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Kinds of Conditions Used Selected AbstractsPoly(dimethylsiloxane)-based microfluidic device with electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry interface for protein identificationELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 21 2003Wang-Chou Sung Abstract An easy method to fabricate poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based microfluidic chips for protein identification by tandem mass spectrometry is presented. This microchip has typical electrophoretic microchannels, a flow-through sampling inlet, and a sheathless nanoelectrospray ionization (ESI) interface. The surface of the microchannel was modified with 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) and the generated electroosmotic flow under acidic buffer condition used for the separation was found to be more stable compared to that generated by the microchannel without modification. The feasibility of the device for flow-through sampling, separation, and ESI-MS/MS analysis was demonstrated by the analysis of a standard mixture composed of three tryptic peptides. Results show that four peaks corresponding to three peptide standards and acetylated products of the standard peptide were well resolved and the deduced sequences were consistent with those expected. Furthermore, the compatibility of this device with other miniaturized devices to integrate the whole process was also explored by connecting a miniaturized enzymatic digestion cartridge and a desalting cartridge in series to the sampling inlet of the microchip for the identification of a model protein, ,-casein. [source] Fracture analysis of strength undermatched Al-Alloy welds in edge cracked tensile panels using FITNET procedureFATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES, Issue 9 2008S. CICERO ABSTRACT This paper presents a methodology for the assessment of the remaining load carrying capacity of thin-walled components under tension containing highly strength undermatched welds and edge cracks. The analysis is based on the strength mismatch option of the fracture module, part of the newly developed European fitness-for-service (FFS) procedure FITNET. The mismatch option of the FITNET fracture module allows weld features such as weld tensile properties and weld geometry to be taken into account in the fracture analysis of cracked welded components. The methodology described was verified for centre cracked Al-alloy large tensile panels containing undermatched welds in Ref. [1] and hence the present work provides validation with experimental results of the single edge cracked (SEC) and double edge cracked (DEC) panels. The material used is an age-hardening aluminium alloy 6013 in T6 temper condition used in welded airframe components. The welds in the form of butt joints were produced using the CO2 laser beam welding process. The results show that by using the FITNET FFS methodology with an appropriate selection of the input parameters, safe acceptable predictions of the maximum load carrying capacity of the welded panels can be obtained. It should also be noted that one of the main difficulties that engineers encounter when applying mismatch analysis for first time is its apparent complexity. A step-by-step analysis is proposed here in order to provide guidance for this kind of assessments. [source] Food patterns and socioeconomic indicators of food consumption amongst Inuvialuit in the Canadian ArcticJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 2010E. Erber Abstract Background:, Inuvialuit in the Canadian Arctic have been experiencing a nutrition transition resulting in a decrease in nutrient-dense food consumption, which may, in part, explain this population's increasing chronic disease rates. Because the available literature is limited, the present study aimed to document the extent of this transition by examining current dietary patterns and socioeconomic factors affecting food group consumption. Methods:, This cross-sectional study was conducted in three Inuvialuit communities in the Northwest Territories between 2007 and 2008. A validated food frequency questionnaire determined intake frequency of fruit and vegetables (FV), traditional foods (TF) and non-nutrient-dense foods (NNDF). Socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed by questions on education, ownership of items in working condition used to create a Material Style of Life (MSL) scale and residents in household employed/on income support. Daily intake frequencies were compared by gender and age group using Wilcoxon rank sum test. SES association with food group intake was determined using logistic regression. Results:, The response rate was 65,85%. One hundred and seventy-five participants were female and 55 were male, aged 19,84 years [mean (SD) 44 (14)]. Mean frequencies of FV and TF consumption were 1.6 (1.5) and 1.6 (1.7) times per day, respectively. NNDF were reported 9.2 (3.0) times per day. The highest MSL score (>12) was significantly associated with higher fruit (,0.7 times per day) and higher TF intake (,1.1 times per day) compared with the lowest score (,7). An intermediate MSL score (8,12) was related to higher vegetable consumption (,0.4 times per day). Conclusions:, NNDF were consumed approximately seven times more frequently than TF in the present study, indicating that the dietary transition is well underway amongst Inuvialuit. Participants with higher SES were more likely to consume nutrient-dense foods, suggesting possible cost barriers. [source] Supplemental wide field-of-view monitor improves performance in surgical telerobotic