bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bio‐electrospraying: A potentially safe technique for delivering progenitor cells
Authors: Sahoo Sambit , Lee Wong Cheng , Goh James Cho Hong , Toh Siew Lok
Published: March 2010

Bio‐electrospraying is fast becoming an attractive tool for in situ cell delivery into scaffolds for tissue engineering applications, with several cell types been successfully electrosprayed. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal progenitor/stem cells (BMSC), which are an important cell source for tissue engineering, have not been explored in detail and the effect of electrospraying on their “stemness” is not known. This study therefore investigates the effects of electrospraying on BMSC viability, proliferation, and multilineage differentiation potential. Electrospraying a BMSC suspension at flow rate of 6 mL/h and voltages of 7.5–15 kV could successfully generate a continuous, stable and linearly directed electrospray of cells. Morphological observation, trypan blue tests and alamar blue based metabolic assays revealed about 88% of these electrosprayed cells were viable, and proliferated at rates similar to native BMSCs. However, at higher voltages, electrospraying became unstable and reduced cell viability, possibly due to electrical or thermal damage to the cells. BMSCs electrosprayed at 7.5 kV also retained their multipotency and could be successfully differentiated into adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic lineages, demonstrating similar morphology and gene expression levels as induced native BMSCs. These results indicate that bio‐electrospraying could be safely used as a progenitor/stem cell delivery technique for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;106: 690–698. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding fatty acid metabolism through an active learning approach
Authors: Fardilha M. , Schrader M. , da Cruz e Silva O. A. B. , da Cruz e Silva E. F.
Published: March 2010

A multi‐method active learning approach (MALA) was implemented in the Medical Biochemistry teaching unit of the Biomedical Sciences degree at the University of Aveiro, using problem‐based learning as the main learning approach. In this type of learning strategy, students are involved beyond the mere exercise of being taught by listening. Less emphasis is placed on transmitting information and the focus is shifted toward developing higher order thinking (analysis, synthesis, and evaluation). However, MALA should always involve clearly identified objectives and well‐defined targets. Understanding fatty acid metabolism was one of the proposed goals of the Medical Biochemistry unit. To this end, students were challenged with a variety of learning strategies to develop skills associated with group conflict resolution, critical thinking, information access, and retrieval, as well as oral and written communication skills. Overall, students and learning facilitators were highly motivated by the diversity of learning activities, particularly due to the emphasis on correlating theoretical knowledge with human health and disease. As a quality control exercise, the students were asked to answer a questionnaire on their evaluation of the whole teaching/learning experience. Our initial analysis of the learning outcomes permits us to conclude that the approach undertaken yields results that surpass the traditional teaching methods.
Teaching the extracellular matrix and introducing online databases within a multidisciplinary course with i‐cell‐MATRIX
Authors: Sousa João Carlos , Costa Manuel João , Palha Joana Almeida
Published: March 2010

The biochemistry and molecular biology of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is difficult to convey to students in a classroom setting in ways that capture their interest. The understanding of the matrix's roles in physiological and pathological conditions study will presumably be hampered by insufficient knowledge of its molecular structure. Internet‐available resources can bridge the division between the molecular details and ECM's biological properties and associated processes. This article presents an approach to teach the ECM developed for first year medical undergraduates who, working in teams: (i) Explore a specific molecular component of the matrix, (ii) identify a disease in which the component is implicated, (iii) investigate how the component's structure/function contributes to ECM' supramolecular organization in physiological and in pathological conditions, and (iv) share their findings with colleagues. The approach—designated i‐cell‐MATRIX—is focused on the contribution of individual components to the overall organization and biological functions of the ECM. i‐cell‐MATRIX is student centered and uses 5 hours of class time. Summary of results and take home message: A “1‐minute paper” has been used to gather student feedback on the impact of i‐cell‐MATRIX. Qualitative analysis of student feedback gathered in three consecutive years revealed that students appreciate the approach's reliance on self‐directed learning, the interactivity embedded and the demand for deeper insights on the ECM. Learning how to use internet biomedical resources is another positive outcome. Ninety percent of students recommend the activity for subsequent years. i‐cell‐MATRIX is adaptable by other medical schools which may be looking for an approach that achieves higher student engagement with the ECM.
What's on the news? The use of media texts in exams of clinical biochemistry for medical and nutrition students
Authors: Oliveira Julia Martins , Mesquita Diego Martins , Hermes‐Lima Marcelo
Published: March 2010

