bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescent Copper(II) Bis(thiosemicarbazonates): Synthesis, Structures, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Radiolabeling, In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy Studies
Authors: Pascu Sofia I. , Waghorn Philip A. , Kennedy Brett W. C. , Arrowsmith Rory L. , Bayly Simon R. , Dilworth Jonathan R. , Christlieb Martin , Tyrrell Rex M. , Zhong Julia , Kowalczyk Radoslaw M. , Collison David , Aley Parvinder K. , Churchill Grant C. , Aigbirhio Franklin I.
Published: February 2010

Copper bis(4‐ethyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazonato) acenaphthenequinone (1) and copper bis(4‐methyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazonato) acenaphthenequinone (2) are synthesized and characterized in solution, in the solid state, and radiolabeled. Serum‐protein binding radioassays show good stability in solution and about 25 % binding to protein over 1 h, which is comparable with the hypoxia selective tracer [64Cu(ATSM)]. Cyclic voltammetry shows fast and reversible reduction at redox potentials similar to the values known for hypoxia‐selective copper compounds. However, despite this, complex 1 does not show any hypoxic‐selective uptake in HeLa cells over 1‐h standard assays. Possible reasons for this are studied by using the intrinsic fluorescence of the CuII complexes to determine the cellular distributions and uptake mechanism by confocal microscopy. The complexes are found to bind to the external cell membrane and disperse evenly in the cytoplasm only after a very slow cell internalization (>1 h). No significant changes in distribution are observed by fluorescence imaging under hypoxic conditions. The rate of localization in the cytoplasm contrasts with their ZnII analogues, which are known to have fast cell uptake (up to 20 min) and a clear localization in lysosomes and mitochondria. The cytotoxicity mechanism of 1 over 24 h against a number of adherent cell lines is seen to be by membrane disruption and is of a comparable magnitude to that of [Cu(ATSM)], as demonstrated by methyl tetrazolium (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays.
Detection of bacterial DNA in acute and chronic cholecystitis
Authors: Lemos R , França P H C , Ferreira L E , Gonçalves A R , Campos A C L , Pinho M
Published: February 2010

Background

The incidence of bacterbilia in cholelithiasis remains controversial. The positivity of cultures ranges from 0 to 73 per cent. The aim of this study was to employ the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect bacterial DNA in gallbladder bile extracted during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and to compare PCR findings with those of bile culture.

Methods

Bile samples from 84 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were collected for culture and PCR analysis.

Results

Positive results for bacterbilia were found in 42 (50 per cent) of 84 patients by PCR but in only 16 patients (19 per cent) by culture (P < 0·001). Agreement between the two methods was seen in 44 samples (52 per cent), which were negative in 35 cases. Pathological examination showed chronic cholecystitis in 69 cases (82 per cent) and acute cholecystitis in 15 (18 per cent). Thirty-three (48 per cent) of the patients with chronic cholecystitis were PCR positive but only ten (14 per cent) were culture positive (P < 0·001). Only culture results correlated with findings on pathological examination (P = 0·033).

Conclusion

PCR is more sensitive in detecting bacterial contamination of gallbladder bile in cholecystitis than conventional culture. The clinical relevance of this high sensitivity remains unclear.
The celebrated écorchés of honoré Fragonard, part 1: The classical techniques of preparation of dry anatomical specimens in the 18th century
Authors: Degueurce Christophe , Adds translated by Philip
Published: February 2010

The écorchés that Honoré Fragonard created between 1766 and 1771 have miraculously survived the ravages of time due to a technique of preparation which Fragonard never revealed. The present paper and a subsequent article aim to explain the classical methods used by anatomists of the 18th century (Part 1) and to throw light on the details of Fragonard's method (Part 2). Anatomists of the 18th century who wished to preserve their dissections used a method of mummification, which has now fallen into disuse: drying after immersion in alcohol. This article explains the stages of the classical method utilized by French anatomists of the Age of Enlightenment. The cadaver was selected with care before the vascular system was injected with a colored mixture of wax, animal fat, and plant resins. The body was then dehydrated by immersion in a bath of alcohol, after which it was removed and positioned by means of a wooden framework, which held the body in the desired pose while the alcohol evaporated. The vessels were painted, and finally the body was varnished. Clin. Anat. 23:249–257, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The celebrated écorchés of honoré Fragonard, part 2: The details of the technique used by Fragonard
Authors: Degueurce Christophe , vo Duy Sung , Bleton Jean , Hugon Paulette , Cadot Laure , Tchapla Alain , Adds translated by Philip
Published: February 2010

It is remarkable that the famous écorchés of Honoré Fragonard have survived the centuries to reach us today. Studies carried out by several teams have established details of the technique used by Fragonard that help to explain their longevity. The injection of the vessels was achieved by means of a mixture of mutton tallow and pine resin diluted in essence of turpentine and essential oils. This gave Fragonard a very high success rate. Above all, he did not add pigments to his mixture while injecting the veins, and this facilitated the procedure. The vessels were painted after preservation to give them the vivid colors that we can still see today. Another detail that explains their exceptional conservation is that the varnish used by Fragonard was composed of Venice turpentine, made from larch resin and known to repel insects. Clin. Anat. 23:258–264, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical significance of the sphenoidal process of the cartilaginous nasal septum: A preliminary morphological evaluation
Authors: Kim Joohwan , Han Seung‐Ho , Kim Soo Whan , Cho Jin Hee , Park Yong Jin , Kim Sung Won
Published: February 2010

