bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between redox activity and chemical speciation of size-fractionated particulate matter
Authors: Ntziachristos Leonidas , Froines John R , Cho Arthur K , Sioutas Constantinos
Published: June 2007

Background

Although the mechanisms of airborne particulate matter (PM) related health effects remain incompletely understood, one emerging hypothesis is that these adverse effects derive from oxidative stress, initiated by the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within affected cells. Typically, ROS are formed in cells through the reduction of oxygen by biological reducing agents, with the catalytic assistance of electron transfer enzymes and redox active chemical species such as redox active organic chemicals and metals. The purpose of this study was to relate the electron transfer ability, or redox activity, of the PM samples to their content in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and various inorganic species. The redox activity of the samples has been shown to correlate with the induction of the stress protein, hemeoxygenase-1.

Results

Size-fractionated (i.e. < 0.15; < 2.5 and 2.5 – 10 μm in diameter) ambient PM samples were collected from four different locations in the period from June 2003 to July 2005, and were chemically analyzed for elemental and organic carbon, ions, elements and trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The redox activity of the samples was evaluated by means of the dithiothreitol activity assay and was related to their chemical speciation by means of correlation analysis. Our analysis indicated a higher redox activity on a per PM mass basis for ultrafine (< 0.15 μm) particles compared to those of larger sizes. The PM redox activity was highly correlated with the organic carbon (OC) content of PM as well as the mass fractions of species such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and selected metals.

Conclusion

The results of this work demonstrate the utility of the dithiothreitol assay for quantitatively assessing the redox potential of airborne particulate matter from a wide range of sources. Studies to characterize the redox activity of PM from various sources throughout the Los Angeles basin are currently underway.
A quantitative RT-PCR platform for high-throughput expression profiling of 2500 rice transcription factors
Authors: Caldana Camila , Scheible Wolf-Rüdiger , Mueller-Roeber Bernd , Ruzicic Slobodan
Published: June 2007

Background

Quantitative reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) has been demonstrated to be particularly suitable for the analysis of weakly expressed genes, such as those encoding transcription factors. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important crop and the most advanced model for monocotyledonous species; its nuclear genome has been sequenced and molecular tools are being developed for functional analyses. However, high-throughput methods for rice research are still limited and a large-scale qRT-PCR platform for gene expression analyses has not been reported.

Results

We established a qRT-PCR platform enabling the multi-parallel determination of the expression levels of more than 2500 rice transcription factor genes. Additionally, using different rice cultivars, tissues and physiological conditions, we evaluated the expression stability of seven reference genes. We demonstrate this resource allows specific and reliable detection of the expression of transcription factor genes in rice.

Conclusion

Multi-parallel qRT-PCR allows the versatile and sensitive transcriptome profiling of large numbers of rice transcription factor genes. The new platform complements existing microarray-based expression profiling techniques, by allowing the analysis of lowly expressed transcription factor genes to determine their involvement in developmental or physiological processes. We expect that this resource will be of broad utility to the scientific community in the further development of rice as an important model for plant science.
Exceptionally high incidence of symptomatic grade 2–5 radiation pneumonitis after stereotactic radiation therapy for lung tumors
Authors: Yamashita Hideomi , Nakagawa Keiichi , Nakamura Naoki , Koyanagi Hiroki , Tago Masao , Igaki Hiroshi , Shiraishi Kenshiro , Sasano Nakashi , Ohtomo Kuni
Published: June 2007

Background

To determine the usefulness of dose volume histogram (DVH) factors for predicting the occurrence of radiation pneumonitis (RP) after application of stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) for lung tumors, DVH factors were measured before irradiation.

Methods

From May 2004 to April 2006, 25 patients were treated with SRT at the University of Tokyo Hospital. Eighteen patients had primary lung cancer and seven had metastatic lung cancer. SRT was given in 6–7 fields with an isocenter dose of 48 Gy in four fractions over 5–8 days by linear accelerator.

Results

Seven of the 25 patients suffered from RP of symptomatic grade 2–5 according to the NCI-CTC version 3.0. The overall incidence rate of RP grade2 or more was 29% at 18 months after completing SRT and three patients died from RP. RP occurred at significantly increased frequencies in patients with higher conformity index (CI) (p = 0.0394). Mean lung dose (MLD) showed a significant correlation with V5–V20 (irradiated lung volume) (p < 0.001) but showed no correlation with CI. RP did not statistically correlate with MLD. MLD had the strongest correlation with V5.

Conclusion

Even in SRT, when large volumes of lung parenchyma are irradiated to such high doses as the minimum dose within planning target volume, the incidence of lung toxicity can become high.
Cystitis, urolithiasis and cystic calculi in ageing guineapigs
Authors: Peng X. , Griffith J. W. , Lang C. M.
Published: June 2007

Nineteen cases of cystitis were diagnosed at necropsy and/or by histology in a group of 170 (96 females, 74 males) guineapigs (11·2%). Seventeen of the 19 cases (89·4%) were females. The mean age of guineapigs with cystitis was 34·7 months, which was higher than the mean age of 24 months of the 170 members of the study group. In addition, 6 cases of urolithiasis and cystic calculi in 5 females and one male were also found in the 170 guineapigs (3·5%). The mean age of the 6 cases was 30 months, which was also higher than the mean age of the 170 animals. The study suggests that aged female guineapigs were much more predisposed to cystitis and urolithiasis or cystic calculi than male and young guineapigs. The cause may be related to infection with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus sp, cystic calculi, diabetes mellitus and female guinea pig urogenital anatomy and function.
Using 5′-PTMs to repair mutant β-globin transcripts
Authors: Kierlin-Duncan Monique N. , Sullenger Bruce A.
Published: June 2007

