bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Thermal Decomposition Kinetics of Two Dy(III) Complexes with Benzoate Derivative and 2,2′‐Bipyridine as Co‐ligands
Authors: Tian Liang , Wu Kezhong , Zhang Caixia , Zhang Jianjun 
Published: November 2009

AbstractTwo Dy(III) complexes with benzoate derivative and 2,2′‐bipyridine ligands, [Dy(2,4‐DClBA)3bipy]2 and [Dy(o‐MOBA)3bipy]2·4H2O (2,4‐DClBA=2,4‐dichlorobenzoate; o‐MOBA=o‐methoxybenzoate; bipy=2,2′‐bipyridine), were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra, ultraviolet spectra and thermogravimetry and differential thermogravimetry techniques. The thermal decomposition behavior of the two complexes under a static air atmosphere was discussed by thermogravimetry, differential thermogravimetry and infrared spectral techniques. The non‐isothermal kinetics were investigated by using a double equal‐double step method, a non‐linear isoconversional integral method and a Starink method. The mechanism functions of the first decomposition step for [Dy(2,4‐DClBA)3bipy]2 and the second decomposition step for [Dy(o‐MOBA)3bipy]2·4H2O were determined. Meanwhile, the thermodynamic parameters (ΔHne;, ΔGne; and ΔSne;) and kinetic parameters (activation energy E and the pre‐exponential factor A) for the two complexes were also calculated.
Fe2O3‐Modified Hydrogen Storage Alloys as Electrocatalyst for Borohydride Oxidation
Authors: Wang Guiling , Zhang Weicai , Cao Dianxue , Liu Jincheng , Wang Xunying , Wang Sen , Sun Kening 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe effects of hot alkaline treatment and Fe2O3 modification of hydrogen storage alloy on the electrocatalytic activity for oxidation of borohydride have been investigated using linear sweep voltammetry. The performance of borohydride electrochemical oxidation was significantly influenced by the hot alkaline treatment and Fe2O3 modification of the hydrogen storage alloy. The results showed that the current density of the Fe2O3‐modified hot alkaline‐treated hydrogen storage alloy electrode containing 5 wt% Fe2O3 reached 125 mA·cm−2 in 0.10 mol·L−1 NaBH4 and 2 mol·L−1 NaOH solution at −0.55 V vs. saturated Ag/AgCl, KCl electrode.
Direct Electron Transfer of Glucose Oxidase and Glucose Biosensor Based on Nano‐structural Attapulgite Clay Matrix
Authors: Xu Jiming , Han Wenxia , Yin Qifan , Song Jie , Zhong Hui 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe direct electrochemistry of glucose oxidase (GOD) was achieved based on the immobilization of GOD on a natural nano‐structural attapulgite (ATP) clay film modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode. The immobilized GOD displayed a pair of well‐defined quasi‐reversible redox peaks with a formal potential (E0′) of −457.5 mV (vs. SCE) in 0.1 mol·L−1pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution. The peak current was linearly dependent on the scan rate, indicating that the direct electrochemistry of GOD in that case was a surface‐controlled process. The immobilized glucose oxidase could retain bioactivity and catalyze the oxidation of glucose in the presence of ferrocene monocarboxylic acid (FMCA) as a mediator with the apparent Michaelis‐Menten constantKappmof 1.16 mmol·L−1. The electrocatalytic response showed a linear dependence on the glucose concentration ranging widely from 5.0×10−6to 6.0×10−4mol·L−1(with correlation coefficient of 0.9960). This work demonstrated that the nano‐structural attapulgite clay was a good candidate material for the direct electrochemistry of the redox‐active enzyme and the construction of the related enzyme biosensors. The proposed biosensors were applied to determine the glucose in blood and urine samples with satisfactory results.
An Efficient Solvent Free Synthesis of 1,8‐Dioxo‐octahydroxanthene Using p‐Toluene Sulfonic Acid
Authors: Bayat Mohammad , Imanieh Hossien , Hossieni Seyydeh Hajar 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA simple and efficient method for the synthesis of 1,8‐dioxo‐octahydroxanthene by using p‐toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst under solvent free conditions is described, which involves cyclization of 2,2‐arylmethylenebis(3‐hydroxy‐5,5‐dimethyl‐2‐cyclohexene‐1‐one) that was obtained firstly by the reaction of dimedone with aromatic aldehydes in water as solvent and catalyst at room temperature. The experimental procedures in the two steps are very simple and the products are formed in excellent yields.
