bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First cosmogenic 10Be constraints on LGM glaciation on New Zealand's North Island: Park Valley, Tararua Range
Authors: Brook Martin S. , Shulmeister James , Crow Tyne V. H. , Zondervan Albert
Published: July 2008

We report the first direct ages for late Quaternary glaciation on the North Island of New Zealand. Mt Ruapehu, the volcanic massif in the North Island's centre, is currently glaciated and probably sustained glaciers throughout the late Quaternary, yet no numeric ages have been reported for glacial advances anywhere on the North Island. Here, we describe cosmogenic 10Be ages of the surface layers of a glacially transported boulder and glacially polished bedrock from the Tararua Range, part of the axial ranges of the North Island. Results indicate that a limited valley glaciation occurred, culminating in recession at the end of the last glacial coldest period (LGCP, ca. 18 ka). This provides an initial age for deglaciation on the North Island during the last glacial–interglacial transition (LGIT). It appears that glaciation occurred in response to an equilibrium‐line altitude (ELA) lowering of ∼1400 m below the present‐day mean summer freezing level. Ages for glaciation in the Tararua Range correspond closely to exposure ages for the last glacial maximum (LGM) from the lateral moraines of Cascade Valley in the South Island, and in Cobb Valley, in northern South Island. The corollary is that glaciation in the Tararua Range coincided with the phase of maximum cooling during MIS 2, prior to the Antarctic Cold Reversal (ACR), during the LGCP. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphodynamic evolution of the Orb River (Languedoc, France): evidence of eustatic, tectonic and climatic controls
Authors: Larue Jean‐Pierre
Published: July 2008

This study aims to reconstruct the Cenozoic and Pleistocene morphodynamic evolution of the Orb, a Mediterranean river which crosses all the structural units of the south Massif Central border. A geomorphological and sedimentological analysis of detrital deposits was carried out as a basis for correlating the different formations and reconstructing the palaeodrainage. Heavy minerals were used to reconstruct the main sedimentary palaeochannels since the Messinian. The successive Orb longitudinal profiles show anomalies which can be caused by structure and by interactions between fluvial dynamics and tectonics. Evidence of volcanic heavy minerals on the Faugères Mountains and in the Upper Pliocene deposits of the Languedocian piedmont demonstrates that a north–south flow took place during the Upper Pliocene. Nevertheless, a palaeo‐Orb existed at the place of the present course when the basaltic lava flows were spreading, but headward erosion did not reach them until the Upper Pleistocene, because the Orb middle and high terraces do not contain volcanic minerals sourced from the Escandorgue. The successive Orb longitudinal profiles show that headward erosion due to Pleistocene low sea levels does not reach beyond Béziers and that a tectonic hinge has functioned near the shoreline. The non‐lithologic knickpoints are explained by the Montagne Noire and Avant‐Monts uplift up until the Pleistocene. A progressive continental uplift is necessary to explain the Orb terraces staircase in the Béziers district, and the fluctuations of incision from upstream to downstream are due to laterally differential movements, which are isostatic effects of thick regressive deposits on the Gulf of Lion shelf during the cold periods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of poly(dimethylsiloxane) fiber sol–gel coated onto NiTi alloy electrodeposited with zirconium oxide for the determination of organochlorine pesticides in herbal infusions
Authors: Budziak Dilma , Martendal Edmar , Carasek Eduardo
Published: July 2008

A PDMS fiber sol–gel coated onto an NiTi alloy previously electrodeposited with zirconium oxide (named NiTi–ZrO2‐PDMS) was applied to the determination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in infusions of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf), chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), and anise seeds (Pimpinella anisum L.). Salting‐out effect, extraction time, and extraction temperature were optimized firstly by means of a full‐factorial design and then using a Doehlert matrix. No salt addition and 50 min of extraction at 70°C were the optimum conditions. Satisfactory LODs in the range of 2–17 ng/L, as well as good correlation coefficients (at least 0.9981) in the linear range studied, were obtained. Calibration was successfully applied using an infusion of M. recutita L. and recovery tests were performed to ensure the accuracy of the method, with values in the range of 77–120%. Comparison of the NiTi–ZrO2‐PDMS with commercially available PDMS fibers showed that the proposed fiber has an extraction efficiency comparable to that of PDMS 30 μm for the compounds evaluated, demonstrating its potential applicability.
Direct determination of amino acids by pressurized capillary electrochromatography with chemiluminescence detection
Authors: Lin Zian , Xie Zenghong
Published: July 2008

A pressurized CEC (pCEC) coupled with on‐column chemiluminescence (CL) detection was developed for direct determination of amino acids, which was based on the principle of an enhanced effect of Cu(II)–amino acid complexes on the CL reaction between luminol and hydrogen peroxide in alkaline solution. The effects of some important factors on pCEC separation and CL intensity were systemically investigated. Baseline separation of amino acids including L‐histidine (L‐His), L‐threonine (L‐Thr), and L‐tyrosine (L‐Tyr) was achieved by using a monolithic column with a mobile phase of 5.0×10–3 mol/L phosphate buffer at pH 8.0 that contained 25% v/v methanol and 5.0×10–4 mol/L luminol and 1.0×10–5 mol/L Cu(II) at an applied voltage of –5 kV. The calibration curves of the analytes by plotting the peak height against corresponding concentration were linear over the range of 3.2×10–6 ∼︁ 3.2× 10–4 mol/L for L‐His, 4.1×10–6 ∼︁ 4.1×10–4 mol/L for L‐Thr, and 6.0×10–7 ∼︁ 3.0×10–4 mol/L for L‐Tyr. The LODs for L‐His, L‐Thr, and L‐Tyr were 6.4×10–7, 8.4×10–7, and 3.0×10–7 mol/L (S/N = 2), respectively. The proposed method was applied to the analysis of amino acid injection sample with satisfactory results. Mean recoveries for three amino acids were from 84.3 to 89.6%.
Determination of phenolic compounds derived from hydrolysable tannins in biological matrices by RP‐HPLC
Authors: Díez María Teresa , del Moral Pilar García , Resines José Antonio , Arín María Jesús
Published: July 2008

