bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondria in energy-limited states: mechanisms that blunt the signaling of cell death
Authors: Hand Steven C. , Menze Michael A.
Published: May 2008

Cellular conditions experienced during energy-limited states –elevated calcium, shifts in cellular adenylate status, compromised mitochondrial membrane potential – are precisely those that trigger, at least in mammals, the mitochondrion to initiate opening of the permeability transition pore, to assemble additional protein release channels, and to release pro-apoptotic factors. These pro-apototic factors in turn activate initiator and executer caspases. How is activation of mitochondria-based pathways for the signaling of apoptotic and necrotic cell death avoided under conditions of hypoxia, anoxia, diapause, estivation and anhydrobiosis?Functional trade-offs in environmental tolerance may have occurred in parallel with the evolution of diversified pathways for the signaling of cell death in eukaryotic organisms. Embryos of the brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana, survive extended periods of anoxia and diapause, and evidence indicates that opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and release of cytochrome c (cyt-c) do not occur. Further, caspase activation in this crustacean is not dependent on cyt-c. Its caspases display regulation by nucleotides that is consistent with `applying the brakes' to cell death during energy limitation. Unraveling the mechanisms by which organisms in extreme environments avoid cell death may suggest possible interventions during disease states and biostabilization of mammalian cells.
The effect of proline on the network structure of major ampullate silks as inferred from their mechanical and optical properties
Authors: Savage Ken N. , Gosline John M.
Published: May 2008

The silk that orb-weaving spiders produce for use as dragline and for the frame of the web is spun from the major ampullate (MA) glands, and it is renowned for its exceptional toughness. The fibroins that make up MA silk have previously been organized into two major groupings, spidroin-1 and spidroin-2,based largely on differences in amino acid sequence. The most apparent difference between spidroin-1 and spidroin-2 fibroins is the lack of proline in spidroin-1. The MA silk of Araneus diadematus comprises two spidroin-2 fibroins, and is therefore proline-rich, whereas spidroin-1 is preferentially expressed in Nephila clavipes MA silk, and so this silk is proline deficient. Together, these two silks provide a system for testing the consequences of proline-rich and proline-deficient fibroin networks. This study measures the mechanical and optical properties of dry and hydrated Araneus and Nephila MA silks. Since proline acts to disrupt secondary structure, it is hypothesized that the fibroin network of Araneus MA silk will contain less secondary structure than the network of Nephila MA silk. Mechanical and optical studies clearly support this hypothesis. Although the dry properties of these two silks are indistinguishable, there are large differences between the hydrated silks. Nephila silk does not swell upon hydration to the same degree as Araneus silk. In addition, upon hydration, Nephila MA silk retains more of its initial dry stiffness, and retains more molecular order,as indicated by birefringence measurements.
Motor unit recruitment patterns 1: responses to changes in locomotor velocity and incline
Authors: Hodson-Tole Emma F. , Wakeling James M.
Published: May 2008

Mammalian skeletal muscles are composed of a mixture of motor unit types,which contribute a range of mechanical and physiological properties to the muscle. For a muscle to effectively contribute to smooth, co-ordinated movement it must activate an appropriate number and combination of motor units to generate the required force over a suitable time period. Much evidence exists indicating that motor units are activated in an orderly fashion, from the slowest through to the fastest. A growing body of evidence, however,indicates that such a recruitment strategy does not always hold true. Here we investigate how motor unit recruitment patterns were influenced by changes in locomotor velocity and incline. Kinematics data and myoelectric signals were collected from three rat ankle extensor muscles during running on a treadmill at nine velocity and incline combinations. Wavelet and principal component analysis were used to simultaneously decompose the signals into time and frequency space. The relative frequency components of the signals were quantified during 20 time windows of a stride from each locomotor condition. Differences in signal frequency components existed between muscles and locomotor conditions. Faster locomotor velocities led to a relative increase in high frequency components, whereas greater inclines led to a relative increase in the low frequency components. These data were interpreted as representing changes in motor unit recruitment patterns in response to changes in the locomotor demand. Motor units were not always recruited in an orderly manner, indicating that recruitment is a multi-factorial phenomenon that is not yet fully understood.
Motor unit recruitment patterns 2: the influence of myoelectric intensity and muscle fascicle strain rate
Authors: Hodson-Tole Emma F. , Wakeling James M.
Published: May 2008

To effectively meet the force requirements of a given movement an appropriate number and combination of motor units must be recruited between and within muscles. Orderly recruitment of motor units has been shown to occur in a wide range of skeletal muscles, however, alternative strategies do occur. Faster motor units are better suited to developing force rapidly, and produce higher mechanical power with greater efficiency at faster shortening strain rates than slower motor units. As the frequency content of the myoelectric signal is related to the fibre type of the active motor units, we hypothesised that, in addition to an association between myoelectric frequency and intensity, there would be a significant association between muscle fascicle shortening strain rate and myoelectric frequency content. Myoelectric and sonomicrometric data were collected from the three ankle extensor muscles of the rat hind limb during walking and running. Myoelectric signals were analysed using wavelet transformation and principal component analysis to give a measure of the signal frequency content. Sonomicrometric signals were analysed to give measures of muscle fascicle strain and strain rate. The relationship between myoelectric frequency and both intensity and muscle fascicle strain rate was found to change across the time course of a stride,with differences also occurring in the strength of the associations between and within muscles. In addition to the orderly recruitment of motor units, a mechanical strategy of motor unit recruitment was therefore identified. Motor unit recruitment is therefore a multifactorial phenomenon, which is more complex than typically thought.
The cloning of eel osmotic stress transcription factor and the regulation of its expression in primary gill cell culture
Authors: Tse W. K. F. , Chow S. C. , Wong C. K. C.
Published: May 2008

