bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Retention‐Activity Relationship Studies by Liposome Electrokinetic Chromatography to Predict Skin Permeability
Authors: XIAN De‐Ling , HUANG Ke‐Long , LIU Su‐Qin , XIAO Jing‐Yi
Published: April 2008

Liposome electrokinetic chromatography (LEKC) provides a simple and facile approach for drug membrane interactions using liposome as a pseudostationary phase. This study evaluated the potential of LEKC for high‐throughput skin permeability profiled as an in vitro technique. A quantitative retention‐activity relationship (QRAR) model for the estimation of skin permeability was proposed. For the 16 structurally diverse chemicals, lg k correlated well with permeability values (R2=0.886). The predictive ability of the model was evaluated by cross‐validation. The result was compared to traditional quantitative structure‐activity relationship, QSAR, models using some molecular descriptors and physicochemical parameters. Interestingly, a single LEKC retention parameter was capable of describing the skin permeability, while three variables in QSAR were needed to achieve a similar correlation (R2=0.704). The QRAR models developed in this paper may be a useful method to screening new chemicals and in the early stage of development and selection of chemicals.
Uracil Grafted Carbon Electrode:Electrocatalytic Behavior of Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Catecholamine and Related Compounds
Authors: LIN Xiang‐Qin , KANG Guang‐Feng , ZHU Xiao‐Hong
Published: April 2008

A uracil grafted glassy carbon electrode (Ura/GCE) was fabricated and characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cyclic voltammertry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. The electrochemical behavior of tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr), catecholamine such as dopamine (DA), epinephrine (EP) and norepinephrine (NE), and related compounds involving uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA) at the Ura/GCE was investigated. All these bioactive species could be electrocatalytically oxidized to generate very different current sensitivities. This electrode can be used as a versatile electrochemical sensor for DA, EP, NE, UA, Trp and Tyr determination. The DPV peak potential, current sensitivity, linear range and detection limit of these species were obtained and used for analysis of molecular interactions between uracil and those electroactive species. A mechanism for the surface accumulation was discussed.
A Versatile Approach for the Total Syntheses of Fuscinarin and Fuscins
Authors: DU Chao , LI Li‐Qi , DA Shi‐Jun , LI Ying , XIE Zhi‐Xiang
Published: April 2008

The first total synthesis of fuscinarin (1) and total synthesis of fuscins, the pentaketide metabolites showing activity against CCR5 in a scintillation proximity assay, were described by using compound 6 as a common intermediate. A key feature of the approach is the microwave‐assisted tandem ortho‐Claisen/Cope rearrangement that was used for the expedient synthesis of the intermediate 10.
Silica‐gel‐supported Phosphorus Pentoxide:a Simple and Efficient Solid‐supported Reagent for Esterification of Long‐ Chain Carboxylic Acids and Their Antimicrobial Screening
Authors: RAUF Abdul , GANGAL Saloni , SHARMA Shweta
Published: April 2008

A silica‐gel‐supported heterogeneous phosphorus pentoxide reagent has been developed for the esterification of various long‐chain carboxylic acids with aromatic alcohols. The reactions occurred under relatively mild conditions and afforded the desired products in good yields. All the compounds 3a–3x were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activity, which showed good activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and also good results against almost all fungal strains. The structures of the synthesized compounds were elucidated by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectroscopic techniques and elemental analysis.
An Efficient Ag+ Ionophore Based on Thiacalix[4]arene
Authors: LI Xiong , GONG Shu‐Ling , YANG Wei‐Ping , CHEN Yuan‐Yin
Published: April 2008

A novel Ag+ ionophore, p‐tert‐butyl‐tetrakis(hydrazinocarbonylmethoxy)thiacalix[4]arene in 1,3‐alternate conformation (thiacalix[4]arene tetrahydrazide, 1) was synthesized. Its binding properties towards alkali and transition metal cations were studied by noncompetitive liquid‐liquid extraction of alkali metal (Li+, Na+, K+ and Cs+) and transition metal (Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ag+) picrates. It was found that the thiacalix[4]arene tetrahydrazide exhibited high extractability towards Ag+, lower percent extraction towards Cu2+, and little or no extraction ability towards the others. The selectivity towards Ag+ was further evaluated by competitive Ag+ extraction experiments in the mixture of the above‐mentioned nine cations, the concentration of which was monitored with ICP‐OES. 1H NMR titration experiments and ESI‐MS proved the stoichiometry of 1 to Ag+ was 1:1, and the ′N‐Ag+′ interaction with the assistance of thiacalixarene skeleton was primarily involved in the complexation.
Catalytic Reaction of Aryldiazoacetates with Indole and Its Derivatives:Profound Effect of N‐1 Substitutent on the Reaction Pathways
Authors: ZHANG Xue‐Jing , LIU Sheng‐Ping , YAN Ming
Published: April 2008

The reaction of indole and its derivatives with aryldiazoacetates has been studied in the presence of copper and rhodium catalysts. The electronic property of N‐1 substitutent showed significant effect on the reaction pathways. The electron‐donating group favored the formation of the β‐alkylation products, while the electron‐withdrawing group favored the formation of the cyclopropane products. A reaction mechanism was proposed based on the experimental data and previous research results. The structure of aryl group in diazo compounds also affected the yield of the β‐alkylation products or the cyclopropane products.
Calix[4]arene‐Based Enantioselective Fluorescent Sensors for the Recognition of N‐Acetyl‐aspartate
Authors: QING Guang‐Yan , CHEN Zhi‐Hong , WANG Feng , YANG Xi , MENG Ling‐Zhi , HE Yong‐Bing
Published: April 2008

