bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of superhydrophobic silica‐based surfaces with high transmittance by using polypropylene and tetraeyhoxysilane precursors
Authors: Chang Kuei‐Chien , Chen Yu‐Kai , Chen Hui 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPreparation of superhydrophobic silica‐based surfaces via sol–gel process by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer into the precursor solution has been developed. Surface roughness of the films was obtained by removing the organic polymer at 500°C and then the hydrophobic groups bonded onto the films were obtained by self‐assembly modification with a monolayer. Characteristic properties of the as‐prepared films were analyzed by contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, UV–vis scanning spectrophotometer, and X‐ray photoelectron spectrophotometer. The experimental parameters were varied by the type of silane species, the R ratio, the hydrolysis time of the precursor solution, the molecular weight of PEG, the pH value of mixing solution, and the different reagents for modification. The results showed that optimum ratio of TEOS/H2O/ethanol in the sol–gel process for precursor solution was set to 1/10/4. The better contact angles of the films can be obtained by the acid catalyst reaction, especially the pH value of mixing solution was adjusted to 0. When the as‐prepared rough films were modified with (tridecafluoro‐1,1,2,2‐tetrahydrooctyl) dimethylchlorosilane (TFCS), the contact angle of the film can be promoted to 150.4°, and the transmittance of the films in the visible light region was greater than 94.5%. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Properties of diallyl phthalate resin modified with phthalic allyl ester having a hydroxyl group
Authors: Ohtsuka Keiko , Matsumoto Akihiro , Kimura Hajime 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA phthalic allyl ester having a hydroxyl group [2‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐allyloxypropanocarbonyl)‐allylphthalate (HDAP)] was synthesized by the reaction of phthalic monoallyl ester with allyl glycidyl ether. HDAP was added to a diallyl phthalate resin to a concentration of 30 wt % to improve the adhesive properties. These blends were cured with dicumyl peroxide. The lap shear strength of joints was measured to evaluate the adhesive properties of the modified diallyl phthalate resin to steel and copper. The lap shear strength of the diallyl phthalate resin was increased by modification with HDAP. By modification with HDAP, the lap shear strength to steel increased up to about 2.5 times that of the diallyl phthalate resin. Moreover, the lap shear strength to copper was about 3.0 times larger than that of the diallyl phthalate resin upon the addition of 30 wt % HDAP. These results suggested that the secondary hydroxyl group of HDAP (used as a modifier) formed a hydrogen bond to a hydroxyl group of water existing on the metal surface, and as a result, the adhesive strength to metals such as steel and copper increased. The thermal decomposition temperature of the modified diallyl phthalate resin was almost the same as that of the diallyl phthalate resin; on the other hand, the glass‐transition temperature of the modified diallyl phthalate resin decreased with an increasing concentration of HDAP. The electrical properties of the modified diallyl phthalate resin were almost the same as those of the diallyl phthalate resin. On the other hand, water absorption after boiling increased with an increasing concentration of HDAP. This result led to the conclusion that the secondary hydroxyl group of HDAP (used as a modifier) formed a hydrogen bond to water. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Enantioselective Tsuji Allylations
Authors: Mohr Justin T. , Stoltz Brian M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe family of allylation reactions developed by Tsuji in the 1980s are capable of generating tertiary and quaternary carbon stereocenters from several synthetic precursors. Despite the utility of these transformations, they have seen little use in the synthesis of natural products. Recently, the power of these reactions was significantly enhanced by the development of enantioselective versions of these transformations. Applications of these methods to the enantioselective syntheses of natural products and pharmaceutical compounds highlight the importance of these developments.
Influence of information about specific absorption rate (SAR) upon customers' purchase decisions and safety evaluation of mobile phones
Authors: Wiedemann Peter M. , Schütz Holger , Clauberg Martin 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis study investigated whether the SAR value is a purchase‐relevant characteristic of mobile phones for laypersons and what effect the disclosure of a precautionary SAR value has on laypersons' risk perception. The study consisted of two parts: Study part 1 used a conjoint analysis design to explore the relevance of the SAR value and other features of mobile phones for an intended buying decision. Study part 2 used an experimental, repeated measures design to examine the effect of the magnitude of SAR values and the disclosure of a precautionary SAR value on risk perception. In addition, the study included an analysis of prior concerns of the study participants with regard to mobile phone risks. Part 1 indicates that the SAR value has a high relevance for laypersons' purchase intentions. In the experimental purchase setting it ranks even before price and equipment features. The results of study part 2 show that providing information of a precautionary limit value does not influence risk perception. This result suggests that laypersons' underlying subjective “safety model” for mobile phones resembles more a “margin of safety” concept than a threshold concept. The latter observation holds true no matter how concerned the participants are. Bioelectromagnetics 29:133–144, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adaptive immunity in invertebrates: A straw house without a mechanistic foundation
Authors: Hauton Chris , Smith Valerie J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractRecently claims have been made for radical new insights in the field of invertebrate immunology that involve memory, specificity and/or maternal transfer of immunocompetence. For evidence these claims rely on phenomena, such as survival or reproductive capacity, observed at the level of the whole organism. The allure of these apparently revelatory hypotheses is that they are contrary to established views of innate immunity. They draw implicit analogy to adaptive responses in jawed vertebrates and the terminology used creates an incomplete and misleading picture. We argue that the case for adaptive immunity in invertebrates based only on such phenomena is weak and flawed, as it can only be upheld if supported by descriptions of the underlying mechanisms. We caution against a reliance on this approach as a means of advancing this field—highlighting, as an example, some negative commercial implications of adopting this approach. BioEssays 29:1138–1146, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcriptional auxin–brassinosteroid crosstalk: Who's talking?
Authors: Hardtke Christian S. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe plant hormones auxin and brassinosteroid are both essential regulators of plant growth and known to influence both cell division and cell elongation in various developmental contexts. These physiological effects of auxin and brassinosteroid have been known for many years. Based on observations from external simultaneous application of both hormones to plant tissues, it has been suggested that they act in an interdependent and possibly synergistic manner. Recent work in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana suggests that, at the molecular level, auxin–brassinosteroid synergism manifests itself in the regulation of the expression of common target genes. However, whether this reflects genuine hormone pathway‐dependent crosstalk modulation of the transcription machinery or rather indirect effects of hormone action on other cellular activities, such as hormone biosynthesis or the polar transport of auxin, is not entirely clear. This article reviews the evidence for transcriptional crosstalk between auxin and brassinosteroid and its molecular basis. BioEssays 29:1115–1123, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mitochondria and peroxisomes: Are the ‘Big Brother’ and the ‘Little Sister’ closer than assumed?
Authors: Schrader Michael , Yoon Yisang 
Published: October 2007