Health‐related popular articles are easily found among media sources. With the increasing popularity of the internet, medical information – full of misconceptions ‐ has become easily available to the lay people. The ability to recognize misconceptions may require good biomedical knowledge. In this sense, we decided to use articles from the internet as part of a formal exam to evaluate students' learning of Clinical and Applied Biochemistry (CAB). This test, known as the True‐or‐False (T‐or‐F) exam, is made up of statements found online that are judged by freshmen medical and nutrition students taking Basic Biochemistry. In the last four teaching‐semesters, students' acceptance and responses to T‐or‐F exam on CAB were evaluated through questionnaires (using a 0–4 Likert scale). Results from 258 students revealed that 71, 87, and 94% of them believed, respectively, that the exam was (i) difficult, (ii) of good quality, and (iii) that using media‐questions is relevant for evaluating the learning of CAB. Moreover, the average grade in the T‐of‐F exam was 5.85 (out of 10). This low average is probably because students are not familiarized with this sort of examination that does not emphasize on memorizations of biochemical pathways and processes – it instead evaluates mostly the comprehension and application of knowledge, levels 2 and 3 in Bloom's scale. Such conclusion was possible by analyzing 192 questions in four exams ‐ 67% were at levels 2, 3 or above. This kind of media‐based exam could be well applied to several other disciplines in health sciences.
Introducing human population biology through an easy laboratory exercise on mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Pardiñas Antonio F. , Dopico Eduardo , Roca Agustín , Garcia‐Vazquez Eva , Lopez Belen
Published: March 2010

This article describes an easy and cheap laboratory exercise for students to discover their own mitochondrial haplogroup. Students use buccal swabs to obtain mucosa cells as noninvasive tissue samples, extract DNA, and with a simple polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis they can obtain DNA fragments of different sizes that can be visualized in agarose gels. The analysis of these fragments can reveal the mitochondrial haplogroup of each student. The results of the exercise can be used to provide additional insights into the genetic variation of human populations.
Teaching energy metabolism using scientific articles
Authors: de Espíndola Marina Bazzo , El‐Bacha Tatiana , Giannella Taís Rabetti , Struchiner Miriam , da Silva Wagner S. , Da Poian Andrea T.
Published: March 2010

This work describes the use of a virtual learning environment (VLE) applied to the biochemistry class for undergraduate, first‐year medical students at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. The course focused on the integration of energy metabolism, exploring metabolic adaptations in different physiological or pathological states such as starvation, diabetes, and exercise. The VLE was designed to combine online activities with traditional course content and presented guided inquiry‐based activities to assist in the use of original scientific articles as educational resources. Based on the analysis of a semi‐open questionnaire, the results provided evidence that the VLE encouraged students' engagement in activities and improved feedback. The results also suggested that guided inquiry‐based activities were an effective way to stimulate students to critically read relevant scientific articles and to acquire skills to build and contextualize their knowledge through content association. In addition, most of the students involved in this experience considered the use of these resources important to become familiar with scientific language and to learn how to obtain up‐to‐date scientific information during their professional life.
C1‐Symmetric Aminosulfoximines in Copper‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Vinylogous Mukaiyama Aldol Reactions
Authors: Frings Marcus , Atodiresei Iuliana , Wang Yutian , Runsink Jan , Raabe Gerhard , Bolm Carsten
Published: March 2010

Vinylogous Mukaiyama‐type aldol reactions have been catalyzed by a combination of Cu(OTf)2 and readily available C1‐symmetric aminosulfoximines. After a fine‐tuning of the reaction conditions and an optimization of the modularly assembled ligand structure, high stereoselectivities and excellent yields have been achieved in catalyzed reactions involving various electrophile/nucleophile combinations. The relative and absolute configurations of two products were assigned by X‐ray single crystal structure analysis and a comparison of calculated and experimental CD spectra.
Fine‐Tuning the Dimerization of Tetraureacalix[4]arenes
Authors: Rudzevich Yuliya , Rudzevich Valentyn , Böhmer Volker
Published: March 2010

Calix[4]arenes substituted by four urea residues at their wide rim form hydrogen‐bonded homo‐ and heterodimeric capsules in apolar solvents. If urea groups are covalently connected to loops or substituted by bulky residues, the dimerization may be restricted to those pairs in which the loops do not overlap and for which the residues are small enough to pass the loops. In the present study, we describe the dimerization properties of tetraureas with one, two (adjacent or opposite), three, or four loops and those bearing (additionally) up to four residues of different size: a=tolyl, b=3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl, c=4‐propyloxy‐3,5‐di‐(tert‐butylphenyl)phenyl, and d=4‐[tris‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)methyl]phenyl. For compounds with four loops of different size (O(CH2)nO‐chains with n=10, 14, and 20 connecting the m‐positions of the urea phenyl residues) a clear “stepwise” sorting scheme could be established, in which the bulkiest residue d is excluded by all tetraloop compounds and the smallest residue a can pass only the smallest loops (n=10). The medium‐sized residues b or c are tolerated by n=14 and 20 or only by n=20. Selectivities can be built up also on geometrical factors. A trisloop compound, for instance, combines only with a tetraurea bearing a single bulky residue and tetraureas with two bulky substituents in adjacent or opposite position are distinguished by the bisloop derivatives with adjacent or opposite loops. The impossibility to form a homodimer of a monoloop compound containing two bulky residues leads to its selective heterodimerization with a derivative bearing three bulky groups. Subtle effects for “borderline” cases, in which the dimerization or reorganization takes a longer time, are also discussed.
Small‐Molecule Inhibitors of the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway as Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Peukert Stefan , Miller‐Moslin Karen
Published: March 2010