Trans-splicing has been used to repair mutant RNA transcripts via competition for the spliceosome using pre-trans-splicing molecules, or “PTMs.” Previous studies have demonstrated that functional PTMs can be designed for either 3′- or 5′-exon replacement, with a vast majority of the work to date focusing on repair of mutations within internal exons and via 3′-exon replacement. Here, we describe the first use oftrans-splicing to target the first exon and intron of a therapeutically relevant gene and repair the mutant RNA by 5′-exon replacement. Our results show that 5′-PTMs can be designed to repair mutations in the β-globin transcript involved in sickle cell anemia and β-thalassemia while providing insight into considerations for competition betweentrans- versuscis-splicing in mammalian cells. Target transcripts with impairedcis-splicing capabilities, like those produced in some forms of β-thalassemia, are more efficiently repaired viatrans-splicing than targets in whichcis-splicing is unaffected as with sickle β-globin. This study reveals desirable characteristics in substrate RNAs fortrans-splicing therapeutics as well as provides an opportunity for further exploration into general splicing mechanisms via 5′-PTMs.
Quantification of Hemoglobin A2 by Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Daniel Yvonne A , Turner Charles , Haynes Roberta M , Hunt Beverley J , Dalton R Neil
Published: June 2007

Background: Peptide-based analysis of whole blood using electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (MSMS) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode enables rapid detection and sequence confirmation of clinically significant hemoglobin (Hb) variants. We applied a similar, quantitative approach to the measurement of δ:β-globin peptide ratios as potential surrogate markers of HbA2, a biomarker used in population screening for β-thalassemia trait.

Methods: We studied 163 blood samples with normal HbA2 (%), 105 with increased HbA2, 43 with δ-chain variants, and 8 with Hb Lepore. All were tested by HPLC. The samples were also incubated with trypsin for 30 min at 37 °C for MSMS with flow injection analysis. MRMs for the δ- (T2, T3, and T14) and β- (T2, T3, and T13) globin tryptic peptides were acquired for 1 min, and δ:β peptide ratios were calculated. We used HPLC and MSMS to analyze 26 paired whole blood and dried blood spot samples after storage for 1, 8, and 29 days.

Results: Within- and between-assay imprecision values (CVs) were <6.1% and <8.4%, respectively, for the δ:β peptide ratios. Digests were stable at 10 °C for 6 days. Significant correlations (P <0.0001) between MSMS δ:β-globin peptide ratios and HPLC HbA2 allowed differentiation between increased HbA2 concentrations and concentrations within the reference interval and identification of Hb Lepore. This differentiation was repeatable by MSMS, but not by HPLC, after blood spot samples had been stored for 1 month.

Conclusion: This study validates the quantitative δ:β-globin peptide ratio as a surrogate marker of HbA2 and demonstrates the potential of rapid peptide-based MSMS for multiplexed, high-throughput protein biomarker characterization and quantification.
Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells in Serum-Free Medium Reveals Distinct Roles for Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Stem Cell Factor, and Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 in Hematopoiesis
Authors: Pick Marjorie , Azzola Lisa , Mossman Anna , Stanley Edouard G. , Elefanty Andrew G.
Published: June 2007

We have utilized a serum- and stromal cell-free “spin embryoid body (EB)” differentiation system to investigate the roles of four growth factors, bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stem cell factor (SCF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), singly and in combination, on the generation of hematopoietic cells from human embryonic stem cells (HESCs). Of the four factors, only BMP4 induced expression of genes that signaled the emergence of the primitive streak-like population required for the subsequent development of hematopoietic mesoderm. In addition, BMP4 initiated the expression of genes marking hematopoietic mesoderm and supported the generation of hematopoietic progenitor cells at a low frequency. However, the appearance of robust numbers of hematopoietic colony forming cells and their mature progeny required the inclusion of VEGF. Finally, the combination of BMP4, VEGF, SCF, and FGF2 further enhanced the total yield of hematopoietic cells. These data demonstrate the utility of the serum-free spin EB system in dissecting the roles of specific growth factors required for the directed differentiation of HESCs toward the hematopoietic lineage.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Functional Network Analysis of the Transcriptomes of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Amniotic Fluid, Amniotic Membrane, Cord Blood, and Bone Marrow
Authors: Tsai Ming-Song , Hwang Shiaw-Min , Chen Kuang-Den , Lee Yun-Shien , Hsu Li-Wen , Chang Yu-Jen , Wang Chao-Nin , Peng Hsiu-Huei , Chang Yao-Lung , Chao An-Shine , Chang Shuenn-Dyh , Lee Kuan-Der , Wang Tzu-Hao , Wang Hsin-Shih , Soong Yung-Kuei
Published: June 2007

