bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cine cardiac imaging using black‐blood steady‐state free precession (BB‐SSFP) at 3T
Authors: Basha Tamer A. , Ibrahim El‐Sayed H. , Weiss Robert G. , Osman Nael F.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

To propose a new black‐blood (BB) pulse sequence that provides BB cine cardiac images with high blood‐myocardium contrast. The proposed technique is based on the conventional steady‐state free precession (SSFP) sequence.

Materials and Methods

Numerical simulations of the Bloch equation were conducted to compare the resulting signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) to that of conventional BB imaging, including the effects of changing the imaging flip angle and heart rates. Simulation results were verified using a gel phantom experiment and five normal volunteers were scanned using the proposed technique.

Results

The new sequence showed higher SNR and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) (≈100%) compared to the conventional BB imaging. Also, the borders of the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) appear more distinguishable than the conventional SSFP. We were also able to cover about 80% of the cardiac cycle with short breath‐hold time (≈10 cardiac cycles) and with reasonable SNR and CNR.

Conclusion

Based on an SSFP conventional sequence, the new sequence provides BB cines that cover most of the cardiac cycle and with higher SNR and CNR than the conventional BB sequences. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:94–103. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Automatic glioma characterization from dynamic susceptibility contrast imaging: Brain tumor segmentation using knowledge‐based fuzzy clustering
Authors: Emblem Kyrre E. , Nedregaard Baard , Hald John K. , Nome Terje , Due‐Tonnessen Paulina , Bjornerud Atle
Published: June 2009

Purpose

To assess whether glioma volumes from knowledge‐based fuzzy c‐means (FCM) clustering of multiple MR image classes can provide similar diagnostic efficacy values as manually defined tumor volumes when characterizing gliomas from dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) imaging.

Materials and Methods

Fifty patients with newly diagnosed gliomas were imaged using DSC MR imaging at 1.5 Tesla. To compare our results with manual tumor definitions, glioma volumes were also defined independently by four neuroradiologists. Using a histogram analysis method, diagnostic efficacy values for glioma grade and expected patient survival were assessed.

Results

The areas under the receiver operator characteristics curves were similar when using manual and automated tumor volumes to grade gliomas (P = 0.576–0.970). When identifying a high‐risk patient group (expected survival <2 years) and a low‐risk patient group (expected survival >2 years), a higher log‐rank value from Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis was observed when using automatic tumor volumes (14.403; P < 0.001) compared with the manual volumes (10.650–12.761; P = 0.001–0.002).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that knowledge‐based FCM clustering of multiple MR image classes provides a completely automatic, user‐independent approach to selecting the target region for presurgical glioma characterization J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1–10. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhomogeneous sodium accumulation in the ischemic core in rat focal cerebral ischemia by 23Na MRI
Authors: Yushmanov Victor E. , Kharlamov Alexander , Yanovski Boris , LaVerde George , Boada Fernando E. , Jones Stephen C.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

To test the hypotheses that (i) the regional heterogeneity of brain sodium concentration ([Na+]br) provides a parameter for ischemic progression not available from apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) data, and (ii) [Na+]br increases more in ischemic cortex than in the caudate putamen (CP) with its lesser collateral circulation after middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat.

Materials and Methods

23Na twisted projection MRI was performed at 3 Tesla. [Na+]br was independently determined by flame photometry. The ischemic core was localized by ADC, by microtubule‐associated protein‐2 immunohistochemistry, and by changes in surface reflectivity.

Results

Within the ischemic core, the ADC ratio relative to the contralateral tissue was homogeneous (0.63 ± 0.07), whereas the rate of [Na+]br increase (slope) was heterogeneous (P < 0.005): 22 ± 4%/h in the sites of maximum slope versus 14 ± 1%/h elsewhere (here 100% is [Na+]br in the contralateral brain). Maximum slopes in the cortex were higher than in CP (P < 0.05). In the ischemic regions, there was no slope/ADC correlation between animals and within the same brain (P > 0.1). Maximum slope was located at the periphery of ischemic core in 8/10 animals.

