bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus Speciation of Sequential Extracts of Organic Amendments Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and X‐ray Absorption Near‐Edge Structure Spectroscopies
Authors: Ajiboye Babasola , Akinremi Olalekan O. , Hu Yongfeng , Flaten Donald N.
Published: October 2007

The chemical forms of phosphorus in organic amendments are essential variables for proper management of these amendments for agro‐environmental purposes. This study was performed to elucidate the forms of phosphorus in various organic amendments using state‐of‐the‐art spectroscopic techniques. Anaerobically digested biosolids (BIO), hog (HOG), dairy (DAIRY), beef (BEEF), and poultry (POULTRY) manures were subjected to sequential extraction. The extracts and residues after extraction were analyzed by solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and synchrotron‐based P 1s X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopies, respectively. Most of the total P analyzed by inductively coupled plasma– optical emission spectroscopy in the sequential extracts of organic amendments was orthophosphate, except POULTRY, which was dominated by organic P. The labile P fraction in all the organic amendments, excluding POULTRY, was mainly orthophosphate from readily soluble calcium and some aluminum phosphates. In the poultry litter, Ca phytate was the main P species controlling P solubility. The recalcitrant fraction of BIO was mainly associated with Al and Fe. Those of HOG, DAIRY, and POULTRY were calcium phytate, which were identified only as organic species in the XANES spectra. The combination of the three techniques—sequential chemical extraction, solution 31P NMR spectroscopy, and P 1s XANES—provided molecular characterization of P in organic amendments that would not have been possible with just one or a combination of any two of these techniques. Therefore, P speciation of organic amendments should use solid‐phase and aqueous speciation techniques as deemed feasible.
Assessment of the 16S‐23S rDNA Intergenic Spacer Region in Enterococcus spp. for Microbial Source Tracking
Authors: Dickerson J. W. , Crozier J. B. , Hagedorn C. , Hassall A.
Published: October 2007

A new library‐based microbial source tracking (MST) approach intended for initial application in the coastal waters of Virginia was evaluated. Host‐origin isolates of Enterococcus spp. were collected from beaches and the surrounding tidewater region of Virginia and used to construct a library based on the pattern of DNA band lengths produced by the amplification of the 16S‐23S rDNA intergenic spacer (IGS) region, and subsequent digestion with MboI. Initial results from small host‐origin libraries (64 and 200 total isolates) with discriminant analysis (DA) and logistic regression (LR) yielded high average rates of correct classification (ARCC) for a four‐source classification split (birds, dogs, sewage, and wildlife), with ARCCs ranging from 83 to 100%. However, the poor results obtained when classification was attempted on a non‐library validation set (VS, ARCCs of 47 and 48%, respectively, using DA and LR) demonstrated that a library of 200 isolates was insufficient to adequately represent the diversity of the enterococci in the sampled region. An increase in the library size to 1029 total isolates was accompanied by a reduction in the ARCC of the library to 42.7% with DA and 45.7% with LR, plus similarly poor results obtained from the VS. The low correct classification rates generated by the larger known‐source library were unsuitable for field application. Many reported MST methods have been based on results obtained using small host‐origin libraries without external validation. Our results indicate that such an approach can be very misleading, and that larger libraries and external validation is essential for the confirmation of preliminary results.
Magnesium‐Rich Minerals in Sediment and Suspended Particulates of South Florida Water Bodies: Implications for Turbidity
Authors: Harris W. G. , Fisher M. M. , Cao X. , Osborne T. , Ellis L.
Published: October 2007

Fine sediments in shallow water bodies such as Lake Okeechobee are prone to resuspension. Predominantly inorganic “mud” sediment that covers ∼670 km2 of the lake has been recognized as a persistent source of turbidity. The objective of this study was to determine if mineral components of sediments in Lake Okeechobee and water conveyances of the northern Everglades also occur as suspended sediment and hence constitute a potential abiotic contributor to turbidity. Sediment samples were collected from nine stations within the lake and eight locations north of Water Conservation Area 2A in the Everglades. Water samples were also collected at selected locations. The silt and clay mineralogy of sediment and suspended particles was determined using X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, scanning‐electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray elemental microanalysis, and high‐resolution transmission‐electron microscopy. Clay fractions of the lake sediment contained the Mg silicate minerals sepiolite and palygorskite, along with smectite, dolomite, calcite, and kaolinite. Sediment silt fractions were dominated by carbonates and/or quartz, with smaller amounts of Ca phosphates and sepiolite. Mineralogy of the mud sediment was similar to that reported for geologic phosphate deposits. This suggests that the mud sediment might have accumulated by stream transport of minerals from these deposits. Suspended solids and mud‐sediment mineralogy were similar, except that smectite was more abundant in suspended solids. Everglade samples also contained Mg‐rich minerals. The small size, low density, and fibrous or platy nature of the prevalent mud sediment minerals make them an abiotic, hydrodynamically sensitive source of persistent turbidity in a shallow lake. Mitigation efforts focused exclusively on P‐induced biogeochemical processes do not address the origin or effects of these minerals. Ecological management issues such as turbidity control, P retention, geologic P input, and suitability of dredging are related to mud‐sediment properties and provenance.
Field Test of In Situ Soil Amendments at the Tar Creek National Priorities List Superfund Site
Authors: Brown S.L. , Compton H. , Basta N.T.
Published: October 2007