The bony septum ossifies from cranial to caudal and from ventral to dorsal, thereby forming the perpendicular plate of ethmoid bone and vomer. A small strip of cartilage from the cartilaginous septum remains between these parts, the so‐called sphenoidal process of the cartilaginous septum. This sphenoidal process is usually seen at the top of a deviated nasal septum during septoplasty. This study evaluated the clinical significance of the sphenoidal process of the cartilaginous septum as a cause of nasal septal deviation. We studied 37 patients with septal deviation who underwent septoplasty. The complex consisting of the sphenoidal process of the cartilaginous septum, perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone (PPE), and vomer was removed at surgery. The sphenoidal process was measured and the surgical specimen were evaluated histologically and compared to controls. The mean length of the sphenoidal process in patients with a deviated nasal septum was 26.05 ± 5.32 mm versus 11.95 ± 2.38 mm in controls. The sphenoidal process was significantly longer in the patients with a deviated nasal septum (P < 0.05). The sphenoidal process of the cartilaginous septum was connected to the PPE and vomer in the patients with a deviated nasal septum and differed histologically from that of the controls. The sphenoidal process of the cartilaginous septum was long and prominent in the patients with septal deviation, implying that delayed nasal septal ossification may be one cause of nasal septal deviation. Clin. Anat. 23:265–269, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variability of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve: An anatomic basis for planning safe surgical approaches
Authors: Majkrzak A. , Johnston J. , Kacey D. , Zeller J.
Published: February 2010

Current surgical assumptions identify the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) running just under the inguinal ligament two fingerbreadths medial to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). On the basis of the increasing incidence of Meralgia Paresthetica associated with various surgical procedures, it is clear that surgeons are relying on an inadequate description of the nerve's course. This study provides a better understanding of the variability of the LFCN with regards to its relationship to the ASIS and the depth at which it passes deep to the inguinal ligament. A total of 35 bodies were examined yielding 65 sets of data. Dissections were performed on 26 formalin fixed cadavers and 9 fresh morgue specimens. Measurements and calculations were made with regard to the distance from the LFCN to the ASIS along the inguinal ligament, the depth of the LFCN as it crossed the inguinal ligament, and the length of the inguinal ligament. The LFCN was observed to cross the inguinal ligament 1.4 ± 0.4 cm medial to the ASIS with a standard deviation of 1.5 cm. The LFCN traversed the inguinal ligament 1.0 ± 0.1 cm deep to the ligament with a standard deviation of 0.6 cm. The LFCN runs approximately one fingerbreadth medial to the ASIS. The nerve may be found far more medial or lateral than expected with several distinct branching patterns. In addition, the LFCN crosses deeper to the inguinal ligament than previously described in the literature, with a high variability of depth between specimens. Clin. Anat. 23:304–311, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic imaging in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Spinner Robert J. , Hébert Blouin Marie‐Noëlle , Amrami Kimberly K.
Published: February 2010

No absrtact.
Synthesis, Structure and Light‐Harvesting Properties of Some New Transition‐Metal Dithiocarbamates Involving Ferrocene
Authors: Kumar Abhinav , Chauhan Ratna , Molloy Kieran C. , Kociok‐Köhn Gabriele , Bahadur Lal , Singh Nanhai
Published: February 2010

Nine new transition‐metal dithiocarbamates involving ferrocene (Fc), namely, [M(FcCH2Bzdtc)2] (M=NiII (1), CuII (2), CdII (3), HgII (4), PdII (5), PtII (6) and PbII (7); Bzdtc=N‐benzyl dithiocarbamate) and [M(FcCH2Bzdtc)3] (M=CoII (8) and UO2VI (9)), have been synthesised and characterised by micro analyses, IR spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and in three cases by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. The peak broadening in the 1H spectrum of the copper complex indicates the paramagnetic behaviour of this compound. A square‐planar geometry around the nickel and copper complexes and distorted linear geometry around the mercury complex have been found. The latter geometry is attributed to the bulkiness of the methylferrocenyl and benzyl groups. The observed single quasi‐reversible cyclic voltammograms for complexes 2, 8 and 9 indicate the stabilisation of a metal centre other than Fe in their characteristic oxidation state. These complexes have been used as a photosensitiser in dye‐sensitised solar cells.
A Family of 1,1,3,3‐Tetraalkylguanidine (H‐TAG) Solvated Zinc Aryloxide Precatalysts for the Ring‐Opening Polymerization of rac‐Lactide
Authors: Ng Julia J. , Durr Christopher B. , Lance Jacob M. , Bunge Scott D.
Published: February 2010

