bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SERUM LEVELS OF MYCN AMPLIFICATION IN NEUROBLASTOMA WITH TUMOR-RELEASED DNA BY REAL-TIME QUANTITATIVE POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION
Authors: Sugimoto Tohru , Gotoh Takahiro , Iehara Tomoko , Tsuchiya Kunihiko , Ohira Miki , Nakagawara Akira , Hosoi Hajime
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: MYCN amplification (MNA) indicates a poor prognosis in neuroblastoma and is routinely assayed for therapy stratification.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop a diagnostic tool to predict MYCN status by using serum DNA, which, in patients with cancer, predominantly originates from tumor-released DNA.

METHODS: Using DNA-based real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we simultaneously quantified MYCN (2p24) and a reference gene, NAGK (2p12), and evaluated MYCN copy number as a MYCN/NAGK ratio in 87 patients with neuroblastoma whose MYCN status had been determined by Southern blotting. Of these patients, 17 had MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, and 70 had nonamplified neuroblastoma.

RESULTS: The serum MYCN/NAGK ratio in the MNA group (median: 199.32; range: 17.1–901.6 [99% confidence interval: 107.0–528.7]) was significantly (P < .001) higher than that in the non-MNA group (median: 0.87; range: 0.25–4.6 [99% confidence interval: 0.82–1.26], Mann-Whitney U test). The sensitivity and specificity of the serum MYCN/NAGK ratio as a diagnostic test were both 100% when the serum MYCN/NAGK ratio cutoff was set at 10.0. Among 6 patients in the MNA group whose clinical courses were followed, the serum ratios decreased to within the normal range in the patients in remission (n = 3), but they rose to high levels in the patients who had a relapse (n = 2) or failed to achieve remission (n = 1). The serum MYCN/NAGK ratio in the MNA group is likely to be the more sensitive tumor marker than conventional urinary vanillylmandelic and homovanillic acid markers and neuron-specific enolase markers to predict patients' clinical course.

CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of the serum MYCN/NAGK ratio seems to be a promising method for accurately assessing MYCN status in neuroblastoma.
APOPTOSIS OF ALVEOLAR TYPE II CELL AND C-JUN N-TERMINAL KINASE SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION INDUCED BY OXIDATIVE STRESS
Authors: Zhonhyi Lu , Yueqiang Fu
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION: Alveolar epithelial apoptosis has been described in the early stages of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The production of reactive oxygen species during hyperoxia is thought to contribute to alveolar epithelial apoptosis, but the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress–induced alveolar epithelial cell death is unclear.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the role of the c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) pathway in the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells that is induced by oxidative stress.

METHODS: Primary cultured rat alveolar type cells were treated with 500 μM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at various time intervals (0, 1, 3, 6, and 9 hours), whereas some cells were pretreated with a specific JNK inhibitor (SP600125). Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) change, cell survival, and apoptotic ratios were measured by fluorescence microscopy, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The expression of phosphorylated JNK and Bax was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS: H2O2 treatment resulted in cell apoptosis and a decrease of MMP and cell viability in a time-dependent manner. Meanwhile, the JNK was activated and peaked at 30 minutes, and the Bax expression level was increased. Pretreated SP600125 enhanced cell viability and decreased apoptotic ratios after H2O2 treatment. The expression of Bax declined after using SP600125 compared with cells that were treated with H2O2 only.

CONCLUSIONS: High levels of oxidative stress induced cell apoptosis in a time-dependent manner. The mechanisms of oxidative stress–induced cell apoptosis involves JNK activation, Bax upregulation, and MMP decrease. JNK activation could improve the expression of Bax and play a proapoptotic role in the regulation of apoptosis that is induced by oxidative stress.
Assessment of mitochondrial impairment in traumatic brain injury using high-resolution proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Signoretti Stefano , Marmarou Anthony , Aygok Gunes A. , Fatouros Panos P. , Portella Gina , Bullock Ross M.
Published: January 2008

Object

The goal of this study was to demonstrate the posttraumatic neurochemical damage in normal-appearing brain and to assess mitochondrial dysfunction by measuring N-acetylaspartate (NAA) levels in patients with severe head injuries, using proton (1H) magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy.

Methods

Semiquantitative analysis of NAA relative to creatine-containing compounds (Cr) and choline (Cho) was carried out from proton spectra obtained by means of chemical shift (CS) imaging and single-voxel (SV) methods in 25 patients with severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) (Glasgow Coma Scale scores ≤ 8) using a 1.5-tesla MR unit. Proton MR spectroscopy was also performed in 5 healthy volunteers (controls).

Results

The SV studies in patients with diffuse TBI showed partial reduction of NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr ratios within the first 10 days after injury (means ± standard deviations 1.59 ± 0.46 and 1.44 ± 0.21, respectively, in the patients compared with 2.08 ± 0.26 and 2.04 ± 0.31, respectively, in the controls; nonsignificant difference). The ratios gradually declined in all patients as time from injury increased (mean minimum values NAA/Cho 1.05 ± 0.44 and NAA/Cr 1.05 ± 0.30, p < 0.03 and p < 0.02, respectively). This reduction was greater in patients with less favorable outcomes. In patients with focal injuries, the periphery of the lesions revealed identical trends of NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr decrease. These reductions correlated with outcome at 6 months (p < 0.01). Assessment with multivoxel methods (CS imaging) demonstrated that, in diffuse injury, NAA levels declined uniformly throughout the brain. At 40 days postinjury, initially low NAA/Cho levels had recovered to near baseline in patients who had good outcomes, whereas no recovery was evident in patients with poor outcomes (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Using 1H-MR spectroscopy, it is possible to detect the posttraumatic neurochemical damage of the injured brain when conventional neuroimaging techniques reveal no abnormality. Reduction of NAA levels is a dynamic process, evolving over time, decreasing and remaining low throughout the involved tissue in patients with poor outcomes. Recovery of NAA levels in patients with favorable outcomes suggests marginal mitochondrial impairment and possible resynthesis from vital neurons.
En bloc petrosectomy for malignant tumors involving the external auditory canal and middle ear: surgical methods and long-term outcome
Authors: Okada Takeshi , Saito Kiyoshi , Takahashi Masakatsu , Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Fujimoto Yasushi , Terada Akihiro , Kamei Yuzuru , Yoshida Jun
Published: January 2008

Object

The aim of this study was to describe a method for resecting malignant tumors originating in the external auditory canal or middle ear and requiring en bloc resection of the petrous bone.