Inhibitors of the Hedgehog (Hh) molecular signaling pathway have emerged in recent years as a promising new class of potential therapeutics for cancer treatment. Numerous drug discovery efforts have resulted in the identification of a wide variety of small molecules that target different members of this pathway, including Smoothened (Smo), Sonic hedgehog protein (Shh), and Gli1. Several Smo inhibitors have now entered human clinical trials, and successful proof‐of‐concept studies have been carried out in patients with defined genetic mutations in the Hh pathway. This review provides a general overview of three main topics in this rapidly expanding area: 1) the various types of biological assays and in vivo models that have been employed for the identification and optimization of Hh pathway inhibitors; 2) Smo inhibitors reported to date, including recent clinical results where available; and 3) efforts toward the identification and characterization of inhibitors of other members of the Hh pathway.
A new perspective on neural tube defects: Folic acid and microRNA misexpression
Authors: Shookhoff J.M. , Gallicano G. Ian
Published: March 2010

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common birth defects in the United States. It is well known that folic acid supplementation decreases about 70% of all NTDs, although the mechanism by which this occurs is still relatively unknown. The current theory is that folic acid deficiency ultimately leads to depletion of the methyl pool, leaving critical genes unmethylated, and, in turn, their improper expression leads to failure of normal neural tube development. Recently, new studies in human cell lines have shown that folic acid deficiency and DNA hypomethylation can lead to misexpression of microRNAs (miRNAs). Misexpression of critical miRNAs during neural development may lead to a subtle effect on neural gene regulation, causing the sometimes mild to severely debilitating range of phenotypes exhibited in NTDs. This review seeks to cohesively integrate current information regarding folic acid deficiency, methylation cycles, neural development, and miRNAs to propose a potential model of NTD formation. In addition, we have examined the relevant gene pathways and miRNAs that are predicted to affect them, and based on our investigation, we have devised a basic template of experiments for exploring the idea that miRNA misregulation may be linked to folic acid deficiency and NTDs. genesis 48:282–294, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unbound DHA causes a high blank value in β‐oxidation assay: a concern for in vitro studies
Authors: Du Zhen‐Yu , Araujo Pedro , Stubhaug Ingunn , Frøyland Livar
Published: March 2010

The information on binding capacity of different fatty acids (FAs) to albumin is incomplete, however, in the majority of in vitro experiments, FAs and albumin were simply mixed and their affinity believed to be complete. In this study, seven [1‐14C] FAs were mixed with albumin and assayed for β‐oxidation in rat liver homogenates. In the process of identifying the radioactive background of control assay by LCMS/MS, the results indicated different binding capacity of FAs to albumin. The percentage of unbound FAs recovered in clarified acidic solution was lower than 2% with 16:0 and 18:1n‐9, nearly 5% with EPA, 7% with 18:2n‐6, 18:3n‐3 and 20:4n‐6, and surprisingly high to 41% with DHA. Various FA/albumin molar ratios as well as different types of albumin only marginally affected these data. Thus, the big mass of unbound free DHA led to a high blank value, which is 60 times higher than the real value in the procedure of β‐oxidation measurement in vitro. In the design of future FA research in vitro, the binding capacity of FA to albumin or other proteins must be considered, especially for DHA research.
Proficiency test on the determination of mineral oil in sunflower oil
Authors: Karasek Lubomir , Wenzl Thomas , Ulberth Franz
Published: March 2010

Following the discovery of mineral oil contamination of Ukrainian sunflower oil in April 2008, the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) was requested by the Directorate General Health and Consumers (DG SANCO) to organise a proficiency test on the determination of mineral oil in sunflower oil. The aim of this test was to evaluate the comparability of analysis results gained by laboratories in the EU and the Ukraine. The organisation of the study and the evaluation of the results were done in accordance with “The International Harmonised Protocol for the Proficiency Testing of Analytical Chemistry Laboratories” and ISO Guide 43. Altogether 62 laboratories from 19 EU member states, Switzerland and the Ukraine subscribed for participation in the study. Four test samples at concentration levels between about 100 and 350 mg/kg, comprising contaminated crude sunflower oil, contaminated refined sunflower oil, and spiked sunflower oil, and a solution of mineral oil in n‐heptane were dispatched to the participants. The participants were asked to determine the mineral oil content of the test samples by application of their in‐house analysis methods. In total, 55 sets of results were reported to the organisers of the study. The performance of laboratories was expressed by z‐scores for the oil samples and by relative bias for the mineral oil solution in n‐heptane. The percentage of successful laboratories in the determination of the mineral oil content of sunflower oil was for all sunflower oil test materials about 80%.
Influence of stability on the acute toxicity of CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals to Daphnia magna
Authors: Pace Heather E. , Lesher Emily K. , Ranville James F.
Published: March 2010

