bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐Supported Chiral Titanium Cluster (SCTC) as a Robust Catalyst for the Asymmetric Cyanation of Imines under Batch and Continuous Flow at Room Temperature
Authors: Seayad Abdul M. , Ramalingam Balamurugan , Chai Christina L. L. , Li Chuanzhao , Garland Marc V. , Yoshinaga Kazuhiko 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA robust heterogeneous self‐supported chiral titanium cluster (SCTC) catalyst and its application in the enantioselective imine‐cyanation/Strecker reaction is described under batch and continuous processes. One of the major hurdles in the asymmetric Strecker reaction is the lack of availability of efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalysts that work at room temperature. We exploited the readily hydrolyzable nature of titanium alkoxide to synthesize a self‐supported chiral titanium cluster (SCTC) catalyst by the controlled hydrolysis of a preformed chiral titanium‐alkoxide complex. The isolated SCTC catalysts were remarkably stable and showed up to 98 % enantioselectivity (ee) with complete conversion of the imine within 2 h for a wide variety of imines at room temperature. The heterogeneous catalysts were recyclable more than 10 times without any loss in activity or selectivity. The robustness, high performance, and recyclability of the catalyst enabled it to be used in a packed‐bed reactor to carry out the cyanation under continuous flow. Up to 97 % ee and quantitative conversion with a throughput of 45 mg h−1 were achieved under optimized flow conditions at room temperature in the case of benzhydryl imine. Furthermore, a three‐component Strecker reaction was performed under continuous flow by using the corresponding aldehydes and amines instead of the preformed imines. A good product distribution was obtained for the formation of amino nitriles with ee values of up to 98 %. Synthetically useful ee values were also obtained for challenging α‐branched aliphatic aldehyde by using the three‐component continuous Strecker reaction.
Distinct regional and subcellular localization of the actin‐binding protein filamin a in the mature rat brain
Authors: Noam Yoav , Phan Lise , McClelland Shawn , Manders Erik M. , Ehrengruber Markus U. , Wadman Wytse J. , Baram Tallie Z. , Chen Yuncai 
Published: March 2012

AbstractFilamin A (FLNa) is an actin‐binding protein that regulates cell motility, adhesion, and elasticity by cross‐linking filamentous actin. Additional roles of FLNa include regulation of protein trafficking and surface expression. Although the functions of FLNa during brain development are well studied, little is known on its expression, distribution, and function in the adult brain. Here we characterize in detail the neuroanatomical distribution and subcellular localization of FLNa in the mature rat brain, by using two antisera directed against epitopes at either the N′ or the C′ terminus of the protein, further validated by mRNA expression. FLNa was widely and selectively expressed throughout the brain, and the intensity of immunoreactivity was region dependent. The most intensely FLNa‐labeled neurons were found in discrete neuronal systems, including basal forebrain structures, anterior nuclear group of thalamus, and hypothalamic parvocellular neurons. Pyramidal neurons in neocortex and hippocampus and magnocellular cells in basolateral amygdaloid nucleus were also intensely FLNa immunoreactive, and strong FLNa labeling was evident in the pontine and medullary raphe nuclei and in sensory and spinal trigeminal nuclei. The subcellular localization of FLNa was evaluated in situ as well as in primary hippocampal neurons. Punctate expression was found in somata and along the dendritic shaft, but FLNa was not detected in dendritic spines. These subcellular distribution patterns were recapitulated in hippocampal and neocortical pyramidal neurons in vivo. The characterization of the expression and subcellular localization of FLNa may provide new clues to the functional roles of this cytoskeletal protein in the adult brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:3013–3034, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Method for Screening the Potential of MOFs as CO2 Adsorbents in Pressure Swing Adsorption Processes
Authors: Pirngruber Gerhard D. , Hamon Lomig , Bourrelly Sandrine , Llewellyn Philip L. , Lenoir Estelle , Guillerm Vincent , Serre Christian , Devic Thomas 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis work reports the adsorption and coadsorption data of CO2/CH4/CO mixtures on several metal–organic frameworks [MOFs; MIL‐100(Cr), MIL‐47(V), MIL‐140(Zr)‐A, Cu‐btc, and MIL‐53(Cr)] and compares them with reference adsorbents, that is, zeolite NaX and an activated carbon material, AC35. We also evaluate the effect of H2O on CO2 adsorption and on the stability of the structures. Based on the experimental adsorption data, the performance potential of MOFs in several pressure swing adsorption processes is estimated by making a ranking of working capacities and separation factors. We discuss the separation of biogas, the purification of H2 produced by steam reforming of methane, and the removal of CO2 from synthesis gas in IGCC (integrated gasification combined cycle) systems. Some MOFs are very well placed in the ranking of (isothermal) working capacity vs. selectivity. Yet, performance is not the only criterion for the selection of MOFs. Ease and cost of synthesis and long‐term stability are other important aspects that have to be taken into account.