Fluorapatite: An Effective Solid Base Catalyst for Michael Addition of Indole/pyrrole to Nitroalkenes under Solventless Condition
Authors: Zhang Litao , Zhang Lili , Zou Jianping 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSolid base fluorapatite was found to catalyze the Michael addition of indole/pyrrole to nitroalkenes efficiently under solventless condition, affording the products in good to excellent yields. The Michael addition occurred at the 3‐position of indole exclusively with an exception of 3‐methylindole. The synthetic fluorapatite could be recovered and reused easily without obvious loss in activity.
Stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer in patients aged ≥75 years
Authors: Haasbeek Cornelis J. A. , Lagerwaard Frank J. , Antonisse Marilisa E. , Slotman Ben J. , Senan Suresh 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND:The number of patients aged ≥75 years who present with a stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is increasing. Elderly patients often have significant comorbidity and may be unfit for surgery. Furthermore, surgery in the elderly is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. In this study, the authors evaluated the outcomes of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in elderly patients.METHODS:Since 2003, 203 tumors in 193 patients aged ≥75 years were treated using SRT (118 T1 tumors, 85 T2 tumors). The median patient age was 79 years, 80% of patients were considered medically inoperable, and 20% of patients declined surgery. The median Charlson comorbidity score was 4, and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Class III or greater) was present in 25% of patients. Risk‐adapted SRT schemes were used with the same total dose of 60 grays in 3 fractions (33%), 5 fractions (50%), or 8 fractions (17% of patients), depending on the patient's risk for toxicity.RESULTS:SRT was well tolerated, and all but 1 patient completed treatment. Survival rates at 1 year and 3 years were 86% and 45%, respectively. Survival was correlated with performance score (P = .001) and pre‐SRT lung function (P = .04). The actuarial local control rate at 3 years was 89%. Acute toxicity was uncommon, and late Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade ≥3 toxicity was observed in <10% of patients.CONCLUSIONS:SRT achieved high local control rates with minimal toxicity in patients aged ≥75 years despite their significant medical comorbidities. These results indicated that more active diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are justified in elderly patients and that SRT should be considered and discussed as a curative treatment alternative. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Mining@home: toward a public‐resource computing framework for distributed data mining
Authors: Lucchese C. , Mastroianni C. , Orlando S. , Talia D. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSeveral classes of scientific and commercial applications require the execution of a large number of independent tasks. One highly successful and low‐cost mechanism for acquiring the necessary computing power for these applications is the ‘public‐resource computing’, or ‘desktop Grid’ paradigm, which exploits the computational power of private computers. So far, this paradigm has not been applied to data mining applications for two main reasons. First, it is not straightforward to decompose a data mining algorithm into truly independent sub‐tasks. Second, the large volume of the involved data makes it difficult to handle the communication costs of a parallel paradigm. This paper introduces a general framework for distributed data mining applications called Mining@home. In particular, we focus on one of the main data mining problems: the extraction of closed frequent itemsets from transactional databases. We show that it is possible to decompose this problem into independent tasks, which however need to share a large volume of the data. We thus introduce a data‐intensive computing network, which adopts a P2P topology based on super peers with caching capabilities, aiming to support the dissemination of large amounts of information. Finally, we evaluate the execution of a pattern extraction task on such network. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of using Taverna and BPEL in building scientific workflows: the case of caGrid
