bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Light‐Controlled Molecular Brake with Complete ON–OFF Rotation
Authors: Basheer Meethale C. , Oka Yoshimi , Mathews Manoj , Tamaoki Nobuyuki 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA light‐controlled molecular machine based on cyclic azobenzenophanes consisting of a dioxynaphthalene rotating unit and a photoisomerizable dioxyazobenzene unit bridged by methylene spacers is reported. In compounds 1 and 2, 1,5‐ and 2,6‐dioxynaphthalene moieties, respectively, are linked to p‐dioxyazobenzene by different methylene spacers (n=2 in 1 a and 2; n=3 in 1 b), whereas a 1,5‐dioxynaphthalene moiety is bonded to m‐dioxyazobenzene by bismethylene spacers in 3. In 1 b and 2, the naphthalene ring can rotate freely in both the trans and cis states at room temperature. The rotation speed can be controlled either by photoinduced reversible trans–cis (E–Z) isomerization of the azobenzene or by keeping the system at low temperature, as is evident from its NMR spectra. Furthermore, for the first time, we demonstrate a light‐controlled molecular brake, wherein the rotation of the naphthalene moiety through the cyclophane is completely OFF in the trans isomer of compound 3 due to its smaller cavity size. Such restricted rotation imparts planar chirality to the molecule, and the corresponding enantiomers could be resolved by chiral HPLC. However, the rotation of the naphthalene moiety is rendered ON in the cis isomer due to its increased cavity size, and it is manifested experimentally by the racemization of the separated enantiomers by photoinduced E–Z isomerization.
UC Pd: A New Form of Pd/C for Sonogashira Couplings
Authors: Duplais Christophe , Forman Arnold J. , Baker Benjamin A. , Lipshutz Bruce H. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractScreening of different sources of Pd/C shows reagents of highly variable nanoparticle sizes and oxidation states of the metal. Typically, catalysts with higher surface area are viewed as likely to be the more reactive. In this paper a new form of Pd/C, “UC Pd” is described that is shown to contain larger nanoparticles yet it is the most reactive catalyst of those sold commercially for Sonogashira coupling reactions. UC Pd functions efficiently in the absence of a copper co‐catalyst, under very mild and “green” conditions using inexpensive 95 % EtOH at 50 °C. It is also the only form of Pd/C that can be recycled. In side‐by‐side reactions with several commercially available forms of Pd/C, none compete successfully with UC Pd under standardized conditions. Physical data obtained from extensive surface analysis using TEM, XRD, XPS, and CO‐TPD measurements lead to an explanation behind the unique reactivity of this new recyclable form of Pd/C.
Canonical wingless signaling regulates cone cell specification in the Drosophila retina
Authors: Cordero Julia B. , Cagan Ross L. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractCorrect tissue patterning during development involves multiple morphogenetic events that include specification of different cell fates, cell proliferation, cell death, and coordinated changes in cell shape, position, and adhesion. Here, we use the Drosophila retina to explore the molecular mechanisms that regulate and integrate these various events. In a previous report, we found that wingless (wg) was required to induce a previously unknown surge of cell death (“early death”) in the pupal retina. Here, we show that wg is also required to induce the more widely studied mid‐pupal cell death (“late death”) in a process that involves regulation of DIAP1. Furthermore, our data suggest that wg has a previously unreported role in specifying the glial‐like cone cells. This activity requires canonical Wg signaling and is linked with Notch pathway activity. Our work broadens the role of canonical Wg signaling to encompass multiple patterning steps in the emerging Drosophila retina. Developmental Dynamics 239:875–884, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuro‐mesodermal patterns in artificially deformed embryonic explants: A role for mechano‐geometry in tissue differentiation