Two‐armed chiral anion receptors (1 and 2), calix[4]arenes bearing dansyl fluorophore and (1R,2R)‐ or (1S,2S)‐1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine binding sites, were prepared and examined for their chiral amino acid anion binding abilities by the fluorescence spectra in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The results of non‐linear curve fitting indicate that 1 or 2 forms a 1:1 stoichiometry complex with N‐acetyl‐L‐ or D‐aspartate by multiple hydrogen bonding interactions, exhibiting good enantioselective fluorescent recognition for the enantiomers of N‐acetyl‐aspartate, [receptor 1:Kass(D)/Kass(L)=6.74; receptor 2:Kass(L)/Kass(D)=6.48]. The clear fluorescent response difference indicates that receptors 1 and 2 could be used as a fluorescent chemosensor for N‐Acetyl‐aspartate.
Direct Substitution of the Hydroxy Group at the Allylic/propargylic Position with Carbon‐ and Heteroatom‐ centered Nucleophiles Catalyzed by Yb(OTf)3
Authors: HUANG Wen , SHEN Quan‐Sheng , WANG Jia‐Liang , ZHOU Xi‐Geng
Published: April 2008

An efficient and highly selective Yb(OTf)3‐catalyzed direct substitution of the hydroxy group at the allylic and propargylic positions with a variety of heteroatom‐ and carbon‐centered nucleophiles, such as alcohols, thiols, amines, amides and active methylene compounds has been developed. The advantages of the present catalytic system are wide availability of the starting materials, especially for tolerance to thiols, no need for dried solvents and additives, mild conditions, short time of reaction, simple manipulation and environmentally friendly catalyst that can be recovered and reused at least ten times without significant reduction of activity.
Stereoselective Synthesis of trans‐2‐Thien‐α‐oyl‐3‐ [(un)substituted phenyl]‐4‐acetyl‐5‐methyl‐2,3‐dihydrofurans
Authors: JIANG Hai‐Yan , CAO Wei‐Guo , ZHANG Hui , SUN Ru‐Shu , CHEN Jie , DENG Hong‐Mei , SHAO Min , ZHU Shi‐Zheng
Published: April 2008

Trans‐2‐thien‐α‐oyl‐3‐[(un)substituted phenyl]‐4‐acetyl‐5‐methyl‐2,3‐dihydrofurans 3 were prepared in good yields with high stereoselectivity by the reaction of thien‐α‐oylmethyltriphenylarsonium bromide 1 with 3‐[(un)substituted benzylidene]‐2,4‐pentadione 2 in benzene in the presence of potassium carbonate at 55 °C. The structure of compound 3 was confirmed by IR, MS, 1H NMR, 1H‐1H COSY, microanalysis and single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The possible reaction mechanism for the formation of products was also proposed.
Photoluminescence and Electroluminescence of Organic Light Emitting Diodes Based on Tris‐(8‐quinolinolato) Aluminum Nanoparticles
Authors: HUA Rui‐Nian , NIU Jing‐Hua , YU Tian‐Zhi , HONG Zi‐Ruo , LI Wen‐Lian , FAN Sheng‐Di
Published: April 2008

Tris‐(8‐quinolinolato) aluminum (AlQ3) organic nanoparticles with an average diameter 20 nm were prepared through a reprecipitation method. The AlQ3 nanoparticles are spherical and the average particle size does not change by varying the aging time. The photoluminescent and electroluminescent properties were investigated via the AlQ3 nanoparticles and the device based on the AlQ3 nanoparticles, respectively. Blue shift of both the photoluminescence and electroluminescence spectra for the AlQ3 nanoparticles was observed. With increasing the driving bias, the maximum EL emission peak of the AlQ3 nanoparticles was shifted to longer wavelength. The maximum luminance and luminous efficiency of the AlQ3 nanoparticle‐based device are about 600 cd/m2 at driving bias 16V and 0.19 cd/A at a current density of 150 mA/cm2, respectively. The obvious quantum size effect of electro‐luminescence devices with the AlQ3 nanoparticles has been proved, which will open a useful route and new studying field of organic electronic devices, and the study of the fundamental process connecting both of those more conventional classes of materials, i.e., organic molecular crystals.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Solid Photochromic Properties and Light‐induced Radical Behavior of Bis{3‐[alkyl/(p‐alkoxyphenyl)]‐3‐hydroxyindan‐1‐on‐2‐ylidene} Derivatives
Authors: HAN Jie , WANG Chang‐Qing , WEI Yong‐Heng , PANG Mei‐Li , MENG Ji‐Ben
Published: April 2008

A series of new bis{3‐[alkyl/(p‐alkoxyphenyl)]‐3‐hydroxyindan‐1‐on‐2‐ylidene} derivatives 1–6 were prepared and characterized fully by 1H NMR, IR, MS and elemental analysis data. The structures of compounds 1, 5 and 6 were confirmed by the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The photochromic and light‐induced properties were examined by means of UV‐Vis and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy methods, respectively. The results show that all the title compounds in this work simultaneously exhibit photochromism in solid state and generate stable free radicals under irradiation with a 200 W high pressure Hg‐lamp. Structure‐property relationship within these photochromic compounds was discussed in the context of their molecular structures and intra‐molecular interactions.
Degradation Action of the Anaerobic Bacteria and Oxygen to the Polymer
Authors: LU Xiang‐Guo , ZHANG Ke
Published: April 2008