A range of soil amendments including diammonium phosphate fertilizer (DAP), municipal biosolids (BS), biosolids compost, and Al‐ and Fe‐based water treatment residuals were tested on Pb‐, Zn‐, and Cd‐contaminated yard soils and tailings at the Tar Creek NPL site in Oklahoma to determine if amendments could restore a vegetative cover and reduce metal availability in situ. For the yard soils, all amendments reduced bioaccessible (assessed with a physiologic‐based extraction method) Pb, with reductions ranging from 35% (BS+Al, DAP 0.5%, DAP+Compost+Al) to 57% (Compost+Al). Plant Zn (Cynadon dactylon L.) and NH4NO3–extractable Cd and Zn were also reduced by a number of amendments. For the tailings, all amendments excluding BS reduced bioaccessible Pb, with the largest reductions observed in the DAP 3% and DAP3%+BS treatments (75 and 84%). Plant growth was suppressed in all treatments that contained DAP for the first season, with the highest growth in the treatments that included compost and biosolids. In the second year, growth was vigorous for all treatments. Plant Zn and Cd and extractable metal concentration were also reduced. A number of treatments were identified that reduced bioaccessible Pb and sustained a healthy plant with reduced metal concentrations. For the yard soil, Compost+Al was the most effective treatment tested. For the tailings, BS+DAP 1% was the most effective treatment tested. These results indicate that in situ amendments offer a remedial alternative for the Tar Creek site.
Ecotoxic Effect of Phenanthrene on Nitrifying Bacteria in Soils of Different Properties
Authors: Maliszewska‐Kordybach Barbara , Klimkowicz‐Pawlas Agnieszka , Smreczak Bozena , Janusauskaite Dalia
Published: October 2007

Information on ecotoxicity of organic contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), in terrestrial environment is needed for establishing soil quality criteria and for risk assessment purposes. An ecotoxic effect of a model PAH compound (phenanthrene) toward soils microorganisms (nitrifying bacteria) was evaluated in 50 different soils. The soil samples were collected from agricultural land in four regions of Poland with varying levels of industrialization (Slaskie, Dolnoslaskie, Podlaskie, and Lubelskie voievodeships). Soils were characterized for basic physicochemical properties (texture, organic matter content, pHKCl, total nitrogen content, total sorption capacity) and the content of contaminants including PAHs (73–800 μg kg−1), Pb (6–720 mg kg−1), and Zn (9–667 mg kg−1). Ecotoxicity of phenanthrene (applied at 10, 100, 500, and 1000 mg kg−1) to soils microorganisms was evaluated in laboratory studies in control conditions (incubation of soils for 7 d at 20 ± 2°C). Nitrification potential was used as the ecotoxicity measurements end point. The EC50 values (146−1670 mg kg−1) calculated from the square root–X linear regression model differed significantly in various soils, although it was difficult to establish a causative relationship between soil physicochemical characteristic and phenanthrene toxicity. A significant factor in the assessment of soils vulnerability to the effect of phenanthrene was level of soil contamination, particularly with PAHs. Soils with previous contamination were more susceptible (mean EC50, 325 mg kg−1) than soils from uncontaminated, rural areas (mean EC50, 603 mg kg−1).
Controlled Application Rate of Water Treatment Residual for Agronomic and Environmental Benefits
Authors: Oladeji Olawale O. , O'Connor George A. , Sartain Jerry B. , Nair Vimala D.
Published: October 2007

Water treatment residuals (WTR) are useful soil amendments to control excessive soluble phosphorus (P) in soils, but indiscriminate additions can result in inadequate control or excessive immobilization of soluble P, leading to crop deficiencies. We evaluated the influence of application rates of an Al‐WTR and various P‐sources on plant yields, tissue P concentrations, and P uptake and attempted to identify a basis for determining WTR application rates. Bahiagrass (paspalum notatum Fluggae) was grown in a P‐deficient soil amended with four P‐sources at two application levels (N‐ and P‐based rates) and three WTR rates (0, 10, and 25 g kg−1 oven dry basis) in a glasshouse pot experiment. The glasshouse results were compared with data from a 2‐yr field experiment with similar treatments that were surface applied to an established bahiagrass. Soil P storage capacity (SPSC) values increased with application rate of WTR, and the increase varied with sources of P applied. Soil soluble P concentrations increased as SPSC was reduced, and a change point was identified at 0 mg kg−1 SPSC in the glasshouse and the field studies. A change point was identified in the bahiagrass yields at a tissue P concentration of 2.0 g kg−1, corresponding to zero SPSC. Zero SPSC was shown to be an agronomic threshold above which yields and P concentrations of plants declined and below which there is little or no yield response to increased plant P concentrations. Applying P‐sources at N‐based rates, along with WTR sufficient to give SPSC value of 0 mg kg−1 SPSC, enhanced the environmental benefits (reduced P loss potential) without negative agronomic impacts.
Genetic Variants Within the LPIN1 Gene, Encoding Lipin, Are Influencing Phenotypes of the Metabolic Syndrome in Humans
Authors: Wiedmann Silke , Fischer Marcus , Koehler Martina , Neureuther Katharina , Riegger Guenter , Doering Angela , Schunkert Heribert , Hengstenberg Christian , Baessler Andrea
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE— Lipin, a novel molecular protein expressed by adipocytes, has marked effects on adipose tissue mass, insulin sensitivity, and glucose homeostasis. Thus, we hypothesized that genetic variants within LPIN1 are associated with traits of the metabolic syndrome.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— A total of 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering the LPIN1 gene region were genotyped in an age- and sex-stratified sample of the general population (Monitoring Trends and Determinants on Cardiovascular Diseases Study Augsburg; DNA and phenotypes of 1,416 Caucasians). Ten SNPs were also genotyped for replication in an independent sample of 1,030 subjects recruited throughout Germany. The metabolic syndrome was defined via the sum of its core components and, additionally, by a factor score derived from factor analysis. Permutation-based methods were used to test the association between genetic LPIN1 variants and metabolic traits for empirical significance.