Using high-density oligonucleotide microarrays and functional network analyses, we examined whether MSCs derived from four different origins exhibited unique gene expression profiles individually and then compared the gene expression profiles of all MSCs with those of fetal organs. Our results indicated that within each group of MSCs from the same origin, the variability of the gene expression levels was smaller than that between groups of different origins. Functional genomic studies revealed the specific roles of MSCs from different origins. Our results suggest that amniotic fluid MSCs may initiate interactions with the uterus by upregulating oxytocin and thrombin receptors. Amniotic membrane MSCs may play a role in maintaining homeostasis of fluid and electrolytes by regulating the networks of endothelin, neprilysin, bradykinin receptors, and atrial natriuretic peptide. Cord blood MSCs may be involved in innate immune systems as the neonatal defense system against the earliest encountered pathogens. Adult bone marrow MSCs may be an important source not only of all blood lineages but also of bone formation. However, in spite of the different gene expression profiles seen in MSCs derived from different origins, a set of core gene expression profiles was preserved in these four kinds of MSCs. The core signature transcriptomes of all MSCs, when contrasted against those of fetal organs, included genes involved in the regulation of extracellular matrix and adhesion, transforming growth factor-β receptor signaling, and the Wnt signaling pathways.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Impact of High‐Lignin Fermentation Byproduct on Soils with Contrasting Organic Carbon Content
Authors: Johnson Jane M.-F. , Sharratt Brenton S. , Reicosky Donald C. , Lindstrom Michael
Published: June 2007

Agricultural biomass is a potential renewable biofuel that may partially replace nonrenewable fossil fuels. Corn stover is rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, both of which can be converted to sugars and fermented to ethanol. This fermentation process results in a high‐lignin fermentation byproduct (HLFB) that could be converted to energy products or used as a soil amendment. We had two objectives: (i) to determine whether HLFB (0.1, 1.0, or 10 kg m−2) could improve soil properties in two soils with contrasting levels of soil organic carbon (SOC); and (ii) to assess the impact of HLFB on crop growth. These goals were addressed with separate experiments. In the soil experiment, two soils were amended with HLFB or ground corn (Zea mays L.) stover and then incubated in pots for 118 d. Flux of CO2 was monitored and soil properties were measured after incubation. In the plant experiment, corn and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] were grown in pots, without amendment or amended with 1.0 kg m−2 corn stover or 1.0 kg m−2 HLFB. The soil experiment indicated that the addition of 10 kg m−2 HLFB increased CO2 emission, humic acid concentration, and water‐stable aggregates, and decreased bulk density (Db). No adverse impacts on crop growth were measured when HLFB was applied at a rate of 1.0 kg m−2 Much of the HLFB may be used by the energy industry, but perhaps a percentage could be returned to the field to reduce the impact of corn stover removal on soil C.
Evaluation of Some Indices of Potentially Mineralizable Nitrogen in Soil
Authors: Sharifi M. , Zebarth B. J. , Burton D. L. , Grant C. A. , Cooper J. M.
Published: June 2007

A series of soil N mineralization indices were evaluated using 153 samples chosen from arable fields representing a wide range of soil types, management practices, and climatic zones. These indices were compared against potentially mineralizable N (N0) determined by aerobic incubation at 25°C for 24 wk. Three different pools of mineralizable N were recognized: Pool I, the mineralization flush on rewetting in the first 2 wk; Pool II, gross N mineralization in the next 22 wk; and Pool III, the potentially mineralizable N, predicted from the fitted curve, that did not mineralize during the incubation period. Pool I was highly correlated with CaCl2–N, KCl‐NH4, and KCl‐NO3, which extract soil mineral N. Pool III was significantly correlated with ultraviolet absorbance of NaHCO3extract at 205 and 260 nm (NaHCO3–205 and −260), Illinois soil N test, NaOH direct‐distillation N, and hot KCl‐NH4, which mostly extract hydrolyzable organic N. All indices except the mineral N based methods, phosphate‐borate buffer method, and microbial biomass C were significantly related to N0, which includes both Pools II and III. The NaHCO3–260, NaOH direct‐distillation N, and Illinois soil N test had the highest correlations with N0(r2= 0.74, 0.61, and 0. 51, respectively). Total organic C and N represent long‐term changes in N0and were almost as effective in predicting N0as the other indices (r2= 0.60 and 0.67, respectively); however, they would be expected to be less sensitive to short‐term changes in N0due to changes in soil management practices and history.
The development of a time trend analysis tool for GIS and its application in the assessment of Nash Bank, South Wales
Authors: Kemp Jonathan , Brampton Alan
Published: June 2007

Incorporating a temporal function (i.e. to analyse data over time) into the spatial environment of GIS has been developed and applied in the assessment of the evolution of Nash Bank, South Wales. A stringent programme of monitoring, including annual bathymetric surveys of the bank, is carried out as part of the requirements of aggregate dredging and provides suitable data to analyse changes in bank levels over time. Traditionally GIS has been used to assess the evolution of such coastal landforms by creating a digital terrain model (DTM) for each of the bathymetric datasets and then performing a simple calculation whereby one DTM is subtracted from an earlier one. However, a simple difference in levels between any two snapshots in time can be misleading when trying to evaluate long-term rates of change. The new GIS tool has been developed that calculates such rates (i.e. the time trend) by incorporating a linear regression formula. The results are then plotted out by the tool into GIS as a DTM, in which each individual data cell represents a rate of change (time trend) at that particular location, allowing a clear temporal analysis to be presented for the whole area.
Significance of the second dip in the ultra-high energy cosmic ray spectrum
Authors: Wibig Tadeusz
Published: June 2007