In the present study, we aimed to clone an osmotic stress transcriptional factor (Ostf) from gill cells of Japanese eels. In addition, we measured its expression in Percoll™-gradient-isolated gill chloride (CC) and pavement(PVC) cells and determined the regulation of its expression in primary gill cell culture. Using degenerative primers and RACE techniques, we cloned a cDNA of 615bp, encompassing the coding sequence of Ostf (204 amino acids). The cloned Ostf1 DNA sequence shared 84% DNA homology with the Ostf1 of tilapia. In general, the basal Ostf expression level was found to be significantly higher in CCs than in PVCs. In the direct transfer of fish from freshwater to seawater, a significant but transient induction of Ostf mRNA in CCs and PVCs was measured after 6h of acclimation. Compared with gill CCs, the level of induction measured at PVCs was lower. In the seawater-to-freshwater transfer,no significant change in Ostf transcript levels was detected in either CCs or PVCs. To decipher the regulatory mechanism of Ostf expression, we conducted experiments using primary gill cell culture to specifically address the involvement of two putative osmosensors (i.e. intracellular ion strength/macromolecular crowding and cytoskeleton) in the regulation of Ostf expression. Hypertonic treatment using impermeable solutes (i.e. NaCl,500mOsmoll–1) induced Ostf mRNA expression in 6h, but no noticeable effect was measured using permeable solute (i.e. urea,500mOsmoll–1). The induction was transcriptionally regulated and was abolished by the addition of organic osmolytes (i.e. betaine, inositol or taurine) into the culture media. Addition of colchicine (an inhibitor of microtubule polymerization) to hypertonic (with added NaCl,500mOsmoll–1) cells reduced Ostf mRNA expression, suggesting that an increase in intracellular ionic strength and the integrity of the cytoskeleton are involved in the activation of Ostf mRNA expression in the cells. Collectively, the results of this study reveal, for the first time, the differential expression of Ostf in isolated CCs and PVCs. The resulting knowledge can shed light on how Ostf participates in hyperosmotic adaptation in fish gills.
Comparing passive and active hearing: spectral analysis of transient sounds in bats
Authors: Goerlitz Holger R. , Hübner Mathias , Wiegrebe Lutz
Published: May 2008

In vision, colour constancy allows the evaluation of the colour of objects independent of the spectral composition of a light source. In the auditory system, comparable mechanisms have been described that allows the evaluation of the spectral shape of sounds independent of the spectral composition of ambient background sounds. For echolocating bats, the evaluation of spectral shape is vitally important both for the analysis of external sounds and the analysis of the echoes of self-generated sonar emissions. Here, we investigated how the echolocating bat Phyllostomus discolor evaluates the spectral shape of transient sounds both in passive hearing and in echolocation as a specialized mode of active hearing. Bats were trained to classify transients of different spectral shape as low- or highpass. We then assessed how the spectral shape of an ambient background noise influenced the spontaneous classification of the transients. In the passive-hearing condition, the bats spontaneously changed their classification boundary depending on the spectral shape of the background. In the echo-acoustic condition, the classification boundary did not change although the background-and spectral-shape manipulations were identical in the two conditions. These data show that auditory processing differs between passive and active hearing:echolocation represents an independent mode of active hearing with its own rules of auditory spectral analysis.
Asymmetric breast uptake of radioiodine in a patient with thyroid malignancy: metastases or not?
Authors: Sinha A , Bradley K M , Steatham J , Weaver A
Published: May 2008

Summary

Various physiological processes can cause potentially misleading appearances in radioiodine whole body scans; proper understanding of the causes of these can therefore obviate diagnostic errors. Whole-body radioiodine scintigraphy with I131 or I123 is an accurate form of imaging used for management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Following thyroidectomy, any residual thyroid tissue or metastatic disease is ablated with high dose I131 and diagnostic images are acquired, demonstrating residual thyroid tissue and metastatic disease. However, atypical physiological uptake of I131 can simulate metastases.
Epilepsy in older women
Authors: Sethi Nitin K , Harden Cynthia L
Published: May 2008

Women suffering from epilepsy require special attention throughout their life. In this review, management of epilepsy during the periods of perimenopause, menopause and late maturity is discussed. The effect of epilepsy on age at menopause, changes in seizure frequency during perimenopause and menopause, and the risks of hormone replacement therapy are also presented. Altered antiepileptic drug pharmacokinetics with increasing age and the management of this vulnerable population is also discussed.
Survey of sleep problems in 3421 women aged 41–55 years
Authors: Vaari Tiina , Engblom Janne , Helenius Hans , Erkkola Risto , Polo-Kantola Päivi
Published: May 2008

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence and subtypes of self-reported sleep problems in women at midlife and to assess the predictive factors involved.