The acute toxicity of polymer-coated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) to Daphnia magna was investigated using 48-h exposure studies. The principal objective was to relate the toxicity of QDs to specific physical and chemical aspects of the QD. As such, two different CdSe core diameters, 2 nm QDs (green-emitting) and 5 nm QDs (red-emitting), and two different surface coatings, polyethylene oxide (PEO) and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) were studied. The QDs were characterized before and after the 48-h exposure using fluorescence, ultrafiltrations (3 kDa), and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) metal analysis. In addition, flow field flow fractionation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (Fl FFF-ICP-MS) was used as a more extensive characterization technique to determine particle size and composition as well as identify other potential constituents in the QD solutions. The more stable QDs (PEO) were found to be less acutely toxic than the QDs with accelerated dissolution (MUA), suggesting QD stability has significant impact on the nanoparticles' short-term toxicity. The emergence of dissolved Cd2+ in solution indicates that the toxicity of the MUA QDs is likely due to Cd poisoning, and a mass-based dose response occurred as a consequence of this mode of action. Alternatively, the PEO QDs caused acute toxicity without observed particle dissolution (i.e., no detectable metals were solubilized), suggesting an alternative mode of toxic action for these nanoparticles. Results of the present study suggest that using particle number, instead of mass, as a dose metric for the PEO QDs, produces markedly different conclusions, in that smaller core size does not equate to greater toxicity. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1338–1344. © 2010 SETAC
Quick assessment of cytotoxins effect on Daphnia magna using in vivo fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Teplova Vera V. , Andreeva-Kovalevskaya Zhanna I. , Sineva Elena V. , Solonin Alexander S.
Published: March 2010

A novel approach to contaminant toxicity screening is proposed. The use of fluorescent microscopy with fluorescent dyes allows for assessing intoxication of Daphnia magna tissues, at various stages of exposure, to contaminants present in water. As shown, D. magna may not only be used as a test species in toxicity tests based on its lethality, but due to its translucency and application of fluorescent probes, separate steps of its intoxication and dying can be visualized. Using a variety of fluorescent probes, the present study also contributes to a better understanding of the toxicity mechanisms. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1345–1348. © 2010 SETAC
A highly automated parallel Chimera method for overset grids based on the implicit hole cutting technique
Authors: Landmann B. , Montagnac M.
Published: March 2010

A parallel automated Chimera overset grid algorithm for complex configurations is presented in this paper. The algorithm is based on the implicit hole cutting (IHC) algorithm presented by Lee and Baeder, which is enhanced by several methodologies to eliminate shortcomings in the original method. The resulting overall algorithm is more general than the IHC algorithm, while preserving the high degree of automation of the original method.

The approach is well suited for handling steady flow problems. The effectiveness of the presented method is demonstrated with several aerodynamic test cases. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectral element analysis of herringbone‐grooved journal bearings with groove–ridge discontinuity
Authors: Chen Chien‐Yu , Yen Ruey‐Hor , Chang Chia‐Chin
Published: March 2010

Many researchers have investigated the performance of herringbone‐grooved journal bearings (HGJBs). However, few have yet mentioned the issue of film thickness discontinuities in HGJBs with a finite number of grooves. Most studies have involved the application of a finite difference method for discretization. The present work utilizes the spectral element method to calculate the pressure distribution and dynamic coefficients of HGJBs, in which the thickness of the fluid film changes abruptly in the groove–ridge region. Conservation of mass is adopted to solve the problem. Additionally, the present method can be adopted for grooves with curvy geometry. The numerical results were compared with the analytical solution for a one‐dimensional slider bearing and an HGJB. It also shows that for the case of HGJB, the numerical result by the present method is more accurate than the numerical results found in the literature (Trans. ASME J. Tribol. 2000; 122: 103–109, Int. J. Numer. Meth. Heat Fluid Flow 2002; 12: 518–540). Furthermore, employing the present method with the Elrod algorithm can improve the accuracy of deriving loads of HGJBs when cavitation occurs.

In addition, the result displays the efficiency of the present method by observing the CPU time. Therefore, the approach can be employed to compute the critical mass of a HGJB. The influence of changing groove angle, groove depth, groove width, and the eccentricity on the critical mass are discussed. Observing the variations in critical mass shows that when the eccentricity is small, a larger groove angle, a lower groove depth, and smaller groove width correspond to a higher critical mass of the HGJB. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multivariate padé approximation for solving partial differential equations (PDE)
Authors: Turut Veyis , Çelik Ercan , Yiğider Muhammed
Published: March 2010

In this paper, numerical solution of partial differential equations (PDEs) is considered by multivariate padé approximations. We applied these method to two examples. First, PDE has been converted to power series by two‐dimensional differential transformation, Then the numerical solution of equation was put into multivariate padé series form. Thus, we obtained numerical solution of PDE. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The growing role of private giving in financing the modern university
Authors: Speck Bruce W.
Published: March 2010

Increased use of private funds to support public higher education is essential, but private funding undoubtedly shapes the university in ways that challenge academic traditions, creating a new paradigm for financing the modern university.
Leading the way: The role of presidents and academic deans in fundraising
Authors: Hodson J. Bradford
Published: March 2010

Although professional staff can assist with parts of the fundraising enterprise, presidents and deans play the leading role in cultivating and soliciting major gifts to benefit the academic enterprise.
Balancing fundraising in academic programs and intercollegiate athletics
Authors: King Elizabeth H. , Sexton Eric L. , Rhatigan James J.
Published: March 2010