RESULTS— Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis revealed three LD blocks encompassing LPIN1. We identified three associated three-marker haplotypes: one common haplotype (26.8% frequency) increases the risk for the metabolic syndrome (odds ratio 1.6 [95% CI 1.2–2.2]), while the other two, being less common (5.7 and 4.0%), are strongly associated with lower blood pressure levels (systolic blood pressure 127 ± 18 vs. 135 ± 20 mmHg; P = 0.0001), a lower BMI (24.6 ± 3.6 vs. 26.9 ± 4.1 kg/m2; P = 3.7 × 10−7) and waist circumference (82 ± 12 vs. 90 ± 12 cm; P = 3.2 × 10−8), lower A1C levels (5.1 ± 0.7 vs. 5.3 ± 0.9%; P = 0.0002), as well as a lower metabolic syndrome factor score (−0.67 ± 1.00 vs. 0.04 ± 1.24; P = 1.4 × 10−7). Furthermore, the frequencies of arterial hypertension (23.7 vs. 46.4%; P = 0.00001), obesity (12.9 vs. 30.8%; P = 0.0003), diabetes (2.2 vs. 8.2%; P = 0.041), and the presence of three or more metabolic syndrome components (3.3 vs. 13.7%; P = 0.002) were significantly lower than in subjects not carrying one of these protective haplotypes. Strong associations were also observed in the replication sample using the same haplotypes but with effects in the opposite direction.

CONCLUSIONS— These data suggest that allelic variants of the LPIN1 gene have significant effects in human metabolic traits and thus implicate lipin in the pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome.
Nonobese Diabetic (NOD) Mice Congenic for a Targeted Deletion of 12/15-Lipoxygenase Are Protected From Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: McDuffie Marcia , Maybee Nelly A. , Keller Susanna R. , Stevens Brian K. , Garmey James C. , Morris Margaret A. , Kropf Elizabeth , Rival Claudia , Ma Kaiwen , Carter Jeffrey D. , Tersey Sarah A. , Nunemaker Craig S. , Nadler Jerry L.
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE— 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LO), one of a family of fatty acid oxidoreductase enzymes, reacts with polyenoic fatty acids to produce proinflammatory lipids. 12/15-LO is expressed in macrophages and pancreatic β-cells. It enhances interleukin 12 production by macrophages, and several of its products induce apoptosis of β-cells at nanomolar concentrations in vitro. We had previously demonstrated a role for 12/15-LO in β-cell damage in the streptozotocin model of diabetes. Since the gene encoding 12/15-LO (gene designation Alox15) lies within the Idd4 diabetes susceptibility interval in NOD mice, we hypothesized that 12/15-LO is also a key regulator of diabetes susceptibility in the NOD mouse.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We developed NOD mice carrying an inactivated 12/15-LO locus (NOD-Alox15null) using a “speed congenic” protocol, and the mice were monitored for development of insulitis and diabetes.

RESULTS— NOD mice deficient in 12/15-LO develop diabetes at a markedly reduced rate compared with NOD mice (2.5 vs. >60% in females by 30 weeks). Nondiabetic female NOD-Alox15null mice demonstrate improved glucose tolerance, as well as significantly reduced severity of insulitis and improved β-cell mass, when compared with age-matched nondiabetic NOD females. Disease resistance is associated with decreased numbers of islet-infiltrating activated macrophages at 4 weeks of age in NOD-Alox15null mice, preceding the development of insulitis. Subsequently, islet-associated infiltrates are characterized by decreased numbers of CD4+ T cells and increased Foxp3+ cells.

CONCLUSIONS— These results suggest an important role for 12/15-LO in conferring susceptibility to autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice through its effects on macrophage recruitment or activation.
Characterization of the passive films on electrodeposited Fe-Ni-Cr alloys in borate solution at pH 8.4
Authors: Sziráki Laura , Kuzmann Ernő , Chisholm Colin , El-Sharif Mahmoud , Bóbics Lilla , Stichleutner Sándor
Published: October 2007

The corrosion properties of the passive layers formed on iron-nickel-chromium electrodeposits of Fe29Ni51Cr20 were investigated in 0.3 M borate solution at a‘ pH of 8.4. On the basis of measurements by cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, a low passive dissolution/corrosion rate was identified for the electrodeposited Fe-Ni-Cr alloys due to the nature of the established corrosion layer. The stability of this passive layer was further enhanced after corrosion under oxidizing conditions. Mössbauer spectroscopic measurements confirmed the existence of a thin passive layer on the amorphous electrodeposits.
Changes In Liver and Brain Cytochrome P450 after Multiple Cocaine Administration, Alone and in Combination with Nifedipine
Authors: Vitcheva Vessela , Mitcheva Mitka
Published: October 2007

Changes In Liver and Brain Cytochrome P450 after Multiple Cocaine Administration, Alone and in Combination with Nifedipine