movement time,THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER ASSISTED SURGERY, Issue 4 2006Alex Cao Abstract Background This study investigates the effect of a supplemental wide field-of-view (FOV) monitor on performance at high magnifications where the benefits of robotic surgery have greater importance. Methods Ten surgically naïve participants performed a simple aimed movement task under two different monitor conditions. The task is intended to emulate the need to locate an instrument outside the surgeon's FOV and return it to a ,home' position without the need to zoom. One monitor condition used a narrow FOV (25×) coupled with a supplemental wide FOV (3×). The second monitor condition used only a narrow FOV. Results Using a supplemental wide FOV in addition to a narrow FOV improved task performance by at least 33%, with greater consistency and reliability. Conclusion The supplemental wide FOV monitor provided additional information to the participant, allowing more efficient performance at high magnifications without the need for zooming. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Modelling sources and sinks of CO2, H2O and heat within a Siberian pine forest using three inverse methodsTHE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY, Issue 590 2003M. Siqueira Abstract Source/sink distributions of heat, CO2 and water vapour in a Siberian Scots pine forest were estimated from measured concentration and temperature profiles using three inverse analysis methods. These methods include: a Eulerian second-order closure model (EUL); a localized near-field Lagrangian dispersion model (LNF); and a hybrid model (HEL) which uses the Eulerian second-order turbulence model to calculate the flow statistics combined with the regression analysis used with the Lagrangian model. Model predictions were compared to heat flux profiles measured at five levels in the canopy, and to CO2 and water-vapour fluxes measured close to the ground and above the forest. Predictions of sensible-heat flux profiles by the LNF and HEL schemes were systematically better than results from the EUL analysis. This improvement was attributed to the redundancy in the measured profile (scalar concentration and temperature) data for LNF and HEL and to the imposed smoothness condition used in the regression analyses, whereas the EUL approach calculates a source for each level without any redundancy. The LNF and HEL schemes were also better than EUL in predicting source distributions for CO2 and water vapour, although errors were larger than for sensible heat. The main novelty in our study is the use of EUL to decompose the vertical variability in scalar (or heat) sources into variability produced by the inhomogeneity in flow statistics and variability inferred from the measured mean scalar concentration (or temperature) profile. Hence, it is possible with this analysis to assess how much ,new information' about the source variability is attributed to vertical variation in the measured mean scalar concentration (or temperature) profiles. The analysis shows that measured water vapour concentration profiles provide little information on the inferred source distribution, whereas the CO2 profiles contain more information. Monte Carlo simulations show that computed sources from all three inverse methods have similar sensitivities to errors in measured temperatures. Errors are reduced when the reference temperature above the canopy is held fixed, implying that errors in this temperature propagate throughout the entire domain. When information content and error estimations are combined, a valuable tool to assess the quality of source prediction by inverse methods can be generated. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Electrochemical Investigation of Heavy Metal Ion Transfer Across the Water/1,2-Dichloroethane Interface Assisted by 9-Ethyl-3-Carbazolecarboxaldehyde-ThiosemicarbazoneELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 12 2007Haluk Bingol Abstract The transfer of heavy metal ions across the polarized water/1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) interface assisted by 9-ethyl-3-carbazolecarboxaldehyde-thiosemicarbazone (ECCAT) in the 1,2-DCE phase has been studied by cyclic voltammetry. Voltammetric waves of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions were reversible and quasi-reversible, respectively, whereas that of Hg(II) and Zn(II) ion were irreversible. The voltammogram of Cu(II) ion showed a two-step wave, however the nature of the transfer could not be satisfactorily evaluated by analyzing the cyclic voltammetric data. When Ni(II) and Co(II) was used no peak was visible under the experimental conditions used in this study. The dependence of the half-wave potentials of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions on the ligand concentration reveals that their ion-transfer is assisted by the formation of 1:3 metal-ECCAT complex in 1,2-DCE. The over-all association constants of [Pb(ECCAT)3]2+ and [Cd(ECCAT)3]2+ complexes in DCE-phase have been determined to be log ,=14.03 and log ,=15.44, respectively. [source] CEC-ESI ion trap MS of multiple drugs of abuseELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 7 2010Zeineb Aturki Abstract This article describes a method for the separation and determination of nine drugs of abuse in human urine, including amphetamines, cocaine, codeine, heroin and morphine. This method was based on SPE on a strong cation exchange cartridge followed by CEC-MS. The CEC experiments were performed in fused silica capillaries (100,,m×30,cm) packed with a 3,,m cyano derivatized