Oxygen could prohibit anaerobic bacterium in the produced water and degrade the polymer molecular chains. Aiming at problems making up aerobic polymer solution by the produced water in Daqing Oil Field, some evaluations were done on the viscosity characteristics of polymer solution and bactericide in anaerobic and aerobic environments. Reasonable aerobic concentration of the produced water was obtained. The experimental results indicate that the viscosity of polymer solution confected by the produced water in the aerobic environment is higher than that of the polymer solution confected by the produced water in the anaerobic environment, and the reasonable aerobic concentration is about 6 mg·L−1. The bactericide has sterilization ability in anaerobic and aerobic environments, but the sterilization effect is better in the aerobic environment.
Nano‐Aluminum Powder Mediated Allylation of Carbonyl Compounds in Aqueous Media
Authors: YUAN Shi‐Zhen , LIU Jin
Published: April 2008

A new and effective Barbier‐Grignard allylation of aldehydes or ketones has been carried out with nano‐aluminum powder in aqueous 0.1 mol·L−1 NH4Cl (aq.) under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Aromatic carbonyl compounds gave homoallylic alcohols in good yields. The effectiveness of reaction was strongly influenced by the steric environment surrounding the carbonyl group. Aliphatic carbonyl compounds proceeded in low yields. The dominant stereoisomer was an erythro‐isomer when an ortho‐hydroxyl carbonyl compound was reacted under such a reaction condition.
Synthesis and in vitro Evaluation of α‐GalCer Epimers
Authors: Trappeniers Matthias , Goormans Stijn , Van Beneden Katrien , Decruy Tine , Linclau Bruno , Al‐Shamkhani Aymen , Elliott Tim , Ottensmeier Christian , Werner Joern M. , Elewaut Dirk , Van Calenbergh Serge
Published: April 2008

α‐GalCer (also known as KRN7000) is an immunomodulatory glycolipid that is known to potently activate invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells upon CD1d‐mediated stimulation. Because Th1 and Th2 cytokines, which are released after α‐GalCer presentation, antagonize each other's effects, α‐GalCer analogues that induce a biased Th1/Th2 response are highly awaited. In this context, we report the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of α‐Gal‐D‐xylo‐Cer and two α‐Gal‐L‐lyxo‐Cer analogues, one with the natural acyl chain, the other with a truncated chain.
Exploring Acyclic Nucleoside Analogues as Inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Thymidylate Kinase
Authors: Familiar Olga , Munier‐Lehmann Hélène , Negri Ana , Gago Federico , Douguet Dominique , Rigouts Leen , Hernández Ana‐Isabel , Camarasa María‐José , Pérez‐Pérez María‐Jesús
Published: April 2008

In the search for novel inhibitors of the enzyme thymidine monophosphate kinase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TMPKmt), an attractive target for novel antituberculosis agents, we report herein the discovery of the first acyclic nucleoside analogues that potently and selectively inhibit TMPKmt. The most potent compounds in this series are (Z)‐butenylthymines carrying a naphtholactam or naphthosultam moiety at position 4, which display Ki values of 0.42 and 0.27 μM, respectively. Docking studies followed by molecular dynamics simulations performed to rationalize the interaction of this new family of inhibitors with the target enzyme revealed a key interaction between the distal substituent and Arg 95 in the target enzyme. The fact that these inhibitors are more easily synthesizable than previously identified TMPKmt inhibitors, together with their potency against the target enzyme, makes them attractive lead compounds for further optimization.
Local circuitry in the anterior caudal lobe of the mormyrid cerebellum: A study of intracellular recording and labeling
Authors: Zhang Yueping , Han Phil F. , Han Victor Z.
Published: April 2008

The caudal lobe of the mormyrid cerebellum includes the anterior portion, which is associated with the lateral line and eighth nerve senses, and the posterior portion, which is associated with the electrosense. This study examines the physiology and morphology of cells in the anterior portion in slice preparations. Two subtypes of Purkinje cells, efferent cells and stellate cells, are described. Multipolar Purkinje cells are located in the central region of the lobe, with large, multipolar, spiny dendrites and locally ending axons. Small Purkinje cells are located along its anterior border with the eminentia granularis anterior (EGa), with spiny dendrites in the molecular region. Axons of some small Purkinje cells end locally, whereas axons of other such cells are cut at the surface of the slices, suggesting that they project outside the lobe. Efferent cells are also distributed along the border with EGa. These cells have thin, smooth dendrites in the molecular region, and their axons are cut at the sliced surface. Stellate cells have thin, smooth dendrites and locally terminating axons. Physiologically, all types of cells respond to parallel fiber activation, but only multipolar Purkinje cells showed characteristic all‐or‐none climbing fiber responses. Although the majority of Purkinje cells fire a single type of spikes at resting level, a subset of small Purkinje cells fire small, narrow and large, broad spikes. Thus, the anterior caudal lobe of the mormyrid cerebellum is different from the mammalian cerebellum in having different subtypes of Purkinje cells and local termination of many Purkinje cell axons. J. Comp. Neurol. 509:1–22, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution and neurochemical identification of pancreatic afferents in the mouse
Authors: Fasanella Kenneth E. , Christianson Julie A. , Chanthaphavong R. Savanh , Davis Brian M.
Published: April 2008