Conclusion

Unlike ADC, 23Na MRI detected within‐core ischemic lesion heterogeneity. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:18–24. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computerized characterization of prostate cancer by fractal analysis in MR images
Authors: Lv Dongjiao , Guo Xuemei , Wang Xiaoying , Zhang Jue , Fang Jing
Published: June 2009

Purpose

To explore the potential of computerized characterization of prostate MR images by extracting the fractal features of texture and intensity distributions as indices in the differential diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods

MR T2‐weighted images (T2WI) of 55 patients with pathologic results detected by ultrasound guided biopsy were collected and then divided in two groups, 27 with prostate cancer (PCa) and 28 with no histological abnormality. Texture fractal dimension (TFD) and histogram fractal dimension (HFD) were calculated to analyze complexity features of regions of Interest (ROIs) selected from the peripheral zone. Two‐sample t‐tests were performed to evaluate group differences for both parameters. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to estimate the performance of TFD and HFD for discriminating PCa.

Results

Significant differences were found in both TFD and HFD between the two patient groups. The areas under the ROC curves of TFD and HFD were 0.691 and 0.966, respectively, in distinguishing prostatic carcinoma from normal peripheral zone. As characterized by the fractal indices, cancerous prostatic tissue exhibited smoother texture and lower variation in intensity distribution than normal prostatic tissue.

Conclusion

The study suggests that TFD and HFD depict the changes in texture and intensity distribution associated with prostate cancer on T2WI. Both TFD and HFDprovide promising quantitative indices for cancer identification. HFD performs better than TFD offering a more robust MR‐based indicator in the diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:161–168. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reproducibility of dGEMRIC in assessment of hip joint cartilage: A prospective study
Authors: Bittersohl Bernd , Hosalkar Harish S. , Haamberg Tanja , Kim Young‐Jo , Werlen Stefan , Siebenrock Klaus A. , Mamisch Tallal C.
Published: June 2009

Purpose

To investigate the reproducibility of dGEMRIC in the assessment of cartilage health of the adult asymptomatic hip joint.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen asymptomatic volunteers (mean age, 26.3 years ± 3.0) were preliminarily studied. Any volunteer that was incidentally diagnosed with damaged cartilage on MRI (n = 5) was excluded. Ten patients that had no evidence of prior cartilage damage (mean age, 26.2 years ± 3.4) were evaluated further in this study. The reproducibility of dGEMRIC was assessed with two T1Gd exams performed 4 weeks apart in these volunteers. The protocol involved an initial standard MRI to confirm healthy cartilage, which was then followed by dGEMRIC. The second scan included only the repeat dGEMRIC. Region of interest (ROI) analyses for T1Gd‐measurement was performed in seven radial reformats. Statistical analysis included the student's t‐test and intra‐class correlation (ICC) measurement to assess reproducibility.

Results

Overall 70 ROIs were studied. Mean cartilage T1Gd values at various loci ranged from 560.9 ms to 684.4 ms at the first set of readings and 551.5 ms to 662.2 ms in the second one. The mean difference per region of interest between the two T1Gd‐measurements ranged from 21.4 ms (3.7%) to 45.0 ms (6.8%), which was not found to be statistically significant (P = 0.153). There was a high reproducibility detected (ICC range, 0.667–0.915). Intra‐ and Inter‐observer analyses proved a high agreement for T1Gd assessment (0.973 and 0.932).

Conclusion

We found dGEMRIC to be a reliable tool in the assessment of cartilage health status in adult hip joints. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:224–228. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contrast‐enhanced MRI of carotid atherosclerosis: Dependence on contrast agent
Authors: Kerwin William S. , Zhao Xihai , Yuan Chun , Hatsukami Thomas S. , Maravilla Kenneth R. , Underhill Hunter R. , Zhao Xueqiao
Published: June 2009

Purpose

To investigate the dependence of contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque on the use of gadobenate dimeglumine versus gadodiamide.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen subjects with carotid atherosclerotic plaque were imaged with 0.1 mmol/kg of each agent. For arteries with interpretable images, the areas of the lumen, wall, and necrotic core and overlying fibrous cap (when present) were measured, as were the percent enhancement and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR). A kinetic model was applied to dynamic imaging results to determine the fractional plasma volume, vp, and contrast agent transfer constant, Ktrans.