Fundraising for both academic purposes and intercollegiate athletics presents challenges that must be recognized.
Prospect development systems: Empowering artful fundraising
Authors: Nicoson Dan J.
Published: March 2010

This chapter gives an overview of systems used in support of the art of fundraising through strategic development of prospective donors into donors.
Recruiting, training, and retaining high‐performance development teams
Authors: Elder Stephen D.
Published: March 2010

This chapter offers thoughts on some key elements of a high‐performing development environment.
Incorporating linguistic, probabilistic, and possibilistic information in a risk-based approach for ranking contaminated sites
Authors: Zhang Kejiang , Achari Gopal , Pei Yuansheng
Published: March 2010

Different types of uncertain information—linguistic, probabilistic, and possibilistic—exist in site characterization. Their representation and propagation significantly influence the management of contaminated sites. In the absence of a framework with which to properly represent and integrate these quantitative and qualitative inputs together, decision makers cannot fully take advantage of the available and necessary information to identify all the plausible alternatives. A systematic methodology was developed in the present work to incorporate linguistic, probabilistic, and possibilistic information into the Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE), a subgroup of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods for ranking contaminated sites. The identification of criteria based on the paradigm of comparative risk assessment provides a rationale for risk-based prioritization. Uncertain linguistic, probabilistic, and possibilistic information identified in characterizing contaminated sites can be properly represented as numerical values, intervals, probability distributions, and fuzzy sets or possibility distributions, and linguistic variables according to their nature. These different kinds of representation are first transformed into a 2-tuple linguistic representation domain. The propagation of hybrid uncertainties is then carried out in the same domain. This methodology can use the original site information directly as much as possible. The case study shows that this systematic methodology provides more reasonable results. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010;6:711–724. © 2010 SETAC
Pooling as a response to the competing interests in corporate group collapse in Australia
Authors: Wyburn Mary
Published: March 2010

There has always been a problem for company law in effectively responding to the financial collapse of a corporate group. In the past, a range of partial responses have been proposed and some implemented. The 2007 insolvency amendments introduced another partial solution, statutory pooling. This paper discusses the competing interests in a corporate group collapse, how Australian corporate law has so far dealt with group collapse and the implications of the 2007 statutory pooling amendments. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detoxification and antioxidant effects of curcumin in rats experimentally exposed to mercury
Authors: Agarwal Rakhi , Goel Sudhir K. , Behari Jai Raj
Published: March 2010

Curcumin, a safe nutritional component and a highly promising natural antioxidant with a wide spectrum of biological functions, has been examined in several metal toxicity studies, but its role in protection against mercury toxicity has not been investigated. Therefore, the detoxification and antioxidant effects of curcumin were examined to determine its prophylactic/therapeutic role in rats experimentally exposed to mercury (in the from of mercuric chloride‐HgCl2, 12 µmol kg−1b.w. single intraperitoneal injection). Curcumin treatment (80 mg kg−1b.w. daily for 3 days, orally) was found to have a protective effect on mercury‐induced oxidative stress parameters, namely, lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities in the liver, kidney and brain. Curcumin treatment was also effective for reversing mercury‐induced serum biochemical changes, which are the markers of liver and kidney injury. Mercury concentration in the tissues was also decreased by the pre/post‐treatment with curcumin. However, histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney were not reversed by curcumin treatment. Mercury exposure resulted in the induction of metallothionein (MT) mRNA expressions in the liver and kidney. Metallothionein mRNA expression levels were found to decrease after the pre‐treatment with curcumin, whereas post‐treatment with curcumin further increased MT mRNA expression levels. Our findings suggest that curcumin pretreatment has a protective effect and that curcumin can be used as a therapeutic agent in mercury intoxication. The study indicates that curcumin, an effective antioxidant, may have a protective effect through its routine dietary intake against mercury exposure.
Caloric restriction leads to high marrow adiposity and low bone mass in growing mice
Authors: Devlin Maureen J , Cloutier Alison M , Thomas Nishina A , Panus David A , Lotinun Sutada , Pinz Ilka , Baron Roland , Rosen Clifford J , Bouxsein Mary L
Published: March 2010