Dysfunction of primary afferents innervating the pancreas has been shown to contribute to the development of painful symptoms during acute and chronic pancreatitis. To investigate the distribution and neurochemical phenotype of pancreatic afferents, Alexa Fluor‐conjugated cholera toxin B (CTB) was injected into the pancreatic head (CTB‐488) and tail (CTB‐555) of adult male mice to label neurons retrogradely in both the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and nodose ganglia (NG). The NG and DRG (T5–T13) were processed for fluorescent immunohistochemistry and visualized by using confocal microscopy. Spinal pancreatic afferents were observed from T5 to T13, with the greatest contribution coming from T9–T12. The pancreatic afferents were equally distributed between right and left spinal ganglia; however, the innervation from the left NG was significantly greater than from the right. For both spinal and vagal afferents there was significantly greater innervation of the pancreatic head relative to the tail. The total number of retrogradely labeled afferents in the nodose was very similar to the total number of DRG afferents. The neurochemical phenotype of DRG neurons was dominated by transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)‐positive neurons (75%), GDNF family receptor alpha‐3 (GFRα3)‐positive neurons (67%), and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP)‐positive neurons(65%) neurons. In the NG, TRPV1‐, GFRα3‐, and CGRP‐positive neurons constituted only 35%, 1%, and 15% of labeled afferents, respectively. The disparity in peptide and receptor expression between pancreatic afferents in the NG and DRG suggests that even though they contribute a similar number of primary afferents to the pancreas, these two populations may differ in regard to their nociceptive properties and growth factor dependency. J. Comp. Neurol. 509:42–52, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel interleaved ZVS converter with ripple current cancellation
Authors: Lin B.‐R. , Huang C.‐L. , Li M.‐Y.
Published: April 2008

This paper presents a zero voltage switching (ZVS) converter with interleaved pulse‐width modulation scheme. An active clamp circuit is adopted in the proposed converter to recycle the energy stored in the leakage inductor of the transformer and reduce the voltage stress of the main power switch in the converter. The ZVS feature of switches can be achieved due to the resonance during the transition interval of two power switches. Two full‐wave rectifiers with ripple current cancellation are connected in parallel at the output side to reduce the current stress of the secondary winding of transformers. Instead of the conventional interleaved forward converter, power switches in the proposed converter can perform the functions of both forward converter and active clamp at the same time. Therefore, the circuit components in the power circuit are less than that of in the conventional interleaved forward converter. The operation principle and system analysis of the proposed converter are provided. Some experimental results for a 240 W (12 V/20 A) prototype are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed converter. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accurate differential tanh(nx) implementation
Authors: Carrasco‐Robles Manuel , Serrano Luis
Published: April 2008

This paper presents a novel non‐linear neural activation function architecture that approximates the tanh(nx) function accurately. The purpose of this realization is the description of a circuit that can be designed to obtain different slopes at the origin of the activation function. The special features of transistors working in the subthreshold region are combined with current mode techniques in order to minimize power consumption and occupied area. Moreover, the circuit has been designed with fully differential and balanced topologies so that the external influences, offset, and distortion of even order are reduced. The proposed activation function is thoroughly explained and it is analysed taking the body effect into account. Some modifications are applied in order to immunize it from the body effect, and simulated results for an implementation on a 0.35 µm AMI technology are presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MOS‐integrable circuitry for multi‐scroll chaotic grid realization: A SPICE‐assisted proof
Authors: Gandhi Gaurav , Roska Tamas
Published: April 2008

A MOS‐integrable circuit realization of the class ofMulti‐Scroll Gridattractor using an implementation of nonlinear transconductor is presented. The design can be seen as the MOS‐integrable circuit implementation of modified jerk equations presented in the literature (Int. J. Bifurcat. Chaos2002;12(1):23–41). The proposed design ofMulti‐Scroll Gridattractor is adequately supported by SPICE simulation results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A strategy for efficient handling of fresh tumor needle biopsies that allows histological and cytopathological assessment
Authors: Cohen Marta C. , Marven Sean , Walker Jenny , Gerrard Mary
Published: April 2008

Neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery is used in the management of many pediatric solid tumors, and diagnosis is therefore valuable and is frequently made by percutaneous needle biopsy.

We describe a method that enhances tissue preservation and obtains a sample for rapid cytopathological assessment.

Biopsies are placed in Ham's F10 culture's medium in theatre and transferred to pathology. The biopsies are retrieved from the medium and dealt as before (submit to cytogenetics; fix in glutharaldheyde; snap frozen at −80°C and routine histology). An equal amount of 90% alcohol is then added to the Ham culture's medium fluid received from theatre before performing a cytospin preparation and a cell clot.

