bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cancer Rehabilitation Journey: Barriers to and Facilitators of Exercise Among Patients With Cancer-Related Fatigue
Authors: Blaney Janine , Lowe-Strong Andrea , Rankin Jane , Campbell Anna , Allen James , Gracey Jackie
Published: June 2010

Background

Despite the evidence to support exercise as an effective management strategy for patients with cancer-related fatigue (CRF), many of the general cancer population are sedentary.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the barriers to and facilitators of exercise among a mixed sample of patients with CRF.

Design

An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative design was used.

Methods

Purposive sampling methods were used to recruit patients with CRF who were representative of the cancer trajectory, that is, survivors of cancer and patients in palliative care who were recently diagnosed and undergoing treatment. Focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Lower-level concepts were identified and ordered into subcategories. Related subcategories then were grouped to form the main categories, which were linked to the core category.

Results

Five focus groups were conducted with 26 participants. Within the core category of the cancer rehabilitation journey were 3 main categories: (1) exercise barriers, (2) exercise facilitators, and (3) motivators of exercise. Exercise barriers were mainly related to treatment side effects, particularly fatigue. Fatigue was associated with additional barriers such as physical deconditioning, social isolation, and the difficulty of making exercise a routine. Environmental factors and the timing of exercise initiation also were barriers. Exercise facilitators included an exercise program being group-based, supervised, individually tailored, and gradually progressed. Exercise motivators were related to perceived exercise benefits.

Conclusions

Individuals with CRF have numerous barriers to exercise, both during and following treatment. The exercise facilitators identified in this study provide solutions to these barriers and may assist with the uptake and maintenance of exercise programs. These findings will aid physical therapists in designing appropriate exercise programs for patients with CRF.
Prospective Clinical Pilot Trial in a Single Cohort Group of rhPDGF in Foot Arthrodeses
Authors: Daniels Timothy , DiGiovanni Christopher , Lau Johnny T. C. , Wing Kevin , Younger Alastair
Published: June 2010

Background: Augment™ Bone Graft, a fully synthetic bone graft material composed of recombinant human PDGF and a calcium phosphate matrix (rhPDGF/TCP), has been considered as a possible alternative to autogenous bone graft. Before proceeding with randomized control studies comparing rhPDGF/TCP to autograft bone, a human trial to assess efficacy and safety was required. Materials and Methods: The current study was a prospective, open-label, multi-center trial designed to evaluate rhPDGF in a calcium phosphate matrix (Augment™ Bone Graft). Sixty patients requiring hindfoot or midfoot fusion were prospectively followed for 36 weeks. All patients received 0.9 to 2.7 mg of rhPDGF at the fusion sites and returned for clinical and radiographic review at Day 7 to 14 and Weeks 6, 9, 12, 16, 24, and 36. Computerized tomography (CT) scans of the fusion site were obtained at the 6- and 12-week postoperative appointment, with an additional CT scan at 16 weeks if required. Results: No patients suffered a serious adverse event caused by rhPDGF. CT scan evaluation at 12- to 16-week time periods revealed moderate or complete osseous bridging of 75% (44/59) at 36 weeks. Conclusion: These results indicate that rhPDGF is a safe product and provides clinical/radiographic outcomes that justify the pursuit of randomized controlled studies comparing rhPDGF/TCP to autograft.

Level of Evidence: IV, Case Series
Ankle Arthrodesis Using Anatomically Contoured Anterior Plate
Authors: Guo Changan , Yan Zuoqin , Barfield William R. , Hartsock Langdon A.
Published: June 2010

Background: More than 40 fusion techniques for the ankle joint have been reported. The purpose of this retrospective study was to review our preliminary clinical and radiographic results using an anatomically contoured anterior plate for ankle arthrodesis. Materials and Methods: Ten ankle arthrodeses with an anatomically contoured anterior plate performed by a single surgeon were reviewed with an average of 14 months followup. One underwent revision surgery due to screw loosening by reapplying the same plate. Plain radiographs were taken to help determine the stability of fixation and time of fusion. The AOFAS clinical rating system was applied to evaluate patients preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: Nine of ten patients achieved solid fusion radiographically and clinically at an average of 15 (range, 12 to 22) weeks. Bony healing was achieved after an additional 12 weeks for the patient who underwent revision fusion. There were no postoperative wound problems or infections. All patients reported an improvement in their pain level following successful fusion. Conclusion: The application of an anatomically contoured plate provides many advantages, including less soft tissue disruption by using a single anterior incision, ease of deformity correction, early rehabilitation, and high rate of union.

Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Plyometric Training Versus Resistive Exercises After Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain
Authors: Ismail Manal M. , Ibrahim Mohamed M. , Youssef Enas F. , Shorbagy Khaled M. El
Published: June 2010

Background: Plyometric training is a widely used method to improve performance in healthy athletes. It is highly recommended in the late stage of rehabilitation of many lower limb injuries. However, its effects on muscle strength and function in management of lateral ankle sprain have not been reported. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to determine the effects of plyometric training versus resistive exercises on muscle strength and function following acute lateral ankle sprain. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two athletes (aged from 20 to 35 years) of both sexes with grade I or II unilateral inversion ankle sprain participated in the study (at least 3 weeks after acute injury). They were randomly assigned to two groups. The first group received plyometric training, whereas the second one received resistive training for 6 weeks. Isokinetic peak torque/body weight for invertors and evertors at 30 degrees/s and 120 degrees/s and functional tests were assessed before and after training. Results: Both plyometric and resistive training improve isokinetic evertor and invertor peak torques and functional performance of athletes p < 0.05. There were no significant differences between groups concerning peak torque/body weight for invertors and evertors at both speeds measured p > 0.05. The functional test measures of the plyometric group were significantly higher than that of resistive group. Conclusion: Plyometrics were more effective than resistive exercises in improving functional performance of athletes after lateral ankle sprain.

Level of Evidence: I, Prospective Randomized Study
Ankle Stability in Simulated Lateral Ankle Ligament Injuries
Authors: Fujii Tadashi , Kitaoka Harold B. , Watanabe Kota , Luo Zong-Ping , An Kai-Nan
Published: June 2010

Background: We performed a laboratory-based study of the ankle-hindfoot complex in normal cadaveric ankles with simulated lateral ankle ligament injuries, utilizing an ankle stability testing device. The ankle stability testing device distinguished between intact, injury to anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and combined injury to ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL). Materials and Methods: Ankles were tested in an ankle stability testing device, with a specified inversion torque applied through the range of sagittal plane motion, then internal rotation torque applied through the entire range of sagittal plane motion. Three-dimensional motion of the calcaneus and talus in relation to the tibia were determined with a magnetic tracking system. The specimens were tested in the intact condition, then after sectioning the ATFL, then the CFL. Results: Upon sectioning the ATFL, there was a significant increase in the internal rotation motion at the tibiotalar joint. Subsequent sectioning of the CFL did not significantly increase ankle-hindfoot internal rotation, but it did significantly increase the motion in inversion testing. This increase occurred primarily at the tibiotalar level. Conclusion: The isolated ATFL injury was clearly distinguished from the intact condition by increased talar-tibial internal rotation, but not inversion. The more severe combined ATFL/CFL injury was distinguished from the ATFL injury condition with inversion torque. Clinical Relevance: Inversion torque may disclose combined ATFL/CFL injury, and internal rotation torque may be the key to distinguish isolated ATFL and combined ATFL/CFL injuries.
Study of the Inhibitive Action of Bakery Waste for Corrosion of Mild Steel in Acid Medium
Authors: Rajalakshmi R. , Subhashini S. , Leelavathi S. , Geethanjali R.
Published: June 2010

Bakery waste-egg shell extract was tested for its inhibitory effect towards mild steel in0.5 M H2SO4 solution. The corrosion behavior of the egg shell extract on mild steel (MS)was investigated using weight loss experiments, polarization and impedance measurements.It was found that the egg shell extract has good inhibitive action, showing 97.8% efficiency.Inhibition efficiency increased with increasing concentrations of the egg shell extract.Temperature studies were conducted to evaluate the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters.The corrosion inhibition takes place via monolayer type of adsorption on MS surface.Experimental results are fitted into various adsorption isotherms. Tafel polarization studiesrevealed the mixed mode of inhibition of the egg shell extract. Electrochemical impedanceresults also confirmed the inhibitive nature of the egg shell extract. The results obtainedshowed that the extract of the egg shell could serve as an effective, zero cost,environmentally friendly inhibitor for the corrosion of mild steel in sulphuric acid medium.Keywords: Egg shell, corrosion, inhibition, mild steel, H2SO4 solutionDOI:  10.3126/jncs.v25i0.3282Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Volume 25, 2010 pp 29-36
Low Temperature Soft Chemical Synthesis of Bright Blue CoAl2O4 Spinel Particles
Authors: Stella K. Christine , Nesara A. Samson
Published: June 2010

Present work reports the preparation of bright blue CoAl2O4 spinel particles by lowtemperature soft chemical route using urea or glycine as fuel in this paper. Thecharacterization of the resulting powder was done using x-ray diffraction (XRD), particlesize analysis and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques. Pure CoAl2O4 spinelparticles were prepared at relatively low temperature using this soft chemistry route at avery short duration (< 10 minutes) which is also very simple than other techniques such assolid state reaction, ceramic methods and so on. From the particle size analysis, it wasfound that the spinel particles with low diameter (below 35 μm) were formed. The SEMphotographs showed the formation of fluffy morphology with porous structure.Keywords: Cobalt aluminate spinel, low temperature soft chemistry route, XRD, SEM.DOI:  10.3126/jncs.v25i0.3302Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Volume 25, 2010 pp 62-69
Dry Media Synthesis of Novel Pyrrolo-pyrimidines
Authors: Mishra A. D.
Published: June 2010

