bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of lipid peroxidation, cyclooxygenase enzyme and human tumor cell proliferation by compounds in herbal water
Authors: Liu Yunbao , Mulabagal Vanisree , Bowen‐Forbes Camille S. , Aviayan Rejanish , Nair Muraleedharan G.
Published: August 2009

A powdered mixture of dried herbs, “Panamrutham”, is sold in India for the preparation of “herbal drinking water”. The hot water extract of this herbal mixture gave lipid peroxidation (LPO), cyclo‐oxygenase (COX‐1 and ‐2) enzyme and human tumor cell proliferation inhibitory activities between 25 and 250 μg/mL. The bioassay‐guided purification of the water extract afforded a novel compound (1), along with phenolics (2, 4, 6, and 7) and sesquiterpenoids (3 and 5). The isolates were evaluated for LPO, COX‐1 and ‐2 enzyme and human tumor cell proliferation inhibitory activities. At 25 μg/mL, compounds 1–7 inhibited LPO by 22–73% and COX‐1 and ‐2 enzymes by 3–14% and 14–74%, respectively. Compounds 5 and 6 at 25 μg/mL showed growth inhibition of colon, gastric, lung, breast and central nervous system human tumor cell lines by 60 and 67, 43 and 60, 24 and 64, 34 and 65, 6 and 27%, respectively. Compounds 2, 4 and 7 displayed weak or moderate growth inhibition of colon, gastric and breast human tumor cell lines. This is the first report on the LPO inhibitory activities of compounds 1 and 3–7 and the COX and tumor cell proliferation inhibitory activities of compounds 1, 3–5 and 7.
Protective effect of sulforaphane on indomethacin‐induced cytotoxicity via heme oxygenase‐1 expression in human intestinal Int 407 cells
Authors: Yeh Chi‐Tai , Chiu Hsiang‐Fan , Yen Gow‐Chin
Published: August 2009

Sulforaphane is known to be an indirect antioxidant that acts by inducing NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)‐dependent phase II enzymes. In the present study, we investigated the effect of sulforaphane on the expression of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) in human intestinal Int 407 cells. RT‐PCR and Western blot data revealed that sulforaphane induced an increase in HO‐1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. This induction was also marked by an increase in HO‐1 activity. Actinomycin D (an RNA synthesis inhibitor) and cycloheximide (a protein synthesis inhibitor) inhibited sulforaphane‐responsive HO‐1 mRNA expression, indicating that sulforaphane is a requirement for transcription and de novo protein synthesis. Moreover, sulforaphane increased the nuclear levels of Nrf2 and increased the binding activity of nuclear proteins to the antioxidant responsive element consensus sequence. We also found that U0126, an ERK kinase inhibitor, suppressed the sulforaphane‐induced HO‐1 expression and nuclear translocation of Nrf2. Moreover, the cytoprotective effect of sulforaphane on indomethancin‐induced cytotoxicity was partially blocked by ERK and HO‐1 inhibitors, further demonstrating that sulforaphane attenuated oxidative stress through a pathway that involved ERK and HO‐1. Taken together, this study gives additional support to the possible use of sulforaphane as a dietary preventive agent against oxidative stress‐induced intestinal injury.
TheC‐glycosyl flavonoid, aspalathin, is absorbed, methylated and glucuronidated intact in humans
Authors: Courts Fraser L. , Williamson Gary
Published: August 2009

Human bioavailability of the flavonoid dihydrochalcones is little understood, and no evidence exists forC‐glycosyl flavonoid absorption in humans. The present study uses catechol‐O‐methyltransferase to generate methylated metabolites of aspalathin (aC‐glycosyl dihydrochalcone from rooibos tea). One of the methylated forms, both with and without glucuronidation, was detected using LC‐MS/MS in the urine of human subjects (n= 6), demonstrating that deglycosylation is not a prerequisite forC‐glycosyl flavonoid absorption. Methylation is catalysed by both intestine and liver cytosolic extracts. The results show that flavonoidC‐glycosides are methylated and glucuronidatedin vivoin an intact form in humans.
An iterative pressure‐stabilized fractional step algorithm in saturated soil dynamics
Authors: Li Xikui , Zhang Xue , Han Xianhong , Sheng D. C.
Published: August 2009

This paper presents an iterative, incremental pressure‐stabilized fractional step algorithm for coupled hydro‐mechanical problems with mixed formulations of the displacement–pressure (u–p) model in saturated soil dynamics that allows the use of finite elements with equal low order of interpolation approximation of u and p. In comparison with the original fractional step algorithm, the distinct features of the proposed algorithm lie in its enhanced stability owing to the introduction of both an iteration procedure and a finite increment calculus (FIC) process into the algorithm. The introduction of the iterative procedure makes the velocity term satisfy the momentum conservation equation in an implicit sense and allows much larger time step sizes to be used than those limited in existing explicit and semi‐implicit versions of the algorithm. The introduction of the FIC process removes the dependence of the stability of the proposed algorithm on the time step size, as a result it allows to using the incremental version of the algorithm and evades the minimum time step size requirement presented in the existing versions of the fractional step algorithm that restricts the application of the algorithm to saturated soil dynamics problems with high frequencies.

Numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness and improved performance of the proposed iterative pressure‐stabilized fractional step algorithm. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vaso‐occlusive painful events in sickle cell disease: Impact on child well‐being
Authors: Brandow Amanda M. , Brousseau David C. , Pajewski Nicholas M. , Panepinto Julie A.
Published: August 2009

Background

This study describes how painful events affect the health‐related quality of life (HRQL) of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and determines the responsiveness of a generic HRQL measure in SCD. Our hypotheses were twofold: (1) HRQL is significantly impaired at presentation to the emergency department for a painful event and (2) PedsQL 4.0 Acute Version Generic Core Scales is responsive to change in the evolution of a painful event.

Procedure

This prospective cohort study included 57 children with SCD. HRQL was measured with the Acute Version of the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales, completed by child (self‐report) and caregiver (proxy report) at presentation and 7 days post‐discharge. Independent comparisons of HRQL scores were made between children in the study cohort and a published reference sample of children with SCD in baseline health (historical SCD controls).

Results

Median PedsQL scores at presentation were significantly lower than historical SCD controls in all domains for child self‐report and all domains except social and school functioning in parent‐proxy. Clinically and statistically significant changes in HRQL between presentation and post‐discharge resulted in similar HRQL scores at 7 days post‐discharge to historical SCD controls.

Conclusions

The PedsQL is responsive to change; thus a useful tool to measure the impact of interventions in future SCD clinical trials. Painful events significantly diminish all domains of HRQL and this improves 7 days post‐discharge. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 54:92–97. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temperature‐dependent current‐voltage and lightsoaking measurements on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells with ALD‐Zn1‐xMgxO buffer layers
Authors: Pettersson J. , Platzer‐Björkman C. , Edoff M.
Published: August 2009

In this paper, lightsoaking and temperature‐dependent current‐voltage (JVT) measurements on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells with atomic layer deposited Zn1‐xMgxO buffer layers are presented. A range of Mg concentrations are used, from pure ZnO (x=0) to 26% Mg (x=0·26). Since this kind of solar cells exhibit strong metastable behaviour, lightsoaking is needed prior to the JVT‐measurements to enable fitting of these to the one‐diode model. The most prominent effect of lightsoaking cells with Mg‐rich buffer layers is an increased fill factor, while the effect on cells with pure ZnO buffer is mainly to increase Voc·. The activation energy is extracted from JVT‐measurement data by applying three different methods and the ideality factors are fitted to two different models of temperature‐dependence. A buffer layer consisting either of ZnO or Zn1‐xMgxO with a minor Mg content gives solar cells dominated by interface recombination, which probably can be related to a negative conduction band offset. A relatively high Mg content in the buffer layer (x=0·21) leads to solar cells dominated by recombination in the space charge region. The recombination is interpreted as being tunnelling‐enhanced. The situation in between these Mg concentrations is less clear. Before lightsoaking, the sample with x=0·12 has the highest efficiency of 15·3%, while after lightsoaking the sample with x=0·21 holds the best efficiency, 16·1%, exceeding the value for the CdS reference. The Jsc values of the Zn1‐xMgxO cells surpass that of the reference due to the larger bandgap of Zn1‐xMgxO compared to CdS. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unsymmetrical dyes derived from 7,8‐dihydrobenzo[c,d]furo[2,3‐f]indole
Authors: Davydenko Iryna G. , Kachkovsky Aleksei D. , Dekhtyar Marina L. , Slominskii Yurii L. , Tolmachev Aleksei I.
Published: August 2009

On the basis of the 7,8‐dihydrobenzo[c,d]furo[2,3‐f]indole nucleus, a number of unsymmetrical carbocyanines as well as styryl dyes have been synthesized and their absorption spectra have been measured. Starting from the deviations of long‐wavelength maxima, the value of electron‐donor ability D has been estimated for the heterocycle under study and a number of dye end groups have been ranked by their electron‐donor properties. Experimental inferences are supported by the quantum chemically calculated bond length alternations and energy levels for the dyes concerned. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Artificial polymerases and molecular chaperones
Authors: Harada Akira
Published: August 2009

Cyclodextrins (CDs) were found to initiate polymerization of lactone to give polyesters with a CD ring at the end of the polymer chain in high yields only by mixing and heating with monomer without cocatalysts or solvents. CD‐tethered polyester propagates with the formation of poly‐pseudorotaxane, which is necessary to initiate further polymerization. CDs threaded onto the polymer chain are also essential for maintaining the propagating state of the polyester. By polymerizing with CD, switching the activity of the polymerization by photoisomerization was demonstrated. This polymerization system showed specific substrate recognition, releasing the products from the active site. By using the above polymerization system, β‐CD nanospheres which initiates the oligomerization of lactone were constructed. It was found that the formation of poly‐pseudorotaxane on the nanosphere enabled further polymerization activity for lactone. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4469–4481, 2009
Synthesis of quaternary ammonium ion‐grafted polyolefins via activation of inert CH bonds and nitroxide mediated radical polymerization
Authors: Jo Tae Soo , Yang Meilong , Brownell Lacie V. , Bae Chulsung
Published: August 2009

