bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphology, anatomy, ecology and palynology of two <i>Centaurea</i> species from Turkey
Authors: Celik Sezgin , Uysal Ismet , Menemen Yusuf 
Published: November 2008

Centaurea L. sect. Ptosimopappa, a local endemic group in the Mediterranean and South East Anatolia, is represented by only two species, namely C. ptosimopappa Hayek and C. ptosimopappoides Wagenitz in Turkey. Both these species show a very restricted distribution as serpentine habitat indicators and are recorded as vulnerable. Present study was carried out to enlighten the morphological, anatomical and ecological features of these two species in detail. The structure of achene, indumentum and pollen grains were investigated by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The capitulum, involucre and leaf structure of these two species are rather similar, but their achenes and pollen grains differ from each other. In C. ptosimopappa pollen spinules are densely distributed but in C. ptosimopappoides they are sparsely distributed. The achenes are obovate in C. ptosimopappa and rectangular in C. ptosimopappoides. C. ptosimopappa is a scrub species but C. ptosimopappoides is a subscrub species. A negative relation in terms of the proportion of sand to silt content of the soil and positive relation between the percentage of CaCO3 and pH was observed for C. ptosimopappa (p < 0.05). A negative relation in terms of the proportion of sand to silt content of the soil was observed in C. ptosimopappoides (p < 0.01). Â Key words: Morphology, Anatomy, Ecology, Pollen, Centaurea spp. doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i1.1566 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(1): 67-74, 2008 (June)
Palladium Nanoparticles in Allylic Alkylations and Heck Reactions: The Molecular Nature of the Catalyst Studied in a Membrane Reactor
Authors: Diéguez Montserrat , Pàmies Oscar , Mata Yvette , Teuma Emmanuelle , Gómez Montserrat , Ribaudo Fabrizio , van Leeuwen Piet W. N. M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA series of palladium nanoparticles stabilized by five chiral sugar‐based oxazolinyl‐phosphite ligands, containing various substituents at the oxazoline and phosphite moieties has been synthesized. They were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and elemental analysis. These nanoparticles were applied in Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation and Heck coupling reactions. A detailed study to elucidate the nature of the active species using a continuous‐flow membrane reactor (CFMR), accompanied by TEM observations, classical poisoning experiments, and kinetic measurements have been carried out. Conclusive evidence of the nature of the species involved in the use of PdNPs in asymmetric catalytic reactions has been obtained. The CFMR experiments proved the molecular nature of the true catalysts and all conversions can be justified by the amount of molecular palladium that leached as measured by ICP‐AES.
Novel anticorrelation criteria for design of experiments: Algorithm and application
Authors: Franceschini Gaia , Macchietto Sandro 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWhen building mathematical models to represent chemical phenomena, the identification of the system kinetics can be one of the most difficult and time‐consuming processes. The high‐parameter correlations, which are typical of the most common reaction networks (parallel, consecutive reactions, etc.), often make the identification and proper estimation of the model parameters extremely difficult. For this reason, a novel approach to model‐based experiment design able to yield optimally informative experiments while simultaneously reducing the correlations between the model parameters was proposed in a previous publication. (Franceschini and Macchietto, AIChE J. 2008;54:109–1024) This method was demonstrated very effective when applied to a simple, illustrative case. This article investigates this novel approach in more details and presents an algorithm and a structured set of recommendations to guide a user in the formulation of the design sequence most appropriate to the features of the problem under investigation. The application to a more complex fermentation example is used to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed algorithm, the effectiveness of the novel criteria in yielding precise parameter estimates as less correlated as possible, and the suitability of this method to various design procedures (sequential, parallel, etc.). © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Lateral surface nonuniformities in drying latex films
Authors: Gundabala Venkata R. , Lei Chun‐hong , Ouzineb Keltoum , Dupont Olivier , Keddie Joseph L. , F. Routh Alexander 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe length scales of film thickness nonuniformities, commonly observed in polymer colloid (i.e., latex) films, are predicted. This prediction is achieved by investigating the stability behavior of drying latex films. A linear stability analysis is performed on a base solution representing a uniformly drying latex film containing a surfactant. The analysis identifies film thickness nonuniformities over two length scales: long (millimeter) range (from lubrication theory) and short (micrometer) range (from nonlubrication theory). Evaporation and surfactant desorption into the bulk film are identified as the primary destabilizing mechanisms during drying. Experimental evidence through direct visualization and atomic force microscopy confirm the existence of nonuniformities over both length scales, which are shown to be functions of parameters such as initial particle volume fraction, surfactant amount, and desorption strength, while being independent of drying rate. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Early rapid growth, early birth: Accelerated fetal growth and spontaneous late preterm birth
