bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of hemisphere algorithm for fast form factor calculation
Authors: Yamada Noboru , Shinoda Tomoaki , Takizawa Hiroyuki
Published: August 2009

A fast and accurate algorithm is required for carrying out radiative heat transfer simulations designing thermally efficient devices. This paper describes the performance of the hemisphere algorithm, which was originally developed for fast form factor calculation for obtaining photorealistic three‐dimensional computer graphics. We compare the performance of the hemisphere algorithm with that of two conventional algorithms that are widely used for radiative heat transfer simulations. The hemisphere algorithm is found to be significantly faster than the other algorithms, but it has an absolute error of 1.0×10−5. In addition, the result indicates that the hemisphere algorithm is suitable for simulating the trial and error process in the practical analysis of large‐scale models due to its tolerable visualization of form factor distribution. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20259
Therapeutic plasma exchange for desensitization prior to transplantation in ABO‐incompatible renal allografts
Authors: Sivakumaran Praveen , Vo Ashley A. , Villicana Rafael , Peng Alice , Jordan Stanley C. , Pepkowitz Samuel H. , Klapper Ellen B.
Published: August 2009

Background: Although there have been desensitization protocols used for ABO‐incompatible (ABOi) renal transplants, there are a lack of studied protocols. Our center developed a preconditioning protocol that involved mycophenolic acid, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab), and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) that allowed for ABOi renal transplantation. Methods: Ten patients in our institution with end‐stage renal disease who were unable to procure ABO‐compatible donor kidneys underwent treatment with this protocol (which included a uniform 5 TPE sessions) prior to an ABOi renal transplant. A retrospective chart review was performed on these patients and clinical endpoints including ABO antibody titers, serum creatinine, clinical complications, and graft performance were analyzed. Results: The median ABO antibody titers at presentation, after completion of the protocol, and after transplant for the patients were 32 (range, 2–128), 8 (range, 1–64), and 4 (range, 2–32), respectively. The mean serum creatinine at study conclusion was 1.45 ± 1.04 mg/dl at an average of 262.20 days from transplant. There were four incidents of antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) and two incidents of delayed graft function (DGF). There was one incident of graft failure and no patient deaths. Conclusions: The desensitization protocol used by our institution allowed for successful ABOi renal transplantation. Although there were incidents of AMR and DGF, the majority of the transplants resulted in viable grafts. A larger patient study group may be needed to fully evaluate the efficacy and safety of this protocol. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of inhibitory compounds on the anaerobic digestion performance of diluted wastewaters from the alimentary industry
Authors: Camarillo Rafael , Rincón Jesusa
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Up to now the effect of inhibitory compounds on the anaerobic digestion performance of urban and industrial wastewaters has been mostly studied in fluidized bed and upflowing anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) bioreactors but not in upflow packed‐bed biodigesters.

RESULTS: In this paper, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to quantify the effect of various inhibitory compounds (olive oil, ethanol and phenol) on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and biogas production rate from synthetic solutions and real industrial wastewaters by anaerobic digestion. The synthetic solutions possessed the same composition in these inhibitory compounds as diluted effluents from olive oil mill and winery industries. The process was performed in a laboratory scale digester containing anaerobic sludge from the Urban Reclamation Station of Toledo (Spain). The comparison of both individual factors and interactions between factors showed that the addition of olive oil at moderate concentrations (up to 0.5% w/w) did not change the performance of the process in comparison with that observed when feeding to the system a model solution (51.5% COD removal, 0.65 L biogas day−1). However, low concentrations of ethanol or phenol (250 and 150 mg L−1, respectively) almost completely inhibited the methanogenic phase. Moreover, a strong interaction between ethanol and phenol concentrations on COD removal was observed.

CONCLUSION: The experimental results showed quantitatively the importance of some inhibitory compounds on anaerobic treatment of both synthetic solutions and real wastewaters from olive oil mill and winery industries. Inhibitory effects are closely related to both the organic loads and the anaerobic bioreactor used. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Gill morphometrics in relation to gas transfer and ram ventilation in high‐energy demand teleosts: Scombrids and billfishes
Authors: Wegner Nicholas C. , Sepulveda Chugey A. , Bull Kristina B. , Graham Jeffrey B.
Published: August 2009

