bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late course of preserved hearing and tinnitus after acoustic neurilemoma surgery
Authors: Goel Atul , Sekhar Laligam N. , Langheinrich Walter , Kamerer Donald , Hirsch Barry
Published: May 2009

✓ The late course of preserved hearing and tinnitus following retrosigmoid transmeatal surgery for acoustic neurilemoma is reported. Over a period of 5 years, useful hearing was preserved in 15 patients after preservation was attempted in 42 patients. In five patients the hearing was better than the preoperative level; in three it was worse. Three patients developed delayed worsening and fluctuations of hearing in the surgically treated ear during a median follow-up period of 2½ years. While the exact reason for such worsening was not clear in two patients, in one patient it appeared that the muscle graft placed in the internal auditory canal after tumor resection resulted in fibrosis and compromise of the cochlear nerve. The causes of delayed worsening of hearing in the absence of tumor recurrence are analyzed, and possible treatment and methods of prevention of worsening are suggested. In six patients, tinnitus persisted after surgery in the ear with successful preservation of hearing, but hearing was not worsened and the tinnitus was not bothersome to the patient. In one patient with preoperative tinnitus, hearing was not preserved and tinnitus persisted sufficiently to necessitate re-exploration and cochlear nerve section.
Endovascular treatment of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas with spinal perimedullary venous drainage
Authors: Gobin Y. Pierre , Rogopoulos Andre , Aymard Armand , Khayata Mazen , Reizine Daniel , Chiras Jacques , Merland Jean-Jacques
Published: May 2009

✓ Intracranial dural arteriovenous (AV) fistulas with spinal perimedullary venous drainage are rare lesions that have distinctive clinical, radiological, and therapeutic aspects. Five patients presented with an ascending myelopathy, which extended to involve the brain stem in three cases. Myelography and magnetic resonance imaging showed slightly dilated spinal perimedullary vessels. Spinal angiograms were normal in the arterial phase. Diagnosis was only possible after cerebral angiography, which demonstrated posterior fossa AV fistulas fed by meningeal arteries and draining into spinal perimedullary veins. Endovascular treatment alone resulted in angiographic obliteration of the lesion in three patients. Two patients required surgery in addition to endovascular therapy. One patient died postoperatively, and in one a transient complication of embolization was observed. Improvement after treatment was good in two cases and fair in two. Transverse sinus thrombosis was observed in three cases and was probably the cause of the aberrant venous drainage of the fistula into the spinal perimedullary veins. The pathophysiology is related to spinal cord venous hypertension. These lesions were classified as Type 5 in the Djindjian and Merland classification of dural intracranial AV fistulas. Endovascular therapy is a safe effective method in the treatment of these fistulas and should be tried first.
Treatment of cerebral vasospasm with intra-arterial papaverine
Authors: Kassell Neal F. , Helm Gregory , Simmons Nathan , Phillips C. Douglas , Cail Wayne S.
Published: May 2009

✓ Cerebral vasospasm continues to be the leading treatable cause of morbidity and mortality following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this preliminary anecdotal series of 12 patients who were candidates for balloon angioplasty, vasospasm was treated instead with intra-arterial papaverine. Eight patients had marked angiographic reversal of the arterial narrowing following papaverine infusion, four of whom showed dramatic reversal of profound neurological deficits. Two patients deteriorated clinically 5 days after the initially successful papaverine infusions. In both, repeat angiography demonstrated severe recurrent vasospasm, which was partially reversed with a second intra-arterial papaverine treatment. Two patients developed focal neurological deficits during papaverine infusion, which resolved spontaneously over several hours after cessation of the intra-arterial infusion. Arterial narrowing in the posterior circulation and middle cerebral artery distribution appeared to be more responsive to papaverine infusion than was spasm in the anterior cerebral arteries. The infusion of 300 mg of papaverine over 1 hour seemed to be an adequate and safe dose to effect these angiographic and clinical improvements.
Neurological findings and outcome in adult cerebral malaria
Authors: Sattar M.A. , Hoque Hasnat Waheedul , Amin M. Robed , Faiz M.A. , Rahman M. Ridwanur
Published: May 2009

The neurological findings of 100 patients of adult cerebral malaria were studied. The commonest neurological feature was symmetrical upper motor neuron lesion as evidenced by exaggerated tendon reflexes and bilateral planter extensor (61%). Twenty two percent had features of meningeal irritation and/or meningism. Abnormal posturing occurred decerebrate rigidity (6%) and decorticate rigidity (4%) with or without opisthotonus, focal neurological deficit was noted in 5% cases. Pupillary size and reaction were normal in 86%, poor in 14%. Corneal reflexes were absent in 4% cases. Fundoscopy showed retinal hemorrhage in 16%, papilloedema is 3% and exudates in 1%. Majority of the patients recovered (80%) without any persistent neurological sequelae at the time of discharge from hospital and death rate was 20%. Â Patients having focal neurological deficit, disconjugate gaze, poor pupillary reaction, absent corneal reflex and papilloedema were more susceptible to death. Delay in hospitalization and deep coma were also associated with increased mortality, whereas early hospitalization and proper nursing care could reduce mortality. Keywords: Cerebral malaria; Neurological; BangladeshOnline: 21 May 2009 DOI: 10.3329/bmrcb.v35i1.2313Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2009; 35: 15-17
Childhood burn injury and suffering of affected families
Authors: Ahmed Selim , Rahman Fazlur
Published: May 2009