We used this method in the diagnosis of 16 tumors demonstrating that this allows a more efficient handling of the biopsy, makes possible a same day diagnosis, enhances the quality of the immunohistochemistry and maximizes the amount of tissue available for diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:285–289. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adult granulosa cell tumor of the ovary: Fine‐needle‐aspiration cytology of 10 cases and review of literature
Authors: Ali Sarfraz , Gattuso Paolo , Howard Allison , Mosunjac Marina B. , Siddiqui Momin T.
Published: April 2008

Adult granulosa cell tumor (GCT) of the ovary is mostly diagnosed in postmenopausal women. They typically secrete estrogen, which stimulates the endometrium to proliferate and cause abnormal bleeding. This study reviews the cytologic features of adult GCT of the ovary diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration (FNA). We reviewed slides from ten cases diagnosed by CT guided FNA from 1995 to 2007 at our institutions. Smears were stained with Diff‐Quik and Papanicolaou stains. Patient's history and histologic diagnosis were also available and reviewed for all cases. The patients ranged in age from 39 to 83 yr. All 10 cases were hypercellular with both large and small overlapping cell clusters and individual cells. The cytologic features identified included: naked nuclei (10/10 cases), Call‐Exner bodies (7/10 cases), blood vessels with prominent perivascular tumor cell growth (4/10 cases), spindle‐shaped hyperchromatic stromal cells within cellular clusters (6/10 cases), mixed inflammation (3/10 cases), tumor cell necrosis (1/10 cases), and prominent metachromatic stroma seen in association with blood vessels (1/10 cases). Moderate to scant delicate cytoplasm was also seen (10/10 cases). Small, punctuate cytoplasmic vacuoles were also noted (7/10 cases) and were occasionally prominent (3/10 cases). In general nuclear to cytoplasmic ratios were high although lower than those typically seen in a lymphoma or small‐cell carcinoma. Nuclei were generally centrally located although eccentrically located nuclei were consistently seen in a minority of cells. Nuclei were monotonous in size showing slightly convoluted (occasional rentiform and fetiform nuclei) to polygonal outlines. Prominent, central nucleoli were also seen (4/10 cases). Nuclear grooves were also seen (9/10 cases). No atypical mitotic activity was identified in any of the 10 cases (0/10 cases). In summary, the above cytologic features can also help in the cytologic diagnosis of adult GCTs. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:297–302. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration of fibrous dysplasia of bone: A worthwhile endeavor or not?
Authors: Huening Michael A. , Reddy Suraj , Dodd Leslie G.
Published: April 2008

Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive technique which is enjoying ever‐increasing popularity in the initial diagnosis of many pathologic processes. However, FNA diagnosis of neoplasms occurring within bones is less commonly employed and is not the preferred method in some types of bony lesions. Fibrous dysplasia is a primary neoplasm of bone for which it is not yet clear whether FNA can reliably yield adequate diagnostic material.

Review of data from 82 cases of fibrous dysplasia diagnosed between 1990 and 2006 yielded six cases, in which diagnosis was initially attempted by FNA prior to open biopsy and surgical resection. Corresponding cytologic, histologic, and imaging characteristics of the cases were reviewed.

Of the six cases in which initial diagnosis was attempted by FNA, only two of six (33%) yielded adequate diagnostic material. Smears of aspirated material in all cases contained nonspecific elements, including fragments of benign host bone and cartilage, bland stromal cells, adipocytes, blood, and debris. Importantly, the two positive FNA cases were dependent on the concurrent core needle biopsy (all smears of aspirate material were nondiagnostic).

Even with image guidance, FNA is insufficient to obtain diagnostic material for cases of suspected fibrous dysplasia of bone. Core needle biopsy at least is recommended to obtain adequate material, and to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis due to sampling error. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:325–330. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Koilocytes in urinary cytology in a patient with kidney transplant
Authors: Altamirano Eugenia , Drut Ricardo
Published: April 2008

We are reporting the case of a 17‐year‐old girl with kidney transplant under immunosuppressive treatment. Evidences of transplant malfunction led to urinary cytology to rule out BKV infection. The smears showed the presence of koilocytes. Gynecologic examination revealed numerous condylomatous lesions in the vulva, vagina, and cervix. PAP smears showed cells with moderate to severe koilocytic dysplasia. PCR performed on material retrieved from both the smears showed HPV18 DNA sequences. Koilocytes have rarely been documented in urinary cytologic examination. Since post‐transplant immunosuppressed patients are prone to develop florid and extensive HPV infections, urinary cytology may prove useful for routine search of cells with this virus cytopathic effect. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:338–340. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytology of metastatic thymic well‐differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (thymic carcinoid) in pleural fluid: Report of a case
Authors: Cameron Stuart E. H. , Alsharif Mariam , McKeon Dan , Pambuccian Stefan E.
Published: April 2008

Thymic carcinoid tumors (well‐differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas) are uncommon anterior mediastinal neoplasms. These tumors are frequently accompanied by other endocrinopathies as part of a multiple endocrine neoplasia type I syndrome (MEN type I) and by paraneoplastic Cushing's syndrome and have a poor prognosis. We present the case of a 24‐year‐old man who presented for follow‐up of thymic carcinoid with extensive bony metastases. He had recently completed radiotherapy to lesions involving his skull and mandible. An ultrasound‐guided left‐sided diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis was performed yielding 1 l of cloudy yellow fluid. The cytologic fluid preparations consisted of large “cannonballs” and atypical cell groups with salt and pepper nuclear chromatin. A panel of immunohistochemical stains were performed on the cell block material, and the atypical cells were positive for cytokeratin, synaptophysin, and chromogranin, but not for TTF1. These findings were consistent with metastatic well‐differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (carcinoid tumor). This is the first reported case of a carcinoid tumor manifesting as large, spherical, smoothly contoured cell aggregates (“cannonballs”) in a pleural fluid. Despite its rarity, a metastatic carcinoid tumor should be considered when “cannonballs” are found in effusions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:333–337. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The rescue of developing avian motoneurons from programmed cell death by a selective inhibitor of the fetal muscle‐specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Oppenheim Ronald W. , Calderó Jordi , Cuitat Doloros , Esquerda Josep , McArdle Joseph J. , Olivera Baldomero M. , Prevette David , Teichert Russell W.
Published: April 2008

