregation methods, enabling the study of hematopoietic stem cell emergence and expansion. Additionally, compaction reaggregation permits the juxtaposition of different cell layers within the aggregated structure thus providing the means to study inductive interactions between different cell populations in vitro. genesis 47:346–351, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Construction and characterization of a doxycycline‐inducible transgenic system in Msx2 expressing cells
Authors: Lin Congxing , Yin Yan , Chen Hong , Fisher Alexander V. , Chen Feng , Rauchman Michael , Ma Liang
Published: April 2009

Homeobox gene Msx2 is widely expressed during both embryogenesis and postnatal development and plays important roles during organogenesis. We developed an Msx2‐rtTA BAC transgenic line which can activate TetO‐Cre expression in Msx2‐expressing cells upon doxycycline (Dox) treatment. Using the Rosa26‐LacZ (R26R) reporter line, we show that rtTA is activated in Msx2‐expressing organs including the limb, heart, external genitalia, urogenital system, hair follicles and craniofacial regions. Moreover, we show that in body appendages, the transgene can be activated in different domains depending on the timing of Dox treatment. In addition, the transgene can also be effectively activated in adult tissues such as the hair follicle and the urogenital system. Taken together, this Msx2‐rtTA;TetO‐Cre system is a valuable tool for studying gene function in the development of the aforementioned organs in a temporal and spatially‐restricted manner, as well as for tissue lineage tracing of Msx2‐expressing cells. When induced postnatally, this system can also be used to study gene function in adult tissues without compromising normal development and patterning. genesis 47:352–359, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Chloro‐Bridged Linear Chain Imine‐Copper(II) Complex and Its Application as an Enzyme‐Free Amperometric Biosensor for Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Alves Wendel A. , Matos Iorquirene O. , Takahashi Pedro M. , Bastos Erick L. , Martinho Herculano , Ferreira Janaina G. , Silva Claudia C. , de Almeida Santos Regina H. , Paduan‐Filho Armando , Da Costa Ferreira Ana M.
Published: April 2009

The synthesis, structural characterisation and magnetic properties of a new chloro‐bridged linear chain imine‐copper(II) compound are reported. The results indicate that uniform chains are formed by stacking of parallel pyramidal units formed from the copper centre coordinated to the imine ligands and bridged by chloride ions, with the uncoordinated perchlorate ions located between the layers to balance the charge. Magnetic measurements carried out on a powder sample at temperatures from 1.8 to 290 K and a field of 500 Oe, indicated an intramolecular magnetic coupling between the copper centres [J/k = (–12.3 ± 0.2) K]. Moreover, an antiferromagnetic interaction can also be observed between the polynuclear arrays [J′ z/k = –(10.4 ± 1.7) K]. An analysis of the sample at high temperature indicated that the overall interaction would be antiferromagnetic (ΘCW = –14 K). Furthermore, this new inorganic‐organic zigzag polymer was linked covalently to the poly(N‐vinylimidazole) polymer, PVI, on a vitreous carbon electrode surface and used as a biomimetic material for the efficient analytical determination of hydrogen peroxide. Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques were used to give a complete characterisation of the hybrid film obtained. The proposed enzyme‐free biosensor for catalase‐like activity exhibited good sensitivity (268 mA mol–1 L cm–2) at –0.4 V relative to the. SCE in a phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0) and a wide linear range from 1 to 30 mmol L–1 for hydrogen peroxide detection.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Efficient Syntheses of New Polyhydroxylated 2,3‐Diaryl‐9H‐xanthen‐9‐ones
Authors: Santos Clementina M. M. , Silva Artur M. S. , Cavaleiro José A. S.
Published: April 2009

A large number of hydroxylated 2,3‐diaryl‐9H‐xanthen‐9‐ones have been synthesised by two different approaches, starting either from 3‐bromo‐2‐methyl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one or from (E)‐3‐bromo‐2‐styryl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ones. The former method involves Heck reactions between 3‐bromo‐2‐methyl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one and styrenes, leading to (E)‐2‐methyl‐3‐styryl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ones; these condensed with benzaldehyde to give (E,E)‐2,3‐distyryl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ones, which led to the desired 2,3‐diaryl‐9H‐xanthen‐9‐ones under reflux in 1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene. 3‐Bromo‐2‐styryl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ones were obtained either by aldol condensations between 3‐bromo‐2‐methyl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one and benzaldehydes, or through Baker–Venkataraman rearrangements of 2‐acetylphenyl cinnamates, followed by one‐pot bromination/cyclisation with phenyltrimethylammonium tribromide. The 2,3‐diaryl‐9H‐xanthene‐9‐ones were obtained in one‐pot transformations involving Heck reactions between (E)‐3‐bromo‐2‐styryl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ones and styrenes, followed by electrocyclisation and oxidation processes. The 2,3‐diaryl‐3,4‐dihydro‐9H‐xanthene‐9‐one intermediates were also isolated under these conditions, and so when 5‐methoxy‐2‐styryl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ones were used as starting materials the 1‐hydroxy‐6,7‐diaryl‐9H‐xanthene‐9‐ones were also observed. The second method is a general one, because it allowed the synthesis of a great number of 2,3‐diaryl‐9H‐xanthen‐9‐ones with several substitution patterns, whereas the first one is limited to certain derivatives. The last step in the synthesis of hydroxylated 2,3‐diaryl‐9H‐xanthen‐9‐ones was the cleavage of the hydroxy protecting groups with boron tribromide. The structures and stereochemistry of all new compounds were established by NMR studies.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
A Single‐Step Synthesis of 4‐Oxazolin‐2‐ones and Their Use in the Construction of Polycyclic Structures Bearing Quaternary Stereocenters
Authors: Santoyo Blanca M. , González‐Romero Carlos , Merino Omar , Martínez‐Palou Rafael , Fuentes‐Benites Aydeé , Jiménez‐Vázquez Hugo A. , Delgado Francisco , Tamariz Joaquín
Published: April 2009