Methods

Between 1995 and 2005, the authors performed en bloc petrosectomy for 18 malignant tumors in 9 male and 9 female patients, ranging in age from 15 to 74 years. Fourteen tumors originated in the external ear, 2 in the middle ear, and 2 in the parotid gland. The pathological entities included 15 squamous cell carcinomas, 2 adenoid cystic carcinomas, and 1 rhabdomyosarcoma. Through an L-shaped temporosuboccipital craniotomy, a medial osteotomy was created through the inner ear for tumors without extension into the inner ear (14 cases) and through the tip of the petrous bone for tumors reaching the inner ear (4 cases). Temporal dura mater in 3 patients and the base of the temporal lobe in 2 patients were included in the en bloc resection.

Results

Surgical complications occurred in 5 patients (28%) with no deaths. During a mean follow-up period of 45 months, 3 patients died of tumor recurrence. Overall, 2- and 5-year survival rates were 86 and 78%, respectively. Two of three patients with dural extension and 1 of 2 with brain invasion remain alive. Two of four patients with tumor extension into the inner ear died.

Conclusions

En bloc petrosectomy is recommended for malignant tumors of the ear. It is safe and effective for lesions limited to the middle ear and may be the procedure of choice for tumors reaching the inner ear and those with dural or brain invasion.
Length of tumor–cochlear nerve contact and hearing outcome after surgery for vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Yong Raymund L. , Westerberg Brian D. , Dong Charles , Akagami Ryojo
Published: January 2008

Object

Tumor size is likely to be a major determinant of hearing preservation after surgery for vestibular schwannoma. Findings in some large case series have not supported this concept, possibly due to variation in the technique used for tumor measurement. The authors sought to determine if the length of tumor–cochlear nerve contact was predictive of hearing outcome in adults undergoing resection of a vestibular schwannoma.

Methods

Patients who underwent a hearing-preserving approach for resection of a vestibular schwannoma at one institution by a neurosurgeon/neurotologist team between 2001 and 2005 were screened. Patients with American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Class A or B hearing preoperatively were included. Magnetic resonance images were reviewed and used to calculate the length of tumor–cochlear nerve contact. Tumors were also measured according to AAO-HNS guidelines.

Results

Thirty-one patients were included, 8 (26%) of whom had hearing preservation. Univariate analysis revealed that extracanalicular length of tumor–cochlear nerve contact (p = 0.0365), preoperative hearing class (p = 0.028), I–V interpeak latency of the brainstem auditory evoked potential (p = 0.021), and the interaural I–V interpeak latency difference (p = 0.018) were predictive of hearing outcome. Multivariate analysis confirmed the predictive value of extra-canalicular length of contact and preoperative hearing class (p = 0.041 and p = 0.0235, respectively).

Conclusions

Vestibular schwannomas with greater lengths of tumor–cochlear nerve contact increase a patient's risk for hearing loss after surgery with attempted hearing preservation. Involvement of the internal auditory canal produces a constant risk of hearing loss. Data from the experience of a single surgical team can be used to estimate the probability of good hearing outcome for any given patient with serviceable hearing and a vestibular schwannoma.
Gamma Knife thalamotomy for essential tremor
Authors: Kondziolka Douglas , Ong Joseph G. , Lee John Y. K. , Moore Robert Y. , Flickinger John C. , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: January 2008

Object

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results following Gamma Knife thalamotomy (GKT) for medically refractory essential tremor in a series of patients in whom open surgical techniques were not desirable.

Methods

Thirty-one patients underwent GKT for disabling essential tremor after medical therapy had failed. Their mean age was 77 years. Most patients were elderly or had concomitant medical illnesses. A single 4-mm isocenter was used to target a maximum dose of 130 or 140 Gy to the nucleus ventralis intermedius. Items from the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin clinical tremor rating scale were used to grade tremor and handwriting before and after radiosurgery.

Results

The median follow-up was 36 months. In the group of 26 evaluable patients, the mean tremor score (± standard deviation) was 3.7 ± 0.1 preoperatively and 1.7 ± 0.3 after radiosurgery (p < 0.000015). The mean handwriting score was 2.8 ± 0.2 before GKT and 1.7 ± 0.2 afterward (p < 0.0002). After radiosurgery, 18 patients (69%) showed improvement in both action tremor and writing scores, 6 (23%) only in action tremor scores, and 3 (12%) in neither tremor nor writing. Permanent mild right hemiparesis and speech impairment developed in 1 patient 6 months after radiosurgery. Another patient had transient mild right hemiparesis and dysphagia.

Conclusions

Gamma Knife thalamotomy is a safe and effective therapy for medically refractory essential tremor. Its use is especially valuable for patients ineligible for radiofrequency thalamotomy or deep brain stimulation. Patients must be counseled on potential complications, including the low probability of a delayed neurological deficit.
The regulation of adult rodent hippocampal neurogenesis by deep brain stimulation
Authors: Toda Hiroki , Hamani Clement , Fawcett Adrian P. , Hutchison William D. , Lozano Andres M.
Published: January 2008

Object

To examine the influence of deep brain stimulation on hippocampal neurogenesis in an adult rodent model.