A series of new 2-thioxo-3,7-disubstituted-5,6-diphenylpyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(1H)-ones have been synthesized by the condensation of 2-amino3-ethylcarboxylate-4,5-diphenylpyrroles with mono-substituted arylthioureas in dry media under microwave irradiations.All the synthesized compounds were screened for their antifungal and antibacterialactivities and found to possess mild to moderate antimicrobial activities.Keywords: Thioureas, Pyrrolo-pyrimidines, Microwave irradiation, Antimicrobial activities.DOI:  10.3126/jncs.v25i0.3306Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Volume 25, 2010 pp 83-88
Tracking Facila Expressions by using Stereoscopy Video and Back Propagation Neural Network
Authors: Romero-Herrera R , Gallagos-Funes FJ , Juarez-Gracia AG , López-Bonilla J
Published: June 2010

In this paper we propose a method to tracking facial expressions. A system with two cameras is used tocapture stereoscopic video sequences. The frames are acquired and analyzed by matching twostereoscopic frames through a correlation method that performs image processing to obtain a resultingframe, and then it is processed to recognize a human face by using the Viola and Jones (VJ) method. Theface is located via the Nitzberg operator and it provides the feature points of the eyes, eyebrows, noseand mouth, which are introduced into a Backpropagation neural network that is capable of learning andclassifying different types of facial expressions that make a person, feel such as: surprised, scared,unhappy, sad, mad and happy. Finally, the result of this process is recognition of facial expressions.Keywords: Facial expression; Backpropagation neural networks; VJ method; Nitzberg algorithm.DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v6i1.3303Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.6(1) 2010, pp11-24
Formulation and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Herbal Ointment
Authors: Chhetri Himal Paudel , Yogol Nisha Shrestha , Sherchan Jyoti , KC Anupa , Mansoor S , Thapa Panna
Published: June 2010

Most of the antibiotics were originally derived from micro-organisms while thechemotherapeutic agents are from plants. Herbal medicine refers to the use of anyplant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Alongwith other dosage forms, herbal drugs are also formulated in the form of ointment. Anointment is a viscous semisolid preparation used topically on a variety of bodysurfaces. The objective of the study was to formulate and evaluate the antimicrobialherbal ointment from the local medicinal plants. The ethanolic extracts of the selectedplants were taken in different ratio randomly and the antimicrobial tests of thecombinations were carried out. The most effective combination was then determinedby comparing the results of the zone of inhibition given by the 10 different extractratios on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species. Then theminimum inhibitory concentration of the effective combination was found out. Theointment base was prepared and formulation of ointment was done by incorporatingthe active ingredients in most effective ratio in the base by trituration. After thecompletion of the formulation, quality of the ointment was assessed in terms ofirritancy, spreadability, diffusion and stability.Key words: Herbal ointment; minimum inhibitory concentration; irritancy;spreadability; diffusion; stabilityDOI: 10.3126/kuset.v6i1.3317 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.6(1) 2010, pp102-107
Effect of cold nerve allograft preservation on antigen presentation and rejection
Authors: Ray Wilson Z. , Kale Santosh S. , Kasukurthi Rahul , Papp Esther M. , Johnson Philip J. , Santosa Katherine B. , Yan Ying , Hunter Daniel A. , Mackinnon Susan E. , Tung Thomas H.
Published: June 2010

Object

Nerve allotransplantation provides a temporary scaffold for host nerve regeneration and allows for the reconstruction of significant segmental nerve injuries. The need for systemic immunosuppression, however, limits the current clinical utilization of nerve allografts, although this need is reduced by the practice of cold nerve allograft preservation. Activation of T cells in response to alloantigen presentation occurs in the context of donor antigen presenting cells (direct pathway) or host antigen-presenting cells (indirect pathway). The relative role of each pathway in eliciting an alloimmune response and its potential for rejection of the nerve allograft model has not previously been investigated. The objective of this investigation was to study the effect of progressive periods of cold nerve allograft preservation on antigen presentation and the alloimmune response.

Methods

The authors used wild type C57Bl/6 (B6), BALB/c, and major histocompatibility Class II–deficient (MHC−/−) C57Bl/6 mice as both nerve allograft recipients and donors. A nonvascularized nerve allograft was used to reconstruct a 1-cm sciatic nerve gap. Progressive cold preservation of donor nerve allografts was used. Quantitative assessment was made after 3 weeks using nerve histomorphometry.

Results

The donor-recipient combination lacking a functional direct pathway (BALB/c host with MHC−/− graft) rejected nerve allografts as vigorously as wild-type animals. Without an intact indirect pathway (MHC−/− host with BALB/c graft), axonal regeneration was improved (p < 0.052). One week of cold allograft preservation did not improve regeneration to any significant degree in any of the donor-recipient combinations. Four weeks of cold preservation did improve regeneration significantly (p < 0.05) for all combinations compared with wild-type animals without pretreatment. However, only in the presence of an intact indirect pathway (no direct pathway) did 4 weeks of cold preservation improve regeneration significantly compared with 1 week and no preservation in the same donorrecipient combination.

Conclusions

The indirect pathway may be the predominant route of antigen presentation in the unmodified host response to the nerve allograft. Prolonged duration of cold nerve allograft preservation is required to significantly attenuate the rejection response. Cold preservation for 4 weeks improves nerve regeneration with a significant effect on indirect allorecognition.
Intratumoral hemorrhage and fibrosis in vestibular schwannoma: a possible mechanism for hearing loss
Authors: Sughrue Michael E. , Kaur Rajwant , Kane Ari J. , Rutkowski Martin J. , Yang Isaac , Pitts Lawrence H. , Tihan Tarik , Parsa Andrew T.
Published: June 2010

Object

Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are benign lesions with an unpredictable natural history. Perhaps the greatest barrier to predicting which patients need treatment is our poor understanding of how these tumors cause hearing loss in the first place. In this case-control study, the authors investigated the relationship between preoperative hearing loss and histological changes such as intratumoral microhemorrhage and extensive fibrosis.