A new method for the synthesis of 4‐oxazolin‐2‐ones by a one‐pot MW‐promoted condensation of α‐ketols and isocyanates is reported. An alternative thermal approach using the same starting materials is also described. These cyclic enamides were efficient nucleophiles, reacting with Michael acceptors and prenyl bromide to give a variety of polycyclic structures bearing one or two quaternary stereocenters. The selectivity of the products depended on the reaction conditions and on the electrophile used.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Efficient Synthesis of Vitamin E Amines (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 13/2009)
Authors: Mazzini Francesco , Netscher Thomas , Salvadori Piero
Published: April 2009

The cover picture shows the easy and efficient Pd‐catalyzed transformation of the pool of vitamin E (VE) compounds (tocopherols and tocotrienols coming from natural sources) into the corresponding VE amines in enantiopure form. The latter are promising therapeutic agents and building blocks of VE analogues that showed high antitumoral activity. Details are discussed in the article by F. Mazzini, T. Netscher, P. Salvadori et al. on p. 2063 ff.
Adult attachment and feedback‐seeking patterns in relationships and work
Authors: Hepper Erica G. , Carnelley Katherine B.
Published: April 2009

Adults with different attachment orientations rely on different areas of life to maintain self‐views. This paper reports two studies that examine the link between attachment and feedback‐seeking patterns in interpersonal and competence‐related domains. Participants in Study 1 imagined receiving feedback from a friend. Participants in Study 2 completed dyadic tasks and were promised feedback from interpersonal‐ and competence‐relevant sources. Across both studies, secure individuals consistently chose the most positive feedback. Individuals high in attachment avoidance sought negative feedback over positive, although dismissing‐avoidant individuals sought positive hypothetical feedback about autonomy. Study 2 further suggested that highly avoidant individuals were more open to negative feedback than positive feedback and than were secure individuals. Moreover, individuals high in attachment anxiety failed to seek positive interpersonal feedback but pursued interpersonal over competence feedback. Results highlight the role of feedback‐seeking in maintenance of positive or negative self‐views for adults with different attachment orientations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Removal of Ni(II) ions from aqueous solutions using activated‐carbon prepared from olive stone by ZnCl2 activation
Authors: Uğurlu Mehmet , Kula Ibrahim , Karaoğlu M. Hamdi , Arslan Yasin
Published: April 2009

The aim of this study is to remove Ni (II) ions from aqueous solutions by adsorption. Activated‐carbon prepared from olive stone (ACOS) was used as adsorbent. Different particle size and concentration of ZnCl2 were studied to optimize adsorbent surface area. Initial concentration, temperature, time, and pH were selected as parameters. According to the experiments results, the equilibrium time, optimum pH, and adsorbent dosage were found 60 min, pH > 6, and 1.0 g/50 mL, respectively. In addition, raw olive stone was used as adsorbents at the same parameters. Nickel removal percentage for ACOS and Raw Olive stone were obtained 95.00% and 38.00% in turn. The kinetic data supports pseudo‐second‐order model strongly. In addition, the thermodynamic parameters ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS° were found −6.185 kJ mol−1, −10.997 kJ mol−1, and −15.889 J/mol K, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM‐EDX) technique was employed to observe the surface physical morphology and structural analysis. The resulting activated carbons with 20% ZnCl2 solution was the best sample of the produced activated‐carbons from olive stone with the specific surface area of 790.25 m2g−1. The results indicated that ACOS could be employed as an alternative adsorbent for removing Ni (II). © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
The influence of TBM design and machine features on performance and tool wear in rock
Authors: Gehring Karlheinz
Published: April 2009

Performance and tool consumption are decisive factors in the economical application of TBMs. Therefore the most accurate possible prediction of penetration and cutter life, the commonly used measures, is of great importance. The potential accuracy is certainly restricted by the boundary conditions of application underground in rock. Apart from the characteristics of the prevailing rock, prediction models must also take into account parameters representing the design and layout of the TBM used (for example, parameters referring to dimensions and installed forces).It is the aim of this paper to provide a survey not only of all those features and parameters of TBMs, whose influence on penetration and cutter life has been already recognized and investigated, but also of those whose evaluation is still pending (e.g. the stiffness of the cutter head). Only those parameters are addressed which are assumed to be influential.