Methods

Rats were anesthetized and treated for 1 hour with electrical stimulation of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (AN) or sham surgery. The animals were injected with 5′-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) 1–7 days after surgery and killed 24 hours or 28 days later. The authors counted the BrdU-positive cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. To investigate the fate of these cells, they also stained sections for doublecortin, NeuN, and GFAP and analyzed the results with confocal microscopy. In a second set of experiments they assessed the number of DG BrdU-positive cells in animals treated with corticosterone (a known suppressor of hippocampal neurogenesis) and sham surgery, corticosterone and AN stimulation, or vehicle and sham surgery.

Results

Animals receiving AN high-frequency stimulation (2.5 V, 90 μsec, 130 Hz) had a 2- to 3-fold increase in the number of DG BrdU-positive cells compared with nonstimulated controls. This increase was not seen with stimulation at 10 Hz. Most BrdU-positive cells assumed a neuronal cell fate. As expected, treatment with corticosterone significantly reduced the number of DG BrdU-positive cells. This steroid-induced reduction of neurogenesis was reversed by AN stimulation.

Conclusions

High-frequency stimulation of the AN increases the hippocampal neurogenesis and restores experimentally suppressed neurogenesis. Interventions that increase hippocampal neurogenesis have been associated with enhanced behavioral performance. In this context, it may be possible to use electrical stimulation to treat conditions associated with impairment of hippocampal function.
Comparison of the therapeutic potential of adult and embryonic neural precursor cells in a rat model of Parkinson disease
Authors: Muraoka Kenichiro , Shingo Tetsuro , Yasuhara Takao , Kameda Masahiro , Yuen Wen Ji , Uozumi Takashi , Matsui Toshihiro , Miyoshi Yasuyuki , Date Isao
Published: January 2008

Object

The therapeutic effects of adult and embryonic neural precursor cells (NPCs) were evaluated and their therapeutic potential compared in a rat model of Parkinson disease.

Methods

Adult NPCs were obtained from the subventricular zone and embryonic NPCs were taken from the ganglionic eminence of 14-day-old embryos. Each NPC type was cultured with epidermal growth factor. The in vitro neuronal differentiation rate of adult NPCs was approximately equivalent to that of embryonic NPCs after two passages. Next, the NPCs were transfected with either green fluorescent protein or glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) by adenoviral infection and transplanted into the striata in a rat model of Parkinson disease (PD) induced by unilateral intrastriatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine. An amphetamine-induced rotation test was used to evaluate rat behavioral improvement, and immunohistochemical analysis was performed to compare grafted cell survival, differentiation, and host tissue changes.

Results

The rats with GDNF-transfected NPCs had significantly fewer amphetamine-induced rotations and less histological damage. Except for the proportion of surviving grafted cells, there were no significant differences between adult and embryonic NPCs.

Conclusions

Adult and embryonic NPCs have a comparable therapeutic potential in a rat model of PD.
Volumetric analysis of the posterior cranial fossa in a family with four generations of the Chiari malformation Type I
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Hill Mark , Loukas Marios , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Oakes W. Jerry
Published: January 2008

Object

Many authors have concluded that the Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) is due to a smaller than normal posterior cranial fossa. In order to establish this smaller geometry as the cause of hindbrain herniation in a family, the authors of this paper performed volumetric analysis in a family found to have this malformation documented in 4 generations.

Methods

Members from this family found to have a CM-I by imaging underwent volumetric analysis of their posterior cranial fossa using the Cavalieri method.

Results

No member of this family found to have CM-I on preoperative imaging had a posterior fossa that was significantly smaller than that of age-matched controls.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrate that not all patients with a CM-I will have a reduced posterior cranial fossa volume. Although the mechanism for the development of hindbrain herniation in this cohort is unknown, this manifestation can be seen in multiple generations of a familial aggregation with normal posterior fossa capacity.
Have we made progress in preventing shunt failure? A critical analysis
Authors: Stein Sherman C. , Guo Wensheng
Published: January 2008

Object

The goal of this study was to determine whether failure rates of hydrocephalus shunts have fallen over the years as a result of experience or technical improvements.

Methods

A structured search was performed of the English language literature for case series reporting failure rates after shunt insertion. A metaanalytic model was constructed to pool data from multiple studies and to analyze failure rates statistically for temporal trends. Separate models were used for children (< 17 years old) and adults.

Results

In children, the shunt failure rate was 31.3% for the 1st year and 4.5% per year thereafter. There were no significant changes in either rate over time. Although 1st-year failure rates in adults have fallen slightly over time, late failure rates have risen.

Conclusions

Progress in preventing shunt failures has not been made over the last several decades. Any improvements made in shunt materials or insertion techniques have been overshadowed by biological and other factors.
Preliminary mechanistic information on disulfide‐bond formation and the role of hydrogen bonds by nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry
Authors: Jiang Honghai , Li Minfeng , Moy Marie A. , Gong Bing , Wood Troy D.
Published: January 2008

The formation of disulfide‐bonds is vital for the proper folding of most secreted proteins and the stabilization of the final protein structure, including many of medical importance. The determination of disulfide‐bonds is an important aspect of gaining a comprehensive understanding of the chemical structure of a protein. A long‐term goal of ours is to examine the mechanism of disulfide‐bond formation in aqueous solution and the potential role hydrogen bonds play in this process. Here, we report preliminary results from a method that utilizes the oxidizing power of iodine to generate disulfide bonds from synthesized model compounds, which is followed by nanoelectrospray ionization (nanoESI)‐ mass spectrometry (MS). By continuously monitoring the reaction mixture during disulfide formation, this nanoESI approach provides insight on the sequence of intermediate species formed, and how hydrogen‐bonding donor/acceptor pairs may promote disulfide bond formation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of robust quadratic‐optimal controllers for uncertain singular systems using orthogonal function approach and genetic algorithm
Authors: Chen Shinn‐Horng , Ho Wen‐Hsien , Chou Jyh‐Horng
Published: January 2008