Results

For 12 subjects with interpretable images, the agent used did not significantly impact any area measurements or the presence or absence of necrotic core (P > 0.1 for all). However, the percent enhancement was greater for the fibrous cap (72% vs. 54%; P < 0.05) necrotic core (51% vs. 42%; P = 0.12), and lumen (42% vs. 63%; P < 0.05) when using gadobenate dimeglumine, although no apparent difference in CNR was found. Additionally, Ktrans was lower when using gadobenate dimeglumine (0.0846 min−1 vs. 0.101 min−1; P < 0.01), although vp showed no difference (9.5% vs. 10.1%; P = 0.39).

Conclusion

Plaque morphology measurements are similar with either contrast agent, but quantitative enhancement characteristics, such as percent enhancement and Ktrans, differ. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:35–40. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MRI‐guided cryoablation: In vivo assessment of focal canine prostate cryolesions
Authors: Josan Sonal , Bouley Donna M. , van den Bosch Maurice , Daniel Bruce L. , Butts Pauly Kim
Published: June 2009

Purpose

To analyze the appearance of acute and chronic canine prostate cryolesions on T1‐weighted (T1w) and T2‐weighted (T2w) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and compare them with contrast‐enhanced (CE) MRI and histology for a variety of freezing protocols.

Materials and Methods

Three different freezing protocols were used in canine prostate cryoablation experiments. Six acute and seven chronic (survival times ranging between 4–53 days) experiments were performed. The change in T2w signal intensity was correlated with freezing protocol parameters. The lesion area on T2w MRI was compared to CE‐MRI. Histopathologic evaluation of the cryolesions was performed and visually compared to the appearance on MRI.

Results

The T2w signal increased from pre‐ to postfreeze at the site of the cryolesion, and the enhancement was higher for smaller freeze area and duration. The T2w lesion area was between the CE nonperfused area and the hyperenhancing CE rim. The appearance of the lesion on T1w and T2w imaging over time correlated with outcome on pathology.

Conclusion

T1w and T2w MRI can potentially be used to assess cryolesions and to monitor tissue response over time following cryoablation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:169–176. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct MR arthrography of the shoulder at 3 tesla: Optimization of gadolinium concentration
Authors: Shang Yao , Zheng Zhuo‐zhao , Li Xuan
Published: June 2009

Purpose

To determine the optimal concentration of gadopentetate dimeglumine for direct shoulder MR arthrography at 3T in vivo.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐eight consecutive shoulder MR arthrograms were obtained with 1 mmolGd/L (n = 12), 2 mmolGd/L (n = 12), 4 mmolGd/L (n = 12), 6 mmolGd/L (n = 12), 9 mmolGd/L (n = 10) and 12 mmolGd/L (n = 10). All postinjection fat‐suppressed T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted images were analyzed retrospectively. For qualitative evaluation, image contrast was graded on a subjective three‐level scale (excellent, moderate, and poor). For quantitative analysis, the contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) of intra‐articular fluid to muscle was measured.

Results

All postinjection T1‐weighted images and T2‐weighted images with 1 mmolGd/L, 2 mmolGd/L, 4 mmolGd/L, and 6 mmolGd/L were qualitatively evaluated as excellent or moderate. Two of the ten 9‐mmolGd/L images and seven of the ten 12‐mmolGd/L images were rated as poor with regard to the T2 image contrast. On the T1‐weighted images, no significant difference existed between the CNRs of the six concentrations, but a peak CNR was seen at the concentration of 6 mmolGd/L. On the T2‐weighted images, CNRs at concentrations of 1 mmolGd/L, 2 mmolGd/L, 4 mmolGd/L, 6 mmolGd/L, and 9 mmolGd/L showed no statistical difference, but were all significantly higher than that with 12 mmolGd/L.