Reaction of [Zn(μ‐TAG){N(SiMe3)2}]2 {TAG = N=C[N(CH2CH3)2N(CH3)2] (DEDMG), N=C{[NCH2CH2CH2CdH2(N–Cd)]N(CH2CH3)2} (DEPYRG) and N=C{[NCH2CH2CH2CH2CeH2(N–Ce)]N(CH2CH3)2} (DEPIPG)} with 2 equiv. of ethanol (EtOH) and 2 equiv. of HOAr {OAr = OC6H3(CMe3)‐2‐(CH3)‐6 (BMP) or OC6H2[C(CH3)3]2‐2,6‐(CH3)‐4 (4MeDBP)} results in dizinc alkoxides with the general formula [Zn(μ‐OEt)(OAr)(H‐TAG)]2 (1–3). Et2Zn was additionally treated with 2 equiv. of 1,1,3,3‐tetramethylguanidine (H‐TMG) and H‐BMP or HOC6H3(C6H5)2‐2,6 to yield [Zn(BMP)2(H‐TMG)2] (4) and [Zn{OC6H3(C6H5)2‐2,6}2(H‐TMG)2] (5). Complexes 1, 2, 4, and 5 were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Polymerization of rac‐lactide with 1–5 and [Zn(μ‐OMe)(4MeDBP)(H‐TMG)]2 (6) were found to generate polylactide (PLA). The bulk powders for all complexes were found to be in agreement with the crystal structures based on elemental analyses, FTIR spectroscopy, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic studies.
New Methodology for the Conversion of Epoxides to Alkenes
Authors: Wu Feng‐Ling , Ross Benjamin P. , McGeary Ross P.
Published: February 2010

Epoxides have been transformed in good yields to alkenes by a process involving (i) ring‐opening of the epoxide with 2‐mercaptobenzothiazole, (ii) oxidation of the derived β‐hydroxy thioethers to the corresponding sulfones, and (iii) thermal or base‐promoted fragmentation of these sulfones to alkenes. The stereochemistry of the starting epoxide is transferred faithfully to the alkene product, because of the SN2 epoxide ring‐opening reactions and the antiperiplanar SO2 elimination reaction of the β‐alkoxysulfinate intermediates. This methodology may form the basis of a new protecting group strategy for alkenes.
Efficient Aerobic Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Secondary Alcohols by the Use of a Hybrid Electron Transfer Catalyst
Authors: Johnston Eric V. , Karlsson Erik A. , Tran Lien‐Hoa , Åkermark Björn , Bäckvall Jan‐E.
Published: February 2010

Biomimetic aerobic oxidation of secondary alcohols has been performed using hybrid catalyst 1 and Shvo's catalyst 2. This combination allows mild reaction conditions and low catalytic loading, due to the efficiency of intramolecular electron transfer. By this method a wide range of different alcohols have been converted into their corresponding ketones. Oxidation of benzylic as well as aliphatic, electron‐rich, electron‐deficient and sterically hindered alcohols could be oxidized in excellent yield and selectivity. Oxidation of (S)‐1‐phenylethanol showed that no racemization occurred during the course of the reaction, indicating that the hydride 2b adds to the quinone much faster than it re‐adds to the ketone product. The kinetic deuterium isotope effect of the oxidation was determined by the use of 1‐phenylethanol (3a) and 1‐deuterio‐1‐phenylethanol (3a‐d1) in parallel and competitive manner, which gave the same isotope effect within experimental error (kH/kD ≈ 2.8). This indicates that there is no strong coordination of the substrate to the catalyst.
Thermodynamic driving forces for postgasification carbon deposition
Authors: Pope Christopher J. , Marrone Philip A. , Yeh Bryan V.
Published: February 2010

The product stream from a biomass gasifier is at a sufficiently high temperature (roughly 1100°C) to be able to undergo further chemical reactions if not immediately quenched. If the product stream is allowed to cool at a slower rate, there is the possibility of solid carbon formation, which can foul surfaces in contact with the cooling product gas. The goal of this work is to assess the thermodynamic driving forces for solid carbon formation via global equilibrium calculations, identifying conditions under which carbon formation is favored or disfavored. Global equilibrium calculations are performed using conditions representative of biomass gasifiers. Operating variables explored include the steam/carbon mass ratio, system pressure, and the amount of carbon lost and removed as char after the gasifier (% char). Both by varying the steam/carbon ratio and the % char, the temperature at which solid carbon is predicted to form and deposit on surfaces (Tdep) varies by hundreds of degrees Celsius, because varying both these operating conditions directly affects the atomic carbon/oxygen ratio of the product stream. There is a direct correlation between the atomic C/O ratio and Tdep. Varying the steam/carbon ratio and the % char also strongly changes the predicted gas‐phase product compositions. The effect of pressure upon Tdep and gas‐phase compositions is also explored. These results have implications for optimizing the composition of the product stream so as to not only preclude carbon formation but also maximize the yield from further downstream processes such as catalytic reactions to produce liquid fuels. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2010
Limit states and failure mechanisms of viscous dampers and the implications for large earthquakes
Authors: Miyamoto H. Kit , Gilani Amir S. J. , Wada Akira , Ariyaratana Christopher
Published: February 2010

Fluid viscous dampers are used to control story drifts and member forces in structures during earthquake events. These elements provide satisfactory performance at the design‐level or maximum considered earthquake. However, buildings using fluid viscous dampers have not been subjected to very large earthquakes with intensities greater than the design and maximum considered events. Furthermore, an extensive database of viscous damper performance during large seismic events does not exist. To address these issues, a comprehensive analytical and experimental investigation was conducted to determine the performance of damped structures subjected to large earthquakes. A critical component of this research was the development and verification of a detailed viscous damper mathematical model that incorporates limit states. The development of this model and the laboratory and simulation results conclude good correlation with the new model and the damper limit states and provide superior results compared with the typical damper model when considering near collapse evaluation of structures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A generalized conditional intensity measure approach and holistic ground‐motion selection
Authors: Bradley Brendon A.
Published: February 2010

