bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
James Joyce in His Labyrinth
Authors: Marichalar Antonio , Rogers Gayle
Published: September 2009

Jorge Luis Borges claimed to be “the first hispanic adventurer to have arrived at Joyce's [Ulysses]” (3) when he published a translation of the novel's final page in the Argentine journal Proa in January 1925; in fact, the Spaniard Antonio Marichalar was the first to translate passages of Ulysses into Spanish—just two months earlier, in the Revista de Occidente in Madrid. One of the finest literary critics and essayists of the 1920s and 1930s, Marichalar (1893–1973) was largely responsible for circulating the works and poetics of a number of anglophone writers, including Joyce, William Faulkner, Virginia Woolf, Lytton Strachey, Liam O'Flaherty, Hart Crane, and D. H. Lawrence, among hispanophone audiences. Prior to 1924, Joyce had been mentioned briefly in the Spanish press by Marichalar, by the English travel writer Douglas Goldring, and by several others, but no one yet had substantially treated the Irish author whose work was at the center of a revolution in European literary aesthetics. Marichalar's groundbreaking article/review/translation “James Joyce in His Labyrinth” was a remarkable introduction to and adaptation of Joyce's modernist cosmopolitanism in Spain, where the author's influence remains profound.
Biocultures: An Emerging Paradigm
Authors: Clayton Jay
Published: September 2009

Literature and Science Policy: A New Project for the Humanities

The misfortune lies with a single gene, in an excessive repeat of a single sequence—CAG. Here's biological determinism in its purest form. More than forty repeats of that one little codon, and you're doomed.

—Ian McEwan, Saturday (94)

Huntington's disease. Perowne, the neurosurgeon in Ian McEwan's novel Saturday (2005), readily diagnoses the genetic abnormality that afflicts a petty criminal who is assaulting him. It is like a tic with Perowne. He cannot stop himself from analyzing the biological causes of the poor emotional control, the violent temper, of the man who is mugging him. Perowne regards himself as a “professional reductionist,” a man of science who “can't help thinking it's down to invisible folds and kinks of character, written in code, at the level of molecules” (281). A lifetime of medical experience has led him to conclude that much of our behavior is dictated by biology. But Huntington's disease represents an extreme case. For someone with this condition, the “future is fixed and easily foretold” (94).
Caudal Epididymal Sperm Characteristics and Testicular Morphometrics of Rabbits Fed Graded Levels of a Blood-Wild Sunflower Leaf Meal (BWSLM) Mixture Diet
Authors: Ajayi Ayodeji F , Raji Yinusa , Togun Victor , Oyewopo A. O
Published: September 2009

The effects of feeding graded levels of blood-wild sunflower leaf meal (BWSLM) mixture on rabbit caudal epididymal sperm characteristics and testicular morphometrics were investigated. The BWSLM mixture was included in the feed at 0, 5, 10 and 15% levels in diets 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The motile-spermatozoa for diet 3, which was 77%, was significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to other diets, while the non-motile spermatozoa for diet 3 which was 6% was the least among the diets. The progressive motility of spermatozoa for diet 4 (56%) was higher (P<0.05) than other diets, while the spermatozoa with deformed tail for diet 4 (6%) was the least. The sperm concentration for diet 3 was 154 x 106/mm3 and significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to other diets. Testicular morphometrics showed that diet 3 had a significantly (P<0.05) higher value of paired testes weight (2.46g), relative weight of testes (0.28), mean testicular length (4.40cm) and mean testicular width (1.10cm) than other diets. The results showed that inclusion of BWSLM mixture supported optimum caudal epididymal sperm characteristics and showed testicular morphometrics (growth) in rabbits at a 10% level of incorporation and is tolerated without adverse effects up to 15% levels.
Respiratory Monitoring: Physiological and Technical Considerations
Authors: Becker Daniel E. , Casabianca Andrew B.
Published: September 2009

The American Dental Association and several dental specialty organizations have published guidelines that detail requirements for monitoring patients during various levels of sedation and, in some cases, general anesthesia. In general, all these are consistent with those guidelines suggested by the American Society of Anesthesiologists for sedation and analgesia by nonanesthesiologists. It is well accepted that the principal negative impact of sedation and anesthesia is the compromise of respiratory function. While monitoring per se is a technical issue, an appreciation of its purpose and the interpretation of the information provided require an understanding of respiratory anatomy and physiology. The focus of this continuing education article is to address the physiological aspects of respiration and to understand the appropriate use of monitors, including the interpretation of the information they provide.
Facies association and depositional environment of fan-delta sequence in southwest Kathmandu Basin, Nepal
Authors: Tamrakar Naresh Kazi , Shrestha Pramila , Maharjan Surendra
Published: September 2009