Conclusion

The acceptable concentration of gadopentetate dimeglumine for shoulder MR arthrography at 3T was found to be in the range of 1 mmolGd/L to 6 mmolGd/L. 6 mmolGd/L may be the optimal concentration. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:229–235. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
UV‐B cloud optical properties for Canada
Authors: Binyamin Jacqueline , Davies John , McArthur Bruce
Published: June 2009

Cloud optical properties play a highly significant role in the amount of UV‐B irradiance reaching the ground. Broadband values of UV‐B cloud optical properties are calculated for nine Canadian stations from 26 years of data. Cloud single scattering albedo ωc and asymmetry factor gc are computed from Mie theory for two values of equivalent droplet radius; 7 µm for arctic stations and 10 µm for midlatitude and subarctic stations. Overcast cloud optical depths τc are estimated iteratively for a model cloud layer located between 2 and 3 km above the surface from hourly integrated spectral Brewer spectrophotometer measurements for snow‐free cases using either the discrete ordinate radiative transfer (DISORT) or the delta‐Eddington algorithms. Median τc values calculated by both algorithms compare to within 3%. Median values are smaller for arctic stations (9–18) and between 26 and 38 for the rest. Both mean and median values are negatively correlated with latitude. Aerosol effect on τc varies between 9 and 18% on average. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Novel quinolone CHM‐1 induces apoptosis and inhibits metastasis in a human osterogenic sarcoma cell line
Authors: Hsu Shu‐Chun , Yang Jai‐Sing , Kuo Chao‐Lin , Lo Chyi , Lin Jing‐Pin , Hsia Te‐Chun , Lin Jen‐Jyh , Lai Kuang‐Chi , Kuo Hsiu‐Maan , Huang Li‐Jiau , Kuo Sheng‐Chu , Wood W. Gibson , Chung Jing‐Gung
Published: June 2009

Novel 2‐phenyl‐4‐quinolone compounds have potent cytotoxic effects on different human cancer cell lines. In this study, we examined anticancer activity and mechanisms of 20‐fluoro‐6,7‐methylenedioxy‐2‐phenyl‐4‐quinolone (CHM‐1) in human osterogenic sarcoma U‐2 OS cells. CHM‐1‐induced apoptosis was determined by flow cytometric analysis, DAPI staining, Comet assay, and caspase inhibitors. CHM‐1‐inhibited cell migration and invasion was assessed by a wound healing assay, gelatin zymography, and a Transwell assay. The mechanisms of CHM‐1 effects on apoptosis and metastasis signaling pathways were studied using Western blotting and gene expression. CHM‐1 induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis at an IC50 (3 µM) in U‐2 OS cells and caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9 were activated. Caspase inhibitors increased cell viability after exposure to CHM‐1. CHM‐1‐induced apoptosis was associated with enhanced ROS generation, DNA damage, decreased ΔΨm levels, and promotion of mitochondrial cytochrome c release. CHM‐1 stimulated mRNA expression of caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9, AIF, and Endo G. In addition, CHM‐1 inhibited cell metastasis at a low concentration (<3 µM). CHM‐1 inhibited the cell metastasis through the inhibition of MMP‐2, ‐7, and ‐9. CHM‐1 also decreased the levels of MAPK signaling pathways before leading to the inhibition of MMPs. In summary, CHM‐1 is a potent inducer of apoptosis, which plays a role in the anticancer activity of CHM‐1. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:1637–1644, 2009
Antioxidant activity of hydrolysates derived from porcine plasma
Authors: Xu Xueming , Cao Ruyan , He Liu , Yang Na
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: In China alone, more than 400 million pigs are slaughtered each year to provide meat. Porcine blood is rich in proteins but is usually discarded, which can cause environmental contamination. Recovering porcine blood and converting it to high‐value products is therefore economically and environmentally desirable. However, very little information on antioxidant peptides from porcine blood by‐products is currently available. In this study the antioxidant properties of porcine plasma hydrolysates PPE and PPA prepared with pepsin and papain respectively were investigated.