The objective of this study was to evaluate possible changes caused by multiple cocaine administration, alone and in combination with 1,4-dihydropiridine calcium channel blocker nifedipine, on cytochrome P450 levels both in the brain and liver. The experiment was done on male Wistar rats divided in four groups: control, treated with nifedipine (5 mg kg-1i.p. for five days), treated with cocaine (15 mg kg-1i.p. for five days), and treated with nifedipine and 30 minutes later with cocaine (also for five days). Total cytochrome P450 was measured spectrometrically in liver and brain microsomes. Multiple administration of cocaine alone and in combination with nifedipine did not change the brain P450 significantly. In the liver, nifedipine significantly increased P450 by 28 % vs. control. In contrast, cocaine significantly decreased P450 by 17 % vs. control. In animals treated with nifedipine and cocaine, cytochrome P450 increased 11 % (p<0.01) vs. control, decreased 12.5 % (p<0.001) vs. nifedipine group and increased 34 % (p<0.0001) vs. cocaine group. These results suggest that the cocaine and nifedipine interact at the metabolic level.
Fatal Poisoning By Alcohol and Heroin
Authors: Sutlović Davorka , Definis-Gojanović Marija
Published: October 2007

Fatal Poisoning By Alcohol and Heroin

Drug abuse with alcohol consumption have been on the rise in Split-Dalmatian County for a while now. This article reports two separate cases with three deaths due to fatal combinations of heroin and alcohol. The first case of poisoning is related to a young couple, a 30-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, who were found dead in a car, surrounded by cans of a variety alcoholic drinks. Two needles were found beside the bodies as well. The victims were registered drug abusers who had been in withdrawal programs. The second case was a 29-year-old man who was found dead in a house. Three fresh injection marks were visible on his right arm, and two needles were near his body. He was not known as a drug addict, but he had tried to commit suicide recently.

Carboxyhaemoglobin was found in blood samples of both victims from the first case. The concentration was 25 % and that could contribute to their death. In both described cases blood alcohol concentration was higher then 1.60 g kg-1. Toxicology tests were positive for heroin, meconin, acetaminophen, 6-acetylmorphine, codeine, noscapine and papaverine. Ethanol, being a respiratory depressant, combined with morphine drastically increases the risk of rapid death due to respiration failure.
Application of Recombinant DNA Methods for Production of Cholinesterases as Organophosphate Antidotes and Detectors
Authors: Taylor Palmer , Reiner Elsa , Kovarik Zrinka , Radić Zoran
Published: October 2007

Application of Recombinant DNA Methods for Production of Cholinesterases as Organophosphate Antidotes and Detectors

To develop new avenues for synthesizing novel antidotes for organophosphate poisoning and for detection of the organophosphates, we have turned to recombinant DNA methods to synthesize cholinesterases with unusual properties. For antidotal therapy we describe mutations of the native mouse and human enzymes that allow for enhanced rates of oxime reactivation. Such enzymes, when localized in the circulation, would enable the circulating cholinesterase to become a catalytic rather than simply a stoichiometric scavenger. Hence, "oxime-assisted catalysis" provides a means for scavenging the organophosphates in the circulation thereby minimizing their tissue penetration and toxicity. Accordingly, the oxime antidote or prophylactic agent has a dual action within the circulation and at the tissue level. Second, through a novel chemistry, termed freeze-frame, click chemistry, we have used organophosphate conjugates of acetylcholinesterase as templates for the synthesis of novel nucleophilic reactivating agents. Finally, acetylcholinesterase can be modified through cysteine substitution mutagenesis and attachment of fluorophores at the substitution positions. When linked at certain locations in the molecule, the attached fluorophore is sensitive to organophosphate conjugation with acetylcholinesterase, and thus the very target of insecticide or nerve agent action becomes a detection molecule for organophosphate exposure.
3-D Structure of Serum Paraoxonase 1 Sheds Light on Its Activity, Stability, Solubility and Crystallizability
Authors: Harel Michal , Brumshtein Boris , Meged Ran , Dvir Hay , Ravelli Raimond , McCarthy Andrew , Toker Lilly , Silman Israel , Sussman Joel
Published: October 2007

3-D Structure of Serum Paraoxonase 1 Sheds Light on Its Activity, Stability, Solubility and Crystallizability

Serum paraoxonases (PONs) exhibit a wide range of physiologically important hydrolytic activities, including drug metabolism and detoxification of nerve gases. PON1 and PON3 reside on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (the "good cholesterol"), and are involved in the alleviation of atherosclerosis. Members of the PON family have been identified not only in mammals and other vertebrates, but also in invertebrates. We earlier described the first crystal structure of a PON family member, a directly-evolved variant of PON1, at 2.2 Å resolution. PON1 is a 6-bladed beta-propeller with a unique active-site lid which is also involved in binding to HDL. The 3-D structure, taken together with directed evolution studies, permitted analysis of mutations which enhanced the stability, solubility and crystallizability of this PON1 variant. The structure permits a detailed description of PON1's active site and suggests possible mechanisms for its catalytic activity on certain substrates.
Cardiorespiratory Capacity After Weight-Supported Treadmill Training in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Mossberg Kurt A , Orlander Evelyne E , Norcross Julie L
Published: October 2007

Background and Purpose

The primary goal of body-weight–supported treadmill training (BWSTT) has been to improve the temporal and spatial characteristics of unsupported overground walking; however, little attention has been given to cardiorespiratory adaptations. The purpose of this case report is to describe the effects of BWSTT on cardiorespiratory fitness in 2 patients recovering from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Case Description

Both patients were involved in motor vehicle accidents and were studied after admission to a postacute residential treatment program. Patient 1 was a 25-year-old man (initial Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score=3) who began observation and treatment 3 months after the injury. Patient 2 was an 18-year-old woman (initial GCS=6) who began observation and treatment 1 year after the injury.