Lake marginal sedimentation prevailed around the Paleo-Kathmandu Lake. Owing to the difference in local basin conditions; tectonics, source rock types and river systems therein, the lake marginal environments and sedimentary facies associations differ around the Paleo-Kathmandu Lake. In this study, the basin-fill sediments of southwestern margin of the Kathmandu Basin were studied for the sediments recorded in vertical sequences at various localities and facies analysis was made. Mainly eight facies were recognised. They were matrix-supported massive gravel (Gmm), matrix-supported graded gravel (Gmg), gravelly fine or mud (GF), massive silt (Fsm), massive mud (Fm), ripple-laminated silt or laminated silt/mud/clay (Fl), carbonaceous clay (C), and incipient soil with roots (Fr). Four facies associations that were identified were proximal fan-delta facies association (FA1), mid fan-delta facies associaiton (FA2), distal fan-delta facies association (FA3), and gravelly sinuous river facies association (FA4). Remarkably, these facies associations do not contain any sandy facies and foreset bedding of Gilbert-type. The fan-delta region was characterised by flood-dominated flows and vertical accretion of fines in the flood basins, and vegetated swamps rich in organic sediments. The distribution of facies associations suggests extensive lake transgression followed by rapid lake regression. The recent river system then incised the valley against local upliftment due to faulting or lowering of base level of the main river in the Kathmandu Basin probably related to draining out of the lake water. doi: Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Vol. 12, 2009, pp. 1-16
2-Phenyl-tetrahydropyrimidine-4(1H)-ones – cyclic benzaldehyde aminals as precursors for functionalised β2-amino acids
Authors: Nahrwold Markus , Stončius Arvydas , Penner Anna , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans-Georg , Sewald Norbert
Published: September 2009

Novel procedures have been developed to condense benzaldehyde effectively with β-amino acid amides to cyclic benzyl aminals. Double carbamate protection of the heterocycle resulted in fully protected chiral β-alanine derivatives. These serve as universal precursors for the asymmetric synthesis of functionalised β2-amino acids containing acid-labile protected side chains. Diastereoselective alkylation of the tetrahydropyrimidinone is followed by a chemoselective two step degradation of the heterocycle to release the free β2-amino acid. In the course of this study, an L-asparagine derivative was condensed with benzaldehyde and subsequently converted to orthogonally protected (R)-β2-homoaspartate.
On productivity and game fandom
Authors: Wirman Hanna
Published: September 2009

As a result of its unique characteristics as a technology and a medium, a computer game engages its players with several novel forms of coproductivity, such as modding, the making of machinima videos, and the writing of game play walkthroughs. Depending on the game, genre, and playing style, the player is either expected or encouraged to create game content and game-related texts of her own. This essay discusses the productive practices surrounding computer games, proposing five dimensions of player productivity: (1) game play as productivity; (2) productivity for play: instrumental productivity; (3) productivity beyond play: expressive productivity; (4) games as tools; and (5) productivity as a part of game play. Such mapping reveals limitations in views that consider fandom predominantly as productivity or approach player coproductivity straightforwardly as fandom. The essay aims to illustrate that we should look for alternative manifestations of fandom among players, those not solely based on productivity. By exploring various ways in which players of computer games take part in the production of the games they play, the essay discusses games as an excellent example of a participatory culture because of the blurring of professional and hobbyist productivity in games. Since new motivations for productivity are proposed, this view informs research about fandom and productivity in current media culture in general.
Repackaging fan culture: The regifting economy of ancillary content models
Authors: Scott Suzanne
Published: September 2009

As "Web 2.0 companies speak about creating communities around their products and services, rather than recognizing that they are more often courting existing communities with their own histories, agendas, hierarchies, traditions, and practices" (Jenkins et al. 2009a), media fandom is rapidly being constructed as a fertile battleground where the territory between online gift economies and commodity culture will be negotiated. My concern, as fans and acafans continue to vigorously debate the importance or continued viability of fandom's gift economy and focus on flagrant instances of the industry's attempt to co-opt fandom, is that the subtler attempts to replicate fannish gift economies aren't being met with an equivalent volume of discussion or scrutiny.
Interview with Chris Bouchard
Authors: Dollard Emma
Published: September 2009

Interview with Chris Bouchard, conducted by Emma Dollard.
The Use of Metal Nanoparticles to Produce Yellow, Red and Iridescent Colour, from Bronze Age to Present Times in Lustre Pottery and Glass: Solid State Chemistry, Spectroscopy and Nanostructure
Authors: Colomban Philippe
Published: September 2009

The use of metal nanoparticles dispersed in an optically clear matrix by potters and glassmakers from the Bronze Age up to the present time is reviewed from the solid state chemistry and material science point of view. The nature of metal (gold, silver or copper), the importance of some other elements (Fe, Sn, Sb, Bi) added to control metal reduction in the glass in relation to the firing atmosphere (combined reducing oxidizing sequences, role of hydrogen and water) are considered in the light of ancient Treatises and recent analyses using advanced techniques (FIB- TEM, EXAFS,…) and classical methods (optical microscopy, UV-visible absorption). The different types of colour production, by absorption/reflection (red, yellow) or diffraction (iridescence) and the relationship between nanostructure (metal particle dispersion, layer stacking) and lustre colour are discussed. The very specific interaction between light and the metal nanoparticle makes Raman scattering a very useful "bottom up" technique to study the local glass structure around the metal particles as well as to detect incomplete metal reduction or residues tracing the preparation route, hence making it possible to differentiate between genuine artefacts and fakes.
Α Nano Approach to Consolidation of Degraded Historic Lime Mortars
Authors: Drdácký Miloš , Slížková Zuzana , Ziegenbalg Gerald
Published: September 2009