Methods

A total of 6408 consecutive women aged 41–55 years were recruited by sending a postal inquiry concerning health-related issues. Sleep quality was studied with the Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire. The effect of age, health, socioeconomic factors and use of hormone therapy (HT) on sleep problems was examined by multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 3421 women (53%) returned the questionnaire and 42% of them reported sleep problems. Sleep problems were found in all age groups. Risk for tiredness in the morning was higher in the youngest group. Older women experienced snoring more frequently. Although somatic diseases were of minor importance, mental health was found to be a significant factor relating to almost every kind of sleep com plaint. Currently employed and university educated women suffered less from poor sleep. HT use was not associated with reported sleep symptoms.

Conclusions

Self-reported sleep problems are common in midlife. A mental health problem is the most significant predisposing factor. Socioeconomic factors are also important. Use of HT does not necessarily prevent sleep problems.
A computational screen for mouse signaling pathways targeted by microRNA clusters
Authors: Xu Jianzhen , Wong Chiwai
Published: May 2008

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are one class of short, endogenous RNAs which can regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Previous analysis revealed that mammalian miRNAs tend to cluster on chromosomes. However, the functional consequences of this clustering and conservation property are largely unknown. In this study we present a method to identify signaling pathways targeted by clustered miRNAs. We performed a computational screen for mouse signaling pathways targeted by miRNA clusters. Here, we report that the target genes of 3 miRNA clusters are overrepresented in 15 signaling pathways. We provided experimental evidence that one miRNA cluster,mmu-mir-183–96–182targetsIrs1,Rasa1, andGrb2, all of which are located in the insulin signaling pathway. Theses results suggest that by targeting components with different roles along a signaling pathway, different members of one miRNA cluster can act as a whole to coordinately control the signal transduction process.
No Small Change: Process‐Oriented Play Therapy For Children of Separating Parents
Authors: Camastral Silvia
Published: May 2008

This article looks at a process‐oriented play therapy for children adversely affected by parental separation. Process‐oriented play therapy is a therapeutic method that involves the therapist directly entering the ‘world of play’ with the child, by amplifying various modes of expression and helping underlying meaning to emerge, in order to help children access aspects of their life they feel they have no say in. One particular case has been used as an example, involving ‘Jim’ (pseudonym) and his mother, who attended the play therapy session.
We Don't Need Your Help, But Will You Please Fix Our Children
Authors: Brown Jenny
Published: May 2008

A Bowen Family Systems therapist employs concepts of triangles and the family projection process to view a child's symptoms as embedded in the broader family patterns. This article will examine the dynamics of two family therapy cases where parents anxiously asked for their children's symptoms to be fixed. These cases will be used to explore the common presentation in child and adolescent mental health, where the parents are concerned for their children but are also keen not to open their own ‘can of worms’. The presenting problem in the first case was violent hostility between adolescent sisters and in the second case was an adolescent's anorexia. Drawing on client feedback, I reflect on the therapy process behind the divergent outcomes. In case one, the parents were willing to address their own troubled relationship and family of origin, while in case two, the parents discontinued therapy when family of origin dynamics began to be explored. The article suggests how the therapist can evoke parents' curiosity about their role in anxious family patterns, without them feeling blamed.
Preserving Family Therapy's Legacy
Authors: Crago Hugh
Published: May 2008

Originating as a plenary address, this article reviews the enduring contribution of family therapy, and asks how it might best be preserved into the future, given that family therapy itself is no longer seen as ‘newsworthy’. The author makes three recommendations: that all future social workers be trained to conduct a three‐session structured family assessment; that all future family therapists be required to participate in a Yalom‐type group therapy experience; and that one member of every child mental health and child protection team be trained to convene and chair interagency case conferences capable of building trust and working towards open communication. A rationale for the three recommendations is provided, in terms of key principles common to family and group work.
Parental Illicit Drug Use and Family Life: Reports From Those Who Sought Help
Authors: Cattapan Oriella , Grimwade Jolyon
Published: May 2008

Family histories of abuse and neglect are common among persons with substance addictions. Clearly such family backgrounds impact on future lifestyle choices. How this early life experience then impacts on the substance user as a parent and on their children has not been considered in the literature in any detail. Clients of local community drug services were invited to participate in a study evaluating the family life of parents who were dependent on illicit substances. Fifteen parents participated in a qualitative, longitudinal study about their family life, treatment and drug of choice. Four aspects of parental perception of family life were examined: the perceived impact of the family of origin on the parent drug user, self‐perception, the impact of parental illicit drug use on the family environment, the impact of parental illicit drug use on children. For parents struggling with a substance addiction, it would seem that recovery has much to do with differentiation and gaining a sense of agency.
Multiple Family Group Therapy in a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre: Residents' Experiences
Authors: Schäfer Gabriele
Published: May 2008