This paper discusses the robust‐optimal state feedback controller design problems of linear singular systems under the structured (elemental) parameter uncertainties by using the orthogonal function approach (OFA) and the hybrid Taguchi genetic algorithm (HTGA). A sufficient condition is proposed to ensure that the linear singular systems with the structured parameter uncertainties are regular, impulse free, and asymptotically stable. Based on the OFA, an algorithm only involving algebraic computation is derived in this paper and then is integrated with the HTGA to design the robust‐optimal state feedback controller of linear uncertain singular systems subject to robust stability constraint and the minimization of a quadratic performance index. A design example of a two degree of freedom mass–spring–damper system is given to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitrous oxide and methane emissions from a dairy farm stand-off pad
Authors: Luo J. , Saggar S.
Published: January 2008

Stand-off pads (purpose built, drained loafing areas to hold livestock during wet winter periods when it is not suitable to have them on pasture) are increasingly used in New Zealand to avoid damage to pasture and to reduce emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitrate leaching. However, emissions of N2O and methane (CH4) also occur from stand-off pads. The objective of this study was to provide quantitative information on emission levels of N2O and CH4 from a stand-off pad. In this paper, we report the results of N2O and CH4 emissions measured over 3 months from a 300 m2 stand-off pad supporting 21 dairy cows. The stand-off pad consisted of screened crushed pine bark and sawdust. N2O fluxes from the stand-off pad were initially very low, but subsequently increased. The highest daily fluxes ~3 g N2O-N/300 m2.day were obtained in early July. Overall, 0.054 (± 0.018) kg N2O-N was emitted from the stand-off pad during the 3-month measurement period. These results suggest that only 0.01% of the excretal N deposited by the cows was emitted as N2O. Similar to N2O fluxes, initial CH4 emissions were very low. Methane fluxes became very high, reaching a peak value of 360 g CH4-C/300 m2.day in mid August after the cows ceased using the pad, and no flux measurements were made beyond this period. Overall, 3.0 (± 0.5) kg CH4-C was emitted during the 3-month period. This work shows that stand-off pads could be used to mitigate emissions of N2O and CH4 emanating from animal excretal deposition.
Covering dairy slurry stores with hydrophobic fertilisers reduces greenhouse gases and other polluting gas emissions
Authors: Sakamoto Naohisa , Tani Masayuki , Navarrete Ian A. , Koike Masanori , Umetsu Kazutaka
Published: January 2008

The objectives of this study were to verify the effects of using various types of hydrophobic fertilisers to cover dairy slurry on polluting gas emissions and to evaluate the mechanisms by which the reduction of emissions occurred. The hydrophobic fertilisers were prepared by mixing finely ground chemical fertilisers (SP, superphosphate; CC, calcium carbonate; and AP + AS, a mixture of ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate) with hydrophobic silica (8% w/w) to make the cover moisture-proof and thus able to float on the slurry. Laboratory trials were carried out for 13 days using a pilot scale device. The cumulative volumes of the NH3 and CH4 gases emitted from the digested slurry were considerably higher than those from the raw slurry. In contrast, the volumes of CO2 and H2S gases emitted from the digested slurry were lower than those from the raw slurry. Nitrous oxide was not detected in the present study. The hydrophobic fertilisers composed of SP and AP + AS remarkably reduced the NH3 and CH4 emissions from the digested slurry. None of the fertilisers had an effect on the emissions of CO2 from the raw slurry, but when the digested slurry was covered with the SP and AP + AS fertilisers, an increase in the cumulative volumes of CO2 emissions was induced compared with the control slurry (uncovered), probably due to the relatively high activity of methane-oxidising bacteria. The CC and SP fertilisers were able to reduce the H2S emissions from the raw dairy slurry. The effect of the novel covers on greenhouse gas and other polluting gas emissions varied with the types of chemical fertilisers, depending on acidity or alkalinity, solubility, and the ability to adsorb these gases. The partial dissolution of the nutritional constituents under the hydrophobic fertiliser covering produced changes in the fermentation process of the dairy slurry during storage and consequent gas emissions.
Immunohistochemistry of Embryo Sections
Authors: Nagy Andras , Gertsenstein Marina , Vintersten Kristina , Behringer Richard
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION

This protocol describes how to localize an antigen in cells and tissues using embryo sections attached to glass slides. The method outlined here uses alkaline-phosphatase-coupled secondary antibody; horseradish-peroxidase-coupled secondary antibody can be used as an alternative.
Turkish bush‐crickets of the genus Eupholidoptera (Decticinae)
Authors: SALMAN S.
Published: January 2008

Abstract. The Turkish Eupholidoptera species are reviewed and a key to them provided. Five new species are described alongwith the previously unnknown male of E.excisa (Karabaĝ), and females of E.tauricola (Ramme) and E. werneri Ramme. Following examination of specimens from Cyprus the previously unknown male of E.cypria Ramme is described. A new subspecies of E.cypria is described from southern Turkey. Diagnostic characters of all species are given. A check‐list and a distribution map are provided for the Turkish species of Eupholidoptera.
Phenetic studies of African army ant queens of the genus Dorylus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: BARR DAVID , BOVEN JOSEF VAN , GOTWARD WILLIAM H.
Published: January 2008