Authors: Kornikova E.S. , Troshina T.G. , Kremnyov S.V. , Beloussov L.V. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe mutual arrangement of neural and mesodermal rudiments in artificially bent double explants of Xenopus laevis suprablastoporal areas was compared with that of intact explants. While some of the bent explants straightened or became spherical, most retained and actively reinforced the imposed curvature, creating folds on their concave sides and expanding convex surfaces. In the intact explants, the arrangement of neural and mesodermal rudiments exhibited a distinct antero‐posterior polarity, with some variability. In the bent explants, this polarity was lost: the neural rudiments were shifted towards concave while the mesodermal tissues moved towards the convex side, embracing the neural rudiments in a horseshoe‐shaped manner. We associate these drastic changes in neuro‐mesodermal patterning with the active extension and contraction of the convex and concave sides, respectively, triggered by the imposed deformations. We speculate that similar events are responsible for the establishment of neuro‐mesodermal patterns during normal development. Developmental Dynamics 239:885–896, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The antimicrobial peptide LL‐37 modulates the inflammatory and host defense response of human neutrophils
Authors: Alalwani Sadek M. , Sierigk Johannes , Herr Christian , Pinkenburg Olaf , Gallo Richard , Vogelmeier Claus , Bals Robert 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide acts as an effector molecule of the innate immune system with direct antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. The aim of this study was to test whether the cathelicidin LL‐37 modulates the response of neutrophils to microbial stimulation. Human neutrophils were exposed to LPS, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa subsequent to incubation with LL‐37 and cytokine release was measured by ELISA. The incubation with LL‐37 significantly decreased the release of proinflammatory cytokines from stimulated human neutrophils. ROS production of neutrophils was determined by a luminometric and a flow cytometry method. The peptide induced the production of ROS and the engulfment of bacteria into neutrophils. Peritoneal mouse neutrophils isolated from CRAMP‐deficient and WT animals were treated with LPS and TNF‐α in the supernatant was measured by ELISA. Antimicrobial activity of neutrophils was detected by incubating neutrophils isolated from CRAMP‐knockout and WT mice with bacteria. Neutrophils from CRAMP‐deficient mice released significantly more TNF‐α after bacterial stimulation and showed decreased antimicrobial activity as compared to cells from WT animals. In conclusion, LL‐37 modulates the response of neutrophils to bacterial activation. Cathelicidin controls the release of inflammatory mediators while increasing antimicrobial activity of neutrophils.
Numerical simulation of turbulent flows in trapezoidal meandering compound open channels
Authors: Jing Hefang , Li Chunguang , Guo Yakun , Xu Weilin 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThree‐dimensional (3D) numerical study is presented to investigate the turbulent flow in meandering compound open channels with trapezoidal cross‐sections. The flow simulation is carried out by solving the 3D Reynolds‐averaged continuity and Navier–Stokes equations with Reynolds stress equation model (RSM) for steady‐state flow. Finite volume method (FVM) is applied to numerically solve the governing equations of fluid flow. The velocity magnitude, tangential velocity, transverse velocity and Reynolds stresses are calculated for various flow conditions. Good agreement between the simulated and available laboratory measurements was obtained, indicating that the RSM can accurately predict the complicated flow phenomenon. Comparison of the calculated secondary currents of four cases (one being inbank flow and other three being overbank flow) with different water depths reveals that (i) the inbank flow exhibits different flow behaviors from that of the overbank flow does and (ii) the water depth has significant effects on the magnitude and direction of secondary currents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A More Flooding‐Tolerant Oxygen Electrode in Alkaline Electrolyte
Authors: Ji M. B. , Wei Z. D. , Chen S. G. , Zhang Q. , Wang Y. Q. , Qi X. Q. , Li and L. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractOwing to the inherent performance and cost advantages alkaline fuel cells (AFCs) have been being a highlight in fuel cells research. However the degradation of the performance coming from the cathode due to the oxygen diffusion limit leaded by the flooding is a critical issue to overcome. The objective of this study is thus devoted to mitigate the water flooding happening in the pores of a porous oxygen electrode by using a more flooding‐tolerant electrode (FTE) which contains water‐proof oil, dimethyl‐silicon‐oil (DMS). The FTE performance was checked in two cases, the whole FTE completely immersed in 1 mol L–1 KOH, and its catalyst layer side exposed to 1 mol L–1 KOH but its back side to gas chamber, in order to simulate the situation of electrode flooded and electrode at normal operation condition, respectively. The results indicate that the FTE displays outstanding flooding‐tolerant capability, especially in the case of a large current density, in which mass transport of gas reactant is in a dominant position.