This study documents how residents experience Multiple Family Group (MFG) treatment in an 18‐week residential therapeutic program for people with a severe substance disorder. Individual in‐depth interviews with nine residents and three ex‐residents of European descent were undertaken, and analysed using a descriptive thematic analysis. Results indicate that, prior to taking part in the program, their relationships with their families were seriously damaged and their situations often appeared complex and hopeless. After attending the MFGs all of the participants of this study experienced a number of positive changes in their relationships with their family members and partners. All interviewees said that they had gained more awareness about their interactions, better communications skills and were able to integrate these skills into their relationships with their families and partners.
‘Lady, Leave My Culture Out of It!’ An Interview With Nada Miocevic
Authors: Barabash Syndon , Miocevic Nada
Published: May 2008

Nada Miocevic is a social worker and family therapist who trained at Zagreb University in Croatia and at Melbourne University in Victoria, Australia. She completed her training in family therapy in 1975 at the Bouverie Centre, Melbourne. Since migrating to Australia in 1967, her work with migrant and refugee families has taken her throughout Australia and overseas. Currently she is in private practice. Her work involves conducting training courses in supervision and supervision of supervision, as well as her continuing work with families who experience long‐term illnesses.
Zwischen Linguistik und Literaturwissenschaft: Textualität revisited. Mit Illustrationen aus der Welt der Urlaubsansichtskarte
Authors: Hausendorf Heiko
Published: May 2008

The present article takes the concept of textuality and textualization – as it was introduced in the beginning of textlinguistics as a subdiscipline of linguistics in the early 70s – as a starting point for discussing the relationship between linguistics and literature. Textuality is developed in a threefold way: There are textualization devices which can be related to different characteristics of textualization. Textualization devices themselves depend on different textualization resources: the situation of reading, the language of the text and the context of reading. Textualization devices can, therefore, draw upon perception, language and knowledge as different textualization resources. It is argued that textualization has to be traced back to textualization devices at the surface level of the text. This concept is illustrated by an empirical analysis of vacation picture postcards in order to demonstrate in an exemplary fashion the reconstruction of textualization devices. It is additionally shown that textualization devices can be seen as a fruitful intersection between linguistics and literature. Focusing on a text by G. Perec it is argued that both linguists and poets share an interest in textualization devices: While the linguistic interest in textualization devices is a cold and analytical one aiming at the improvement of knowledge, the poetic interest is a practial and sensual one aiming at the reader's entertainment.
Nichtsprachliches als Textfaktor: Medialität, Materialität, Lokalität
Authors: Fix Ulla
Published: May 2008

Do linguistic concepts of text provide research approaches that are also suited to study literary texts? Can the category of text be applied for bridge building between linguistics and literary science in the current debate? To answer these questions, we need to first decide on one of the many text concepts developed by linguistics that is best suited to “act this problem out”.

This paper therefore addresses the criteria of textuality postulated by Beaugrande/Dressler (1981), which, initially being accepted, were later criticized, but remain inspiring. These will be examined in the spirit of Adamzik, not as criteria per se but as “descriptive dimensions”. The need to expand these dimensions will be underlined in order to cover features that are text- and genre-constitutive and have not been included so far. This in particular refers to the integration of the nonverbal – categorized according to mediality, materiality, locality – as required elements for the existence of both the text sample and of some genres. A text concept that is expanded by the nonverbal is considered a better approach to meet the particulars of literary texts and to grasp the aesthetic practice of nonliterary texts.
Der virtuelle Text oder: Die Rolle der Sprachgemeinschaft für die Herstellung von Textualität
Authors: Adamzik Kirsten
Published: May 2008

Starting with some sceptical remarks on the idea that the relationship between linguistics and literary studies has broken down and that linguistics is primarily concerned with texts for daily use, the article proposes some elements of a text-linguistic approach covering notions, ideas and activities long since familiar to literary scholars, especially those preparing editions. The notion of virtual text is introduced to denote the abstract entity underlying different versions and copies of one and the same text. Following Ehlich's suggestion that a (prototypical) text is not necessarily a written sequence of signs, but a complex sign passed on by tradition, the importance of reproducing texts – and hence the role of members of the speaking community in producing textuality – is emphasized: Re-reading, reciting, reading aloud to others, reprinting, reediting, and even rewriting, resuming or referring to by allusions are different means of transmitting the text or elements of it to others, including the following generations. Some of them require a complete ‘cognitive copy’ of the text, but the longer the text is, the more probable it is that only fragments are part of the linguistic knowledge of (groups of) the community. Nevertheless, (fragments of) texts can be stocked in the individual memory, just as lexical items are. The last chapter presents the number and type of transmission authorities (commercial editors, scientific editors, lecturers, literary agents, and so on), as well as the number and type of versions and copies as criteria to differentiate texts for daily use, scientific and literary texts.
Fingierte Mündlichkeit – inszenierte Interaktion. Die Novelle als Erzählmodell
Authors: Lubkoll Christine
Published: May 2008

The reflection of the genre of the “Novelle” (short novel) offers one way for a productive interpenetration of scientific literary and linguistic discussions about the phenomenon of textuality. It is the genre of the “Novelle” whose characterization has always been very dissatisfying according to traditional genre definitions within the scientific discourse. Typical formal and structural features are often too unspecific and mostly remain on the surface, if their function for the (con)text is not reflected adequately. Furthermore all the different catalogues of typical features mostly appear as static schemes that cannot do justice equally well to all the various manifestations of the “Novelle” as to the historical change of the genre itself.