Methods

From a prospectively collected database, the authors selected all patients with VS who had undergone microsurgical resection as their initial treatment for histopathologically confirmed VS. Histological specimens obtained in 274 of these patients were systematically reviewed by a blinded neuropathologist who graded the extent of microhemorrhage and fibrosis in these tumors. The effect of these variables on preoperative hearing loss was studied using binary logistic regression.

Results

On univariate analysis, patients with extensive intratumoral microhemorrhage or fibrosis (p < 0.0001), patients with larger tumors (p < 0.05), and patients 65 years of age or older (p < 0.05) were significantly more likely to have unserviceable hearing at the time of surgery. On multivariate analysis, only patients with extensive intratumoral microhemorrhage or fibrosis had an increased risk of having unserviceable hearing at the time of surgery (OR 3.72, 95% CI 1.3–10; p = 0.01). Older age and tumor size greater than 3 cm were not statistically significant risk factors for hearing loss, controlling for the effect of microhemorrhage and fibrosis.

Conclusions

In this study, the authors have demonstrated a correlation between the extent of nonneoplastic histological changes, such as microhemorrhage and fibrosis, and hearing loss. This alternate hypothesis has the potential to explain many of the exceptions to previously described mechanisms of hearing loss in patients with VS. The advent of high-resolution MR imaging technology to identify microhemorrhages may provide a method to screen for patients with VS at risk for hearing loss.
Quasi-Drugs Developed in Japan for the Prevention or Treatment of Hyperpigmentary Disorders
Authors: Ando Hideya , Matsui Mary S. , Ichihashi Masamitsu
Published: June 2010

Excess production of melanin or its abnormal distribution, or both, can cause irregular hyperpigmentation of the skin, leading to melasma and age spots. To date, various quasi-drugs that prevent or improve hyperpigmentary disorders have been developed and officially approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan. Many of these inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme required for melanin synthesis, for example, by competitive or non-competitive inhibition of its catalytic activity, by inhibiting its maturation, or by accelerating its degradation. In this review, we categorize the quasi-drugs developed in Japan to prevent or treat hyperpigmentary disorders, or both, and discuss perspectives for future development.
Procoagulant Adaptation of a Blood Coagulation Prothrombinase-like Enzyme Complex in Australian Elapid Venom
Authors: Bos Mettine H.A. , Camire Rodney M.
Published: June 2010

The macromolecular enzyme complex prothrombinase serves an indispensable role in blood coagulation as it catalyzes the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, a key regulatory enzyme in the formation of a blood clot. Interestingly, a virtually identical enzyme complex is found in the venom of some Australian elapid snakes, which is composed of a cofactor factor Va-component and a serine protease factor Xa-like subunit. This review will provide an overview of the identification and characterization of the venom prothrombinase complex and will discuss the rationale for its powerful procoagulant nature responsible for the potent hemostatic toxicity of the elapid venom.
Hemoglobin and Plasma Vitamin C Levels in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Finkelstein Fredric O. , Juergensen Peter , Wang Suxin , Santacroce Sally , Levine Mark , Kotanko Peter , Levin Nathan W. , Handelman Garry J.
Published: June 2010

Objective

To determine the contribution of vitamin C (Vit C) status in relation to hemoglobin (Hb) levels in patients on long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Methods

56 stable PD patients were evaluated in a cross-sectional survey. Plasma samples were collected for Vit C (analyzed by HPLC with electrochemical detection) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) determinations. Clinical records were reviewed for Hb, transferrin saturation (TSAT), ferritin, erythropoietin (EPO) dose, and other clinical parameters. Dietary Vit C intake was evaluated by patient survey and from patient records. Total Vit C removed during PD treatment was measured in 24-hour dialysate collections.

Results

Patients showed a highly skewed distribution of plasma Vit C levels, with 40% of patients below normal plasma Vit C levels (<30 μmol/L) and 9% at higher than normal levels (>80 μmol/L). Higher plasma Vit C levels were associated with higher Hb levels (Pearson r = 0.33, p < 0.004). No direct connection between Vit C levels and reported dietary intake could be established. In stepwise multiple regression, plasma Vit C remained significantly associated with Hb ( p = 0.017) but there was no significant association with other variables (dialysis vintage, age, ferritin, TSAT, hs-CRP, residual renal function, and EPO dose). In 9 patients that were evaluated for Vit C in dialysate, plasma Vit C was positively associated (Spearman r = 0.85, p = 0.01) with the amount of Vit C removed during dialysis treatment.