An RP‐HPLC method for the determination of four phenolic compounds: gallic acid (GA), pyrogallol (PY), resorcinol (RE) and ellagic acid (EA), derived from hydrolysable tannins is reported. Separation was achieved on a SunFire C18 (250×4.6 mm id, 5 μm) column at 40°C with gradient elution. UV detection at 280 nm was applied. The developed method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy and precision. Satisfactory repeatability and between day precision were noticed with RSD values lower than 3%. Recoveries from different biological samples ranged from 91.50 to 105.25%. The LODs were estimated as 1.70 mg/L for PY, 1.68 mg/L for GA, 1.52 mg/L for RE and 0.98 mg/L for EA with a 20 μL injection volume. The method was applied for the determination of these compounds in oak leaves and in ruminal fluid and urine samples taken from beef cattle fed with oak leaves. The proposed method could be used in ruminant nutrition studies to verify the effect that a diet rich in tannins have on ruminal fermentation and to determine the toxicity of these compounds.
Long‐chain alkylimidazolium ionic liquids, a new class of cationic surfactants coated on ODS columns for anion‐exchange chromatography
Authors: Qiu Hongdeng , Zhang Qinghua , Chen Limei , Liu Xia , Jiang Shengxiang
Published: July 2008

Separations of common inorganic anions were carried out on ODS columns coated with two long‐chain alkylimidazolium ionic liquids ([C12MIm]Br and [C14MIm]Br) as new cationic surfactants for ion chromatography. With phthalate buffer solution as the mobile phases and non‐suppressed conductivity detection, high column efficiencies and excellent selectivity were obtained in the separation of inorganic anions. Chromatographic parameters are calculated and the results show that the coated column possesses significant potential for the analysis of some inorganic anions such as CH3COO–, IO3–, Cl–, BrO3–, NO2–, Br–, NO3–, SO42–, I–, BF4–, and SCN–. The effect of eluent pH values on the separation of anions has been studied on the column coated with [C12MIm]Br. The stability of the coated columns was also examined.
Determination of trace levels of aquaculture chemotherapeutants in seawater samples by SPME‐GC‐MS/MS
Authors: García‐Rodríguez Diego , Carro Antonia M. , Lorenzo Rosa A. , Fernández Fátima , Cela Rafael
Published: July 2008

A sensitive and efficient solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) method for the determination of organophosphorous (OPPs) and pyrethroid pesticides (Pyrs) in aquaculture‐seawater samples by using GC with MS/MS (GC‐MS/MS) was developed. Dichlorvos and chlorpyrifos (OPPs); permethrin, α‐cypermethrin and deltamethrin (Pyrs) were selected according to their use as chemotherapeutants in the aquaculture industry. Different parameters affecting extraction efficiency such as fibre coating, agitation, pH and extraction time profiles were investigated. An experimental central composite design (α = 1) and desirability functions were used for the simultaneous optimization of extraction temperature and sample volume. Finally, a method based on direct SPME in 40 min at 75°C using 100‐μm‐thick poly(dimethyl)siloxane (PDMS) fibre and 20 mL of sample volume is proposed. The method was validated, exhibiting good linearity, precision and accuracy parameters with picogram per millilitre LODs. The proposed methodology was applied to determine the ultratrace levels of OPPs and Pyrs in aquaculture‐seawater samples by the standard addition approach, which proved to be reliable and sensitive, in addition to requiring only small amounts of sample.
Gravity‐flow open tubular cation chromatography
Authors: Kubáň Petr , Pelcová Pavlína , Kubáň Vlastimil , Klakurková Lenka , Dasgupta Purnendu K.
Published: July 2008

We describe ion chromatography (IC) on open tubular cation exchange columns with a controllable capacity multilayered stationary phase architecture. The columns of relatively large bore (75 μm id) are fabricated by coating fused‐silica capillaries with multiple layers of poly(butadiene‐maleic acid) (PBMA) copolymer and crosslinking the deposited layers by thermally initiated radical polymerisation. Column capacity increases in a predictable manner with increase in the number of successively coated layers. Gravity flow with a modest head (< 2 m) can provide the desired separations within a reasonable period. We provide a minimalist configuration where no suppression is used, the sample is injected hydrodynamically as in CE, and detection is accomplished by an inexpensive homebuilt contactless conductivity detector or a capacitance to voltage digital converter. A 1 m long 75 μm bore column coated with two layers of PBMA allows gravity‐flow open tubular IC to separate four alkali cations in < 10 min with a 1 mM tartaric acid (TA) eluent. Simultaneous separation of alkali and alkaline earth metal cations can be accomplished in less than 25 min using 1.75 mM pyridinedicarboxylic acid as an eluent. Contactless conductometric detection (C4D) allows LODs down to 150 nmol/L, corresponding to 30 fmol injections. Analysis of real water samples is demonstrated.
Effect of fluence on efficacy using the 1440 nm laser with CAP technology for the treatment of rhytids
Authors: Lloyd Jenifer R.
Published: July 2008