Multivariate analyses of queens of fourteen species of the Old World army ant genus Dorylus were undertaken to assist in clarifying the status of the six included subgenera. Results were compared with two similar studies based on major workers and males, respectively. Queens are phenetically less divergent than either of the other two phena examined, although similar sub‐generic relationships were observed. Taken together, these phenetic studies suggest that the subgenera Rhogmus and Alaopone are deserving of continued individual status, but that species of Anomma and Dorylus (s.s.) form one diverse taxon. A conservative classification would place Dichthadia and Typhlopone species together with the composite Dorylus (s.s.) ‐ Anomma taxon.
Copidosoma truncatellum (Dalman) and C.floridanum (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera, Encyrtidae), two frequently misidentified polyembryonic parasitoids of caterpillars (Lepidoptera)
Authors: S. NOYES JOHN
Published: January 2008

Abstract In this paper it is shown that Copidosoma floridanum, a polyembryonic parasitoid of the caterpillars of Plusiinae, has almost invariably been misidentified as Copidosoma truncatellum. Both species, and also a third (chilensis) which has been synonymized incorrectly with truncatellum, are diagnosed and characters to separate them reliably are presented.
Larvae ofTrichophyaand phylogeny of the tachyporine group of subfamilies (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) with a review, new species and characterization of the Trichophyinae
Authors: ASHE J. S. , NEWTON A. F.
Published: January 2008

Abstract.Larvae of the staphylinid subfamily Trichophyinae are described for the first time based on larvae of a new species ofTrichophyafrom the southwestern United States. Adults and larvae of the new species,Trichophya texanaAshe & Newton (type locality Texas, Brewster Co., Big Bend National Park), are described and illustrations of both provided. Also given are a key for separation of the Nearctic species ofTrichophya, a checklist of the known World fauna of the Trichophyinae (including first report of the genus from Mexico and Guatemala), and a characterization of the subfamily Trichophyinae based on both larvae and adults. The relationships of major genera and higher taxa in the tachyporine group of staphylinid subfamilies are analysed cladistically using larval characters. No larval characters were found that provide evidence for the monophyly of the tachyporine group; no evidence was found for the monophyly of the Tachyporinae;Charhyphus, OlisthaerusandPhloeocharis(Phloeocharinae + Olisthaerinae) form a monophyletic group; the Trichophyinae and Habrocerinae are sister groups and together probably are the sister group to the Aleocharinae; the Aleocharinae are confirmed to be monophyletic based on larval characters; andGymnusa + Deinopsisform the sister group to the remainder of the Aleocharinae.
Description of the larval stages of Disenochus fractus Sharp and the origin of the Hawaiian platynine Carabidae (Coleoptera)
Authors: LIEBHERR JAMES K.
Published: January 2008

The larval stages of the Hawaiian Disenochus fractus Sharp are described, representing the first comprehensive larval description for any species of native Hawaiian Carabidae. Based on cladistic analysis using eleven characters of first‐instar larvae for twenty‐two platynine carabid species representing ten genera, D.fractus is most closely related to the Asian Platynus magnus Bates. This result supports Zimmerman's hypothesis that the Hawaiian Platynini are of Asian derivation. Synapomorphies supporting this relationship include: (1) smooth keel‐like egg bursters, (2) serrate margins on the mandibular terebrum and retinacular tooth, and (3) translucent lunules apicad from urogomphal setae UR4–7.
ULTRAVIOLET BLEACHING OF SYNCHRONIZED EUGLENA
Authors: Cook J. R. , Hunt W.
Published: January 2008

Abstract— The bleaching response to u.v. was examined in synchronized populations of Euglena gracilis. Cells were most resistant during interphase, with increasing sensitivity during the division period. Maximum sensitivity occurred at the end of the division period, irnpyling that the S period for chloroplastic DNA occurs during or shortly after cytokinesis.
ELECTROCHEMICAL GENERATION OF SOLUTION LUMINESCENCE—III.: EFFECT OF OXYGEN ON QUANTUM YIELD AND KINETICS OF LUMINOL
Authors: Epstein Barry , Kuwana Theodore
Published: January 2008

Abstract ‐The growth and decay of light emission were examined for luminol as a funtion of oxygen concentration in aqueous alkaline solutions during and after the application of a controlled potential, square‐wave electrochemical pulse. The results indicate that, in the rise portion of the light, the rate of electrochemical oxidation of luminol governs the light emission rate; while in the decay portion, the rate is first order and is independent of oxygen concentration. Quantum yields based on integration of the total light emitted also appear to be independent of oxygen above a threshold value. These results are consistent with evidence that the emitting state is an excited singlet.
DIRECT DEMONSTRATION OF THE MONOMERIZATION OF THYMINE‐CONTAINING DIMERS IN U.V.‐IRRADIATED DNA BY YEAST PHOTOREACTIVATING ENZYME AND LIGHT*
Authors: Cook John S.
Published: January 2008

Abstract— Ultraviolet‐irradiated E. coli DNA (3H‐thymine‐labelled) was mixed with un‐irradiated E. coli DNA (14C‐thymine‐labelled) and exposed to light in the presence of purified yeast photoreactivating enzyme. As the 3H‐thymine‐containing cyclobutane dimers disappeared during the photoreactivation, there was a stoichiometric increase of monomeric 3H‐thymine as determined from the 3H/14C ratio in thymine. This is the first direct demonstration that thymine‐containing dimers in u.v.‐irradiated DNA are monomerized by yeast photoreactivating enzyme in the presence of light.
DIMER PHOTOPRODUCTS IN CYTIDYLYL‐(3′‐5′) CYTIDINE
Authors: Hariharan P. V. , Johns H. E.
Published: January 2008