Keywords: Burn; Children; FamilyOnline: 22 May 200DOI: 10.3329/bmrcb.v35i1.2317Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2009; 35: 26-27
An Updated Review of Tyrosinase Inhibitors
Authors: Chang Te-Sheng
Published: May 2009

Tyrosinase is a multifunctional, glycosylated, and copper-containing oxidase, which catalyzes the first two steps in mammalian melanogenesis and is responsible for enzymatic browning reactions in damaged fruits during post-harvest handling and processing. Neither hyperpigmentation in human skin nor enzymatic browning in fruits are desirable. These phenomena have encouraged researchers to seek new potent tyrosinase inhibitors for use in foods and cosmetics. This article surveys tyrosinase inhibitors newly discovered from natural and synthetic sources. The inhibitory strength is compared with that of a standard inhibitor, kojic acid, and their inhibitory mechanisms are discussed.
Pentacyclic Triterpene Distribution in Various Plants – Rich Sources for a New Group of Multi-Potent Plant Extracts
Authors: Jäger Sebastian , Trojan Holger , Kopp Thomas , Laszczyk Melanie  N. , Scheffler Armin
Published: June 2009

Pentacyclic triterpenes are secondary plant metabolites widespread in fruit peel, leaves and stem bark. In particular the lupane-, oleanane-, and ursane triterpenes display various pharmacological effects while being devoid of prominent toxicity. Therefore, these triterpenes are promising leading compounds for the development of new multi-targeting bioactive agents. Screening of 39 plant materials identified triterpene rich (> 0.1% dry matter) plant parts. Plant materials with high triterpene concentrations were then used to obtain dry extracts by accelerated solvent extraction resulting in a triterpene content of 50 - 90%. Depending on the plant material, betulin (birch bark), betulinic acid (plane bark), oleanolic acid (olive leaves, olive pomace, mistletoe sprouts, clove flowers), ursolic acid (apple pomace) or an equal mixture of the three triterpene acids (rosemary leaves) are the main components of these dry extracts. They are quantitatively characterised plant extracts supplying a high concentration of actives and therefore can be used for development of phytopharmaceutical formulations.
Magneto-Optical Relaxation Measurements of Functionalized Nanoparticles as a Novel Biosensor
Authors: Aurich Konstanze , Glöckl Gunnar , Nagel Stefan , Weitschies Werner
Published: May 2009

Measurements of magneto-optical relaxation signals of magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with biomolecules are a novel biosensing tool. Upon transmission of a laser beam through a nanoparticle suspension in a pulsed magnetic field, the properties of the laser beam change. This can be detected by optical methods. Biomolecular binding events leading to aggregation of nanoparticles are ascertainable by calculating the relaxation time and from this, the hydrodynamic diameters of the involved particles from the optical signal. Interaction between insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and its antibody was utilized for demonstration of the measurement setup applicability as an immunoassay. Furthermore, a formerly developed kinetic model was utilized in order to determine kinetic parameters of the interaction. Beside utilization of the method as an immunoassay it can be applied for the characterization of diverse magnetic nanoparticles regarding their size and size distribution.
Renegotiating the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement: The Process for a Sustainable Outcome
Authors: Krantzberg Gail
Published: June 2009

This is a defining moment for the Great Lakes St Lawrence region, with the opportunity to renovate the regime for ecosystem improvement, protection and sustainability. The binational Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement was first signed in 1972. The outcome of a 2007 review of the Agreement by government and citizens, resulted in a broad call for and revisions to the Agreement, so that it can once again serve as a visionary document driving binational cooperation to address long-standing, new and emerging Great Lakes environmental issues in the 21st century. A prescription for renegotiating the Agreement to generate a revitalized and sustainable future mandates that science inform contemporary public policy, third Party Mediation presses for and coordinates a deliberate negotiation, and inclusive discourse and public engagement be integral through the process.
The Emerging Role of IG-IMRT for Palliative Radiotherapy: A Single-Institution Experience
Authors: Samant Rajiv S. , Gerig L. , Montgomery L. , MacRae R. , Fox G. , Nyiri B. , Carty K. , MacPherson M.
Published: May 2009

Many modern radiotherapy centers now have image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (ig-imrt) tools available for clinical use, and the technique offers many options for patients requiring palliative radiotherapy. We describe a single-institution experience with ig-imrt for short-course palliative radiotherapy, highlighting the unique situations in which the technique can be most effectively used.
Might Positron Emission Tomography Actually Treat Micrometastatic Cancer?
Authors: Goldstein Mark R. , Mascitelli Luca , Pezzetta Francesca
Published: May 2009

We read the interesting pilot study of Dr. Nayot and colleagues on the use of preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (fdg-pet) with computed tomography (ct) scanning to detect metastatic nodes in subjects with endometrial [...]
Optimal Use of Taxanes in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: King Karen M. , Lupichuk S. , Baig L. , Webster M. , Basi S. , Whyte D. , Rix S.
Published: May 2009

