bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic blends of natural polymers, pectin and sodium alginate
Authors: Gohil Ramesh M.
Published: December 2010

A wide range of Pectin and Sodium Alginate blends have been investigated by casting films from aqueous solution. Blends showed synergy both in mechanical properties and water vapor permeation rate. Previously observed synergism in gels at low pH is also maintained in cast films of blends having up to 40% Pectin. Films were made water‐insoluble by post‐treatment with CaCl2, which develops physical crosslinks among the molecules of both polymers. After CaCl2 treatment, mechanical properties are drastically changed due to development of physically crosslinked tie points in the molecular network structure. The modulus and tensile strength of the resulting network structure are dependent on the nature of the polymers. Even in water insoluble films, synergism in mechanical and water barrier properties is retained in films having up to 20% Pectin content. Structural reorganization before and after CaCl2 treatment was investigated by X‐ray and dynamic mechanical analysis. The synergism observed in mechanical properties of the films before and after CaCl2 treatment is attributed to reduction in molecular mobility and change in molecular network structure. Structural reorganization in CaCl2‐treated films, and thereby film properties, is dependent on the compositions of the blends; blended films show sharp glassy‐rubbery transition in the storage modulus—temperature plot, which is not the case in untreated films. Film flexibility increases with increasing Pectin content in the blends. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Controlled release of berberine hydrochloride from alginate microspheres embedded within carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogels
Authors: Zhu Ai Mei , Hua Chen Jian , Liu Qing Lin , Jiang Yu Liang
Published: December 2010

Berberine hydrochloride is a natural medicine with wide clinical application. In this article, berberine hydrochloride was entrapped into alginate microspheres via an emulsification/gelation method. The size distribution of the microspheres was determined by a laser particle sizer. Drug distribution within the microspheres was determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Those drug‐loaded microspheres were further entrapped into carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) hydrogel to form a new drug‐delivery system (DDS). The surface morphology of the DDS was observed using metallographic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The compression strength of the DDSs with alginate microspheres was found significantly higher than that of the pure hydrogel. The drug‐release performances of the DDS in phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.4), saline solution (pH 6.3), and hydrochloric acid solution (HAS, pH 1.2) were also studied. Decay of the DDS in PBS within 72–80 h results in a faster release; however, the steady release in saline solution could last for all the testing period without cleavage of the DDS. In HAS, because of the shrinkage of the DDS, release is fast in the first period and remains steady later. The DDS exhibits prospective in controlled steady release of drugs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Study of rheological behavior during the recovery process of high impact polystyrene using cross‐WLF model
Authors: Peydró M. A. , Parres F. , Crespo J. E. , Juárez D.
Published: December 2010

The effect of reprocessing two mixtures: recycled high impact polystyrene (HIPS) with polybutadiene (PB); and HIPS with styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene (SEBS) have been studied in this article. To simulate recycled HIPS, we reprocessed virgin HIPS through five cycles. The virgin HIPS, the recycled HIPS, and the mixtures have been mechanically and rheologically characterized after the various cycles of reprocessing to evaluate their corresponding properties and correlate them with the number of cycles undergone. To widen our injection simulation analysis by computer (CAE: Computer Aided Engineering) of these new materials with additives, it was necessary to determine the viscosity using a mathematical model, in this case the Cross‐WLF, to determine the relevant parameters. Our results show that tensile strength increases, while the lengthening and viscosity decrease, as the number of reprocessing cycles increases. If we mix PB or SEBS with degraded HIPS, the mechanical properties of the virgin material are recovered and the rheological behavior maintains the viscosity values for the mixture with PB but these diminish notably for the mixture with SEBS. The results on mechanical properties show that the mixture with SEBS behaves better than the mixture with PB as the number of cycles increases. The viscosity of the mixture with SEBS diminishes more than the viscosity of the mixture with PB as the number of reprocessing cycles increases. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of tetraphenylphenyl‐modified fumed silica on silicone rubber radiation resistance
Authors: Diao Shen , Zhang Shengyou , Yang Zhizhou , Feng Shengyu , Zhang Changqiao , Wang Zhaohua , Wang Guogang
Published: December 2010

Two kinds of treated fumed silica were prepared by treatment with either tetraphenylphenyltriethoxysilane (TPHTS) or both tetraphenylphenyltriethoxysilane and hexamethyldisilazane (TPHMTS), and were used as reinforcing filler for silicone rubber. The resistance to irradiation of the silicone rubber obtained was investigated by gamma ray of dose 500 kGy in air. The mechanical properties and the average molecular weight between crosslinking points (Mc) of the silicone rubber were determined before and after irradiation. The results show that the fumed silica treated by tetraphenylphenyltriethoxysilane (TPHPHS) can effectively improve the radiation resistance of silicone rubber while the fumed silica treated by both tetraphenylphenyltriethoxysilane and hexamethyldisilazane (MMN) cannot only effectively improve the radiation resistance of silicone rubber but also has excellent reinforcing effect on silicone rubber. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Design and preparation of cross‐linked α‐methylstyrene‐acrylonitrile copolymer nano‐particles for elastomer reinforcement
Authors: Lu Ming , Zhou Jianjun , Wang Liansheng , Zhao Wei , Lu Yonglai , Zhang Liqun , Liu Yakang
Published: December 2010