This paper presents a comparative study of the effects of calcium hydroxide based agents on consolidating a lean lime mortar. In the first part, it describes the properties and characteristics of CaLoSiL® – a new stone strengthener based on colloidal suspensions of lime nanoparticles in various solvents. It further summarizes the results of recent tests on the influence of applying nano-agents based on colloidal calcium hydroxide dispersed in ethanol or isopropyl alcohol (CaLoSiL®), and compares them with the effects of lime water and with a traditional barium hydroxide treatment. The tests were carried out on non-standard test specimens fabricated from a lean mortar (1:9) and developed specially for the purpose of testing the relatively low strengthening effects that are typical for lime water consolidation. The comparison presented in this paper is based on the mechanical characteristics of consolidated lime mortar.
Double Nanoparticle Layer in a 12th Century Lustreware Decoration: Accident or Technological Mastery?
Authors: Sciau Philippe , Mirguet Claude , Roucau Christian , Chabanne Delhia , Schvoerer Max
Published: September 2009

Metallic lustre decorations of glazed ceramics, which appeared in Mesopotamia during the 9th century AD, can be considered nowadays as an historical example of controlled nanotechnology for optical devices. Their surprising optical properties are directly due to metallic nanoparticles that Islamic potters were able to bury in the first layers of glaze through empirical chemical means. Lustre technology is fascinating and many papers have been devoted to this subject. Many lustre samples have been investigated with the most modern equipment such as the synchrotron radiation, electron microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy and other spectroscopic methods. This decor made in the twelfth century during the Fatimid dynasty shows a quasi-perfect double layer of nanoparticles confirming the high technological mastery of this civilization. Moreover, up to now, no lustre has been found with an organization of nanoparticles as elaborate as the decor presented here.
Autochthonous and Allochthonous Micro and Nanoparticles in Deteriorated Lime Mortars of Historical Buildings
Authors: Sanjurjo-Sánchez Jorge , Romaní Juan Ramón Vidal , Alves Carlos
Published: September 2009

Lime mortars have been commonly used in historical buildings since ancient times. The progressive deterioration of these mortars by air pollution and other environmental causes hinders the assessment of the original composition. The weakening of the mortar structure is due to dissolution and formation of calcium sulphate layers because of the interaction with SOx gaseous pollutants. Also, pollution particles can be incorporated to the mortar because of dissolution by rainwater or runoff. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies allow us to distinguish allochthonous and autochthonous micro- and nanoparticles in order to identify original intact plasters. By comparing these intact to deteriorated mortars from both air polluted and non-polluted areas it is possible to indentify and preserve the original mortar composition as a key step to project future façade cleaning and restorations.
Application of LIBS Technique for the Compositional Analysis of an Attic Black Pottery
Authors: Xenogiannopoulou E. , Andreouli C. , Stournaras C.J.
Published: September 2009

In the last decades, numerous analytical techniques have been extensively used for the compositional analysis of objects of archaeological interest. However, on cultural heritage objects, the application of most techniques, such as AAS, XRD, ICP-MS, NAA and SEM-EDX is destructive and a significant amount of the sample is consumed. Furthermore, many of those techniques are expensive and time-demanding, mainly due to the sample preparation. In this work, LIBS is applied as an alternative technique for the qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis of the black glaze and the main body of an ancient Attic black ceramic. LIBS seems to be a most promising technique for such applications, considering that no sample preparation is required and that it is practically non-destructive, since only few μg of the sample’s surface are ablated. Furthermore, it is flexible concerning the geometrical characteristics of the sample under study and it can be applied in situ, at open field, providing a rapid, user-friendly analytical tool. The study showed that both black glaze and main body of the ceramic consist of the same elements: Si, Al, Fe, Ca, K, Mg, Ti and Na. This indicates that the black glaze is not a decorative paint, but originates from the same clay used for the main body after being processed differently. For the quantitative analysis, calibration curves of Fe, Ca, K, Mg, Al and Ti were constructed, by preparing stoichiometric reference samples of each element in a SiO2 matrix. All the calibration curves are presented and the restrictions for determining each element are discussed. For comparison purposes, the ceramic artifact was also studied by other techniques such as AAS, XRF, SEM-EDX and XRD. The results were correlated with the LIBS data, while the advantages as well as the limitations of each technique for the study of cultural heritage ceramics are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first complete work to determine quantitatively the compositional differences between the black glaze and the main body of an Attic black ceramic using the LIBS technique and also to compare the LIBS data with the results of other analytical techniques.
PIXE Analysis of Ancient Egyptian Pigments (Case Study)
Authors: Shaaban A. , Ali Mona F. , Turos A. , Korman A. , Stonert Anna
Published: September 2009