silica stationary phase. A laboratory-made liquid junction interface was used for CEC-MS coupling. The outlet capillary column was connected with an emitter tip that was positioned in front of the MS orifice. A stable electrospray was produced at nanoliter per minute flow rates applying a hydrostatic pressure (few kPa) to the interface. The coupling of packed CEC columns with mass spectrometer as detector, using a liquid junction interface, provided several advantages such as better sensitivity, low dead volume and independent control of the conditions used for CEC separation and ESI analysis. For this purpose, preliminary experiments were carried out in CEC-UV to optimize the proper mobile phase for CEC analysis. Good separation efficiency was achieved for almost all compounds, using a mixture containing ACN and 25,mM ammonium formate buffer at pH 3 (30:70, v/v), as mobile phase and applying a voltage of 12,kV. ESI ion-trap MS detection was performed in the positive ionization mode. A spray liquid, composed by methanol,water (80:20, v/v) and 1% formic acid, was delivered at a nano-flow rate of ,200,nL/min. Under optimized CEC-ESI-MS conditions, separation of the investigated drugs was performed within 13,min. CEC-MS and CEC-MS2 spectra were obtained by providing the unambiguous confirmation of these drugs in urine samples. Method precision was determined with RSDs values ,3.3% for retention times and ,16.3% for peak areas in both intra-day and day-to-day experiments. LODs were established between 0.78 and 3.12,ng/mL for all compounds. Linearity was satisfactory in the concentration range of interest for all compounds (r2,0.995). The developed CEC-MS method was then applied to the analysis of drugs of abuse in spiked urine samples, obtaining recovery data in the range 80,95%. [source] A novel approach for analysis of oligonucleotide,cisplatin interactions by continuous elution gel electrophoresis coupled to isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometryELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 7 2008Wolfram Brüchert Abstract In this work we present a novel approach for in vitro studies of cisplatin interactions with 8-mer oligonucleotides. The approach is based on the recently developed coupling of continuous elution gel electrophoresis (GE) to an inductively coupled plasma-sector field mass spectrometer (ICP-SFMS) with the aim of monitoring the interaction process between this cytostatic drug and the nucleotides. In contrast to existing methods, the electrophoretic separation conditions used here allow both the determination of the reaction kinetics in more detail as well as the observation of dominant intermediates. Two different nucleotides sequences have been investigated for comparison purposes, one containing two adjacent guanines (5,-TCCGGTCC-3,) and one with a combination of thymine and guanine (5,-TCCTGTCC-3,), respectively. In order to gain further structural information, MALDI-TOF MS measurements have been performed after fraction collection. This allows for identification of the intermediates and the final products and confirms the stepwise coordination of cisplatin via monoadduct to bisadduct formation. Furthermore, the ICP-MS results were quantitatively evaluated in order to calculate the kinetics of the entire process. [source] Multiple polypeptide forms observed in two-dimensional gels of Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) polypeptides are generated during the separation procedureELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 4 2003Frode S. Berven Abstract We have examined two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) gel maps of polypeptides from the Gram-negative bacterium Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) and found the same widespread trains of spots as often reported in 2-DE gels of polypeptides of other Gram-negative bacteria. Some of the trains of polypeptides, both from the outer membrane and soluble protein fraction, were shown to be generated during the separation procedure of 2-DE, and not by covalent post-translational modifications. The trains were found to be regenerated when rerunning individual polypeptide spots. The polypeptides analysed giving this type of trains were all found to be classified as stable polypeptides according to the instability index of Guruprasad et al. (Protein Eng. 1990, 4, 155,161). The phenomenon most likely reflects conformational equilibria of polypeptides arising from the experimental conditions used, and is a clear drawback of the standard 2-DE procedure, making the gel picture unnecessarily complex to analyse. [source] Evaluation of the rodent micronucleus assay by a 28-day treatment protocol: Summary of the 13th Collaborative Study by the Collaborative Study Group for the Micronucleus Test (CSGMT)/Environmental Mutagen Society of Japan (JEMS),Mammalian Mutagenicity Study Group (MMS)ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 2 2001Shuichi Hamada Abstract To examine whether micronucleus tests can be incorporated into general toxicology assays, we performed micronucleus tests applying the treatment protocols typically used in such assays. In this 13th Collaborative Study of the CSGMT, both rats and mice were tested, although rats were used in the majority of the studies. Fifteen mutagens were tested in rats, mainly by oral (p.o.) administration. Micronucleus induction was evaluated 2, 3, and 4 days, and 1, 2, 3, and 28 days after the beginning of the treatment in the peripheral blood, and at 28 days in the bone marrow. Of the 15 chemicals that induced micronuclei in rats in short-term assays, two