The effects of caloric restriction (CR) on the skeleton are well studied in adult rodents and include lower cortical bone mass but higher trabecular bone volume. Much less is known about how CR affects bone mass in young, rapidly growing animals. This is an important problem because low caloric intake during skeletal acquisition in humans, as in anorexia nervosa, is associated with low bone mass, increased fracture risk, and osteoporosis in adulthood. To explore this question, we tested the effect of caloric restriction on bone mass and microarchitecture during rapid skeletal growth in young mice. At 3 weeks of age, we weaned male C57Bl/6J mice onto 30% caloric restriction (10% kcal/fat) or normal diet (10% kcal/fat). Outcomes at 6 (n = 4/group) and 12 weeks of age (n = 8/group) included body mass, femur length, serum leptin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) values, whole-body bone mineral density (WBBMD, g/cm2), cortical and trabecular bone architecture at the midshaft and distal femur, bone formation and cellularity, and marrow fat measurement. Compared with the normal diet, CR mice had 52% and 88% lower serum leptin and 33% and 39% lower serum IGF-1 at 6 and 12 weeks of age (p < .05 for all). CR mice were smaller, with lower bone mineral density, trabecular, and cortical bone properties. Bone-formation indices were lower, whereas bone-resorption indices were higher (p < .01 for all) in CR versus normal diet mice. Despite having lower percent of body fat, bone marrow adiposity was elevated dramatically in CR versus normal diet mice (p < .05). Thus we conclude that caloric restriction in young, growing mice is associated with impaired skeletal acquisition, low leptin and IGF-1 levels, and high marrow adiposity. These results support the hypothesis that caloric restriction during rapid skeletal growth is deleterious to cortical and trabecular bone mass and architecture, in contrast to potential skeletal benefits of CR in aging animals. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Establishing rates of karst landscape evolution in the Tropics: a context for the formation of archaeological sites in western Flores, Indonesia
Authors: Westaway Kira E. , Sutikna Thomas , Morwood Michael J. , Zhao Jian‐Xin
Published: March 2010

Tropical landscapes evolve at a rapid rate, creating stepped alluvial terraces, dense basin and cone topographies and multilevel cave systems. An understanding of the rate of landscape evolution is crucial for understanding how landscapes respond to tectonic instability and for reconstructing landscapes that have changed over archaeological timescales. The rate of landscape incision as a proxy for karst landscape evolution in Indonesia, a key region in the path of human dispersal, has been established using the rate of karstification – by estimating a chronology for stages of cave development using thermal ionisation mass spectrometry U‐series dating on flowstones, and the rate of downcutting – by establishing a chronology for a series of alluvial terraces using red thermoluminescence dating. Using these techniques we have determined that the estimated rate of karstification (113 ± 26 mm ka−1) is slower than the average rate of downcutting (305 ± 24 mm ka−1), and the combined rate of landscape incision (217 ± 18 mm ka−1) is slower than the known rate of tectonic uplift for this region derived from raised coral terraces (450 ± 50 mm ka−1). This suggests that rivers are quicker to respond to tectonic instability, but both cave and river systems display a slower rate of incision and karstification than uplift. Correlations between these components of the landscape system reveal a strong, interacting relationship where defined phases of uplift are reflected in the pattern of karstification and cycles of downcutting. An understanding of this relationship has been pivotal in reconstructing the formation and geomorphic history of archaeological caves such as Liang Bua. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrophilic interaction LC combined with electrospray MS for highly sensitive analysis of underivatized amino acids in rhizosphere research
Authors: Dell'mour Madeleine , Jaitz Leonhard , Oburger Eva , Puschenreiter Markus , Koellensperger Gunda , Hann Stephan
Published: March 2010

Analysis of underivatized amino acids is challenging regarding the separation as well as the detection of these small polar analytes. Hydrophilic interaction LC using a 2.1×150 mm ZIC® (ZIC, zwitterionic)‐hydrophilic interaction LC from SeQuant as stationary phase with 1% v/v formic acid in water and ACN as eluents was combined with MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring mode for the separation and the detection of 16 underivatized amino acids. Regression coefficients of eight or seven point calibrations varied from 0.9454 to 0.9993. Absolute LODs and LOQ (on column) were in the fmol range (0.1–12 and 0.4–41 fmol, respectively). A fast screening method of 19 min total runtime has been developed offering applicability to samples from rhizosphere studies – characterized by low analyte concentrations and complex matrices. A successful application to the analysis of tyrosine in samples from soil adsorption experiments is presented as well as an evaluated enrichment procedure for amino acids derived from plant culture in nutrient solution.
Gel Formation and Molecular Characteristics of Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Prepared by Free‐Radical Redox Polymerization in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Xu Yingjia , Li Guang , Haraguchi Kazutoshi
Published: March 2010

The molecular characteristics of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA), prepared by free‐radical polymerization using an aqueous redox initiator and reaction conditions comparable to those used in the synthesis of nanocomposite gels, were investigated by altering the monomer concentration ([NIPA]) and the polymerization temperature (Tp) across the transition temperature (LCST). When Tp<LCST, there is a critical [NIPA] (=n*) above which PNIPA partially forms gels in the absence of a chemical crosslinker, and the gel fraction increases with increasing [NIPA] and decreasing Tp. In the range of nLCST, gels were not formed regardless of [NIPA]. The structure and mechanism of formation of self‐crosslinked PNIPA gels are discussed.

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Promising Optoelectronic Materials: Polymers Containing Phosphorescent Iridium(III) Complexes
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Liu Shu‐Juan , Huang Wei
Published: March 2010

As one of the most promising optoelectronic materials, polymers that contain phosphorescent IrIII complexes have attracted more and more interest in recent years. They are a class of well‐known electroluminescent materials with excellent performance. So far, efficient green‐, red‐, and white‐emitting polymer light‐emitting diodes based on polymers with on‐chain IrIII complexes have been realized successfully. For the realization of this class of polymer material, IrIII complexes (as energy guest) can be introduced into the main‐chain or side‐chain of polymers (as energy host). In this article, we summarize the design principles, synthetic routes, structure–property relationships, and applications in optoelectronic devices of polymers that contain phosphorescent IrIII complexes.