Conclusions

These data indicate that plasma Vit C is positively associated with higher Hb level. Vit C status could play a major role in helping PD patients to utilize iron for erythropoiesis and achieve a better Hb response during anemia management.
Similar Peritonitis Outcome in Capd and APD Patients with Dialysis Modality Continuation during Peritonitis
Authors: Rüger Wim , van Ittersum Frans J. , Comazzetto Luiz F. , Hoeks Sanne E. , ter Wee Pieter M.
Published: June 2010

Background

As few data exist on treatment of peritonitis in patients on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), and as pharmacokinetics of several antibiotics are reported to be unfavorable in APD, some favor switching to continuous ambulant PD (CAPD) while treating APD-related peritonitis. We explored whether treating peritonitis with patients continuing their usual PD modality had an effect on outcome.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the 508 episodes of PD-associated peritonitis seen in 205 patients in our center from January 1993 to January 2007. During this period, the standard initial therapy for PD-related peritonitis was a combination of intraperitoneal gentamicin and rifampicin.

Results

There was no difference in cure rate between CAPD and APD groups. Likewise, initial and maximal leukocyte counts in the PD fluid (PDF), relapse rates, catheter removal rates, and death during treatment of peritonitis were similar in the CAPD and APD groups. Median (interquartile range) duration of elevated leukocyte count in PDF was longer in APD: 5.0 (3.0 – 9.0) days versus 4.0 (2.5 – 7.0) days in CAPD ( p <0.001). APD patients were treated with antibiotics longer than CAPD patients: 16.0 (12.5 – 21.0) versus 15.0 (12.0 – 18.0) days ( p = 0.036). Also, after correction for possible confounders, odds ratios for death and for the combined end point death or catheter removal showed no difference when patients treated for peritonitis stayed on their own modality.

Conclusion

Regarding rate of relapse, mortality, or the combined end point mortality plus catheter removal, we found no difference between CAPD and APD patients continuing their own PD modality during treatment of PD-related peritonitis. Intermediate end points such as duration of elevated PDF leukocyte count and duration of antibiotic treatment were longer in APD patients.
A new species of deep-water Holothuroidea (Echinodermata) of the genus Synallactes from off western Mexico
Authors: Massin Claude , Hendrickx Michel E.
Published: June 2010

An undescribed species of Synallactes was collected during a deep-water benthic fauna survey off the Pacific coast of Mexico in the East Pacific, with the R/V El Puma. This new species differs from all the other known Synallactes by the presence of huge massive rods in the tube feet, some of them club-shaped. The later ossicle shape is unique among Holothuroidea. This is the first record of a Synallactes in the Gulf of California.
Determination of Chronic Ecotoxicity to Danio rerio
Authors: Bertoletti Eduardo
Published: June 2010

Although the fishes Danio rerio and Pimephales promelas belong to the family Cyprinidae, the original methods described for ecotoxicological assay using these species have experimental differences, which cause some problems when results are compared. In order to verify the equivalence of toxic effects for these fish species, assays with Danio rerio were performed using 10 chemicals under the same experimental conditions described for Pimephales promelas assay. In such conditions it was demonstrated that the calculated CVest (estimated chronic value) to Danio rerio, or 168h-LC15 multiplied by 0.3 factor, generates equivalent values to ≥ 28 days chronic assays with Pimephales promelas. The results of this paper were the basis for the ABNT (Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas) assay standardization to evaluate toxic chronic effects to fish.
Review of the Protocol and Sensibility of the Tanaid Kalliapseudes schubartii in Tests Conducted With Reference Toxicants
Authors: Mottola Letícia Salua Maraschin , Schork G. , Resgalla Jr. Charrid
Published: June 2010

Since CONAMA resolution 344 (2004), which regulates the levels of contaminants in dredged material, the evaluation of the quality of sediments has received increased attention in Brazil in an attempt to establish standards for test protocols applied to benthic organisms and to investigate the sensitivity of this species. Regarding this issue, the present investigation had to main objectives. Firstly, to review test protocols for acute toxicity using the tanaidacea Kalliapseudes schubartii, and secondly to investigate the sensitivity of this species for reference toxicants usually employed in the marine ecotoxicology. Sensitivity experiments were carried out with the substances Zn, Cd, DSS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) and NH3 in two salinity conditions (group 1: salinity 15 and group 2: local salinity 5.7; 7.3; 8.5; 10 e 21). In these experiments, mortality and mobility were assessed. Based on the threshold EC50 and LC50, six days were needed to observe significant mobility effects, while seven days were needed to observed significant mortality effects. For zinc, in tests with individuals acclimatized in salinity 15 (group 1) there were found results with higher reproducibility. For group 1, were obtained LC50 (7 days): Zn = 7.75 mg L–1 ; Cd = 0.29 mg L–1; DSS = 12.12 mg L–1 and non-ionized ammonia = 3.16 mg L–1. The results obtained to group 2 demonstrated that the acclimatization process of the organisms must interfere in their sensitivity, but, without a well defined visible pattern. The mobility as end point was less precise and therefore did not present advantages on the use of the mortality. In tests intended to evaluate the quality of the sediment, tanaids were generally found to be less sensitive than other organisms. However, using tanaids presented some advantages such as their wide salinity tolerance, preference for fine sediments, and high resistance to non-ionized ammonia.
Sub-chronic and Trophic Effects of TBT and DBT in American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides)
Authors: Ribeiro Ciro Alberto de Oliveira , Neto F. Filipak , Siah A. , Pelletier E.
Published: June 2010