Particle Proton–Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) is one of the most sensitive analytical methods which can be used in the study of ancient mural paintings - especially pigments. It requires small samples or tiny fragments of the paint layer. It is a non-destructive technique and provides data on elemental concentrations. Analysis can be performed in vacuum or in air. The major advantage of this technique is the ability to analyze simultaneously both elements and trace elements present in the sample. Another advantage is the short data acquisition time. This research studies red, yellow, blue and green pigments used in the tomb of Ramesses III (N.11 - 1198 BC), the tomb of Tohthmous III- (N.34 - 1504 BC), both located at the Valley of the Kings Luxor, and also, Medinet Habu temple of Ramesses II (1198 -1166 BC) located at the West Bank of Luxor. The study was performed by using light Optical Microscope (LOM) and Particle Proton–Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE).
Application of Gradient and Confocal Raman Spectroscopy to Analyze Silver Nanoparticle Diffusion in Medieval Glasses
Authors: Rubio F. , Pérez-Villar Sofia , Garrido Miguel Angel , Rubio Juan , Oteo J.L.
Published: September 2009

In this work it has been carried out the diffusion of silver ions in medieval glasses by a heat treatment process. Silver ions are transformed into both silver nanoparticles and nanoclusters after redox reactions with reducing glass ions. Changes in glass colour due to the formation of these silver nanoparticles have been analysed by means of visible spectroscopy. At the same time, changes in glass structure have been analysed by means of Raman scattering. By using confocal Raman spectroscopy the in deep glass structural changes occurring after silver ion diffusion and silver nanoparticle formation have been studied. These changes have been corroborated by means of gradient Raman spectroscopy where the silver ion and silver nanoparticle diffusion have been analysed on a fractured glass surface. In all cases have been observed that silver nanoparticles produce a depolymerisation of the glass structure and that such depolymerisation increases with the amount of silver nanoparticles. By using Microprobe Analysis it has been found that the higher silver nanoparticle concentration is on the glass surface and it decreases with the distance to the surface according to a diffusion process. By using nanoindentation measurements on original and gradient glass surfaces it has been found an increase of the Young modulus from 60 to 85 GPa, being the first value that corresponding to the glass surface with high silver nanoparticle concentration, and the second one for the glass without silver. This result is in accordance with Raman and Microprobe analysis.
Coupled simulation of the flue gas and process gas side of a steam cracker convection section
Authors: De Schepper Sandra C.K. , Heynderickx Geraldine J. , Marin Guy B.
Published: September 2009

A coupled simulation of the flue gas and process gas side of the convection section of a steam cracker is performed, making use of the CFD software package Fluent. A detailed overview of the operating mode of the different heat exchangers suspended in the convection section is obtained. The asymmetric inlet flow field of the flue gas in the convection section, and the radiation from the convection section walls leads to large differences in outlet temperatures of the tubes located in the same row. The flow fields and temperature fields in the tubes of a single heat exchanger differ significantly with e.g., outlet temperatures of the hydrocarbon‐steam mixture ranging from 820 K to 852 K. Moreover, the simulations reveal the presence of hot spots on the lowest tube row, possibly causing fouling. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
The effect of low‐power microwaves on the growth of bacterial populations in a plug flow reactor
Authors: Carta Renzo , Desogus Francesco
Published: September 2009

A plug flow reactor (PFR) which permits the growth of bacteria in a microwave environment is described. The apparatus is used to analyse the effect of microwave radiation at the frequency of 2.45 GHz and at 37°C on the growth rate of three bacterial species: Bacillus clausii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The growth constant is determined for reacting mixtures irradiated with microwaves of different powers ranging from 0 to 400 mW. Analyses show that (a) the apparatus is able to perform the experimental runs maintaining an aseptic environment; (b) under the microwave power levels examined in the present study, no effects are detected for the Bacillus clausii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa species, while for the Staphylococcus aureus species, a few small effects are found (a minimum value of the growth constant at 200 mW and an increase of the constant between 200 and 400 mW). © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Data linkage to estimate the extent and distribution of occupational disease: new onset adult asthma in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Cherry Nicola , Beach Jeremy , Burstyn Igor , Fan Xiangning , Guo Na , Kapur Nitin
Published: September 2009

Background

Although occupational asthma is a well recognized and preventable disease, the numbers of cases presenting for compensation may be far lower than the true incidence.

Methods

Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) claims for any reason 1995–2004 were linked to physician billing data. New onset adult asthma (NOAA) was defined as a billing for asthma (ICD‐9 code of 493) in the 12 months prior to a WCB claim without asthma in the previous 3 years. Incidence was calculated by occupation, industry and, in a case–referent analysis, exposures estimated from an asthma specific job exposure matrix.

Results

There were 782,908 WCB eligible claims, with an incidence rate for NOAA of 1.6%: 23 occupations and 21 industries had a significantly increased risk. Isocyanates (OR 1.54: 95% CI 1.01–2.36) and exposure to mixed agricultural allergens (OR = 1.59: 95% CI 1.17–2.18) were related to NOAA overall, as were exposures to cleaning chemicals in men (OR = 1.91:95% CI 1.34–2.73). Estimates of the number of cases of occupational asthma suggested a range of 4% to about half for the proportion compensated.