AbstractMitochondria and peroxisomes are essential subcellular organelles in mammals. Despite obvious differences, both organelles display certain morphological and functional similarities. Recent studies have elucidated that these highly dynamic and plastic organelles share components of their division machinery. Mitochondria and peroxisomes are metabolically linked organelles, which are cooperating and cross‐talking. This review addresses the dynamics and division of mitochondria and peroxisomes as well as their functional similarities to provide insight as to why these organelles share the fission machinery in evolutionary aspects.© 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Greased hedgehogs: New links between hedgehog signaling and cholesterol metabolism
Authors: Breitling Rainer 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe close link between signaling by the developmental regulators of the Hedgehog family and cholesterol biochemistry has been known for some time. The morphogen is covalently attached to cholesterol in a peculiar autocatalytic reaction and embryonal disruption of cholesterol synthesis leads to malformations that mimic Hh signaling defects. Recently, it was furthermore shown that secreted Hh could hitchhike on lipoprotein particles to establish its morphogenic gradient in the developing embryo. Additionally, there is new evidence that the Hh‐receptor Patched transmits the Hh signal by modulating the secretion of an inhibitory sterol molecule from the receiving cells. Here we present some of the most recent discoveries on the Hh–sterol link and discuss their implications from a systems design perspective. We predict that a robust functioning of the Hh pathway will require the involvement of more sterol metabolites, and these should be the subject of future research. BioEssays 29:1085–1094, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biotechnology of flavonoids and other phenylpropanoid‐derived natural products. Part I: Chemical diversity, impacts on plant biology and human health
Authors: Ververidis Filippos , Trantas Emmanouil , Douglas Carl , Vollmer Guenter , Kretzschmar Georg , Panopoulos Nickolas 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPlant natural products derived from phenylalanine and the phenylpropanoid pathway are impressive in their chemical diversity and are the result of plant evolution, which has selected for the acquisition of large repertoires of pigments, structural and defensive compounds, all derived from a phenylpropanoid backboneviathe plant‐specific phenylpropanoid pathway. These compounds are important in plant growth, development and responses to environmental stresses and thus can have large impacts on agricultural productivity. While plant‐based medicines containing phenylpropanoid‐derived active components have long been used by humans, the benefits of specific flavonoids and other phenylpropanoid‐derived compounds to human health and their potential for long‐term health benefits have been only recognized more recently. In this part of the review, we discuss the diversity and biosynthetic origins of phenylpropanoids and particularly of the flavonoid and stilbenoid natural products. We then review data pertaining to the modes of action and biological properties of these compounds, referring on their effects on human health and physiology and their roles as plant defense and antimicrobial compounds. This review continues in Part II discussing the use of biotechnological tools targeting the rational reconstruction of multienzyme pathways in order to modify the production of such compounds in plants and model microbial systems for the benefit of agriculture and forestry.
Algorithms for the surgical management of retrorectal tumours
Authors: Woodfield J C , Chalmers A G , Phillips N , Sagar P M 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
Retrorectal tumours are uncommon and may present a surgical challenge. The aim of this study was to identify a surgical strategy based on information gained from the multidisciplinary management of retrorectal tumours.

