bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curcumin (Diferuloylmethane) Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Induces Apoptosis, and Decreases Hormone Levels and Secretion in Pituitary Tumor Cells
Authors: Miller Matthew , Chen Shenglin , Woodliff Jeffrey , Kansra Sanjay
Published: May 2008

Prolactinomas are the most prevalent functional pituitary adenomas. Dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) agonists, such as bromocriptine are the first line of therapy; however, drug intolerance/resistance to D2R agonists exists. Apart from D2R agonists, there is no established medical therapy for prolactinomas; therefore, identifying novel therapeutics is warranted. Curcumin, a commonly used food additive in South Asian cooking, inhibits proliferation of several tumor cell lines; however, its effect on pituitary tumor cell proliferation has not been determined. Our objectives were to: 1) determine whether curcumin inhibits proliferation of pituitary tumor cell lines; 2) identify the signaling intermediaries that mediate the effect of curcumin; 3) examine whether curcumin inhibited pituitary hormone production and release; and 4) examine whether curcumin could enhance the growth-inhibitory effect of bromocriptine. Using rat lactotroph cell lines, GH3 and MMQ cells, we report that curcumin had a robust dose and time-dependent inhibitory effect on GH3 and MMQ cell proliferation. Inhibitory effects of curcumin persisted, even on removal of curcumin, and curcumin also blocked colony formation ability of pituitary tumor cells. The growth-inhibitory effect of curcumin was accompanied by decreased expression of cyclin D3 and ser 780 phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein. In addition, curcumin also induced apoptosis in both GH3 and MMQ cells. Furthermore, curcumin suppresses intracellular levels and release of both prolactin and GH. Finally, we show that low concentrations of curcumin enhanced the growth-inhibitory effect of bromocriptine on MMQ cell proliferation. Taken together we demonstrate that curcumin inhibits pituitary tumor cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, and decreases hormone production and release, and thus, we propose developing curcumin as a novel therapeutic tool in the management of prolactinomas.
The Heart Communicates with the Endothelium through the Guanylyl Cyclase-A Receptor: Acute Handling of Intravascular Volume in Response to Volume Expansion
Authors: Schreier Barbara , Börner Sebastian , Völker Katharina , Gambaryan Stepan , Schäfer Stephan C. , Kuhlencordt Peter , Gaβner Birgit , Kuhn Michaela
Published: May 2008

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) regulates arterial blood pressure and volume. Its guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A) receptor is expressed in vascular endothelium and mediates increases in cGMP, but the functional relevance is controversial. Notably, mice with endothelial-restricted GC-A deletion [EC GC-A knockout (KO) mice] exhibit significant chronic hypervolemic hypertension. The present study aimed to characterize the endothelial effects of ANP and their relevance for the acute regulation of intravascular fluid volume. We studied the effect of ANP on microvascular permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled albumin (BSA) using intravital microscopy on mouse dorsal skinfold chambers. Local superfusion of ANP (100 nm) increased microvascular fluorescein isothiocyanate-BSA extravasation in control but not EC GC-A KO mice. Intravenous infusion of synthetic ANP (500 ng/kg·min) caused immediate increases in hematocrit in control mice, indicating intravascular volume contraction. In EC GC-A KO mice, the hematocrit responses were not only abolished but even reversed. Furthermore, acute vascular volume expansion, which caused release of endogenous cardiac ANP, did not affect resting central venous pressure of control mice but rapidly and significantly increased central venous pressure of EC GC-A KO mice. In cultured lung endothelial cells, ANP provoked cGMP-dependent protein kinase I-mediated phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein. We conclude that ANP, via GC-A, enhances microvascular endothelial macromolecule permeability in vivo. This effect might be mediated by cGMP-dependent protein kinase I-dependent phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein. Modulation of transcapillary protein and fluid transport may represent one of the most important hypovolemic actions of ANP.
Early evolution of multifocal optics for well-focused colour vision in vertebrates
Authors: Gustafsson O. S. E. , Collin S. P. , Kröger R. H. H.
Published: May 2008

Jawless fishes (Agnatha; lampreys and hagfishes) most closely resemble the earliest stage in vertebrate evolution and lamprey-like animals already existed in the Lower Cambrian [about 540 million years ago (MYA)]. Agnathans are thought to have separated from the main vertebrate lineage at least 500 MYA. Hagfishes have primitive eyes, but the eyes of adult lampreys are well-developed. The southern hemisphere lamprey, Geotria australis,possesses five types of opsin genes, three of which are clearly orthologous to the opsin genes of jawed vertebrates. This suggests that the last common ancestor of all vertebrate lineages possessed a complex colour vision system. In the eyes of many bony fishes and tetrapods, well-focused colour images are created by multifocal crystalline lenses that compensate for longitudinal chromatic aberration. To trace the evolutionary origins of multifocal lenses,we studied the optical properties of the lenses in four species of lamprey(Geotria australis, Mordacia praecox, Lampetra fluviatilis and Petromyzon marinus), with representatives from all three of the extant lamprey families. Multifocal lenses are present in all lampreys studied. This suggests that the ability to create well-focused colour images with multifocal optical systems also evolved very early.
Film Reviews
Authors: Bitel Anton , Murray Jonathan , Starkman Ruth
Published: May 2008