Biosynthesis of Defensive Coccinellidae Alkaloids: Incorporation of Fatty Acids in Adaline, Coccinelline, and Harmonine (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 10/2012)
Authors: Haulotte Eveline , Laurent Pascal , Braekman Jean‐Claude 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe cover picture shows an adult of the European ladybird Coccinella 7‐punctata. Several species of this family of Coleoptera are able to transform fatty acids into defensive alkaloids that despite their structural diversity have a common biogenetic origin. In vitro incorporation experiments of specifically tritiated or deuterated fatty acids in three ladybird alkaloids, namely coccinelline (Coccinella 7‐punctata), adaline (Adalia 2‐punctata), and harmonine (Harmonia axyridis), indicated that stearic acid is more efficiently incorporated than palmitic or myristic acid into coccinelline and harmonine. On the contrary, it is myristic acid that is the most efficient precursor for the biosynthesis of the carbon skeleton of adaline. Details are discussed in the article by J.‐C. Braekman et al. on p. 1907 ff. magnified image
Impact of high electromagnetic field levels on childhood leukemia incidence
Authors: Teepen Jop C. , van Dijck Jos A.A.M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe increasing exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) has raised concern, as increased exposure may result in an increased risk of childhood leukemia (CL). Besides a short introduction of CL and EMF, our article gives an evaluation of the evidence of a causal relation between EMF and CL by critically appraising the epidemiological and biological evidence. The potential impact is also estimated by the population attributable risk. The etiology of CL is largely unknown, but is probably multifactorial. EMF may be one of the environmental exposures involved. Three pooled analyses of case–control studies showed a 1.4‐ to 1.7‐fold increased CL risk for extremely low‐frequency EMF (ELF‐EMF) exposure levels above 0.3 μT. Several biases may have played a role in these studies, but are unlikely to fully explain the increased risk. For effects of radiofrequency ELF evidence is lacking. None of the proposed biological mechanisms by which ELF‐EMF might cause CL have been confirmed. The estimated overall population attributable risk was 1.9%, with the highest estimates in Northern America and Brazil (4.2% and 4.1%, respectively). The potential impact of EMF exposure on public health is probably limited, although in some countries exposure might be relatively high and thus might have a more substantial impact. We recommend nationwide surveys to gain more insight into the contemporary exposure levels among children. Reducing exposure from power lines near densely populated areas and schools is advised. Future epidemiological studies should focus on limiting bias.
TRADE OPENNESS, MARKET COMPETITION, AND INFLATION: SOME SECTORAL EVIDENCE FROM OECD COUNTRIES
Authors: Binici Mahir , Cheung Yin‐Wong , Lai Kon S. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThis study evaluates the role market competition plays in determining inflation based on sector‐level data from OECD countries. In theory, trade openness can affect inflation through changes in market competitiveness and productivity. Nonetheless, previous empirical studies often fail to account for productivity effects, and their results may overstate the role of market competition. This study shows that inflation decreases with greater market competitiveness even after controlling for productivity effects. Indeed, when market competition and productivity effects are both accounted for, trade openness becomes insignificant in explaining inflation. The results support that changes in market competitiveness and productivity are the main channels through which trade openness affects inflation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoluminescent biocompatible silicon nanoparticles for cancer theranostic applications