Authors: Tan Wei , Missier Paolo , Foster Ian , Madduri Ravi , De Roure David , Goble Carole 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWhen the emergence of ‘service‐oriented science,’ the need arises to orchestrate multiple services to facilitate scientific investigation—that is, to create ‘science workflows.’ We present here our findings in providing a workflow solution for the caGrid service‐based grid infrastructure. We choose BPEL and Taverna as candidates, and compare their usability in the lifecycle of a scientific workflow, including workflow composition, execution, and result analysis. Our experience shows that BPEL as an imperative language offers a comprehensive set of modeling primitives for workflows of all flavors; whereas Taverna offers a dataflow model and a more compact set of primitives that facilitates dataflow modeling and pipelined execution. We hope that this comparison study not only helps researchers to select a language or tool that meets their specific needs, but also offers some insight into how a workflow language and tool can fulfill the requirement of the scientific community. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lysosomal degradation of RhoH protein upon antigen receptor activation in T but not B cells
Authors: Schmidt‐Mende Jan , Geering Barbara , Yousefi Shida , Simon Hans‐Uwe 
Published: November 2009

AbstractRhoH is a member of the Rho (ras homologous) GTPase family, yet it lacks GTPase activity and thus remains in its active conformation. Unlike other Rho GTPases, the RhoH gene transcript is restricted to hematopoietic cells and RhoH was shown to be required for adequate T‐cell activation through the TCR. Here, we demonstrate that both blood T and B cells, but not neutrophils or monocytes, express RhoH protein under physiological conditions. Upon TCR complex activation, RhoH was degraded in lysosomes of primary and Jurkat T cells. Pharmacologic activation of T cells distal to the TCR complex had no effect on RhoH protein levels suggesting that early events during T‐cell activation are required for RhoH protein degradation. In contrast to T cells, activation of the BCR in blood B cells was not associated with changes in RhoH levels. These data suggest that RhoH function might be regulated by lysosomal degradation of RhoH protein following TCR complex but not BCR activation. This newly discovered regulatory pathway of RhoH expression might limit TCR signaling and subsequent T‐cell activation upon Ag contact.
Defective T‐cell receptor‐induced apoptosis of T cells and rejection of transplanted immunogenic tumors in p53−/− mice
Authors: Singh Nagendra , Huang Lei , Qin Haiyan 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMice lacking the tumor suppressor gene p53 spontaneously develop T‐cell lymphomas at a high rate, suggesting that in these mice lymphomas arise due to defective apoptosis mechanisms in T cells mediated by p53. However, a role of p53 in regulation of T‐cell responses or apoptosis has been poorly defined. TCR‐mediated signaling in the absence of CD28 costimulation induces both apoptosis and proliferation of naïve T cells from WT mice. In this report we show that, in response to TCR stimulation, T cells from naïve p53‐deficient mice exhibited higher proliferation and drastically reduced apoptosis than WT T cells. CD28 costimulation enhanced the proliferation of TCR‐stimulated WT and p53−/− T cells, suggesting that p53 uncouples CD28‐mediated antiapoptotic and proliferative signals. To evaluate the physiological significance of these findings, we transplanted OVA expressing‐EG.7 tumor cells into WT and p53−/− mice. Unlike WT mice, p53−/− mice exhibited a robust tumor‐resistant phenotype and developed cytotoxic T‐cell responses against OVA. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that p53 is an essential factor in negative regulation of T‐cell responses and have implication for immunomodulation during treatment of cancers and other inflammatory conditions.
Abnormal CTLA‐4 function in T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Jury Elizabeth C. , Flores‐Borja Fabian , Kalsi Hardeep S. , Lazarus Mark , Isenberg David A. , Mauri Claudia , Ehrenstein Michael R. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractCTLA‐4 is a critical gatekeeper of T‐cell activation and immunological tolerance and has been implicated in patients with a variety of autoimmune diseases through genetic association. Since T cells from patients with the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) display a characteristic hyperactive phenotype, we investigated the function of CTLA‐4 in SLE. Our results reveal increased CTLA‐4 expression in FOXP3− responder T cells from patients with SLE compared with other autoimmune rheumatic diseases and healthy controls. However, CTLA‐4 was unable to regulate T‐cell proliferation, lipid microdomain formation and phosphorylation of TCR‐ζ following CD3/CD28 co‐stimulation, in contrast to healthy T cells. Although lupus T cells responded in vitro to CD3/CD28 co‐stimulation, there was no parallel increase in CTLA‐4 expression, which would normally provide a break on T‐cell proliferation. These defects were associated with exclusion of CTLA‐4 from lipid microdomains providing an anatomical basis for its loss of function. Collectively our data identify CTLA‐4 dysfunction as a potential cause for abnormal T‐cell activation in patients with SLE, which could be targeted for therapy.