A generalized conditional intensity measure (GCIM) approach is proposed for use in the holistic selection of ground motions for any form of seismic response analysis. The essence of the method is the construction of the multivariate distribution of any set of ground‐motion intensity measures conditioned on the occurrence of a specific ground‐motion intensity measure (commonly obtained from probabilistic seismic hazard analysis). The approach therefore allows any number of ground‐motion intensity measures identified as important in a particular seismic response problem to be considered. A holistic method of ground‐motion selection is also proposed based on the statistical comparison, for each intensity measure, of the empirical distribution of the ground‐motion suite with the ‘target’ GCIM distribution. A simple procedure to estimate the magnitude of potential bias in the results of seismic response analyses when the ground‐motion suite does not conform to the GCIM distribution is also demonstrated. The combination of these three features of the approach make it entirely holistic in that: any level of complexity in ground‐motion selection for any seismic response analysis can be exercised; users explicitly understand the simplifications made in the selected suite of ground motions; and an approximate estimate of any bias associated with such simplifications is obtained. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A method for assessing kinematic bending moments at the pile head
Authors: de Sanctis Luca , Maiorano Rosa M. S. , Aversa Stefano
Published: February 2010

The conventional design methods for seismically loaded piles still concentrate in providing adequate resistance from the pile to withstand only the inertial bending moments generated from the oscillation of the superstructure, thus neglecting the effect of kinematic interaction between pile and soil. By contrast there has been extensive research on kinematic effects induced by earthquakes and a number of simplified methods are available for a preliminary evaluation of kinematic bending moments at the interface between two soil layers. Less attention has been paid to the effects of kinematic interaction at the pile‐head. The paper summarizes recent research work on kinematic response analysis of fixed‐head piles aimed at the performance evaluation of a piled foundation. Results from an extensive parametric study, undertaken by means of three‐dimensional FE analyses, suggest a new criterion to predict kinematic bending effects at the pile head, where the combination of kinematic and inertial effect may be critical. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geographic variation of persistent organic pollutant levels in humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) feeding areas of the North Pacific and North Atlantic
Authors: Elfes Cristiane T. , VanBlaricom Glenn R. , Boyd Daryle , Calambokidis John , Clapham Phillip J. , Pearce Ronald W. , Robbins Jooke , Salinas Juan Carlos , Straley Janice M. , Wade Paul R. , Krahn Margaret M.
Published: February 2010

Seasonal feeding behavior and high fidelity to feeding areas allow humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) to be used as biological indicators of regional contamination. Biopsy blubber samples from male individuals (n = 67) were collected through SPLASH, a multinational research project, in eight North Pacific feeding grounds. Additional male samples (n = 20) were collected from one North Atlantic feeding ground. Persistent organic pollutants were measured in the samples and used to assess contaminant distribution in the study areas. North Atlantic (Gulf of Maine) whales were more contaminated than North Pacific whales, showing the highest levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and chlordanes. The highest dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) levels were detected in whales feeding off southern California, USA. High-latitude regions were characterized by elevated levels of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) but generally nondetectable concentrations of PBDEs. Age was shown to have a positive relationship with ΣPCBs, ΣDDTs, Σchlordanes, and total percent lipid. Contaminant levels in humpback whales were comparable to other mysticetes and lower than those found in odontocete cetaceans and pinnipeds. Although these concentrations likely do not represent a significant conservation threat, levels in the Gulf of Maine and southern California may warrant further study. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:824–834. © 2009 SETAC
Analysis, occurrence, and toxic potential of pyrethroids, and fipronil in sediments from an urban estuary
Authors: Lao Wenjian , Tsukada David , Greenstein Darrin J. , Bay Steven M. , Maruya Keith A.
Published: February 2010

Eight pyrethroids and fipronil and its three major degradates were analyzed in urban estuarine sediments that exhibited a range of toxic effects to an amphipod test species. Sediments from Ballona Creek, an urban estuary in Southern California (USA), collected during three dry season events were analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture and negative chemical ionization mass spectrometric detection (GC-ECD and GC-NCI-MS). The two detection methods were in agreement for intermediate levels of pyrethroid contamination (10–50 ng/g dry wt) but deviated for both low and high concentrations (< 5 and > 50 ng/g). Sediments contained total pyrethroids as high as 473 ng/g with permethrin, bifenthrin, and cypermethrin as the most abundant compounds. In contrast, fipronil and its desulfinyl, sulfide, and sulfone degradates were detected at much lower levels (≤ 0.18–16 ng/g). Toxic units estimated for these compounds revealed that bifenthrin and cypermethrin were likely contributors to the mortality observed in tests with the estuarine amphipod Eohaustorius estuarius. Although fipronil was not a likely contributor to the observed mortality, the concentrations detected may be of concern for more sensitive crustacean species. Furthermore, the spatial pattern of pyrethroid contamination and potential toxicity was highly correlated with fine-grained substrate, which shifted to downstream stations within a three-month period during the dry season. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:843–851. © 2010 SETAC
Fate and effects of Composition B in multispecies marine exposures
Authors: Rosen Gunther , Lotufo Guilherme R.
Published: February 2010