In an attempt to determine whether the rescue of developing motoneurons (MNS) from programmed cell death (PCD) in the chick embryo following reductions in neuromuscular function involves muscle or neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), we have employed a novel cone snail toxin αA‐OIVA that acts selectively to antagonize the embryonic/fetal form of muscle nAChRs. The results demonstrate that αA‐OIVA is nearly as effective as curare or α‐bungarotoxin (α‐BTX) in reducing neuromuscular function and is equally effective in increasing MN survival and intramuscular axon branching. Together with previous reports, we also provide evidence consistent with a transition between the embryonic/fetal form to the adult form of muscle nAChRs in chicken that involves the loss of the gamma subunit in the adult receptor. We conclude that selective inhibition of the embryonic/fetal form of the chicken muscle nAChR is sufficient to rescue MNs from PCD without any involvement of neuronal nAChRs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008
Sex differences in brain developing in the presence or absence of gonads
Authors: Büdefeld Tomaz , Grgurevic Neza , Tobet Stuart A. , Majdic Gregor
Published: April 2008

Brain sexual differentiation results from the interaction of genetic and hormonal influences. This study used a unique agonadal mouse model to determine relative contributions of genetic and gonadal hormone influences in the differentiation of selected brain regions. SF‐1 knockout (SF‐1 KO) mice are born without gonads and adrenal glands and are not exposed to endogenous sex steroids during fetal/neonatal development. Consequently, male and female SF‐1 KO mice are born with female external genitalia and if left on their own, die shortly after birth due to adrenal insufficiency. In this study, SF‐1 KO mice were rescued by neonatal adrenal transplantation to examine their brain morphology in adult life. To determine potential brain loci that might mediate functional sex differences, we examined the area and distribution of immunoreactive calbindin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the preoptic area (POA) and ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, two areas previously reported to be sexually dimorphic in the mammalian brain. A sex difference in the positioning of cells containing immunoreactive calbindin in a group within the POA was clearly gonad dependent based on the elimination of the sex difference in SF‐1 KO mice. Several other differences in the area of ventromedial hypothalamus and in POA were maintained in male and female SF‐1 KO mice, suggesting gonad‐independent genetic influences on sexually dimorphic brain development. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008
Normal adult climbing fiber monoinnervation of cerebellar Purkinje cells in mice lacking MHC class I molecules
Authors: Letellier Mathieu , Willson Melina L. , Gautheron Vanessa , Mariani Jean , Lohof Ann M.
Published: April 2008

Some immune system proteins have recently been implicated in the development and plasticity of neuronal connections. Notably, proteins of the major histocompatibility complex 1 (MHC class 1) have been shown to be involved in synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and the development of projection patterns in the visual system. We examined the possible role for the MHC class 1 proteins in one well‐characterized example of synaptic exuberance and subsequent refinement, the climbing fiber (CF) to Purkinje cell (PC) synapse. Cerebella from adult mice deficient for two MHC genes, H2‐D1 and H2‐K1, and for β2‐microglobulin gene were examined for evidence of deficient elimination of supernumerary CF synapses on their PCs. Electrophysiological and morphological evidence showed that, despite the absence of these MHC class 1 molecules, adult PCs in these transgenic mice are monoinnervated as in wild‐type animals. These findings indicate that, at the level of restriction of afferent number at this synapse, functional MHC class 1 proteins are not required. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008
Studies of thioguanine‐resistant lymphocytes induced by in vivo irradiation of mice
Authors: Jones Irene M. , Burkhart‐Schultz Karolyn , Strout Cheryl L. , Nelson David O.
Published: April 2008

The frequency of Hprt‐deficient lymphocytes in mice after in vivo γ irradiation, has been found to vary as a function of time elapsed after exposure and irradiation dose. The frequency of mutant lymphocytes in spleen was determined using an in vitro, clonogenic assay for thioguanine‐resistant T‐lymphocytes. Mice were exposed to single doses of 0–400 cGy from cesium‐137 or to eight daily doses of 50 cGy. The time to maximum‐induced mutant frequency was 3 weeks. The dose response was strikingly curvilinear at 3–5 weeks after irradiation, but less precisely defined for 10–53 weeks after exposure, being fit by either linear or quadratic dependence. Three weeks after eight daily 50 cGy exposures, mutant frequency was elevated above controls and mice exposed to 50 cGy (which were not distinct from the nonirradiated controls), but only 17% in that of mice given a single 400 cGy fraction. This fractionation effect and the curvilinearity of the early dose–response curve suggested that saturation of repair increased the yield of mutations at higher acute doses. The decline of spleen mutant frequency in mice observed between 5 and 10 weeks after irradiation may reflect selection against some mutants. The marked variation of mutant frequency, as a function of time after irradiation and of dose rate, emphasize the need to evaluate these variables carefully and consistently in future studies. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteomic biomarkers for prenatal bisphenol A—Exposure in mouse immune organs
Authors: Yang Mihi , Lee Ho‐Sun , Pyo Myoung‐Yun
Published: April 2008