Abstract— When CpC is exposed to ultraviolet (u.v.) radiation, dimers are produced both photochemically and by dark reactions. A reaction scheme for the production of these dimers is presented. We have shown that a single dimer, Cp̂C1, is initially produced photochemically. This is converted by a spontaneous reaction to a second dimer, Cp̂C2. The dimer Cp̂C2 may also spontaneously revert back to Cp̂C1 and if no side reactions were involved a thermal equilibrium between these txo dimers would be established with about two to three times the concentration of Cp̂C2, as of Cp̂C1. The rate constants for the interconversion of these two dimers vary from about 0.05 to 0.4 hr‐1 over the pH range 2.7 to 8.4. The dimers of CpC have maximum stability near pH 7. The two dimers Cp̂C1 and Cp̂C2 can also be reversed to CpC by u.v. irradiation. Both these dimers in turn deaminate to dimers of UpC and then to Up̂U. The rate constants for these deamination reactions are presented. These lie in the range 0.01 to 0.5 hr‐1 for the pH values studied. Possible structures for the two dimers are suggested.
CHEMICAL FILTERS FOR NARROW BAND U.V. IRRADIATION BETWEEN 235 AND 300 nm
Authors: Muel B. , Malpiece C.
Published: January 2008

Abstract— Six chemical filters are described. Bands of 10–20 nm half width are isolated at the following wavelengths: 235–240–252–260–277–294 nm. The filters transmit at the center of their band pass between 1.5 and 30 per cent of the incident radiation. Average photon fluence rates of 15–150 ergs mm‐2 sec‐1 (0.3 × 10‐3 to 3.5 × 10‐3μE cm‐2 sec‐1) are obtained with a 500 W high pressure mercury arc focussed on a 10 cm‐2 area. Under these conditions, the flux transmitted in the near i.r., visible and near u.v. does not exceed 1 per cent of the total flux transmitted. The flux transmitted outside a 40 nm band centered at the maximum does not exceed 1 per cent of the total transmitted flux for four of the filters, this flux goes up to 4 per cent of the total for the 294 nm filter and to 10 per cent for the 235 nm filter.
PHOTOACTIVATION OF UROCANASE IN PSEUDOMONAS PUTIDA: POSSIBLE CONFORMATIONAL CHANGE DURING ACTIVATION
Authors: HUG DANIEL H. , ROTH DENNIS
Published: January 2008

Earlier studies of urocanase indicated that it is converted to an inactive form in resting cells of Pseudomonas putida. When cell extracts are irradiated by ultraviolet (u.v.) light, the enzyme is activated[1]. The chromophore is closely associated with the enzyme [1,2]. The action spectrum for photoactivation showed that, although near‐u.v. light was effective, the most efficient wavelengths were at 275–280 nm[3]. The study we present here suggests that urocanase undergoes a conformational change upon photoactivation.
PRODUCTION OF O2 IN PHOTOLYZED WATER DEMONSTRATED THROUGH THE USE OF SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE*
Authors: McCORD JOE M. , FRIDOVICH IRWIN
Published: January 2008

Abstract— The photolysis of water has been studied using ferricytochrome c as the detector of reducing radicals and ferrocytochrome c as the detector of oxidizing radicals. Mannitol was used as a scavenger of hydroxyl radicals and superoxide dismutase was used to expose the specific involvement of superoxide radicals. Aerobic photolysis caused a reduction of ferricytochrome c, which was inhibited by superoxide dismutase and was enhanced by mannitol. Aerobic photolysis also caused the oxidation of ferrocytochrome c, which was inhibited by mannitol and augmented by superoxide dismutase. The presence of superoxide dismutase also eliminated the effects of mannitol on the aerobic oxidation of ferrocytochrome c. Photolysis in the absence of oxygen also caused the reduction of ferricytochrome c and the oxidation of ferrocytochrome c, but under these anaerobic conditions neither mannitol nor superoxide dismutase exerted significant effects. An explanation of these observations is offered in terms of the reactivities of H., OH. and O‐2 radicals.
SENSITIZED PHOTOOXYGENATION: CHANGE FROM TYPE I (RADICAL) TO TYPE II (SINGLET OXYGEN) MECHANISM
Authors: KRAMER H. E. A. , MAUTE A.
Published: January 2008

Abstract— As we have shown in previous papers, thionine‐sensitized photooxygenation reactions follow a Type I (radical) mechanism. We now demonstrate that, by an appropriate choice of the acceptor and its concentration (solvent: pyridine) or by working in a rigid matrix (ethyl cellulose), the reaction can be switched to a Type II (singlet oxygen) mechanism. The system studied in the present investigation, thionine and 9,10‐dimethylanthracene, represents to a certain extent an intermediate type. Photooxygenation at low DMA‐concentration occurs according to a Type II mechanism as verified by the method of competitive photooxygenation, while in oxygen‐free solutions, the sensitizer is partially photoreduced by the acceptor, which is typical for Type I systems. Whereas the photooxygenation of allylthiourea (ATU) with thionine as sensitizer takes place via radicals at high ATU concentrations, a change to the singlet oxygen mechanism could be observed at low ATU concentrations in pyridine solution.
A RAPID ASSAY FOR DNA PHOTOLYASE USING A MEMBRANE‐BINDING TECHNIQUE*
Authors: Madden John J. , Werbin Harold , Denson John
Published: January 2008