Outcomes

Each patient received 2 to 3 sessions of BWSTT per week. Aerobic capacity was measured while they ambulated on a treadmill without body-weight support before and after BWSTT. Both patients' submaximal and peak responses improved. For patient 1 and patient 2, total treadmill work performed increased 134% and 53%, respectively. Peak oxygen uptake increased 24% for patient 1 and 16% for patient 2. Estimated cardiac stroke volume (oxygen pulse) increased 32% and 26% for patient 1 and patient 2, respectively.

Discussion

The observations made on these 2 patients suggest that BWSTT has the potential to favorably change cardiorespiratory capacity after TBI.
Locomotor Training Using Body-Weight Support on a Treadmill in Conjunction With Ongoing Physical Therapy in a Child With Severe Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Cernak Kristin , Stevens Vicki , Price Robert , Shumway-Cook Anne
Published: October 2007

Background and Purpose

This case report describes the effects of locomotor training using body-weight support (BWS) on a treadmill and during overground walking on mobility in a child with severe cerebellar ataxia who was nonambulatory. To date, no studies have examined the efficacy of this intervention in people with cerebellar ataxia.

Case Description

The patient was a 13-year-old girl who had a cerebellar/brainstem infarct 16 months before the intervention. Her long-term goal was to walk independently in her home with a walker.

Intervention

Locomotor training using a BWS system both on the treadmill and during overground walking was implemented 5 days a week for 4 weeks in a clinic. Locomotor training using BWS on a treadmill was continued 5 days a week for 4 months at home.

Outcomes

Prior to training, she was able to take steps on her own with the help of another person, but did not take full weight on her feet or walk on a regular basis. At 6 months, she walked for household distances. Prior to training, her Pediatric Functional Independence Measure scores were 3 (moderate assistance) for all transfers, 2 (maximal assistance) for walking, and 1 (total assistance) for stairs. At 6 months, her scores were 6 (modified independence) for transfers, 5 (supervision) for walking, and 4 (minimal assistance) for stairs. Prior to training, she was unable to take independent steps during treadmill walking; at 6 months, all of her steps were unassisted.

Discussion and Conclusion

Locomotor training using BWS on a treadmill in conjunction with overground gait training may be an effective way to improve ambulatory function in individuals with severe cerebellar ataxia, but the intensity and duration of training required for functionally significant improvements may be prolonged.
Passification‐based adaptive control of linear systems: Robustness issues
Authors: Peaucelle Dimitri , Fradkov Alexander , Andrievsky Boris
Published: October 2007

Passivity is a widely used concept in control theory having led to many significant results. This paper concentrates on one characteristic of passivity, namely passification‐based adaptive control. This concept applies to multi‐input multi‐output systems for which exists a combination of outputs that renders the open‐loop system hyper‐minimum phase. Under such assumptions, the system may be passified by both high‐gain static output feedback and by a particular adaptive control algorithm. This last control law is modified here to guarantee its coefficients to be bounded. The contribution of this paper is to investigate its robustness with respect to parametric uncertainty. Time response characteristics are illustrated on examples including realistic situations with noisy output and saturated input. Theoretical results are formulated as linear matrix inequalities and can hence be readily solved with semi‐definite programming solvers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gold Nanocages for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Skrabalak S. E. , Chen J. , Au L. , Lu X. , Li X. , Xia Y.
Published: October 2007

Nanostructured materials provide a promising platform for early cancer detection and treatment. Here we highlight recent advances in the synthesis and use of Au nanocages for such biomedical applications. Gold nanocages represent a novel class of nanostructures, which can be prepared via a remarkably simple route based on the galvanic replacement reaction between Ag nanocubes and HAuCl4. The Au nanocages have a tunable surface plasmon resonance peak that extends into the near‐infrared, where the optical attenuation caused by blood and soft tissue is essentially negligible. They are also biocompatible and present a well‐established surface for easy functionalization. We have tailored the scattering and absorption cross‐sections of Au nanocages for use in optical coherence tomography and photothermal treatment, respectively. Our preliminary studies show greatly improved spectroscopic image contrast for tissue phantoms containing Au nanocages. Our most recent results also demonstrate the photothermal destruction of breast cancer cells in vitro by using immuno‐targeted Au nanocages as an effective photo‐thermal transducer. These experiments suggest that Au nanocages may be a new class of nanometer‐sized agents for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Tissue Engineering Based on Cell Sheet Technology
Authors: Matsuda N. , Shimizu T. , Yamato M. , Okano T.
Published: October 2007