Due to these facts the article by Christine Lubkoll tries to define the genre of the “Novelle” and its specific textual manifestations with regard to its historically changing contextual conditions. The thesis of the article is that thenarrationof short novels itself reflects the social and cultural changes and the changes of media within the process of narration as a cultural practice. This becomes evident through textual markers as well as through dynamically developing textual features; both, the textual markers and the textual features of the genre have led to a strong genre-intertextuality; a dialogue of different texts and different époques.

The first part of the article by Christine Lubkoll illustrates the history of the genre of the “Novelle” and its specific social and cultural relevance within different literary époques. It is then followed by the second part, an analysis of Goethes “Unterhaltungen deutscher Ausgewanderten” and Musils “Die Amsel”.
Alltägliches erzählen und alltägliches Erzählen
Authors: Gülich Elisabeth
Published: May 2008

Storytelling occurs in everyday conversation as much as in literary texts, where the commonplace is often a topic. This article focuses on both aspects: the ordinary as context and as subject matter of narratives. Generally, narrative research practices a division of labor: everyday narratives belong in the field of linguistics. Here, an example is provided for the analysis of an oral story within the scope of linguistic research that focuses on aspects of narratability and orientation. Literary narratives are treated within the framework of literary studies; the stories, however, are many times the object of textual linguistic research, out of which a few aspects will be sketched here. By way of example, a narrative from Franz Hohler that uses the everyday as its subject matter is analysed linguistically. In addition, the aspects of narratability and orientation are taken from research in conversation and linked to the textual analysis with the concept of textuality from text linguistics. On the basis of various criteria of textuality, this article shows how the commonplace becomes narratable through certain formal techniques in Hohler's texts. The essay advocates a stronger cooperation between linguistics and literary studies in narrative research.
Textualitätsannahmen und die Analyse literarischer Texte
Authors: Winko Simone
Published: May 2008

This article analyses genre-specific methods of textual analysis that are considered to be elementary and ‘close’ to the surface level of literary texts. It focuses on two questions: How do these methods explicitly and implicitly make use of the concept of textuality? And what kind of knowledge do they presuppose? A linguistic model of textuality is taken as the frame of this analysis. The article argues for the utilization of linguistic concepts in literary studies, both in theory and practice. At the same time it is assumed that historical and genre-oriented studies of literary texts focussing on the prerequisites of textuality will contribute to a differentiated view of a prototypical concept of textuality.
First 5f-element complexes with the tetradentate BTBP ligand. Synthesis and crystal structure of uranyl(VI) compounds with CyMe4BTBP
Authors: Berthet Jean-Claude , Thuéry P. , Foreman M. R. S. , Ephritikhine Michel
Published: May 2008

Treatment of [UO2(OTf)2] or [UO2I2(thf)3] with 1 equiv. of CyMe4BTBP in anhydrous acetonitrile led to the formation of [UO2(CyMe4BTBP)(OTf)2] (1) and [UO2(CyMe4BTBP)I2] (2) which crystallized as the cationic forms [UO2(CyMe4BTBP)(py)][OTf]2
(3) and [UO2I(CyMe4BTBP)][I] (4) in pyridine and acetonitrile, respectively. These compounds are unique examples of structurally characterized actinide complexes with a BTBP molecule; this ligand adopts a planar conformation in the equatorial plane of the {UO2}2+ ion. In pyridine, 1 is dissociated into [UO2(OTf)2(py)3] and free CyMe4BTBP and the thermodynamic parameters (K, ΔH, ΔS) of this equilibrium have been determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The ethoxide derivative [UO2(OEt)(CyMe4BTBP)][OTf] (5) crystallized from a solution of 1 in a mixture of ethanol and acetone under air, and the dinuclear μ-oxo complex [{UO2(CyMe4BTBP)}2(μ-O)][I]2
(6) was obtained from [UO2I(thf)2.7] and CyMe4BTBP. The crystal structures of 6 and of the analogous derivatives [{UO2(py)4}2(μ-O)][I]2
(7) and [{UO2(TPTZ)(py)}2(μ-O)][I3]2
(8) exhibit a flexible [{UO2}–O–{UO2}]2+ moiety.
Novel types of tripodal CMPO ligands: synthesis and extraction
Authors: Jańczewski Dominik , Rawdanowicz Marta , Hill Clement , Martinez Isabelle , Reinhoudt David N. , Verboom Willem
Published: May 2008

Novel tripodal CMPO ligands having either aryl groups at the N-atom or alkyl groups at the CMPO methylene bridge were prepared in good yields. In the latter case one alkyl group per CMPO moiety was selectively introduced. Extraction studies with Am3+ and Eu3+ show that there is an influence of the electronic character of the aryl groups on the extraction. Alkylation of the CMPO methylene group gives rise to a considerable decrease of the D-values (about 100–1000 times), dependent on the bulkiness of the alkyl substituent.
Miniature DIAMEX processes in a hollow fibre module micro-plant: process development and optimisation
Authors: Geist Andreas , Gompper Klaus
Published: May 2008