4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days (4 luni, 3 saptamani si 2 zile) (2007) Romania Director Cristian Mungiu Screenplay Cristian Mungiu Producers Oleg Mutu and Cristian Mungiu Director of Photography Oleg Mutu Art Director Mihaela Poenaru
Costumes Dana Istrate With Anamaria Marinca (Otilia), Laura Vasiliu (Gabita), Vlad Ivanov (Mr Bebe), Alex Potocean (Adi), Luminita Gheorghiu (Gina Radu), Adi Carauleanu (Dr Radu), Liliana Mocanu (Unireal hotel receptionist), Tania Popa (night receptionist), Teo Corban (Unireal
hotel receptionist), Cerasela Iosifescu (Tineretului hotel receptionist), Doru Ana (Benzinarul), Eugenia Bosnceanu (mother of Mr Bebe), Ion Sapdaru (Dr Rusu) Runtime 113 minutes

No Country for Old Men
(2007) USA Directors Ethan and Joel Coen Screenplay
Ethan and Joel Coen Original Story Cormac McCarthy Producers Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, David Diliberto, Robert Graf, Mark Roybal Director of Photography Roger Deakins Art Director John P. Goldsmith Costumes Mary Zophres Editors Joel and Ethan Coen Original
Music Carter Burwell With Tommy Lee Jones (Sheriff Ed Tom Bell), Javier Bardem (Anton Chigurh), Josh Brolin (Llewelyn Moss), Woody Harrelson (Carson Wells), Kelly Macdonald (Carla Jean Moss) Runtime 122 minutes

Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten
(2007)
UK Director Julien Temple Producers Anna Campeau, Alan Moloney and Amanda Temple Co-Producers Orlagh Collins, Stephan Mallmann and Susan Mullen Cinematography Ben Cole Film Editors Niven Howie, Mark Reynolds and Tobias Zaldua Runtime 125 minutes
A Novel Anti-Slip Pad for Improving Steering when Exiting a Ski Lift on a Snowboard
Authors: Böhm Harald , Souckova Milena , Hösl Matthias , Senner Veit
Published: May 2008

While using ski lifts, snowboarders take the rear foot out of the binding. Therefore, steering abilities of the board are reduced, which leads to falls, potentially followed by injuries. In the past, several kinds of anti-slip pads have been introduced to provide friction between the board and the boot of the free foot. The purpose of this study was to check the usability of a novel anti-slip pad, consisting of a commonly used rubber footprint and an additional rim providing vertical grip for the frontal toes. The optimal position of the rim, with respect to maximizing the connection between the free foot and snowboard while minimizing the dexterity required to properly place the free foot into the anti-slip position, was not known. Hence, three different rim positions were evaluated based on the user opinion of which pad provided better steering abilities. Forty snowboarders assigned to three different levels, i.e., beginner, advanced, and expert, were asked to perform a series of pairwise comparisons between three prototype anti-slip pads (each with a different rim position) and an anti-slip pad with no rim for both frontside and backside turns. They performed a pairwise comparison of two prototypes while exiting a ski lift simulator. Consistent results of the preferences were found for the beginners and advanced group in both backside and frontside turns. The expert’s preferences were significantly inconsistent and were therefore not convincing. For beginners and advanced snowboarders, the novel rim on the anti-slip pad enhanced the perceived steering abilities during backside turns. For the frontside turns, the rim was only useful for the advanced group. The preferred rim orientation was perpendicular or slightly backward orient with respect to the direction of travel. As the rim was assessed to improve steering qualities, it could provide more safety during the use of lifts in snowboarding.
Evaluation of Falls Occurring While Exiting from an Eight-Seat Chairlift
Authors: Whelan Karyn M. , Coates Lucas
Published: May 2008

The introduction of eight-seat chairlifts has raised the concern of increased risk of collision, falling, and possibly injury while unloading due to the greater number of passengers. This study aimed to investigate: if there was a difference in the fall rate between skiers and snowboarders; if seat position on an eight-seat chairlift affected whether passengers fell or not; and if the time of day or day of the weekend affected whether passengers fell or not. Video was used to record passengers’ equipment, seat position, and whether passengers fell or not. 1103 chairs were observed carrying 7293 passengers, of which 4551 (62 %) were skiers and 2742 (38 %) were snowboarders. 877 (12 %) passengers fell while unloading from the chairlift, with a significant difference between 133 skier falls (15 %) and 744 snowboarder falls (85 %) (p= 0.0005). Ski patrol was not required to attend any injuries. There was a significant relationship between seat position and whether passengers fell or not (p=0.02) with fewer falls than expected from seats 3, 4, and 5 and more falls than expected from seats 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8. There was a significant association between time of day/day of the weekend and whether passengers fell or not (p = 0.001) with more falls than expected during the Saturday morning and afternoon sessions, and less falls than expected during the Sunday midday session. Conclusions: The high fall rate, particularly of snowboarders, is of concern due to the potential for injury. Equipment, rather than seat position, had the greatest effect on whether passengers fell or not. The significant association between time of day/day of the weekend and whether passengers fell or not suggests that practice over a single weekend was associated with a significantly reduced risk of falling.
Natural Authority in Charles Dickens's Martin Chuzzlewit and the Copyright Act of 1842
Authors: Castillo Larisa T.
Published: May 2008