Study of the Catalytic Layer in Polybenzimidazole‐based High Temperature PEMFC: Effect of Platinum Content on the Carbon Support
Authors: Lobato J. , Cañizares P. , Rodrigo M. A. , Linares J. J. , Úbeda D. , Pinar F. J. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn this work, the effect of platinum percentage on the carbon support of commercial catalyst for electrodes to be used in a Polybenzimidazole (PBI)‐based PEMFC has been studied. Three percentages were studied (20, 40 and 60%). In all cases, the same quantity of PBI in the catalyst layer was added, which is required as a ‘binder’. From Hg porosimetry analyses, pore size distribution, porosity, mean pore size and tortuosity of all electrodes were obtained. The amount of mesopores gets larger as the platinum percentage in the catalytic layer decreases, which reduces the overall porosity and the mean pore size and increases the tortuosity. The electrochemical characterisation was performed by voltamperometric studies, assessing the effective electrochemical surface area (ESA) of the electrodes, by impedance spectroscopy (IS), determining the polarisation resistance, and by the corresponding fuel cell measurements. The best results were obtained for the electrodes with a content of 40% Pt on carbon, as a result of an adequate combination of catalytic activity and mass transfer characteristics of the electrode. It has been demonstrated that the temperature favours the fuel cell performance, and the humidification does not have remarkable effects on the performance of a PBI‐based polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC).
Fine‐microstructure Mediated Efficient Hydrogen Oxidation in Ni/YSZ Anode Fabricated from Novel Co‐precipitation Derived Nanocomposites
Authors: Sato K. , Kinoshita T. , Abe H. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractFine‐microstructure mediated efficient hydrogen oxidation was demonstrated on nickel/yttria‐stabilised zirconia (Ni/YSZ) anode fabricated from NiO/YSZ nanocomposite particles, synthesised via a novel co‐precipitation method using YSZ nanoparticles with the average size of 3 nm. Transmission electron microscopy image revealed that nanocomposite particles calcined at 600 °C consisted of homogeneously distributed NiO and YSZ nanocrystals, approximately 5 nm large. The Ni/YSZ anode was fabricated by sintering the screen‐printed nanocomposites at 1,300 °C and their subsequent reduction. The anode had a uniform porous microstructure consisting of fine grains in the range of 200–300 nm, and exhibited quite low area‐specific resistance (ASR) of 2.29, 0.43 and 0.15 Ω cm2 at 600, 700 and 800 °C, respectively.
Deletion at chromosome arm 9p in relation to BRAF/NRAS mutations and prognostic significance for primary melanoma
Authors: Conway Caroline , Beswick Samantha , Elliott Faye , Chang Yu‐Mei , Randerson‐Moor Juliette , Harland Mark , Affleck Paul , Marsden Jerry , Sanders D. Scott , Boon Andy , Knowles Margaret A. , Bishop D. Timothy , Newton‐Bishop Julia A. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe report an investigation of gene dosage at 9p21.3 and mutations in BRAF and NRAS, as predictors of relapse and histological markers of poor melanoma prognosis. Formalin‐fixed primary melanomas from 74 relapsed and 42 nonrelapsed patients were sequenced for common BRAF and NRAS mutations (N = 71 results) and gene dosage at 9p21.3 including the genes CDKN2A (which encodes CDKN2A and P14ARF), CDKN2B (CDKN2B), and MTAP was measured using multiplexed ligation‐dependant probe amplification (MLPA), (N = 75 results). BRAF/NRAS mutations were detected in 77% of relapsers and 58% of nonrelapsers (Fisher's exact P = 0.17), and did not predict ulceration or mitotic rate. There was no relationship between BRAF/NRAS mutations and gene dosage at 9p21.3. Reduced gene dosage at MTAP showed a borderline association with BRAF mutation (P = 0.04) and reduced gene dosage at the interferon gene cluster was borderline associated with wild type NRAS (P = 0.05). Reduced gene dosage in the CDKN2A regions coding