Conclusions

Data linkage of administrative records can demonstrate under‐reporting of occupational asthma and indicate areas for prevention. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:831–840, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemical composition distribution study in ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization to produce LLDPE material using MgCl2‐TiCl4‐based Ziegler‐Natta catalysts
Authors: Garoff Thomas , Mannonen Laura , Väänänen Marjo , Eriksson Virgine , Kallio Kalle , Waldvogel Päivi
Published: September 2009

The characteristic features of LLDPE polymerization with ZN catalyst are the time drift effect during polymerization and the bending effect when trying to decrease density of the copolymer by adding more comonomer to the polymerization. The time drift in LLDPE polymerization is revealed by a constant decrease of comonomer incorporation during polymerization time. The bending is revealed by difficulties in lowering the density of LLDPE material below the density of 920 kg/m3. With increasing comonomer content during polymerization, the density does not decrease, but the soluble fraction increases. To try to observe if these phenomena are connected, two types of catalysts, SiO2 supported and precipitated MgCl2 ZN catalysts, were studied. A short time (10 min) and an extended time (60 min) copolymerization test series where the polymerizations were performed in the presence of a gradually increasing comonomer amount. Both catalysts show a strong bending when density is presented as a function of 1‐hexene both in 10‐ and 60‐min polymerization, indicating no connection between time drift and bending. The density, melting point, and crystallinity results all indicate that both catalysts are making similar copolymer material with identical chemical composition distribution. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Solvent system for steady state electrospinning of polyamide 6.6
Authors: De Vrieze Sander , Westbroek Philippe , Van Camp Tamara , De Clerck Karen
Published: September 2009

A mixture of formic acid/acetic acid makes it possible to electrospin polyamide 6.6 in steady state conditions. Steady state conditions are essential in nozzle electrospinning to generate a stable process which fabricates reproducible material, permitting industrial upscaling. This study shows that only a limited mixture range of formic acid/acetic acid allows electrospinning of polyamide 6.6 in steady state.

Furthermore, the weight concentration in solution; the tip to collector distance and the flow rate have been changed to control the average diameter of the nanofibres. The average diameter increases by increasing weight concentration in solution, increasing volume fraction of acetic acid in the mixture, increasing tip to collector distance and increasing flow rate. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Microwave‐Assisted Kolbe‐Schmitt Synthesis Using Ionic Liquids or Dimcarb as Reactive Solvents
Authors: Stark A. , Huebschmann S. , Sellin M. , Kralisch D. , Trotzki R. , Ondruschka B.
Published: September 2009

The activation of relatively inert carbon dioxide as a building block for organic products is of interest from both ecological and chemical points of view. One of the few industrially relevant processes using CO2 is the Kolbe‐Schmitt synthesis. Two strategies to obtain the carboxylated product 2,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid from resorcinol are presented: both Dimcarb and hydrogencarbonate‐ or methylcarbonate‐based ionic liquids are employed as reactive solvents in a microwave‐assisted reaction. Reaction optimization shows that the ionic liquids are more reactive than Dimcarb. However, Dimcarb offers advantages with regard to ecological aspects, such as the Global Warming and Human Toxicity Potential and the Cumulative Energy Demand, which were assessed as part of the process development.
Mechanics and dynamics of the cytoskeleton
Authors: Gimona Mario
Published: September 2009

Note that Part II of this special issue will appear in the following issue: Volume 66, Issue 11, 2009.
Differentiation of alloreactive versus CD3/CD28 stimulated T‐lymphocytes using Raman spectroscopy: A greater specificity for noninvasive acute renal allograft rejection detection
Authors: Brown Kristian L. , Palyvoda Olena Y. , Thakur Jagdish S. , Nehlsen‐Cannarella Sandra L. , Fagoaga Omar R. , Gruber Scott A. , Auner Gregory W.
Published: September 2009

Acute rejection (AR) remains problematic in renal transplantation. As a marker, serum creatinine is limited, warranting a more effective screening tool. Raman spectroscopy (RS) can detect T‐cell activation with high sensitivity. In this study we explore its specificity. Seventy‐five inactivated, 40 alloantigen‐activated, and 75 CD3/CD28‐activated T cells were analyzed using RS. CD3/CD28‐activated peak magnitudes (PM) were 4.3% to 23.9% lower than inactivated PM at positions: 903, 1031, 1069, 1093, 1155, 1326, and 1449 cm−1, with a difference in peak ratio (PR) observed at the 1182:1195 cm−1 position (0.91 ± 0.06 vs. 1.2 ± 0.01, respectively: P = 0.006). Differences in CD3/CD28‐ and alloantigen‐activated PM were observed at: 903, 1031, 1093, 1155, 1326, and 1449 cm−1, with no PR differences at the 1182:1195 cm−1 position (0.91 ± 0.06 vs. 0.86 ± 0.09: P = 0.8). Spectral signature separation of CD3/CD28—and alloantigen‐activated groups was 100% specific and sensitive. We conclude that RS can differentiate T cells activated by different stimuli with high sensitivity and specificity. © 2009 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Hydrolysis of diphenylmethyltin(iv) chloride in different aqueous solutions of ethanol
Authors: Mehdizadeh Sima , Jabbari Morteza , Shakibazadeh Romina , Gharib Farrokh
Published: September 2009