Many investigators have encountered difficulty in clarifying the risks of exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disrupting chemical in epidemiological studies or animal experiments. In the present study, we developed biomarkers of BPA‐induced proteomic alterations in immune organs of mouse offspring that were prenatally exposed to BPA (15 and 300 mg/L of drinking water; they were exposed to 8.9 ± 1.8 mg of BPA/kg/day and 171.1 ± 16.8 mg of BPA/kg/day, respectively) that were evaluated in terms of sex, age, and BPA‐exposure levels. We performed 2D‐gel analyses of samples from various tissues (thymus and spleen), exposure levels, sex, and ages (3‐ and 7‐week‐old) (N = 48), and found seven proteins that were altered in a BPA dose‐dependent manner. Among them, we further studiedapo‐AI, DPPIII, and VAT1, which are suspected to be associated with endocrine disorders. By performing Western blots, we confirmed BPA upregulation of all three proteins. Moreover, the apo‐AI mRNA levels were increased in a BPA dose‐dependent manner in 3‐ and 7‐week‐old female mice. Females and young offspring were somewhat more sensitive to protein alterations than others. Our study, which is based on proteome analyses, suggests that apo‐AI, DPPIII, and VAT represent protein biomarkers for BPA and provide useful mechanistic clues for BPA‐induced endocrine disruption. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of the 5′ to 3′ exonuclease activity of hEXO1 by 8‐oxoguanine
Authors: McDowell Heather D. , Carney James P. , Wilson Teresa M.
Published: April 2008

The mismatch repair pathway is responsible for maintaining genomic stability by correcting base‐base mismatches and insertion/deletion loops that arise mainly via replication errors. Additionally, the mismatch repair pathway performs a central role in the cellular response to both alkylation and reactive oxygen species induced DNA damage. An important step in mismatch processing is the recruitment of hEXO1, a 5′ to 3′ exonuclease, by hMSH2‐hMSH6 to remove the nascent DNA strand. However, very little is currently known about the capacity of hEXO1 to exonucleolytically process damaged DNA bases. Therefore, we examined whether hEXO1 can degrade double‐stranded DNA substrates containing alkylated or oxidized nucleotides. Our results demonstrated that hEXO1 is capable of degrading duplex DNA containing an O6‐methylguanine (O6‐meG) adduct paired with either a C or a T. Additionally, the hMSH2‐hMSH6 complex stimulated hEXO1 exonuclease activity on the O6‐meG/T and O6‐meG/C DNA substrates. In contrast, hEXO1 exonuclease activity was significantly blocked by the presence of an 8‐oxoguanine adduct in both single and double stranded DNA substrates. Further, hMSH2‐hMSH6 was not able to alleviate the nucleolytic block caused by the 8‐oxoguanine adduct in heteroduplex DNA. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles trigger p53‐mediated damage response in peripheral blood lymphocytes
Authors: Kang Su Jin , Kim Byeong Mo , Lee Young Joon , Chung Hai Won
Published: April 2008

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano‐TiO2) are widely used as a photocatalyst in air and water remediation. These nanoparticles are known to induce toxicity; however, their cytotoxic mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of nano‐TiO2‐induced cytotoxicity in peripheral blood lymphocytes. We examined the genotoxic effects of nano‐TiO2 in lymphocytes using alkaline single‐cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) and cytokinesis‐block micronucleus (CBMN) assays. Lymphocytes treated with nano‐TiO2 showed significantly increased micronucleus formation and DNA breakage. Western‐blot analysis to identify proteins involved in the p53‐mediated response to DNA damage revealed the accumulation of p53 and activation of DNA damage checkpoint kinases in nano‐TiO2‐treated lymphocytes. However, p21 and bax, downstream targets of p53, were not affected, indicating that nano‐TiO2 does not stimulate transactivational activity of p53. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in nano‐TiO2‐treated cells was also observed, andN‐acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation inhibited the level of nano‐TiO2‐induced DNA damage. Given that ROS‐induced DNA damage leads to p53 activation in the DNA damage response, our results suggest that nano‐TiO2 induces ROS generation in lymphocytes, thereby activating p53‐mediated DNA damage checkpoint signals. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Capacity of sparse wideband channels with partial channel feedback
Authors: Hariharan Gautham , Raghavan Vasanthan , Sayeed Akbar M.
Published: April 2008

This paper studies the ergodic capacity of wideband multipath channels with partial/limited channel state feedback. Our work builds on recent results that show a significant capacity gain in the wideband/low‐SNR regime when there is perfect channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter and the receiver, relative to the case of perfect CSI at the receiver only. Furthermore, this benchmark capacity gain can be achieved with just one bit of feedback per channel coefficient. However, the input signals used in these works are peaky; that is, they have large peak‐to‐average power ratios. Signal peakiness requirement is related to channel coherence and many recent measurement campaigns show that, in contrast to previous assumptions, wideband channels exhibit a sparse multipath structure that naturally leads to coherence in time and frequency. In this work, we show that multipath sparsity significantly relaxes the requirement of peaky signalling in attaining the capacity gains with channel state feedback. First, we show that the benchmark capacity gain, with perfect CSI at the transmitter and the receiver, is achievable even under an instantaneous power constraint. In the more realistic non‐coherent setting, we study the performance of a training‐based signalling scheme with one bit of feedback per channel coefficient. We show that multipath sparsity can be leveraged to achieve the benchmark capacity gain under both average as well as instantaneous power constraints as long as the channel coherence scales at a sufficiently fast rate with the signal space dimension (time‐bandwidth product). We also present guidelines for choosing signalling parameters as a function of the channel sparsity parameters to maximally exploit channel state feedback for capacity gains. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct resequencing of the completeERBB2coding sequence reveals an absence of activating mutations inERBB2amplified breast cancer
Authors: Zito Christina I. , Riches David , Kolmakova Julia , Simons Jan , Egholm Michael , Stern David F.
Published: April 2008