A TEMPO‐functionalized isotactic poly(1‐butene) macroinitiator was synthesized via rhodium‐catalyzed activation of the alkane CH bonds in polyolefin side chain using a boron reagent and subsequent transformations of the boronate ester group in the polymer. These functionalization processes did not induce cross‐linking or degradation of the polymer chains. Nitroxide mediated radical polymerization of dipropyl(4‐vinylphenyl)amine with the macroinitiator produced high‐molecular weight amine‐grafted copolymers of the polyolefin. Adjusting the ratio of polar monomer concentration to macroinitiator concentration controlled the concentrations of amine blocks in the graft copolymers up to 10 mol %. Quaternization of the amine‐grafted copolymers with methyl triflate generated ammonium ion blocks along the side chain of the graft copolymers. A systematic decrease of contact angle in a series of ammonium ion‐grafted copolymers was observed through water contact angle measurements, suggesting that the graft polymerization and the quaternization led to increased hydrophilicity in the polymers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4519–4531, 2009
Spectroscopic analysis and kinetics of intermolecular hydrogen bond formation in poly‐pyridobisimidazole (M5) fiber
Authors: Leal A. Andres , Deitzel Joseph M. , McKnight Steven H. , Gillespie John W.
Published: August 2009

Poly‐pyridobisimiazole (M5) single filaments subjected to varying degrees of heat treatment have been analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy in transmission mode to detect changes in the state of intermolecular hydrogen bonding as a function of fiber annealing conditions. The FTIR absorbance bands associated with hydrogen bonding in M5 fiber have been identified, and the integrated molar absorption coefficients for the bands of interest have been determined experimentally, which allows to quantify the concentration of NH vibration groups hydrogen‐bonded (H‐bonded) to water molecules, and the concentration of NH vibration groups H‐bonded to adjacent polymer chains in the fiber. A dual mechanism kinetic rate expression is used to describe intermolecular H‐bond formation in M5 fiber as a function of annealing conditions, from which an activation energy for H‐bond formation of 14.8 kJ/mol is obtained. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1809–1824, 2009
Clay dispersibility and mechanical property of the epoxy/clay nanocomposites prepared by different treatment methods
Authors: Harada Miyuki , Miyamoto Takeharu , Ochi Mitsukazu
Published: August 2009

The bisphenol‐A type epoxy resin was combined with layered clays. Three types of epoxy/clay nanocomposites were prepared by different clay pretreatment methods, that is, the slurry (clay swelling with polar solvent), organo, and solubilization (organoclay swelling with polar solvent) methods. The organo and solubilization systems showed good dispersibility. The basal spacing of the layered clays in the obtained nanocomposites was evaluated by XRD and TEM observations. The basal spacing of the nanoclay in the solubilization system drastically increased. The mechanical properties were improved with the increase in the clay dispersion. A high modulus and fracture toughness were obtained by improvement of the clay dispersion into the matrix. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1753–1761, 2009
Ethylene–acrylic acid copolymer induced electrical conductivity improvements and dynamic rheological behavior changes of polypropylene/carbon black composites
Authors: Chen Guangshun , Yang Bo , Guo Shaoyun
Published: August 2009

The experimental data reveal that the addition of ethylene–acrylic acid copolymer (EAA) into carbon black (CB)/polypropylene (PP) composites can improve the electrical conductivity of CB/PP composites by two to six orders of magnitude at a comparatively low CB content (φ), and when φ = 2.5 vol %, 60/40 of PP/EAA is an optimum for electrical conductivity improvement. The dynamic rheological data show that with increasing φ there are apparent rheological percolations for CB/PP composites. A modified Kerner–Nielson equation can be used to describe the correlation between electrical percolation and dynamic viscoelastic percolation. The addition of EAA into CB/PP composites leads to apparent changes in dynamic rheological behaviors. When φ = 2.5 vol %, a rheological percolation appears in CB/PP/EAA (CPE) composites with increasing EAA content. The similar rheological behaviors correspond to the similar morphological structures for CPE composites with φ = 5.0 vol %. The appearance of bumps in the van‐Gurp–Palmen plots corresponds to the formation of network structure in CB/PP and CPE composites, and the more perfect the networks, the higher the amplitude of the bumps. All data indicate that the van‐Gurp–Palmen plot is sensitive to the formation of filler particle networks or cocontinuous phase which spans the whole composite. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1762–1771, 2009
Enhanced emission from Alq3 in PVK/Alq3 blend films based on resonance energy transfer
Authors: Kong F. , Liu J. , Li X. F. , An Y. , Qiu T.
Published: August 2009

In this study, we present the optical properties of the poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) films doped with tris(8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3). It has been found that the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the PVK film overlaps well with the absorption band of Alq3. When excited at the absorption maximum of PVK, the doped PVK films show enhanced emissions from the Alq3 component. The PL enhancement is considered to be due to energy transfer from PVK to Alq3 in the doped PVK films by analyzing the PL, PL excitation, and time‐resolved fluorescence spectra. The energy transfer efficiency is increased with increasing the concentration of Alq3 in the doped PVK film according to time‐resolved fluorescence spectra. The energy transfer process has been discussed according to the Förster mechanism. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1772–1777, 2009
Behavior of pressure dependence of melting temperatures in aromatic polyesters: Influence of polymer structure
Authors: Rohindra David R. , Tanaka Masakazu , Kuboyama Keiichi , Ougizawa Toshiaki
Published: August 2009