Background and Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fluence on the treatment of rhytids using a 1440 nm laser with CAPSM technology and the T350 tip.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Twelve subjects with rhytids were enrolled in an IRB approved study. The Affirm™ laser with CAP technology (Cynosure, Inc., Westford, MA) 1440 nm, 10 mm T350, 2 milliseconds, 1.5 Hz was used at fluences ranging from 3.0 to 5.5 J/cm2 in a split face study. At each treatment visit, fluences on the right side of the face were held constant at 3.0 J/cm2, while the left side of the face started at 3.0 J/cm2 and increased 0.5 J/cm2 with each treatment to a maximum of 5.5 J/cm2. Five treatments were given at 2‐week intervals using the SmartCool™ (Cynosure, Inc.). Photographic comparisons at baseline and 3 months were used to compare fluence results as well as to evaluate for efficacy in the treatment of rhytids. The following standard scale was employed: Poor (0–25%), Fair (26–50%), Good (51–75%), and Excellent (76–100%). In addition, following the study, a few subjects received a series of laser pulses at increasing fluences on their buttocks to further evaluate the effect of fluence on tissue reaction.

Results

Comparing the right and left photographic results, no clinically observable differences were noted. Both sides received the same grade in all cases. Five subjects (42%) were noted to have Good results, three (25%) were given a rating of Fair, and four (33%) were given a Poor result with little or no improvement observed. The follow‐up buttock fluence study demonstrated an effect threshold at 3.0 J/cm2.

Conclusion

The 1440 nm laser with CAP technology can provide overall improvement in patients with rhytids at moderate fluences. Increasing the fluence does not appear to increase efficacy. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:387–389, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stem cell proliferation under low intensity laser irradiation: A preliminary study
Authors: Eduardo Fernanda de P. , Bueno Daniela F. , de Freitas Patricia M. , Marques Márcia Martins , Passos‐Bueno Maria Rita , Eduardo Carlos de P. , Zatz Mayana
Published: July 2008

Background and Objectives

Phototherapy with low intensity laser irradiation has shown to be effective in promoting the proliferation of different cells. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the potential effect of laser phototherapy (660 nm) on human dental pulp stem cell (hDPSC) proliferation.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The hDPSC cell strain was used. Cells cultured under nutritional deficit (10% FBS) were either irradiated or not (control) using two different power settings (20 mW/6 seconds to 40 mW/3 seconds), with an InGaAIP diode laser. The cell growth was indirectly assessed by measuring the cell mitochondrial activity through the MTT reduction‐based cytotoxicity assay.

Results

The group irradiated with the 20 mW setting presented significantly higher MTT activity at 72 hours than the other two groups (negative control—10% FBS—and lased 40 mW with 3 seconds exposure time). After 24 hours of the first irradiation, cultures grown under nutritional deficit (10% FBS) and irradiated presented significantly higher viable cells than the non‐irradiated cultures grown under the same nutritional conditions.

Conclusions

Under the conditions of this study it was possible to conclude that the cell strain hDPSC responds positively to laser phototherapy by improving the cell growth when cultured under nutritional deficit conditions. Thus, the association of laser phototherapy and hDPSC cells could be of importance for future tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Moreover, it opens the possibility of using laser phototherapy for improving the cell growth of other types of stem cells. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:433–438, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental study on thermic effects, morphology and function of guinea pig cochlea: A comparison between the erbium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser and carbon dioxide laser
Authors: Ren Dong‐Dong , Chi Fang‐Lu
Published: July 2008

Background and objective

Surgery of the inner ear requires atraumatic techniques to preserve the morphology of the inner ear. Recent experiment and clinical studies have demonstrated that several laser systems are suitable for cochleostomy. The goal of this study was to quantify the thermic effects, morphology and function of guinea pig cochlea in vivo by comparing the erbium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Er:YAG) laser and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and to determine the optimum laser parameters for safe clinical treatment.

Study design/materials and methods

A fenestration in the basal cochlear turn of guinea pigs was created. A type K thermocouple was placed on the membrane of round window to detect the local temperature change during laser irradiation. The auditory evoked brainstem response (ABR) was measured before and after laser application. Confocal laser microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for cochlear morphology.

Results

An increased hearing loss immediately and 4 weeks later after irradiation was observed in animals with the higher power CO2 laser in accordance with a higher temperature increase during laser application. In contrast, a wider safety scope of Er:YAG application in cochleostomy was presented with little temperature increase. These findings were correlated with the ultrastructural changes in guinea pig cochlea.