This essay argues that Charles Dickens's Martin Chuzzlewit (1843) challenges the legal justifications underpinning Sergeant Talfourd's 1842 Copyright Extension Act. The novel does so by problematizing the logic of natural right, a logic adopted by proponents of copyright to defend further copyright extensions. Martin Chuzzlewit's narrator attacks natural right through his representations of inheritance, repeatedly demonstrating how heirs subvert and appropriate testators' natural rights, and thus proving natural right to be a subjective, and even fictional, construct that can be adopted in potentially unjust ways. By destabilizing the logic of natural right, the narrator exposes the ways in which promoters of copyright employed inheritance as a metaphorical tool that allowed them to rationalize copyright extensions, and, in so doing, he threatens the institutions of inheritance, copyright, and authorship. Such a radical critique of intellectual property places Martin Chuzzlewit's narrative voice in conflict with Dickens's political persona and Dickens's avowed political aims, ultimately harming Dickens's, and other authors', own interests. In accounting for the paradoxical logic of natural right, however, Martin Chuzzlewit's narrator offers the most nuanced account of the problems of intellectual property that emerged in mid-nineteenth-century Britain.
Effectiveness of the combined interferon and ribavirin therapy in hepatitis C virus infection in patient with hypertension and kidney function disorder
Authors: Bátyi Éva , Szegedi János
Published: May 2008

A hepatitis C-vírus-fertőzés (HCV) okozta krónikus hepatitis kezelése a jelenleg elfogadott kombinált interferon- és ribavirinkezeléssel a legnagyobb körültekintés mellett is csak az esetek 40–60%-ában jár sikerrel. A HCV-fertőzött betegeknek nemcsak a májuk, hanem más szervrendszerük is megbetegedhet. Maga a kezelés általában egy évig tart, betegtől, orvostól is külön odafigyelést igényel. A terápiának számos szövődménye is lehet. Mindezen felül esetleges egyéb megbetegedés további gondot jelenthet a HCV-fertőzés leküzdésében.Vizsgálatunk célja:Olyan, sikerrel gyógykezelt beteg kórtörténetének bemutatása, akinek a HCV-fertőzés mellett hipertóniás megbetegedése és jelentős mértékű vesefunkció-károsodása is volt.Esetbemutatás:A 42 éves nőbeteg anamnézisében hipertónia, mérsékelt vesefunkció-károsodás szerepel. 2006-ban a mérsékelt, jobb bordaív alatti panaszai miatt került sor kivizsgálására. A biokémiai vizsgálatok a májfunkció eltérését mutatták, a HCV-PCR-teszt a HCV-fertőzést igazolta. A vírus genotípusa: 1b. A bevezetett interferon-α-2a- és ribavirinkezelést a beteg jól tolerálta, 2006 augusztusától 2007 augusztusáig, a kezelés alatt 6 hónap elteltével és a kezelés végén HCV-PCR-negatív lett.Megbeszélés:A beteg társbetegségei a kezelést nehezítették, de nem tették lehetetlenné.Következtetés:A HCV-fertőzés megszüntetése még hipertónia és csökkent vesefunkció jelenléte esetén is lehetséges.
Matrix Metalloproteinase Levels in Children With Aggressive Periodontitis
Authors: Alfant Barnett , Shaddox Luciana M. , Tobler Jeffrey , Magnusson Ingvar , Aukhil Ikramuddin , Walker Clay
Published: May 2008

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of host‐derived proteinases reported to mediate multiple functions associated with periodontal destruction and inflammation. Most of the existing data have been gathered from adults with chronic periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to determine the MMP levels in a cohort of African American children with and without aggressive periodontitis.

Methods: Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected in a cohort of 44 African American children, 7 to 19 years of age, with and without aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and compared to healthy unrelated children and to adults with chronic periodontitis (CP). GCF volume was determined with a calibrated gingival fluid meter. The samples were assayed for MMP‐1, −2, −3, −8, −9, −12, and −13 using fluorimetric substrates.

Results: The MMP levels from diseased sites in the subjects with AgP were statistically higher (P <0.05) in almost all instances than those associated with the unrelated controls or with the subjects with CP. MMP‐8 was significantly elevated in the diseased sites of the children with AgP relative to non‐diseased sites in the same children (P = 0.002), as well as the siblings, non‐diseased controls, and subjects with CP (P ≤0.0001). There was no positive correlation between probing depth and any MMP level.