Crosslinked α‐methylstyrene and acrylonitrile (MStAN) copolymer particles in a latex form were synthesized by free radical emulsion polymerization. The particles took a spherical shape with an average size of 53.1 nm in a narrow distribution. When filled into styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile‐butadiene rubber (NBR), and natural rubber (NR), the MStAN nano‐particles exhibited excellent reinforcing capabilities and the best in NBR. By the employment of heat treatment, mechanical properties of the MStAN‐filled SBR composites had got remarkable further improvements. But mechanical properties, together with the morphology, of the MStAN‐filled NBR composites, varied little after heat treatment, which, however, divulged the naturally good compatibility between the MStAN particles and the NBR matrix. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Influence of calix[2]‐p‐benzo[4]pyrrole on the electrochemical properties of poly(ethylene oxide)‐based electrolytes for lithium batteries
Authors: Stephan A. Manuel , Prem Kumar T. , Angulakshmi N. , Salini P.S. , Sabarinathan R. , Srinivasan A. , Thomas Sabu
Published: December 2010

Poly(ethylene oxide) based electrolytes comprising LiCF3SO3 and calix[2]‐p‐benzo[4]pyrrole (CBP) as anion binder were prepared and subjected to DSC, ionic conductivity, cationic transport number and FTIR analyses. Symmetric cells of the type Li/PEO+LiCF3SO3+CBP/Li were assembled with these electrolytes and evolution of interfacial resistance as a function of time was analyzed. The cationic transference number, t, was found to increase from 0.23 to 0.78 on incorporation of CBP in the polymer electrolyte (PE). The incorporation of CBP as an anion trap does not enhance ionic conductivity below 60°C although it improves the interfacial properties. FTIR study revealed the formation of Li–C compounds on the lithium surface upon contact with the CBP added membranes. The CBP added PE was found to be optimal in terms of ionic conductivity and transport number, t, above 70°C, which were found to be higher for a system previously reported with calix[6]pyrrole. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of formulation variables on cure kinetics, mechanical, and electrical properties of filled peroxide cured, ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer compounds
Authors: Sengupta Saurav , Esseghir Mohamed , Cogen Jeffrey M.
Published: December 2010

Peroxide crosslinkable ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) compounds are formulated systems in which the base polymer generally comprises only a small fraction of the total composition. Knowledge of the intercomponent dependency is therefore crucial for successful product development. In this study, we have investigated the effect of formulation components on key material properties of cured, filled, and oil extended EPDM. In studying the impact of individual components, the clay filler was found to have a significant and negative effect on cure performance and to a lesser extent on the dielectric strength as well. On the other hand, the oil plasticizer was found to have a positive effect on recovery of the cure efficiency in filled compounds. It was also found that the interaction of the filler, the plasticizer oil, and the peroxide impacted both the mechanical properties as well as the dielectric strength. Given the complexity of the system, a statistical experimental design method was adopted to study the interactions of the components and their impact of final properties. For selected compositions, the cure behavior and the evolution of properties with extent of cure were studied. The cure was also modeled and compared to previously proposed models available in the literature. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Prokaryotic gene clusters: A rich toolbox for synthetic biology
Authors: Fischbach Michael , Voigt Christopher A.
Published: December 2010

Bacteria construct elaborate nanostructures, obtain nutrients and energy from diverse sources, synthesize complex molecules, and implement signal processing to react to their environment. These complex phenotypes require the coordinated action of multiple genes, which are often encoded in a contiguous region of the genome, referred to as a gene cluster. Gene clusters sometimes contain all of the genes necessary and sufficient for a particular function. As an evolutionary mechanism, gene clusters facilitate the horizontal transfer of the complete function between species. Here, we review recent work on a number of clusters whose functions are relevant to biotechnology. Engineering these clusters has been hindered by their regulatory complexity, the need to balance the expression of many genes, and a lack of tools to design and manipulate DNA at this scale. Advances in synthetic biology will enable the large‐scale bottom‐up engineering of the clusters to optimize their functions, wake up cryptic clusters, or to transfer them between organisms. Understanding and manipulating gene clusters will move towards an era of genome engineering, where multiple functions can be “mixed‐and‐matched” to create a designer organism.
Development and validation of a liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry method to determine ulifloxacin, the active metabolite of prulifloxacin in rat and rabbit plasma: application to toxicokinetic study
Authors: Roy Bikash , Choudhury Hira , Das Ayan , Das Anjan Kumar , Pal Tapan Kumar
Published: December 2010

A simple, high‐throughput and specific high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed and validated according to the FDA guidelines for quantification of ulifloxacin in rat and rabbit plasma. The analyte was separated on a Peerless basic C18 column (33 × 4.6 mm, 3 µm) with an isocratic mobile phase of methanol–water containing formic acid (0.5%, v/v; 9:1, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The MS/MS detection was carried out by monitoring the fragmentation of m/z 350.500 → 248.500 for ulifloxacin and m/z 332.400 → 231.400 for ciprofloxacin (internal standard; IS) on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The response to ulifloxacin was linear over the range 0.010–2.500 µg/mL in both plasma. The limit of detection and lower limit of quantification of ulifloxacin were determined in both species to be 0.0025 and 0.010 µg/mL, respectively. The method was successfully applied to quantitatively assess the toxicokinetics of ulifloxacin in rat and rabbit following a single 400 mg/kg (in rat) and 200 mg/kg (in rabbit) oral dose of the prulifloxacin. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversed‐phase liquid chromatographic determination of tramiprosate in rat plasma using evaporative light scattering detector
Authors: Rao R. Nageswara , Maurya Pawan K. , Shinde Dhananjay D. , Agwane Sachin B.
Published: December 2010