The role of taxanes in the treatment of breast cancer is becoming increasingly important. In clinical practice, the taxanes are now standard therapy in both early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. Since the 1990s, multiple randomized clinical trials have been evaluating the efficacy of taxanes in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. These trials have included treatment with taxanes alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. Pre-existing published guidelines for the use of taxanes in the management of metastatic breast cancer are available. The mandate of the Alberta Cancer Board Provincial Breast Tumour Group Guideline Panel was to consider and adapt the recommendations of the existing guidelines and to develop de novo guidelines to account for current evidence. For this task, the panel used the adapte process, which is a systematic process of guideline adaptation developed by the adapte Collaboration. The recommendations formulated by the panel included the identification of taxane regimens that could be offered in anthracycline-naïve patients, anthracycline-pretreated or -resistant patients, and patients overexpressing the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Potential toxicities and benefits in terms of time to progression, progression-free survival, overall survival, and quality of life were also considered.
High-Grade Hyperinvasive Sarcomatoid Urothelial Bladder Carcinoma Demonstrating Complete Response to Bladder-Preserving Chemoradiation
Authors: Wallach Jonathan B. , Wang B. , Sanfilippo N.
Published: May 2009

The standard treatment for locally advanced urothelial bladder carcinoma is radical cystectomy or chemoradiation. Sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma, a rare tumour, is treated with radical cystectomy because the response to radiation therapy alone is poor in other sarcomas. We report a case of high-grade hyperinvasive urothelial bladder carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation. The patient refused cystectomy, and so a chemoradiation regimen was devised for her treatment. She completed the regimen and has since demonstrated a complete response to chemoradiation therapy clinically and pathologically by biopsy. The patient has therefore been able to attain a complete response while preserving a functional bladder.
Photocrosslinkable Polythiophenes for Efficient, Thermally Stable, Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Kim Bumjoon J. , Miyamoto Yoshikazu , Ma Biwu , Fréchet Jean M. J.
Published: May 2009

Photocrosslinkable bromine‐functionalized poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT‐Br) copolymers designed for application in solution‐processed organic photovoltaics are prepared by copolymerization of 2‐bromo‐3‐(6‐bromohexyl) thiophene and 2‐bromo‐3‐hexylthiophene. The monomer ratio is carefully controlled to achieve a UV photocrosslinkable layer while retaining the π–π stacking feature of the conjugated polymers. The new materials are used as electron donors in both bulk heterojunction (BHJ) and bilayer type photovoltaic devices. Unlike devices prepared from either P3HT:PCBM blend or P3HT‐Br:PCBM blend without UV treatment, photocrosslinked P3HT‐Br:PCBM devices are stable even when annealed for two days at the elevated temperature of 150 °C as the nanophase separated morphology of the bulk heterojunction is stabilized as confirmed by optical microscopy and grazing incidence wide angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS). When applied to solution‐processed bilayer devices, the photocrosslinkable materials show high power conversion efficiencies (∼2%) and excellent thermal stability (3 days at 150 °C). Such performance, one of the highest obtained for a bilayer device fabricated by solution processing, is achieved as crosslinking does not disturb the π–π stacking of the polymer as confirmed by GIWAXS measurements. These novel photocrosslinkable materials provide ready access to efficient bilayer devices thus enabling the fundamental study of photophysical characteristics, charge generation, and transport across a well‐defined interface.
Hydrogen storage properties of B‐ and N‐doped microporous carbon
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Yang Frances H. , Yang Ralph T.
Published: May 2009

A B‐ and N‐doped microporous carbon has been synthesized via a substitution reaction. The obtained carbon exhibited much higher surface area than the previously reported B‐ and N‐doped carbon. The hydrogen storage measurements indicated that the B‐ and N‐doped microporous carbon had a 53% higher storage capacity than the carbon materials with similar surface areas. Furthermore, hydrogen storage via spillover was studied on Ru‐supported B‐ and N‐doped microporous carbon and a storage capacity of 1.2 wt % at 298 K and 10 MPa was obtained, showing an enhancement factor of 2.2. Ab initio molecular orbital calculations were also performed for the binding energies between the spiltover hydrogen atom and various sites on the doped carbon. The theoretical calculations can explain the experimental results well, which also shed light on the most favorable and possible sites with which the spiltover hydrogen atoms bind. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Anatomy and ultrasonography of the normal kidney in brown lemurs:Eulemur fulvus
Authors: Raharison Fidiniaina , Mogicato Giovanni , Sautet Jean
Published: May 2009

The purpose of this study is to describe the anatomy and obtain echographic measurements of normal kidneys in brown lemurs (Eulemur fulvus). The anatomical findings show that brown lemur kidneys are comparable to those of rats except for an elongated papilla. The kidneys of 16 (7 females and 9 males) lemurs were examined with two‐dimensional and power Doppler ultrasonography under general anesthesia. Morphometrically, the left and right kidney surface areas are comparable (3.29 and 3.51 cm2). Kidney area has a significant linear correlation with body weight. Echo‐Doppler findings show that the mean renal arterial blood flow speeds for the left and right kidneys are comparable (0.70 and 0.73 m/s). However, flow speed is higher in the male (0.79 m/s) than in the female (0.60 m/s). The renal arterial diameters are between 1.0 and 1.8 mm. The fact that anesthesia can have hemodynamic effects on renal vasculature should be taken into consideration when assessing these echographic results. Am. J. Primatol. 71:647–653, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conformational Tuning of Magnetic Interactions in Metal–DNA Complexes
Authors: Mallajosyula Sairam S. , Pati Swapan K.
Published: May 2009

Die Anordnung von Cu2+‐Ionen entlang einer modifizierten DNA‐Helix wurde studiert; dabei kamen entweder über Hydroxypyridon (H) oder Bis(salicylaldehyd)ethylendiamin (S‐en) metallierte Basenpaare (MBPs) zum Einsatz. Die bewegliche Konformation von H‐MBP führt zur Verknüpfung der H‐MBPs durch ein ferromagnetisches Cu‐O‐Netzwerk, die festgelegte Konformation von S‐en‐MBP resultierte dagegen in paarweiser Stapelung und schwach antiferromagnetischen Eigenschaften.