Conclusions: MMP levels were elevated in AgP sites relative to non‐diseased sites in the same subjects, in siblings, and in unrelated controls. MMPs associated with the AgP sites in children were generally elevated compared to an adult cohort with a history of CP.
Limited Occurrence of Denitrification in Four Shallow Aquifers in Agricultural Areas of the United States
Authors: Green Christopher T. , Puckett Larry J. , Böhlke John Karl , Bekins Barbara A. , Phillips Steven P. , Kauffman Leon J. , Denver Judith M. , Johnson Henry M.
Published: May 2008

The ability of natural attenuation to mitigate agricultural nitrate contamination in recharging aquifers was investigated in four important agricultural settings in the United States. The study used laboratory analyses, field measurements, and flow and transport modeling for monitoring well transects (0.5 to 2.5 km in length) in the San Joaquin watershed, California, the Elkhorn watershed, Nebraska, the Yakima watershed, Washington, and the Chester watershed, Maryland. Ground water analyses included major ion chemistry, dissolved gases, nitrogen and oxygen stable isotopes, and estimates of recharge date. Sediment analyses included potential electron donors and stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes. Within each site and among aquifer‐based medians, dissolved oxygen decreases with ground water age, and excess N2 from denitrification increases with age. Stable isotopes and excess N2 imply minimal denitrifying activity at the Maryland and Washington sites, partial denitrification at the California site, and total denitrification across portions of the Nebraska site. At all sites, recharging electron donor concentrations are not sufficient to account for the losses of dissolved oxygen and nitrate, implying that relict, solid phase electron donors drive redox reactions. Zero‐order rates of denitrification range from 0 to 0.14 μmol N L−1d−1, comparable to observations of other studies using the same methods. Many values reported in the literature are, however, orders of magnitude higher, which is attributed to a combination of method limitations and bias for selection of sites with rapid denitrification. In the shallow aquifers below these agricultural fields, denitrification is limited in extent and will require residence times of decades or longer to mitigate modern nitrate contamination.
Chemical and Toxicologic Assessment of Organic Contaminants in Surface Water Using Passive Samplers
Authors: Alvarez David A. , Cranor Walter L. , Perkins Stephanie D. , Clark Randal C. , Smith Steven B.
Published: May 2008

Passive sampling methodologies were used to conduct a chemical and toxicologic assessment of organic contaminants in the surface waters of three geographically distinct agricultural watersheds. A selection of current‐use agrochemicals and persistent organic pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and organochlorine pesticides, were targeted using the polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) and the semipermeable membrane device passive samplers. In addition to the chemical analysis, the Microtox assay for acute toxicity and the yeast estrogen screen (YES) were conducted as potential assessment tools in combination with the passive samplers. During the spring of 2004, the passive samplers were deployed for 29 to 65 d at Leary Weber Ditch, IN; Morgan Creek, MD; and DR2 Drain, WA. Chemical analysis of the sampler extracts identified the agrochemicals predominantly used in those areas, including atrazine, simazine, acetochlor, and metolachlor. Other chemicals identified included deethylatrazine and deisopropylatrazine, trifluralin, fluoranthene, pyrene, cis‐ and trans‐nonachlor, and pentachloroanisole. Screening using Microtox resulted in no acutely toxic samples. POCIS samples screened by the YES assay failed to elicit a positive estrogenic response.
Trace Element Changes in Soil after Long‐Term Cattle Manure Applications
Authors: Benke Mônica B. , Indraratne Srimathie P. , Hao Xiying , Chang Chi , Goh Tee Boon
Published: May 2008

Manure application supplies plant nutrients, but also leads to trace element accumulation in soil. This study investigated total and EDTA‐extractable B, Cd, Co, Cu and Zn in soil after 25 annual manure applications. The residual effect of 14 annual manure applications followed by 11 yr with no applications was also investigated. Manure was applied at 0, 30, 60 and 90 Mg ha−1 yr−1 (wet weight) under rainfed (treatments Mr0, Mr30, Mr60, and Mr90) and at 0, 60, 120 and 180 Mg ha−1 yr−1 under irrigated conditions (Mi0, Mi60, Mi120, and Mi180). The manure applications had no significant effect on soil B, Cd and Co content under both rainfed and irrigated conditions, but significantly increased total Cu and Zn content under irrigated conditions with Zn in Mi120 and Mi180 reaching the lower maximum concentration (MAC) level set by the European Community. Manure application also significantly increased EDTA‐extractable Cd and Zn content in soil. Up to 27% of the total Cd (0.156 mg kg−1) and 21% of total Zn (38 mg kg−1) are found in EDTA‐extractable form (Mi180 at 0–15 cm). EDTA‐extractable Cd and Zn content was also significantly elevated in the irrigated residual plots due to the higher manure rates used. Thus, the impacts of cattle manure application on trace elements in soil are long lasting. Elevated Cd and Zn are a concern as other studies have linked them with certain types of cancers and human illnesses.
Free‐Air CO2 Enrichment of Sorghum: Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
Authors: Prior S. A. , Torbert H. A. , Runion G. B. , Rogers H. H. , Kimball B. A.
Published: May 2008