Conclusion

The Er:YAG and CO2 lasers are shown to be safe if the total amount of energy is kept within the limits applied in this study. In addition, on this preliminary basis by guinea pig laser cochleostomy, Er:YAG laser maybe less damaging to inner ear structures than CO2 laser with a larger safety scope and less thermic effects. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:407–414, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histologic evaluation of interstitial lipolysis comparing a 1064, 1320 and 2100 nm laser in an ex vivo model
Authors: Khoury Jane G. , Saluja Raminder , Keel Douglas , Detwiler Susan , Goldman Mitchel P.
Published: July 2008

Background and objectives

Laser lipolysis using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser has been shown to be a safe and effective modality for the treatment of small areas of fat in conjunction with microcannula liposuction. The purpose of this study is to compare the histologic effects on ex vivo human fatty tissue using three separate wavelengths of laser light (1064, 1320 and 2100 nm) at three predetermined energy levels.

Study design/materials and methods

Nine samples of freshly harvested abdominal subcutaneous tissue were tumesced and then cannulated in a single tunnel in the superficial subcutaneous tissue. They were irradiated with a 320 µm polyimide fiber using a pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG, 1320 nm Nd:YAG and 2100 nm thulium holmium chromium:YAG (THC:YAG) laser at 4, 6 and 8 W (CoolTouch Corp., Roseville, CA). The fiber was withdrawn at a rate of 1 mm/second in a single pass. A tenth sample was cannulated without irradiation and served as a control. Irradiation with the 1320 nm Nd:YAG was performed in vivo on a lipoma in a similar fashion with repetitive tunneling. Fat was removed the following day by incisional punch biopsy for histologic evaluation. The tissue was studied in a blinded fashion with hematoxylin eosin staining.

Results

Light microscopy after irradiation showed thermal damage in the subcutaneous tissue that preferentially affected the fibrous septae with some fat cell damage. The diameter of thermal damage around the fiber ranged from 1 to 4–5 mm depending on the laser wavelength and average power of the settings. No clear fat liquefaction was seen histologically in the ex vivo samples but was seen with the 1320 nm Nd:YAG irradiation of the in‐vivo lipoma tissue.

Conclusion

Laser lipolysis works through a combination of photoacoustic ablation and selective photothermolysis of fibrous septae. Acoustic damage occurs with thermal damage and is difficult to capture histologically. The greatest amount of thermal damage was seen in the specimens with the highest energy per pulse, however, the patchiness and variability of thermal damage within the cross‐sections evaluated make it difficult to draw any strong conclusions. Further studies are warranted to more fully evaluate the histologic effects and mechanisms behind laser lipolysis. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:402–406, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of laser irradiation on collagen organization in chemically induced degenerative annulus fibrosus of lumbar intervertebral disc
Authors: Ignatieva Natalia , Zakharkina Olga , Andreeva Irina , Sobol Emil , Kamensky Vladislav , Lunin Valery
Published: July 2008

Background and Objective

The number of in vitro experimental studies was carried out with the use of intact tissues to establish a mechanism of laser–tissue interaction. However, in the process of degeneration, both biochemical composition and behavior of the disc were altered drastically. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of the main matrix components in laser modification of annulus fibrosus (AF) under IR laser irradiation.

Study Designs/Materials and Methods

The samples of AF in a motion segment after hyaluronidase treatment, trypsin digestion and glycation by glyceraldehyde were heated in hydrothermal bath (95°C, 2 min) or irradiated by laser at 1.56 µm. Specimens were imaged by cross‐polarization optical coherence tomography (CP‐OCT), and then analyzed by differential scanning calorimery (DSC).

Results and Discussion

According to CP‐OCT and DSC data non‐significant alteration was revealed in AF after hyaluronidase treatment, glycation led to stabilization of annulus collagen and trypsin digestion resulted in a noticeable impairment of collagen fibrils. Laser treatment induced subsequent damages of AF matrix but these damages cannot be explained by laser heating only. The specificity of chemical modification of AF matrix has an influence on a character of collagen network alteration due to IR laser effect. Minimal and maximal alterations are observed for hyaluronidase and trypsin treated samples respectively. Glyceraldehyde fixed samples showed failure of the collagen structure after moderate laser treatment; at the same time thermal denaturation of collagen macromolecules was negligible. We assume that a mechanical effect of laser irradiation plays an important role in laser‐induced annulus collagen modification and propose the scheme of physico‐chemical process occurring under non‐uniform IR laser treatment in AF tissue.

Conclusion

CP‐OCT and DSC techniques allow us to record the alteration of collagen network organization as a result of chemical modification. There were detected significant and specific effects of the biochemical composition and material properties on the response of AF collagen network on laser irradiation. The results go in accordance with our hypothesis that the primary effect of laser influence on collagen network under tension is the mechanical damage of collagen fiber. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:422–432, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of trigemino‐cervical reflexes in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Bartolo Michelangelo , Serrao Mariano , Perrotta Armando , Tassorelli Cristina , Sandrini Giorgio , Pierelli Francesco
Published: July 2008

Trigemino‐cervical reflexes (TCRs) are multisynaptic neck muscle withdrawal responses that are clearly identifiable in humans. Mediated by neural circuits at brainstem level, these reflex responses have been found to be significantly impaired in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and it has been hypothesized that a degeneration of brainstem neural structures could play a role in these abnormalities. Because extensive neuronal degeneration at brainstem level has been demonstrated in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), in this pilot study we evaluated the TCR responses in 12 subjects with PSP, and in 16 healthy controls. The TCRs were absent in 11 out of the 12 PSP patients while clear responses were evoked in all the healthy subjects. These findings indicate that PSP patients are unable to react to the painful stimuli to the face, suggesting a generalized impairment of the brainstem circuits mediating TCRs. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Correlating sideband patterns with powder patterns for accurate determination of chemical shift parameters in solid‐state NMR
Authors: Ironside M. S. , Reid D. G. , Duer M. J.
Published: July 2008