A hollow fibre module (HFM) micro-plant was built to perform continuous liquid-liquid extraction tests with very small feed volumes, using miniature HFM as phase contactors. Spiked DIAMEX tests (i.e., co-extraction of americium, curium, and lanthanides from PUREX raffinate) were performed in this plant. Following some flow sheet modifications, raffinate decontamination factors of up to 30000 and 900 were achieved for americium and curium, respectively.
Neutral bidentate N-heterocyclic ligands – phase transfer reagents improving the kinetics of solvent extraction of Am(III) and Eu(III) ions with tetradentate 6,6′-bis-(diethyl-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)-2,2′-bipyridine
Authors: Narbutt Jerzy , Krejzler Jadwiga
Published: May 2008

Poor kinetics of solvent extraction of Am(III) and Eu(III) ions from 1 M HNO3 with 6,6′-bis-(diethyl-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)-2,2′-bipyridine (etBTBP) has been improved by adding an auxiliary bidentate N-heterocyclic ligand to the extraction system. Two such ligands were studied, derivatives of bis-triazine and pyridine-triazine, which alone poorly extract the metal ions, but together with etBTBP they act as phase transfer reagents, improving the extraction kinetics to a different degree. The ability to transfer the metal ions from aqueous to organic phase depends on lipophilicity and acid/base properties of these auxiliary ligands, as well as on the mode of shaking the two liquid phases — gentle or vigorous.
An overview and historical look back at the solvent extraction using nitrogen donor ligands to extract and separate An(III) from Ln(III)
Authors: Ekberg Christian , Fermvik Anna , Retegan Teodora , Skarnemark Gunnar , Foreman M. R. S. , Hudson M. J. , Englund Sofie , Nilsson Mikael
Published: May 2008

The partitioning of minor trivalent actinides (An) from lanthanides (Ln) is one of the challenges in the chemical treatment of nuclear waste. The optimal ligand to carry out the separation of An(III) and Ln(III) using solvent extraction has to meet several important criteria: high selectivity towards the solute, chemical and radiolytic stability, stripping possibilities and recycling of the organic phase, high separation factors and good distribution ratio, to name just a few of them. A chronological line can be drawn along the development of each extraction ligand family and some milestones are emphasized in this overview.

Further developments in organic synthesis of extracting ligands are expected.
Upper-rim CMPO-substituted calix[6]- and calix[8]arene extractants for the An3+/Ln3+separation from radioactive waste
Authors: Sansone F. , Galletta M. , Macerata E. , Trivellone E. , Giola M. , Ungaro R. , Böhmer Volker , Casnati A. , Mariani M.
Published: May 2008

Two new ligands (1and2) for actinide/lanthanide separation derived from calix[6]- and calix[8]arenes functionalised at the upper rim with six or eight CMPO binding units were synthesised. These ligands, having a methoxy group at the lower rim, are conformationally mobile in solution at room temperature. Extraction data from water to a NPHE/n-octanol (90/10) solution of ligands1and2, in the presence of bromo-cosan as synergist, show that these derivatives are less efficient and selective than the previously reported homologues derived from calix[4]arenes or from the lower rim CMPO calix[6]- and calix[8]arenes, especially at high nitric acid concentrations. However, although compound1and2do not appear promising for the actinide/lanthanide separation from high acidity radioactive waste, the results obtained in this work disclose some important structural results which can be useful for the design of new efficient and selective polytopic ligands.
Bismalonamides (BISMA) as new extractants for Am(III) and Eu(III) from aqueous high-level wastes
Authors: Murillo María Teresa , Espartero Amparo Glez , Almaraz Marta , Sánchez-Quesada Jorge , Segura Margarita , Iglesias-Sánchez José-Carlos , de Mendoza Javier , Prados Pilar
Published: May 2008

Bismalonamides 1–8 and bisthiomalonamides 9–13 were synthesised and studied as extracting agents for Am(III) and Eu(III) from nitric acid solutions into organic solvents. Bismalonamides 7a and 7g display higher distribution coefficients in chlorinated solvents than single malonamide DMDOHEMA, suggesting that bismalonamides could pre-organise the binding groups around the cation more efficiently. Additionally, back-extraction of Am(III) and Eu(III) from a loaded organic solution of 7g in (50:50)% vol TPH/1-octanol mixture allowed to recover 99% of the initially extracted Am(III) and Eu(III) after three times of contact with fresh 0.01 mol/L nitric acid solutions.
Assessment of ligand extraction properties: an intercomparison campaign amongst EUROPARTners
Authors: Hill Clement , Desreux Jean-F. , Ekberg Christian , Espartero Amparo Glez , Galetta M. , Modolo G. , Geist Andreas , Selucky P. , Narbutt Jerzy , Madic Charles
Published: May 2008