A simple and reliable method was developed for determining blood concentrations of tramiprosate using reversed‐phase HPLC with evaporative light scattering detection. The optimum evaporator and nebulizer temperatures for ELSD were set at 90 and 60°C respectively. The method was linear for a concentration range of 10–1000 µg/mL when 0.3 mL blood was used. The intra‐assay precision ranged from 1.84 to 5.24%, and the coefficient of variation (CV) for a quality control sample at 10 µg/mL was 5.24% with a bias of −9.50% from the target value. The inter‐assay precision ranged from 2.58 to 5.96%, and the CV for a quality control sample at 10 µg/mL was 5.96% with a bias of −7.50% from the target value. The method described here is suitable for management of tramiprosate in Alzheimer disease therapy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of tryptophan and kynurenine in human plasma by liquid chromatography–electrochemical detection with multi‐wall carbon nanotube‐modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Liu Lihong , Chen Ying , Zhang Yulin , Wang Fang , Chen Zilin
Published: December 2010

A novel method was developed for the simultaneous determination of kynurenine and tryptophan by high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection at multi‐wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐modified glassy carbon electrode. The separation and detection conditions were optimized. The typical HPLC experiments were conducted by using a reversed‐phase ODS column with a mobile phase consisting of stock acetate buffer (pH 5)–methanol (4:1, v/v) using an isocratic elution at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The obtained LODs for kynurenine and tryptophane were 0.5 and 0.4 µmol/L, respectively. The analytical method for human plasma samples was validated and confirmed by LC‐UV and LC‐MS. The recoveries were in the range of 84.8–110%, and the precision was lower than 5.9%. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validated HPLC method for the quantitative determination of CoQ10 in dog plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Yuan Bo , Liu Chunling , Xu Pingwei , Lin Lin , Pan Cheng , Wang Linglan , Xu Haiyan
Published: December 2010

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring compound located in all membranes throughout the cell. A rapid and sensitive HPLC method was developed to determine the concentration of CoQ10 in dog plasma using a surrogate matrix. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a Diamonsil C18 column with the UV detector set at 275 nm. Methanol–2‐propanol (40:60, v/v) was used as a mobile phase delivered at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Calibrators were prepared using blank plasma–K2HPO4 buffer (50 mm, pH 8.0)–saline (1:3:6, v/v/v) as surrogate matrix. It was shown that the surrogate matrix had similar properties to dog plasma for CoQ10 in extraction, freeze–thaw and stability. The assay was linear over the concentration range of 0.10–100 µg/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were within 13.3% in terms of relative standard deviation (RSD%) and the accuracy was within ±7.5% in terms of relative error. This simple and reproducible HPLC method with less plasma volume (0.4 mL) and adequate sensitivity was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies of CoQ10 in dogs and an investigation of the effect of CoQ10 formulation on CoQ10 baseline levels. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The evolution of partial least squares models and related chemometric approaches in metabonomics and metabolic phenotyping
Authors: Fonville Judith M. , Richards Selena E. , Barton Richard H. , Boulange Claire L. , Ebbels Timothy M. D. , Nicholson Jeremy K. , Holmes Elaine , Dumas Marc‐Emmanuel
Published: December 2010

Metabonomics is a key element in systems biology, and with current analytical methods, generates vast amounts of quantitative or qualitative metabolic data. Understanding of the global function of the living organism can be achieved by integration of ‘omics’ approaches including metabonomics, genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, increasing the complexity of the full data sets. Multivariate statistical approaches are well suited to extract the characterizing metabolic information associated with each level of dynamic process. In this review, we discuss techniques that have evolved from principal component analysis and partial least squares (PLS) methods with a focus on improved interpretation and modeling with respect to biomarker recovery and data visualization in the context of metabonomic applications. Visualization is of paramount importance to investigate complex metabolic signatures, the power and potential of which is illustrated with key papers. Recent improvements based on the removal of orthogonal variation are discussed in terms of interpretation enhancement, and are supported by relevant applications. Flexibility of PLS methods in general and of O‐PLS in particular allows implementation of derivative methods such as O2‐PLS, O‐PLS‐variance components, nonlinear methods, and batch modeling to improve analysis of complex data sets, which facilitates extraction of information related to subtle biological processes. These approaches can be used to address issues present in complex multi‐factorial data sets. Thus, we highlight the key advantages and limitations of the different latent variable applications for top‐down systems biology and assess the differences between the methods available. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrotalcite‐Supported Gold Catalyst for the Oxidant‐Free Dehydrogenation of Benzyl Alcohol: Studies on Support and Gold Size Effects
Authors: Fang Wenhao , Chen Jiashu , Zhang Qinghong , Deng Weiping , Wang Ye
Published: December 2010