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Mechanism and Modeling of Emulsion Polymerization: New Ideas and Concepts – 2. Modeling Strategies
Authors: Tauer Klaus , Hernandez Hugo
Published: March 2010

Summary: Molecular modeling strategies offer new insights into the mechanism of heterophase polymerization. The capabilities of Brownian dynamic simulations are illustrated by means of studies regarding radical entry and exist as essential steps in emulsion polymerization. Interestingly, the results allow certain generalizations which were not possible with macroscopic deterministic modeling strategies.
Formation of Nonspherical Particles with Uneven Surface in Emulsion Copolymerization of Styrene and Methacrylic Acid with Nonionic Emulsifier
Authors: Haipu Li , Suzuki Toyoko , Okubo Masayoshi
Published: March 2010

Summary: Emulsion copolymerization of styrene and methacrylic acid with nonionic emulsifier and potassium persulfate as initiator gave nonspherical copolymer particles having uneven surface. The formation was based on the coagulation of byproduct nano‐sized (ca. 35 nm) particles, which were formed throughout the copolymerization until monomer phase disappeared, onto main submicron‐sized (234 ∼ 445 nm) particles.
Preparation of Nylon‐6 Particles in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Minami Hideto , Tarutani Yasunori , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Okubo Masayoshi
Published: March 2010

Summary: Utilizing the thermal stability of ionic liquid, micrometer‐sized Nylon‐6 particles were successfully prepared by hydrolytic polymerization of ε‐caprolactam at high temperature with polyvinyl pyrrolidone as stabilizer in ionic liquids, 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [Bmim][BF4] and N,N‐diethyl‐N‐methyl‐N‐(2‐methoxyethyl)ammonium bis(trifluoro‐methanesulfonyl)amide, [DEME][TFSA]. The obtained particles had a unique shape because Nylon‐6 is a crystalline polymer. Viscosity‐average molecular weights of Nylon‐6 prepared in [Bmim][BF4] and [DEME][TFSA] at 180 °C for 48 h were 4200 and 2200, respectively.
Effect of Polymer End Group on the Morphology of Polystyrene/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Composite Particles Prepared by the Solvent Evaporation Method
Authors: Tanaka Takuya , Okayama Masaru , Okubo Masayoshi
Published: March 2010

Summary: The effect of polymer end group on the morphology of polystyrene (PS)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composite particles was investigated on the basis of experimental observations and theoretical predictions. Both polymers with potassium persulfate (KPS)‐derived hydrophilic end group(s) and 2,2′‐azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN)‐derived hydrophobic end group(s) were synthesized by emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerizations and solution polymerizations, respectively. Composite particles with the same end groups were prepared by release of toluene from PS/PMMA/toluene (1/1/24, w/w/w) droplets dispersed in an aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). At a low SDS concentration, when the polymers with KPS‐derived end group(s) were employed, acornlike particles were formed. On the other hand, when the polymers with AIBN‐derived end group(s) were used, particles having a dimple were obtained. The interfacial tensions between toluene solutions of the polymers and SDS aqueous medium were lower for KPS‐derived end group(s) than for AIBN‐derived end group(s), and the difference was much larger for PS phase than PMMA phase. The predicted morphologies obtained from calculation of the minimum total interfacial free energy using the interfacial tensions agreed well with the experimentally observed morphologies in both cases. Moreover, the morphology of PS/PMMA composite particles with different end groups was also examined.
Effect of Deproteinized Methods on the Proteins and Properties of Natural Rubber Latex during Storage
Authors: Nawamawat Kanjanee , Sakdapipanich Jitladda T. , Ho Chee C.
Published: March 2010

Summary: Three different methods of deproteinization, i.e. saponification, surfactant washing and enzymatic treatment were employed to unravel the effect of deproteinized on the properties of natural rubber (NR) latex. The cleavage of proteins in NR latex was found to proceed with concomitant formation of low molecular weight polypeptides. This results in a lowering in gel formation of the enzyme‐treated latex, indicating modification of the remaining proteins at the rubber chain‐end. Washing NR latex with surfactant would efficiently reduce and remove proteins from NR latex particles through denaturation and transferring them to the serum phase. The relatively stable gel formed during storage of surfactant‐washed NR latex is an indication of the absence of branch formation of proteins at the rubber molecule terminal. Saponification by strong alkali would hydrolyze the proteins and phospholipids adsorbed on the latex particle surface. The reason of the significantly higher gel formed in saponified NR latex is still not clear. The present study shows that deproteinization treatments result in modification of the proteins at the surface of NR latex particles and also those freely‐suspended in the serum. The cleavage or the denaturation of the rubber proteins during purification by washing has a profound effect on the properties of the deproteinized NR latex upon storage, in particular the thermal oxidative aging properties of the rubber obtained.
Encapsulation of Hemoglobin Using Condensation Reaction of Butylcyanoacetate with Formaldehyde
Authors: Shimizu Hidenobu , Tomizawa Masayo , Wada Risei , Okabe Masaru
Published: March 2010