Abstract— A rapid assay for DNA photolyase was developed that makes use of the membrane binding technique of A. D. Riggs, H. Suzuki and S. Bourgeois, J. Mol. Biol.48, 67–83 (1970). The complex formed between UV‐irradiated bacteriophage T7 DNA‐3H and the enzyme is trapped on a nitrocellulose filter after a five‐minute equilibration and is counted. Using this technique, one can calculate the molar concentration of enzyme in an enzyme preparation and the saturation constant (K) for the complex formation. The latter value is 2.6 cyclobutadipyrimidines per genome (T7) for yeast DNA photolyase; thus approximately 5.2 dipyrimidines/genome are necessary for the full retention of the DNA on the membrane. The speed and reproducibility of the new method makes it a convenient one for assaying column effluents and as many as one hundred samples can be handled routinely in an afternoon.
FLUIDITY AND OXYGEN PENETRATION OF LIPID VESICLES STUDIED BY FLUORESCENCE PROBES
Authors: Geiger Margaret W. , Turro Nicholas J.
Published: January 2008

Abstract. –An analysis of the temperature dependence of trans‐stilbene fluorescence yield in dipalmitoyl lecithin vesicles is used to obtain activation energies. The results are interpreted in terms of bilayer fluidity through and above the phase transition. Oxygen quenching of the fluorescence of pyrenebutyric acid (incorporated in dipalmitoyl lecithin and egg lecithin vesicles) is reported as a function of temperature and bulk oxygen concentration. Above the bilayer phase transition, quenching rates (determined by oxygen quenching) decrease with decreasing temperature. A reduction in oxygen quenching is observed through the dipalmitoyl lecithin phase transition.
APPLICATION OF PHOTODYNAMIC OXIDATION TO THE DISINFECTION OF TAPWATER, SEA WATER, AND SEWAGE CONTAMINATED WITH POLIOVIRUS
Authors: Gerba Charles P. , Wallis Craig , Melnick Joseph L.
Published: January 2008

Abstract. Poliovirus when added to tapwater, sewage or seawater was readily photoinactivated by methylene blue and visible light. Typically, almost 2.5 logs of virus could be inactivated upon a 5‐min exposure to 670 nm light (20 W/m2) in solutions containing 13 μM methylene blue at pH 10.0. A biphasic inactivation curve was produced for poliovirus, regardless of dye concentration, pH, temperature, sensitization time, nature of suspending solution or sequence of light exposure. These results indicated that a multi‐hit inactivation event was occurring. Preincubation of the dye‐virus mixture at 24°C increased the rate of virus photoinactivation. Dye concentrations above 26 μM have little advantage in increasing the amount of virus photoinactivated. Significant inactivation of the virus in the dark occurred at high dye concentrations (52–130μM).
PHOTOPHYSICAL PROCESSES IN TROPOLONE, α‐METHOXY‐TROPONE AND COLCHICINE
Authors: Croteau Robert , Leblanc Roger M.
Published: January 2008

Abstract— The spectral characteristics of the emission observed from tropolone, α‐methoxy‐tropone and colchicine in EPA at 77 K are reported. Luminescence polarization, lifetime, quantum yield and energy transfer experiments provide evidence that the luminescence observed is S1→ S0 fluorescence and that the lowest excited singlet state is π, π* The two compounds α‐methoxy‐tropone and colchicine have been found to exhibit dual luminescence. No phosphorescence could be detected in these three molecules. The photophysical processes for each molecule are discussed and their respective energy level diagrams are also suggested.
THE ELECTRONIC SPECTROSCOPY OF PYRIMIDINES: THE EFFECT OF COVALENTLY BONDED SULFUR ON THE PHOSPHORESCENCE AND ABSORPTION SPECTRA
Authors: Pownall Henry J. , Schaffer Arnold M. , Becker Ralph S. , MANTULIN William W.
Published: January 2008

Abstract— The phosphorescence of uracil, 2‐thiouracil, 2,4‐dithiouracil and 2‐mercaptopyrimidine was studied at 77 K. 2‐Thiouracil and 2,4‐dithiouracil showed phosphorescence quantum yields of 0.65 and 0.1, respectively. The emitting triplet states of these compounds have been assigned as the 3(π, π*) type. The enhancement of spin‐orbit coupling through the involvement of the 3d orbitals on sulfur has been invoked in describing emission characteristics of thiouracils.
MECHANISMS OF 1,2‐DIOXETANE DECOMPOSITION: THE ROLE OF ELECTRON TRANSFER
Authors: Zaklika K. A. , Kissel Thomas , Thayer Arthur L. , Burns Paul A. , Schaap A. Paul
Published: January 2008

Abstract— The chemiluminescence from the cleavage of a number of 1,6‐diaryl‐2,5,7,8‐tetraoxabicyclo[4.2.0]octanes 1 has been examined. The ease of oxidation of (object) the aryl moiety strongly influences both the stability and chemiluminescence efficiency of these 1,2‐dioxetanes. When Ar is difficult to oxidize, 1 is comparable in stability to simple. alkyl‐substituted 1,2‐dioxe‐tanes and affords triplet excited states in moderate yield. Both biradical and concerted cleavage mechanisms have been suggested to explain this behavior. However, when Ar is a readily oxidized group, 1 is substantially destahilized and gives excited singlet states in high yield. In this instance 1 is analogous to a number of bioluminescent systems. Cleavage mechanisms involving intramolecular electron transfer are proposed to account for this observation. In certain cases thermolysis of 1 occurs by both types of mechanism in competition, and the electron transfer mechanism may be selectively catalyzed by polar, protic media.
KINETIC AND SPECTROSCOPIC EFFECTS OF PROTEIN‐CHROMOPHORE ELECTROSTATIC INTERACTIONS IN BACTERIORHODOPSIN
Authors: Warshel A. , Ottoenghi M.
Published: January 2008