The hydrolysis of [(Ph)2MeSn(IV)]+ has been studied spectrophotometrically at 25ˆC and constant ionic strength of 0.1 mol dm−3 sodium perchlorate. Over a wide pH range, 1–11, the investigation has been performed in different aqueous solutions of ethanol. The species formed together with their formation constants have been determined using the computer program Squad. The hydrolysis constants at different media were analyzed in terms of Kamlet and Taft's parameters. A single‐parameter correlation of the formation constants, K1‐1 and K1‐2, versus α (hydrogen‐bond donor acidity), β (hydrogen‐bond acceptor basicity), and π* (dipolarity/polarizability) for both cases are relatively poor in all solutions, but multiparameter correlation represents significant improvement with regard to the single‐parameter models. In this work, we have also used the normalized polarity parameter, E, alone and in combination with the Kamlet–Taft's parameters to find a better correlation of the formation constants in different aqueous solutions of ethanol. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:654–660, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20484
Synthesis and theoretical characterization of some new 4‐substituted‐1,3‐diphenyl‐5‐thioxo‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazoles with potential pharmacological activity
Authors: Siwek Agata , Wujec Monika , Dobosz Maria , Paneth Piotr
Published: September 2009

Synthesis of some new triazoles fused to triazoles 5a–c or thiadiazoles 6a–c and the thiol‐thione tautomeric equilibrium study of the title compounds are reported. The “rule of five” and complementary criteria of pharmacokinetic properties were determined to predict whether these compounds are orally bioavailable. Semiempirical parameterizations have been critically benchmarked for the thiol‐thione tautomeric equilibrium against the DFT calculations. It was shown that unlike the AM1 and PM3 Hamiltonians, which erroneously predict higher stability of the thiol tautomer, the newly developed RM1 Hamiltonian, on the other hand, predicts energetics of this equilibrium in excellent agreement with the DFT results. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:713–718, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20499
Liver Cancer: Ephrina2 Promotes Tumorigenicity Through Rac1/Akt/Nf-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Feng Yu-Xiong , Zhao Jiang-Sha , Li Jing-Jing , Wang Tao , Cheng Shu-Qun , Yuan Yunfei , Wang Fudi , Wang Xiao-Fan , Xie Dong
Published: September 2009

Eph/Ephrin family, one of the largest receptor tyrosine kinase families, has been extensively studied in morphogenesis and neural development. Recently, growing attention has been paid to its role in the initiation and progression of various cancers. However, the role of Eph/Ephrins in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been rarely investigated. In this study, we found that the expression of EphrinA2 was significantly up-regulated in both established cell lines and clinical tissue samples of HCC, and the most significant increase was observed in the tumors invading the portal veins. Forced expression of EphrinA2 in HCC cells significantly promoted

in vivo

tumorigenicity, whereas knockdown of this gene inhibited this oncogenic effect. We further found that suppression of apoptosis, rather than accelerating proliferation, was responsible for EphrinA2-enhanced tumorigenicity. In addition, EphrinA2 endowed cancer cells with resistance to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)–induced apoptosis, thus facilitating their survival. Furthermore, we disclosed a novel EphrinA2/ras-related c3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1)/V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (Akt)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway contributing to the inhibitory effect on apoptosis in HCC cells.

Conclusion:

This study revealed that EphrinA2 played an important role in the development and progression of HCC by promoting the survival of cancer cells, indicating its role as a potential therapeutic target in HCC. (Hepatology 2010.)
Prognostic Value of Ishak Fibrosis Stage: Findings From the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis Trial
Authors: Everhart James E. , Wright Elizabeth C. , Goodman Zachary D. , Dienstag Jules L. , Hoefs John C. , Kleiner David E. , Ghany Marc G. , Mills Scott A. , Nash Russell S. , Govindarajan Sugantha , Rogers Thomas E. , Greenson Joel K. , Brunt Elizabeth M. , Bonkovsky Herbert L. , Morishima Chihiro , Litman Heather J.
Published: September 2009

Studies of the prognostic value of Ishak fibrosis stage are lacking. We used multi-year follow-up of the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial to determine whether individual Ishak fibrosis stages predicted clinical outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Baseline liver biopsy specimens from 1050 patients with compensated chronic hepatitis C who had failed combination peginterferon and ribavirin were reviewed by a panel of expert hepatopathologists. Fibrosis was staged with the Ishak scale (ranging from 0 = no fibrosis to 6 = cirrhosis). Biopsy fragmentation and length as well as number of portal tracts were recorded. We compared rates of prespecified clinical outcomes of hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma across individual Ishak fibrosis stages. Of 1050 biopsy specimens, 25% were fragmented, 63% longer than 1.5 cm, 69% larger than 10 mm2, and 75% had 10 or more portal tracts. Baseline laboratory markers of liver disease severity were worse and the frequency of esophageal varices higher with increasing Ishak stage (

P

< 0.0001). The 6-year cumulative incidence of first clinical outcome was 5.6% for stage 2, 16.1% for stage 3, 19.3% for stage 4, 37.8% for stage 5, and 49.3% for stage 6. Among nonfragmented biopsy specimens, the predictive ability of Ishak staging was enhanced; however, no association was observed between Ishak stage and outcomes for fragmented biopsy specimens because of high rates of outcomes for patients with noncirrhotic stages. Similar results were observed with liver transplantation or liver-related death as the outcome.