Gold nanoparticles with uniform mean sizes (≈3 nm) loaded onto various supports have been prepared and studied for the oxidant‐free dehydrogenation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and hydrogen. The use of hydrotalcite (HT), which possesses both strong acidity and strong basicity, provides the best catalytic performance. Au/HT catalysts with various mean Au particle sizes (2.1–21 nm) have been successfully prepared by a deposition–precipitation method under controlled conditions. Detailed catalytic reaction studies with these catalysts demonstrate that the Au‐catalyzed dehydrogenation of benzyl alcohol is a structure‐sensitive reaction. The turnover frequency (TOF) increases with decreasing Au mean particle size (from 12 to 2.1 nm). A steep rise in TOF occurs when the mean Au particle size becomes smaller than 4 nm. Our present work suggests that the acid–base properties of the support and the size of Au nanoparticles are two key factors controlling the alcohol dehydrogenation catalysis. A reaction mechanism is proposed to rationalize these results. It is assumed that the activation of the β‐CH bond of alcohol, which requires the coordinatively unsaturated Au atoms, is the rate‐determining step.
Recursive politics: prevention, modernity and social systems
Authors: Freeman Richard
Published: December 2010

The aim of this paper is to connect the recent interest in prevention to recent developments in social theory. It begins by recovering some of prevention's essential features from the realm of common sense, showing that what is taken to be the common sense of prevention is emblematic of modernity. For prevention is built on scientific understandings of cause and effect and the possibility of prediction; on a capacity for controlled intervention by government in social life; on a universal value base; on the authority of professional expertise; on rational, calculating, individual social subjects. As this order develops and changes, many of its constituent elements begin to be threatened by social processes which it has itself set in train. Prevention is affected by (and implicated in) these changes, too. But far from being eclipsed by them it becomes more prominent.

Drawing on systems theory, the paper argues that prevention meets the essential purpose of boundary maintenance by which the functioning of social systems is sustained. For reasons both external and internal to welfare agencies, including an increased burden of social risk and increasing organisational complexity, this need to mark and maintain system boundaries is ever more pressing. At the same time, at least part of the problem of the fragility of boundaries is attributable to attempts to maintain them. It is for this reason that preventive policy making can be described as recursive, or self‐propelling. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sure Start: the development of an early intervention programme for young children in the United Kingdom
Authors: Glass Norman
Published: December 2010

This article describes the development of the Sure Start programme in the United Kingdom, which marks an important new departure in the provision of services for the ‘early years'. Announced in July 1998 as part of the Labour Government's Comprehensive Spending Review, it is important not only in terms of its substance—£540 m to be spent in the United Kingdom over the Spending Review years 1999/2000 to 2001/2, 250 local programmes by the end of the Parliament covering up to 150 000 children—but in terms of the way the policy was developed and the way it is to be implemented. In many ways it is a prime example of ‘joined‐up government' and evidence‐based policy making. The first 60 ‘trailblazer' areas were announced in January 1999 and the programme will be rolled out from the early summer. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tetrakisphosphates and Bispyrophosphates ofmyo‐Inositol Derivatives as Allosteric Effectors of Human Hemoglobin: Synthesis, Molecular Recognition, and Oxygen Release
Authors: Koumbis Alexandros E. , Duarte Carolina D. , Nicolau Claude , Lehn Jean‐Marie
Published: December 2010

Various 2,5‐ and 1,4‐substituted and unsubstitutedmyo‐inositol tetrakisphosphates and bispyrophosphates were prepared following a general synthetic pathway. All final compounds were tested for their capability to induce oxygen release from human hemoglobin. Most of these proved to be efficient allosteric effectors, with similar affinities for hemoglobin to that ofmyo‐inositol hexakisphosphate, which is one of the best known allosteric effectors of hemoglobin. The efficacy was found to be higher for free phosphates than pyrophosphates. As allosteric Hb effectors, these compounds enable enhanced oxygen release. These effects increase with the strength of Hb binding and correspond primarily to electrostatic interactions. Stereochemical and steric factors also play a significant but secondary role in molecular recognition. In view of the central role played by hypoxia in numerous types of diseases, the exploration ofmyo‐inositol phosphate derivatives represents an important avenue in the search for substances which act on the oxygenation status of tissues and may have significant potential in the discovery and development of novel drug candidates.
Cholinergic innervation of pyramidal cells and parvalbumin‐immunoreactive interneurons in the rat basolateral amygdala
Authors: Muller Jay F. , Mascagni Franco , McDonald Alexander J.
Published: December 2010