The vast majority of investigations into the bioavailability and toxicity of explosives to receptors in aquatic environments has focused on deriving toxicity metrics for discrete chemical exposures to single species using pure compounds at relatively high concentrations. This study assessed the environmental fate and potential for biological effects of a common military formulation, Composition B, under more realistic exposure scenarios (e.g., those that more closely simulate a breached artillery round or residual exposure following a low-order detonation). We used a novel approach incorporating multiple species and toxicity endpoints in sediment exposures over a 34-d exposure period. Composition B fragments exposed at the sediment surface rapidly released 2,4,6-trinitrotolune (TNT) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) to the overlying water column. In comparison, burial of fragments resulted in dramatically reduced exposure, bioconcentration, and toxicity. The addition of a conservative flow rate to the aquaria also reduced water and tissue concentrations by factors of two to three. Although the exposure system likely represented a worst-case scenario relative to most conditions found in coastal and estuarine environments, overlying water concentrations generally did not approach known toxicity thresholds, while porewater concentrations were sufficiently elevated above toxicity thresholds immediately adjacent to the fragments, limiting hazardous exposure only to very localized scales. Bioconcentration correlated closely with observed toxicity and was either not detectable (buried), or low (exposed), as is expected based on the low hydrophobicities of TNT and RDX. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1330–1337. © 2010 SETAC
Impacts of crab bioturbation on the fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment from the Beitang estuary of Tianjin, China
Authors: Qin Xuebo , Sun Hongwen , Wang Cuiping , Yu Yong , Sun Tieheng
Published: February 2010

Bioturbation by the burrowing crab Helice tiensinensis was investigated to determine its impact on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-contaminated estuarine sediments. The concentrations of 16 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) priority PAHs in sediment and pore water from a crab bed (including surface and burrow samples) and a control area, as well as in crabs, were measured. The total concentration of the 16 U.S. EPA priority PAHs in surface sediment of the crab bed (average 2,772 ng/g dry weight) was significantly higher than in the control area (1,173 ng/g dry weight). In the crab bed, the total concentration of PAHs in burrow sediment (1,239 ng/g dry weight) was lower than in surface sediment, and a similar trend was found for most of the individual PAHs, except for indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, and benzo[ghi]perylene. The enhanced PAH desorption in the burrow, which could be attributed to the increase in dissolved organic matter in pore water as well as the mechanical mixing by the crab, is expected to increase PAH flux to the sea. In addition to increased flushing to the sea, incorporation of PAHs in crab biomass and metabolism of PAHs by the crab, stimulated microbial degradation, was proposed as an ignorable factor that lowered the PAH concentration in burrow sediment, because crab bioturbation increases the abundance and activity of microorganisms through several means. Log KOW and log KOC correlated well for individual PAHs in sediment in the control area, although this correlation was poor for sediments in the crab bed. The log biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) of PAHs exhibited a negative relationship with log KOW, suggesting that the bioaccumulation of sorbed PAHs was controlled primarily by their bioavailability. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1248–1255. © 2010 SETAC
A finite element method for compressible viscous fluid flows
Authors: Jog C. S.
Published: February 2010

This work presents a mixed three‐dimensional finite element formulation for analyzing compressible viscous flows. The formulation is based on the primitive variables velocity, density, temperature and pressure. The goal of this work is to present a ‘stable’ numerical formulation, and, thus, the interpolation functions for the field variables are chosen so as to satisfy the inf–sup conditions. An exact tangent stiffness matrix is derived for the formulation, which ensures a quadratic rate of convergence. The good performance of the proposed strategy is shown in a number of steady‐state and transient problems where compressibility effects are important such as high Mach number flows, natural convection, Riemann problems, etc., and also on problems where the fluid can be treated as almost incompressible. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endogenous glucocorticoids improve myelination via Schwann cells after peripheral nerve injury: An in vivo study using a crush injury model
Authors: Morisaki Shinsuke , Nishi Mayumi , Fujiwara Hiroyoshi , Oda Ryo , Kawata Mitsuhiro , Kubo Toshikazu
Published: February 2010

Glucocorticoids improve the symptoms of peripheral nerve disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. The effects of glucocorticoids are mainly anti‐inflammatory, but the mechanisms of their effects in peripheral nerve disorders remain unclear. Schwann cells of the peripheral nerves express glucocorticoid receptors (GR), and glucocorticoids enhance the rate of myelin formation in vitro. Therefore, it is possible that the clinical improvement of peripheral nerve disorders by glucocorticoids is due, at least in part, to the modulation of myelination. In this study, an adrenalectomy (ADX) was performed, and followed by a daily injection of either low dose (1 mg/kg) or high dose (10 mg/kg) corticosterone (CORT). We then simulated a crush injury of the sciatic nerves. A sham ADX operation, followed by a simulated crush injury, was conducted as a control. Immunohistochemistry showed that the nuclei of in vivo Schwann cells expressed GR and that glucocorticoids impacted the GR immunoreactivity of the Schwann cells. The mRNA and protein expression of myelin basic protein was significantly lower in the animals given ADX with vehicle than in the sham operation group. However, the expression was restored in the low‐dose CORT replacement group. Morphological analyses showed that the ADX with vehicle group had a significantly lower myelin thickness than did the low‐dose CORT replacement group and the sham operation group. These results suggest that endogenous glucocorticoids have an important role in myelination through the GR in Schwann cells after an in vivo peripheral nerve injury. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early history, discovery, and expression ofAequoreagreen fluorescent protein, with a note on an unfinished experiment
Authors: Tsuji Frederick I.
Published: February 2010