The positive impact of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration on crop biomass production suggests more carbon inputs to soil. Further study on the effect of elevated CO2 on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics is key to understanding the potential for long‐term carbon storage in soil. Soil samples (0‐ to 5‐, 5‐ to 10‐, and 10‐ to 20‐cm depths) were collected after 2 yr of grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.] production under two atmospheric CO2 levels: (370 [ambient] and 550 μL L−1 [free‐air CO2 enrichment; FACE]) and two water treatments (ample water and limited water) on a Trix clay loam (fine, loamy, mixed [calcareous], hyperthermic Typic Torrifluvents) at Maricopa, AZ. In addition to assessing treatment effects on soil organic C and total N, potential C and N mineralization and C turnover were determined in a 60‐d laboratory incubation study. After 2 yr of FACE, soil C and N were significantly increased at all soil depths. Water regime had no effect on these measures. Increased total N in the soil was associated with reduced N mineralization under FACE. Results indicated that potential C turnover was reduced under water deficit conditions at the top soil depth. Carbon turnover was not affected under FACE, implying that the observed increase in soil C with elevated CO2 may be stable relative to ambient CO2 conditions. Results suggest that, over the short‐term, a small increase in soil C storage could occur under elevated atmospheric CO2 conditions in sorghum production systems with differing water regimes.
Atrazine Dissipation in s‐Triazine–Adapted and Nonadapted Soil from Colorado and Mississippi: Implications of Enhanced Degradation on Atrazine Fate and Transport Parameters
Authors: Krutz L. Jason , Shaner Dale L. , Accinelli Cesare , Zablotowicz Robert M. , Henry W. Brien
Published: May 2008

Soil bacteria have developed novel metabolic abilities resulting in enhanced atrazine degradation. Consequently, there is a need to evaluate the effects of enhanced degradation on parameters used to model atrazine fate and transport. The objectives of this study were (i) to screen Colorado (CO) and Mississippi (MS) atrazine‐adapted and non‐adapted soil for genes that code for enzymes able to rapidly catabolize atrazine and (ii) to compare atrazine persistence, Q10, β, and metabolite profiles between adapted and non‐adapted soils. The atzABC and/or trzN genes were detected only in adapted soil. Atrazine's average half‐life in adapted soil was 10‐fold lower than that of the non‐adapted soil and 18‐fold lower than the USEPA estimate of 3 to 4 mo. Q10 was greater in adapted soil. No difference in β was observed between soils. The accumulation and persistence of mono‐N‐dealkylated metabolites was lower in adapted soil; conversely, under suboptimal moisture levels in CO adapted soil, hydroxyatrazine concentrations exceeded 30% of the parent compounds' initial mass. Results indicate that (i) enhanced atrazine degradation and atzABC and/or trzN genes are likely widespread across the Western and Southern corn‐growing regions of the USA; (ii) persistence of atrazine and its mono‐N‐dealkylated metabolites is significantly reduced in adapted soil; (iii) hydroxyatrazine can be a major degradation product in adapted soil; and (iv) fate, transport, and risk assessment models that assume historic atrazine degradation pathways and persistence estimates will likely overpredict the compounds' transport potential in adapted soil.
Infrared andRaman Microspectroscopic Studies of Individual Human Cells
Authors: Romeo Melissa J. , Boydston‐White Susie , Matthäus Christian , Miljković Miloš , Bird Benjamin , Chernenko Tatyana , Lasch Peter , Diem Max
Published: May 2008

Spectral cytology, the diagnosis of disease based on objective physical measurements on individual cells and subsequent computer‐based algorithmic interpretation, promises to provide faster and more reliable results than classical cytology. The measurements described in this review are based on well‐established vibrational microspectroscopic techniques, which provide a snapshot of the biochemical composition of a cell, or parts thereof. The spectral data are subsequently diagnosed by unsupervised and supervised methods of multivariate analysis.

More than any other recent attempts to improve on cytology, these spectral methods exhibit exquisite sensitivity toward small changes in cellular conditions. In fact, these cellular conditions, for example, fixation or proliferation state, have to be controlled very carefully to eliminate spurious effects. This chapter provides the ground work for later applications of this methodology in medical diagnostics. Furthermore, the application of novel research tools, such as confocal Raman microscopy, followed by cluster analysis of the hyperspectral data sets, and their relevance to research in cellular biology are described.
Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging Protocols for High‐throughput Histopathology
Authors: Bhargava Rohit , Levin Ira W.
Published: May 2008

Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopic imaging is rapidly emerging as a potentially attractive tool for histopathology. Results that are initially encouraging are being tested in larger settings and protocols for clinical translation are being developed. In this chapter, we highlight the key attributes of efforts to develop protocols for high‐throughput histology by large scale sampling, development of fast and robust algorithms and optimization of experimental parameters. Further, we discuss the importance of an integrative approach to the development of practical protocols using prostate histopathology as an example.
Resonance
R
aman Spectroscopy of Erythrocytes
Authors: Wood Bayden R. , McNaughton Don
Published: May 2008

Resonance Raman spectroscopy is ideally suited to the analysis of erythrocytes due to the high symmetry and chromophoric structure of the central heme unit in hemoglobin. The strong Raman scattering and dynamical nature of the heme group provides a method to probe the expansion, contraction, doming, saddling, and ruffling of the porphyrin core, which is sensitive to changes in oxidation state, spin state, and coordination number of the central Fe atom. With the advent of ultrasensitive charge‐couped devices optimized to the visible and near‐IR region of the electromagnetic spectrum, it is possible to obtain high‐quality spectra of single functional red blood cells in physiological media with minimal heating and photo‐induced effects. In this article, we convey our central findings on applying resonance Raman spectroscopy to the analysis of erythrocytes. The article commences with an overview of the structure, function, and electronic properties of hemes followed by a brief introduction to resonance Raman theory, heme band assignments, instrumentation, and methodology for recording spectra single cells. This is followed by a discussion on a systematic spectroscopic and imaging investigation performed on erythrocytes under different environmental conditions including temperature, laser exposure, and ligand exchange using a variety of different excitation wavelengths. The article concludes with the applications of the Raman technique to malaria and sickle cell disease and details approaches to drug screening and diagnosis of these deadly diseases.
Neuro‐oncological Applications of Infrared and
R
aman Spectroscopy
Authors: Krafft Christoph , Salzer Reiner
Published: May 2008