Authors: Osminkina Liubov A. , Tamarov Konstantin P. , Sviridov Andrey P. , Galkin Rostislav A. , Gongalsky Maxim B. , Solovyev Valery V. , Kudryavtsev Andrey A. , Timoshenko Victor Yu. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSilicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) obtained by mechanical grinding of porous silicon have been used for visualization of living cells in vitro. It was found that SiNPs could penetrate into the cells without any cytotoxic effect up to the concentration of 100 μg/ml. The cell cytoplasm was observed to be filled by SiNPs, which exhibited bright photoluminescence at 1.6 eV. SiNPs could also act as photosensitizers of the singlet oxygen generation, which could be used in the photodynamic therapy of cancer. These properties of SiNPs are discussed in view of possible applications in theranostics (both in therapy and in diagnostics). (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrospun bio‐composite P(LLA‐CL)/collagen I/collagen III scaffolds for nerve tissue engineering
Authors: Kijeńska Ewa , Prabhakaran Molamma P. , Swieszkowski Wojciech , Kurzydlowski Krzysztof J. , Ramakrishna Seeram 
Published: March 2012

AbstractOne of the biggest challenges in peripheral nerve tissue engineering is to create an artificial nerve graft that could mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) and assist in nerve regeneration. Bio‐composite nanofibrous scaffolds made from synthetic and natural polymeric blends provide suitable substrate for tissue engineering and it can be used as nerve guides eliminating the need of autologous nerve grafts. Nanotopography or orientation of the fibers within the scaffolds greatly influences the nerve cell morphology and outgrowth, and the alignment of the fibers ensures better contact guidance of the cells. In this study, poly (L‐lactic acid)‐co‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) or P(LLA‐CL), collagen I and collagen III are utilized for the fabrication of nanofibers of different compositions and orientations (random and aligned) by electrospinning. The morphology, mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of the electrospun scaffolds along with their biocompatibility using C17.2 nerve stem cells are studied to identify the suitable material compositions and topography of the electrospun scaffolds required for peripheral nerve regeneration. Aligned P(LLA‐CL)/collagen I/collagen III nanofibrous scaffolds with average diameter of 253 ± 102 nm were fabricated and characterized with a tensile strength of 11.59 ± 1.68 MPa. Cell proliferation studies showed 22% increase in cell proliferation on aligned P(LLA‐CL)/collagen I/collagen III scaffolds compared with aligned pure P(LLA‐CL) scaffolds. Results of our in vitro cell proliferation, cell‐scaffold interaction, and neurofilament protein expression studies demonstrated that the electrospun aligned P(LLA‐CL)/collagen I/collagen III nanofibrous scaffolds mimic more closely towards the ECM of nerve and have great potential as a substrate for accelerated regeneration of the nerve. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Adeno‐associated virus‐delivered polycistronic microRNA‐clusters for knockdown of vascular endothelial growth factor in vivo
Authors: Pihlmann Maria , Askou Anne Louise , Aagaard Lars , Bruun Gitte Hoffmann , Svalgaard Jesper Dyrendom , Holm‐Nielsen Marie Hebsgaard , Dagnæs‐Hansen Frederik , Bek Toke , Mikkelsen Jacob Giehm , Jensen Thomas Gryesten , Corydon Thomas Juhl 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic growth factor that plays a critical role in several diseases, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and diseases of the eye. Persistent regulation of VEGF by expression of small interfering RNAs targeting VEGF represents a potential future strategy for treatment of such diseases. As a step toward this goal, the present study combines the potency of VEGF‐targeted miRNA mimics, produced from a miRNA cluster, with delivery by adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐based vectors.MethodsNine different engineered tri‐cistronic miRNA clusters encoding anti‐VEGF effectors were generated and tested in adult human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE‐19) cells using Renilla luciferase screening, quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), western blotting and immunostaining analysis. In vivo efficacy was tested by the injection of scAAV2/8 vectors expressing the most effective miRNA cluster into murine hindlimb muscles, followed by quantitative RT‐PCR.ResultsPlasmids containing anti‐VEGF miRNA clusters showed efficient silencing of VEGF and demonstrated a combined gene silencing effect for miRNA clusters composed of multiple miRNA‐mimicked RNA interference effectors. The most potent molecule, miR‐5,10,7, resulted in a knockdown of VEGF by approximately 75%. Injection of scAAV2/8 vectors expressing miR‐5,10,7 into murine hindlimb muscles, resulted in a 44% reduction of endogenous VEGF.ConclusionsWe have developed miRNA clusters encoding anti‐VEGF effectors and shown, in a mouse model, that VEGF is efficiently down‐regulated by scAAV2/8‐delivered miRNA clusters, allowing potent attenuation of VEGF. These findings may contribute to the development of gene therapy based on AAV‐mediated delivery of miRNA clusters. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LAND RESOURCES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN: STATUS, PRESSURES, TRENDS AND IMPACTS ON FUTURE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Zdruli P. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe Mediterranean region covers about 854 million ha, but only 118 million (or 14 per cent) are suitable for agricultural production. In North Africa and the Middle East (MENA), agricultural land covers about 5 per cent; in Egypt and Algeria, it occupies less than 4 per cent and, in Libya, less than 2 per cent of the total national land area. Across the Mediterranean region land use divides between natural pastures/rangelands (ca. 15 per cent), forests and woodlands (ca. 8 per cent), with the ca. 63 per cent remaining desert sands, shallow, rocky, saline, sodic soils and areas effectively sealed by urbanisation. Land degradation is a severe problem in most Mediterranean countries. Estimates for the period 1961 to 2020 show that although the Mediterranean population is likely to more than double, ca. 8.3 million ha of agricultural land (7 per cent) may be lost as a result of continued urbanisation and land degradation. If these estimates are correct, agricultural land per capita would more than halve from ca. 0.48 ha (1961) to ca. 0.21 ha in 2020. Food security is likely to become increasingly problematic, especially in the MENA countries, which require a major reassessment of their agricultural development policy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eicosanoids and Their Drugs in Cardiovascular Diseases: Focus on Atherosclerosis and Stroke
Authors: Capra Valérie , Bäck Magnus , Barbieri Silvia S. , Camera Marina , Tremoli Elena , Rovati G. Enrico 
Published: March 2012

AbstractEicosanoids are biologically active lipids in both physiologic and pathophysiologic situations. These mediators rapidly generate at sites of inflammation and act through specific receptors that following the generation of a signal transduction cascade, lead to coordinated cellular responses to specific stimuli. Prostanoids, that is, prostaglandins and thromboxane A2, are active products of the cyclooxygenase pathway, while leukotrienes and lipoxins derive from the lipoxygenase pathway. In addition, a complex family of prostaglandin isomers called isoprostanes is derived as free‐radical products of oxidative metabolism. While there is a wide consensus on the importance of the balance between proaggregating (thromboxane A2) and antiaggregating (prostacyclin) cyclooxygenase products in cardiovascular homeostasis, an increasing body of evidence suggests a key role also for other eicosanoids generated by lipoxygenases, epoxygenases, and nonenzymatic pathways in cardiovascular diseases. This intricate network of lipid mediators is unique considering that from a single precursor, arachidonic acid, may derive an array of bioproducts that interact within each other synergizing or, more often, behaving as functional antagonists.
FMS Kinase Inhibitors: Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: El‐Gamal Mohammed I. , Anbar Hanan S. , Yoo Kyung Ho , Oh Chang‐Hyun 
Published: March 2012

AbstractFMS, first discovered as the oncogene responsible for Feline McDonough Sarcoma, is a type III receptor tyrosine kinase that binds to the macrophage or monocyte colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF or CSF‐1). Signal transduction through that binding results in survival, proliferation, and differentiation of monocyte/macrophage lineage. Overexpression of CSF‐1 and/or FMS has been implicated in a number of disease states such as the growth of metastasis of certain types of cancer, in promoting osteoclast proliferation in bone osteolysis, and many inflammatory disorders. Inhibition of CSF‐1 and/or FMS may help treat these pathological conditions. This article reviews FMS gene, FMS kinase, CSF‐1, IL‐34, and their roles in bone osteolysis, cancer biology, and inflammation. Monoclonal antibodies, FMS crystal structure, and small molecule FMS kinase inhibitors of different chemical scaffolds are also reviewed.