Authors: Lampl Michelle , Kusanovic Juan Pedro , Erez Offer , Espinoza Jimmy , Gotsch Francesca , Goncalves Luis , Hassan Sonia , Gomez Ricardo , Nien Jyh Kae , Frongillo Edward A. , Romero Roberto 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe past two decades in the United States have seen a 24% rise in spontaneous late preterm delivery (34–36 weeks) of unknown etiology. This study tested the hypothesis that fetal growth was identical prior to spontaneous preterm (n = 221, median gestational age at birth 35.6 weeks) and term (n = 3706) birth among pregnancies followed longitudinally in Santiago, Chile. The hypothesis was not supported: Preterm‐delivered fetuses were significantly larger than their term‐delivered peers by mid‐second trimester in estimated fetal weight, head, limb, and abdominal dimensions, and they followed different growth trajectories. Piecewise regression assessed time‐specific differences in growth rates at 4‐week intervals from 16 weeks. Estimated fetal weight and abdominal circumference growth rates slowed at 20 weeks among the preterm‐delivered, only to match and/or exceed their term‐delivered peers at 24–28 weeks. After an abrupt growth rate decline at 28 weeks, fetuses delivered preterm did so at greater population‐specific sex and age‐adjusted birth weight percentiles than their peers from uncomplicated pregnancies (P < 0.01). Growth rates predicted birth timing: one standard score of estimated fetal weight increased the odds ratio for late preterm birth from 2.8 prior to 23 weeks, to 3.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.82–7.11, P < 0.05) between 23 and 27 weeks. After 27 weeks, increasing size was protective (OR: 0.56, 95% confidence interval, 0.38–0.82, P = 0.003). These data document, for the first time, a distinctive fetal growth pattern across gestation preceding spontaneous late preterm birth, identify the importance of mid‐gestation for alterations in fetal growth, and add perspective on human fetal biological variability. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparing indirect methods of digit ratio (2D:4D) measurement
Authors: Kemper Christoph J. , Schwerdtfeger Andreas 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe ratio of the lengths of the second and fourth finger (2D:4D) has been proposed to index prenatal exposure to androgens. Different methods have been utilized to measure digit ratio, however, their measurement precision and economy have not been systematically compared yet. Using different indirect methods (plastic ruler, caliper, computer software), three independent raters measured finger lengths of 60 participants. Generally, measurement precision (intraclass correlation coefficient, technical error of measurement, and relative technical error of measurement) was acceptable for each method. However, precision estimates were highest for the computer software, indicating excellent measurement precision. Estimates for the caliper method were somewhat lower followed by ruler which had the lowest precision. On the contrary, the software‐based measurements took somewhat longer to complete than the other methods. Nonetheless, we would favor the use of these tools in digit ratio research because of their relative superior reliability which could be crucial when associations with other variables are expected to be low to moderate or sample size is limited. Software offers several promising opportunities that may contribute to an accurate identification of the proximal finger crease (e.g., zooming, adjusting contrast, etc.). Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Meta‐analysis of genome‐wide linkage scans of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Zhou Kaixin , Dempfle Astrid , Arcos‐Burgos Mauricio , Bakker Steven C. , Banaschewski Tobias , Biederman Joseph , Buitelaar Jan , Castellanos F. Xavier , Doyle Alysa , Ebstein Richard P. , Ekholm Jenny , Forabosco Paola , Franke Barbara , Freitag Christine , Friedel Susann , Gill Michael , Hebebrand Johannes , Hinney Anke , Jacob Christian , Lesch Klaus Peter , Loo Sandra K. , Lopera Francisco , McCracken James T. , McGough James J. , Meyer Jobst , Mick Eric , Miranda Ana , Muenke1 Maximilian , Mulas Fernando , Nelson Stanley F. , Nguyen T.Trang , Oades Robert D. , Ogdie Matthew N. , Palacio Juan David , Pineda David , Reif Andreas , Renner Tobias J. , Roeyers Herbert , Romanos Marcel , Rothenberger Aribert , Schäfer Helmut , Sergeant Joseph , Sinke Richard J. , Smalley Susan L. , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund , Steinhausen Hans‐Christoph , van der Meulen Emma , Walitza Susanne , Warnke Andreas , Lewis Cathryn M , Faraone Stephen V. , Asherson Philip 
Published: November 2008

AbstractGenetic contribution to the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is well established. Seven independent genome‐wide linkage scans have been performed to map loci that increase the risk for ADHD. Although significant linkage signals were identified in some of the studies, there has been limited replications between the various independent datasets. The current study gathered the results from all seven of the ADHD linkage scans and performed a Genome Scan Meta Analysis (GSMA) to identify the genomic region with most consistent linkage evidence across the studies. Genome‐wide significant linkage (PSR = 0.00034, POR = 0.04) was identified on chromosome 16 between 64 and 83 Mb. In addition there are nine other genomic regions from the GSMA showing nominal or suggestive evidence of linkage. All these linkage results may be informative and focus the search for novel ADHD susceptibility genes. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mediator certification: What are some practitioners afraid of?