Cell sheet technology enables novel approaches to tissue engineering without the use of biodegradable scaffolds. Cell sheet technology consists of a temperature‐responsive culture dish, which enables reversible cell adhesion to and detachment from the dish surface by controllable hydrophobicity of the surface. This allows for a non‐invasive harvest of cultured cells as an intact monolayer cell sheet including deposited extra cellular matrices. The monolayer cell sheet can be transplanted to host tissues without using biodegradable scaffolds and sutures. Thick tissue constructs and patterned cell sheets using two or more kinds of cell source are also developed by means of layered cell sheets in vitro. This Progress Report summarizes temperature‐controlled cell adhesion‐detachment behavior and applications of the cell sheet technology to regeneration of cornea, periodontal ligament, bladder epithelia, oesophageal epithelia, myocardium, and liver.
SERS as a Foundation for Nanoscale, Optically Detected Biological Labels
Authors: Doering W. E. , Piotti M. E. , Natan M. J. , Freeman R. G.
Published: October 2007

Au and Ag nanoparticles have optical properties that have made them useful as tags in a wide variety of measurement schemes. This Progress Report discusses several different schemes in which Au and Ag nanoparticles have been used as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) tags for the measurement of biomolecules. As an example application, results using glass‐coated nanotags (Nanoplex Biotags) in a lateral flow immunoassay kit are presented.
Bionanotechnology: Enabling Biomedical Research with Nanomaterials
Authors: Yang H. , Xia Y.
Published: October 2007

This Special Section contains sixteen papers covering a range of exciting developments in bionanotechnology. We hope that readers from both the materials science and the biomedical research communities can find the work presented here beneficial to their current research and begin to venture into this interdisciplinary field.
Cover Picture: Bionanotechnology: Enabling Biomedical Research with Nanomaterials (Adv. Mater. 20/2007)
Authors: Yang H. , Xia Y.
Published: October 2007

The cover highlights many of the contributions to the Special Section on Bionanotechnology in this issue. In their Editorial on p. 3085, guest editors Hong Yang and Younan Xia consider the relevance of nanomaterials in biomedical research. With time the focus of research has shifted from the development of synthetic methods for high‐quality nanomaterials and understanding of their physical properties to the exploration of unique applications enabled by nanomaterials. Papers from many leading scientists in the field provide insight into the current state of bionanotechnology, and possibly inspiration for future avenues of research.
Inside Front Cover: Hybrid Nanoparticles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Target‐Specific Viral Gene Delivery (Adv. Mater. 20/2007)
Authors: Huh Y.‐M. , Lee E.‐S. , Lee J.‐H. , Jun Y.‐w. , Kim P.‐H. , Yun C.‐O. , Kim J.‐H. , Suh J.‐S. , Cheon J.
Published: October 2007

The inside cover displays multifunctional “adenovirus‐magnet” nanoparticles possessing target‐specific infection, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and gene expression capabilities. These hybrid nanoparticles, reported by Jin‐Suck Suh, Jinwoo Cheon, and co‐workers on p. 3109 in the Special Section on Bionanotechnology, selectively target the Coxsackievirus B adenovirus receptor (CAR)‐positive cells and deliver the gene of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), while simultaneously being imaged by MRI. These hybrid nanoparticles can be regarded as new probes for in vivo MRI tracking of targeted viral gene delivery, which is essential for next‐generation diagnostics and therapeutics.
Cationic Carboxylato Complexes of Dirhodium(II) with Oxo Thioethers: Catalysts for Silane Alcoholysis under Homogeneous and Liquid‐Liquid Biphasic Conditions
Authors: Biffis Andrea , Basato Marino , Brichese Marianna , Ronconi Luca , Tubaro Cristina , Zanella Alessandra , Graiff Claudia , Tiripicchio Antonio
Published: October 2007

A set of cationic dirhodium(II) complexes with oxo thioethers was prepared and employed as catalysts for the silane alcoholysis reaction. The complexes were found to be highly active under homogeneous conditions, both in the absence and in the presence of a solvent, including coordinating solvents such asN,N‐dimethylformamide; the catalysts could be conveniently employed in concentrations as low as 0.01 mol %, and a maximum TON of 30000 was recorded after 24 h. The same catalysts were also employed under liquid‐liquid biphasic conditions with an ionic liquid as the catalyst‐containing phase: comparable catalytic activity was observed under these conditions, and the catalyst‐containing phase could be recovered and recycled. A chiral cationic dirhodium(II) complex was also prepared in the frame of this work; kinetic resolution of a racemic alcohol was attempted with this catalyst, unfortunately without success.
Manganese Dioxide and N‐Hydroxyphthalimide. An Effective Catalytic System for Oxidation of Nitrotoluenes with Molecular Oxygen
Authors: Yang Guanyu , Zheng Liwen , Wu Guanghui , Lin Xuesong , Song Maoping
Published: October 2007

The inexpensive manganese dioxide has been proven to be an efficient auxiliary for oxidizing N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) to form the phthalimide N‐oxyl radical via reduction and reoxidation. The combination of manganese dioxide and NHPI could catalyze effectively the oxidation of nitrotulenes by molecular oxygen. Thus, the oxidation of p‐nitrotoluene with molecular oxygen (0.4 MPa) in the presence of manganese dioxide (10 mol %) and NHPI (10 mol %) in acetic acid at 110 °C for 4 h proceeded with 97 % conversion, and gave p‐nitrotoluene in 89 % isolated yield.
Palladium Catalytic Species Containing Chiral Phosphites: Towards a Discrimination between Molecular and Colloidal Catalysts
Authors: Favier Isabelle , Gómez Montserrat , Muller Guillermo , Axet M. Rosa , Castillón Sergio , Claver Carmen , Jansat Susanna , Chaudret Bruno , Philippot Karine
Published: October 2007