chemicals (1,2-dimethylhydrazine·2HCl and mitomycin C) were negative in all our experiments, possibly because of insufficient dose levels. The remaining 13 were positive within the estimated dose range of a general toxicology assay, suggesting the possibility of integrating the micronucleus assay into general toxicology assays. Three patterns were observed in micronucleus induction during the period of repeated treatment: (1) gradual increases in micronucleus frequency with sequential doses, (2) a peak at 3,5 days followed by gradual decreases in micronucleus frequency with sequential doses, and (3) a rapid increase in micronucleus frequency followed by a plateau. We evaluated factors that might have been involved in those patterns, such as the spleen function, target organ exposure, extramedullary hematopoiesis, hypothermia, and hypoxia. Another factor we considered was dosage. Because the dosages employed in a general toxicity assay are usually lower than those used in short-term micronucleus assays, this discrepancy was considered the greatest potential problem for integrating the micronucleus assay into general toxicology assays. Our results indicate that the integration of the micronucleus assay into a 28-day toxicological assay is feasible. To serve this purpose, blood samples collected 4 days after the beginning of treatment and blood and bone marrow samples collected at autopsy should be examined. Furthermore, although it is recognized that mice may be suitable for performing independent micronucleus assays, we propose that rats can provide biologically important and relevant information regarding potential chemical mutagens that can be evaluated under conditions used in the conduct of general toxicology studies. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 37:93,110, 2001 © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Antimony biomethylation in culture media revisited in the light of solubility and chemical speciation considerationsENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Montserrat Filella Abstract Laboratory culture experiments have shown that antimony biomethylation can result from bacterial and fungal activity under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. However, in the light of our current knowledge of antimony solubility and equilibria, critical analysis of the conditions used in published laboratory studies reveals that solution chemistry was generally overlooked and oversaturated solutions were used. As a result, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to establish reliable observed effect-concentration relationships in the experiments published. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 2010. [source] [Tris(pyrazolyl)methane]ruthenium Complexes Capable of Inhibiting Cancer Cell GrowthEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 31 2009Jesse M. Walker Abstract The [tris(pyrazolyl)methane]ruthenium complexes [(,3 -tpm)RuCl(solv)2]PF6 [tpm = tris(pyrazolyl)methane; solv = MeCN, dmso] and [(,3 -tpm)RuCl(LL)]PF6 [LL = ,2 -dppe, ,2 -dppp, ,2 -dppb, (PMePh2)2] have been prepared, characterized and screened in vitro for their antiproliferative properties against the MCF-7 (breast) and HeLa (cervical) cancer cell lines by using the MTT assay. Although the MeCN and dmso complexes showed no activity under the conditions used, the phosphane complexes exhibited remarkable cytotoxic behaviour. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009) [source] Incorporation of a (Cyclopentadienyl)molybdenum Oxo Complex in MCM-41 and Its Use as a Catalyst for Olefin EpoxidationEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 24 2004Marta Abrantes Abstract The tricarbonyl complex [(,5 -C5H4 -COOMe)Mo(CO)3Cl] was prepared from the reaction of sodium (methoxycarbonyl)cyclopentadienide, (C5H4 -CO2Me)Na, with (Bu4N)[Mo(CO)5I]. Heating the ester with 3-(triethoxysilyl)propylamine gave the amide derivative {[,5 -C5H4 -CONH-C3H6Si(OEt)3]Mo(CO)3Cl}. The functionalised tricarbonyl complex was immobilised in the ordered mesoporous silica MCM-41 with a loading of 13 wt.-% Mo (1.4 mmol·g,1) by carrying out a grafting reaction in dichloromethane. Powder X-ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption,desorption analysis indicated that the structural integrity of the support was preserved during the grafting and that the channels remained accessible, despite significant reductions in surface area, pore volume and pore size. The success of the coupling reaction was confirmed by 29Si and 13C (CP) MAS NMR spectroscopy. A supported dioxo complex of the type [(,5 -C5H4R)MoO2Cl] was subsequently prepared by oxidative decarbonylation of the tethered tricarbonyl complex using tert -butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). The oxidised material is an active catalyst for the liquid phase epoxidation of cyclooctene with TBHP as the oxygen source. Similar catalytic results were obtained using the tethered tricarbonyl complex directly as a pre-catalyst since fast oxidative decarbonylation occurs under the reaction conditions used. For both systems, the desired epoxide was the only product and the initial activities were about 13 mol·molMo,1·h,1. The solid catalysts were recycled several times. Some activity was lost between the first and second runs but thereafter tended to stabilise. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004) [source] Biochemical characterization of MI-ENG1, a family 5 endoglucanase secreted by the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognitaFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 11 2000Christel Béra-Maillet A ,-1,4-endoglucanase named MI-ENG1, homologous to the family 5 glycoside hydrolases, was previously isolated from the plant parasitic root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. We describe here the detection of the enzyme in the nematode homogenate and secretion and its complete biochemical characterization. This study is the first comparison of the enzymatic properties of an animal glycoside hydrolase with plant and microbial enzymes. MI-ENG1 shares many enzymatic properties with known endoglucanases from plants, free-living or rumen-associated microorganisms and phytopathogens. In spite of the presence of a cellulose-binding domain at the C-terminus, the ability of MI-ENG1 to bind cellulose could not be demonstrated, whatever the experimental conditions used. The biochemical characterization of the enzyme is a first step towards the understanding of the molecular events taking place during the plant,nematode interaction. [source] Viability of Listeria monocytogenes in co-culture with Acanthamoeba spp.FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Alisha Akya Abstract Listeria monocytogenes is a human pathogen, ubiquitous in the environment, and can grow and survive under a wide range of environmental conditions. It contaminates foods via raw materials or food-processing environments. However, the current knowledge of its ecology and, in particular, the mode of environmental survival and transmission of this intracellular pathogen remains limited. Research has shown that several intracellular pathogens are able to survive or replicate within free-living amoebae. To examine the viability of L. monocytogenes in interaction with Acanthamoeba spp., bacteria were co-cultured with three freshly isolated amoebae, namely Acanthamoeba polyphaga, Acanthamoeba castellanii and Acanthamoeba lenticulata. The survival of bacteria and amoebae was determined using culture techniques and microscopy. Under the experimental conditions used, all amoebae were able to eliminate bacteria irrespective of the hly gene. Bacteria did not survive or replicate within amoeba cells. However, extra-amoebic bacteria grew saprophytically on materials released from amoebae, which may play an important role in the survival of bacteria under extreme environmental conditions. [source] Use of the TRP1 auxotrophic marker for gene disruption and phenotypic analysis in yeast: a note of warningFEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 1 2008Asier González Abstract The TRP1 marker has been commonly used for gene disruption experiments and subsequent phenotypic analysis. However, introduction of the TRP1 gene into a trp1 strain markedly affects growth under many conditions used for phenotypic profiling. Therefore, its use in the past should be revisited and utilization of this marker should be avoided in future analyses. [source] Spectral-element simulations of wave propagation in porous mediaGEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2008Christina Morency SUMMARY We present a derivation of the equations describing wave propagation in porous media based upon an averaging technique which accommodates the transition from the microscopic to the macroscopic scale. We demonstrate that the governing macroscopic equations determined by Biot remain valid for media with gradients in porosity. In such media, the well-known expression for the change in porosity, or the change in the fluid content of the pores, acquires two extra terms involving the porosity gradient. One fundamental result of Biot's theory is the prediction of a second compressional wave, often referred to as ,type II' or ,Biot's slow compressional wave', in addition to the classical fast compressional and shear waves. We present a numerical implementation of the Biot equations for 2-D problems based upon the spectral-element method (SEM) that clearly illustrates the existence of these three types of waves as well as their interactions at discontinuities. As in the elastic and acoustic cases, poroelastic wave propagation based upon the SEM involves a diagonal mass matrix, which leads to explicit time integration schemes that are well suited to simulations on parallel computers. Effects associated with physical dispersion and attenuation and frequency-dependent viscous resistance are accommodated based upon a memory variable approach. We perform various benchmarks involving poroelastic wave propagation and acoustic,poroelastic and poroelastic,poroelastic discontinuities, and we discuss the boundary conditions used to deal with these discontinuities based upon domain decomposition. We show potential applications of the method related to wave propagation in compacted sediments, as one encounters in the petroleum industry, and to detect the seismic signature of buried landmines and unexploded ordnance. [source] An FGF-responsive astrocyte precursor isolated from the neonatal forebrainGLIA, Issue 6 2009Grace Lin Abstract Gliogenesis in the mammalian CNS continues after birth, with astrocytes being generated well into the first two postnatal weeks. In this study, we have isolated an A2B5+ astrocyte precursor (APC) from the postnatal rat forebrain, which is capable of differentiating into mature astrocytes in serum-free medium without further trophic support. Exposure to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) selectively induces the APCs to proliferate, forming clusters of vimentin+ cells, which, within 2 weeks, differentiate into GFAP+ astrocytes. While bFGF functions as a potent mitogen, neither is it necessary to induce or maintain astrocyte differentiation, nor is it capable of maintaining the precursors in an immature, proliferative state. APCs exit the cell cycle and differentiate, even in the continued presence of fibroblast growth factor alone or in combination with other mitogenic factors such as platelet-derived growth factor. Under the culture conditions used, it was not possible to cause the astrocytes to re-enter cell cycle. After transplantation into the neonatal forebrain, APCs differentiated exclusively into astrocytes, regardless of brain region. Initially distributed widely within the forebrain, the precursors are most greatly concentrated within the subventricular zone (SVZ) and subcortical white matter, where they are maintained throughout postnatal development. APCs can be isolated from the SVZ and white matter of animals as late as 4 weeks after birth. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Synthesis of Regioisomeric Functionalized Benzodifurans and AngelicinsHELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 7 2009Elías Quezada Abstract Arenofurans have important biological and pharmacological activities. Compared to benzofurans, the reports on the synthesis of benzodifurans are rather limited. Here, we report the synthesis of a linear and an angular 3,3,-bis(carboxymethyl)substituted benzodifuran and 4,-carboxymethyl-substituted angelicins from phloroglucinol, using 4-halomethyl-substituted dipyrones as key intermediates in the synthetic route. This strategy shows that the stability of a pyrone ring depends on the type of substituent at C(4) and the conditions used. [source] Facile and Selective Synthesis of 4-Methyl- and 4-Phenylthiosemicarbazide (=N -Methyl- and N -Phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide) Derivatives of Benzil (=1,2-Diphenylethane-1,2-dione)HELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 11 2007David Abstract A selective synthesis of 4-methylthiosemicarbazide (=N -methylhydrazinecarbothioamide; 4a) derivatives by reaction with benzil (=1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-dione; 3) is described. The reaction conditions determined the condensation product formed. The most important factor was the acid used: in the presence of conc. HCl solution, the open-chain 2,:,1 compound 1a was exclusively obtained, whereas in the presence of 2M HCl, the cyclic 1,:,1 condensation product 2a was formed. The alcohol used, the presence of H2O, and the time of heating were additional crucial factors. The new cyclic compound 2a with a MeO group was exclusively formed when working under high-dilution conditions. The reaction with the 4-phenyl derivative 4b gave new cyclic compounds as the major products under all conditions used (Scheme). [source] Practical Stereo- and Regioselective, Copper(I)-Promoted Strecker Synthesis of Sugar-Modified ,,, -Unsaturated IminesHELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 3 2006Guobin Zhou Abstract The regio- and stereoselective, Lewis acid catalyzed Strecker reaction between Me3SiCN and different aldimines incorporating a 2,3,4,6-tetrakis- O -pivaloyl- D -glucopyranosyl (Piv4Glc) chiral auxiliary has been worked out. Depending on the conditions used, high yields (up to 95%) and good diastereoselectivities (de >,86%) were achieved under mild conditions (Table,1), especially with CuBr,,,Me2S as catalyst. Our protocol allows the ready preparation of asymmetric ,,, -unsaturated , -amino acids such as (R)-2-amino-4-phenylbut-3-enoic acid (13; Scheme,2) and congeners thereof. [source] Suicide gene therapy on LNCaP human prostate cancer cellsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 7 2001Ichiro Yoshimura Two types of plasmid vectors with the HSV-TK gene were constructed. A constitutive chicken ,-actin promoter drove one and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) promoter drove the other. Similarly, a pair of plasmids with the CD gene under a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter and the PSA promoter was also constructed. LNCaP cells were transfected in vitro with either or both of those plasmids using a cationic lipid reagent. Transfected cells were treated with GCV and/or 5-FC. The percentage of viable LNCaP cells 7 days after treatment with HSV-TK/GCV or CD/5-FC under a constitutive promoter was 40% and 41% of controls, respectively. The cell viability when two suicide genes were combined was 23%. The cell viabilities after four days with PSA promoter-HSV-TK vectors, CD vectors and a combination of both were 79%, 88% and 88%, respectively. Suicide gene therapy using either HSV-TK/GCV, CD/5-FC, or both, was effective in the LNCaP model. An additive effect was observed when the two suicide genes were used together. The PSA promoter did not seem to be effective enough to elicit cytotoxicity under the experimental conditions used here. [source] Identification of some optimal parameters to achieve higher laminate quality through tape placement processADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Muhammad Amir Khan Abstract Investigations of the tape placement process are still underway to achieve the laminate quality comparable with other highly developed composite manufacturing methods, such as autoclave-based processes. The evaluation of the products and the mechanical properties of the material has revealed regions where some upgrading could bring significant enhancement in performance. This study is concerned with issues related to the characterization of material properties, interlaminar bond development, and ways of optimizing process parameters. These include heating, layup velocity, tool temperature, and consolidation force, which were studied to determine their effects on the mechanical strength of the composites produced. The bonding degree of the laminates was simulated taking into account a combination of process parameters, comparing the predictions with the actual test results. The thermal stability of the polyether ether ketone matrix, in relation to the processing conditions used in the manufacture, and their effects on the interlaminar bonding stability were also investigated and explained. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 29:98,111, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20177 [source] Volatile fatty acid production during anaerobic mesophilic digestion of solid potato wasteJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 7 2004Wilson Parawira Abstract The production of volatile fatty acids by anaerobic digestion of solid potato waste was investigated using a batch solid waste reactor with a working capacity of 2 dm,3 at 37°C. Solid potato waste was packed into the digester and the organic content of the waste was released by microbial activity by circulating water over the bed, using batch loads of 500 g or 1000 g potato waste. The sequence of appearance of the volatile fatty acids was (acetic, propionic); (n -butyric); (n -valeric, iso-valeric, caproic); (iso-butyric). After 300 h digestion of potato waste on a small scale, the fermentation products were chiefly (mg g,1 total VFAs): acetic acid (420), butyric acid (310), propionic acid (140) and caproic acid (90), with insignificant amounts of iso-butyric acid, n -valeric and iso-valeric acids. When the load of potato solids was increased, the volatile fatty acid content was similar, but butyric acid constituted 110 mg g,1 and lactic acid 400 mg g,1 of the total volatile fatty acids. The maximum soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) achieved under the experimental conditions used was 27 and 37 g COD dm,3 at low and high loadings of potato solids, respectively. The total volatile fatty acids reached 19 g dm,3 of leachate at both loads of potato solid waste. Gas production was negligible, indicating that methanogenic activity was effectively inhibited. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Activated carbon surface modifications by adsorption of bacteria and their effect on aqueous lead adsorptionJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 12 2001J Rivera-Utrilla Abstract The adsorption of Escherichia coli on different activated carbons has been studied. The activated carbon samples used have been characterized, determining their surface area, pore size distribution, elemental analysis, mineral matter analysis and pH of the point of zero charge. The adsorption capacity of these carbons increased with their hydrophobicity and macropore volume. The number of bacteria adsorbed on the demineralized activated carbon in a solution of pH value equal to the iso-electric point of the carbon was negligible. However, in the presence of cations the proportions of bacterial cells adsorbed were 87.8% (Fe3+), 54.7% (Ca2+) and 24.8% (Mg2+) respectively. This increase in adsorption capacity in the presence of electrolytes has been explained on the basis of both the reduction in electrostatic free energy and the increase in cell surface hydrophobicity due to the metal bound by some compounds of the cell membrane. When the solution pH was intermediate between the pH values of the point of zero charge of the carbon and bacteria the number of bacteria adsorbed increased due to the attractive interactions between the carbon and bacteria. The adsorption of bacteria on activated carbons decreased the porosity and increased the negative charge density of the latter. Depending on the experimental conditions used, the presence of bacteria can enhance the capacity of activated carbons to adsorb lead. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Patients and nurses' perceptions of ward environmental factors and support systems in the care of suicidal patientsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 1 2006Fan-Ko Sun PhD Aims., The aims of this paper are to present and discuss the findings that emerged from a qualitative study exploring nurses and patients' views of the acute psychiatric ward (the context) and the type of care received (the intervening conditions). Background., The phenomenon of suicide and the nursing care of people who are suicidal have previously been investigated. However, literature demonstrates that there is a dearth of information exploring the importance of the ward context in the care of suicidal patients and the intervening conditions that are used by professionals in the care of suicidal patients. Method., Qualitative research using the grounded theory approach. Data collection and analysis., Fifteen patients who had either suicidal ideas or had attempted suicide and 15 psychiatric nurses were interviewed and observed. Data were analysed using open, axial and selective coding. Findings., A substantive theory of suicide-nursing care was developed. For the purpose of this paper, the two categories that emerged in the ,context' element of the paradigm model are explored. They were: team working and the psychiatric ward environment. In addition, the four categories from the ,intervening conditions' are discussed. They were: nurses' attitudes and beliefs have an effect on caring, barriers to caring, patients' negative thoughts and feelings about the care provided and support systems. Conclusion., The findings indicated that the context of the ward environment and the intervening conditions used by nurses in the nursing care of suicidal patients helped to define