The basolateral nucleus of the amygdala receives an extremely dense cholinergic innervation from the basal forebrain that is critical for memory consolidation. Although previous electron microscopic studies determined some of the postsynaptic targets of cholinergic afferents, the majority of postsynaptic structures were dendritic shafts whose neurons of origin were not identified. To make this determination, the present study analyzed the cholinergic innervation of the anterior subdivision of the basolateral amygdalar nucleus (BLa) of the rat using electron microscopic dual‐labeling immunocytochemistry. The vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) was used as a marker for cholinergic terminals; calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMK) was used as a marker for pyramidal cells, the principal neurons of the BLa; and parvalbumin (PV) was used as a marker for the predominant interneuronal subpopulation in this nucleus. VAChT+ terminals were visualized by using diaminobenzidine as a chromogen, whereas CAMK+ or PV+ neurons were visualized with Vector very intense purple (VIP) as a chromogen. Quantitative analyses revealed that the great majority of dendritic shafts receiving cholinergic inputs were CAMK+, indicating that they were of pyramidal cell origin. In fact, 89% of the postsynaptic targets of cholinergic terminals in the BLa were pyramidal cells, including perikarya (3%), dendritic shafts (47%), and dendritic spines (39%). PV+ structures, including perikarya and dendrites, constituted 7% of the postsynaptic targets of cholinergic axon terminals. The cholinergic innervation of both pyramidal cells and PV+ interneurons may constitute an anatomical substrate for the generation of oscillatory activity involved in memory consolidation by the BLa. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:790–805, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Confocal immunofluorescence study of rat aortic body chemoreceptors and associated neurons in situ and in vitro
Authors: Piskuric Nikol A. , Vollmer Cathy , Nurse Colin A.
Published: December 2010

Aortic bodies (ABs) are putative peripheral arterial chemoreceptors, distributed near the aortic arch. Though presumed to be analogous to the well‐studied carotid bodies (CBs), their anatomical organization, innervation, and function are poorly understood. By using multilabel confocal immunofluorescence, we investigated the cellular organization, innervation, and neurochemistry of ABs in whole mounts of juvenile rat vagus and recurrent laryngeal (V‐RL) nerves and in dissociated cell culture. Clusters of tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive (TH‐IR) glomus cells were routinely identified within these nerves. Unlike the CB, many neuronal cell bodies and processes, identified by peripherin (PR) and neurofilament/growth‐associated protein (NF70/GAP‐43) immunoreactivity, were closely associated with AB glomus clusters, especially near the V‐RL bifurcation. Some neuronal cell bodies were immunopositive for P2X2 and P2X3 purinoceptor subunits, which were also found in nerve terminals surrounding glomus cells. Immunoreactivity against the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) was detected in local neurons, glomus cells, and apposed nerve terminals. Few neurons were immunopositive for TH or neuronal nitric oxide synthase. A similar pattern of purinoceptor immunoreactivity was observed in tissue sections of adult rat V‐RL nerves, except that glomus cells were weakly P2X3‐IR. Dissociated monolayer cultures of juvenile rat V‐RL nerves yielded TH‐IR glomus clusters in intimate association with PR‐ or NF70/GAP‐43‐IR neurons and their processes, and glial fibrillary acidic protein‐IR type II (sustentacular) cells. Cocultures survived for several days, wherein neurons expressed voltage‐activated ionic currents and generated action potentials. Thus, this coculture model is attractive for investigating the role of glomus cells and local neurons in AB function. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:856–873, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental expression of δ‐opioid receptors during maturation of the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and sensory innervations of the neonatal heart: Early targets for opioid regulation of autonomic control
Authors: Mousa Shaaban A. , Shaqura Mohammed , Schäper Jörn , Treskatsch Sascha , Habazettl Helmut , Schäfer Michael , Abdul‐Khaliq Hashim
Published: December 2010

Evidence is accumulating regarding the local opioid regulation of heart function. However, the exact anatomical location of δ‐opioid receptors (DORs) and expression during maturation of the autonomic and sensory innervations of the neonatal heart is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to characterize target sites for opioids in neonatal rat heart intracardiac ganglia at postnatal day (P)1, P7 and adulthood (P56–P84). Rat heart atria were subjected to reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, radioligand binding, and immunofluorescence confocal analysis of DORs with the neuronal markers vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), and substance P (SP). Our results demonstrated DOR mRNA, protein, and binding sites that gradually increased from P1 toward adulthood. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy showed DOR co‐localized with VAChT in large‐diameter principal neurons, TH‐immunoreactive (IR) small intensely fluorescent (SIF) catecholaminergic cells, and CGRP‐ or SP‐IR afferent nerve terminals arborizing within intracardiac ganglia and atrial myocardium. Co‐expression of DOR with VAChT‐IR neurons was observed from the first day of birth (P1). In contrast, DORs on TH‐IR SIF cells or CGRP‐IR fibers were not observed in intracardiac ganglia of P1, but rather in P7 rats. The density of nerve fibers in atrial myocardium co‐expressing DORs with different neuronal markers increased from neonatal age toward adulthood. In summary, the enhanced DOR expression parallel to the maturation of cardiac parasympathetic, sympathetic, and sensory innervation of the heart suggests that the cardiac opioid system is an important regulator of neonatal and adult heart function through the autonomic nervous system. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:957–971, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Magnetohydrodynamic biorheological transport phenomena in a porous medium: A simulation of magnetic blood flow control and filtration
Authors: Rashidi M. M. , Keimanesh M. , Bég O. Anwar , Hung T. K.
Published: December 2010