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Synthesis of Allenylidene Lithium and Silver Complexes, and Subsequent Transmetalation Reactions
Authors: Asay Matt , Donnadieu Bruno , Schoeller Wolfgang W. , Bertrand Guy
Published: May 2009

Alpha, Beta, Gamma! Aminosubstituenten in α‐ und β‐Positionen ermöglichen die Isolierung von freien Carbenen, aber selbst noch in der γ‐Position gestattet ihr starkes π‐Elektronendonorvermögen die Synthese von Allenyliden‐Lithium‐Addukten und Silberkomplexen (siehe Bild), die ideale Vorstufen für die Herstellung verschiedenartiger Übergangsmetall‐Allenyliden‐Komplexe sind.

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1,n‐Glycols as Dialdehyde Equivalents in Iridium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Carbonyl Allylation and Iterative Two‐Directional Assembly of 1,3‐Polyols
Authors: Lu Yu , Kim In Su , Hassan Abbas , Del Valle David J. , Krische Michael J.
Published: May 2009

Wirklich instabil? 1,n‐Glycole wirken als Syntheseäquivalente für instabile Dialdehyde bei der bidirektionalen Carbonylallylierung ausgehend vom Alkohol‐Oxidationsnivau unter iridiumkatalysierter Transferhydrierung. Eine iterative asymmetrische Allylierung mit 1,3‐Propandiol ermöglicht den schnellen Aufbau geschützter 1,3‐Polyolsubstrukturen mit außergewöhnlicher Stereokontrolle.

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Schicksale und Karrieren.Von Reinhard Rürup und Michael Schüring.
Authors: Hopf Henning
Published: May 2009

Wallstein Verlag, Göttingen 2008. 539 S., Broschur, 34.00 €.—ISBN 978‐3892447979

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Titelbild: Bruch mit dem Dogma metallkoordinierender Carbonsäuren in Integrinliganden: Änderung von Selektivität und Aktivität durch Hydroxamsäuren als MIDAS‐Binder (Angew. Chem. 24/2009)
Authors: Heckmann Dominik , Laufer Burkhardt , Marinelli Luciana , Limongelli Vittorio , Novellino Ettore , Zahn Grit , Stragies Roland , Kessler Horst
Published: May 2009

Die Bindung der Carboxygruppe eines Aspartatrestes an die Metallionen‐abhängige Adhäsionsstelle (MIDAS) ist ein Schlüsselelement der Ligandenbindung an Integrine. Dies wurde durch die Bindung des cyclischen Pentapeptids cyclo(RGDfNMeV) (Cilengitid) an das Integrin αvβ3 demonstriert (siehe Bild). H. Kessler und Mitarbeiter zeigen in der Zuschrift auf S. 4501 ff., dass sich die Carboxygruppe, die bisher für unverzichtbar gehalten wurde, durch eine Hydroxamsäureeinheit ersetzen lässt.

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Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy Reveals that E. coli Inclusion Bodies of HET‐s(218–289) are Amyloids
Authors: Wasmer Christian , Benkemoun Laura , Sabaté Raimon , Steinmetz Michel O. , Coulary‐Salin Bénédicte , Wang Lei , Riek Roland , Saupe Sven J. , Meier Beat H.
Published: May 2009

Protein deposition frequently occurs as inclusion bodies (IBs) during heterologous protein expression in E. coli. The structure of these E. coli IBs of the prion‐forming domain from the fungal prion HET‐s is the same as that previously determined for fibrils assembled in vitro, and show prion infectivity. These results demonstrate that the IBs of HET‐s(218–289) are amyloids.

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Transition‐Metal Phosphate Colloidal Spheres
Authors: Chen Chen , Chen Wei , Lu Jun , Chu Deren , Huo Ziyang , Peng Qing , Li Yadong
Published: May 2009

The music of the spheres: Transition‐metal phosphate colloidal spheres with one metal (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu; see picture) or more than one metal (such as Fe–Ni, Co–Cu, Fe–Co–Cu, Fe–Co–Ni–Cu, Mn–Fe–Co–Ni–Cu, and Mn–Fe–Co–Ni–Cu–Zn) were synthesized in solution at low temperature. Porous and hollow iron phosphate spheres were prepared by adjusting the pH value of the reaction.

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Difluoro‐λ5‐Phosphinonitrile F2PN: Matrix Isolation and Photoisomerization into FPNF
Authors: Zeng Xiaoqing , Beckers Helmut , Willner Helge
Published: May 2009

Splendid isolation: Monomeric phosphazene F2PN (1A1) was prepared for the first time through irradiation of F2PN3 in an argon matrix with an ArF excimer laser (λ=193 nm). Upon subsequent irradiation with a high‐pressure mercury arc lamp (λ=255 nm), F2PN undergoes a 1,2‐fluorine shift to give iminophosphane cis‐FPNF.