Successful retrograde arterial inflow through a muscular branch in a free anterolateral thigh chimeric flap transfer
Authors: Numajiri Toshiaki , Sowa Yoshihiro , Nishino Kenichi , Sugimoto Kayo , Iwashina Yuki , Ikebuchi Kaichiro , Nakano Hiroshi , Shimada Taketoshi , Hisa Yasuo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn this report, we present a case in which a free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap was transferred for head and neck reconstruction after oropharyngeal cancer ablation, and a retrograde arterial inflow was used to salvage the flap when the main arterial pedicle showed usual repeated spasms. The flap was raised as a chimera flap comprising a fasciocutaneous flap and a vastus lateralis muscle flap. After reperfusion, the pedicle artery exhibited spasms repeatedly and vascular flow was unstable. Therefore, we performed arterial supercharge. In the distal portion of the muscle flap, a small arterial branch was dissected as a reverse‐flow arterial pedicle. The recipient artery was also a retrograde limb of the superior thyroid artery. The flap survived; however, postoperative ultrasonographic echo evaluation revealed that the spastic descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was obstructed and that the reverse‐flow muscular perforator alone nourished the whole flap. In free ALT flap transfer, a small perforator level artery was able to nourish a flap, even in a retrograde manner. Moreover, when the vasculature of the free flap is unstable, retrograde arterial supply to a small perforator can be an option to save the flap transfer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
The outcome of prostaglandin‐E1 and dextran‐40 compared to no antithrombotic therapy in head and neck free tissue transfer: Analysis of 1,351 cases in a single center
Authors: Riva Francesco M.G. , Chen Yen‐Chou , Tan Ngian‐Chye , Lin Pao‐Yuan , Tsai Yun‐Ta , Chang Hsueh‐Wen , Kuo Yur‐Ren 
Published: March 2012

AbstractFree tissue transfer has become a popular technique for soft tissue defect reconstruction in head and neck cancer ablation. Although high success rates and good reliability of free flaps are proven, microvascular thrombosis is still the most critical issue for microsurgeons. Pharmacological antithrombotic agents are widely used but their efficacy is still debated. In this study, we analyzed whether prostaglandin‐E1 (PGE1) and dextran‐40 can improve the outcomes compared to no antithrombotic therapy at all. We retrospectively reviewed 1,351 free flaps performed for head and neck reconstruction after cancer ablation. Three groups defined were 232 flaps received PGE1, 283 flaps received dextran‐40, and 836 received no antithrombotic therapy. The demographics of these three groups indicated no statistical differences. The results showed that flap survival revealed no significant difference among PGE1, dextran‐40, and control group (P = 0.734). There was a tendency to hematomas in PGE1 group (P = 0.056) when compared with other two groups. Dextran‐40 significantly increased flap failure rate in high‐risk patients with diabetes mellitus (P = 0.006) or hypertension (P = 0.003), when compared with PGE1 and control group. These results revealed antithrombotic therapy with PGE1 and dextran‐40 do not determine a significant improvement in flap survival. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Reconstructive indications of simultaneous double free flaps in the head and neck: A case series and literature review
Authors: Balasubramanian Deepak , Thankappan Krishnakumar , Kuriakose Moni Abraham , Duraisamy Sriprakash , Sharan Rajeev , Mathew Jimmy , Sharma Mohit , Iyer Subramania 
Published: March 2012

AbstractExtensive and complex defects of the head and neck involving multiple anatomical and functional subunits are a reconstructive challenge. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the reconstructive indications of the use of simultaneous double free flaps in head and neck oncological surgery. This is a retrospective review of 21 consecutive cases of head and neck malignancies treated surgically with resection and reconstruction with simultaneous use of double free flaps. Nineteen of 21 patients had T4 primary tumor stage. Eleven patients had prior history of radiotherapy or chemo‐radiotherapy. Forty‐two free flaps were used in these patients. The predominant combination was that of free fibula osteo‐cutaneous flap with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) fascio‐cutaneous flap. The indications of the simultaneous use of double free flaps can be broadly classified as: (a) large oro‐mandibular bone and soft tissue defects (n = 13), (b) large oro‐mandibular soft tissue defects (n = 4), (c) complex skull‐base defects (n = 2), and (d) dynamic total tongue reconstruction (n = 2). Flap survival rate was 95%. Median follow‐up period was 11 months. Twelve patients were alive and free of disease at the end of the follow‐up. Eighteen of 19 patients with oro‐mandibular and glossectomy defects were able to resume an oral diet within two months while one patient remained gastrostomy dependant till his death due to disease not related to cancer. This patient had a combination of free fibula flap with free ALT flap, for an extensive oro‐mandibular defect. The associated large defect involving the tongue accounted for the swallowing difficulty. Simultaneous use of double free flap aided the reconstruction in certain large complex defects after head and neck oncologic resections. Such combination permits better complex multiaxial subunit reconstruction. An algorithm for choice of flap combination for the appropriate indications is proposed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.