This comparative study of the gill morphometrics in scombrids (tunas, bonitos, and mackerels) and billfishes (marlins, swordfish) examines features of gill design related to high rates of gas transfer and the high‐pressure branchial flow associated with fast, continuous swimming. Tunas have the largest relative gill surface areas of any fish group, and although the gill areas of non‐tuna scombrids and billfishes are smaller than those of tunas, they are also disproportionally larger than those of most other teleosts. The morphometric features contributing to the large gill surface areas of these high‐energy demand teleosts include: 1) a relative increase in the number and length of gill filaments that have, 2) a high lamellar frequency (i.e., the number of lamellae per length of filament), and 3) lamellae that are long and low in profile (height), which allows a greater number of filaments to be tightly packed into the branchial cavity. Augmentation of gill area through these morphometric changes represents a departure from the general mechanism of area enhancement utilized by most teleosts, which lengthen filaments and increase the size of the lamellae. The gill design of scombrids and billfishes reflects the combined requirements for ram ventilation and elevated energetic demands. The high lamellar frequencies and long lamellae increase branchial resistance to water flow which slows and streamlines the ram ventilatory stream. In general, scombrid and billfish gill surface areas correlate with metabolic requirements and this character may serve to predict the energetic demands of fish species for which direct measurement is not possible. The branching of the gill filaments documented for the swordfish in this study appears to increase its gill surface area above that of other billfishes and may allow it to penetrate oxygen‐poor waters at depth. J. Morphol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endothelial microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 exacerbates neuronal loss induced by kainate
Authors: Takemiya Takako , Matsumura Kiyoshi , Sugiura Hiroko , Maehara Michiyo , Yasuda Shin , Uematsu Satoshi , Akira Shizuo , Yamagata Kanato
Published: August 2009

Prostaglandin E2(PGE2) is increased in the brain after kainic acid (KA) treatment. We previously demonstrated that KA also induces PG synthase cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression rapidly in neurons of the brain and slowly in astrocytes and endothelia. Prevention of KA‐induced neuronal damage by nonneuronal COX‐2 inhibition suggests a novel modulatory mechanism for neuronal injury by nonneuronal PGs. It remains unclear, however, which PG synthase is responsible for this modulation following COX‐2 synthesis after neuronal insult. In addition, the PG receptor subtype that is involved in neuronal loss remains controversial. Here we demonstrate that microinjection of KA induces microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) in venous endothelial cells but not in neurons or astrocytes. We found that mPGES‐1 plays a central role in delayed production of PGE2and thatmPGES‐1‐deficient mice exhibit significantly less neuronal loss induced by KA. Furthermore, KA injection caused an increase in the immunoreactivity for the EP3 receptor in the astrocytic endfeet that surround vascular endothelia. Neurons form intimate interactions with astrocytes via glutamate, and astrocytes contact vascular endothelia through endfeet. These findings suggest that endothelial cells may control neuronal excitotoxicity, most likely by regulating astrocytes via inducible PGE2. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving estimation of missing values in daily precipitation series by a probability density function‐preserving approach
Authors: Simolo C. , Brunetti M. , Maugeri M. , Nanni T.
Published: August 2009

This work presents a novel method for estimating missing values in daily precipitation series. It is aimed at identifying the event time location with good accuracy and reconstructing the correct amount of daily rainfall. In addition, the statistical properties of the time series, i.e. both probability distribution and long‐term statistics, are preserved. The completion method is based on a two‐step algorithm that uses information from a cluster of neighboring stations. First, wet and dry days are tagged, and subsequently, the full precipitation amount for wet‐classified days is estimated by a modified multi‐linear regression approach. This method avoids overestimation of the number of wet days and underestimation of intense precipitation events, which are typical side effects of common regression‐based approaches. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Micro‐computed tomography evaluation of vertebral end‐plate trabecular bone changes in a porcine asymmetric vertebral tether
Authors: Laffosse Jean‐Michel , Odent Thierry , Accadbled Franck , Cachon Thibault , Kinkpe Charles , Viguier Eric , Sales de Gauzy Jérôme , Swider Pascal
Published: August 2009

We conducted a micro‐CT analysis of subchondral bone of the vertebral end‐plates after application of compressive stress. Thoracic and lumbar vertebral units were instrumented by carrying out left asymmetric tether in eleven 4‐week‐old pigs. After 3 months of growth, instrumented units and control units were harvested. Micro‐CT study of subchondral bone was performed on one central and two lateral specimens (fixated side and non‐fixated side). In control units, bone volume fraction (BV/TV), number of trabeculae (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and degree of anisotropy (DA) were significantly higher, whereas intertrabecular space (Tb.Sp) was significantly lower in center than in periphery. No significant difference between the fixated and non‐fixated sides was found. In instrumented units, BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, and DA were significantly higher in center than in periphery. BV/TV, Tb.N, and Conn.D were significantly higher in fixated than in non‐fixated side, while Tb.Sp was significantly lower. We noted BV/TV, Tb.N, and Tb.Th significantly lower, and Tb.Sp significantly higher, in the instrumented levels. This study showed, in instrumented units, two opposing processes generating a reorganization of the trabecular network. First, an osteolytic process (decrease in BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th) by stress‐shielding, greater in center and on non‐fixated side. Second, an osteogenic process (higher BV/TV, Tb.N, Conn.D, and lower Tb.Sp) due to the compressive loading induced by growth on the fixated side. This study demonstrates the densification of the trabecular bone tissue of the vertebral end‐plates after compressive loading, and illustrates the potential risks of excessively rigid spinal instrumentation which may induce premature osteopenia. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:232–240, 2010
Detectable reporter gene expression following transduction of adenovirus and adeno‐associated virus serotype 2 vectors within full‐thickness osteoarthritic and unaffected canine cartilage in vitro and unaffected guinea pig cartilage in vivo
Authors: Santangelo Kelly S. , Baker Sarah A. , Nuovo Gerard , Dyce Jonathan , Bartlett Jeffrey S. , Bertone Alicia L.
Published: August 2009