Active versus passive teaching styles: An empirical study of student learning outcomes
Authors: Michel Norbert , Cater John James , Varela Otmar 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis study compares the impact of an active teaching approach and a traditional (or passive) teaching style on student cognitive outcomes. Across two sections of an introductory business course, one class was taught in an active or “nontraditional” manner, with a variety of active learning exercises. The second class was taught in a passive or “traditional” manner, emphasizing daily lectures. Although the active learning approach does not appear to have improved overall mastery of the subject, we did find evidence that active learning can lead to improved cognitive outcomes in class‐specific materials. The discussion emphasizes the role of delivery style on learning outcomes.
Paving the way for groundwater management: Transforming information for crafting management rules
Authors: Hammani Ali , Hartani Tarik , Kuper Marcel , Imache Amar 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn many countries, farmers are turning to groundwater to make up for surface water scarcity and to deal with increasing water demand, even inside large‐scale irrigation schemes. In many situations, this leads to the mining of groundwater resources, which in turn threatens the sustainability of the farms that depend on this resource. The purpose of this study was to find ways to provide the necessary information to stakeholders to enable them to construct rules for sustainable groundwater management. The dynamics of water resources and water use practices were analysed and management indicators were designed for two irrigation schemes in North Africa: Tadla (Morocco) and Mitidja West (Algeria). The results showed, firstly, that available groundwater has decreased; secondly, that farming systems depend to an increasing extent on groundwater resources, and thirdly, that individual and collective access to groundwater depends on informal arrangements. We developed and tested a platform for dialogue for water management focused on exploring plausible scenarios of agricultural development in relation to the use of groundwater. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Salinity patterns in irrigation systems, a threat to be demystified, a constraint to be managed: Field evidence from Algeria and Tunisia
Authors: Bouarfa S. , Marlet S. , Douaoui A. , Hartani T. , Mekki I. , Ghazouani W. , Aissa I. Ben , Vincent B. , Hassani F. , Kuper M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSalinity problems induced by irrigation are often presented in the literature as a threat that can only be managed at the irrigation scheme scale by installing subsurface drainage. On the other hand, salinity is a constraint that has often been successfully managed locally by farmers adapting their practices. However, the continuing expansion of irrigation with related water scarcity problems plus the increasing use of groundwater of marginal quality has resulted in a new challenge that is difficult to handle at the farm level only. To assess the dynamics of soil salinity and water quality together with farmers' salinity management practices, we adapted a common approach to analyze two contrasted salinity patterns: a traditional salinity pattern in an oasis (Fatnassa, Tunisia), and a recent sodicity pattern in a large irrigation scheme (Lower Chelif, Algeria). This approach which combines surveys on farmers' perceptions and practices and salinity measurements and geochemical analysis paves the way for more integrated management of salinity problems related to water scarcity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linking water saving and productivity to agro‐food supply chains: A synthesis from two North African cases
Authors: Le Gal P.‐Y. , Kuper M. , Moulin C.‐H. , Sraïri M. T. , Rhouma A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe relationship between irrigated schemes, farms and agro‐food processors may provide leeway to improve water saving and water productivity. This study was conducted in the dairy supply area of the Tadla irrigation scheme in Morocco and in the oasis area in southern Tunisia where dates are grown for export. The study was based on (i) a framework conceptualizing the relationship between production/marketing of agricultural raw material and water saving and productivity and (ii) a participatory research method aimed at supporting stakeholders in solving their production problems. Analysis of the organization of the two supply chains revealed the central role of intermediate operators in aggregating raw material and providing services to farmers. A decision support approach for dairy farmers was designed and tested in the Tadla scheme. Its use is illustrated by four scenarios that simulate the impacts of changes in both forage crops and irrigation techniques on farm income and water consumption and productivity. Lessons drawn from this work concern support for stakeholders and the integration of production functions from the irrigated scheme to the agro‐processors in the whole supply chain. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanism of increased PLD1 gene expression during early adipocyte differentiation process of mouse cell line 3T3‐L1