Application of magnetic fields to medical science is growing rapidly, with the development of novel magnetic pumps, hydromagnetic separation devices, etc. In this paper, we study the dual control mechanisms of transverse magnetic field and porous media filtration on viscous convection heat transfer in a buoyancy‐driven blood flow regime in a vertical pipe, as a model of a blood separation configuration. Non‐Newtonian characteristics of the blood are modeled with the well‐tested, thermodynamically rigorous micropolar model introduced by Eringen. Porous media effects are simulated with a Darcy–Forchheimer drag force model. The two‐point boundary value problem is normalized and the resulting dimensionless linear momentum, angular momentum (Eringen micro‐rotation) and energy conservation equations are solved by the Differential Transform M ethod (DTM). The convergence analysis elucidates that the DTM yields exceedingly accurate results, which are validated with a comparison with optimized fourth‐order Runge–Kutta numerical quadrature. The influence of micropolar vortex viscosity parameter (Eringen parameter (Er), Hartmann magnetohydrodynamic number ( Ha), aspect ratio (A), Darcy number ( Da), heat generation/absorption parameter (α) and Grashof number on the flow variables are studied in detail. The present study has important applications in magnetic field control of biotechnological (hemodynamic) processes, biomagnetic device technology, etc. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moderators of weight gain in the early stages of outpatient cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Lockwood Rebecca , Serpell Lucy , Waller Glenn
Published: December 2010

Objective:

Treatments for anorexia nervosa have relatively low levels of effectiveness. This prospective study examines the impact of patients' characteristics on their early responses to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anorexia nervosa.

Method:

Patients' eating attitudes, body mass index, and comorbid characteristics at the outset of treatment were used to predict drop‐out and changes in weight across the first 10 sessions of CBT. Forty anorexic patients (28 full syndrome and 12 atypical cases—body mass index range = 12.8–18.4) entered CBT for anorexia nervosa.

Results:

Early drop‐outs (N = 6) had relatively low levels of anxiety at the beginning of therapy, but there were no other moderators. Weight gain was slower in the 6th to 10th sessions among patients with relatively unhealthy eating attitudes (restraint and shape concerns). Higher levels of anxiety at the start of treatment were associated with poorer weight gain across these first 10 sessions.

Discussion:

Early anxiety levels should be attended to closely in CBT for anorexia nervosa, with low levels indicating a high risk of drop‐out and a greater need for engagement and motivational work, and high levels, indicating that clinicians should work explicitly with the patient on anxiety reduction techniques in order to enhance their level of early weight gain. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012)
Binding of HgCl2 by a Nitro Functionalized Tripodal Receptor and Its Decomplexation Controlled by Anion Complexation
Authors: Dey Sandeep Kumar , Das Gopal
Published: December 2010

The presence of a nitro functionality on N‐bridged tripodal receptors has an effect on its binding ability towards HgCl2 by coordination through one of the nitro oxygen atoms, ethereal oxygen and the bridgehead nitrogen atom. Decomplexation of HgCl2 and recovery of the receptor L can be accomplished by the formation of anion complexes with [L·HgCl2]. The complexation of different anions with multiple protonated receptor units is attributable to intramolecular (N–H)+···anion interactions, at the same time the presence of multiple C–H···anion and interligand C–H···Onitro hydrogen bonds provide added stabilization. Protonation at the bridgehead nitrogen atom and the presence of the nitro functionality render the aliphatic and aryl protons sufficiently acidic for their active participation in moderate to weak C–H···anion and C–H···Onitro interactions. Spectroscopic studies provide evidence for the formation of anion complexes from [L·HgCl2] by extrusion of HgCl2.
Oxidative Isomerization of Vinylidenecyclopropanes to Dimethylenecyclopropanes and Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Further Transformation
Authors: Lu Bei‐Li , Shi Min
Published: December 2010

Oxidative isomerization of vinylidenecyclopropanes 1 produces dimethylenecyclopropane aldehydes 2 in moderate to good yields using tetrapropylammonium perruthenate (TPAP)/4‐methylmorpholine N‐oxide (NMO) as a catalytic system and the obtained dimethylenecyclopropanes 3 can be transformed to indene derivatives smoothly in the presence of Brønsted acid (HOTf). The scope and limitations as well as the plausible mechanisms have been discussed.
Fate of the antifungal drug clotrimazole in agricultural soil
Authors: Sabourin Lyne , Al-Rajab Abdul Jabbar , Chapman Ralph , Lapen David R , Topp Edward
Published: December 2010

Clotrimazole is a broad-spectrum antimycotic drug used for the treatment of dermatological and gynecological infections; it is incompletely broken down during sewage treatment and could potentially reach agricultural land through the application of municipal biosolids or wastewater. In the absence of any environmental fate data, we evaluated the persistence and dissipation pathways of 3H-clotrimazole during laboratory incubations of agricultural soils. Clotrimazole was removed from a loam (time to dissipate 50% = 68 d), a sandy loam (time to dissipate 50% = 36 d), and a clay loam (time to dissipate 50% = 55 d), with formation of nonextractable residues being the major sink for 3H. Their parent compound had no significant mineralization, as evidenced by the lack of formation of 3H2O. Up to 15% of the applied radioactivity was recovered in the form of [3H]-(2-chlorophenyl)diphenyl methanol. The rate of clotrimazole dissipation in the loam soil did not vary with moisture content, but it was slower at a lower temperature (number of days to dissipate 50% = 275.6 d at 4°C). Addition of municipal biosolids to the loam soil did not vary the clotrimazole dissipation rate. In summary, the present study has established that clotrimazole is dissipated in soil, at rates that varied with soil texture and temperature. Clotrimazole dissipation was accompanied by the formation of nonextractable residues and detectable extractable residues of the transformation product (2-chlorophenyl)diphenyl methanol. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:582–587. © 2010 SETAC
Bioconcentration of the intense sweetener sucralose in a multitrophic battery of aquatic organisms
Authors: Lillicrap Adam , Langford Katherine , Tollefsen Knut Erik
Published: December 2010