Palladium nanoparticles (Pd1–Pd3) stabilized by chiral diphosphite ligands (1–3), were synthesized and tested as catalysts for the allylic alkylation reaction, using different substrates (rac‐I, rac‐III and rac‐V). Carbohydrate ligands (1 and 2), only differing in the C‐3 configuration, led to a remarkable difference in stability of the corresponding nanoparticles: while Pd1 is a robust catalyst, Pd2 decomposes into molecular species. In addition, the high enantioselective systems, Pd1 and Pd3, are only active for a substrate containing phenyl groups. Concerning the catalytic behaviour of the corresponding molecular systems, palladium complexes coordinated to ligands 1 or 3, gave excellent asymmetric inductions, but an analogous catalyst accommodating ligand 2, was not found selective.
Effects of aging on hematology and serum clinical chemistry in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Videan Elaine N. , Fritz Jo , Murphy James
Published: October 2007

A number of age‐related changes in physiological functions have been identified in macaques and humans. However, few studies have examined physiological aging in chimpanzees, despite the increasing age of the chimpanzee population. We documented age‐related changes in seven hematology and 17 clinical chemistry parameters in 49 adult chimpanzees (17 males, 32 females) as a comparative viewpoint with human and macaque aging. Longitudinal data were analyzed using weighted linear and quadratic mixed effects regression models. Male chimpanzees exhibited a significant age‐related increase in anemia risk, based on significant decreases in hemoglobin (F1,49=12.45, P=0.0009) and hematocrit (F1,49=15.42, P=0.0003). Both sexes exhibited significant age‐related decreases in both kidney and liver function. Decreases in kidney function were noted by significant increases in blood urea nitrogen (F1,45=3.92, P=0.036) and creatinine (F1,50=5.63, P=0.022) as well as changes in electrolyte (i.e., sodium, potassium, phosphorous, chloride) balance. Declining liver function was based on significant increases in globulin (F1,46=32.34, P<0.0001) and decreases in albumin (F1,48=23.42, P<0.0001). These changes were most evident beginning at 25–30 years of age in males and 30–35 years of age in females. We recommend amending chimpanzee age classes to categorize males over 25 years and females over 30 years as aged. Am. J. Primatol. 70:327–338, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacokinetic interaction of ketoconazole and itraconazole with ciprofloxacin
Authors: Abou‐Auda Hisham S. , Mustafa Ali A. , Al‐Humayyd Mohammad S.
Published: October 2007

The effect of the concomitant administration of the antifungal drugs ketoconazole (KTC) and itraconazole (ITC) on the pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin (CIP) following short‐ and long‐term administration in mice was investigated. Animals received either a dose of CIP (20 mg/kg, i.p.), CIP (20 mg/kg, i.p.) together with KTC (50 mg/kg, p.o.) or CIP (20 mg/kg, i.p.) and ITC (30 mg/kg, p.o.). The same treatments were repeated for 7 days. Blood samples were collected up to 4 h following drug administration and two urine samples were collected at 2 h and 4 h after drug administration. CIP plasma concentrations were significantly higher in KTC‐ and ITC‐treated groups compared with the corresponding control groups. The concomitant administration of KTC or ITC with CIP also significantly (p<0.05) increased Cmax, t1/2, MRT and AUC0−∞ with no change in Tmax. CIP clearance was significantly reduced by both agents. KTC and ITC reduced CIP urinary excretion. This study suggests that an important pharmacokinetic interaction between CIP and KTC or ITC is likely to occur when either of the two antifungal drugs is administered concomitantly with CIP. The results may suggest possible reductions in total clearance of CIP, owing to inhibition of its renal tubular excretion by KTC and ITC. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal Conditions for Labelling of 3T3 Fibroblasts with Magnetoliposomes without Affecting Cellular Viability
Authors: Soenen Stefaan J. H. , Baert Johan , De Cuyper Marcel
Published: October 2007

A comparative study that deals with the internalisation of different types of magnetoliposomes (MLs) by 3T3 fibroblasts revealed that cationic MLs proved to be superior to neutral and anionic ones. Internalisation was visualised both by optical light and transmission electron microscopy. The latter showed that the cationic MLs ultimately ended up in lysosomal structures. The effect of increasing 1,2‐dioleoyl‐3‐trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) concentrations in the cationic ML coat has been elucidated. High uptake efficiency was only achieved with MLs that carry a high DOTAP payload. However, these structures also demonstrated toxic effects. The use of the saturated distearoyl analogue (DSTAP) at identical concentrations led to improved uptake efficiency and lower toxicity. By using iron‐oxide‐free vesicles, it was shown that the toxicity was due to lipid bilayer constituents and not the iron oxide. In conclusion, the use of DMPC–DSTAP (96.67:3.33; molar ratio) MLs results in an extremely high labelling of 3T3 fibroblasts with iron oxides (47.66 pg Fe per cell) without evoking any influence on cell viability.
Context‐Dependence of the Contribution of Disulfide Bonds to β‐Hairpin Stability
Authors: Santiveri Clara M. , León Esther , Rico Manuel , Jiménez M. Angeles
Published: October 2007