This study quantified and compared the transduction efficiencies of adenoviral (Ad), Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD)‐modified Ad, adeno‐associated viral serotype 2 (AAV2), and self‐complementary AAV2 (scAAV2) vectors within full‐thickness osteoarthritic (OA) and unaffected canine cartilage explants in vitro. Intraarticular administration of Ad and scAAV2 vectors was performed to determine the ability of these vectors to transduce unaffected guinea pig cartilage in vivo. Following explant exposure to vector treatment or control, the onset and surface distribution of reporter gene expression was monitored daily with fluorescent microscopy. At termination, explants were divided: one half was digested for analysis using flow cytometry; the remaining portion was used for histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Intact articular joints were collected for real‐time RT‐PCR and IHC to detect reporter gene expression following injection of selected vectors. Ad vector transduced focal areas along the perimeters of explants; the remaining vectors transduced chondrocytes across 100% of the surface. Greater mean transduction efficiencies were found with both AAV2 vectors as compared to the Ad vector (p ≤ 0.026). Ad and Ad‐RGD vectors transduced only superficial chondrocytes of OA and unaffected cartilage. Uniform reporter gene expression from AAV2 and scAAV2 was detected in the tangential and transitional zones of OA cartilage, but not deeper zones. AAV2 and scAAV2 vectors achieved partial and full‐thickness transduction of unaffected cartilage. In vivo work revealed that scAAV2 vector, but not Ad vector, transduced deeper zones of cartilage and menisci. This study demonstrates that AAV2 and scAAV2 are reliable vectors for use in cartilage in vitro and in vivo. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:149–155, 2010
Photopolymerization in water of diacetylenes chemisorbed onto noble metal nanoparticles: a spectroscopic study
Authors: Raimondo Corinna , Alloisio Marina , Demartini Anna , Cuniberti Carla , Dellepiane Giovanna , Jadhav Sushilkumar A. , Petrillo Giovanni , Giorgetti Emilia , Gellini Cristina , Muniz‐Miranda Maurizio
Published: August 2009

Gold and silver nanoparticles of different size, decorated by a diacetylenic monomer having a COOH anchor group, were prepared in aqueous dispersions. Topochemical polymerization of the colloidal suspensions was obtained by UV irradiation and studied by means of spectroscopic techniques (UV–visible absorption, IR and Raman spectroscopies). A variety of polymer phases were found in the case of silver nanohybrids. The main contribution for this investigation was supplied by the Raman spectra, which provide detailed information on the polymer forms and on the preferred conformation of the alkylic side chains. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a sensitive and group‐specific polyclonal antibody‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of malachite green and leucomalachite green in water and fish samples
Authors: Xing Weiwei , He Li , Yang Hong , Sun Chengjun , Li Dawei , Yang Xiaoming , Li Yuan , Deng Anping
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Malachite green (MG) is widely used in fishery, since it is easily adsorbed by fish during waterborne exposure and is rapidly metabolised into leucomalachite green (LMG). However, both MG and LMG are potential carcinogens, teratogens and mutagens. In this study the LMG derivative bearing an amino group on the phenyl ring was synthesised and coupled to carrier proteins. An LMG polyclonal antibody‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed and characterised.

RESULTS: The ELISA standard curve was constructed with concentrations of 0.1–100 ng mL−1. The IC50 value for nine standard curves was in the range 0.9–2.6 ng mL−1 and the limit of detection at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 was 0.02–0.10 ng mL−1. The cross‐reactivity values of the LMG antibody with MG, crystal violet and leucocrystal violet were 95.25, 29.07 and 212.38% respectively, while less than 0.2% cross‐reactivity was found with eight other compounds. For LMG‐spiked water and fish samples, recoveries were 76.2–95.0% and the correlation coefficient of ELISA with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was 0.9752 (n = 7). For (LMG + MG)‐spiked fish samples the results of ELISA were similar to those of HPLC.

CONCLUSION: The proposed ELISA can be utilised as an analytical tool for detecting the sum of MG and LMG in water and fish muscle samples. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of alternative cereal sources in dog diets: effect on nutrient utilisation and hindgut fermentation characteristics
Authors: Kore Kumar B , Pattanaik Ashok K , Das Asit , Sharma Kusumakar
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Rice is one of the most commonly used cereal grains in pet foods. However, other cereals such as pearl millet, sorghum and maize have good amino acid profiles and could be used as alternatives to rice in the diet of dogs, thus sparing rice for human consumption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional worth of these cereals for pet dogs.