The bioluminescent hydromedusan jellyfish,Aequoreavictoria, emits a greenish light (λmax= 508 nm) when stimulated electrically or mechanically. The light comes from photocytes located along the margin of its umbrella. The greenish light depends on two intracellular proteins working in consort: aequorin (21.4 kDa) and a green fluorescent protein (27 kDa). An excited state green fluorescent protein molecule results, which, on returning to the ground state, emits a greenish light. Similarly, a green light emission may be induced in the green fluorescent protein by exposing it to ultraviolet or blue light. Because the green light can be readily detected under a fluorescence microscope, the green fluorescent protein, tagged to a protein of interest, has been used widely as a marker to locate proteins in cells and to monitoring gene expression. This article reviews the work that took place leading to the discovery, cloning, and expression of the green fluorescent protein, with a note on an unfinished experiment. Microsc. Res. Tech. 73:785–796, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of indirubin‐3‐monoxime against lung cancer as evaluated by histological and transmission electron microscopic studies
Authors: Ravichandran Kameswaran , Pal Arttatrana , Ravichandran Ramanibai
Published: February 2010

The aim of this study is to evaluate the antitumor effect of indirubin‐3‐monoxime and its mode of action in benzo(α)pyrene [B(α)P] induced lung cancer in A/J mice. Light microscopic examination of lung sections of [B(α)P] induced lung cancer mice revealed the presence of adenocarcinoma characterized by extensive proliferation of alveolar epithelium and loss of alveolar spaces. The control lung tissue showed a normal architecture with clear alveolar spaces. Interestingly the indirubin‐3‐monoxime treated groups showed the reduced adenocarcinoma with appearance of alveolar spaces. Transmission Electron Microscopic (TEM) studies of lung sections of [B(α)P] induced lung cancer mice showed the presence of phaemorphic cells with dense granules and increased mitochondria. The lung sections of mice treated with indirubin‐3‐monoxime showed the presence of shrunken, fragmented, and condensed nuclei implying apoptosis. The effects were dose dependent and prominent in 10 mg/kg/5 d/week groups suggesting the therapeutic role of indirubin analogue against this deadly human malignancy. Here, our results indicate that indirubin‐3‐monoxime brings antitumor effect against [B(α)P] induced lung cancer by its apoptotic action in A/J mice. Microsc. Res. Tech. 73:1053–1058, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strategies of solvent system selection for the isolation of flavonoids by countercurrent chromatography
Authors: Neves Costa Fernanda das , Leitão Gilda Guimarães
Published: February 2010

Flavonoids form a large class of important naturally occurring bioactive compounds. Their isolation and purification from natural sources can sometimes be very difficult and time‐consuming when traditional phytochemical techniques are used. Countercurrent chromatography (CCC), a support‐free liquid–liquid partition chromatography technique, is very useful for the isolation of polar compounds and its use is increasing in the natural products field. In this paper, we propose strategies of solvent system selection for the isolation of flavonoids by CCC, based on data from the literature, plus incorporation of own practical experiences. The selected references report the isolation of over 300 different flavonoid compounds from more than 100 plant species, using 40 different solvent systems, showing the versatility of this technique. The solvent system hexane‐ethylacetate‐methanol‐water is proposed as a starting point for the separation of samples containing free flavonoids, as it was cited in more than 60% of the papers. A “fine tuning” step is proposed at each level of this solvent family. Other modifications include exchanging the alcohol in the system as well as introducing a fifth solvent. The solvent system ethyl‐acetate‐butanol‐water is proposed as the starting point for glycosylated flavonoids. Other solvent systems are also discussed. The use of gradients is proposed for samples containing both free and glycosylated flavonoids, as the polarity window is larger in these cases. High‐speed countercurrent chromatography was used in 89% of the reviewed data.
Chromatographic and capillary electrophoretic determination of microcystins
Authors: Trojanowicz Marek
Published: February 2010

Microcystins are cyclic peptide hepatotoxins that are produced during blooming of cyanobacteria. In recent two decades they gained a great interest because of the related ecological and public health risks. Over 70 different analogs of microcystins have been isolated from natural blooms and laboratory cultures of cyanobacteria. Because they are inhibitors of protein phosphatases they act as tumor promoters, but on the other hand, inhibitive enzymatic and ELISA methods may be employed for their screening or quantitative determination. Much larger analytical potential for this purpose have, however high‐performance separation chromatographic and electromigration techniques. Based on about 70 references from original journal papers these methods are reviewed together with presentation of their preconcentration methods and clean‐up procedures for analyzing environmental samples. Some attention is also focused on increasing application of LC/MS methods, and comparison of separation techniques with immunochemical or enzymatic methods.
Moxifloxacin five‐day therapy versus placebo in acute bacterial rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hadley James A. , Mösges Ralph , Desrosiers Martin , Haverstock Daniel , van Veenhuyzen David , Herman‐Gnjidic Zeljka
Published: February 2010

Objectives:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin in the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS).

Study Design:

Prospective, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, phase III trial.