some of the complex dynamics that impacted on the development of a therapeutic relationship within the practice of suicide-nursing care. Relevance to clinical practice., Environmental factors as well as the nurses' knowledge and skills and the type of support patients receive impact on the care of suicidal patients. These findings could help to enhance and advance suicide-nursing care. [source] STUDY OF FACTORS INFLUENCING PROTEIN ESTERIFICATION USING ,-LACTOGLOBULIN AS A MODELJOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2000MAHMOUD SITOHY ABSTRACT ,-Lactoglobulin was esterified with different alcohols (methanol, ethanol, n-propanol and iso-propanol) over various conditions of acidity, protein concentration, water content, time and temperature. The resulting products were simply recovered by centrifugation of the reaction mixture at the end of the reaction. Yield of esterification was markedly dependent on the concentration of the acid, of the protein, the water content and the type of alcohol used. Using ethanol andpropanol required 5 and 10% water, respectively to reach a maximum esterification degree. Concentrations of acid and protein were the crucial parameters. Protein concentration (4 or 5%) together with an adequate H+/COOH molar ratio, not only enhance the yield of esterification with ethanol but also increase the rate of this reaction. The results may be applicable to choosing the reaction conditions for the preparation of other esterified proteins. The conditions described in this study increase esterification reaction rate compared to that under conditions used traditionally. [source] Effect of Sequential Treatment of Warm Water Dip and Low-dose Gamma Irradiation on the Quality of Fresh-cut Green OnionsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 3 2005Hyun Jung Kim ABSTRACT: The effect of warm water dip in combination with irradiation on quality of fresh-cut green onions was studied. Fresh-cut green onions were treated with and without warm water (50°C for 20 s) and packaged prior to irradiation at 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 kGy, then stored at 4°C for 14 d. Color, texture, decay percentage, electrolyte leakage, sensory qualities, and total aerobic count (TAC) were measured at 1,4,8, and 14 d of storage. The warm water treatment reduced the TAC by 0.9 log initially but the beneficial effect disappeared during storage. With the test conditions used in this study, the warm water treatment did not provide added benefits for quality improvements. Irradiation at all tested doses reduced TAC and the development of decay and off-odor, improved visual quality, and preserved green color. [source] Ortho -[18F]Fluoronitrobenzenes by no-carrier-added nucleophilic aromatic substitution with K[18F]F,K222,A comparative studyJOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 13 2002M. Karramkam Abstract The scope of the nucleophilic aromatic ortho -fluorinations from the corresponding ortho -halonitrobenzene precursors (halo-to-fluoro substitutions) with no-carrier-added [18F]fluoride ion as its activated K[18F]F,K222 complex has been evaluated via the radiosynthesis of ortho -[18F]fluoronitrobenzene, chosen as a model reaction. The parameters studied include the influence of the leaving group in the ortho position of the phenyl ring (,Cl, ,Br, ,l), the quantity of precursor used, the type of activation (conventional heating or microwave irradiations), the solvent, the temperature and the reaction time. The iodo-precursor was completely unreactive and the bromo-precursor gave only low incorporation (<10%) in the optimal conditions used (conventional heating at 145°C or microwave activation, 100 W for 120 s). Only the chloro-precursor was found reactive in the conditions described above and up to 70% yield was observed for the formation of ortho -[18F]fluoronitrobenzene ([18F]- 1). In all the experiments, the unwanted ortho -[18F]fluoro-halobenzenes, potentially resulting from the nitro-to-fluoro substitution, could not be detected. These results will be applied for the radiosynthesis of 5-[18F]fluoro-6-nitroquipazine, a potent radioligand for the imaging of the serotonin transporter with PET. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Kinetic study of carbon nanotubes synthesis by fluidized bed chemical vapor depositionAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 2 2009R. Philippe Abstract Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been produced with high selectivity by fluidized bed catalytic chemical vapor deposition from ethylene on Fe/Al2O3 catalysts. The influence of operating parameters such as deposition duration, temperature, ethylene and hydrogen partial pressures, and iron loading on MWCNT productivity, process selectivity, characteristics of final powders, and chemical composition of the outlet gases has been analyzed. Using gas phase chromatography, methane and ethane have been detected, whatever are the conditions used. Between 650 and 750°C, no catalyst deactivation occurs because nucleation remains active all along the synthesis, thanks to the explosion of the catalyst grains. Above 650°C, ethane itself produces MWCNTs, whereas methane does not react in the temperature range, 550,750°C. The formation of MWCNTs induces marked bed expansions and sharp decreases of grain density. Apparent kinetic laws have been deduced from the collected data. The apparent partial orders of reaction for ethylene, hydrogen, and iron were found to be 0.75, 0, and 0.28, respectively. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009 [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||