RESULTS: Eight adult Spitz dogs (age ∼10 months, average body weight 6.14 ± 0.58 kg) were used in a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square design to compare the effects of dietary inclusion of four cereals, namely rice, maize, pearl millet and sorghum, on digestibility and hindgut fermentation characteristics. The digestibility of dry matter (DM) was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced when rice was replaced by the alternative cereals. Additionally, the digestibilities of protein, fat and total dietary fibre decreased (P < 0.01) in dogs fed the pearl millet‐based diet. The DM voided in faeces increased (P < 0.05) when rice was replaced by the alternative cereals. Faecal ammonia concentration was higher (P < 0.05) on the rice‐based diet, while faecal lactate concentration was reduced (P < 0.01) on the pearl millet‐ and sorghum‐based diets.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that maize, pearl millet and sorghum are not as effectively utilised as rice as cereal source in the diet of dogs. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of conventional and organic production systems on the yield and quality of field tomato cultivars grown in Tunisia
Authors: Riahi Anissa , Hdider Chafik , Sanaa Mustapha , Tarchoun Néji , Ben Kheder Mohamed , Guezal Ismaïl
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: The agricultural production system and cultivation practices are critical factors in determining yield and food nutritional quality. Controversy remains regarding whether or not organic foods have a nutritional advantage when compared with their conventionally produced counterparts. In this study the effect of conventional and organic production systems on yield, physicochemical and nutritional properties of four field tomato cultivars (Perfectpeel, Rio Grande, Hypeel 108 and Firenze) was determined. In the organic system, different fertiliser combination treatments were used.

RESULTS: When production system data were combined, marketable yield was not affected by cultivar. When averaged across cultivars, organic yield was about 63% of conventional yield. The production system affected fruit soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity and firmness only in some cultivars. However, no effect was found on lycopene and total phenolics in all cultivars. In the organic system, fertiliser combination treatments affected tomato yield of Rio Grande and fruit quality of Firenze and Hypeel 108. A general trend of higher quality data was obtained by using mixed compost C2 combined with its extract and codahumus 20.

CONCLUSION: The production system affects tomato yield and some fruit quality attributes. The effect on fruit quality varies among cultivars, thus highlighting the need to use a range of varieties in this kind of study. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
On corporate structure, strategy, and performance: a study with directed acyclic graphs and PC algorithm
Authors: Chong Hogun , Zey Mary , Bessler David A.
Published: August 2009

This paper reconsiders empirical evidence on relationships among variables related to corporate strategy, structure, and performance. Causal relationships among variables are modeled as directed acyclic graphs using PC‐algorithm. Return on Assets appears to be determined by Advertising Intensity, Unrelated Diversification, R&D Intensity, and Organizational Ownership Hierarchy. Debt Structure and Investor Characteristics do not cause (either directly or indirectly) return on assets. These latter two variables appear to be effects of return on assets, not causes. Results offer mixed support of the theory that structure causes strategy, which in turn causes performance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Izumo is part of a multiprotein family whose members form large complexes on mammalian sperm
Authors: Ellerman Diego A. , Pei Jimin , Gupta Surabhi , Snell William J. , Myles Diana , Primakoff Paul
Published: August 2009

Izumo, a sperm membrane protein, is essential for gamete fusion in the mouse. It has an Immunoglobulin (Ig) domain and an N‐terminal domain for which neither the functions nor homologous sequences are known. In the present work we identified three novel proteins showing an N‐terminal domain with significant homology to the N‐terminal domain of Izumo. We named this region “Izumo domain,” and the novel proteins “Izumo 2,” “Izumo 3,” and “Izumo 4,” retaining “Izumo 1” for the first described member of the family. Izumo 1–3 are transmembrane proteins expressed specifically in the testis, and Izumo 4 is a soluble protein expressed in the testis and in other tissues. Electrophoresis under mildly denaturing conditions, followed by Western blot analysis, showed that Izumo 1, 3, and 4 formed protein complexes on sperm, Izumo 1 forming several larger complexes and Izumo 3 and 4 forming a single larger complex. Studies using different recombinant Izumo constructs suggested the Izumo domain possesses the ability to form dimers, whereas the transmembrane domain or the cytoplasmic domain or both of Izumo 1 are required for the formation of multimers of higher order. Co‐immunoprecipitation studies showed the presence of other sperm proteins associated with Izumo 1, suggesting Izumo 1 forms a multiprotein membrane complex. Our results raise the possibility that Izumo 1 might be involved in organizing or stabilizing a multiprotein complex essential for the function of the membrane fusion machinery. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 1188–1199, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal linear combinations of array elements for B1 mapping
Authors: Malik Shaihan J. , Larkman David J. , Hajnal Joseph V.
Published: August 2009

Accuracy of B1 mapping for array coils can be improved by mapping the fields produced by driving linear combinations of the array elements, chosen to produce a more uniform distribution of B1 amplitude. Quality of the resulting single element B1 maps is influenced by the transformation used both via the uniformity of the resulting linear combination fields and by the degree to which these linear combinations differ from one another. In this work we investigate the effect of using different transformations on the quality of B1 maps by simulating the B1 mapping process for two different techniques, using real data from a 3T 8‐channel body transmit system. Different transformations are generated using a single complex parameter. It is demonstrated that the optimal transformation within this framework is different for different imaging targets (pelvis and brain of healthy volunteers, and water and oil phantoms). For the same target (pelvis) the optimum condition, however, is similar for a number of subjects, suggesting that optimal configurations to be used for calibrating coils in specific anatomical contexts can be determined in advance. Potential gains may be translated into significant reductions in scan time for equivalent signal‐to‐noise ratio coil maps. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microwave‐assisted extraction of total bioactive saponin fraction from Gymnema sylvestre with reference to gymnemagenin: a potential biomarker
Authors: Mandal Vivekananda , Dewanjee Saikat , Mandal Subhash C.
Published: August 2009

Objective – To develop a fast and ecofriendly microwave assisted extraction (MAE) technique for the effective and exhaustive extraction of gymnemagenin as an indicative biomarker for the quality control of Gymnema sylvestre.