The thermal behavior of three aromatic polyesters in a homologous series, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT), and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) was studied under hydrostatic pressure up to 200 MPa by using a high pressure differential thermal analysis apparatus. Confining fluid high pressure dilatometer was used to establish the volume–temperature curves (in both solid and liquid regions) from which volume change on melting of these polyesters at atmospheric pressure was determined. Single endothermic peak was seen for PET and PTT, whereas PBT showed double peaks above 50 MPa. Pressure coefficient of melting temperature at atmospheric pressure (dTm/dp(0)), was obtained from the quadratic fit. The dTm/dp(0) for PTT was newly determined to be 0.445 KMPa−1, whereas for PET and PBT were 0.503 and 0.455 KMPa−1, respectively, comparable to reported values. The dTm/dp(0) exhibited the odd‐even behavior corresponding to odd and even number of methylene groups in the repeat unit. Enthalpy and entropy of fusion had the most influence on this coefficient. Entropy related to conformational and volume change were evaluated and the former was found to have a significant impact on the value of dTm/dp(0). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1799–1808, 2009
The structure of a putative S‐formylglutathione hydrolase from Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: van Straaten Karin E. , Gonzalez Claudio F. , Valladares Ricardo B. , Xu Xiaohui , Savchenko Alexei V. , Sanders David A. R.
Published: August 2009

The structure of the Atu1476 protein from Agrobacterium tumefaciens was determined at 2 Å resolution. The crystal structure and biochemical characterization of this enzyme support the conclusion that this protein is an S‐formylglutathione hydrolase (AtuSFGH). The three‐dimensional structure of AtuSFGH contains the α/β hydrolase fold topology and exists as a homo‐dimer. Contacts between the two monomers in the dimer are formed both by hydrogen bonds and salt bridges. Biochemical characterization reveals that AtuSFGH hydrolyzes CO bonds with high affinity toward short to medium chain esters, unlike the other known SFGHs which have greater affinity toward shorter chained esters. A potential role for Cys54 in regulation of enzyme activity through S‐glutathionylation is also proposed.
Modulation of P‐glycoprotein ATPase activity by some phytoconstituents
Authors: Najar I. A. , Sachin B. S. , Sharma S. C. , Satti N. K. , Suri K. A. , Johri R. K.
Published: August 2009

In the present investigation 16 phytoconstituents, which are active moieties found in several medicinal herbs, have been evaluated for their P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) stimulation/inhibition profiles using a P‐gp‐dependent ATPase assay in rat jejunal membrane (in vitro). Acteoside, agnuside, catechin, chlorogenic acid, picroside ‐II and santonin showed an inhibitory effect. Negundoside, picroside ‐I and oleanolic acid caused a stimulatory effect. Andrographolide, apocyanin, berberine, glycyrrhizin, magniferin and piperine produced a biphasic response (stimulation at low concentration and inhibition at high concentration). The results suggested that a possible interaction of these phytoconstituents at the level of P‐gp, could be an important parameter in determining their role in several key pharmacodynamic events. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils
Authors: Astani Akram , Reichling Jürgen , Schnitzler Paul
Published: August 2009

Essential oils are complex natural mixtures, their main constituents, e.g. terpenes and phenylpropanoids, being responsible for their biological properties. Essential oils from eucalyptus, tea tree and thyme and their major monoterpene compounds α‐terpinene, γ‐terpinene, α‐pinene, p‐cymene, terpinen‐4‐ol, α‐terpineol, thymol, citral and 1,8‐cineole were examined for their antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) in vitro. These essential oils were able to reduce viral infectivity by >96%, the monoterpenes inhibited HSV by about >80%. The mode of antiviral action has been determined, only moderate antiviral effects were revealed by essential oils and monoterpenes when these drugs were added to host cells prior to infection or after entry of HSV into cells. However, both essential oils and monoterpenes exhibited high anti‐HSV‐1 activity by direct inactivation of free virus particles. All tested drugs interacted in a dose‐dependent manner with herpesvirus particles thereby inactivating viral infection. Among the analysed compounds, monoterpene hydrocarbons were slightly superior to monoterpene alcohols in their antiviral activity, α‐pinene and α‐terpineol revealed the highest selectivity index. However, mixtures of different monoterpenes present in natural tea tree essential oil revealed a ten‐fold higher selectivity index and a lower toxicity than its isolated single monoterpenes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An overview of barrier winds off southeastern Greenland during the Greenland Flow Distortion experiment
Authors: Petersen G. N. , Renfrew I. A. , Moore G. W. K.
Published: August 2009

During the Greenland Flow Distortion experiment, barrier flow was observed by an instrumented aircraft on 1, 2, 5 and 6 March 2007 off southeastern Greenland. During this time period the barrier flow increased from a narrow jet, ∼15 m s−1, to a jet filling almost the whole of the Denmark Strait with maximum wind speed exceeding 40 m s−1. Dropsonde observations show that the barrier flow was capped by a sharp temperature inversion below mountain height. Below the inversion was a cold and dry jet, with a larger northerly wind component than that of the flow above, which was also warmer and more moist. Thus, the observations indicate two air masses below mountain height: a cold and dry barrier jet of northern origin and, above this, a warmer and moister air mass that was of cyclonic origin.