for CDKN2A was associated with an increased risk of relapse (P = 0.03). Reduced gene dosage across 9p21.3 was associated with increased tumor thickness, mitotic rate, and ulceration (P = 0.02, 0.02, and 0.002, respectively), specifically in coding regions impacting on CDKN2B and P14ARF and CDKN2A. Loss at MTAP (P = 0.05) and the interferon gene cluster (P = 0.03) on 9p21 was also associated with tumor ulceration. There was no association between reduced gene dosage at 9p21.3 and subtype or site of tumor. This study presents supportive evidence that CDKN2B, P14ARF, and CDKN2A may all play a tumor suppressor role in melanoma progression. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Concomitant astroglial atrophy and astrogliosis in a triple transgenic animal model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Olabarria Markel , Noristani Harun N. , Verkhratsky Alexei , Rodríguez José J. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAstrocytes are fundamental for brain homeostasis and are at the fulcrum of neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we monitored changes in astroglia morphology throughout the age‐dependent progression of AD. We used an immunohistochemical approach that allows us to determine the domain of glial cytoskeleton, by measuring the surface, volume, and the relationship between astrocytes and neuritic plaques. We investigated astroglia in the hippocampus of a triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTg‐AD) that mimics the progression of the human disease. The numerical density of astrocytes is affected neither by AD nor by age. We found reduction of surface and volume of GFAP profiles from early ages (6 months; 43.84 and 52.76%, respectively), persisting at 12 (40.73 and 45.39%) and 18 months (64.80 and 71.95%) in the dentate gyrus (DG) of 3xTg‐AD, whereas in CA1 it appears at 18 months (29.42 and 32.74%). This cytoskeleton atrophy is accompanied by a significant reduction of glial somata volume in DG at 12 and 18 months (40.46 and 75.55%, respectively), whereas in CA1 it is significant at 18 months (42.81%). However, while astroglial atrophy appears as a generalized process, astrocytes surrounding plaques are clearly hypertrophic as revealed by increased surface (48.06%; 66.66%), and volume (57.10%; 71.06%) of GFAP profiles in DG and CA1, respectively, at 18 months. We suggest differential effects of AD on astroglial populations depending on their association with plaques accounting for the progressive disruption of neural networks connectivity and neurotransmitters imbalance which underlie mnesic and cognitive impairments observed in AD. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Role of seeing blood in non‐suicidal self‐injury
Authors: Glenn Catherine R. , Klonsky E. David 
Published: February 2010

AbstractNon‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is a growing clinical problem, especially among adolescents and young adults. Anecdotal accounts, clinical reports, and popular media sources suggest that observing the blood resulting from NSSI often plays an important role in the behavior's reinforcement. However, research to date has not systematically assessed the role of blood in NSSI. The current study examined this phenomenon in 64 young adults from a college population with histories of non‐suicidal skin‐cutting. Approximately half the participants reported it was important to see blood during NSSI. These individuals reported spending five minutes or less looking at the blood after each instance of NSSI, and that seeing blood served several functions including “to relieve tension” and “makes me feel calm.” In addition, wanting to see blood was associated with greater lifetime frequency of skin‐cutting and greater endorsement of intrapersonal functions for NSSI (e.g., affect regulation, self‐punishment). Finally, participants who reported wanting to see blood were more likely to endorse symptoms of bulimia nervosa and borderline personality disorder. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66: 1–8, 2010.