A new feature in the spectrum of ultra high energy cosmic rays (UHECR) has been announced in the paper by Berezinsky, Gazizov and Kachelrieβ. The ratio of the solution of the exact transport equation to its solution in the continuous energy loss limit shows intriguing features which, according to the Authors, are related to the very nature of the energy loss processes of UHECR: the very sharp second dip predicted at 6.3 × 1019 eV can be used as an energy calibration point and also as the UHECR mass indicator for big future cosmic ray experiments. In the present paper we would like to advocate that this statement is an overinterpretation. The second dip is a result of an inappropriate approximation used, and thus it cannot help to understand the nature of UHECR in any way.
Correction of Severe Recurrent Clubfoot Using a Simplified Setting of the Ilizarov Device
Authors: Ferreira Ricardo Cardenuto , Costa Marco Túlio , Frizzo Gastao Guilherme , Santin Roberto Attilio Lima
Published: June 2007

Background: Severe recurrent clubfoot deformities are challenging to treat. The Ilizarov method offers a safer alternative; however, the management of the device is complex. Methods: A simplified standard setting of the Ilizarov device was used to treat 29 patients (35 feet) with a mean age of 14 years with severely stiff recurrent clubfoot deformities and large scars caused by one or more previous surgeries. This simplification involved a correction in two stages: first a gradual correction of the equinus, varus, cavus, and adduction deformities and later an acute correction of the supination deformity. All feet underwent percutaneous Achilles tenotomy and plantar fasciotomy; 11 feet required an additional midfoot osteotomy. The final outcome was scored as good (complete correction and no pain); fair (partial correction with plantigrade foot and occasional pain); or poor (nonplantigrade foot and continuous pain during walking). Results: After a mean followup of 56 months, the results were good in 27 feet (77%), fair in five feet (14%), and poor in three feet (9%). Early complications were complete dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in two feet and partial dislocation of the distal tibial epiphysis in two feet. Late complications were recurrence of the deformity (11 feet), spontaneous ankylosis (16 feet), and symptomatic foot and ankle arthritis (7 feet). Arthrodesis was performed in 13 feet at an average of 21 months after the index surgery to treat symptomatic arthritis or correct disabling residual deformities. Conclusions: The Ilizarov device allowed correction of all the complex deformities of severe recurrent clubfoot with minimal operative intervention. Complications were numerous but manageable and for the most part did not compromise overall patient satisfaction in this very difficult to treat clinical condition.
The Compartments of the Foot: A 3-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study with Clinical Correlates for Needle Pressure Testing
Authors: Reach John S. , Amrami Kimberly K. , Felmlee Joel P. , Stanley David W. , Alcorn J. Michael , Turner Norman S.
Published: June 2007

Background: Reliable measurement of subfascial pressures represents an essential part of compartment syndrome management. To date, there is neither consensus on the number or location of foot compartments, nor a standardized protocol for needle placement. The purpose of this study was to devise a new system using 3-Tesla MRI that assesses the number and location of these compartments. Methods: To document the specific location of foot compartments, high resolution 3-Tesla MRI (General Electric, Milwaukee, WI) was coupled with a dedicated transmit-receive high signal-to-noise foot/ankle coil (IGC-Medical Advances, Milwaukee, WI). Individual compartments were highlighted and mapped to T1-weighted MRI. Three-dimensional image analysis allowed standardized needle placement recommendations. Results: Six feet from healthy volunteers were imaged. From these, ten compartments were described: (1) medial, (2) central superficial, (3) central deep (adductor), (4) lateral, (5–8) interossei, (9) calcaneal, and (10) skin. Optimal needle placement and depth were identified. Conclusions: The proposed system allowed us to assess the number and location of foot compartments. Computer image analysis enabled us to define exact points for needle insertion and depth of penetration for accurate pressure monitoring.
Derivation of hESC from Intact Blastocysts
Authors: Ilic Dusko , Genbacev Olga , Krtolica Ana
Published: June 2007

This unit describes protocols for culturing human embryos and deriving human embryonic stem cells from the intact blastocyst. Description of the culturing begins with methods for obtaining human blastocysts using pronuclear or cleavage stage embryos left over after in vitro fertilization. Then there is a description of methods that can be used to derive human embryonic stem cell lines from the blastocyst without trophectoderm removal. Also included is a discussion of the critical steps and parameters such as zona pellucida removal, embryo quality assessment, feeder selection, when and how to transfer early embryonic outgrowths. In addition, there are protocols for embryo thawing, seeding of feeder cells, gelatin coating of plates, cleavage and blastocyst stage embryo grading, preparation and storage of reagents and solutions. Finally, there is a discussion of alternative derivation approaches as well as the timeline for the procedures. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 1:1A.2.1‐1A.2.18. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Isolation of Human Placenta‐Derived Multipotent Cells and In Vitro Differentiation into Hepatocyte‐Like Cells
Authors: Huang Hsing‐I
Published: June 2007