Conclusion

: Ishak fibrosis stage predicts clinical outcomes, need for liver transplantation, and liver-related death in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Patients with fragmented biopsy specimens with low Ishak stage may be understaged histologically. (Hepatology 2010;51:585–594.)
Oral Medications With Significant Hepatic Metabolism at Higher Risk for Hepatic Adverse Events
Authors: Lammert Craig , Bjornsson Einar , Niklasson Anna , Chalasani Naga
Published: September 2009

Reactive metabolites generated by hepatic metabolism are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), but supporting data are limited. If this is true, then compounds with significant hepatic metabolism should cause more DILI than those without it. We conducted a study to examine the relationship between hepatic metabolism and DILI of prescription medications. We systematically extracted the metabolism characteristics of 207 of the most widely prescribed oral medications in the United States. Compounds with >50% hepatic metabolism were characterized as those with significant hepatic metabolism (n = 149). Hepatic adverse events of interest were alanine aminotransferase >3 times the upper limit of normal, jaundice, liver failure, liver transplantation, or fatal DILI. Compared with compounds with lesser hepatic metabolism, compounds belonging to the significant hepatic metabolism group had significantly higher frequency of alanine aminotransferase >3 times the upper limit of normal (35% versus 11%,P= 0.001), liver failure (28% versus 9%,P= 0.004), and fatal DILI (23% versus 4%,P= 0.001), but not jaundice (46% versus 35%,P= 0.2) or liver transplantation (9% versus 2%,P= 0.11). Twelve compounds with no hepatic metabolism had no reports of liver failure, liver transplantation, or fatal DILI. When the relationship between hepatic adverse events and combination of hepatic metabolism and daily dose was examined, compounds with both significant hepatic metabolism and daily dose >50 mg (n = 50) were significantly more hepatotoxic than compounds belonging to other groups. Compared with medications without biliary excretion, compounds with biliary excretion (n = 50) had significantly higher frequency of jaundice (74% versus 40%,P= 0.0001).Conclusion:Our study finds an important relationship between a compound's metabolism profile and reports of hepatic adverse events. (Hepatology 2009.)
Slug flow heat transfer in a semi‐infinite microtube with temperature jump wall condition
Authors: Satapathy Ashok K.
Published: September 2009

This paper presents an analytical solution of steady‐state heat transfer for laminar, two‐dimensional, and rarefied gas flow in a semi‐infinite microtube. To account for the slip‐flow characteristics of microscale heat transfer, temperature jump condition at the wall has been included in the model while the fluid velocity is assumed to be constant (slug flow). The solution yields closed form expressions for fully‐developed Nusselt numbers in terms of Knudsen number and Prandtl number under both isothermal and isoflux wall conditions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20263
Heat and fluid flow characteristics inside differentially heated square enclosures with single and multiple sliding walls
Authors: Wahba E.M. , Gadalla M.A.
Published: September 2009

Fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of differentially heated lid driven cavities are numerically modeled and analyzed in the present study. One‐, two‐, and four‐sided lid driven cavity configurations are considered with the vertical walls being maintained at different temperatures and the horizontal walls being thermally insulated. Eight different cavity configurations are considered depending on the direction of wall motion. The Prandtl number Pr is taken to be 0.7, the Grashof number is taken to be 104, while two values for the Richardson number Ri are considered, 0.1 and 10. It is found that both the Richardson number and the cavity configuration affect the heat and fluid flow characteristics in the cavity. It is concluded that for Ri=0.1, a four‐sided driven cavity configuration with all walls rotating in the same direction would triple the value of the average Nusselt number at the cold wall when compared to a one‐sided driven cavity configuration. However, for Ri=10, the cavity configuration has minimal effect and all eight cases result in an average Nusselt number value at the cold wall ranging between 1.3 and 1.9. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20264
Functional groups affect physical and biological properties of dextran‐based hydrogels
Authors: Sun Guoming , Shen Yu‐I , Ho Chia Chi , Kusuma Sravanti , Gerecht Sharon
Published: September 2009