Methods
This was a retrospective review of 27 patients who had resection of retrorectal tumours between 1998 and 2006.

Results
The tumours included ten cystic lesions, two mature teratomas, four chordomas, seven neurogenic tumours, two sarcomas, one angiomyxoma and one gastrointestinal stromal tumour. The diagnosis was suggested initially by non-specific clinical presentation and palpation of a retrorectal mass on examination (16 patients), pelvic imaging (six), obstructed labour (one), recurrent pilonidal sinus (one), recurrent perianal sepsis (one) and return of symptoms after resection (two). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis and enabled surgical planning. The operative approach was perineal (12 patients), abdominal (11) or combined (four). Factors that influenced the operative approach were tumour position, its neoplastic nature, involvement of the pelvic sidewall or pelvic viscera, and size. The retrorectal tumour recurred in three patients.

Conclusion
A successful multidisciplinary surgical strategy, based on preoperative localization by MRI, has been developed for the treatment of retrorectal tumours.
Long-term follow-up of a randomized clinical trial comparing Beger with pylorus-preserving Whipple procedure for chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Müller M W , Friess H , Martin D J , Hinz U , Dahmen R , Büchler M W 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
Duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection according to Beger and the pylorus-preserving Whipple (ppWhipple) procedure were compared in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) in a randomized clinical trial. Perioperative data and short-term outcome have been reported previously. The present study evaluated long-term follow-up.

Methods
Forty patients were enrolled originally, 20 in each group. Long-term follow-up included mortality, morbidity, pain status, occupational rehabilitation, quality of life (QoL), and endocrine and exocrine function at median follow-up of 7 and 14 years.