Authors: Austin Kelly , Gavrila Adi , Lack Jeremy , McIlwrath Michael , Meyer Judith , Monberg Tina , Kumberg Wolf von 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSeven authors, all connected to the Netherlands‐based International Mediation Institute, which is establishing an international credentialing program, take issue with Tony Willis's October Alternatives cover story saying the initiative is doomed to fail
Tetramethyl‐m‐benziporphodimethene and Isomeric α,β‐Unsaturated γ‐Lactam Embedded N‐Confused Tetramethyl‐m‐benziporphodimethenes
Authors: Chang Gao‐Fong , Kumar Anil , Ching Wei‐Min , Chu Han‐Wei , Hung Chen‐Hsiung 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe condensation reaction of α,α′‐dihydroxy‐1,3‐diisopropylbenzene, pyrrole, and an aldehyde leads to the formation of tetramethyl‐m‐benziporphodimethene and outer α‐pyrrolic carbon oxygenated N‐confused tetramethyl‐m‐benziporphodimethenes containing a γ‐lactam ring in the macrocycle. Two isomers with the carbonyl group of the lactam ring either close to (O‐Up) or away from (O‐Down) the neighboring sp3 meso carbon were synthesized and characterized. The single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis on the regular and γ‐lactam containing tetramethyl‐m‐benziporphodimethenes showed highly distorted macrocycles for all compounds. For O‐Up and O‐Down isomers, dimeric structures, assembling by intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions through lactam rings, were observed in the solid state. Fitting the concentration dependent chemical shifts of the outer NH proton using the non‐linear regression method give a maximum association constant of 108.9 M−1 for the meso 4‐methylcarboxyphenyl substituted O‐Down isomer. The DFT calculations concluded that the O‐Up isomer is energetically more stable, and the keto form is more stable than the enol form.
Inorganic Metal Hydroxide Nanoparticles for Targeted Cellular Uptake Through Clathrin‐Mediated Endocytosis
Authors: Oh Jae‐Min , Choi Soo‐Jin , Lee Go‐Eun , Kim Jung‐Eun , Choy Jin‐Ho 
Published: November 2008

AbstractLayered double hydroxides (LDHs) are biocompatible materials which can be used as drug‐delivery nanovehicles. In order to define the optimum size of LDH nanoparticles for efficient cellular uptake and drug‐delivery pathway, we prepared different sized LDH nanoparticles with narrow size distribution by modulating the crystal growth rate, and labelled each LDH particle with a fluorophore using a silane coupling reaction. The cellular uptake rate of LDHs was found to be highly dependent on particle size (50>200≥100>350 nm), whose range of 50 to 200 nm was selectively internalized into cells through clathrin‐mediated endocytosis with enhanced permeability and retention. Our study clearly shows that not only the particle size plays an important role in the endocytic pathway and processing, but also the size control of LDH nanoparticles results in their targeted uptake to site‐specific clathrin‐mediated endocytosis. This result provides a new perspective for the design of LDH nanoparticles with maximum ability towards targeted drug delivery.
