bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of polypyrrole coated onto wood sawdust for the removal of carmoisine dye from aqueous solutions
Authors: Ansari Reza , Keivani Mohammad Banimahd , Delavar Ali Fallah 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn this research, the removal of carmoisine dye from aqueous solutions using polypyrrole coated onto sawdust (PPy/SD) has been investigated. The sorption experiments were performed using both batch and column systems. The effects of some important parameters such as pH, initial concentration, sorbent dosage, exposure time, and temperature on uptake of carmoisine dye were investigated. Based on the data obtained in batch system, it was found that maximum adsorption is occurred under acidic conditions. Complete removal was observed when a dye solution with the initial concentration of 100 mg L−1 was treated by 1.0 g of the used adsorbent (PPy/SD) at pH value of 4 and room temperature. However, higher sorption was observed at elevated temperature. According to the kinetics study, it was found that the experimental data fitted very well the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model (k2 = 0.184 g mg−1 min−1). It was found that polypyrrole chemically coated on SD is an efficient system for the removal of carmoisine dye from aqueous solutions. Desorption of the dye‐loaded column was also possible by using dilute NaOH solution with high efficiency (∼ 80%). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Engraftment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome patient donors into BALB‐RAG‐2−/−IL‐2Rγ−/− mice: A promising model for studying human disease
Authors: Andrade Danieli , Redecha Patricia B. , Vukelic Milena , Qing Xiaoping , Perino Giorgio , Salmon Jane E. , Koo Gloria C. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo construct a humanized mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that resembles the human disease in order to define the pathophysiology and targets for treatments.MethodsWe infused peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SLE patients into BALB‐ RAG‐2−/−IL‐2Rγ−/− double‐knockout (DKO) mice, which lack T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. PBMCs from 5 SLE patients and 4 normal donors were infused intravenously/intraperitoneally at a density of 3–5 × 106 cells per animal into nonirradiated 4–5‐week‐old mice. We evaluated the engraftment of human CD45+ cells and monitored the plasma levels of human IgG, anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibody, and anticardiolipin antibody (aCL), as well as proteinuria and kidney histology.ResultsThere was 100% successful engraftment in 40 DKO mice infused with human PBMCs. In the PBMC fraction from SLE PBMC–infused DKO (SLE‐DKO) mice and normal donor PBMC–infused DKO (ND‐DKO) mice, an average of 41% and 53% human CD45+ cells, respectively, were observed at 4 weeks postengraftment, with 70–90% CD3+ cells. There were fewer CD3+CD4+ cells (mean ± SEM 5.5 ± 2.1%) and more CD3+CD8+ cells (79.4 ± 3.6%) in the SLE‐DKO mice as in the SLE patients from which the PBMCs were derived. CD19+ B cells and CD11c+ monocytic cells were found in the spleen, lung, liver, and bone marrow. There was no significant difference in plasma levels of human IgG and anti‐dsDNA antibodies between SLE‐DKO and ND‐DKO mice. Levels of aCL were significantly higher in all SLE‐DKO mice infused with PBMCs from an SLE patient who had high titers of aCL. SLE‐DKO mice had proteinuria, human IgG deposits in the kidneys, and a shorter life span. In SLE‐DKO mice engrafted with PBMCs from the aCL‐positive patient, we found microthrombi and infiltration of CD3+, CD8+, and CD19+ cells in the glomeruli, recapitulating the human antiphospholipid syndrome in these mice.ConclusionWe established a novel humanized SLE‐DKO mouse exhibiting many of the immunologic and clinical features of human SLE.
Collagen‐induced arthritis is exacerbated in C‐reactive protein–deficient mice
Authors: Jones Nicholas R. , Pegues Melissa A. , McCrory Mark A. , Kerr Steven W. , Jiang Huiping , Sellati Rosemarie , Berger Valentina , Villalona Jorge , Parikh Rajvee , McFarland Mary , Pantages Lynn , Madwed Jeffrey B. , Szalai Alexander J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjectiveBlood C‐reactive protein (CRP) is routinely measured to gauge inflammation. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a heightened CRP level is predictive of a poor outcome, while a lowered CRP level is indicative of a positive response to therapy. CRP interacts with the innate and adaptive immune systems in ways that suggest it may be causal in RA and, although this is not proven, it is widely assumed that CRP makes a detrimental contribution to the disease process. Paradoxically, results from animal studies have indicated that CRP might be beneficial in RA. This study was undertaken to study the role of CRP in a mouse model of RA, the collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) model.MethodsWe compared the impact of CRP deficiency with that of transgenic overexpression of CRP on inflammatory and immune responses in mice, using CRP‐deficient (Crp−/−) and human CRP–transgenic (CRP‐Tg) mice, respectively. Susceptibility to CIA, a disease that resembles RA in humans, was compared between wild‐type, Crp−/−, and CRP‐Tg mice.ResultsCRP deficiency significantly altered the inflammatory cytokine response evoked by challenge with endotoxin or anti‐CD3 antibody, and heightened some immune responses. Compared to that in wild‐type mice, CIA in Crp−/− mice progressed more rapidly and was more severe, whereas CIA in CRP‐Tg mice was dramatically attenuated. Despite these disparate clinical outcomes, anticollagen autoantibody responses during CIA did not differ among the genotypes.ConclusionCRP exerts an early and beneficial effect in mice with CIA. The mechanism of this effect remains unknown but does not involve improvement of the autoantibody profile. In humans, the presumed detrimental role of a heightened blood CRP level during active RA might be balanced by a beneficial effect of the baseline CRP (i.e., levels manifest during the preclinical stages of disease).
Parameters for effective in vitro production of zinc finger nucleic acid‐binding proteins
Authors: Belak Zachery R. , Nair Manoj , Ovsenek Nick 
Published: May 2011

AbstractImmobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) is widely used for the production of recombinant proteins for a variety of applications; however, a number of challenges are typically encountered by researchers depending on the properties of the specific proteins in question. Here, we describe technical issues we have encountered in production of recombinant zinc finger nucleic acid‐binding proteins by IMAC intended for detailed and accurate in vitro analysis. The process encountered leading to a modified IMAC protocol for effective production of high‐purity, native zinc finger nucleic acid‐binding proteins is described in detail. The parameters with respect to solubility, lysis and redox conditions, removal of residual metal ions with chelating agents, and renaturation in the presence of divalent metal cations are described. These procedures have been extended to production of a wide array of RNA‐binding proteins in our laboratory and would be relevant to a number of protein purification applications.
Four economies of sustainable automotive transportation
Authors: Gifford Joshua D. , Brown Robert C. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractLife cycle analysis for automotive transportation, commonly known as well‐to‐wheels (WTW) analysis, has traditionally focused on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and primary energy consumption. Clearly, economizing on the use of primary energy sources and the amount of GHG emissions associated with automotive transportation are important sustainability metrics. Other important metrics are water usage and cost of vehicle operation. Thus, we propose the evaluation of four economies in WTW analysis: primary energy consumption, GHG emissions, water usage, and cost of vehicle operation. No scenario is likely to simultaneously minimize all four metrics, suggesting the identification of a single figure of merit that encompasses all four economies of transportation fuels. We employed a normalization scheme that allowed calculation of a single composite score for each scenario called the CWEG (Cost‐Water‐Energy‐GHG) score. Automotive transportation scenarios evaluated in this paper include a variety of fossil and renewable primary energy sources; several energy carriers as transportation fuels; and three distinct vehicle platforms including internal combustion engines, battery electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles. Compressed natural gas scored highest, with CWEG scores of 71–74 out of a possible score of 100, well above the next highest score, which was 45 for conventional diesel hybrid electric vehicles. Fuel cell vehicles running on hydrogen generated using power from the US electric grid had the lowest CWEG scores, ranging from 13 to 15. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
From optional BAPs to obligatory NREAPs: understanding biomass planning in the EU
Authors: Kautto Niina , Peck Philip 
Published: May 2011