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Medical Toxicology of Natural Substances.Foods, Fungi, Medicinal Herbs, Plants, and Venomous Animals. By Donald G. Barceloux.
Authors: Pohnert Georg
Published: May 2009

John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken 2008. 1158 pp., hardcover € 162.50.—ISBN 978‐0471727613

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Cover Picture: Breaking the Dogma of the Metal‐Coordinating Carboxylate Group in Integrin Ligands: Introducing Hydroxamic Acids to the MIDAS To Tune Potency and Selectivity (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 24/2009)
Authors: Heckmann Dominik , Laufer Burkhardt , Marinelli Luciana , Limongelli Vittorio , Novellino Ettore , Zahn Grit , Stragies Roland , Kessler Horst
Published: May 2009

The binding of the carboxyl group of an aspartate residue in the metal‐ion‐dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) is a key feature in the binding of ligands to integrins. This finding was demonstrated by the binding of the cyclic pentapeptide cyclo(RGDfNMeV) (Cilengitid) to the integrin αvβ3 (see picture). In their Communication on p. 4436 ff, H. Kessler and co‐workers show that the carboxyl group previously considered essential for binding can be replaced by a hydroxamic acid unit.

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Accessibility of simple gases in disordered carbons: theory and simulation
Authors: Nguyen T. X. , Bhatia S. K.
Published: May 2009

We present a review of our recent studies on the accessibility of simple gases (Ar, N2, CH4 and CO2) in disordered microporous carbons using transition state theory (TST) and molecular simulation techniques. A realistic carbon model rather than the slit‐pore approximation is utilised, providing more accurate understanding of complex adsorption equilibrium and dynamics behaviour at the molecular level in porous carbons, especially kinetic restriction of adsorbate molecules through highly constricted pore mouths of coals and molecular sieve carbons (MSC). This kinetic restriction leads to a molecular sieving effect which plays a vital role in gas separation using the MSCs. In particular, the realistic carbon model of a saccharose char used in a recent study was obtained by hybrid reverse Monte Carlo simulation. The time of adsorption or desorption of the single gas molecule between two neighbouring pores through a highly constricted window of the realistic saccharose char model was determined using TST. Finally, the validation of TST calculated results of adsorption and desorption times against experimental measurements as well as molecular dynamics simulation is also presented in this article. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model for the dynamic behavior of a commercial scale slurry bubble column reactor applied for the Fischer–Tropch synthesis
Authors: Ghasemi Samira , Sohrabi Morteza , Rahmani Mohammad
Published: May 2009

Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is an important chemical process for the production of liquid fuels. In the present study, a dynamic model for a commercial size slurry bubble column reactor (SBCR) operating under heterogeneous flow regime and dealing with the FTS has been developed. In such a model a detailed kinetics expressions for the FTS and water gas shift (WGS) reactions have been considered. A selectivity model combined with SBCR hydrodynamics and the multicomponent VLE scheme have been applied to estimate the distribution of olefins and paraffins in the products. In addition, the effects of catalyst deactivation on reactor performance and product distribution under transient conditions may be predicted from this model. The data calculated from the model have been correlated with the experimental results available in the literature. It seems that the present model could be applied to estimate the main characteristics of the reactor's dynamic behavior. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of different electrode configurations on the migration of copper ions during the electrokinetic remediation process
Authors: Almeira Juan , Peng Changsheng , Wang Zhenyu
Published: May 2009

Electrokinetic remediation (EKR) is becoming a popular technique for removal of heavy metals from polluted soils, but its low efficiency induced from high pH area should be improved. It is known that the proper arrangement of electric field direction and intensity may influence the migration of H+ and OH− by direction and distance, which means that basic and acid zones can be optimized through electric field orientation arrangement. The aim of this work is to study the influence of the arrangement of electrodes on acid/basic zone, minimizing basic area and maximizing acid area in the soil. In this paper, five soil samples named TQ1, TQ2, TQ2, B55, and B60 were treated by EKR with different two‐dimensional (2D) electrodes arrangement, in order to investigate the effect of electrode configurations on the distribution of pH and copper ions removal. Based on the results of copper removal, energy consumption, effective area, and the percentage of acid, basic and pH jump area, the best electrode configuration would be a cathode–anode–cathode arrangement with 60° angle. It can also be seen from the results that only in the area of pH < 4, copper ions could be removed effectively. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental study on gasification characteristics and slagging behavior of Chinese typical high ash fusion temperature coal in lab scale downflow gasifier
Authors: Wu Xiaojiang , Zhang Zhongxiao , Piao Guilin , Kobayashi Nobusuke , Mori Shigekatsu , Itaya Yoshinori
Published: May 2009

In order to extend the applicability of entrained flow gasification technology by using Chinese high ash fusion temperature (AFT) coal with dry ash extraction, gasification characteristics and slagging behavior of Chinese high AFT coal were studied in a lab scale downflow gasifier. The results showed that under this experimental condition, the optimum temperature window which is suitable for dry ash extraction with high AFT coal ranges from 1573 to 1623 K, as well as the corresponding optimum O2/coal mass ratio ranges from 0.93 to 1.13. The cold gas efficiency and carbon conversion are around 42 and 90%, respectively in this experiment. The slag on the bottom of the gasifier and in the cyclone existed, on the whole, as solid except that some small parts were melted with several micrometers in diameter, while the slag in the bag filter had remained unmelted when continue operating at an optimum condition for 1.5 h. Due to the small percentage of melted parts in the slag, the tendency of plugging is small and the problems of plugging can be avoided at the exit of gasifier by gasifying Chinese high AFT coal at around 1623 K. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lumped dynamic model for a bistable genetic regulatory circuit within a variable‐volume whole‐cell modelling framework
Authors: Maria Gheorghe
Published: May 2009