Numerical simulations emphasize the non‐stationarity of the Greenland barrier flow and its dependence on the synoptic situation in the Greenland‐‐Iceland region. They show that the barrier jet originated north of the Denmark Strait and was drawn southward by a synoptic‐scale cyclone, with the strength and location of the maximum winds highly dependent on the location of the cyclone relative to the orography of Greenland. Experiments without Greenland's orography suggest a ∼20 m s−1 enhancement of the low‐level peak wind speeds due to the presence of the barrier. Thus, the Greenland barrier flows are not classic geostrophically balanced barrier flows but have a significant ageostrophic component and are precisely controlled by synoptic‐scale systems. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Structure and dynamics of the Saharan atmospheric boundary layer during the West African monsoon onset: observations and analyses from the research flights of 14 and 17 July 2006
Authors: Messager Christophe , Parker Douglas J. , Reitebuch O. , Agusti‐Panareda A. , Taylor Christopher M. , Cuesta J.
Published: August 2009

This paper presents the results of co‐ordinated research flights over the Saharan heat‐low, conducted during July 2006 as part of the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA) Special Observing Periods. The flights consisted of a morning transect on 14 July 2006 with the Falcon F20 aircraft of the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft‐ und Raumfahrt (DLR), using the Doppler lidar WIND to observe the tropospheric winds, followed by an afternoon flight on 17 July with the BAe146 aircraft of the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) releasing a curtain of 16 dropsondes. Measurements from radiosondes at the Algerian stations of Tamanrasset and In Salah, as well as the CALIPSO spaceborne lidar, are analysed also. It is shown that the daytime Saharan atmospheric boundary layer exhibits a remarkable split structure, with a well‐mixed convective layer lying beneath a residual layer whose dynamics appear to be more nearly laminar. Observations from Saharan radiosonde stations confirm that the Saharan residual boundary layer is, on some days, a persistent rather than a transient feature, and that on occasion the residual layer can last right through the day.

The broad features of the Saharan heat‐low thermodynamics and winds are successfully captured by the ECMWF operational analyses and the discrepancies are quantified here. The lidar winds of 14 July confirm that the analysis represents the main airflows accurately, apart from the zone to the southeast of a mid‐level trough, for which the southerly component of winds was underestimated by some 8 m s−1. On 17 July, the strengths of both the southwesterly monsoon and the northeasterly Harmattan winds were slightly underestimated also. The region of maximum boundary‐layer temperature over the desert was around 1 degree too far north, and too broad in the analysis, while the equivalent potential temperature in the Saharan convective boundary layer was around 2 K lower than observed. The near‐saturated layer observed at the top of the Saharan atmospheric boundary layer was underestimated also in the analysis, in horizontal extent and altitude. The intertropical front of 17 July was coincident with strong surface contrasts in vegetation and fluxes. On each study day the intertropical front in the analyses was around 1 degree further north than observed. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
A robust self‐organized public key management for mobile ad hoc networks
Authors: Dahshan Hisham , Irvine James
Published: August 2009

A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a self‐organized wireless network where mobile nodes can communicate with each other without the use of any existing network infrastructure or centralized administration. Trust establishment and management are essential for any security framework of MANETs. However, traditional solutions to key management through accessing trusted authorities or centralized servers are infeasible for MANETs due to the absence of infrastructure, frequent mobility, and wireless link instability. In this paper, we propose a robust self‐organized, public key management for MANETs. The proposed scheme relies on establishing a small number of trust relations between neighboring nodes during the network initialization phase. Experiences gained as a result of successful communications and node mobility through the network enhance the formation of a web of trust between mobile nodes. The proposed scheme allows each user to create its public key and the corresponding private key, to issue certificates to neighboring nodes, and to perform public key authentication through at least two independent certificate chains without relying on any centralized authority. A measure of the communications cost of the key distribution process has been proposed. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme is robust and efficient in the mobility environment of MANET and against malicious node attacks. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length in the supine and upright positions versus Bishop score in predicting successful induction of labor at term
Authors: Meijer‐Hoogeveen M. , Roos C. , Arabin B. , Stoutenbeek P. , Visser G. H. A.
Published: August 2009

Objectives

To examine the predictive value of cervical length as measured by transvaginal sonography (TVS) in supine and upright maternal positions for the mode of delivery and induction‐to‐delivery interval after induction of labor at term, and to compare these measurements with the Bishop score and its predictive value.

Methods

TVS for cervical length measurement in the supine and upright positions and digital examination of the cervix were performed in 68 nulliparous and 34 parous women before induction of labor at term. In assessing the predictive value of the Bishop score and TVS parameters for a vaginal delivery after labor induction only nulliparous women were included in the analysis, since all the parous women delivered vaginally. Both nulliparous and parous women were included in the analysis of the induction‐to‐delivery interval. The method of labor induction, oxytocin or prostaglandin, was determined on the basis of the pre‐induction Bishop score.