Gene amplification is among the most common genetic abnormalities that cause cancer. One of the most clinically important gene amplifications in human cancer causes extensive reduplication ofERBB2. A variety of cancers also occasionally harbor somatic mutations inERBB2. Gene amplification and activating mutations both have predictive value for clinical response to targeted inhibitors. Since the number of gene copies in an amplicon may exceed 100, and since amplicons may encompass multiple genes, high‐resolution analysis of gene amplifications poses considerable technical challenges. We have overcome this obstacle by using emulsion‐based resequencing to determine the sequence of many independently‐amplified individual DNA molecules in parallel. We used this high throughput sequencing technology to analyzeERBB2mutational status in fiveERBB2amplified cell lines (four breast, one ovarian) and two breast tumors. Genomic DNA was isolated and the 28 exons ofERBB2were independently amplified. Amplicons were then pooled at equimolar ratios, subjected to emulsion PCR (emPCR) and finally to picotiter plate pyrosequencing. High‐quality sequence data were obtained for all amplicons analyzed and no activating mutations withinERBB2were identified. Although we did not find activating mutations within the multiple copies ofERBB2in these samples, the results establish the utility of this technology as a feasible and cost‐effective approach for high resolution analysis of amplified genes. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enigmatic sedimentary–volcanic successions in the central European Variscides: a Cambrian/Early Ordovician age for the Wojcieszów Limestone (Kaczawa Mountains, SW Poland) indicated by SHRIMP dating of volcanic zircons
Authors: Kryza Ryszard , Zalasiewicz Jan , Rodionov Nikolay
Published: April 2008

Metamorphosed volcanic and sedimentary successions in the central European Variscides are, in many areas, poorly biostratigraphically constrained, making palaeotectonic interpretations uncertain. In such instances, geochronological data are crucial. Sensitive high resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) dating of volcanic zircons from a quartz–white mica schist (interpreted as deformed metavolcaniclastic/epiclastic rock) within the stratigraphically controversial Wojcieszów Limestone of the Kaczawa Mountains (Sudetes, SW Poland), near to the eastern termination of the European Variscides, has yielded an age of 498 ± 5 Ma (2σ error), corresponding to late Cambrian to early Ordovician magmatism in that area and constraining the depositional age of the limestones. The new SHRIMP data are not consistent with the recent revision of the age of the Wojcieszów Limestone based on Foraminifera findings that ascribed them to a Late Ordovician—Silurian or even younger interval. They are though, consistent with sparse macrofossil data and strongly support earlier interpretations of the lower part of the Kaczawa Mountains succession as a Cambrian–Early Ordovician extensional basin‐fill with associated initial rift volcanic rocks, likely emplaced during the breakup of Gondwana. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic flow cytometry for low‐grade myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Ogata Kiyoyuki
Published: April 2008

It has long been considered that flow cytometry (FCM) has little role in clinical practice in the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, recent advances in the analytical method and knowledge of MDS FCM are changing this stereotype. This paper reviews the concept and current status of FCM in the diagnosis of low‐grade MDS. The diagnosis of low‐grade MDS in the absence of ringed sideroblasts and chromosomal aberration is not always straightforward, and a report from a recent international working conference has proposed FCM as an adjunctive diagnostic test for such cases. Currently, only a limited number of laboratories are applying FCM to the diagnosis of MDS. Furthermore, standard analytical methods in FCM for MDS have not been established, and no single FCM parameter is sufficiently sensitive and specific to make the diagnosis of MDS. To establish MDS FCM as a widely accepted, dependable diagnostic tool, prospective studies should increase flow parameters that can be analysed reproducibly and determine their sensitivity and specificity, either alone or in combination. CD34+ cell‐related parameters that are applicable for diagnosing low‐grade MDS in many laboratories are introduced here. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What's in a choice? Ethical, cultural and social dimensions of sex selection in China
Authors: Döring Ole
Published: April 2008

This paper describes the situation of sex selection in China and the related ethical debate, from the perspective of philosophical ethics. It begins with a discussion of the analytical‐bioethical standard approach to sex selection, and explains, why it is methodologically inadequate as well as ethically barren. It gives a summarizing account of the empirical status of sex‐selection in China, building on empirical studies about the phenomenon of “missing girls” and gender discrimination, and analyzes the relevant cultural and ethical circumstances. It introduces the recent governance measures and elaborates the ethical discussion in China. The paper concludes with a reflection on sex‐selection in China, and eugenics. The main thesis is that, in contemporary China, it would be inappropriate to assess the issues of sex selection in terms of “freedom of choice” or as an “individual's right to independent procreative decision making”. Hence, it argues, any attempt to declare the de facto practice in China on face value as an expression of individual, social or cultural self‐determination is fundamentally flawed, would be unsympathetic to the affected population and could merely support political and social apologetics. Whereas we cannot draw much advice from China about proper sex‐selection, discussion of the Chinese situation re‐emphasizes the pertinent ethical perspective, as a universal humanitarian concern.