Genetic regulatory circuits (GRCs) including switches, oscillators, signal amplifiers or filters, and signalling circuits are responsible for the control of cell metabolism. Modelling such complex GRCs is a difficult task due to high complexity of the the process (partly known) and the structural, functional and temporal hierarchical organisation of the cell system. Modular lumped representation, grouping some reactions/components and including different types of variables, is a promising alternative allowing individual module characterisation and elaboration of extended simulation platforms for representing the GRC dynamic properties and designing new cell functions. Such models allow to in‐silico design modified micro‐organisms with desirable properties for practical applications in bioprocess engineering and biotechnology. In the present work, the analysis of a designed bistable switch formed by two gene expression modules is performed in a variable‐volume and whole‐cell modelling framework, by mimicking the Escherichia coli cell growth. The advantages but also limitations of such a new approach are investigated, by using a Hill‐type kinetics combined with few elementary steps, with the aim of better representing the adjustable levels of key intermediates tuning the GRC regulatory properties in terms of stability strength, species connectivity, responsiveness, and regulatory efficiency under stationary and dynamic perturbations. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Speciation of heavy metals in sediments from Baihua Lake and Aha Lake
Authors: Huang Xian‐fei , HU Ji‐wei , Deng Jia‐jun , Li Cun‐xiong , Qin Fan‐xin
Published: May 2009

Baihua Lake and Aha Lake are both drinking‐water sources for Guiyang City, the capital of Guizhou Province in southwestern China. In the present research, chemical speciation of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the sediments from these two lakes was studied based on the sequential extraction procedure developed by Tessier et al., and organic matter (OM) was determined by ignition method. The results obtained are as follows:1 The organic matter amounts in sediments from Baihua Lake and Aha Lake ranged from 11.62 to 18.02% and 8.48 to 13.90%, respectively;2 Cr and Zn were mainly distributed in residual phase, while Cu mainly existed in oxidizable and residual phases;3 Levels of Cu distributed in oxidizable phase in sediments from Baihua Lake were higher than those from Aha Lake;4 Mobility, bioavailability, and toxicity of Cu were low in comparison with Zn and Cr, because Cu was mainly distributed in oxidizable and residual phases in which heavy metals mobility was lower than in the other phases. The Pearson's correlation coefficient between organic matter and Cr in oxidizable phase of the 20 sediment samples collected from the two lakes was up to 0.604 (p < 0.01). Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential Limb Scaling in the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and Its Implications for Archosaur Locomotor Evolution
Authors: Livingston Victoria J. , Bonnan Matthew F. , Elsey Ruth M. , Sandrik Jennifer L. , Wilhite D. Ray
Published: May 2009

Bipedalism evolved multiple times within archosaurs, and relatively shorter forelimbs characterize both crocodyliforms and nonavian dinosaurs. Analysis of a comprehensive ontogenetic sequence of specimens (embryo to adult) of the sauropodomorph Massospondylus has shown that bipedal limb proportions result from negative forelimb allometry. We ask, is negative forelimb allometry a pattern basal to archosaurs, amplified in certain taxa to produce bipedalism? Given the phylogenetic position of extant crocodylians and their relatively shorter forelimb, we tested the hypothesis that prevalent negative forelimb allometry is present in Alligator mississippiensis from a sample of wild specimens from embryonic to adult sizes. Long bone lengths (humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, fibula, third metapodials) were measured with their epiphyseal cartilage intact at all sizes. Our results show an overall isometric pattern for most elements regressed on femur length, humerus length, or total limb length. However, negative allometry was prevalent for the ulna, and the third metapodials scale with positive allometry embryonically. These data suggest that the general forelimb proportions in relation to the hindlimb do not change significantly with increasing size in A. mississippiensis. The negative allometry of the ulna and embryonicaly positive allometry of the third metapodials appears to be related to maintaining the functional integrity of the limbs. We show that this pattern is different from that of the sauropodomorph Massospondylus, and we suggest that if bipedalism in archosaurs is tied, in part, to negative forearm allometry, it was either secondarily lost through isometric scaling, or never developed in the ancestor of A. mississippiensis. Anat Rec, 292:787–797, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Post‐Modification of meso–meso‐Linked Porphyrin Arrays by Iridium and Rhodium Catalyses for Tuning of Energy Gap
Authors: Chen Jinping , Aratani Naoki , Shinokubo Hiroshi , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: May 2009

Skillfully attached! meso–meso‐Linked diporphyrins can be efficiently and selectively functionalized with multiple unsaturated carboxylic acid groups through iridium and rhodium catalyses. This post‐modification strategy allows fine‐tuning of energy levels of each porphyrin unit.