Results

Logistic regression analysis showed in nulliparous women that only the cervical length measured in the upright position was a significant predictor of the need for Cesarean section (odds ratio 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02–1.27). The areas under the receiver–operating characteristics curve in predicting the need for Cesarean section because of failure to progress were higher for the cervical length, both in supine and upright positions, than for the Bishop score (0.66, 0.68 and 0.46, respectively). Only the Bishop score correlated significantly with the induction‐to‐delivery interval in both nulliparous and parous women. However, this may have been due to a selection bias, as no significant correlation with Bishop score was found when the oxytocin and prostaglandin induction‐to‐delivery intervals were analyzed separately.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that maternal postural change might improve the accuracy of sonographically‐measured cervical length for predicting a vaginal delivery after induction of labor at term. However, our results need to be confirmed in a larger and more homogeneous population. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Renaissance einer Hundertjährigen. Die Molekularpumpe von Wolfgang Gaede
Authors: Henning Hinrich
Published: August 2009

W. Gaede hat die Molekularpumpe 1908 erfunden, deren Wirkung auf der äußeren Reibung der Gase beruht, und bis 1910 einen Prototyp gebaut. Es bedurfte noch weiterer zwei Jahre, bis von E. Leybold's Nachf. in Köln die ersten Pumpen auf den Markt gebracht werden konnten, von denen man Großes erwartete. Der erste Weltkrieg, aber auch fertigungstechnische Probleme und erforderliche hohe Sorgfalt bei der Anwendung behinderten eine weltweite Verbreitung der Pumpe auf Dauer. Doch Ende des 20.Jahrhunderts begann man, das Prinzip der Reibungspumpe als letzte Kompressionsstufe in Turbomolekularpumpen mit großem Erfolg einzusetzen.
Physics of Failure approach to wind turbine condition based maintenance
Authors: Gray Christopher S. , Watson Simon J.
Published: August 2009

Wind turbine condition monitoring systems provide an early indication of component damage, allowing the operator to plan system repair prior to complete failure. However, the resulting cost savings are limited because of the relatively low number of failures that may be detected and the high cost of installing the required measurement equipment. A new approach is proposed for continuous, online calculation of damage accumulation using standard turbine performance parameters and Physics of Failure methodology. The wind turbine system is assessed in order to identify the root cause of critical failure modes and theoretical damage models are developed to describe the relationship between the turbine operating environment, applied loads and the rate at which damage accumulates. Accurate estimates may then be made in real time concerning the probability of failure for specific failure modes and components. The methodology is illustrated for a specific failure mode using a case study of a large wind farm where a significant number of gearbox failures occurred within a short space of time. Such an approach may be implemented at relatively low cost and offers potential for significant improvements in overall wind turbine maintenance strategy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles for biodetection, imaging, and drug delivery: a versatile and evolving technology
Authors: Dave Shivang R. , Gao Xiaohu
Published: August 2009

Advances in nanotechnology have pushed forward the synthesis of a variety of functional nanoparticles (NPs) such as semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), magnetic and metallic NPs. The unique electronic, magnetic, and optical properties exhibited by these nanometer‐sized materials have enabled a broad spectrum of biomedical applications. In particular, iron‐oxide‐based magnetic NPs have proved to be highly versatile deep‐tissue imaging agents, having been incorporated into clinical applications due to their biocompatibility. ThisInterdisciplinary Reviewwill focus on the recent advances in strategies for the synthesis and surface modification of highly monodisperse magnetic NPs and their use in imaging, drug delivery, and innovative ultrasensitive bioassays. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
A method to determine the absolute harmonic content of an X‐ray beam using attenuation measurements
Authors: Glover J. L. , Chantler C. T.
Published: August 2009

We present a new method for determining the absolute harmonic content of an X‐ray beam. The technique is applied to determine the harmonic content of a synchrotron beam to high‐accuracy by measuring the X‐ray attenuation of a large number of aluminium foils with thicknesses varying over several orders of magnitude. Earlier methods always determined relative quantities such as the effective harmonic content, which are dependant on experimental geometry and not transferable between detectors. We use a more fundamental and useful parameter: the harmonic‐photon percentage. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Dynamic Crystal‐to‐Amorphous Transformation Microporous ZnII Mixed Neutral‐ligand Metal‐organic Polymer {[Zn(bpp)2(μ‐4,4′‐bipy)(H2O)2](ClO4)2·H2O}n
Authors: Ghoreishi Amiri Maryam , Morsali Ali , Zeller Matthias
Published: August 2009

A new rarely reported ZnII mixed‐polypyridine coordination polymer with both rigid and flexible spacers, {[Zn(bpp)2(μ‐4,4′‐bipy)(H2O)2](ClO4)2·H2O}n (1), has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR‐, 1H NMR‐, 13C NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The thermal stability of compound 1 was studied by thermal gravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analyses (DTA). The single‐crystal X‐ray structure of 1 shows that the complex has been formed from a 1D polymer as a result of bridging by the 4,4′‐bipy ligands. Solution and solid‐state luminescent spectra of the compound 1 indicate intense fluorescent emissions at ca. 353.6 and 468.8 nm, respectively. Removal of the interstitial water guest molecules results in a loss of crystallinity, but exposure to water vapor reestablishes the original structure, thus constituting 1 as a third‐generation porous framework.
Pus Swabs in Incision and Drainage of Perianal Abscesses: What Is the Point?
Authors: Leung Edmund , McArdle Kirsten , Yazbek‐Hanna Marcelino
Published: August 2009

Background

The clinical effectiveness of pus swabs for microbiological analysis during incision and drainage of perianal abscess is controversial. Its cost implication is often overlooked. The present study aimed to determine if submission of pus swabs can be avoided without a negative effect on outcome.