Methodology – Several extraction parameters such as microwave power, extraction time, solvent composition, pre‐leaching time, loading ratio and extraction cycle were studied for the determination of the optimum extraction condition. Scanning electron micrographs were obtained to elucidate the mechanism of extraction

Results – The final optimum extraction conditions as obtained from the study were: 40% microwave power, 6 min irradiation time, 85% v/v methanol as the extraction solvent, 15 min pre‐leaching time and 25 : 1 (mL/g) as the solvent‐to‐material loading ratio. The proposed extraction technique produced a maximum yield of 4.3% w/w gymnemagenin in 6 min which was 1.3, 2.5 and 1.95 times more efficient than 6 h of heat reflux, 24 h of maceration and stirring extraction, respectively. A synergistic heat and mass transfer theory was also proposed to support the extraction mechanism

Conclusion – Comparison with conventional extraction methods revealed that MAE could save considerable amounts of time and energy, whilst the reduction of volume of organic solvent consumed provides an ecofriendly feature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of hydrophilic copolymers of maleimide derivatives with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate: electrochemical and thermal behavior
Authors: Pizarro Guadalupe del C , Marambio Oscar G , Jeria‐Orell Manuel , Oyarzún Diego P , Rivas Bernabé L , Habicher Wolf D
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: The high‐technology industries have been the driving force in the development of new synthetic polymers that combine thermal stability with specific functional properties. In this study p‐chlorophenylmaleimide, p‐hydroxyphenylmaleimide and p‐nitrophenylmaleimide (R‐PhMI) with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were synthesized by free radical polymerization to obtain hydrophilic polymers, in order to study the effect of the p‐chloroaryl, p‐hydroxyaryl or p‐nitroaryl group on the copolymer composition, electrochemical behavior and thermal properties.

RESULTS: The thermal behavior was correlated with the copolymer composition and functional groups, maleimide derivatives, on the copolymers. Thermal decomposition temperature (TDT) and glass transition temperature (Tg) were influenced by the functional groups of R‐PhMI moiety on the copolymer. The polymers showed an electrochemically irreversible reduction process under the conditions tested.

CONCLUSION: Poly[(p‐chloromaleimide)‐co‐(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)] copolymer shows a higher TDT than poly[(p‐hydroxymaleimide)‐co‐(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)] or poly[(p‐nitromaleimide)‐co‐(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)] (NPHE). Tg decreases in going from nitro to hydroxyl to chloro groups. The NPHE copolymer shows a lower stability, losing weight at 200 °C. The NPHE copolymer shows a well‐defined reduction wave which is similar to those of the other copolymers and it also shows an additional quasi‐reversible reduction wave corresponding to the nitrobenzene group. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of poly(ether amide)s from p‐xylylene glycol and bis(ether nitrile)s
Authors: Lakouraj Moslem Mansour , Mokhtary Masoud
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Poly(ether amide)s have been well studied in terms of improving the physical and thermal properties of aromatic polyamides. Poly(ether amide)s of high enough molecular weight to be useful for industrial purposes are generally difficult to prepare. The objective of this project was to introduce a simple and commercially feasible process to prepare poly(ether amide)s by a polymerization reaction at relatively low temperature.

RESULTS: A series of poly(ether amide)s were prepared by direct polyamidation of p‐xylylene glycol with bis(ether nitrile)s via the Ritter reaction using concentrated H2SO4 in acetic acid. The synthesized poly(ether amide)s showed good solubility in polar aprotic solvents. The resultant poly(ether amide)s had inherent viscosities in the range 0.36–1.03 dL g−1. The glass transition temperatures of the poly(ether amide)s were determined using differential scanning calorimetry to be in the range 190–258 °C. Thermogravimetric analysis data for these polymers indicated the 10% weight loss temperatures to be in the range 290–390 °C in nitrogen atmosphere.

CONCLUSION: The Ritter reaction was applied for the synthesis of a variety of poly(ether amide)s with moderate to high molecular weights. This procedure provides a simple polymerization process for the convenient preparation of poly(ether amide)s in high yield at room temperature. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of nanosize polyaniline by solid‐state polymerization and determination of crystal structure
Authors: Bhadra Sambhu , Kim Nam Hoon , Rhee Kyong Yop , Lee Joong Hee
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Nanosize polyaniline has several advantages in both the fabrication of nanodevices and for preparing nanoscale electrical connections in highly conducting polymer composites.