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meso–meso‐Linked diporphyrins fabricated with multiple unsaturated carboxylic acid groups are efficiently synthesized by the use of transition‐metal catalysis. Iridium‐catalyzed direct borylation of meso–meso‐linked diporphyrins furnish multi‐borylated diporphyrins with high regioselectivity. Then, the introduction of α,β‐ or α,β,γ,δ‐unsaturated ester functions to the diporphyrins is achieved through rhodium‐catalyzed Heck‐type addition of the borylated diporphyrins to acrylate or 2,4‐pentadienoate esters. Saponification of the esters to the corresponding acids is accomplished in high yields. The post‐modification of diporphyrin 6 smoothly provides a water‐soluble multiporphyrin array 1 in 84 % total yield in 3 steps. This functionalization significantly affects the electronic properties of the porphyrins, resulting in different energy levels of each porphyrin unit. The absorption and fluorescence spectra indicate efficient energy transfer in the porphyrin dimers.
Toward an organismal, integrative, and iterative phylogeography
Authors: Buckley David
Published: May 2009

Phylogeography involves the analysis of gene genealogies in a spatial context, to infer the historical processes that have shaped the current population structure and distribution of organisms. The field has expanded rapidly in the last three decades, triggered by important technical and methodological advances. However, these technical improvements have not been paralleled by major changes in theoretical paradigms. I suggest that phylogeographic techniques are underutilized, and that adopting an organismal, integrative, and iterative research program in phylogeography will reinforce the explanatory power of the discipline.
MicroRNAs and metazoan macroevolution: insights into canalization, complexity, and the Cambrian explosion
Authors: Peterson Kevin J. , Dietrich Michael R. , McPeek Mark A.
Published: May 2009

One of the most interesting challenges facing paleobiologists is explaining the Cambrian explosion, the dramatic appearance of most metazoan animal phyla in the Early Cambrian, and the subsequent stability of these body plans over the ensuing 530 million years. We propose that because phenotypic variation decreases through geologic time, because microRNAs (miRNAs) increase genic precision, by turning an imprecise number of mRNA transcripts into a more precise number of protein molecules, and because miRNAs are continuously being added to metazoan genomes through geologic time, miRNAs might be instrumental in the canalization of development. Further, miRNAs ultimately allow for natural selection to elaborate morphological complexity, because by reducing gene expression variability, miRNAs increase heritability, allowing selection to change characters more effectively. Hence, miRNAs might play an important role in shaping metazoan macroevolution, and might be part of the solution to the Cambrian conundrum.
Illuminating cell signaling: Using Vibrio harveyi in an introductory biology laboratory
Authors: Hrizo Stacy L. , Kaufmann Nancy
Published: May 2009

Cell signaling is an essential cellular process that is performed by all living organisms. Bacteria communicate with each other using a chemical language in a signaling pathway that allows bacteria to evaluate the size of their population, determine when they have reached a critical mass (quorum sensing), and then change their behavior in unison to carry out processes that require many cells acting together to be effective. Here, we describe a laboratory exercise in which the students observe the induction of bioluminescence or light production as an output of the quorum sensing pathway in Vibrio harveyi. Using both wildtype and mutant bacterial strains they explore the induction of community behavior via cell‐cell communication by determining whether there is a correlation between the density of the bacterial population and the production of light by the bacterial culture. Using data from a cross‐feeding assay the students make predictions about the identity of their strains and directly test these predictions using conditioned media from various liquid cultures. This two part exercise is designed for an introductory biology course to begin familiarizing students with collecting data, making predictions based upon the data and directly testing their hypotheses using a model organism with a cell signaling pathway that has a simple visual output: light production.
First steps in computational systems biology: A practical session in metabolic modeling and simulation
Authors: Reyes‐Palomares Armando , Sánchez‐Jiménez Francisca , Medina Miguel Ángel
Published: May 2009

A comprehensive understanding of biological functions requires new systemic perspectives, such as those provided by systems biology. Systems biology approaches are hypothesis‐driven and involve iterative rounds of model building, prediction, experimentation, model refinement, and development. Developments in computer science are allowing for ever faster numerical simulations of mathematical models. Mathematical modeling plays an essential role in new systems biology approaches. As a complex, integrated system, metabolism is a suitable topic of study for systems biology approaches. However, up until recently, this topic has not been properly covered in biochemistry courses. This communication reports the development and implementation of a practical lesson plan on metabolic modeling and simulation.
Using biotechnology in the laboratory: Using an immobilized‐laccase reactor‐system to learn about wastewater treatment
Authors: Genç Rukan , Rodríguez‐Couto Susana
Published: May 2009

This article includes a practical guide, which was used to teach the phenomenon of immobilization of enzymes and their subsequent use for discoloration of dyes to under‐graduate students of Biotechnology at the Rovira i Virgili University (Tarragona, Spain). Alginate was selected as a support for the immobilization of laccase. Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) was used as a substrate for laccase because it is easy to see the color change from dark blue to light blue or no color depending on the discoloration ability of the enzyme. Colorimetric methods to determine the amount of encapsulated enzyme, the effect of the immobilization, and the rate of the discoloration were also pursued by the students.
Automatic rigging for animation characters with 3D silhouette
Authors: Pan JunJun , Yang Xiaosong , Xie Xin , Willis Philip , Zhang Jian J
Published: May 2009

Animating an articulated 3D character requires the specification of its interior skeleton structure which defines how the skin surface is deformed during animation. Currently this task is to a large extent accomplished manually, which consumes a large amount of animators' time. This paper presents an automatic rigging method making use of a new geometry entity called the 3D silhouette. The first step is to extract a coarse 3D curve skeleton and some skeletal joints of a character. This curve skeleton is then refined with a perpendicular silhouette. According to the connectivity of the skeletal joints, the hierarchical animation skeleton is finally constructed. By avoiding complicated computation such as voxelization and pruning, this method is simple and efficient, much faster than existing methods. It proves very useful for quick animation production, with applications including games design and prototype graphical systems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age associated high level of major vault protein is p53 dependent
Authors: An Hong‐Joo , Ryu Sung‐Jin , Kim Sung‐Young , Choi Hae‐Ri , Chung Jun‐Ho , Park Sang‐Chul
Published: May 2009