Methods

All consecutive cases of incision and drainage of perianal abscess between January 2004 and 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, microbiological results, and clinical outcome with a follow‐up of 6 months were assessed.

Results

A review of patient records revealed 235 cases (59 F:176 M; age range: 6–99 years; median: 37 years). In 38 cases no swabs were taken; in 28 cases (12%), 106 cases (45%), and 16 cases (7%) swabs contained skin flora organisms, coliform/Bacteroides, and sterile, respectively. Within 6 months follow‐up, 185 of the abscesses had healed, leaving 39 cases of fistula (25 cases had setons remained in situ for their fistulas at 6 months follow‐up) and 11 patients were lost from follow‐up. Fistulas were not associated with coliform/Bacteroides found on microbiological analysis (P > 0.05). In only 4 cases (1.7%) were the swab results mentioned in follow‐up reports.

Conclusions

Surgeons tend not to review microbiological results at patient follow‐up. Furthermore, the preliminary findings suggest that microbiological results have no correlation with presence of fistulas or prognosis. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to assess whether abandoning submission of pus swabs will affect clinical effectiveness of treatment in patients with perianal abscess.
Short‐ and long‐term outcome for living pancreas donors
Authors: Reynoso Jason F. , Gruessner Christine E. , Sutherland David E. R. , Gruessner Rainer W. G.
Published: August 2009

The advantages of living donor pancreas transplants for the recipient include good HLA matching, lower immunologic risk, less immunosuppression, lower risk of infection and of posttransplant malignancies, and shorter pancreas graft preservation time. In 2008, a total of 155 segmental pancreas transplants using living donors were reported to the International Pancreas Transplant Registry from six countries. Pancreas living donors need to undergo a thorough pretransplant endocrinologic workup in order to minimize the risk of metabolic complications. The pretransplant workup has evolved over time, after initial reports showed that up to 25% of living donors had elevated hemoglobin A1c levels after donation. Avoiding obesity after donation diminishes the risk of long‐term metabolic complications. The risk of surgical complications for the donor (such as pancreatitis, pancreatic leak or fistula, pancreatic abscess, and pancreatic pseudocyst) is less than 5%. If both the donor and recipient operations are technically successful, the long‐term graft survival rate is significantly higher for living (versus deceased) donor pancreas transplant recipients. Future long‐term studies of metabolic function in living donors are warranted to determine whether living donor pancreas transplants can safely be applied more widely and whether living donors can be used for islet transplants.
Clickable Lipids: Azido and Alkynyl Fatty Acids and Triacylglycerols
Authors: Zerkowski Jonathan A. , Nuñez Alberto , Strahan Gary D. , Solaiman Daniel K. Y.
Published: August 2009

Hydroxy fatty acids (FAs), which were isolated from glycolipids that can be prepared fermentatively from fats and oils, have been synthetically modified to contain azide and alkyne functional groups. These particular functional groups were chosen because they can participate in a copper‐catalyzed reaction that combines them to form a 1,4‐triazole, known as a “click” reaction, which has been widely used in a variety of fields but remains underutilized in FA chemistry. Depending on the starting hydroxy FA, these groups can be close to the carboxy unit (using 3‐hydroxydecanoate) and hence the polar glycerol group, or distant from it (using 17‐hydroxyoctadecanoate). These structural alternatives will impart different properties to the triacylglycerols that are subsequently prepared from the modified FA. Finally, the click reaction was used to conjugate triacylglycerols to each other and to other molecules such as a glycolipid or a protected amine.
Results of an Italian school‐based expressive writing intervention trial focused on peer problems
Authors: Giannotta Fabrizia , Settanni Michele , Kliewer Wendy , Ciairano Silvia
Published: August 2009

This study investigated the effectiveness of an expressive writing intervention in a sample of Italian early adolescents on internalizing and post‐traumatic stress symptoms and coping strategies. Participants were 153 Italian adolescents (48% male), attending 7th grade (M = 12.24 yrs, SD = 0.47). Youth were randomly assigned either to write about personal emotional events related to problems they recently experienced with peers, or trivial topics. Data were collected before and 2 months following the intervention. Analyses revealed no overall intervention effects on symptoms. However, level of peer victimization moderated the effects of the intervention on coping strategies, such that victimized youth in the intervention showed increases in cognitive restructuring and avoidance coping, relative to other groups. Thus, expressive writing affected coping strategies but not internalizing problems in our early adolescent sample.
Marsupialisation and strap muscle transposition laryngoplasty for vocal cysts with vocal fold atrophy
Authors: Hsu C-M , Su C-Y
Published: August 2009

Objectives:

Vocal cysts with fold atrophy often result in more severe glottal incompetence than vocal cysts along during phonation. Although total excision or marsupialisation are reliable treatments for vocal fold cysts, any post-operative vocal deficit with significant glottal gap will need further treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined treatment consisting of marsupialisation of the cyst immediately followed by strap muscle transposition laryngoplasty.