Summary: Hemoglobin (Hb)‐encapsulating particles have been prepared in a single step by condensation reaction of butylcyanoacetate (BCNA) with formaldehyde (FA) in Hb aqueous solution. Dimethylamine was used as a base catalyst and then the reaction was performed in 0.1 M HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) at room temperature. Particle composition analysis by extraction indicated that the particles consisted of PBCNA, HEPES and Hb. The content of Hb loaded into the particles monotonously increased with increasing initial Hb concentrations. Almost all Hb molecules in aqueous solution could be recovered as particles. In addition, the encapsulated Hb maintained the oxygen‐carrying capacity similar to native Hb. These results indicate that condensation reaction of BCNA with FA can provide the assembly of Hb molecules in aqueous solution.
Reactive and Highly Submicron Magnetic Latexes for Bionanotechnology Applications
Authors: Elaissari Abdelhamid , Fessi Hatem
Published: March 2010

Summary: Colloidal particles are largely used in biomedical applications as a solid support, as a carrier, as nanoreactors and as labels for target molecule detection. With the recent development of bionanotechnology, more appropriate colloidal particles should be elaborated. In this direction, new specification are listed in order to develop reactive nanoparticles to be use in microsystems, microfluids and all combined systems in which we can conduct sample preparation, specific capture, purification, concentration and detection in small volume (generally less than 100 µl). Then the aim of this short review is to give to the readers some recent orientations of reactive magnetic latex particles for in vitro bionanotechnology applications.
Functionalized Biodegradable Nano‐ and Microspheres for Medical Applications
Authors: Slomkowski Stanislaw
Published: March 2010

Summary: This minireview describes strategies for preparation of biodegradable (from polylactides, and poly(ε‐caprolactone) and from their derivatives) nano‐ and microspheres for medical applications, in particular for drug delivery. In addition to standard methods of particles' formation by emulsification of polymer solution in water‐miscible organic solvent with subsequent solvent evaporation or extraction there are described methods of particles formation by self assembly of polymer macromolecules, by dialysis of polymer solutions in organic water‐miscible solvents carried on against water and by dispersion ring‐opening polymerization of heterocyclic monomers. Strategies for encapsulation of bioactive compounds into nano‐ and microspheres are presented.
A characteristic analysis of fog using GPS‐derived integrated water vapour
Authors: Lee Jaewon , Park Jong‐Uk , Cho Jungho , Baek Jeongho , Kim Hyung Woo
Published: March 2010

In order to determine the plausibility of GPS‐derived Integrated Water Vapour (IWV) as a fog detector, the relationship between GPS IWV and meteorological observations during fog was studied in a time domain. In this research, it is assumed that fog is a simple function of water vapour and cloud water based on non–precipitation warm cloud in the bulk water–continuity model and that, during fog, the atmosphere over the fog layer is horizontally homogeneous.

The case of dense fog was chosen, for which the visibility observed by the human eye (‘synop’) was < 1 km with the regular observation at co–located GPS sites. Preliminary results showed that GPS IWV could detect the microphysical and dynamical process of fog, such as conversion of the water vapour into cloud water and inflow of water vapour into GPS observation sites. Furthermore, it could potentially be found that GPS IWV reflected unceasingly and quantitatively the state of fog after saturation.

To mitigate limitations of the temporal resolution and the inaccuracy of ‘synop’ visibility data, a GPS receiver and a visibility meter were operated at the same site simultaneously. This experiment revealed definitively that typical radiation fog was more suitable than other types of fog for detection by GPS IWV.

Based on these results, it is suggested that GPS IWV can be considered as a supplementary technique in detecting fog processes and improving fog predictability. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Bedside diagnosis of rippling muscle disease in CAV3 p.A46T mutation carriers
Authors: Sundblom Jimmy , Stålberg Erik , Österdahl Maria , Rücker Franz , Montelius Maria , Kalimo Hannu , Nennesmo Inger , Islander Gunilla , Smits Anja , Dahl Niklas , Melberg Atle
Published: March 2010

Thirty‐nine members, ages 1 to 67 years, of a Swedish family with rippling muscle disease (RMD) were investigated to assess genotype–phenotype correlations. Clinical, neurophysiological, and muscle morphological examinations were performed. Genetic analysis was performed in 38 individuals. Twenty‐three patients had percussion‐induced muscle mounding (PIMM) and percussion‐induced rapid contractions (PIRC). Rippling and hyperCKemia were not found in all patients. Weakness was minor or absent. The electromyogram showed absence of electrical activity in ripples and PIMM, and muscle biopsy specimens confirmed caveolin‐3 deficiency and absence of caveolae. Genetic analysis revealed a CAV3 c.G136A transition resulting in a p.A46T missense mutation in affected family members. The phenotype in these 23 cases of RMD with this mutation appears to be homogenous, benign, and nonprogressive. The presence of PIMM and PIRC seems to be diagnostic at all ages, whereas the absence of hyperCKemia and rippling does not exclude the diagnosis. Muscle Nerve, 2010