Abstract— Available pH effects on the absorption spectrum and on the rates of dark adaptation (all‐trans → 13‐cis interconversion) of bacteriorhodopsin are analyzed in terms of a model based on protein‐chromophore electrostatic interactions. Plausible locations of three protein acid‐base groups controlling the spectrum and the activation energy of the thermal trans → 13‐cis process are suggested. The importance of the protein charges in controlling the cycles of bacteriorhodopsin is indicated.
COMPLEX SOLVENT DEPENDENCE OF PYRENEALDEHYDE FLUORESCENCE AS A MICELLAR POLARITY PROBE
Authors: Dederen J. C. , Coosemans L. , Schryver F. C. De , Dormael A. Van
Published: January 2008

Abstract— –Measurements on I‐pyrenearboxaldehyde (PCHO) are repeated, extended and reinterpreted. Instead of a dependence on the dielectric constant of the solvent, a more complex solvent dependence is found. As a consequence. the use of PCHO as a micelle polarity probe is questioned.
RADICAL PROCESSES IN LIPIDS. A LASER PHOTOLYSIS STUDY OF t‐BUTOXY RADICAL REACTIVITY TOWARD FATTY ACIDS
Authors: Small Richard D. , Scaiano Juan C. , Patterson L. K.
Published: January 2008

Abstract—

Laser photolysis techniques have been used to measure the reactivity of t‐butoxy radical (t‐BuO) toward various fatty acids. Eight compounds varying both in number and in the configuration of olefinic bonds were examined. It has been found that the rate constant for hydrogen abstraction from these compounds by t‐BuO may be related to the number of secondary, allylic, and doubly allylic hydrogens in each molecule by the equation: kr= [0.072[Hsec] + 0.518[Hallylic] + 2.716[Hdoubly allylic] x 106M‐1 s‐1.
INHIBITION AND RECOVERY OF DNA SYNTHESIS IN UV‐IRRADIATED CHINESE HAMSTER V‐79 CELLS†
Authors: Dahle Dan , Griffiths T. D. , Carpenter J. G.
Published: January 2008

Abstract—

DNA replication in UV‐irradiated Chinese hamster V‐79 cells was analyzed by measuring the incorporation of 14C‐thymidine into acid precipitable form and by DNA fiber autoradiography. As expected, UV exposure resulted in a rapid deceleration in the rate of thymidine incorporation, reaching a minimum rate 60–75 min following exposure to 2–10Jm‐2. After an additional 1–2h the rate of thymidine incorporation began to recover slowly, approaching the control rate within 10h following exposure to 10 Jm‐2 or less. The mechanism of the inhibition and recovery in thymidine incorporation was examined by DNA fiber autoradiography. The results indicate that UV radiation produces lesions in DNA which temporarily block chain growth of DNA that is synthesized during the first 5 h after exposure. Within 10 h after exposure, the lesions have either been repaired or modified (or the replicative enzymes altered) so that DNA chain growth is no longer impeded.
ACIDITY DEPENDENCE OF THE ABSORPTION AND FLUORESCENCE SPECTRA OF ISOFLAVONE AND 7‐HYDROXYISOFLAVONE
Authors: Wolfbeis Otto S. , Schipfer Rudolf
Published: January 2008

‐The pH and H0 dependence of the absorption and fluorescence spectra of isoflavone and 7‐hydroxyisoflavone are reported. Isoflavone is fluorescent in acidic solution only, whereas 7‐hydroxyisoflavone is fluorescent in all acidity ranges under investigation. Ground and first excited singlet state pKa's have been determined spectrophotometrically and fluorimetrically, respectively. Excited state protolytic equilibration processes via a second order reaction (proton gain) are found to be too slow to compete efficiently with fluorescence. This is deduced from the close agreement between the pKa's of the conjugate acids obtained by absorption and fluorescence titrations. On the other hand, photodissociation of 7‐hydroxyisoflavone proceeds faster than its fluorescence decays. The experimental pKa(S1) is in fair agreement with the calculated one. 7‐Hydroxyisofiavone forms a phototautomer (or exciplex) in the pH 2 to H0‐1 acidity range, which is characterized by its long wavelength emission. Quantum efficiencies are given for isoflavone and 7‐hydroxyisoflavone in aqueous solutions of various acidities. Deuteration effects thereon are discussed.
HEMATOPORPHYRIN AS A PHOTOSENSITIZER OF TUMORS*
Authors: Dougherty T. J.
Published: January 2008

Abstract— The ability of hematoporphyrin (Hp) to act as a photosensitizer of cells in vitro or in vivo is a matter of dispute, while hematoporphyrin derivative (Hpd), a mixture of porphyrins including hematoporphyrin, has been consistently found to be an effective photosensitizer both in vitro and in vivo. Until recently the actual component of the Hpd mixture responsible for these effects had not been identified. We have found that those preparations of Hp which contain, as an impurity, a porphyrin similar to that found to be responsible for the tumor photosensitizing ability of Hpd, may be effective photosensitizers of tumors but are generally of low efficacy. This material accounts for the entire photosensitizing activity of both Hp and Hpd in the SMT‐F mammary carcinoma in DBA/2 HeHa mice.
PHOTOCHEMICAL DAMAGE TO DNA TREATED WITH CHLORPROMAZINE AND NEAR UV RADIATION UNDER AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS
Authors: Schothorst Albert A. , Suurmond Dick , Schouten Ron
Published: January 2008

Abstract—

Double stranded salmon sperm DNA in a chlorpromazine (CPZ) solution is damaged when irradiated with near UV light. The damage of irradiated DNA can be estimated by measuring the increase in extinction at 260 nm following incubation at 60°C of the DNA with formaldehyde. Moreover, DNA irradiated in the presence of CPZ or kept in the dark separate quite differently in an aqueous polymer two‐phase system. DNA irradiated in the presence of CPZ seemed to be susceptible to digestion by endonuclease S1, while the endonuclease of Neurospora crassa could not digest this DNA. Irradiation under aerobic conditions seemed to be less disastrous for DNA than under anaerobic conditions.