An intercomparison campaign was organized at the beginning of the European FP6 EUROPART Integrated Project, among the partners involved in the assessment of the extracting properties of novel ligands, in order to check their accuracy and reliability when determining metal cation distribution ratios. Three different extracting systems, presenting various selectivity and affinity towards trivalent actinides were selected: (i) CMPO, (ii) TPTZ and (iii) BTP. Although some differences could be pointed out in the implementation of liquid–liquid extraction tests, the distribution ratios measured by the nine partners were fairly reproducible (<20% deviation) for the first two extracting systems. However, large discrepancies occurred when testing the third extracting system, due to its strong hydrolytic instability, thus pointing out the difficulty of assessing extraction properties of instable ligands.
Self-assembling properties of malonamide extractants used in separation processes
Authors: Testard Fabienne , Bauduin Pierre , Martinet L. , Abécassis B. , Berthon L. , Madic Charles , Zemb Th.
Published: May 2008

A review of the four microstructures present in oil phases of malonamide extractants used for nuclear fuel reprocessing is presented in relation with the extraction properties and the third phase formation. Due to their surface active properties, extractants can be considered as a weak surfactants and are organised into reverse micelles interacting through an attractive potential. The Van der Waals attractions between the cores of reverse micelles are the key parameters for understanding “third phase” formation. Extractant solutions are similar to reverse microemulsions and the stability rules known in the field of microemulsions can be applied. In some cases, micelles are transformed into a regular molecular solution by modest heating. Apart from micellar and regular solutions, two new modes of association of extractant molecules have been identified. Networks of H-bounds are obtained when “modifiers” such as octanol are added by formulators in order to improve stability range. Microphase separation in a more crystalline phase may be obtained by increasing extractant and/or ion concentrations.
Lanthanide and actinide extractions with anionic ligands based on cobalt bis(dicarbollide) ions with covalently bonded CMPO functions
Authors: Selucký P. , Rais J. , Lučaníková M. , Grüner B. , Kvíčalová M. , Fejfarová K. , Císařová I.
Published: May 2008

Compounds were synthesized with the aim to develop efficient extraction agents for liquid-liquid extraction of polyvalent cations, i.e. lanthanides and actinides from high-level activity nuclear waste. Compounds of general formulation [(8-CMPO-(CH2-CH2O)2-1,2-C2B9H10)(1′,2′-C2B9H11)-3,3′-Co(III)]- with different phosphorus and nitrogen substitution (CMPO=2R,3R P(O)-(CH2)
n
C(O)N1R, 1R=t-octyl, H, Ph, 2R=Ph, n-octyl, 3R=Ph, n=1,2)-(4a to 4e), were prepared and characterized by combination of 11B NMR, 1H high field NMR, ESI-M.S., HPLC and other techniques. Molecular structure of the sodium complex of ligand 4a (1R=t-octyl, 2R=3R=Ph, n=1) was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Effect of several modifications in the structure of 4a–4e on the extraction properties was outlined. The study resulted in the definition of ionic ligand with enhanced extraction efficiency for 4a,b (t-octyl and H on the amidic nitrogen atom) and a better solubility of 4a and 4d (1R=t-octyl, 2R=n-Oct, 3R=Ph, n=1) in less polar solvents. Low polar mixtures of hydrogenated tetrapropylene (TPH) hexyl methyl ketone (HMK) can be applied as an auxiliary solvent for 4a, selected for detailed studies, replacing thus the polar and less environmentally friendly nitro-, fluoro- and chloro- solvents used in the current dicarbollide liquid-liquid extraction process. Results of the fission products separation from the simulated PUREX feed using 4a are presented inclusive procedures for Eu3+ stripping.
Preparation of yttria-stabilized zirconia-ceria kernels as fuel precursors using internal gelation
Authors: Benay G. , Hubert F. , Modolo G.
Published: May 2008

Ceria-doped yttria-stabilized zirconia kernels were prepared by internal gelation and the effect that the concentration of HMTA and urea used in the initial broth had on the structure and properties of the gel was studied. Most combinations of urea and HMTA were found to provide gels with a smooth surface, which were assumed to be dense. However, a high quantity of urea and a low quantity of HMTA generated a gel with a rough surface, which was assumed to be porous and limited the formation of cracks during the thermal treatment of kernels. These kernels were then compacted using a repressing method whereby pellets with a sintered density up to 86% TD were formed. It was also found that the presence of urea is necessary to obtain good mechanical properties.
Salt waste treatment from a LiCl-KCl based pyrochemical spent fuel treatment process
Authors: Harrison Mike T. , Simms Howard E. , Jackson Angela , Lewin Robert G.
Published: May 2008

Spent nuclear fuel may be treated using molten salt electrochemical techniques to separate fission products and actinide metals. Salt waste arising from the electrorefining process contains alkali metals, alkaline-earth and rare earth fission products, along with residual actinides. The removal of fission product elements has been investigated using zeolite ion exchange and phosphate precipitation, which allow the salt electrolyte to be recycled back into the main electrorefining vessel. Recycling the salt minimizes the volume of high level waste (HLW) generated and yields the fission products in a form more amenable to immobilization in a final disposal matrix. Several sets of experiments have been completed, all of which have significant implications for the use of these techniques on an industrial scale, as well as their ability to clean up the salt, and potentially produce robust and durable waste forms.
Different methods to synthesize sodalite, as a matrix for conditioning chloride spent salts from pyroprocesses
Authors: De Angelis G. , Nannicini R. , Martini F. , Mazzocchia C. , Modica G.
Published: May 2008