RESULTS: Both PPE and PPA showed excellent antioxidant activity in a linoleic acid system (AL) compared with α‐tocopherol (VE) at the same concentration (P < 0.01). Their activities were respectively 3.33 and 1.83 times stronger than that of VE at a concentration of 10 µg mL−1 and 5.4 and 5.6 times stronger at 100 µg mL−1. The 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activity (DRSA) reached 48.4 and 43.1% for PPE and PPA respectively at 500 µg mL−1. The ferrous ion‐chelating power (FICP) of PPE at 100 µg mL−1 was about 1.5 times stronger than that of 10 µmol L−1 ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) in a 50 µmol L−1 Fe2+ system, whereas the FICP of PPA at 100 µg mL−1 was 61% that of 10 µmol L−1 EDTA. Furthermore, PPE was separated on Resource 15RPC and Superdex peptide 10/300GL columns, and the antioxidant activity of the peptides and its relationship to their polarity and molecular weight (MW) were analysed. The hydrolysate was divided into four groups (R1–R4) with hydrophobicities ranging from weak to strong by Resource 15RPC, while it was divided into three groups (S1, MW 7–12 kDa; S2, MW 3–7 kDa; S3, MW 1–3 kDa) by Superdex peptide 10/300GL.

CONCLUSION: The results showed that AL was significantly and positively correlated with the relative amounts of R1, S2 and S3 and that DRSA was dependent on R3 and S1. The fractions of PPE were not responsible for FICP. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Cold storage, reconditioning potential and chip processing quality of spring potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Hermes) tubers in response to differential nitrogen fertilisation
Authors: Kyriacou Marios C , Siomos Anastasios S , Ioannides Ioannnis M , Gerasopoulos Dimitrios
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Crop management has been implicated in tuber sugar accumulation and potato processing quality. However, reports on potato postharvest behaviour, tuber composition and processing quality in response to crop nitrogen (N) fertilisation have been sparse and inconclusive. In this study, chipping potato cv. Hermes was treated with four preplanting N rates (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha−1) to evaluate the effect of N fertilisation on sugar accumulation profiles and processing quality at harvest, after cold storage at 4.5 °C for up to 200 days and after reconditioning at 16 °C for 10–30 days.

RESULTS: Preharvest leaf petiole analysis and tuber nitrate analysis at harvest confirmed crop response to N rates. At harvest, tuber specific gravity decreased marginally beyond 200 kg N ha−1. Chip colour as well as tuber sucrose and reducing sugar (RS) content was unaffected by N fertilisation rate. During cold storage and reconditioning, tuber fresh weight loss and sprout growth were unaffected by N rate, while its effect on tuber sugar levels was either statistically or practically insignificant. Tuber sucrose and RS contents correlated highly with chip colour (r = − 0.729, P <0.001 and r = −0.791, P <0.001 respectively). Importantly, postharvest chip colour was also unaffected by N rate, though it declined markedly with the onset of cold storage and improved significantly throughout reconditioning. Differences in chip colour between years were limited but potentially critical in meeting the commercial standard.

CONCLUSION: Completion of physiological crop senescence of the spring potato crop under Mediterranean climatic conditions seems to mitigate the potential interference of preplanting N fertilisation with tuber maturation and subsequently cold storage performance, reconditioning potential and processing quality. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparative separation and purification of liensinine, isoliensinine and neferine from seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera GAERTN using high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Liu Shao , Wang Bin , Li Xin‐Zhong , Qi Long‐feng , Liang Yi‐Zeng
Published: June 2009

A preparative high‐speed counter‐current chromatography method for separation and purification of liensinine, isoliensinine and neferine from seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera GAERTN was successfully established by using n‐hexane‐ethyl acetate‐methanol‐water (5:8:4:5, v/v, containing 0.5% NH4OH) as the two‐phase solvent system. From 200 mg of crude extract, 18.4 mg of liensinine, 19.6 mg of isoliensinine and 58.4 mg of neferine were obtained with the purity of 96.8, 95.9, and 98.6%, respectively. The identification of the three alkaloids was performed with 1H NMR and 13C NMR.
New mathematic model for predicting chiral separation using molecular docking: Mechanism of chiral recognition of triadimenol analogues
Authors: Zhang Guoqing , Sun Qingyan , Hou Ying , Hong Zhanying , Zhang Jun , Zhao Liang , Zhang Hai , Chai Yifeng
Published: June 2009