The contribution summarizes how infrared and Raman spectroscopy can contribute to a better diagnosis of the most frequent primary and secondary brain tumors. The methods are compared with other biophotonic techniques applied in neuro‐oncology. First results are presented for gliomas and brain metastases. Finally the methods are transferred to an animal model.
MAOA methylation is associated with nicotine and alcohol dependence in women
Authors: Philibert Robert A. , Gunter Tracy D. , Beach Steven R.H. , Brody Gene H. , Madan Anup
Published: May 2008

In recent years, the role of epigenetic phenomenon, such as methylation, in mediating vulnerability to behavioral illness has become increasingly appreciated. One prominent locus at which epigenetic phenomena are thought to be in play is the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) locus. In order to examine the role of methylation at this locus, we performed quantitative methylation analysis across the promoter region of this gene in lymphoblast lines derived from 191 subjects participating in the Iowa Adoption Studies (IAS). We analyzed the resulting data with respect to genotype and lifetime symptom counts for the more common major behavioral disorders in the IAS, antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), and substance use disorders (alcohol (AD) and nicotine dependence (ND)). We found that methylation status was significantly associated with lifetime symptom counts for ND (P < 0.001) and AD (P < 0.008) in women, but not men. Furthermore, a trend was found for women homozygous for the 3,3 allele to have a higher degree of overall methylation than women homozygous for the 4,4 allele (P < 0.10). We conclude that methylation of MAOA may play a significant role in common psychiatric illness and that further examination of epigenetic processes at this locus is in order. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic mechanical properties of acrylic rubber blended with phenolic resin
Authors: Wu Caiyun , Wei Chunyan , Guo Weihong , Wu Chifei
Published: May 2008

The dynamic mechanical properties of blends of phenolic resin (PF) and acrylic rubber (ACM) were investigated. PF had good compatibility with ACM and played an important role in the damping of the ACM/PF blends. With the increase of PF content and molecular weight, the peak of loss factor (tan δ) of blends shifted to a higher temperature and became much wider, indicating the convenience to adjust the value of tan δ peak and the temperature range. Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy detected that the intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the PF hydroxyl groups and the ACM carbonyl groups had made a great contribution to the improvement of damping. Compared with the organic small molecule used in our previous study, PF gifted the blends with equivalent damping performance and much better stability and a lower cost for the application of damping materials. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Preparation and characterization of the mesoporous SiO2–TiO2/epoxy resin hybrid materials
Authors: Lu Shaorong , Chun Wei , Yu Jinhong , Yang Xiaowang
Published: May 2008

In this work, epoxy/tatania/silica ternary hybrid materials with covalent bonding interaction between polymer and inorganic phases have been prepared using titania/silica mesoporous particles, which were prepared by the sol–gel process from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and titanium tetra‐butyltitanate (TBT) as precursors. The obtained hybrid particles were characterized by Nitrogen physisorption, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), etc. From the experimental results, the glass transition temperature (Tg) increases and the modulus of the modified systems decreases by adding mesoporous SiO2–TiO2 particles to epoxy matrix, the impact strength and tensile strength of the hybrid materials increase by 53.5% and 14% when the SiO2–TiO2 content is up to 3 wt %. The morphological, structure of the impact fracture surface and the surface of the hybrid were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Polyurethane modified with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane as wool antifelting agent
Authors: Yi Hu , Yan Ke‐Lu
Published: May 2008

A wool antifelting agent containing polyurethane modified with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) was synthesized. Firstly an isocyanate (NCO) group ended prepolymer was gained by a hydrogen shift reaction between isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and poly (propylene oxide triol) (PPT), and then NCO‐group of the prepolymer was blocked by 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane to form a precursor PPT‐[Si(OEt)3]3. After that a sol of the precursor was prepared for an antifelting agent. During heating the sol gelled and formed inorganic–organic hybrid film that was characterized by using FTIR and TGA. And then the wool fabric samples were treated with sol by pad‐dry‐cure process at different curing temperature (120, 140, and 160°C). The antifelting effects of different curing temperatures were compared. The results indicated that the new agent could endow a better antifelting effect with the low curing temperature at 120°C and 3 min. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Cure‐induced phase separation of epoxy/DDS/PEK‐C composites and its temperature dependency
Authors: Zhang Xiu‐Juan , Yi Xiao‐Su , Xu Yuan‐Ze
Published: May 2008