Tributyltin (TBT) has been used as antifouling in ship paints and directly released into marine environment for many decades. TBT and its metabolites dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) are known to cause multiple toxic stresses to aquatic organisms at cellular and ecosystem levels. In the current study, the marine fish American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) was used to investigate TBT and DBT bioaccumulation and to evaluate its morphological effects after trophic and sub-chronic exposure doses. Four groups of seven male and female mature fish were separated in four tanks (control, TBT, TBT water quality control and DBT groups), and exposed by food to four and eight doses of TBT and DBT (30 ng g–1 each three days, corresponding respectively to 12 and 24 days of exposure). After four and eight doses, three animals were anesthetized from each tank and liver, spleen and posterior kidney were sampled for histopathological studies and muscle for chemical analysis. Chemical results showed that only TBT was bioaccumulated in muscle with a decreasing rate after 24 days. Necrotic areas were observed in liver and vacuolated cells and cellular deposit were found within renal tubules for both TBT and DBTexposed groups although DBT and MBT were not detected in fish muscle.
Comparison of Responses of the Clone 4430 and Tradescantia pallida in the Micronucleus Assay (Trad-MN)
Authors: Mielli Ana Cristina , Saldiva Paulo Hilário Nascimento , Umbuzeiro Gisela de Aragão
Published: June 2010

The Genotoxicity Assay with clone 4430 genus Tradescantia is utilized worldwide in the Tradescantia Micronucleus assay (Trad-MN). In Brazil, several Trad-MN studies have utilized Tradescantia pallida to replace the clone 4430. However, in the literature, only one comparison between the two species was performed, and more studies are necessary to examine the mutagenic potential of Tradescantia pallida for application in the Trad-MN. The present work aims to compare the results of Trad-MN assays between the two plants, in the testing of mutagenic substances (positive controls) and water (as negative controls), to evaluate the utilization potential of Tradescantia pallida for replacing clone 4430. The results obtained showed that Tradescantia pallida can replace clone 4430 in the micronucleus assay, however, the substances testing showed high variation in the micronuclei induction (3%–8% for negative control and 5%–11% for positive control), indicating low discriminating potential of the assay and limited applicability in monitoring programs.
Investigation of Copper Binding to Hydrosoluble Proteins of an Amphipod
Authors: Pinho Grasiela Lopes Leães , Saint-Louis R. , Bianchini A. , Pelletier E.
Published: June 2010

This study investigated the body copper accumulation in the amphipod Gammarus sp.. Groups of copper-binding proteins were also investigated considering their molecular weights. Regarding copper accumulation, a saturation type kinetics was observed with Km and Vmax values of 0.48 mg Cu.L–1 and 713.3 μg Cu.g–1 dw, respectively. Size exclusion chromatography (5 to 150 KDa) associated with ICP-MS showed that most of copper-binding proteins in Gammarus sp. have molecular weights <12 KDa, probably corresponding to metallothioneins.
A Waveguide‐Like Effect Observed in Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Bundles
Authors: Xu Shengyong , Yang Yong , Pei Dongfei , Zhao Xin , Wang Yanxin , Sun Weiqiang , Ma Bo , Li Yan , Xie Sishen , Peng Lian‐Mao
Published: June 2010

The delay time of nanosecond electromagnetic pulses is measured in multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) bundles and copper wires, with a length of up to 3 cm, as compared with that in standard coaxial cables of the same lengths. Under certain configurations, when the Cu core of a coaxial cable is replaced with a MWCNT bundle of the same length, the measured delay time of a pulsed signal is shortened. The difference between the delay time measured for a device with a Cu core and that of a device with a MWCNT bundle of the same length increases with the length of the samples. The results imply that, compared with Cu wires, MWCNT bundles may be more efficient in guiding the transmission of high‐frequency signals along their longitudinal axis, showing a waveguide‐like effect.
Biodegradable Porous Silicon Barcode Nanowires with Defined Geometry
Authors: Chiappini Ciro , Liu Xuewu , Fakhoury Jean Raymond , Ferrari Mauro
Published: June 2010

Silicon nanowires are of proven importance in such diverse fields as energy production and storage, flexible electronics, and biomedicine due to the unique characteristics that emerge from their 1D semiconducting nature and their mechanical properties. Here, the synthesis of biodegradable porous silicon barcode nanowires by metal‐assisted electroless etching of single‐crystal silicon with resistivities ranging from 0.0008 to 10 Ω cm is reported. The geometry of the barcode nanowires is defined by nanolithography and their multicolor reflectance and photoluminescence is characterized. Phase diagrams are developed for the different nanostructures obtained as a function of metal catalyst, H2O2 concentration, ethanol concentration, and silicon resistivity, and a mechanism that explains these observations is proposed. These nanowires are biodegradable, and their degradation time can be modulated by surface treatments.
Hierarchically Assembled Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids Using Biomimicking Nanofilaments and Microstructured Scaffolds for Vascularized Adipose Tissue Engineering
Authors: Kim Taek Gyoung , Park Suk‐Hee , Chung Hyun Jung , Yang Dong‐Yol , Park Tae Gwan
Published: June 2010