Powder patterns and sideband patterns have different strengths when it comes to using them to determine chemical shift parameters. Here, we show that chemical shift parameters can be determined with high accuracy by analysing the correlation pattern from a 2D experiment which correlates a powder pattern in the indirect dimension with a sideband pattern in the direct dimension. The chemical shift parameters so determined have greater accuracy than those obtained by analysing a sideband or powder pattern alone, for the same signal‐to‐noise ratio. This method can be applied for both resolved correlation patterns and to cases where two components share similar isotropic chemical shifts. The methodology is demonstrated in this paper, both theoretically and experimentally, on the 31P signals of the bis‐phosphonate drug, pamidronate. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chiral recognition of Schiff bases by 15N NMR spectroscopy in the presence of a dirhodium complex. Deuterium isotope effect on 15N chemical shift of the optically active Schiff bases and their dirhodium tetracarboxylate adducts
Authors: Rozwadowski Z. , Nowak‐Wydra B.
Published: July 2008

Optically active Schiff bases, derivatives of ortho‐hydroxyaldehydes and their adducts with dirhodium tetracarboxylate complexes have been studied by 15N NMR spectroscopy. The position of the equilibrium of Schiff bases, as well as their adducts, has been established on the basis of measurements of deuterium isotope effects on 15N chemical shifts. At the equilibrium state, the formation of the adducts with dirhodium complexes shifted the proton‐transfer equilibrium towards the NH‐form. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new MPZ mutation associated with a mild CMT1 phenotype presenting with recurrent nerve compression
Authors: Magot Armelle , Latour Philippe , Mussini Jean‐Marie , Mourtada Reda , Guiheneuc Pierre , Pereon Yann
Published: July 2008

P0 is a transmembrane protein of the immunoglobulin superfamily that plays a role in myelin structure and function. Myelin protein zero gene (MPZ) mutations usually cause a demyelinating variant of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1B (CMT1B), but there is a wide spectrum of phenotypic manifestation of these mutations. We describe three patients from one family and one separate patient who presented with a demyelinating neuropathy. Some had recurrent lesions at compression sites mimicking hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP). A heterozygous nonsense mutation (Tyr145Stop) corresponding to a T‐to‐A transition at nucleotide position 435 in exon 3 of the MPZ gene was identified in all patients. This mutation leads to an extracellular truncated protein, which may explain the mild phenotype. Therefore, such MPZ gene mutations should be searched for in cases of demyelinating neuropathy with acute nerve compression as well as in cases of the HNPP phenotype associated with normal the PMP22 gene. Muscle Nerve, 2008
An assessment of the effects of sample ischaemia and spinning time on the metabolic profile of brain tumour biopsy specimens as determined by high‐resolution magic angle spinning 1H NMR
Authors: Opstad Kirstie S. , Bell B. Anthony , Griffiths John R. , Howe Franklyn A.
Published: July 2008

High‐resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) 1H NMR of biopsy tissue provides a biochemical profile that has potential diagnostic and prognostic value, and can aid interpretation of the lower‐resolution 1H‐NMR spectra obtained in vivo. However, the biochemical profile obtained may be affected by experimental factors such as a period of ischaemia before snap‐freezing of the biopsy tissue for subsequent analysis and the mechanical stress of the spinning procedure of HRMAS itself. We have used normal rat brain cortex as a ‘gold standard’, either funnel‐frozen or deliberately allowed to become ischaemic for set periods of time before snap‐freezing, to quantitatively investigate these two effects. In addition, we have compared biochemical changes that occur in normal rat brain during HRMAS (spun continuously at 5 kHz for 4 h at 4°C as could be required for a two‐dimensional acquisition) with those that occur in biopsy samples from low‐grade and high‐grade adult human astrocytomas, during the same HRMAS procedure. Significant changes due to delayed initial sample freezing were noted in metabolites associated with glycolysis (alanine, glucose and lactate), as expected. However, for the funnel‐frozen rat tissue at 4°C, there were even more significant changes, which appear to be the result of extended spinning at 5 kHz. In particular, the 18% total creatine increase observed is unlikely to be de novo synthesis of creatine. More likely, the asymptotic exponential increase in creatine suggests an exponential release of an NMR‐invisible bound creatine store as a result of tissue damage from mechanical stress of sample spinning. Overall, it appears that tissue ischaemia during biopsy excision and delays in snap‐freezing may have less significant effects on metabolite profile than the prolonged spinning times required for two‐dimensional HRMAS, and this must be accounted for when results are being interpreted. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dual algorithm for the topology optimization of non‐linear elastic structures
Authors: Jog C. S.
Published: July 2008

Dual algorithms are ideally suited for the purpose of topology optimization since they work in the space of Lagrange multipliers associated with the constraints. To date, dual algorithms have been applied only for linear structures. Here we extend this methodology to the case of non‐linear structures. The perimeter constraint is used to make the topology problem well‐posed. We show that the proposed algorithm yields a value of perimeter that is close to that specified by the user. We also address the issue of manufacturability of these designs, by proposing a variant of the standard dual algorithm, which generates designs that are two‐dimensional although the loading and the geometry are three‐dimensional. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
γδT cell‐mediated regulation of chemokine producing macrophages during Listeria monocytogenes infection‐induced inflammation
Authors: Tramonti D , Rhodes K , Martin N , Dalton JE , Andrew E , Carding SR
Published: July 2008