AbstractNational renewable energy action plans (NREAPs) required as part of the EU Directive on renewable energy include various biomass elements. The call for mandatory NREAPs represents a substantial shift of focus from the earlier call for optional national biomass action plans (BAPs). Biomass strategies and action plans are considered to form a vital part of the renewable energy plans. This study examines the form and function of national BAPs as a way to contribute understanding of the biomass part in the NREAPs, and biomass planning in general. It assesses how national BAPs produced in the period up to May 2009 should have helped meet NREAP requirements. This work shows that while there are many items missing from the planning and reporting of biomass‐related activities in national BAPs, the plans studied have provided a useful foundation for NREAPs. The analysis also indicates that there is a range of potentially important items that are lacking from the NREAP requirements, but which are still considered to be central and present to some extent in the national BAPs. These include clear delineation of bioenergy potentials, consideration of capacity to apply technologies, as well as impact assessment considering all sustainability dimensions. Results indicate that if a coordinated and coherent biomass policy is to be achieved, then biomass action planning within NREAPs must be advanced; looking to the content of BAPs provides guidance on some of these areas. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The various facets of the protein‐folding activity of the ribosome
Authors: Voisset Cécile , Saupe Sven J. , Blondel Marc 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn addition to its involvement in protein synthesis, the ribosome is implicated in protein folding. Some co‐translational events, such as the rhythm of protein synthesis, the passage through the exit tunnel of the ribosome, or the interaction with ribosome‐associated chaperones may help protein folding. Ribosomes from prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and mitochondria have also been shown to assist the folding of denatured proteins in vitro in a translation‐independent way. This intriguing protein‐folding activity of the ribosome (PFAR, also termed RPFA) has been mapped to the domain V of the large rRNA of the large subunit of the ribosome. Unfolded, newly synthesized proteins catalyze the dissociation of the two ribosomal subunits in vitro, thereby promoting ribosome recycling and facilitating accessibility of domain V to these proteins, which in turn may help their folding by PFAR. The recent identification of 6AP and GA – the two first drugs that specifically inhibit PFAR without affecting protein translation – will help decipher the biological significance of PFAR in vivo. Of note, 6AP and GA were initially isolated on the basis of their activity against prion‐based diseases. Recently, 6AP and GA were also shown to be active in vivo in a drosophila model for oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, which is another amyloid‐based disease. This effect is mimicked by large deletions in the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) locus. In addition, small deletions in the rDNA locus show a synergistic effect with low doses of 6AP and GA. Hence, PFAR may be involved in various amyloid‐based diseases.
Optimal margins and lymphadenectomy in colonic cancer surgery
Authors: Hashiguchi Y , Hase K , Ueno H , Mochizuki H , Shinto E , Yamamoto J 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
A standard management policy has not yet been established with respect to the extent of lymphadenectomy for colonic cancer.

Methods
A total of 914 consecutive patients who underwent potentially curative surgery for T2–T4 colonic cancer were reviewed retrospectively. The number of lymph nodes (LNs) examined and the potential contributions to the staging accuracy of the distinct area were analysed. The survival benefit of dissection was compared for pericolic (local), mesocolic (intermediate) and main arterial trunk (main) LN.

Results
Removal of the pericolic LNs within 5 cm of the tumour and intermediate LNs resulted in a mean LN number of 15·9, a sensitivity for overall node positivity of 97·5 per cent, and a survival benefit calculated as a therapeutic value index of 31·4 points. The additional removal of LNs more than 5 cm from the tumour and main LNs did not improve the staging accuracy, while adding only 3·4 points to the survival benefit.

Conclusion
Current guidelines may encourage needlessly extensive surgery. Clinical trials to establish the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy are warranted.
Outcome after autologous dermal sling-assisted immediate breast reconstruction
Authors: Goyal A , Wu J M , Chandran V P , Reed M W R 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
In selected patients undergoing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction, a de-epithelialized skin flap (dermal sling) may be used to complete the submuscular pocket. This study examined the safety and efficacy of an autologous dermal sling in providing inferolateral support to the implant or tissue expander during immediate breast reconstruction.