The cure‐induced phase separation approach for thermoplastic toughened thermosets of epoxy/DDS (4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone)/PEK‐C (modified polyetherketone) is studied by in situ rheology, real‐time TOM (transmission optical microscope) in wide time–temperature space. Rheology studies show that there are two critical gel transformations corresponding to the loose entangled thermoplastic network at the threshold of phase separation and the percolated denser thermosetting network at chemical gelation point, respectively, within broad cure temperature range. The phase separation time may vary by using rheological or morphological methods, but its temperature dependencies can be well described by Arrhenius equation with similar phase separation activation energy Ea(ps). It is found in the present systems that Ea(ps) keeps unchanged with varying PEK‐C content and different epoxy monomers, while changes along the stoichiometric ratio of hardener, which presumably affects the chemical environment of the blends. The quantitative description of time/temperature dependence of phase separation is of practical importance for the design of cure paths in processing and optimizing the properties of TP/TS composites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Infrared and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy study of the degradation of polyester and polyester/ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer blend coatings on steel
Authors: de Freitas Cunha Lins Vanessa , Cury Flávia Medina , Moreira Roberto
Published: May 2008

Thermally sprayed polymer coatings have been used as protection against corrosion and wear. The aim of this study was to produce coated steel with a blend film with low‐velocity combustion thermal spraying and a fusion technique and to evaluate its chemical degradation with infrared and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The substrate used was carbon steel coated with recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), an ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer (EMAA), or PET–EMAA blends. The degradation of the material was evaluated with an ultraviolet condensation–weathering test and a salt‐spray test. Measurements of hardness and adhesion were carried out. The tribological properties of the polymeric films were evaluated with a pin‐on‐disc test. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Electrical and thermal studies of the distribution of carbon black in a polyester matrix in the presence of aluminum oxide
Authors: Mansour S. H. , Abd‐El‐Messieh S. L. , Abd‐El‐Nour K. N.
Published: May 2008

The distribution of a filler in a polymeric matrix is one of the most important factors affecting the physical properties of the final product. For this reason, the main objective of this study was to introduce aluminum oxide (Al2O3), acting as a dispersing agent, to reduce the filler–filler interaction and enhance the filler–polymer interaction. To achieve this aim, the electrical behavior of a styrenated polyester resin filled with different amounts of high‐abrasion furnace black in the presence of 5% Al2O3 was studied in the vicinity of the percolation threshold to evaluate the effect of the addition of Al2O3 in an attempt to reduce the filler–filler interaction through the polyester matrix. At a certain concentration of carbon black, an abrupt increase was noticed through electrical conductivity, permittivity, and dielectric loss investigations. With this increase, the tendency of conductive chain formation increased through the aggregation of a carbon black particle network. The addition of 5% Al2O3 improved the filler distribution by lowering the aggregate size and consequently enhanced the formation of the network. From the Arrhenius temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity, the activation energy and pre‐exponential factor were obtained, and they confirmed the validity of the compensation law for the semiconducting composite systems. The composites were also analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis. Al2O3 improved the thermal stability of the composites in comparison with that of a sample free of Al2O3. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Melt rheology of polypropylene reinforced with polyaniline‐coated short glass fibers
Authors: Romero‐Guzmán María Eugenia , Romo‐Uribe Angel , González Agustín E. , Cruz‐Silva Rodolfo
Published: May 2008

This research deals with the melt rheology of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) reinforced with short glass fibers (SGF) coated with electrically conductive polyaniline (PAn). Composites containing 10, 20, and 30 wt % PAn‐SGF were studied. Moreover, a composite of 30 wt % PAn‐SGF was also prepared with a blend of iPP and PP‐grafted‐maleic anhydride (iPP/PP‐gMA). The composites showed linear viscoelastic regime at small strain amplitudes. The onset of nonlinearity decreased as the concentration of filler increased. The time‐temperature superposition principle applied to all composites. The filler increased the shear moduli (G′, G″) and the complex viscosity η*. Steady‐state shear experiments showed yield stress for the composites with 20 and 30 wt % PAn‐SGF. Strikingly, the 10 wt % composite showed higher steady state viscosity than the 20 wt %. Rheo‐optics showed that shear induced disorder of microfibers at a concentration of 10 wt %. However, at 20 wt % concentration shear aligned the microfibers along the flow axis, this would explain the anomalous steady state viscosity values. The viscosity exhibited a shear thinning behavior at high shear rates for all composites. Creep experiments showed that the filler induced greater strain recovery in the composites and that the amount of strain recovery increased as the PAn‐SGF concentration increased. However, the enhancement of strain recovery (as well as shear viscosity) was more significant when using the iPP/PP‐gMA blend, suggesting greater adhesion between this matrix and the filler PAn‐SGF. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Transcriptional expression of bursicon and novel bursicon‐regulated genes in the house fly Musca domestica
Authors: Wang Songjie , An Shiheng , Song Qisheng
Published: May 2008

Bursicon is a neuropeptide that regulates cuticle sclerotization (hardening and tanning) via a G protein–coupled receptor. It consists of two subunits, an alpha and a beta. In the present study, we investigated the transcriptional expression and in situ localization of bursicon α and β in the central nerve system of the house fly Musca domestica. Most importantly, we identified two novel bursicon‐regulated genes using recombinant bursicon (rbursicon) heterodimer in a neck‐ligated house fly assay. RT‐PCR analysis revealed that both bursicon α and β subunits were present in the central nerve system of larval and pupal stages, reached the maximal level in pharate adults, and declined sharply after adult emergence, suggesting the release of the hormone upon adult emergence. In situ localization of bursicon transcripts showed that both bursicon α and β transcripts were expressed in a set of neurosecretory cells (NSCs) in the thoracic‐abdominal ganglia of M. domestica. Two Drosophila melanogaster homologous genes, designated CG7985hh and CG30287hh, were up‐regulated by rbursicon in a time‐dependent manner and verified by real‐time PCR, implying their involvement in the cuticle tanning process. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Cyclization Reaction of 1,6‐Enynes with Arylboronic Acids through β‐Hydride Elimination/Hydrorhodation Sequence
Authors: Shimada Masahiko , Harumashi Tatsuro , Miura Tomoya , Murakami Masahiro
Published: May 2008