Composite multicellular spheroids composed of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and synthetic biodegradable nanofilaments are fabricated. Extracellular‐matrix‐mimicking nanofilaments, prepared from transverse fragmentation of semicrystalline poly(L‐lactic acid) nanofibers and subsequent surface modification with cell adhesive peptides, are used to form composite multicellular spheroids with MSCs by cellular self‐assembly. The size of the composite spheroids could be readily controlled with the integrated amount of the nanofilaments. The composite spheroids show enhanced adipogenic potential compared to homotypic spheroids. The resultant spheroids are used as building blocks for 3D biohybrid construction with the assistance of a microstructured scaffold fabricated by a direct polymer melt deposition process. An angiogenic growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, is also locally delivered in a sustained fashion from the heparinized scaffold surface for facile neovascularization of adipogenic tissue. The produced multiscaled and multifunctional hybrid MSC construct enable the successful formation of vascularized adipose tissue in vivo.
Size matters
Authors: del Toro Iniesta J.C. , Orozco Suárez D.
Published: June 2010

The new generation of ground‐based, large‐aperture solar telescopes promises to significantly increase our capabilities to understand the many basic phenomena taking place in the Sun at all atmospheric layers and how they relate to each other. A (non‐exhaustive) summary of the main scientific arguments to pursue these impressive technological goals is presented. We illustrate how imaging, polarimetry, and spectroscopy can benefit from the new telescopes and how several wavelength bands should be observed to study the atmospheric coupling from the upper convection zone all the way to the corona. The particular science case of sunspot penumbrae is barely discussed as a specific example (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The role of emerging bipoles in the formation of a sunspot penumbra
Authors: Schlichenmaier R. , Bello González N. , Rezaei R. , Waldmann T.A.
Published: June 2010

The generation of magnetic flux in the solar interior and its transport from the convection zone into the photosphere, the chromosphere, and the corona will be in the focus of solar physics research for the next decades. With 4 m class telescopes, one plans to measure essential processes of radiative magneto‐hydrodynamics that are needed to understand the nature of solar magnetic fields. One key‐ingredient to understand the behavior of solar magnetic field is the process of flux emergence into the solar photosphere, and how the magnetic flux reorganizes to form the magnetic phenomena of active regions like sunspots and pores. Here, we present a spectropolarimetric and imaging data set from a region of emerging magnetic flux, in which a proto‐spot without penumbra forms a penumbra. During the formation of the penumbra the area and the magnetic flux of the spot increases. First results of our data analysis demonstrate that the additional magnetic flux, which contributes to the increasing area of the penumbra, is supplied by the region of emerging magnetic flux. We observe emerging bipoles that are aligned such that the spot polarity is closer to the spot. As an emerging bipole separates, the pole of the spot polarity migrates towards the spot, and finally merges with it. We speculate that this is a fundamental process, which makes the sunspot accumulate magnetic flux. As more and more flux is accumulated a penumbra forms and transforms the proto‐spot into a full‐fledged sunspot (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spectropolarimetric analysis of 3D MHD sunspot simulations
Authors: Borrero J.M. , Rempel M. , Solanki S.K.
Published: June 2010

We have employed 3D non‐grey MHD simulations of sunspots to compute theoretical Stokes profiles and compare the levels of circular and linear polarization in the simulations with those observed in a real sunspot. We find that the spatial distribution and average values of these quantities agree very well with the observations, although the polarization levels in the simulations are slightly larger. This can be explained by a slightly larger magnetic field strength or a larger temperature gradient in the simulated penumbra as compared to the observations (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Night‐time science with large solar telescopes: The magnetic Sun through time
Authors: Marsden S.C.
Published: June 2010

Today the Sun has a regular magnetic cycle driven by a dynamo action. But how did this regular cycle develop? How do basic parameters such as rotation rate, age, and differential rotation affect the generation of magnetic fields? Zeeman Doppler imaging (ZDI) is a technique that uses high‐resolution observations in circularly polarised light to map the surface magnetic topology on stars. Utilising the spectropolarimetric capabilities of future large solar telescopes it will be possible to study the evolution and morphology of the magnetic fields on a range of Sun‐like stars from solar twins through to rapidly‐rotating active young Suns and thus study the solar magnetic dynamo through time. In this article I discuss recent results from ZDI of Sun‐like stars and how we can use night‐time observations from future solar telescopes to solve unanswered questions about the origin and evolution of the Sun's magnetic dynamo (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High resolution observations of white‐light emissions from the opacity minimum during an X‐class flare
Authors: Xu Y. , Cao W. , Jing J. , Wang H.
Published: June 2010

Using high cadence, high resolution near infrared (NIR) observations of the X10 white‐light flare (WLF) on 2003 October 29, we investigated the evolution of the core‐halo structure of white‐light emission during the two‐second period flare peak. We found that size and intensity of the halo remained almost constant in the range of 10 Mm2. However, the core area was very compact and expanded rapidly from about 1 Mm2to 4 Mm2. At the same time, the total emission of the core increased nearly twenty times. This distinct behavior indicates that different heating mechanisms might be responsible for core and halo emissions. In addition to the temporal analysis, we compared the intensity enhancements of the flare core and halo. The result shows that the halo contrast increased by about 8% compared to the flare‐quiet region, which could be explained by a combination of direct‐heating and backwarming models (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Review of Hinode results
Authors: Suematsu Y.
Published: June 2010