Method:

Under direct laryngomicroscopy, microscissors were used to make a disc-shaped incision encircling the equator of the cyst. After marsupialisation of the cyst, a simultaneous medialisation laryngoplasty with strap muscle transposition was performed.

Results:

Seven patients with vocal cysts and marked vocal fold atrophy were included in the study. After surgery, subjective improvement in voice quality was reported by all patients. Patients' glottal incompetence and vocal performance were markedly improved.

Conclusion:

Marsupialisation is a simple and effective surgical technique for vocal fold cysts. For cases of vocal cysts with marked vocal fold atrophy, marsupialisation followed by medialisation laryngoplasty with strap muscle transposition may be considered.
An unusual presentation of inverted papilloma: case report and literature review
Authors: Visvanathan V , Wallace H , Chumas P , Makura Z G G
Published: August 2009

Objective:

Inverted papilloma is a rare but locally aggressive tumour with the potential for malignant transformation. Intracranial extension or complications secondary to inverted papilloma are extremely rare. We report a case of inverted papilloma with a large frontal sinus mucocele eroding the frontal sinus, which presented with sudden neurological compromise. A literature review on intracranial extension of such tumours is also included.

Methods:

A Medline search of articles, using the terms ‘inverted papilloma’, ‘Ringertz tumour’, ‘intracranial extension’ and ‘complication’. Suitable references from the collected articles were also reviewed. Articles published in English were selected and reviewed.

Results:

A total of 10 cases was identified. Intracranial spread was more commonly seen in recurrent cases, especially if the recurrence involved the cribriform plate, fovea ethmoidalis or orbits. Cases with extradural disease seemed to have a better prognosis than those with intradural spread.

Conclusions:

Intracranial involvement of inverted papilloma is extremely rare, and is usually seen in recurrent cases. This case report highlights an unusual but serious case of inverted papilloma presenting with acute neurological deterioration secondary to a large frontal sinus mucocele eroding the frontal sinus. A literature review on intracranial extension of inverted papilloma indicated that common sites of intracranial spread include the cribriform plate, fovea ethmoidalis and orbits. The prognosis for patients with such tumours depends on the type of dural involvement, with intradural extension carrying a poorer prognosis.
Semicircular canal versus otolithic involvement in idiopathic sudden hearing loss
Authors: Stamatiou G , Gkoritsa E , Xenellis J , Riga M , Korres S
Published: August 2009

Objective:

To evaluate the results of vestibular evoked myogenic potential testing in patients with idiopathic sudden hearing loss, and to correlate these results with the findings of caloric testing, the clinical appearance of vertigo and the influence of age.

Materials and methods:

Eighty-six patients with unilateral idiopathic sudden hearing loss and 35 healthy controls underwent a standard protocol of neurotological evaluation. Vestibular evoked myogenic potential responses were measured and compared with caloric responses.

Results:

On the affected side, 30.2 per cent of patients showed abnormal vestibular evoked myogenic potential responses, while 52.3 per cent had abnormal caloric responses. A statistically significant relationship was found between the results of these two tests. A statistically significant relationship was also found between the type of vestibular lesion and the occurrence of vertigo. Advancing age correlated statistically with more extensive labyrinthic lesions.

Conclusions:

A combination of vestibular evoked myogenic potential and electronystagmography testing indicated the existence of vestibular involvement in many patients with idiopathic sudden hearing loss. Both tests are necessary in order to obtain a more thorough and in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiology of idiopathic sudden hearing loss.
Polypoid intranasal mass caused by Rosai–Dorfman disease: a diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Ilie M , Guevara N , Castillo L , Hofman P
Published: August 2009

Background:

Rosai–Dorfman disease is a rare, idiopathic, histiocytic proliferative disorder with a distinctive microscopic appearance, which was formerly thought to be a disease process limited to lymph nodes. However, extranodal involvement has been documented in less than half of the reported patients, but rarely without associated lymphadenopathy.

Case report:

We report the case of a 43-year-old Senegalese woman who presented with a polypoid, intranasal mass caused by Rosai–Dorfman disease. A diagnosis of a granulomatous process, including rhinoscleroma, was initially discussed. The correct diagnosis was made histologically by demonstrating aggregates of histiocytes with large amounts of cytoplasm, emperipolesis and protein S100 antigen expression. Despite using ancillary methods (molecular biology and electron microscopy), we failed to demonstrate any associated pathogen.

Conclusion:

Diagnosis of Rosai–Dorfman disease can be very difficult, in particular in adults from Africa with pure, isolated, intranasal localisation, in whom clinical and radiological features may mimic other infectious or neoplastic disorders. The diagnosis is made based on the histological presence of large histiocytes with lymphophagocytosis. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis of these histiocytes using anti-protein S100 antibody shows strong positivity.