Preparation, Spectroscopic Properties, and Stability of Water‐Soluble Subphthalocyanines
Authors: Xu Hu , Ng Dennis K. P. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA series of subphthalocyanines containing an axial pyridyl, amino, or carboxy group have been prepared. They undergo N‐methylation or deprotonation readily to give a new series of water‐soluble subphthalocyanines. All the compounds have been characterized with various spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis. The molecular structure of the amino analogue SPc(OCH2CH2NMe2) (6) has also been determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis. All these compounds are essentially non‐aggregated in DMF as shown by the strong Q‐band absorption. The low aggregation tendency of these compounds also results in strong fluorescence emission and high efficiency in generating singlet oxygen. In the presence of Cremophor EL, these compounds also remain in the monomeric form in aqueous media and can sensitize the formation of singlet oxygen. The carboxy and carboxylate derivatives exhibit a relatively higher photostability than the amino and cationic pyridinium and ammonium counterparts, making them potentially useful as photosensitizers in aqueous media.
Pharmacokinetic properties of a 40 kDa branched polyethylene glycol‐modified form of consensus interferon‐α (PEG‐CIFN) in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Du Yu , Tian Hong , Gao Xiang‐Dong , Yao Wen‐Bing 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe pharmacokinetic properties of a branched 40 kDa polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate formulation of consensus interferon‐α (CIFN) was evaluated in rhesus monkeys following subcutaneous administration. Four groups of rhesus monkeys (n=6 per group) received 1250, 300 and 150 µg/kg of PEG‐CIFN and 150 µg/kg CIFN, respectively. Serum concentrations of the interferons were measured with an antiviral activity assay at various time points after administration. The PK profiles of the pooled data were described by a noncompartmental method. Peak concentration of PEG‐CIFN was observed at 27–31 h, followed by a prolonged decay in comparison with the unmodified CIFN, the PEG‐CIFN had a 4–5‐fold longer terminal half‐life. The apparent clearance (dosesc/AUC) decreased from 150 mL/h/kg for CIFN to 19.0–45.5 mL/h/kg for PEG‐CIFNs. TheAUCwas lower for PEG‐CIFN than that for CIFN at the 150 µg/kg. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein Farnesyltransferase‐Catalyzed Isoprenoid Transfer to Peptide Depends on Lipid Size and Shape, not Hydrophobicity
Authors: Subramanian Thangaiah , Liu Suxia , Troutman Jerry M. , Andres Douglas A. , Spielmann H. Peter 
Published: November 2008

AbstractProtein farnesyl transferase (FTase) catalyzes transfer of a 15‐carbon farnesyl group from farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) to a conserved cysteine in the C‐terminal Ca1a2X motif of a range of proteins, including the oncoprotein H‐Ras (“C” refers to the cysteine, “a” to any aliphatic amino acid, and “X” to any amino acid) and the lipid chain interacts with, and forms part of the Ca1a2X peptide binding site. Previous studies have shown that H‐Ras biological function is ablated when it is modified with lipids that are 3–5 orders of magnitude less hydrophobic than FPP. Here, we employed a library of anilinogeranyl diphosphate (AGPP) and phenoxygeranyl diphosphate (PGPP) derivatives with a range of polarities (log P (lipid alcohol)=0.7–6.8, log P (farnesol)=6.1) and shapes to examine whether FTase‐catalyzed transfer to peptide is dependent on the hydrophobicity of the lipid. Analysis of steady‐state transfer kinetics for analogues to dansyl–GCVLS peptide revealed that the efficiency of lipid transfer was highly dependent on both the shape and size, but was independent of the polarity of the analogue. These observations indicate that hydrophobic features of isoprenoids critical for their association with membranes and/or protein receptors are not required for efficient transfer to Ca1a2X peptides by FTase. Furthermore, the results of these studies indicate that the role played by the farnesyl lipid in the FTase mechanism is primarily structural. To explain these results we propose a model in which the FTase active site stabilizes a membrane interface‐like environment.