Methods
Patients were identified from an electronic prospective database. Records of all patients were reviewed for details of management, complications and follow-up. Patient satisfaction and quality of life in the postoperative period were determined using the BREAST-Q© questionnaire.

Results
Between October 2008 and August 2010, 21 patients underwent 28 dermal sling-assisted breast reconstruction procedures. Their median age was 48 (range 30–70) years. Median hospital stay was 5 (range 3–7) days. Drains were removed at a median of 5 (range 3–7) days after surgery. During the operation a median volume of 150 ml was added to the tissue expander. The most common postoperative complication was superficial -junction breakdown in five patients, followed by seroma and infection each in three patients, but no implant required removal. BREAST-Q© responses indicated a high level of satisfaction overall with the reconstructed breast.

Conclusion
Dermal sling-assisted immediate breast reconstruction has a low serious complication rate, provides stable soft tissue cover for the tissue expander and is associated with a high level of patient satisfaction. A larger pocket can be created, permitting more fluid to be added to the expander.
Chromatographic determination of fungicides in biological and environmental matrices. New achievements
Authors: Cserháti Tibor , Szőgyi Mária 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTThe newest results in the chromatographic analysis of synthetic and natural fungicides present in biological and environmental matrices are collected and critically evaluated. Examples of the employment of gas chromatography, liquid chromatographic technologies, such as thin‐layer chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatographic methods as well as electrically driven systems are presented. The advantages and disasdvantages of the various chromatographic technologies are briefly discussed and the efficacies of the methodologies are compared. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Discursive Construction of the 1978–1979 Iranian Revolution in the Speeches of Ayatollah Khomeini
Authors: Gholizadeh Shadi , Hook Derek W. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTThis article examines the discursive construction of the 1978–1979 social movement that ultimately became the Iranian Revolution, as constructed through the discourse of the charismatic leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. This article illustrates that Khomeini was able to strategically co‐opt the Shiite symbolism of the Battle of Karbala to bring together the most unlikely of bedfellows to unite in one common opposition movement. We first provide a summary of the socio‐political events that contextualised Khomeini's discourse and then examine two commemorative declarations given by Khomeini in the key months before the overthrow of the Pahlavi regime. We will illustrate, via a discourse‐historical analysis, that the two primary narratives prominent in Khomeini's discourse are as follows: (i) the continuation of the Battle of Karbala and (ii) the idea of a foreign conspiracy and a dangerous foreign other. We will also describe various discursive strategies that rendered Khomeini's discourse purposefully vague enough to appeal to Iran's fragmented opposition. Although the conspiratorial appeal of Khomeini's speeches has been discussed in the literature, we seek to show that it is the co‐opting of a national myth in an all‐encompassing language that drives the mass appeal of the discourse. The methods described in this study can be utilised by social and community psychologists seeking to understand how political actors discursively construct history in such a way as to serve their political ends. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical Constituents and Bioactivities of Starfish
Authors: Dong Guang , Xu Tunhai , Yang Bin , Lin Xiuping , Zhou Xuefeng , Yang Xianwen , Liu Yonghong 
Published: May 2011

AbstractStarfish have been the research topic in many chemical and pharmacological laboratories due to their complex secondary metabolites and diverse bioactivities. The aim of this review is to provide an up‐to‐date review on the chemistry and bioactivity of compounds isolated from all kinds of starfish to illustrate the chemodiversity and biological significance of these constituents, along with their geographical distribution where it is discernible.
Secolignans with Antiangiogenic Activities from Peperomia dindygulensis
Authors: Lin Meng‐Gan , Yu De‐Hong , Wang Qi‐Wei , Lu Qin , Zhu Wen‐Jun , Bai Fan , Li Gui‐Xiu , Wang Xiang‐Wen , Yang Yi‐Fang , Qin Xue‐Mei , Fang Chao , Chen Hong‐Zhuan , Yang Guo‐Hong 
Published: May 2011