RESULTS: Nanosize polyaniline with a diameter of 30–60 nm was prepared using a solid‐state polymerization process (PANI‐S) by mixing an equimolar quantity of ammonium persulfate and anilinium chloride crystals with a mortar and pestle. Polyaniline was also synthesized using a conventional oxidative polymerization method (PANI‐C) in an aqueous medium for comparison. Conductivity and contact angle measurements, infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were carried out. An in‐depth investigation of the crystal structure of these polymers was carried out through powder X‐ray diffraction analysis.

CONCLUSION: PANI‐S exhibited lower conductivity due to the presence of less emeraldine base form, lower crystallinity, greater d‐spacing and greater inter‐chain separation than PANI‐C. The hydrophilicity and thermal stability of PANI‐S were higher than those of PANI‐C. The unit cell volume of PANI‐S was much higher, resulting in a larger crystallite size and a greater number of atoms in the unit cell than PANI‐C. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Phosphorylation of the SSBP2 and ABL proteins by the ZNF198‐FGFR1 fusion kinase seen in atypical myeloproliferative disorders as revealed by phosphopeptide‐specific MS
Authors: Kasyapa Chitta , Gu Ting‐Lei , Natarajan Lalitha , Polakiewicz Roberto , Cowell John K.
Published: August 2009

The ZNF198‐fibroblast growth factor receptor‐1 (FGFR1) fusion kinase is a constitutively activated tyrosine kinase associated with a specific atypical myeloproliferative disease. The chimeric protein localizes to the cytoplasm, unlike the wild type FGFR1 receptor kinase, and presumably inappropriately phosphorylates specific targets as part of the oncogenic signaling cascade. Other than known targets of the FGFR1 kinase itself, few specific targets of ZNF198‐FGFR1 have been identified. Using a genetically engineered HEK 293 cell system, we have identified proteins that are specifically phosphorylated in the presence of the fusion kinase using anti‐phosphotyrosine immunoprecipitation and MS. Compared with 293 cells expressing exongenous wild type FGFR1, ZNF198‐FGFR1 is associated with phosphorylation of several proteins including SSBP2, ABL, FLJ14235, CALM and TRIM4 proteins. The specificity of the phosphorylation events in the SSBP2 and ABL proteins, which have previously been implicated in leukemogenesis, was further confirmed independently using immunoprecipitation with protein‐specific antibodies and Western blotting. The MS analysis also identified the phosphorylation events in the ZNF198 moiety in the chimeric protein that might be related to its function. These studies identify the intersection of several different leukemia‐related pathways in the development of this myeloproliferative disorder and provide new insights into the substrates of FGFR1 under defined conditions.
The interaction profile of homologous recombination repair proteins RAD51C, RAD51D and XRCC2 as determined by proteomic analysis
Authors: Rajesh Changanamkandath , Gruver Aaron M. , Basrur Venkatesha , Pittman Douglas L.
Published: August 2009

The RAD51 family of proteins is involved in homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair and maintaining chromosome integrity. To identify candidates that interact with HR proteins, the mouse RAD51C, RAD51D and XRCC2 proteins were purified using bacterial expression systems and each of them used to co‐precipitate interacting partners from mouse embryonic fibroblast cellular extracts. Mass spectroscopic analysis was performed on protein bands obtained after 1‐D SDS‐PAGE of co‐precipitation eluates from cell extracts of mitomycin C treated and untreated mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Profiling of the interacting proteins showed a clear bias toward nucleic acid binding and modification proteins. Interactions of four candidate proteins (SFPQ, NONO, MSH2 and mini chromosome maintenance protein 2) were confirmed by Western blot analysis of co‐precipitation eluates and were also verified to form ex vivo complexes with RAD51D. Additional interacting proteins were associated with cell division, embryo development, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, cellular trafficking, protein synthesis, modification or folding, and cell structure or motility functions. Results from this study are an important step toward identifying interacting partners of the RAD51 paralogs and understanding the functional diversity of proteins that assist or regulate HR repair mechanisms.
Spectral clustering in peptidomics studies helps to unravel modification profile of biologically active peptides and enhances peptide identification rate
Authors: Menschaert Gerben , Vandekerckhove Tom T. M. , Landuyt Bart , Hayakawa Eisuke , Schoofs Liliane , Luyten Walter , Van Criekinge Wim
Published: August 2009

When studying the set of biologically active peptides (the so‐called peptidome) of a cell type, organ, or entire organism, the identification of peptides is mostly attempted by MS. However, identification rates are often dismally unsatisfactory. A great deal of failed or missed identifications may be attributable to the wealth of modifications on peptides, some of which may originate from in vivo post‐translational processes to activate the molecule, whereas others could be introduced during the tissue preparation procedures. Preliminary knowledge of the modification profile of specific peptidome samples would greatly improve identification rates. To this end we developed an approach that performs clustering of mass spectra in a way that allows us to group spectra having similar peak patterns over significant segments. Comparing members of one spectral group enables us to assess the modifications (expressed as mass shifts in Dalton) present in a peptidome sample. The clustering algorithm in this study is called Bonanza, and it was applied to MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS spectra from the mouse. Peptide identification rates went up from 17 to 36% for 278 spectra obtained from the pancreatic islets and from 21 to 43% for 163 pituitary spectra. Spectral clustering with subsequent advanced database search may result in the discovery of new biologically active peptides and modifications thereof, as shown by this report indeed.
Synthesis of four‐arm star poly(L‐lactide) oligomers using an in situ‐generated calcium‐based initiator
Authors: George Karina A. , Schué François , Chirila Traian V. , Wentrup‐Byrne Edeline
Published: August 2009