Infection of γδT cell‐deficient (TcRδ−/−) mice with the intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) results in an exacerbated inflammatory response characterized by the accumulation of activated macrophages and necrotic liver lesions. Here we investigated whether changes in chemokine production by Lm‐elicited macrophages contribute to this abnormal inflammatory response. In response to Lm infection, activated macrophages accumulate in the primary sites of infection in TcRδ−/− mice and express high amounts of mRNA encoding the chemokines CCL3 (MIP‐1α), CCL4 (MIP‐1β), CXCL2 (MIP‐2) and CXCL10 (IP‐10). In the infected tissues of TcRδ−/− the number of chemokine‐synthesizing macrophages was higher than in wild‐type (WT) mice, with the amount of MIP‐1α and MIP‐1β secreted by individual macrophages in the spleen of TcRδ−/− mice also being significantly higher than in WT mice. By contrast, protease activity and NO production in individual splenic macrophages of Lm‐infected TcRδ−/− and WT mice were comparable. Pathogen‐elicited macrophages in TcRδ−/− mice also expressed high levels of the CCL3 and CCL4 receptor, CCR5. In macrophage‐γδT cell co‐cultures, chemokine‐producing macrophages were killed by cytotoxic Vγ1+ T cells in a Fas–FasL‐dependent manner consistent with the high levels of chemokine‐producing macrophages seen in infected TcRδ−/− mice being due to the absence of Vγ1+ T cells. Together these findings highlight the importance of γδT cells in regulating macrophage anti‐microbial responses. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of novel fillers, named networked silicas, and their effects of reinforcement on rubber compounds
Authors: Seo Gon , Kaang Shinyoung , Hong Chang Kook , Jung Dong Shin , Ryu Chang Seok , Lee Dong Hee
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: A new concept for reinforcing silica, named networked silica, was used to achieve enhanced reinforcing performance of silica and to eliminate the disadvantage of ethanol production and precure through coupling reagents in the preparation of silica‐reinforced SBR compounds.

RESULTS: The networked silicas were prepared by connecting silica particles with amine and glycidoxy groups, which had been previously coupled on their surface. The networked silicas compounded in SBR showed a significant enhancement of tensile strength accompanied with a moderate increase in modulus at a high loading of 70 phr even without using any coupling reagents. Their high performance is discussed in relation to their physical and chemical properties investigated using thermogravimetry, infrared spectroscopy, ζ‐potential, transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption methods.

CONCLUSION: The improved reinforcing performance of networked silicas confirmed their feasibility as reinforcing materials for the manufacture of highly stable tires. The high tensile strength achieved using the networked silicas is probably due to the physical entanglements of rubber molecules with the networks formed among silica particles. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Autoantibodies as potential biomarkers for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Tong Yong‐Qing , Zhang Zhi‐Jie , Liu Bei , Huang Jian , Liu Hui , Liu Yan , Guo Feng‐Jie , Zhou Guo‐Hua , Xie Ping‐Li , Li Yue‐Hui , Zuo Chao‐Hu , Hu Jin‐Yue , Li Guan‐Cheng
Published: July 2008

Autoantibody signatures, as new biomarkers, may improve the early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We constructed a T7 phage cDNA library from mixed NPC tissues, and we isolated 31 tumor‐associated proteins using biopan enrichment techniques with sera from NPC patients and from healthy population. DNA sequence analysis showed that among 31 phage‐displayed proteins, 22 have sequence identity with known or putative tumor‐associated proteins. The results of immunochemical reactivity of patients' sera with phage‐expressed proteins showed enrichment in the number of immunogenic phage clones in the biopanning process and also confirmed that antibodies were present in the sera of patients but not in the sera of healthy donors. The autoantibody against phage‐expressed protein MAGE, HSP70, Fibronectin, and CD44 measured by ELISA had greater predictive value than that against EBNA‐1, respectively. The antibody levels against MAGE in sera positively correlated with the clinical stages of NPC, and the antibody levels against other three proteins partly correlated with the clinical stages of NPC. Our studies suggested that the autoantibodies against tumor‐associated antigens in the sera of NPC patients could be used as a screening test for NPC. Studies of the corresponding proteins may have significances in tumor biology, novel drug development, and immunotherapy.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of LPS‐induced differential immune response associated with TLR4 Polymorphisms by multiplex amino acid coded mass tagging
Authors: Gu Sheng , Wang Tianyi , Chen Xian
Published: July 2008