Results
One patient who had a ppWhipple procedure was lost to follow-up. There were five late deaths in each group. No differences were noted in pain status and exocrine pancreatic function. Loss of appetite was significantly worse in the ppWhipple group at 14 years' follow-up, but there were no other differences in QoL parameters examined. After 14 years, diabetes mellitus was present in seven of 15 patients who had the Beger procedure and 11 of 14 patients after ppWhipple resection (P = 0·128).

Conclusion
After long-term follow-up of up to 14 years early advantages of the Beger procedure were no longer present.
Effect of hospital volume on outcome of pancreaticoduodenectomy in Italy
Authors: Balzano G , Zerbi A , Capretti G , Rocchetti S , Capitanio V , Di Carlo V 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
An inverse relationship between hospital volume and death following pancreatico duodenectomy (PD) has been reported from several countries. The aim of this study was to assess the volume–outcome effect of PD in Italy.

Methods
The study group comprised 1576 patients who underwent PD in 2003. Hospitals were allocated to four volume groups: low volume, five PDs or fewer; medium volume, six to 13 PDs; high volume, 14 to 51 PDs; and very high volume, two hospitals that performed 89 and 104 PDs.

Results
Some 221 hospitals performed at least one PD in 2003; hospital volume was low in 74·7 per cent, medium in 17·6 per cent, high in 6·8 per cent and very high in 0·9 per cent. The overall mortality rate was 8·1 per cent. Increasing hospital volume was associated with a significantly reduced mortality rate: 12·4 per cent (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1·000) for low-volume, 7·8 per cent (OR 0·611) for medium-volume, 5·9 per cent (OR 0·466) for high-volume and 2·6 per cent (OR 0·208) for very high-volume hospitals. Length of postoperative stay was reduced in very high-volume hospitals (P &lt; 0·001).

Conclusion
The outcome of PD in Italy is dependent on hospital volume and a policy of centralization may therefore be appropriate.
Identification of a Potent Inhibitor of Human Dual‐Specific Phosphatase, VHR, from Computer‐Aided and NMR‐Based Screening to Cellular Effects
Authors: Shi Zhe , Tabassum Sartaj , Jiang Wei , Zhang Jiahai , Mathur Suvigya , Wu Jihui , Shi Yunyu 
Published: October 2007