The evaluated correlations are predominantly presented in tendency diagrams. This enables the interaction of more parameters to be displayed better. Furthermore an extrapolation of such diagrams is easier, allowing their application in prediction models and also coping with future technical developments in TBM technology.
Mental illness, nativity, gender and labor supply
Authors: Ojeda Victoria D. , Frank Richard G. , McGuire Thomas G. , Gilmer Todd P.
Published: April 2009

We analyzed the impacts of nativity and mental health (MH) on work by gender for non‐elderly adults using the 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. We employed two indicators of MH – the K6 scale of Mental Illness (MI) and an indicator for symptoms of Mania or Delusions (M/D). Instrumental variable (IV) models used measures of social support as instruments for MI. Unadjusted work rates were higher for immigrants (vs US‐born adults). Regressions show that MI is associated with lower rates of work among US‐born males but not immigrant males and females; M/D is associated lower rates of work among US‐born males and females, and among immigrant males. Results did not change using IV models for MI. Most persons with MI work, yet symptom severity reduces labor supply among natives especially. Immigrants' labor supply is less affected by MI. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of the hyporheic zone on the phosphorus dynamics of a large gravel‐bed river, Garonne River, France
Authors: Vervier Philippe , Bonvallet‐Garay Sonia , Sauvage Sabine , Valett H. Maurice , Sanchez‐Perez José‐Miguel
Published: April 2009

Phosphorus (P) concentrations in sediments and in surface and interstitial water from three gravel bars in a large river (Garonne River, southern France) were measured daily, downstream of a wastewater treatment plant for a city of 740 000 inhabitants (Toulouse). Measurements were made of vertical hydraulic gradient (VHG), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and total phosphorus (TP) in water and of three extractable forms of phosphorus (water extractable, NaOH extractable and H2SO4 extractable) in hyporheic sediments from the gravel bars. Dissolved phosphorus was the major contributor to TP (74–79%) in both interstitial and surface waters on all sampling dates, and in most cases surface water P concentrations were significantly higher than interstitial concentrations. Hyporheic sediment TP concentrations ranged between 269 and 465 µg g−1 and were highest in fine sediment fractions. Acid‐extractable P, a non‐bioavailable form, represented at least 95% of sediment TP. A positive relationship was observed between VHG and TP in two of the gravel bars, with wells that were strongly downwelling having lower TP concentrations. These results suggest that in downwelling zones, hyporheic sediments can trap surface‐derived dissolved P, and that much of this P becomes stored in refractory particulate forms. Bioavailable P is mainly present in dissolved form and only occupies a small fraction of total P, with particulate P comprising the majority of total P. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Children's and adults' conceptualization and evaluation of lying and truth‐telling
Authors: Xu Fen , Luo Yang C. , Fu Genyue , Lee Kang
Published: April 2009

The present study examined children's and adults' categorization and moral judgment of truthful and untruthful statements. 7‐, 9‐ and 11‐year‐old Chinese children and college students read stories in which story characters made truthful or untruthful statements and were asked to classify and evaluate the statements. The statements varied in terms of whether the speaker intended to help or harm a listener and whether the statement was made in a setting that called for informational accuracy or politeness. Results showed that the communicative intent and setting factors jointly influence children's categorization of lying and truth‐telling, which extends an earlier finding (Lee & Ross, 1997) to childhood. Also, we found that children's and adults' moral judgments of lying and truth‐telling were influenced by the communicative intent but not the setting factor. The present results were discussed in terms of Sweetser's (1987) folkloristic model of lying. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementation of a novel microarray‐based diagnostic test for cancer of unknown primary
Authors: van Laar Ryan K. , Ma Xiao‐Jun , de Jong Daphne , Wehkamp Diederik , Floore Arno N. , Warmoes Marc O. , Simon Iris , Wang Wilson , Erlander Mark , van't Veer Laura J. , Glas Annuska M.
Published: April 2009

Patients with carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) present with metastatic disease for which the primary site cannot be found, despite extensive standard investigation. Here, we describe the development and implementation of the first clinically available microarray‐based test for this cancer type (CUPPrint), based on 633 individual tumors representing 30 carcinoma and 17 noncarcinoma classes. Tissue of origin prediction for either fresh frozen or paraffin‐embedded tumor samples is achieved with the use of a custom 8‐pack 1.9k microarray and robust classification algorithm. An expression profile of 495 genes was used to predict tumor origin by applying a k‐nearest neighbor algorithm. Internal cross‐validation and analysis of an independent, previously published, 229‐sample dataset revealed that clinically informative predictions were made for up to 94% of samples analyzed. Analysis of 13 previously published CUP specimens yielded predicted tumor origins that supported the clinical suspicion in 12 cases (92%). Microarray profiling presents a promising tool to assist in the identification of the primary tumor and might direct a more tailored treatment for CUP patients. © 2009 UICC