The pyrometallurgical processing of spent nuclear fuel generates a chloride salt waste containing alkali-metal, alkaline-earth, and some rare-earth fission products. Sodalite, a naturally occurring mineral containing chlorine, has been investigated as an immobilization matrix for this salt waste. To this end different routes for the synthesis of sodalite have been followed: on one hand, direct synthesis from kaolinite, metakaolinite, or from silica and sodium aluminate have been carried out; on the other hand, a synthesis from Zeolite 4A used for preliminary decontamination of the salt by ion-exchange has been performed. The former allows to condition the waste salt as a whole, whenever discarding an entire process salt batch becomes necessary; this is the case when an electrorefiner plant has to be decommissioned, or in the event of a severe process upset; the latter is more suitable for routine operations, which better require the clean-up of the salt and its recycle to the electrorefiner, thus avoiding the production of huge quantities of solidified wastes to be disposed of.
Equilibrium distribution of actinides including Cm between molten LiCl-KCl eutectic and liquid cadmium
Authors: Koyama Tadafumi , Kinoshita Kensuke , Inoue Tadashi , Ougier M. , Malmbeck Rikard , Glatz J.-P.
Published: May 2008

Equilibrium distribution of actinides both in molten LiCl-KCl eutectic and liquid cadmium were measured from the concentration data obtained in electrorefining tests and reductive extraction tests. Separation factors for U, Np, Am, Cm against Pu were derived in the practical temperature range of 700 K to 783 K. The derived separation factors are consistent with the reported values measured at 773 K and 723 K. The temperature dependence for Cm is different compared to the other actinides (U, Np and Am). This behavior remains unclear and additional experimental measurements of distribution coefficient of Cm are required before ruling on the real behavior.
Electrorefining of U-Pu-Zr-alloy fuel onto solid Aluminium cathodes in molten LiCl-KCl
Authors: Souček P. , Cassayre L. , Malmbeck Rikard , Mendes E. , Jardin Régis , Glatz J.-P.
Published: May 2008

An electrorefining process in molten chloride salts using solid aluminium cathodes is being developed at ITU to recover actinides (An) from the spent nuclear fuel. The maximum possible loading of aluminium electrodes with actinides was investigated during the electrorefining of U-Pu-Zr alloy in a LiCl-KCl eutectic at 450 °C. Two different electrolytic techniques were applied during the experiment and almost 6000 C has been passed, corresponding to 3.7 g of deposited actinides. A very high capacity of aluminium to retain actinides has been proven as the average Al: An mass ratio was 1:1.58 for galvanostatic and 1:2.25 for potentiostatic mode. The obtained deposits were characterized by XRD and SEM-EDX analysis and alloys composed of (U,Pu)Al3 were detected. The influence of zirconium co-oxidation during the process was also investigated and the presence of dissolved Zr ions in the melt yielded a significant deterioration of the quality of the deposit.
The “Worldwide Shortage” of Antisnake Venom: Is the Only Right Answer “Produce More” Or Is It Also “Use It Smarter?”
Authors: Simpson Ian D.
Published: May 2008

A frequent tenet of snakebite literature is what has been described as the “worldwide shortage of antisnake venom” (ASV) and the demand for greater production. Antisnake venom is the mainstay of snakebite management, and thus this principle of “shortage” can impact the view of policy makers when it comes to framing solutions to the problem. This paper presents a model to enable policy makers to assess the amount and utilization of ASV in their areas. The model assesses ASV usage according to 2 criteria: risk and wastage. The actual usage of ASV is segmented in the model into the following main areas: (1) victims who receive too little ASV (high risk/low wastage); (2) victims who receive ASV either unnecessarily or in too great a quantity (low risk/high wastage); (3) victims who receive ASV that is not effective (high risk/high wastage); (4) victims who receive ASV according to effective local protocols (low risk/low wastage). The current proposition about the “shortage” of ASV and the proposal to simply produce more addresses only a small part of the high-risk/low-wastage group and does not address the 2 high-wastage groups. Until the high-wastage groups are recognized and resolved with training and local protocols and moved into the low-risk/low-wastage group, the true requirement for ASV worldwide cannot be assessed.
Marine Catfish Sting Causing Fatal Heart Perforation in a Fisherman
Authors: Haddad Vidal , de Souza Reinaldo Alves , Auerbach Paul S.
Published: May 2008

Many marine catfish have serrated bony stings (“spines”), which are used in defense against predators, on the dorsal and pectoral fins. While catfish-induced injuries are generally characterized by the pain associated with envenomation, the stings in some species are sufficiently long and sharp to cause severe penetrating trauma. Most injuries are to the hands of victims, commonly fishermen. We report the death of a fisherman caused by myocardial perforation from a catfish sting. To our knowledge, this is the first such description in the medical literature.