Methoxy‐substituted 1,6‐enynes react with arylboronic acids in the presence of a rhodium(I) complex to give arylated cyclization products. This occurs by a multi‐step mechanism consisting of rhodium/boron transmetalation, intermolecular carborhodation, intramolecular carborhodation, β‐hydride elimination, hydrorhodation, and β‐oxygen elimination. A shift of the position of a carbon–carbon double bond is observed, suggesting that the β‐hydride elimination/hydrorhodation process is repeatedly taking place.
Characteristics of rapidly formed hydrogen‐producing granules and biofilms
Authors: Zhang Zhen‐Peng , Adav Sunil S. , Show Kuan‐Yeow , Tay Joo‐Hwa , Liang David Tee , Lee Duu‐Jong , Su Ay
Published: May 2008

The physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of rapidly formed hydrogen‐producing granules and biofilms were evaluated in the present study. Microbial species composition was examined using the 16S rDNA‐based separation and sequencing techniques, and spatial distribution and internal structure of microbial components were evaluated by examining the confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) images. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that a pure culture of Clostridium pasteurianum‐like bacterium (98% similarity) was found in microbial community of granules and biofilms. It is postulated that containing such a species favored the rapid immobilization of hydrogen‐producing culture. Manure granules and biofilms secreted 24–35 mg extracellulous proteins and 142–175 mg extracellulous polysaccharides in each gram of culture (in VSS). Such a high productivity of extracellulous polymers (ECP), a bio‐glue to facilitate cell‐to‐cell and/or cell‐to‐substratum interaction, may work as the driving forces for the immobilization of C. pasteurianum. As abundant proteins were noted in the granule cores, it can be derived that rapid formation of the hydrogen‐producing granules could be due to the establishment of precursor protein‐rich microbial nuclei. Biotechnol. Bioeng. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Construction of a fluorescein‐responsive chimeric receptor with strict ligand dependency
Authors: Liu Wenhai , Kawahara Masahiro , Ueda Hiroshi , Nagamune Teruyuki
Published: May 2008

Since many cell functions are regulated by members of the cytokine receptor superfamily, the artificial mimicry of the cytokine receptor system would be attractive for cellular engineering. We previously showed that an antibody/cytokine receptor chimera can transduce a growth signal in response to non‐natural ligands, such as fluorescein‐conjugated BSA. However, considerable background of cell proliferation was observed without antigen. Therefore, we redesigned chimeric receptor constructs with different combinations of domains containing anti‐fluorescein single chain Fv (ScFv), extracellular D1/D2 as well as transmembrane domains of erythropoietin receptor (EpoR), and the intracellular domain of glycoprotein 130 (gp130), to obtain strictly fluorescein‐dependent chimeric receptors. When interleukin‐3‐dependent Ba/F3 cells were transduced with retroviral vectors encoding individual chimeric receptors, the chimeras either with both D1 and D2 domains or without any EpoR extracellular domain attained a strict ligand‐dependent ON/OFF regulation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Calculations of gas phase 1H NMR chemical shifts of alcohols: An approach to optimize basis functions using factorial design
Authors: Tafazzoli Mohsen , Shaghaghi Hoora , Jalali‐Heravi Mehdi
Published: May 2008

The wave functions for calculating gas phase 1H chemical shifts of primary and secondary alcohols have been optimized using factorial design as multivariate technique. Gas‐phase experimental 1H chemical shifts of 18 alcohols were used to establish the best levels of theory for obtaining 1H chemical shift, among them the new experimental values of 1H chemical shifts of 10 alcohols were obtained in our laboratory. HF/6‐31G(d,p) wave function is proposed as the best level of theory for calculating 1H chemical shifts of primary alcohols. For secondary alcohols, ONIOM(B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p): HF/6‐31G(d,p)) are recommended. An additional series of primary and secondary alcohols were used as test sets and their results confirmed the validity of approaches. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Concepts Magn Reson Part A 32A: 157–167, 2008.
Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging in spinal cord injury
Authors: Ellingson Benjamin M. , Schmit Brian D. , Ulmer John L. , Kurpad Shekar N.
Published: May 2008

Noninvasive assessment of spinal cord integrity following injury is critical for precise diagnosis, prognosis, and surgical intervention strategies. Diffusion weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging are more sensitive to the underlying spinal cord microstructure than traditional imaging techniques. As a result, diffusion imaging is emerging as the clinical technique for imaging the spinal cord after trauma, surgery or during progressive degenerative diseases. This review describes the basic physics of diffusion imaging using magnetic resonance, techniques used to visualize diffusion measurements, and expected changes in diffusion measurements following spinal cord injury. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Concepts Magn Reson Part A 32A: 219–237, 2008.