Incorporation of disulfide bonds to stabilize protein and peptide structures is not always a successful strategy. To advance current knowledge on the contribution of disulfide bonds to β‐hairpin stability, a previously reported β‐hairpin‐forming peptide was taken as a template to design a series of Cys‐containing peptides. The conformational behavior of these peptides in their oxidized, disulfide‐cyclized peptides, and reduced, linear peptides, was investigated on the basis of NMR parameters: NOEs, and 1H and 13C chemical shifts. We found that the effect of disulfide bonds on β‐hairpin stability depends on its location within the β‐hairpin structure, being very small or even destabilizing when connecting two hydrogen‐bonded facing residues. When the disulfide bond is linking non‐hydrogen‐bonded facing residues, we estimated that its contribution to the free‐energy change of β‐hairpin folding is approximately −1.0 kcal mol−1. This value is larger than those reported for most β‐hairpin‐stabilizing cross‐strand side‐chain–side‐chain interactions, except for some aromatic–aromatic interactions, in particular the Trp–Trp one, and the cation–π interaction between Trp and the non‐natural methylated Arg/Lys. As disulfide bonds are frequently used to stabilize peptide conformations, our conclusions can be useful for peptide, peptidomimetic, and protein design, and may even extend to other chemical cross‐links.
Hopeahainol A: An Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor from Hopea hainanensis
Authors: Ge Hui Ming , Zhu Chun Hua , Shi Da Hua , Zhang Li Dong , Xie Dai Qian , Yang Jie , Ng Seik Weng , Tan Ren Xiang
Published: October 2007

A phytochemical study of Hopea hainanensis has led to the isolation of three new polyphenols and one known compound. The most important of these compounds are hopeahainols A (2) and B (3), which contain an unprecedented carbon skeleton. The structures were elucidated by analysis of the spectroscopic data including single‐crystal X‐ray spectroscopy and computational methods. Hopeahainol A was an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with an IC50 value of 4.33 μM, which is comparable to that of huperzine A, a presently prescribed drug for the treatment of Alzheimer, while other similar structures were inactive. This observation was complemented by a 3D interaction model of the inhibitor with active sites.
Innate Immune Responses of Synthetic Lipid A Derivatives of Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Zhang Yanghui , Gaekwad Jidnyasa , Wolfert Margreet A. , Boons Geert‐Jan
Published: October 2007

Differences in the pattern and chemical nature of fatty acids of lipid A of Neisseria meningitides lipooligosaccharides (LOS) and Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides (LPS) may account for differences in inflammatory properties. Furthermore, there are indications that dimeric 3‐deoxy‐D‐manno‐oct‐2‐ulosonic acid (KDO) moieties of LOS and LPS enhance biological activities. Heterogeneity in the structure of lipid A and possible contaminations with other inflammatory components have made it difficult to confirm these observations. To address these problems, a highly convergent approach for the synthesis of a lipid A derivative containing KDO has been developed, which relies on the ability to selectively remove or unmask in a sequential manner an isopropylidene acetal, 9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc), allyloxycarbonate (Alloc), azide, and thexyldimethylsilyl (TDS) ether. The strategy was employed for the synthesis of N. meningitidis lipid A containing KDO (3). Mouse macrophages were exposed to the synthetic compound and its parent LOS, E. coli lipid A (2), and a hybrid derivative (4) that has the asymmetrical acylation pattern of E. coli lipid A, but the shorter lipids of meningococcal lipid A. The resulting supernatants were examined for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and interferon beta (IFN‐β) production. The lipid A derivative containing KDO was much more active than lipid A alone and just slightly less active than its parent LOS, indicating that one KDO moiety is sufficient for full activity of TNF‐α and IFN‐β induction. The lipid A of N. meningitidis was a significantly more potent inducer of TNF‐α and IFN‐β than E. coli lipid A, which is due to a number of shorter fatty acids. The compounds did not demonstrate a bias towards a MyD88‐ or TRIF‐dependent response.
Li(VO2)3(TeO3)2.
Authors: Johnston Magnus G. , Harrison William T. A.
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A New Layered Perovskite, KSrNb2O6F, by Powder Neutron Diffraction.
Authors: Yoo Chung‐Yul , Hong Kun‐Pyo , Kim Seung‐Joo
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Tyrrellite, Cu(Co0.68Ni0.32)2Se4, Isostructural with Spinel.
Authors: Yang Hexiong , Hubler David K. , Lavina Barbara , Downs Robert T. , Costin Gelu
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Interplay Between Size and Electronic Effects in Determining the Homogeneity Range of the A9Zn4+xPn9 and A9Cd4+xPn9 Phases (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5), A: Ca, Sr, Yb, Eu; Pn: Sb, Bi.
Authors: Xia Sheng‐qing , Bobev Svilen
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Efficient X‐Ray Generation of Sm2+ in Nanocrystalline BaFCl/Sm3+: A Photoluminescent X‐Ray Storage Phosphor.
Authors: Riesen Hans , Kaczmarek Wieslaw A.
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
The Blue Xe4+ Cation: Experimental Detection and Theoretical Characterization.
Authors: Seidel Stefan , Seppelt Konrad , van Wuellen Christoph , Sun Xiao Ying
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
CsSc[B2P3O11(OH)3]: A New Borophosphate Oligomer Containing Boron in Three‐ and Fourfold Coordination.
Authors: Menezes Prashanth W. , Hoffmann Stefan , Prots Yurii , Kniep Ruediger
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Chiral Polyoxometalate‐Induced Enantiomerically 3D Architectures: A New Route for Synthesis of High‐Dimensional Chiral Compounds.
Authors: Tan Huaqiao , Li Yangguang , Zhang Zhiming , Qin Chao , Wang Xinlong , Wang Enbo , Su Zhongmin
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.