Using an in situ‐generated calcium‐based initiating species derived from pentaerythritol, the bulk synthesis of well‐defined four‐arm star poly(L‐lactide) oligomers has been studied in detail. The substitution of the traditional initiator, stannous octoate with calcium hydride allowed the synthesis of oligomers that had both low PDIs and a comparable number of polymeric arms (3.7–3.9) to oligomers of similar molecular weight. Investigations into the degree of control observed during the course of the polymerization found that the insolubility of pentaerythritol in molten L‐lactide resulted in an uncontrolled polymerization only when the feed mole ratio of L‐lactide to pentaerythritol was 13. At feed ratios of 40 and greater, a pseudoliving polymerization was observed. As part of this study, in situ FT‐Raman spectroscopy was demonstrated to be a suitable method to monitor the kinetics of the ring‐opening polymerization of lactide. The advantages of using this technique rather than FTIR‐ATR and 1H NMR for monitoring L‐lactide consumption during polymerization are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4736–4748, 2009
Controlled synthesis of poly(dimethylsiloxane) homopolymers using high‐vacuum anionic polymerization techniques
Authors: Ninago Mario D. , Satti Angel J. , Ressia Jorge A. , Ciolino Andrés E. , Villar Marcelo A. , Vallés Enrique M.
Published: August 2009

The controlled synthesis of poly(dimethylsiloxane) homopolymers (PDMS) using hexamethyl(cyclotrisiloxane) monomer (D3), a mixture of ciclohexane/tetrahydrofuran 50/50 v/v and sec‐Bu–Li+ as initiator was studied using different experimental conditions, and whole‐sealed glass reactors according to standards procedures in high‐vacuum anionic polymerization. It was observed that polydispersity indexes (PD) and conversions strongly depend on temperature and reaction times. For PDMS homopolymers with molar masses below 100,000 g/mol, high conversion (>90%) and PD < 1.1 can be achieved at long reaction times (24 h) and mild temperature conditions (below or up to 30 °C). On the other hand, to synthesize PDMS homopolymers with molar masses higher than 100,000 g/mol and PD < 1.1 it is necessary to increase the temperature up to 50 °C and decrease the reaction time (8 h). However, under these reaction conditions, it was observed that the conversion decreases (about 65–70% conversion is achieved). Apparently, the competition between propagation and secondary reactions (redistribution, backbiting, and reshuffling) depends on the molar masses desired. According to the results obtained in this study—which were compared with others found in the scientific literature—propagation is favored when Mn < 100,000 g/mol, whereas secondary reactions seem to become important for higher molar masses. Nevertheless, model PDMS homopolymers with high molar masses can still be obtained increasing the reaction temperature and shortening the total reaction time. It seems that the combined effect of these two facts favors propagation against secondary reactions, and provides model PDMS homopolymers with molar masses quite close to the expected ones. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4774–4783, 2009
Synthesis of imidazole‐containing conjugated polymers bearing phenol unit as side group and excited state intramolecular proton transfer‐mediated fluorescence
Authors: Takagi Koji , Sugihara Kenta , Isomura Takato
Published: August 2009

Dibromobenzimidazole and dibromoimidazole bearing hydroxyl group‐protected phenol unit (1 and 2) were prepared and they showed an intramolecular hydrogen bonding between ether oxygen and amino proton of imidazole. The palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki coupling polymerization of 1 and 2 with benzene bis(boronic acid) derivatives gave soluble polymers (3 and 4), where the molecular weights were limited probably due to the coordination ability of imidazole to palladium metal. The phenol hydroxyl groups were subsequently deprotected using BBr3 to obtain 3′ and 4′. From the 1H NMR spectra, the complete conversion to the hydroxyl group and the formation of another type of intramolecular hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl proton and imine nitrogen were confirmed. In the UV and PL spectra of 3′ and 4′, the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) occurred to shift the emission spectra toward lower energy region compared to 3 and 4. Especially, the PL spectrum of 3′ demonstrated large stokes shift (145 nm) in THF solution. The ESIPT‐mediated fluorescence was influenced by the addition of methanol and trifluoroacetic acid, which inhibited the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonding. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4822–4829, 2009
Plastic bronchitis as an unusual cause of mucus plugging in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Mateos‐Corral Dimas , Cutz Ernest , Solomon Melinda , Ratjen Felix
Published: August 2009

Cystic fibrosis patients are known to produce abundant, purulent sputum consisting mainly of DNA and cellular debris. We present a case of a CF patient with recurrent airway obstruction caused by a rare condition known as plastic bronchitis (PB). PB is characterized by the formation of casts of the airways that cause obstruction. Multiple etiologies have been proposed, but to our knowledge, no CF patient has been reported in any PB classification. Histological analysis and in‐vitro testing of the cast were important factors in choosing the adequate therapy in this patient. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:939–940. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Encouraging physical activity in pediatric asthma: A case–control study of the wonders of walking (WOW) program
Authors: Walders‐Abramson Natalie , Wamboldt Frederick S. , Curran‐Everett Douglas , Zhang Lening
Published: August 2009

Objectives

The complex overlap between asthma and obesity may be explained in part by activity avoidance in asthma. We compared responses to a walking intervention between matched groups of children with and without asthma. We expected youth with asthma to have lower baseline and post‐intervention activity levels. Psychosocial, demographic, and physiologic correlates of activity were also examined.