Major vault protein (MVP) represents the main component of vaults and has been linked to multi‐drug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells. We previously reported that MVP plays an important role in the resistance of senescent human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs) to apoptosis and also that MVP expression is markedly reduced in young HDFs but not in senescent HDFs. In this study, designed to elucidate the regulation of MVP in young and senescent HDFs, we examined the levels of transcriptional factors for the MVP gene, which revealed that among the putative transcriptional factors, p53 decreased only in young HDFs, but not in senescent HDFs in response to H2O2 treatment in the same mode as the expression of MVP. Moreover, the phosphorylation status of p53 increased only in senescent HDFs but not in young HDFs in response to H2O2 treatment. Therefore, we tested the possibility of MVP regulation by p53 status. MVP is upregulated in p53 over‐expressing young HDFs, while MVP is downregulated in p53‐specific small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐transfected senescent HDFs, which suggests that the expression of MVP would be p53 dependent. Furthermore, using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, we observed that p53 binds directly to the MVP promoter. Taken together, these results suggest that p53 would be a major transcriptional factor for MVP gene expression. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genotyping of five single nucleotide polymorphisms in the OCA2 and HERC2 genes associated with blue‐brown eye color in the Japanese population
Authors: Iida Reiko , Ueki Misuzu , Takeshita Haruo , Fujihara Junko , Nakajima Tamiko , Kominato Yoshihiko , Nagao Masataka , Yasuda Toshihiro
Published: May 2009

Human eye color is a polymorphic phenotype influenced by multiple genes. It has recently been reported that three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within intron 1 of the OCA2 gene (rs7495174, rs4778241, rs4778138) and two SNPs in intron 86 (rs12913832) and the 3′ UTR region (rs1129038) of the HERC2 gene—located in the upstream of the OCA2 locus —have a high statistical association with human eye color. The present study is the first to examine in detail the genotype and haplotype frequencies for these five SNPs in an Asian (Japanese) population (n = 523) comprising solely brown‐eyed individuals. Comparison of the genotype and haplotype distributions in Japanese with those in African and European subjects revealed significant differences between Japanese and other populations. Analysis of haplotypes consisting of four SNPs at the HERC2‐OCA2 locus (rs12913832/rs7495174/rs4778241/rs4778138) showed that the most frequent haplotype in the Japanese population is A‐GAG (0.568), while the frequency of this haplotype is rather low in the European population, even in the brown‐eyed group (0.167). The haplotype distribution in the Japanese population was significantly different from that in the brown‐eyed European group (FST = 0.18915). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of Nacre: Biochemistry and Proteomics of the Shell Organic Matrix of the Cephalopod Nautilus macromphalus
Authors: Marie Benjamin , Marin Frédéric , Marie Arul , Bédouet Laurent , Dubost Lionel , Alcaraz Gérard , Milet Christian , Luquet Gilles
Published: May 2009

Matrix evolutions: We have biochemically characterized the nacre matrix of the cephalopod Nautilus macromphalus, in part by a proteomic approach applied to the acetic acid‐soluble and ‐insoluble shell matrices, as well as to spots obtained after 2D gel electrophoresis. Strikingly, most of the obtained partial sequences are entirely new, whereas a few correspond only partly with bivalvian nacre proteins. Our findings shed new light on the macroevolution of nacre matrix proteins.

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In mollusks, one of the most widely studied shell textures is nacre, the lustrous aragonitic layer that constitutes the internal components of the shells of several bivalves, a few gastropods, and one cephalopod: the nautilus. Nacre contains a minor organic fraction, which displays a wide range of functions in relation to the biomineralization process. Here, we have biochemically characterized the nacre matrix of the cephalopod Nautilus macromphalus. The acid‐soluble matrix contains a mixture of polydisperse and discrete proteins and glycoproteins, which interact with the formation of calcite crystals. In addition, a few bind calcium ions. Furthermore, we have used a proteomic approach, which was applied to the acetic acid‐soluble and ‐insoluble shell matrices, as well as to spots obtained after 2D gel electrophoresis. Our data demonstrate that the insoluble and soluble matrices, although different in their bulk monosaccharide and amino acid compositions, contain numerous shared peptides. Strikingly, most of the obtained partial sequences are entirely new. A few only partly match with bivalvian nacre proteins. Our findings have implications for knowledge of the long‐term evolution of molluskan nacre matrices.
Ribosomal Synthesis of Cyclic Peptides with a Fluorogenic Oxidative Coupling Reaction
Authors: Yamagishi Yusuke , Ashigai Hiroshi , Goto Yuki , Murakami Hiroshi , Suga Hiroaki
Published: May 2009

Ring around the peptides: We demonstrate a new method for the cyclization of peptides that involves the oxidative coupling of 5‐hydroxyindole and benzylamine. After two nonproteinogenic amino acids were incorporated into peptides by reprogramming the genetic code, cyclization took place rapidly upon the addition of K3Fe(CN)6 and generated a conjugated, fluorescent, heterocyclic structure.

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