Reports of the intense (artificial) sweetener sucralose (1,6-dichloro-1,6-dideoxy-β-D-fructo-furanosyl 4-chloro-4-deoxy-α-D-galactopyranoside) in various environmental compartments have led to speculations about biological effects in nontarget species living in areas receiving discharges from anthropogenic activities. We have, as the first step in the risk assessment of this compound, conducted bioaccumulation studies in the freshwater alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, the crustacean Daphnia magna, and zebrafish (Danio rerio). The freshwater algae and the daphnid tests were performed using a 48-h static exposure system, whereas the zebrafish test was performed using a 48-h semi static exposure system followed by 48 h flow-through of clean water for the depuration phase. All three studies were conducted with two exposure concentrations (10 and 100 mg/L), and the concentrations of sucralose in water and biota were verified by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The studies showed that uptake of sucralose was assumed to achieve a steady state within the first 48 h, and the bioconcentration factor at the assumed steady state (BCFSS) was calculated to be less than 1 for algae and between 1.6 to 2.2 for the daphnids. The fish BCFSS, assumed to occur between 24 to 48 hours, were calculated to be less than 1 for both concentrations tested. A first-order one-compartment (uptake phase) and a first-order two-compartment (elimination phase) model characterized the uptake and depuration kinetics in zebrafish (k1 = 0.027–0.038/h and k2 = 0.206–0.222/h, t95 = 13.5 to 14.6 h, t50 = 3.1 to 3.3 h, and BCFkinetic = 0.4 to 0.9). The current study shows that sucralose does not bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms from different tiers of the food web, and that the BCF's obtained were considerably lower than the criteria set to identify persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances (i.e., BCF ≥ 2,000). Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:673–681. © 2011 SETAC
Evaluation of inflammatory effects of airborne endotoxin emitted from composting sources
Authors: Liu Jian , Pankhurst Louise J , Deacon Lewis J , Abate Wondwossen , Hayes Enda T , Drew Gill H , Longhurst Phil J , Pollard Simon , Longhurst James , Tyrrel Sean F , Jackson Simon K
Published: December 2010

Because of the lack of effective methodology, the biological effects of environmental endotoxin have not been assessed. Here we have collected and measured airborne endotoxin at different locations around composting sites. Increased endotoxin concentrations were observed close to composting activities and also at nearby boundary areas. Analysis of proinflammatory effects of the environmental endotoxin on interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-6 release from human D562 pharyngeal epithelial and MM6 monocytic cell cultures showed an association between endotoxin level and cytokine induction. The cytokine-inducing effect of bioaerosol extracts was inhibited by polymyxin B, indicating that endotoxin was the cause of cytokine responses we found. The environmental endotoxin was also more active for stimulating cytokines in airway epithelial cells than commercially purified Escherichia coli endotoxin. Our results suggest that these in vitro inflammatory cell models may contribute to the assessment of health impacts of environmental endotoxin. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:602–606. © 2011 SETAC
Differential roles of metallothionein-like proteins in cadmium uptake and elimination by the scallop Chlamys nobilis
Authors: Liu Fengjie , Wang Wen-Xiong
Published: December 2010

Metallothionein-like proteins (MTLPs) are important inducible ligands for Cd detoxification, but whether MTLPs are involved in Cd bioaccumulation remains unclear. The present study investigated the potential interrelationships between MTLP turnover and Cd biokinetics in the scallop Chlamys nobilis with or without dissolved Cd pre-exposure. After Cd pre-exposure, increased synthesis rate and standing stock concentration of MTLPs as well as increased dissolved Cd uptake rate, were found in C. nobilis. However, the level of newly sequestrated Cd by MTLPs in the pre-exposed scallops was similar to that of the controls, indicating that MTLPs had no effect on Cd uptake from the dissolved phase. Instead, Cd uptake rate was positively related to the Cd binding rate of cellular debris and organelles. In addition, no significant difference was observed in the Cd dietary assimilation efficiency of the scallops, showing that MTLPs played a minimal role in Cd uptake from the dietary phase. Conversely, the Cd efflux rate constant decreased by 68 to 75% in the pre-exposed scallops in comparison with that in the control. Correspondingly, progressive elevations of MTLP-bound Cd and standing stock MTLP concentration were observed in the pre-exposed individuals during the Cd elimination period. In the pre-exposed scallops, the faster de novo MTLP synthesis could remobilize and recycle more Cd from other intracellular pools, effectively reducing the Cd elimination rate. The present study thus showed the differential roles of MTLPs in Cd uptake and elimination in the bivalves. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:738–746. © 2011 SETAC
A postexposure feeding assay using the marine polychaeteNeanthes arenaceodentatasuitable for laboratory and in situ exposures
Authors: Rosen Gunther , Miller Kyle
Published: December 2010