Methods:

Patients with ABRS defined by clinical, radiologic, and bacteriologic criteria were recruited to the study. Study treatments were 400 mg of oral moxifloxacin or a matching placebo daily for 5 days. The primary end point was clinical response at test‐of‐cure, 1 to 3 days after the end of therapy in the modified intent‐to‐treat (mITT) population (patients with positive culture for one of five prespecified pathogens). Secondary efficacy variables included patient‐reported symptom improvement measured using the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test‐16 (SNOT‐16), and concomitant medication use.

Results:

The mITT population consisted of 118 patients (moxifloxacin, n = 73; placebo, n = 45). Clinical success rates were numerically higher for moxifloxacin (78.1%, 57/73) versus placebo (66.7%, 30/45); (P = .189). Significantly greater mean reductions in SNOT‐16 scores occurred in moxifloxacin‐ versus placebo‐treated patients (−17.54 vs. −12.83; P = .032). Overall concomitant medication use was lower in moxifloxacin versus placebo patients (38.4%, 28/73 vs. 55.6%, 25/45 respectively). Premature discontinuation due to insufficient therapeutic effect was significantly lower in moxifloxacin‐ versus placebo‐treated patients (8.2%, 6/73 vs. 22.2%, 10/45; P = .031). The rate of treatment‐emergent adverse events in the ITT population was similar between arms (moxifloxacin 38.2%, 96/251; placebo 40.7%, 50/123).

Conclusions:

Although moxifloxacin 5‐day therapy for ABRS was not statistically superior to placebo for the primary end point, patients who received moxifloxacin had significantly greater improvements in health outcomes and used fewer concomitant medicines than patients treated with placebo, while experiencing no increase in adverse events. Laryngoscope, 2010
The use of the “puffed‐cheek” computed tomography technique to confirm the diagnosis of pneumoparotitis
Authors: Aghaei Lasboo Anahita , Nemeth Alexander J. , Russell Eric J. , Siegel Gordon J. , Karagianis Achilles
Published: February 2010

Pneumoparotitis is a rare etiology of symptomatic parotid gland enlargement that is often misdiagnosed clinically. Pneumoparotitis results from air refluxing into the parotid ductal system via an incompetent Stensen duct orifice. We report a protracted case of pneumoparotitis evaluated with the “puffed‐cheek” computed tomography technique to help confirm the diagnosis.
Self‐Assemblies on Chitosan Nanohydrogels
Authors: Brunel Fabrice , Véron Laurent , David Laurent , Domard Alain , Verrier Bernard , Delair Thierry
Published: February 2010

Nanohydrogels of pure chitosan, containing neither potentially toxic solvent nor chemical cross‐linker, were obtained by an ammonia‐induced physical gelation of a reverse emulsion of a chitosan solution in a triglyceride mixture as an organic phase. The resulting colloids were obtained with a controlled size distribution and displayed a positive surface charge. Assemblies with various macromolecules were investigated as a first step toward new nano‐carriers for bioactive molecules. Chondroitin sulfate formed polyelectrolyte complexes with the positively charged surface of the nanogels, leading to negative chitosan‐based colloidal hydrogels with preservation of the original average size of the dispersion. The mode of assembly of HIV‐1 p24 protein with these colloids relied on multiple interactions between the protein and the hydrogels, irrespective of their surface charges. Anyhow, the amounts of loaded protein remained limited, suggesting a surface association. The assembly of an immunoglobulin (IgG) was markedly different from p24. No association was detected with the positive colloidal hydrogels whereas a very high loading capacity could be obtained with the negative ones. So, this work reports that fully biodegradable submicrometric physical hydrogels could be obtained from naturally occurring polymers. These gels could cargo a variety of biomolecules making them versatile carriers with many potential applications in Life Sciences.

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Reinforcing Silk Scaffolds with Silk Particles
Authors: Rajkhowa Rangam , Gil Eun Seok , Kluge Jonathan , Numata Keiji , Wang Lijing , Wang Xungai , Kaplan David L.
Published: February 2010

Silk fibroin is a useful protein polymer for biomaterials and tissue engineering. In this work, porogen leached scaffolds prepared from aqueous and HFIP silk solutions were reinforced through the addition of silk particles. This led to about 40 times increase in the specific compressive modulus and the yield strength of HFIP‐based scaffolds. This increase in mechanical properties resulted from the high interfacial cohesion between the silk matrix and the reinforcing silk particles, due to partial solubility of the silk particles in HFIP. The porosity of scaffolds was reduced from ≈90% (control) to ≈75% for the HFIP systems containing 200% particle reinforcement, while maintaining pore interconnectivity. The presence of the particles slowed the enzymatic degradation of silk scaffolds.

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Multicompartmental Micro‐ and Nanocapsules: Hierarchy and Applications in Biosciences
Authors: Delcea Mihaela , Yashchenok Alexey , Videnova Kristina , Kreft Oliver , Möhwald Helmuth , Skirtach Andre G.
Published: February 2010

Multicompartmentalized micro‐ and nanocapsules allow simultaneous delivery of several vectors or biomolecules; they are the next generation of carriers with increased complexity. Here we overview multicompartment micro‐ and nanocapsules and present a road‐map for future developments in the field. Four basic building block structures are demonstrated, three isotropic: concentric, pericentric, and innercentric, and one anisotropic: acentric. As an elaborate implementation of multicompartmentalization, an enzyme‐catalyzed reaction inside the same capsule carrying both an enzyme and a substrate is shown. Applications of multicompartmentalized microcapsules for simultaneous multiple drug delivery in bio‐medicine are discussed.