Polymorphisms at toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene have been found to be associated with immune disorders. A murine macrophage cell line GG2EE derived from C3H/HeJ mice with a polymorphism site at TLR4 is hyposensitive to lipopolysacchride (LPS). To study the molecular base of diverse TLR4‐mediated immune responses, the proteomic changes in both TLR4‐deficient and wild‐type cell lines in response to the same LPS challenge were quantitatively compared by using multiplex amino acid coded mass tagging (AACT)/SILAC‐assisted MS. This strategy allows encoding of two distinct cell populations with different stable isotope‐tagged lysine residues as the “in‐spectra” quantitative markers. In MS analysis of tryptic peptides derived from the equally mixed three cell populations, the lysine‐containing peptides originated from two LPS‐stimulated cell populations can be clearly distinguished by their different mass shifts from the unstimulated and unlabeled counterpart. The LPS‐induced differential protein expression in TLR4‐deficient and wild‐type proteomes were obtained by comparing the intensities of isotopically encoded peptides. Among the more than 900 proteins identified, 35 were found to be deregulated at different levels in these two cell lines stimulated by LPS. This multiplex mass‐tagging methodology can be readily extended to other comparative proteomic quantitation of different cell populations.
Proteomic analysis of larvae during development, attachment, and metamorphosis in the fouling barnacle, Balanus amphitrite
Authors: Thiyagarajan Vengatesen , Qian Pei‐Yuan
Published: July 2008

The barnacle, Balanus amphitrite, is one of the primary model organisms for rocky‐shore ecology studies and biofouling research. This barnacle species has a complex life cycle during which the swimming nauplius molts six times and transforms into a cyprid stage. Cyprids must attach to a surface to metamorphose into a juvenile barnacle. To clarify the overall profile of protein expression during larval development and metamorphosis, 2‐DE was used to compare the proteome of the nauplius, the swimming cyprid, the attached cyprid, and the metamorphosed cyprid. The proteome of the swimming cyprid was distinctly different from that of other life stages and had about 400 spots. The proteomes of the attached and metamorphosed cyprids were similar with respect to major proteins but had significantly lower numbers of spots compared to that of swimming larval stages. Obviously, synthesis of most proteins from swimming cyprids was switched off after attachment and metamorphosis. Our advanced MS analysis (MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS/MS) allowed us to identify the proteins that were differentially and abundantly expressed in the swimming cyprid. These proteins included signal transduction proteins (adenylate cyclase and calmodulin) and juvenile hormone binding proteins. In summary, for the first time, we have analyzed the global protein expression pattern of fouling marine invertebrate larvae during metamorphosis. Our study provides new insights into the mechanisms of barnacle larval metamorphosis and also provides a foundation for exploring novel targets for antifouling treatments.
Trypsin digest coupled with two‐dimensional shotgun proteomics reveals the involvement of multiple signaling pathways in functional remodeling of late‐gestation uteri in rats
Authors: Chen Guan‐Yuan , Chen Shu‐Hui , Yu Chen‐Hsiang , Huang Sheng‐Yu , Tsai Mei‐Ling
Published: July 2008

Pregnant uteri become quiescent after functional remodeling but details are not fully known. Here we revealed uterine proteins of late‐gestation rats by 2‐D shotgun proteomic analysis and correlated protein expression with uterine functions. After duplication, 239 proteins were identified. About 190 proteins commonly found in duplicate analyses were subjected to functional annotation. The proteins associated with signal transduction fell into three known pathways. Western blotting and functional data indicated that: (i) a reduction of Na+/K+‐ATPase‐related proteins was associated with the decrease of contraction rate, (ii) a reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase and cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase type II‐α regulatory chain (PKARIIα) was associated with an increase in the relaxation response to 8‐bromo‐cAMP, and (iii) in the presence of Ras, an increased expression of nucleolin was associated with the elevation of Bcl‐xL, an antiapoptotic protein. In conclusion, 2‐D shotgun proteomic analysis provides a global database of uterine proteins for hypothesis‐driven studies. Our data suggest that in late‐gestation uteri down‐regulation of PKARIIα and Na+/K+‐ATPase may cause functional remodeling and lead to uterine quiescent. Up‐regulation of antiapoptotic proteins (nucleolin and Bcl‐xL) in the Ras‐mediated pathway may maintain cell survival and counteract cell loss during remodeling.
Synthesis, characterization, and optoelectronic properties of hyperbranched polyfluorenes containing pendant benzylether dendrons
Authors: Tsai Lin‐Ren , Li Chia‐Wei , Chen Yun
Published: July 2008

Linear polyfluorenes with low generation of side benzylether dendrons (PLG0, PLG1) and hyperbranched polyfluorenes with 1,3,5‐benzene branch unit (PHG0 and PHG1) were prepared by the Suzuki coupling reaction to investigate the structural effect on optoelectronic properties. Their optical properties, both in solution and film state, were investigated using absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The excimer emission of polyfluorene at about 530 nm, induced by thermal annealing, was completely suppressed by the hyperbranched structure, but the suppression was not obvious by the side benzylether dendrons. The optoelectronic performance of the EL devices (ITO/PEDOT:PSS/polymer/Ca/Al) was strongly dependent upon chemical structures of the emitting polyfluorenes. The hyperbranched PHG0 with zero generation of benzylether side groups revealed the best device performance, with maximal luminance and maximal luminance efficiency of 2350 cd/m2 and 0.33 cd/A, respectively. The results suggest that incorporation of branch units with low generation of benzylether dendrons is an effective way to improve annealing stability and EL performance of the polyfluorenes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5945–5958, 2008
Winter ground surface temperature regimes in the zone of sporadic discontinuous permafrost, Tatra Mountains (Poland and Slovakia)
Authors: Gądek Bogdan , Kędzia Stanisław
Published: July 2008