Hinode is an observatory‐style satellite, carrying three advanced instruments being designed and built to work together to explore the physical coupling between the photosphere and the upper layers for understanding the mechanism of dynam‐ ics and heating. The three instruments aboard are the Solar Optical Telescope (SOT), which can provide high‐precision photometric and polarimetric data of the lower atmosphere in the visible light (388–668 nm) with a spatial resolution of 0.2–0.3 arcseconds, the X‐Ray Telescope (XRT) which takes a wide field of full sun coverage X‐ray images being capable of diagnosing the physical condition of coronal plasmas, and the EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) which observes the upper transition region and coronal emission lines in the wavelength ranges of 17–21 nm and 25–29 nm. Since first‐light observations in the end of October 2006, Hinode has been continuously providing unprecedented high‐quality solar data. We will present some new findings of the sun with Hinode, focusing on those from SOT (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
European Solar Telescope: Progress status
Authors: Collados M. , Bettonvil F. , Cavaller L. , Ermolli I. , Gelly B. , Pérez A. , Socas‐Navarro H. , Soltau D. , Volkmer R. , the EST team
Published: June 2010

In this paper, the present status of the development of the design of the European Solar Telescope is described. The telescope is devised to have the best possible angular resolution and polarimetric performance, maximizing the throughput of the whole system. To that aim, adaptive optics and multi‐conjugate adaptive optics are integrated in the optical path. The system will have the possibility to correct for the diurnal variation of the distance to the turbulence layers, by using several deformable mirrors, conjugated at different heights. The present optical design of the telescope distributes the optical elements along the optical path in such a way that the instrumental polarization induced by the telescope is minimized and independent of the solar elevation and azimuth. This property represents a large advantage for polarimetric measurements. The ensemble of instruments that are planned is also presented (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
NLST: India's National Large Solar Telescope
Authors: Hasan S.S. , Soltau D. , Kärcher H. , Süß M. , Berkefeld T.
Published: June 2010

This article introduces the new Indian 2 m telescope which has been designed by MT Mechatronics in a detailed conceptual design study for the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore. We describe the background of the project and the science goals which shall be addressed with this telescope. NLST is a solar telescope with high optical throughput and will be equipped with an integrated Adaptive Optics system. It is optimized for a site with the kind of seeing and wind conditions as they are expected at a lake site in the Himalayan mountains. The telescope can also be used for certain night time applications. We also give the scientific rationale for this class of telescope (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Scientific instrumentation for the 1.6 m New Solar Telescope in Big Bear
Authors: Cao W. , Gorceix N. , Coulter R. , Ahn K. , Rimmele T. R. , Goode P. R.
Published: June 2010

The NST (New Solar Telescope), a 1.6 m clear aperture, off‐axis telescope, is in its commissioning phase at Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO). It will be the most capable, largest aperture solar telescope in the US until the 4 m ATST (Advanced Technology Solar Telescope) comes on‐line late in the next decade. The NST will be outfitted with state‐of‐the‐art scientific instruments at the Nasmyth focus on the telescope floor and in the Coudé Lab beneath the telescope. At the Nasmyth focus, several filtergraphs already in routine operation have offered high spatial resolution photometry in TiO 706 nm, Hα656 nm, G‐band 430 nm and the near infrared (NIR), with the aid of a correlation tracker and image reconstruction system. Also, a Cryogenic Infrared Spectrograph (CYRA) is being developed to supply high signal‐to‐noise‐ratio spectrometry and polarimetry spanning 1.0 to 5.0 μm. The Coudé Lab instrumentation will include Adaptive Optics (AO), InfraRed Imaging Magnetograph (IRIM), Visible Imaging Magnetograph (VIM), and Fast Imaging Solar Spectrograph (FISS). A 308 sub‐aperture (349‐actuator deformable mirror) AO system will enable nearly diffraction limited observations over the NST's principal operating wavelengths from 0.4 μm through 1.7 μm. IRIM and VIM are Fabry‐Pérot based narrow‐band tunable filters, which provide high resolution two‐dimensional spectroscopic and polarimetric imaging in the NIR and visible respectively. FISS is a collaboration between BBSO and Seoul National University focussing on chromosphere dynamics. This paper reports the up‐to‐date progress on these instruments including an overview of each instrument and details of the current state of design, integration, calibration and setup/testing on the NST (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
EST Adaptive optics performance estimations
Authors: Berkefeld T. , Soltau D.
Published: June 2010

We give a short overview of the Adaptive Optics (AO) and Multi‐conjugate Adaptive Optics (MCAO) system of the planned 4 m European Solar Telescope (EST). The optimization process of the AO / MCAO parameters is shown, including the parameters and layout of the Shack‐Hartmann wavefront sensor setup and the DMs. We show the expected performance of the AO and MCAO system (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)