AbstractTwo new secolignans, peperomins G and H (1 and 2, resp.), were isolated from the whole plant of Peperomia dindygulensis, together with five known secolignans, peperomin A (3), peperomin E (4), peperomin B (5), 2,3‐trans‐2‐methyl‐3‐{(3‐hydroxy‐4,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)[5‐methoxy‐3,4‐(methylenedioxy)phenyl]methyl}butyrolactone (6), 2,3‐cis‐2‐(hydroxymethyl)‐3‐{bis[5‐methoxy‐3,4‐(methylenedioxy)phenyl]methyl}butyrolactone (7). Their structures and configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 2D‐NMR techniques. Antiangiogenic effects of all compounds were evaluated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) proliferation and tube‐formation tests, with compounds 4 and 5 being active in the bioassay. Compounds 4 and 5 induced obvious cell toxicity to HUVEC with IC50 values of 1.64±0.19 and 8.44±0.4 μM, respectively. Compounds 4 and 5 also exhibited significant HUVEC tube formation‐inhibiting activity with IC50 values of 3.13±0.09 and 6.24±0.12 μM, respectively.
Secondary Metabolites from the Root Wood of Zanthoxylum wutaiense and Their Antitubercular Activity
Authors: Huang Hung‐Yi , Ishikawa Tsutomu , Peng Chien‐Fang , Chen Si , Chen Ih‐Sheng 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBioassay‐guided fractionation of the root wood of Zanthoxylum wutaiense led to the isolation of five new compounds, wutaipyranol A (1), 8‐methoxywutaipyranol A (2), demethoxywutaiensal (3), demethoxywutaiensol (4), and dihydrodemethoxywutaiensol (5), together with six known compounds. Their structures were elucidated by 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, as well as MS analyses. Among the isolates, wutaipyranol A (1), 8‐methoxywutaipyranol A (2), and demethoxywutaiensal (3) exhibited antitubercular activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv in vitro, with MIC values of 52.4, 55.6, and 45.8 μg/ml, respectively.
Chemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Rhizome Essential Oils of Very Closely Allied Zingiberaceae Species Endemic to Borneo:Alpinia ligulataK.Schum. andAlpinia nieuwenhuiziiVal.
Authors: Yusoff Mashitah M. , Ibrahim Halijah , Hamid Nurulhusna A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractTwo poorly studied, morphologically alliedAlpiniaspecies endemic to Borneo,viz., A. ligulataandA. nieuwenhuizii, were investigated here for their rhizome essential oil. The oil compositions and antimicrobial activities were compared with those ofA. galanga, a better known plant. A fair number of compounds were identified in the oils by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses, with large differences in the oil composition between the three species. The rhizome oil ofA. galangawas rich in 1,8‐cineole (29.8%), while those ofA. ligulataandA. nieuwenhuiziiwere both found to be extremely rich in (E)‐methyl cinnamate (36.4 and 67.8%, resp.). The three oils were screened for their antimicrobial activity against threeGram‐positive and threeGram‐negative bacteria and two fungal species. The efficiency of growth inhibition ofStaphylococcus aureusvar.aureuswas found to decline in the order ofA. nieuwenhuizii>A. ligulata ∼ A. galanga, while that ofEscherichia colidecreased in the order ofA. galanga>A. nieuwenhuzii ∼ A. ligulata.Only theA. galangaoil inhibited the other bacteria and the fungi tested.
Biomineralization in Diatoms: The Role of Silacidins
Authors: Richthammer Patrick , Börmel Mandy , Brunner Eike , van Pée Karl‐Heinz 
Published: May 2011

AbstractDiatoms are eukaryotic, unicellular algae encased within siliceous cell walls (frustules), which are precisely reproduced generation by generation. The production of this nanostructured silica is under genetic control and the isolation of specific gene products (the proteins silaffins, silacidins) guiding the biomineralization processes, and which are necessary to produce the frustules, has already been described. Under silicon starvation, the amount of silacidins present in the cell walls of Thalassiosira pseudonana increases relative to other proteins. Natsilacidins, the native and highly phosphorylated silacidins are enormously effective in silica precipitation whereas silacidin A′, the nonphosphorylated form, is not. This indicates an important role for natsilacidins in the survival of diatoms under silicic acid depleted conditions.