Ground surface temperatures in the zone of sporadic discontinuous permafrost in the Tatra Mountains were monitored over two winters at sites where either permafrost or deep seasonal frost had been previously posited. The results show that contemporary permafrost can exist beneath both thick and thin snow covers. We infer that its presence may relate more to local circulation of cold air over the surface and low summer solar irradiation than to elevation and snowpack development. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Permafrost distribution in talus slopes located within the alpine periglacial belt, Swiss Alps
Authors: Lambiel Christophe , Pieracci Kim
Published: July 2008

The extent of permafrost in nine talus slopes located within the alpine periglacial belt in the western Swiss Alps was investigated using ground surface temperature measurements and one‐ dimensional geoelectrical profiles. Based on the thermal data, permafrost appears likely in the lower parts of the slopes. At the same locations, an electrically resistive layer, interpreted as frozen sediments, was identified beneath 3–5 m of surface materials. Further upslope, resistivities were lower and ground surface temperatures were warmer, suggesting that permafrost was absent. The cooling of the ground in the lower parts of some of the talus slopes investigated was apparently due to the chimney effect. It is inferred that this mechanism plays an important role in permafrost development in the lower half of talus slopes located within the discontinuous mountain permafrost belt. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of miniature temperature‐loggers to monitor snowpack evolution at mountain permafrost sites, northwestern Canada
Authors: Lewkowicz Antoni G.
Published: July 2008

A technique to monitor snowpack development using miniature temperature‐loggers mounted in a vertical array is evaluated from nearly 100 site‐years of measurements in northwestern Canada. The method shows good agreement between interpreted values and actual snow depths checked during site visits. Inferred snowpack build‐up and ablation follow the patterns recorded at nearby climatological stations while absolute amounts and the duration of snow cover vary with elevation and vegetation type. Interpretation of snowpack evolution was possible at 93 per cent of the monitoring sites, a success rate that is judged to be acceptable given the low costs of the technique and the difficulty of obtaining the same information through other methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants from Ghana: Cassia sieberiana, Haematostaphis barteri, Mitragyna inermis and Pseudocedrela kotschyi
Authors: Asase Alex , Kokubun Tetsuo , Grayer Renée J. , Kite Geoffrey , Simmonds Monique S. J. , Oteng‐Yeboah Alfred A. , Odamtten George T.
Published: July 2008

The antimicrobial activity of the sequential n‐hexane, acetone and 50% aqueous methanol extracts of leaves, stem bark and roots of four species of medicinal plants, Cassia sieberiana DC. (Leguminosae), Haematostaphis barteri Hook. f. (Anacardiaceae), Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) O. Kuntze (Rubiaceae) and Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Schweinf.) Harms (Meliaceae), from Ghana were tested against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas syringae and Cladosporium herbarum using TLC direct‐autobiographic methods. Extracts from leaves, stem bark and roots of the four species gave a positive result against at least one test organism. Twelve of the 36 extracts were active against B. subtilis, four extracts were active against P. syringae and six were active against C. herbarum. Preliminary chemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, stilbenes and alkaloids. This is the first report of a stilbene from the Anacardiaceae. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fermented guava leaf extract inhibits LPS‐induced COX‐2 and iNOS expression in Mouse macrophage cells by inhibition of transcription factor NF‐κB
Authors: Choi Soo‐Youn , Hwang Joon‐Ho , Park Soo‐Young , Jin Yeong‐Jun , Ko Hee‐Chul , Moon Sang‐Wook , Kim Se‐Jae
Published: July 2008

The goal of this study was to elucidate the antiinflammatory activities of Psidium guajava L. (guava) leaf. To improve the functionality of guava leaf, it was fermented with Phellinus linteus mycelia, Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The ethanol extract from fermented guava leaf inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Western blot analysis showed that fermented guava leaf extract decreased LPS‐induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) protein level in RAW 264.7 cells. To investigate the mechanism involved, the study examined the effect of fermented guava leaf extract on LPS‐induced nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation. Fermented guava leaf extract significantly inhibited LPS‐induced NF‐κB transcriptional activity. Immunochemical analysis revealed that fermented guava leaf extract suppressed LPS‐induced degradation of I‐κBα. Taken together, the data indicate that fermented guava leaf extract is involved in the inhibition of iNOS and COX‐2 via the down‐regulation of NF‐κB pathway, revealing a partial molecular basis for the antiinflammatory properties of fermented guava leaf extract. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mosquito larvicidal activity of isolated compounds from the rhizome of Zingiber officinale
Authors: Rahuman A. Abdul , Gopalakrishnan Geetha , Venkatesan P. , Geetha Kannappan , Bagavan A.
Published: July 2008

The larvicidal activity of a petroleum ether extract of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) was evaluated against Aedes aegypti L. and Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera). Bioassay‐guided fractionation led to the isolation of 4‐gingerol (1), (6)‐dehydrogingerdione (2) and (6)‐dihydrogingerdione (3); the latter has not previously been reported from Z. officinale. The structures were established from infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C‐NMR and mass spectral data. Following a 24 h exposure, compounds 1–3 exhibited larvicidal activities against fourth instar larvae of A. aegypti (LC50 4.25, 9.80, 18.20 ppm) and C. quinquefasciatus (LC50 5.52, 7.66, 27.24 ppm), respectively. The results show that the most effective compound was 4‐gingerol. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.