Several types of progenitor cells can be isolated from various human adult tissues such as bone marrow, adipose tissues, and umbilical cord. Placental tissue collected after labor and delivery can provide a valuable source for adult stem cells. These progenitor cells, termed placenta‐derived multipotent cells (PDMCs), are fibroblast‐like cells which can attach on the bottom of culture vessels. PDMCs are capable of differentiating into various cells such as adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and neurons. Recently, we showed that PDMCs also possess the ability to differentiate into hepatocyte‐like cells. This unit describes the protocols for isolation of PDMCs from human term placental tissue and for setting up in vitro differentiation of PDMCs toward hepatocyte‐like cells. These cells not only express the characteristics of human liver cells, but also demonstrate several functions of typical hepatocytes. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 1:1E.1.1‐1E.1.9. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Cord Blood
Authors: Laitinen Anita , Laine Jarmo
Published: June 2007

Cord blood is a rich source of stem cells especially for hematopoietic stem cells. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have also been shown to exist in cord blood. However, these fibroblast‐like multipotent progenitor cells are rather rare in cord blood. Many different methods have been used for their culture. This unit describes one method to obtain MSCs from cord blood and another method to differentiate these cells into osteoblasts, which is one of the lineages that mesenchymal stem cells are capable of differentiating into. The starting material for the protocol is cord blood–derived mononuclear cells. As cord blood contains a great number of erythroid precursors, the glycophorin A–positive cells are depleted using magnetic cell separation to reduce their presence in MSC culture. Osteoblast differentiation and a method to demonstrate the result of the differentiation are also described in this unit. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 1:2A.3.1‐2A.3.7. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Occupational injury among cooks and food service workers in the healthcare sector
Authors: Alamgir Hasanat , Swinkels Helena , Yu Shicheng , Yassi Annalee
Published: June 2007

Background

Incidence of occupational injury is anticipated to be high among cooks and food service workers (CFSWs) because of the nature of their work and the types of raw and finished materials that they handle.

Method

Incidents of occupational injury, resulting in lost time or medical care over a period of 1 year in two health regions were extracted from a standardized operational database and with person years obtained from payroll data, detailed analysis was conducted using Poisson regression modeling.

Results

Among the CFSWs the annual injury rate was 38.1 per 100 person years. The risk of contusions [RR, 95% CI 9.66 (1.04, 89.72)], burns [1.79 (1.39, 2.31)], and irritations or allergies [3.84 (2.05, 7.18)] was found to be significantly higher in acute care facilities compared to long‐term care facilities. Lower risk was found among older workers for irritations or allergies. Female CFSWs, compared to their male counterparts, were respectively 8 and 20 times more likely to report irritations or allergies and contusions. In respect to outcome, almost all irritations or allergies required medical visits. For MSI incidents, about 67.4% resulted in time‐loss from work.

Conclusions

Prevention policies should be developed to reduce the hazards present in the workplace to promote safer work practices for cooks and food service workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:528–535, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dicoumarol complexes of Cu(II), Fe(II) and Fe(III): preparation, characterization, in‐vitro antibacterial and DNA binding activity
Authors: Pansuriya Pramod B. , Patel Mohan N.
Published: June 2007

3‐3′‐Benzylidenebis[4‐hydroxycoumarin] or 4‐nitro,3‐3′‐benzylidenebis[4‐hydroxycoumarin] or 4‐methoxy,3‐3′‐benzylidenebis[4‐hydroxycoumarin] and their complexes with Cu(II), Fe(II) and Fe(III) were synthesized and characterized using 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, IR spectra, electronic spectra, magnetic measurements and elemental analyses. The ligands, metal salts, complexes, control and standard drug were tested for their in‐vitro antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi, and Serratia marcescens. The metal complexes exhibit good activity against bacterial strains compared with parental compounds and moderate compared with the standard drug (ciprofloxacin). In‐vitro DNA‐binding activity was carried out using agarose gel electrophoresis. The synthesized compounds show effective DNA‐binding activity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of N,N‐bis(diphenylphosphino)aniline palladium(II) complexes as pre‐catalysts in Heck coupling reactions
Authors: Gümgüm Bahattin , Biricik Nermin , Durap Feyyaz , Özdemir Ismail , Gürbüz Nevin , Ang Wee Han , Dyson Paul J.
Published: June 2007

Palladium(II) complexes with N,N‐bis(diphenylphosphino)aniline ligands catalyse the Heck reaction between styrene and aryl bromides, affording stilbenes in good yield. The structures of two of the complexes used as pre‐catalysts have been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiovascular alterations in Macaca monkeys exposed to stationary magnetic fields: Experimental observations and theoretical analysis
Authors: Tenforde T. S. , Gaffey C. T. , Moyer B. R. , Budlnger T. F.
Published: June 2007

Simultaneous measurements were made of the electrocardiogram (ECG) and the intraarterial blood pressure of adult male Macaca monkeys during acute exposures to homogeneous stationary magnetic fields ranging in strength up to 1.5 tesla. An instantaneous, field strength‐dependent increase in the ECG signal amplitude at the locus of the T wave was observed in fields greater than 0.1 tesla. The temporal sequence of this signal in the ECG record and its reversibility following termination of the magnetic field exposure are consistent with an earlier suggestion that it arises from a magnetically induced aortic blood flow potential superimposed on the native T‐wave signal. No measurable alterations in blood pressure resulted from exposure to fields up to 1.5 tesla. This experimental finding is in agreement with theoretical calculations of the magnetohydrodynamic effect on blood flow in the major arteries of the cardiovascular system.
An optical method for investigating the microwave absorption characteristics of DNA and other biomolecules in solution
Authors: Swicord Mays L. , Davis Christopher C.
Published: June 2007