The purpose of this paper was to study the enantioseparation mechanism of triadimenol compounds by carboxymethylated (CM)‐β‐CD mediated CE. All the enantiomers were separated under the same experimental conditions to study the chiral recognition mechanism using a 30 mM sodium dihydrogen phosphate buffer at pH 2.2 adjusted by phosphoric acid. The inclusion courses between CM‐β‐CD and enantiomers were investigated by the means of molecular docking technique. It was found that there were at least three points (one hydrophobic bond and two hydrogen bonds) involved in the interaction of each enantiomer with the chiral selectors. A new mathematic model has been built up based on the results of molecular mechanics calculations, which could analyze the relationship between the resolution of enantioseparation and the interaction energy in the docking area. Comparing the results of the separation by CE, the established mathematic model demonstrated good capability to predict chiral separation of triadimenol enantiomers using CM‐β‐CD mediated CE.
Preparative isolation and purification of antioxidative stilbene oligomers from Vitis chunganeniss using high‐speed counter‐current chromatography in stepwise elution mode
Authors: He Shan , Lu Yanbin , Jiang Liyan , Wu Bin , Zhang Feiying , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: June 2009

Preparative high‐speed counter‐current chromatography (HSCCC) was successfully applied to the isolation and purification of three stilbene oligomers from Vitis chunganeniss using stepwise elution with a pair of two‐phase solvent systems composed of n‐hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water at (2:5:2:5, v/v) and (1:2:1:2, v/v). The preparative HSCCC separation was performed on 800 mg of crude sample yielding hopeaphenol (21.1 mg), amurensin G (37.2 mg) and vitisin A (95.6 mg) in a one‐step separation, with purities over 95% as determined by HPLC. The structures of these three compounds were identified by MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. In addition, their antioxidant activities were screened by DPPH assay, where vitisin A showed strong antioxidant activity. Further EPR experiments with spin‐trapping technique demonstrated that vitisin A is a potent and selective singlet oxygen quencher, which may be used in singlet oxygen‐mediated diseases as a pharmacological agent.
The lipophilicity of parabens estimated on reverse phases chemically bonded and oil‐impregnated plates and calculated using different computation methods
Authors: Casoni Dorina , Sârbu Costel
Published: June 2009

The chromatographic behaviour of the parabens has been investigated on RP‐18F254S, RP‐18WF254S, CNF254S, Diol F254s and silica gel 60F254 plates impregnated with different oils (paraffin, olive, sunflower and corn) using methanol–water mixtures in different volume proportions as mobile phases, the regression determination coefficients being excellent (higher than 0.98 for the majority of compounds). Moreover, highly significant correlations were obtained between different experimental indices of lipophilicity (RM0, b and scores corresponding to the first principal component (PC1)) and computed log P values. All types of stationary phases investigated appear to be highly suited for estimating the lipophilicity of the parabens.
Determination of aromatic amines from azo dyes reduction by liquid‐phase sorbent trapping and thermal desorption‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Qing , Wang Chao , Bai Hua , Wang Xing , Wu Ting , Ma Qiang
Published: June 2009

A novel method based on thermal desorption was developed for the trapping of aromatic amines from azo dyes reduction in liquid phase. Combining GC‐MS, the detection limits for 21 kinds of aromatic amines ranged from 0.1 to 3 mg/kg. The recoveries of most aromatic amines were ⪈70% with RSDs ⪇10%. This method also offers low sample and organic solvent requirements, effective preconcentration and convenient procedure. It has been applied to determine aromatic amines from the real samples of textile and yielded good results.
Glycosylphosphatidylinositols are potential targets for the development of novel inhibitors for aerolysin‐type of pore‐forming bacterial toxins
Authors: Wu Qiuye , Guo Zhongwu
Published: June 2009