This study examined the suitability for the use of the polychaetous annelid Neanthes arenaceodentata in a short-term sublethal bioassay based on postexposure feeding rate. Quantification of feeding rate was determined by an approximately 1-h feeding period to Artemia franciscana nauplii after a 48-h aqueous exposure. Both lethality and feeding rate were assessed after exposure to Cu and phenanthrene, with the Cu results being compared with those available from similar studies that used the polychaete Hediste diversicolor. Laboratory assessment on the effect of manipulating two common variables in estuarine environments (temperature and salinity) on postexposure feeding to both clean and Cu-spiked seawater samples was also conducted. The 48- and 96-h median lethal concentrations (LC50s) for Cu were 156 and 80 µg/L, respectively, whereas the 48-h median effective concentration (EC50) determined by feeding rate was 57 µg/L. The 48-h LC50 for phenanthrene was 2,224 µg/L, whereas the 48-h feeding rate EC50 was 345 µg/L (more sensitive by a factor of >6). The sensitivity of the postexposure feeding rate endpoint to two representative chemicals that are frequently elevated in contaminated sediments, in addition to rapid exposure time, ecological relevance, and relatively simple approach, suggest that this assay with N. arenaceodentata has potential for use as a tool for sublethal effects assessment, with particular promise for in situ applications. The utility of this assay in actual marine and estuarine sediments is being assessed in situ at several North American sediment sites, and will be reported in future publications. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:730–737. © 2011 SETAC
Biomarker responses and disease susceptibility in juvenile rainbow troutOncorhynchus mykissfed a high molecular weight PAH mixture
Authors: Bravo C.F , Curtis L.R , Myers M.S , Meador J.P , Johnson L.L , Buzitis J , Collier T.K , Morrow J.D , Laetz C.A , Loge F.J , Arkoosh M.R
Published: December 2010

Juvenile rainbow trout were fed a diet containing an environmentally relevant mixture of 10 high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at a dose of 0.66 or 7.82 µg PAH · g fish−1 · d−1. At 3, 7, 14, and 28 d, biomarkers of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation (AHR), hepatic microsomal ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, and cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A)-associated staining increased 14- to 26-fold and 6- to 14-fold, respectively, in fish fed 7.82 µg PAH · g fish −1 · d−1. Cytochrome P4501A-associated staining increased 2- to 9-fold on days 3, 7, and 28 in fish fed 0.66 µg PAH · g fish−1 · d−1. Bile fluorescent aromatic compounds served as a biomarker of exposure and confirmed that PAH exposure was consistent over 50 d. DNA damage in blood cells, protein oxidation, and lipid peroxidation in the kidney were biomarkers of oxidative stress and all increased in fish fed 7.82 µg PAH · g fish−1 · d−1. Fish fed 0.66 µg PAH · g fish−1 · d−1 had elevated DNA damage in blood cells but increased protein oxidation or lipid peroxidation in the kidney were not observed. Challenge with Aeromonas salmonicida, at lethal concentration (LC) 20, decreased survival in fish previously fed either 0.66 µg PAH · g fish−1 · d−1 or 7.82 µg PAH · g fish−1 · d−1 relative to fish fed the control diet. In general, biomarkers of both AHR activation and oxidative stress peaked at 3 to 14 d then declined at 28 to 50 d of PAH exposure and an increase in susceptibility to disease was observed at 50 d. These results link PAH exposure to biomarker responses that may be useful as early indicators of population level responses, such as mortality resulting from an increase in disease susceptibility. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:704–714. © 2011 SETAC
Toxicity evaluation of single and mixed antifouling biocides using the Strongylocentrotus intermedius sea urchin embryo test
Authors: Wang Heng , Li Yan , Huang Honghui , Xu Xue , Wang Yonghua
Published: December 2010

The present study evaluated the single and mixed toxicities of commonly used antifouling biocides (copper pyrithione, Sea nine 211, dichlofluanid, tolylfluanid, and Irgarol 1051) on the early embryogenesis of sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius. Their toxicities were quantified in terms of the median effective concentration (EC50) reducing the embryogenesis success by 50%. For individual biocides to the embryos, the toxicity was in order of copper pyrithione > Sea nine 211 > tolylfluanid > dichlofluanid > Irgarol 1051. The toxicities of mixture (binary, ternary, quaternary, and quinary) of compounds, evaluated by toxic unit, additivity index, and mixture toxicity index, showed that the copper pyrithione–Sea nine 211 combination was the most toxic with the EC50 value of 7.87 nM in all mixtures. Synergistic enhancements of toxicity were observed for all mixtures except the combination of tolylfluanid–Sea nine 211, revealing antagonistic effect. Both the concentration addition and independent action concepts failed to accurately predict the mixture toxicities of the antifouling combinations; thus, a new log KOW-based model was developed to predict the combined toxicities of these antifouling chemicals, which were capable of predicting the mixture toxicities of antifouling biocides (R2 = 0.33). Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:692–703. © 2011 SETAC