Direct determination of the microwave absorption characteristics of biological molecules in solution by an optical heterodyne technique is described. A visibly transparent sample is irradiated in a spatially nonuniform manner with pulsed microwaves, and the spatial variation in temperature increase measured by detecting the phase chirp impressed on a single‐frequency HeNe laser beam passing through the heated region. Results for several liquids and solutions such as water, methanol, various saline solutions, and solutions of DNA and DNA sodium salt in water are described. Where direct comparison is possible the results agree very well with published values. A significant increase in the absorption of DNA solutions compared with pure water has been observed that is consistent with microwave absorption by the longitudinal mode of the double helix.
Influence of in vitro microwave radiation on the fertilizing capacity of turkey sperm
Authors: Hall C. A. , McRee D. I. , Galvin M. J. , White N. B. , Thaxton J. P. , Christensen V. L.
Published: June 2007

Turkey sperm were exposed to 2.45‐GHz microwave radiation in a temperature‐controlled waveguide apparatus. Temperature was maintained at either 25 or 40.5 °C. The sperm were exposed for 30 min at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 10 or 50 mW/g. Following irradiation, the sperm were used to inseminate virgin turkey hens artificially. During the 9 weeks following the single insemination, the following were assessed: mean number of eggs, percentage of fertile eggs, rate of decrease in egg fertility, percentage of hatched eggs, and percentage of early and late deaths. These data demonstrate that, for the conditions used in these experiments, microwave radiation has no effect on the fertilizing capacity of turkey sperm.
Quantitative changes in potassium, sodium, and calcium in the submaxillary salivary gland and blood serum of rats exposed to 2880‐MHz microwave radiation
Authors: Furmaniak Anna
Published: June 2007

Na+, K+, and Ca2+ concentrations in the blood serum and submaxillary salivary gland (SSG) were investigated in adult, male rats exposed to 2880‐MHz microwaves modulated with 1.5‐μs pulses at a pulse repetition rate of 1000 Hz or in a hyperthermal environment. Rats were exposed, one at a time, for 30 min to microwaves producing a specific absorption rate (SAR) of: 4.2, 6.3,6.8,8.4, 10.8, or 12.6 W/kg, or were sham exposed under similar environmental conditions. In a second series, one group of rats was exposed singly for 15, 30, or 60 min to microwaves producing an SAR of 9.5 W/kg and other rats were exposed for similar periods at 40 °C; and 10 rats were sham exposed. Flame photometric analysis indicated that the thresholds of microwave radiation required to induce a change in Na+, K+, and Ca2+ concentrations in the salivary glands are 6.8, 6.8, and 6.3 W/kg, respectively. The directions of Na+, K+, and Ca2+ ion shifts in exposed rats' salivary glands are similar, whether affected by microwaves or hyperthermia. Greater changes in Na+ and K+ concentrations in SSG of rats exposed to microwaves for 15 and 30 min were found than in those exposed at 40 °C. On the other hand, exposure to hyperthermia at 40 °C or to microwaves for 1 h caused Na+ concentration to be increased by 68.7 and 59.5% and K+ concentration to be decreased by 29.6 and 21.7%, respectively.
Chronic exposure of rabbits to 0.5 and 5 mW/cm2 2450‐MHz CW Microwave Radiation
Authors: Chou Chung‐Kwang , Guy Arthur W. , Borneman Lucinda E. , Kunz Lawrence L. , Kramar Piro
Published: June 2007

Two groups of 16 male New Zealand rabbits were exposed to 2450‐MHz continuous wave microwave fields in two experiments of 90 days each. The incident power densities of the first and second experiment were 0.5 and 5 mW/cm2, respectively. During each study, 16 animals were adapted to a miniature anechoic chamber exposure system for at least 2 weeks, then 8 of them were exposed for 7 h daily, 5 days a week for 13 weeks, and the other 8 animals were sham exposed. The rabbits were placed in acrylic cages, and each was exposed from the top in an individual miniature anechoic chamber. Thermography showed a maximum specific absorption rate of 5.5 W/kg in the head and 7 W/kg in the back at 5‐mW/cm2 incident power density. After each 7‐h exposure session, the animals were returned to their home cages. Food consumption in the exposure chamber and body mass were measured daily. Blood samples were taken before exposure and monthly thereafter for hematological, morphological, chemical, protein electrophoresis, and lymphocyte blast transformation studies. Eyes were examined for cataract formation. Finally, pathological examinations of 28 specimens of organs and tissues of each rabbit were performed. Statistically, there was a significant (P < .01) decrease only of food consumption during the 5‐mW/cm2 exposure; other variables were not significantly different between exposed and control groups.
Hematologic and serum chemistry studies in rats exposed to 60‐Hz electric fields
Authors: Ragan H. A. , Buschbom R. L. , Pipes M. J. , Phillips R. D. , Kaune W. T.
Published: June 2007

Numerous hematologic and serum chemistry variables were examined in rats exposed to unperturbed 60‐Hz electric fields at 100 kV/m for 15, 30, 60, or 120 days. Each study was replicated once. Rigorous statistical evaluations of these data did not detect any consistent effect of the electric field for exposures of up to 120 days. It was, however, not unusual in any individual study to detect certain variables that were significantly different between the exposed and shamexposed animals. This emphasizes the need for replicate designs and appropriate statistical analyses when investigating chemical or physical insults that may have minimal influence on biologic function.
Reproductive hazards among workers at high voltage substations
Authors: Nordström S. , Birke E. , Gustavsson L.
Published: June 2007