Modification of dextran backbone allows the development of a hydrogel with specific characteristics. To enhance their functionality for tissue‐engineered scaffolds, a series of dextran‐based macromers was synthesized by incorporating various functional groups, including allyl isocyanate (Dex‐AI), ethylamine (Dex‐AE), chloroacetic acid (Dex‐AC), or maleic‐anhydride (Dex‐AM) into dextrans. The dextran‐based biodegradable hybrid hydrogels are developed by integrating polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA). To explore the effect of different derivatives on hydrogel properties, three different ratios of Dex/PEGDA are examined: low (20/80), medium (40/60), and high (60/40). Differences in physical and biological properties of the hydrogels are found, including swelling, degradation rate, mechanics, crosslinking density, biocompatibility (in vitro and in vivo), and vascular endothelial growth factor release. The results also indicate that the incorporation of amine groups into dextran gives rise to hydrogels with better biocompatible and release properties. We, therefore, conclude that the incorporation of different functional groups affects the fundamental properties of a dextran‐based hydrogel network, and that amine groups are preferred to generate hydrogels for biomedical use. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Utilization of micelles formed from poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) block copolymers as nanocarriers to enable hydrophobic red two‐photon absorbing emitters for cells imaging
Authors: Tian Yanqing , Wu Wen‐Chung , Chen Ching‐Yi , Jang Sei‐Hum , Zhang Meng , Strovas Tim , Anderson Judy , Cookson Brad , Li Yongzhong , Meldrum Deirdre , Chen Wen‐Chang , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: September 2009

A hydrophobic two‐photon absorbing (2PA) red emitter (R) was successfully incorporated into micelles formed from two block copolymers, poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol)s, for imaging and toxicity studies. In micelles, the chromophore R exhibits a 2PA cross‐section of 400 GM (1 GM = 1 × 10−50 cm4 s photon−1 molecule−1) at 820 nm, which is among the highest values reported for red 2PA emitters. The micelles with a cationic amino moiety‐containing poly(ethylene glycol) corona showed an enhancement of cell internalization and delivered the dye into the cytoplasmic regions of the mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. In comparison, the dye in micelles with neutral poly(ethylene glycol) as corona could not be delivered into the cells. Cytotoxicity of the micelle‐R constructs was studied using a 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl thiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. More than 90% of the cells were viable after they were stained with the dye‐containing micelles at different concentrations (dye concentrations of 2–6 μM and polymer concentrations of 0.05–0.15 mg/mL) for 16 h. This is the first reported application of a hydrophobic 2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole‐containing 2PA red emitter delivered into the cytoplasm of cells for bioimaging and toxicity assessment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Oat β‐glucan increases postprandial cholecystokinin levels, decreases insulin response and extends subjective satiety in overweight subjects
Authors: Beck Eleanor J. , Tosh Susan M. , Batterham Marijka J. , Tapsell Linda C. , Huang Xu‐Feng
Published: September 2009

This study recorded acute biochemical and subjective measures of satiety, followed by energy intake from a subsequent meal, after varying doses of β‐glucan in extruded breakfast cereals. Molecular weight, solubility and viscosity of β‐glucan products were determined. Seven male and seven female subjects (BMI 25–36 kg/m) consumed five breakfasts (different doses of β‐glucan sourced from two different technological processes) and dietary intake was measured after four hours. Blood was collected to measure glucose, insulin, ghrelin and cholecystokinin, and visual analogue scales measured subjective satiety. Molecular weight, solubility and viscosity indicated products were likely to increase luminal viscosity. β‐Glucan was found to decrease insulin secretion over 2 h (RMANOVA,p= 0.011) in a dose responsive manner from 2.16 to 5.68 gperserving (p= 0.007). Cholecystokinin levels increased linearly over the same range of β‐glucan concentrations (p= 0.002) in women. Subjective satiety was increased at a β‐glucan dose of 2.2 g (p= 0.039). Subsequent meal intake decreased by greater than 400 kJ with higher β‐glucan dose (>5 g). β‐Glucan improves satiety and release of cholecystokinin is likely to be part of the mechanism. Products with different sources of β‐glucan provide similar benefits but each product requires individual testing.
Formation of hydrogen peroxide in cell culture media by apple polyphenols and its effect on antioxidant biomarkers in the colon cell line HT‐29
Authors: Bellion Phillip , Olk Melanie , Will Frank , Dietrich Helmut , Baum Matthias , Eisenbrand Gerhard , Janzowski Christine
Published: September 2009

Beneficial health effects of diets containing fruits have partly been attributed to polyphenols which display a spectrum of bioactive effects, including antioxidant activity. However, polyphenols can also exert prooxidative effects in vitro. In this study, polyphenol‐mediated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) formation was determined after incubation of apple juice extracts (AEs) and polyphenols in cell culture media. Effects of extracellular H2O2 on total glutathione (tGSH; =GSH + GSSG) and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level of HT‐29 cells were studied by coincubation ± catalase (CAT). AEs (⪈30 μg/mL) significantly generated H2O2 in DMEM, depending on their composition. Similarly, H2O2 was measured for individual apple polyphenols/degradation products (phenolic acids > epicatechin, flavonols > dihydrochalcones). Highest concentrations were generated by compounds bearing the o‐catechol moiety. H2O2 formation was found to be pH dependent; addition of CAT caused a complete decomposition of H2O2 whereas superoxide dismutase was less/not effective. At incubation of HT‐29 cells with quercetin (1–100 μM), generated H2O2 slightly contributed to antioxidant cell protection by modulation of tGSH‐ and ROS‐level. In conclusion, H2O2 generation in vitro by polyphenols has to be taken into consideration when interpreting results of such cell culture experiments. Unphysiologically high polyphenol concentrations, favoring substantial H2O2 formation, are not expected to be met in vivo, even under conditions of high end nutritional uptake.