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Aerogels from Unaltered Bacterial Cellulose: Application of scCO2 Drying for the Preparation of Shaped, Ultra‐Lightweight Cellulosic Aerogels
Authors: Liebner Falk , Haimer Emmerich , Wendland Martin , Neouze Marie‐Alexandra , Schlufter Kerstin , Miethe Peter , Heinze Thomas , Potthast Antje , Rosenau Thomas
Published: February 2010

Bacterial cellulose produced by the gram‐negative bacterium Gluconacetobacter xylinum was found to be an excellent native starting material for preparing shaped ultra‐lightweight cellulose aerogels. The procedure comprises thorough washing and sterilization of the aquogel, quantitative solvent exchange and subsequent drying with supercritical carbon dioxide at 40 °C and 100 bar. The average density of the obtained dry cellulose aerogels is only about 8 mg · cm−3 which is comparable to the most lightweight silica aerogels and distinctly lower than all values for cellulosic aerogels obtained from plant cellulose so far. SEM, ESEM and nitrogen adsorption experiments at 77 K reveal an open‐porous network structure that consists of a comparatively high percentage of large mesopores and smaller macropores.

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New Second‐Order Nonlinear Optical Polymers Derived from AB2 and AB Monomers via Sonogashira Coupling Reaction
Authors: Li Zhong'an , Wu Wenbo , Ye Cheng , Qin Jingui , Li Zhen
Published: February 2010

In this paper, a facile route was designed to prepare a new AB2‐type polymer P1 via simple Sonogashira coupling reaction, also its corresponding linear analog (P2) was obtained from AB monomer for comparison. Despite the relatively lower loading density of the effective chromophore moieties, P1 demonstrated higher second‐harmonic coefficient (153.9 pm · V−1) than that of P2 (98.2 pm · V−1), due to the three‐dimensional spatial isolation effect of the hyperbranched structure. The good results of P2 also indicated that the ladder shape may help to solve the problem existing in main‐chain polymers, the low poling efficiency.

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Biomedical application of MALDI mass spectrometry for small‐molecule analysis
Authors: van Kampen Jeroen J.A. , Burgers Peter C. , de Groot Ronald , Gruters Rob A. , Luider Theo M.
Published: February 2010

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) is an emerging analytical tool for the analysis of molecules with molar masses below 1,000 Da; that is, small molecules. This technique offers rapid analysis, high sensitivity, low sample consumption, a relative high tolerance towards salts and buffers, and the possibility to store sample on the target plate. The successful application of the technique is, however, hampered by low molecular weight (LMW) matrix‐derived interference signals and by poor reproducibility of signal intensities during quantitative analyses. In this review, we focus on the biomedical application of MALDI‐MS for the analysis of small molecules and discuss its favorable properties and its challenges as well as strategies to improve the performance of the technique. Furthermore, practical aspects and applications are presented. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 30:101–120, 2011
Regulation of xenobiotic metabolism, the only signaling function of α‐tocopherol?
Authors: Traber Maret G.
Published: February 2010

There is growing concern based on meta‐analyses of clinical trials using vitamin E supplements that these supplements increase the risk of all‐cause mortality in humans. My laboratory has been investigating the metabolism and disposition of “excess” vitamin E. This review focuses on the various mechanisms that prevent vitamin E intoxication. Non‐α‐tocopherols are aggressively metabolized thereby preventing their tissue accumulation and limiting increases in their plasma concentrations. Moreover, “excess” α‐tocopherol is also metabolized and its concentrations are limited. The mechanisms for this limitation do not seem to be specific for vitamin E, but rather are general xenobiotic pathways. We suggest that the most relevant cytochrome P450‐mediated pathway is the one that is most important for the regulation and activation of vitamin K, specifically the one dependent on CYP4F2.
Analysis of vitamin E metabolites in biological specimen
Authors: Birringer Marc
Published: February 2010

Vitamin E is known as the most important lipid antioxidant and is widely used to prevent age‐associated diseases. Despite increasing knowledge about human vitamin E metabolism, little is known to justify its widespread use. As meta‐analyses revealed even harmful effects of high vitamin E doses, a profound understanding of vitamin E metabolism is mandatory. By recent advances in analytical methodology, new metabolites with distinct physicochemical and biological properties were discovered. This review covers current methods to analyze vitamin E metabolites in biological samples. Special emphasis is laid on analytical applications for the identification and quantification of metabolites with a modified hydroxychromanol ring or a truncated side chain.
High‐quality surface remeshing using harmonic maps
Authors: Remacle J.‐F. , Geuzaine C. , Compère G. , Marchandise E.
Published: February 2010

In this paper, we present an efficient and robust technique for surface remeshing based on harmonic maps. We show how to ensure a one‐to‐one mapping for the discrete harmonic map and introduce a cubic representation of the geometry based on curved PN triangles. Topological and geometrical limitations of harmonic maps are also put to the fore and discussed. We show that, with the proposed approach, we are able to recover high quality meshes from both low input STL triangulations and complex surfaces defined by many CAD patches. The overall procedure is implemented in the open‐source mesh generator Gmsh. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.