A retrospective study on reproductive hazards was performed among 542 employees at Swedish power plants. Questionnaires were answered by 89% of the employees. Data on pregnancies were checked by studying hospital case records. There was a statistically significant, decreased frequency of „normal”︁ pregnancy outcome, almost exclusively due to an increased frequency of congenital malformations, when the father was a high‐voltage switchyard worker. The differences in pregnancy outcome could not be explained by any of the confounding factors analyzed. The total number of children with malformations (26) and the total number of pregnancies in this study, however, were very small.
Effects of microwave exposure on the hamster immune system. II. Peritoneal macrophage function
Authors: Rao G. Rama , Cain Charles A. , Lockwood J. , Tompkins W. A. F.
Published: June 2007

Acute exposure of hamsters to microwave energy (2.45 GHz; 25 mW/cm2 for 60 min) resulted in activation of peritoneal macrophages that were significantly more viricidal to vaccinia virus as compared to sham‐exposed or normal (minimum‐handling) controls. Macrophages from microwave‐exposed hamsters became activated as early as 6 h after exposure and remained activated for up to 12 days. The activation of macrophages by microwave exposure paralleled the macrophage activation after vaccinia virus immunization. Activated macrophages from vacciniaimmunized hamsters did not differ in their viricidal activity when the hamsters were microwave or sham‐exposed. Exposure for 60 min at 15 mW/cm2 did not activate the macrophages while 40 mW/cm2 exposure was harmful to some hamsters. Average maximum core temperatures in the exposed (25 mW/cm2) and sham groups were 40.5 °C (±0.35 SD) and 38.4 °C (±0.5 SD), respectively. In vitro heating of macrophages to 40.5 °C was not as effective as in vivo microwave exposure in activating macrophages to the viricidal state. Macrophages from normal, shamexposed, and microwave‐exposed hamsters were not morphologically different, and they all phagocytosed India ink particles. Moreover, immune macrophage cytotoxicity for virus‐infected or noninfected target cells was not suppressed in the microwave‐irradiated group (25 mW/cm2, 1 h) as compared to sham‐exposed controls, indicating that peritoneal macrophages were not functionally suppressed or injured by microwave hyperthermia.
Immunological effects of amplitude‐modulated radio frequency radiation: B lymphocyte capping
Authors: Sultan Michel F. , Cain Charles A. , Tompkins Wayne A. F.
Published: June 2007

B lymphocytes collected from normal ICR Swiss mouse spleens were exposed in vitro in a Crawford cell to 147‐MHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation, amplitude modulated by a 9‐, 16‐, or 60‐Hz sine wave. The power densities ranged between 0.11 and 48 mW/cm2. The irradiated samples and the controls were maintained at 37 °C or 42 °C, with temperature variations less than 0.1 °C. Immediately after a 30‐minute exposure, the distribution of antigen‐antibody (AgAb) complexes on the cell surface was evaluated at 37 °C by immunofluorescence. Under normal conditions (37 °C, no RF), AgAb complexes are regrouped into a polar cap by an energy‐dependent process. Our results demonstrate that the irradiated cells and the nonirradiated controls capped AgAb complexes equally well after exposure at 37 °C. Capping was equally inhibited at 42 °C in both the controls and irradiated cells. No statistically significant differences in capping were observed between the RF‐exposed and control samples at any of the modulation frequencies and power densities employed as long as both preparations were maintained at the same temperature.
Inhalation chambers for air ion research
Authors: Charry Jonathan M. , Cerniglia Paul A. , Weiss Jay M. , Finger Richard F. , Michel Thomas J.
Published: June 2007

Many previous problems in establishing the nature of biological and behavioral effects of small air ions have been due to poor control over the ion‐inhalation microclimate, resulting in nonuniform electrical fields and highly uneven concentrations of small air ions. We have developed a corona discharge air ion‐inhalation system for use with animals that incorporates rigorous control over the microclimate and produces highly uniform concentrations of small air ions throughout the exposure area.
Microwave effects on immobilized peroxidase chemiluminescence
Authors: Kiel Johnathan L.
Published: June 2007

Protein gels formed by crosslinking bovine serum albumin and horseradish peroxidase with glutaraldehyde were used to measure effects on peroxidase activity of 400‐MHz (CW) radiofrequency radiation (RFR) at an average specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1.45 W/ kg. The enzyme activity was measured by luminol chemiluminescence recorded on photographic film after hydrogen peroxide activation. Activity was measured during RFR exposure of gels or after exposure of gels polymerized in the RFR field. During exposure, a significant (P < .05) reversible increase occurred in overall mean peroxidase activity of gels activated with 0.88 M H2O2 but not in those activated with 8.8 M H2O2. Gels containing solubilized luminol and formed in the field showed no overall mean increase in peroxidase activity, but did display a highly significant (P < .001) alteration in the distribution of local activities when compared to unexposed gels. These results are apparently due to changes in the rate of diffusion (concentration equilibration) of hydrogen peroxide in the gel.
Psychoactive‐drug response is affected by acute low‐level microwave irradiation
Authors: Lai Hone Y. , Horita A. , Chou C. K. , Guy A. W.
Published: June 2007