AbstractHuman vaccinia H1‐related phosphatase (VHR) is a dual‐specific phosphatase (DSPs) that plays an important role in the mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade regulation. It is also a potential drug target for diseases that are related to immune response. By combining a virtual and NMR‐based ligand‐screening strategy, we successfully identified four VHR inhibitors, of which GATPT ((glucosamine‐aminoethoxy)triphenyltin) can bind to VHR with a Ki value of 2.54 μM. The putative binding mode of GATPT was constructed by a molecular docking simulation to provide structural insights into the ligand‐binding mechanism. Furthermore, we found that this compound can significantly inhibit the dephosphorylation of the extracellular regulated kinases (ERKs), and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNKs) and block the G1–S phase transition in the cell cycle. Therefore, GATPT is a promising lead structure for designing more effective inhibitors of VHR.
Synthesis, Structure and Emission Properties of Spirocyclic Benzofuranones and Dihydroindolones: A Domino Insertion–Coupling–Isomerization– Diels–Alder Approach to Rigid Fluorophores
Authors: D'Souza Daniel M. , Kiel Alexander , Herten Dirk‐Peter , Rominger Frank , Müller Thomas J. J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAn alkynoyl ortho‐iodo phenolester or alkynoyl ortho‐iodo anilides and propargyl allyl ethers react under Sonogashira coupling conditions in the sense of an insertion–coupling–isomerization–Diels–Alder hetero domino reaction to furnish (tetrahydroisobenzofuran)‐spirobenzofuranones and ‐spirodihydroindolones in good yields. Many representatives can be crystallized and single crystal structure analyses display steric and electronic substituent effects on the torsional angles of the terminal (hetero)aryl groups and the central cis,trans‐butadiene fragment. DFT computations reveal that in the final pericyclic step the Diels–Alder termination is by far thermodynamically and kinetically favored over a possible Claisen rearrangement. Compounds of this new class of spirocyclic compounds possess large Stokes shifts and fluoresce intensively with blue over green to orange colors. As a consequence of the spirocyclic rigidity fluorescence lifetimes and quantum yields are rather high in some cases.
Determination of absolute configurations by X‐ray crystallography and 1H NMR anisotropy
Authors: Harada Nobuyuki 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTo determine the absolute configurations of chiral compounds, many spectroscopic and diffraction methods have been developed. Among them, X‐ray crystallographic Bijvoet method, CD exciton chirality method, and the combination of vibrational circular dichroism and quantum mechanical calculations are of nonempirical nature. On the other hand, X‐ray crystallography using a chiral internal reference, and 1H NMR spectroscopy using chiral anisotropy reagents are relative and/or empirical methods. In addition to absolute configurational determinations, preparations of enantiopure compounds are strongly desired. As chiral reagents useful for both the preparation of enantiopure compounds by HPLC separation and the simultaneous determination of their absolute configurations, we have developed camphorsultam dichlorophthalic acid (CSDP acid) for X‐ray crystallography and 2‐methoxy‐2‐(1‐naphthyl)propionic acid (MαNP acid) for 1H NMR spectroscopy. In this review, the principles and applications of these X‐ray and NMR methods are explained using mostly our own data. Chirality, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conformation and Interaction of a d,l‐Alternating Peptide with a Bilayer Membrane: X‐ray Reflectivity, CD, and FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Küsel Andrea , Khattari Ziad , Schneggenburger Philipp E. , Banerjee Arnab , Salditt Tim , Diederichsen Ulf 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPeptides with alternating amino acid configuration provide helical secondary structures that are especially known from the membrane channel and pore‐forming gramicidin A. In analogy to this natural d,l‐alternating pentadecapeptide, the potential of d,l‐alternating peptides for membrane insertion is investigated using the model dodecamer peptide H‐(Phe‐Tyr)5‐Trp‐Trp‐OH. This aromatic peptide is introduced as a novel pore‐forming synthetic analogue of gramicidin A. It forms a well‐organized homodimer similar to one of the gramicidin A transmembrane motifs. X‐ray reflectivity measurements are performed on solid‐supported peptide–lipid complexes to obtain information about the influence of the artificial dodecamer peptide on the bilayer parameters. In addition, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic studies determine the conformational state of H‐(Phe‐Tyr)5‐Trp‐Trp‐OH within the model membrane. Site‐specific iodine labeling assists in determining the topology of the membrane‐embedded peptide by pinpointing the position of the iodine label within the bilayers.
Essential role of antigen‐presenting cell‐derived BAFF for antibody responses
Authors: Bergamin Fabio , Vincent Isabelle E. , Summerfield Artur , McCullough Kenneth C. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAntigen‐presenting cells (APC) are directly involved in survival, growth and differentiation of naive B cells and in immunoglobulin class switch recombination. Less is known about the contribution of APC to memory B cell responses. We employed an in vitro model to investigate the secondary humoral response against foot‐and‐mouth disease virus, with cells from a natural host of the virus – the pig. This response is T cell‐dependent. Under conditions of limited T cell help, defined as a low T‐to‐B cell ratio or by the replacement of T cells with interleukin‐2 only, the antibody response was dependent on APC. These included monocytes and monocyte‐derived DC, but not plasmacytoid DC. APC mediated their help through soluble factors, particularly soluble B cell‐activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF). Our results suggest that the ‘ménage à trois‘ concept, saying that both APC and T cells have a direct effect in B cell activation, is also valid for secondary B cell responses, and imply an important role for BAFF under conditions that might be physiologically relevant in secondary lymphoid organs.