Authors: Gao Siqiang , Ito Hiromi , Murakami Masashi , Yoshida Kayo , Tagawa Yoko , Hagiwara Kazumi , Takagi Akira , Kojima Tetsuhito , Suzuki Motoshi , Banno Yoshiko , Ohguchi Kenji , Nozawa Yoshinori , Murate Takashi 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA mouse cell line 3T3‐L1 is differentiated into adipocytes when treated with an inducer cocktail (IDX) (insulin, dexametahsone, and a cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor of isobutyl‐methylxanthine (IBMX)). Here, we report that PLD1, but not PLD2, mRNA and protein increased during the early differentiation process. Our analysis shows that IDX resulted in a sequential induction of C/EBPβ, PLD1, and C/EBPα which is a key transcription factor of late adipocyte differentiation. Among the three inducers, IBMX + any other inducer induced mild adipocyte differentiation, whereas insulin + dexamethasone did not. IBMX increased PLD1 but not PLD2 mRNA. Forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, and dbcAMP also increased PLD1 mRNA, suggesting the cellular cAMP as the inducer of both adipocyte differentiation and PLD1 transcription. We focused on the regulatory mechanism of PLD1 transcription during this differentiation process. IDX or a combination of inducers including IBMX increased PLD1 promoter activity, which is consistent with mRNA analysis. Promoter analysis identified two adjacent C/EBP motifs located between −338 and −231 bp from the first exon as the IBMX responsive elements. Furthermore, overexpression of C/EBPβ, but not C/EBPα, increased PLD1 mRNA and PLD1 5′ promoter activity. EMSA and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay confirmed the direct binding of C/EBPβ, but not C/EBPα, to these C/EBP motifs of PLD1 5′ promoter. Our results show that PLD1 is a target gene of C/EBPβ through the increased cellular cAMP during early adipocyte differentiation of 3T3‐L1 cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 375–382, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The control of fracture healing and its therapeutic targeting: Improving upon nature
Authors: Komatsu David E. , Warden Stuart J. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractFracture repair is a complex process involving timed cellular recruitment, gene expression, and synthesis of compounds that regenerate native tissue to restore the mechanical integrity, and thus function of injured bone. While the majority of fractures heal without complication, this takes time and a subset of patients (∼10%) experience healing delays, extending their morbidity and treatment costs. Consequently, there is a need for efficacious therapeutics for the intervention of fracture healing. Recent studies into the molecular control of fracture repair and advances in the understanding of the skeleton as a whole have resulted in the identification of numerous novel targets and compounds for such intervention. These include traditional agents such bone morphogenetic proteins and other growth factors, but also relatively newer compounds such as parathyroid hormone and modulators of the Wnt signaling pathway. These agents, along with others, are discussed in the current article in terms of their investigative status and potential for clinical implementation. Hopefully, these agents, as well as others yet to be discovered, will demonstrate sufficient clinical utility for successful intervention of fracture healing. This may have significant implications for the duration of morbidity and costs associated with traumatic bone fractures. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 302–311, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural basis of integrin transmembrane activation
Authors: Wang Wei , Luo Bing‐Hao 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIntegrins are cell adhesion receptors that transmit bidirectional signals across plasma membrane and are crucial for many biological functions. Recent structural studies of integrin transmembrane (TM) and cytoplasmic domains have shed light on their conformational changes during integrin activation. A structure of the resting state was solved based on Rosetta computational modeling and experimental data using intact integrins on mammalian cell surface. In this structure, the αIIb GXXXG motif and their β3 counterparts of the TM domains associate with ridge‐in‐groove packing, and the αIIb GFFKR motif and the β3 Lys‐716 in the cytoplasmic segments play a critical role in the α/β association. Comparing this structure with the NMR structures of the monomeric αIIb and β3 (represented as active conformations), the α subunit helix remains similar after dissociation whereas β subunit helix is tilted by embedding additional 5–6 residues into the lipid bilayer. These conformational changes are critical for integrin activation and signaling across the plasma membrane. We thus propose a new model of integrin TM activation in which the recent NMR structure of the αIIbβ3 TM/cytoplasmic complex represents an intermediate or transient state, and the electrostatic interaction in the cytoplasmic region is important for priming the initial α/β association, but not absolutely necessary for the resting state. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 447–452, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.