The effects of various psychoactive drugs were studied in rats exposed for 45 min in a circularly polarized, pulsed microwave field (2450 MHz; SAR 0.6 W/kg; 2‐μs pulses, 500 pps). Apomorphine‐induced hypothermia and stereotypy were enhanced by irradiation. Amphetamine‐induced hyperthermia was attenuated while stereotypy was unaffected. Morphine‐induced catalepsy and lethality were enhanced by irradiation at certain dosages of the drug. Since these drugs have different modes of action on central neural mechanisms and the effects of microwaves depend on the particular drug studied, these results show the complex nature of the effect of microwave irradiation on brain functions.
Oviposition and development of Drosophila modified by magnetic fields
Authors: Ramirez Eduardo , Monteagudo José L. , Garcia‐Gracia Manuel , Delgado José M. R.
Published: June 2007

Drosophila flies placed in a habitat with two lateral boxes demonstrated sensitivity to magnetic fields: Oviposition decreased by exposure to pulsated extremely low frequency (ELF) (100)Hz, 1.76 miliTesla (mT) and sinusosidal fields (50 Hz, 1 mT), while there was no initial effect of exposure to a static magnetic field (4.5 mT). Drosophila eggs treated for 48 h with the above described fields showed that (1) mortality of eggs was lower in controls than in eggs exposed to all tested magnetic fields; (2) mortality of larvae increased when a permanent magnet was used; (3) mortality of pupae was highest when a permanent magnet was used; and (4) general adult viability was highest in controls (67%) and diminished progressively when eggs were exposed to pulsated (55%), sinusoidal (45%), and static (35%) magnetic fields.
Perinatal exposure to 60‐Hz electric fields: Effects on the development of the visual‐evoked response in rats
Authors: Jaffe R. A. , Lopresti C. A. , Carr D. B. , Phillips R. D.
Published: June 2007

Two independent series of experiments were performed on 114 male Sprague‐Dawley derived, albino rat pups, which represented 61 litters in experimental series I and 53 litters in experimental series II. Animals were exposed for 20 h/day from conception to testing (postnatal days 11–20) to a vertical, 65‐kV/m, 60‐Hz electric field or sham‐exposed. Recordings of the visual‐evoked response (VER) were obtained using a small silver ball electrode placed epidurally over the visual cortex. Visual stimuli consisted of 10‐μS light flashes delivered at 0.2 Hz. Computer‐averaged VERs were obtained and power spectral analyses (fast Fourier transform) were performed on the tapered (split cosine‐bell window), averaged VERs. The expected age‐related changes were clearly evident; however, a detailed analysis of VER component latencies, peak‐to‐peak amplitude, and power spectra failed to reveal any consistent, statistically significant effect of exposure to 60‐Hz electric fields.
Microwaves (2,450 MHz) suppress murine natural killer cell activity
Authors: Smialowicz R. J. , Rogers R. R. , Garner R. J. , Riddle M. M. , Luebke R. W. , Rowe D. G.
Published: June 2007

The effect of 2,450‐MHz CW microwaves on natural killer (NK) cell activity and lymphocyte responsiveness to mitogen stimulation was studied in mice. Groups of mice were irradiated at power densities of 5, 15, or 30 mW/cm2 (SAR = 3.5, 10.5, and 21 W/kg respectively) for 1.5 h on 2 or 9 consecutive days. NK cell activity was determined using an in vitro 51Cr release cytotoxicity assay and an in vivo tumor‐cell clearance assay. No consistent change was observed in the mitogen response of spleen cells from sham compared with irradiated mice. A significant suppression of NK cell activity measured in vitro was observed for mice irradiated at 30 mW/cm2, but not at 15 or 5 mW/cm2. A significant suppression of NK cell activity, as determined using the in vivo tumor clearance assay, was also observed at 30 mW/cm2. NK cell activity, as determined using the in vitro assay, returned to normal within 24 h following the last irradiation. Treatment of mice with hydrocortisone caused suppression of NK cell activity measured in vitro and in vivo. Paradoxically, peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis was enhanced following irradiation at 30 mW/cm2, the power density at which NK activity was suppressed. The possible role that microwave heating plays in producing these effects is discussed.
Acoustical imaging of a model of a human hand using pulsed microwave irradiation
Authors: Olsen Richard G. , Lin James C.
Published: June 2007

Pulsed 5.66‐GHz microwave energy irradiated a model of a human hand that was positioned above a submerged planar array of 400 hydrophones. Hydrophone response data were analyzed by a computer that graphically reproduced the image.
Teaching dancercise to persons who are mentally handicapped: Programming transfer of stimulus control to a community setting
Authors: O'Conner Yvonne M. , Cuvo Anthony J.
Published: June 2007

This study demonstrated procedures to promote the acquisition and transfer of stimulus control of an age‐appropriate exercise skill. Three young adults diagnosed as mentally handicapped in a residential setting were taught a commercial dancercise routine during individual training sessions using a package of instructional procedures. A combination of a multiple baseline across subjects and a multiple baseline across response groups design showed that skill acquisition occurred only after each subject received training, and that performance did not generalize across exercise response groups. Training progressively incorporated more participants, new teachers, and new settings. Ultimately, subjects performed in a community dancercise class attended by 100 nonhandicapped persons.