Nonlinear stereoselective pharmacokinetics of ketoconazole in rat after administration of racemate
Authors: Hamdy Dalia A. , Brocks Dion R. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe stereoselective pharmacokinetics of ketoconazole (KTZ) enantiomers were studied in rat after iv and oral administration of (±)‐KTZ. Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered racemic KTZ as 10 mg/kg iv or orally over the range 10–80 mg/kg as single doses. Serial blood samples were collected over a 24‐h period via surgically placed jugular vein cannulae. Plasma was assayed for KTZ enantiomer concentrations using stereospecific HPLC. Enantiomeric plasma protein binding was determined using an erythrocyte partitioning method at racemic concentrations of 10 and 40 mg/L. Stereoselective metabolism was tested by incubating the racemate (0.5–250 μM) with rat liver microsomes. In all rats, (+)‐KTZ plasma concentrations were higher (up to 2.5‐fold) than (−)‐KTZ. The clearance and volume of distribution of the (−) enantiomer were approximately twofold higher than antipode. Half‐life did not differ between the enantiomers. After oral doses thetmaxwas not stereoselective. For both enantiomers with higher doses the respective half‐life were found to increase. The mean unbound fraction of the (−) enantiomer was found to be up to threefold higher than that of the (+) enantiomer. At higher concentrations nonlinearity in plasma protein binding was observed for both enantiomers. There was no evidence of stereoselective metabolism by liver microsomes. Stereoselectivity in KTZ pharmacokinetics is attributable to plasma protein binding, although other processes such as transport or intestinal metabolism may also contribute. Chirality, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of chirality on PVP/drug interaction within binary physical mixtures of ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen: A DSC study
Authors: Ivanov Ivan T. , Tsokeva Zhivka 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe report on the thermal behavior of freshly prepared binary drug/polymer physical mixtures that contained ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen as a drug, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), or methylcellulose (MC) as excipient. At 6–10°C/min heating rates the DSC detected a sharp, single endotherm that corresponds to the melting of drug. On heating physical mixtures of PVP and racemic ibuprofen or ketoprofen at lower heating rates, another endotherm was registered in front of the original one. To observe the additional endotherm, specific minimal values of the heating rate and of PVP weight fraction were needed; for ibuprofen and ketoprofen they were 1.5 and 2.0°C/min, and 5 and 15% (w/w), respectively. At greater PVP weight fractions the top temperatures, Tmp, of both peaks were reduced almost linearly indicating strong solid‐state interfacial reaction between the drug particles and PVP matrix. The additional endotherm was abolished at greater heating rates (2°C/min for ibuprofen, 3°C/min for ketoprofen), by replacing the racemate with respective S(+)‐enantiomer and by replacing PVP with HEC and MC. Hence, the possible inclusion of enantioselective component within the PVP/drug interaction, responsible for the amorphization of physical mixture over storage, is assumed. Chirality, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer patient preferences for quality and length of life
Authors: Meropol Neal J. , Egleston Brian L. , Buzaglo Joanne S. , Benson Al B. , Cegala Donald J. , Diefenbach Michael A. , Fleisher Linda , Miller Suzanne M. , Sulmasy Daniel P. , Weinfurt Kevin P. ,   CONNECT Study Research Group
Published: November 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND.Optimal patient decision making requires integration of patient values, goals, and preferences with information received from the physician. In the case of a life‐threatening illness such as cancer, the weights placed on quality of life (QOL) and length of life (LOL) represent critical values. The objective of the current study was to describe cancer patient values regarding QOL and LOL and explore associations with communication preferences.METHODS.Patients with advanced cancer completed a computer‐based survey before the initial consultation with a medical oncologist. Assessments included sociodemographics, physical and mental health state, values regarding quality and length of life, communication preferences, and cancer‐related distress.RESULTS.Among 459 patients with advanced cancer, 55% placed equal valued on QOL and LOL, 27% preferred QOL, and 18% preferred LOL. Patients with a QOL preference had lower levels of cancer‐related distress (P < .001). A QOL preference was also associated with older age (P = .001), male sex (P = .003), and higher educational level (P = .062). Patients who preferred LOL over QOL desired a more supportive and less pessimistic communication style from their oncologists.CONCLUSIONS.These data indicate that a values preference for LOL versus QOL may be simply measured, and is associated with wishes regarding the nature of oncologist communication. Awareness of these values during the clinical encounter could improve decision making by influencing the style and content of the communication between oncologists and their patients. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.