Nitrogen and NaCl salinity effects on the growth and nutrient acquisition of the grasses Aeluropus littoralis, Catapodium rigidum, and Brachypodium distachyum
Authors: Barhoumi Zouhaier , Atia Abdallah , Rabhi Mokded , Djebali Wahbi , Abdelly Chedly , Smaoui Abderrazak 
Published: February 2010

AbstractSalinity and low nitrogen availability are important growth‐limiting factors for most plants. Our objective was to assess the influence of nitrogen (N) and salt levels on the growth and mineral nutrition of three forage grasses of varying salt resistance which are widely found in Tunisian salt lands, Aeluropus littoralis, Catapodium rigidum, and Brachypodium distachyum. Their response to salt and N interaction has not been studied and further investigations are necessary. Twenty day–old plantlets were hydroponically cultivated in Hewitt's nutrient solution. Half the plants were then exposed to 100 mM NaCl and the other half to no NaCl, and N was supplied at 0.5 or 5.0 mM N as NH4NO3. Plants were harvested after 60 d growth. Saline treatment (100 mM NaCl) decreased growth of B. distachyum (a relatively salt‐sensitive plant), but no significant effect was noted for A. littoralis (a relatively salt‐resistant plant) in both low– and high–N availability treatments. However, the effect of 100 mM NaCl on growth of C. rigidum (a moderately salt‐resistant plant) depended on N level. Increasing N availability and NaCl did not influence phosphate, sulfate, calcium, and magnesium concentrations in both A. littoralis and C. rigidum, but increased N supply reduced shoot sodium and chloride (Cl–) accumulation. Potassium acquisition in A. littoralis and C. rigidum plants was severely depressed by increasing N availability under saline and nonsaline conditions, respectively. In these species, the increase of nitrate accumulation via N was attenuated by salinity. In contrast, total N content and allocation toward shoots were enhanced in these conditions, especially in A. littoralis, the most resistant species. It appears that increasing N availability at moderate salt levels has a beneficial effect on growth of species with high and moderate salt resistance, but not on species with low resistance to salinity.
Prediction of Water′s Mobility and Disorder in Protein Crystals Using Novel Local Hydrophobic Descriptors
Authors: Pan Yuzhu , Lv Fenglin , Tian Feifei , Luo Xiaoli , Kong Xiangjun , Li Yuanchao , Yang Qingwu 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe B‐factors of crystal structures reflect the atomic fluctuations about their average positions and provide important information about molecular dynamics. Although numerous works have been addressed on theoretical and computational studies of B‐factor profile of protein atoms, the methods used for predicting B‐factor values of water molecules in protein crystals still remain unexploited. In this article, we describe a new approach that we named local hydrophobic descriptors (LHDs) to characterize the hydrophobic landscapes of protein hydration sites. Using this approach coupled with partial least squares (PLS) regression and least‐squares squares support vector machine (LSSVM), we perform a systematic investigation on the linear and nonlinear relationships between the LHDs and water B‐factors. Based upon an elaborately selected, large‐scale dataset of crystal water molecules, our method predicts B‐factor profile with coefficient of determination rpred of 0.554. We demonstrate that (i) the dynamics of water molecules is primarily governed by the local features of hydrophobic potential landscapes, and (ii) the accuracy of predicted B‐factor values depends on water packing density.
A RP‐HPLC‐DAD‐APCI/MSD method for the characterisation of medicinal Ericaceae used by the Eeyou Istchee Cree First Nations
Authors: Saleem Ammar , Harris Cory S. , Asim Muhammad , Cuerrier Alain , Martineau Louis , Haddad Pierre S. , Arnason John T. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIntroduction – Ericaceae medicinal plants are traditionally used by the Eeyou Istchee Cree and other northern peoples of North America to treat type 2 diabetic symptoms. Because of the importance of phenolics as potential cures for degenerative diseases including type 2 diabetes, an analytical method was developed to detect them in the leaf extracts of 14 Ericaceae plants.Objective – To develop an optimised method which is applicable to a relatively large number of Ericaceae plants using their leaf extracts. For this purpose phenolics with a wide range of polarity, including a glucosylated benzoquinone, two phenolic acids, three flavanols, a flavanone, a flavone and five flavonols, were included in this study.Methodology – Characterisation of phytochemicals in extracts was undertaken by automated matching to the UV spectra to those of an in house library of plant secondary metabolites and the authentication of their identity was achieved by reversed phase‐high‐performance chromatography–diode array detection–atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation/mass selective detection.Results – Twenty‐six phenolics were characterised within 26  min of chromatographic separation in 80% ethanol extracts of 14 Ericaceae plants. The calibration curves were linear within 0.5–880  µg/g dry mass of the plant with regression values better than 0.995. The limits of detection ranged from 0.3 for µg/mL for (+)‐catechin to 2.6  µg/mL for chlorogenic acid. This is a first study dealing with relatively large number of Ericaceae extracts and is applicable to other plants of same family. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.