Design/Participants

We compared baseline and post‐intervention activity levels among 59 children aged 10–16 with well‐controlled asthma and 59 healthy matched controls. Participants completed spirometry, physical examination, anthropometric measurement, and psychosocial questionnaires.

Intervention/Outcome Measure

Participants wore blinded calibrated pedometers for a baseline typical activity week, returning to complete the Wonders of Walking (WOW) intervention, followed by a week of post‐intervention pedometer monitoring.

Results

Contrary to expectation, no differences between cases (median steps = 6,348/day) and controls (median steps = 6,825/day) in baseline activity were found. Response to the WOW intervention was comparable, with both groups demonstrating an increase of approximately 1,485 steps per day (equivalent to more than 5 additional miles walked during the post‐intervention week). Health beliefs did not correlate to activity at baseline or intervention response. No significant associations between activity and asthma control, FEV1, or duration of diagnosis were found. Intervention response was comparable across racial/ethnic groups, children versus adolescents, and between normal weight and overweight youth.

Conclusions

Contrary to expectation, we found similar rates of objectively measured physical activity among youth with well‐controlled asthma and controls. Importantly, we documented statistically significant increases in physical activity across both groups following a brief, pedometer‐based intervention. The intervention was successful even among typically sedentary groups, and represents an effective, safe, and inexpensive walking program. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:909–916. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microwave Properties of TATB Particles from Measurements of the Effective Permittivity of TATB Powders
Authors: Glover Brian B. , Perry W. Lee
Published: August 2009

Complex permittivity is the constitutive property required to fully define the absorption, reflection, and transmission of microwave frequency electromagnetic energy for a non‐magnetic material. We report the complex permittivity of 1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (TATB) powder from 1 to 18 GHz. The average complex permittivity of individual TATB particles was estimated from measurements of the complex permittivity of the powder at two different densities. TATB was found to have low permittivity, low dielectric loss with nearly constant valued permittivity between 1 and 18 GHz. These data are used to calculate the complex permittivity of a composite composed of TATB and Kel‐F 800.
RNA polymerase II flexibility during translocation from normal mode analysis
Authors: Feig Michael , Burton Zachary F.
Published: August 2009

The structural dynamics in eukaryotic RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) is described from computational normal mode analysis based on a series of crystal structures of pre‐ and post‐translocated states with open and closed trigger loops. Conserved modes are identified that involve translocation of the nucleic acid complex coupled to motions of the enzyme, in particular in the clamp and jaw domains of RNAPII. A combination of these modes is hypothesized to be involved during active transcription. The NMA modes indicate furthermore that downstream DNA translocation may occur separately from DNA:RNA hybrid translocation. A comparison of the modes between different states of RNAPII suggests that productive translocation requires an open trigger loop and is inhibited by the presence of an NTP in the active site. This conclusion is also supported by a comparison of the overall flexibility in terms of root mean square fluctuations. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of template‐based models in CASP8 with standard measures
Authors: Cozzetto Domenico , Kryshtafovych Andriy , Fidelis Krzysztof , Moult John , Rost Burkhard , Tramontano Anna
Published: August 2009

The strategy for evaluating template‐based models submitted to CASP has continuously evolved from CASP1 to CASP5, leading to a standard procedure that has been used in all subsequent editions. The established approach includes methods for calculating the quality of each individual model, for assigning scores based on the distribution of the results for each target and for computing the statistical significance of the differences in scores between prediction methods. These data are made available to the assessor of the template‐based modeling category, who uses them as a starting point for further evaluations and analyses. This article describes the detailed workflow of the procedure, provides justifications for a number of choices that are customarily made for CASP data evaluation, and reports the results of the analysis of template‐based predictions at CASP8. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CASP8 results in context of previous experiments
Authors: Kryshtafovych Andriy , Fidelis Krzysztof , Moult John
Published: August 2009

The quality of structure models submitted to CASP8 is analyzed in the context of previous CASPs. To compare models from the latest experiment with their predecessors, we use the approaches consistent with the previous articles in this series. Using the basic evaluation measures accepted in CASP, there were no noticeable advances in the quality of the methods in any of the target difficulty categories. At the same time, there were three positive developments: (1) for set of the best models on each target, CASP8 registered the highest number of cases from all CASPs where alignment accuracy exceeded the maximum possible from the best template; (2) modeling accuracy of regions not present in the best template has improved; and (3) the loss in modeling quality from selection of nonoptimal models as the best ones submitted on the target has decreased. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.