Many bacteria produce toxins that cause damage through the formation of pores in the host cell membrane. Some of these toxins, such as aerolysin, use glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs) as their binding receptors to assist the pore formation on the host cell surface and the subsequent insertion of the resultant pores into the cell membrane. GPIs are a class of complex glycolipids that anchor surface proteins and glycoproteins onto the cell membrane in eukaryotic species. This review has summarized the reported evidences supporting the GPI‐dependent pore‐forming mechanism for aerolysin‐type of toxins and analyzed the possibility of targeting this unique process for the design and development of novel GPI‐based inhibitors for these pore‐forming bacterial toxins. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 30, No. 2, 258–269, 2010
Transition metal NMR chemical shifts and polarizability effect in organometallic complexes
Authors: Egorochkin Alexey N. , Kuznetsova Olga V. , Khamaletdinova Nadiya M. , Kurskii Yury A. , Domratcheva‐Lvova Lada G. , Domrachev Georgy A.
Published: June 2009

The literature data on substituent influence on the 51V, 55Mn, 57Fe, 59Co, 61Ni, 95Mo, 103Rh, 183W, 187Os and 195Pt NMR chemical shifts (δ) and on J (M, P; M = Mn, Fe, Mo, Rh, W, Os) coupling constants have been analyzed for 30 series of the organometallic complexes. It has been established for the first time that the δ and J values depend on the inductive, resonance and polarizability effects of substituents. The polarizability effect is caused by the partial charge on the central M atom. The contribution of this effect ranges from 3 to 86%. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Northern Ireland manufacturing industrial rates campaign
Authors: Turley Barry
Published: June 2009

The Northern Ireland Manufacturing Focus Group's campaign to oppose the imposition of industrial rates was run by political consultancy ASITIS Consulting, based in Belfast. In a helter‐skelter two‐year campaign the group brought the business community into the political realm in a way never achieved before in Northern Ireland. The group organized the manufacturing sector into a potent political force which used a sophisticated array of lobbying and PR techniques to leave the newly formed devolved Assembly with little option but to support the group and cap the rate.

The campaign was the only Northern Ireland‐based public affairs initiative to be nominated for a national award and saved the manufacturing sector £50 million a year. These savings are now seen as important, given the onset of the credit crunch and are credited with saving thousands of jobs.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polycationic calix[8]arene receptors grafted onto polymeric matrix: smart material for heparin neutralization
Authors: Mecca Tommaso , Cunsolo Francesca
Published: June 2009

Heparin is widely prescribed as an anticoagulant medicine and is beneficial to millions of patients. However, the use of heparin in open‐heart surgery, where it enables a continuous flow of blood throughout the process, is still problematic. Its anticlotting properties are crucial for a successful operation, but after surgery the patient's blood needs to return normal and acquire its former ability to coagulate. If this process fails, the outcome may prove fatal. Currently, protamine sulfate is used to neutralize heparin after open‐heart surgery. However, protamine itself causes allergic reactions and other side effects and is sometimes fatal. For this reason, the finding of new heparin antagonists or much safer methods for heparin removal from blood is currently of great interest. Recently we have reported on the synthesis of calix[8]arene polycations that have shown an exceptional neutralization power towards heparin both in physiological solution and in blood. In this work, we have studied the grafting of these calix[8]arene derivatives onto a polymeric matrix with the aim to obtain a new polymeric material appropriate for the design and realization of filters or membranes able to effectively remove heparin from blood. In this way, also the side effects connected to systemic administration of heparin antagonists are avoided. Besides the synthesis, preliminary results on the neutralization capacity towards heparin, both in physiological solution and in blood, are reported. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anionic polymerization of 9‐vinylanthracene with the alkyllithium/amine system
Authors: Natori Itaru , Natori Shizue
Published: June 2009

The anionic polymerization of 9‐vinylanthracene (VAN) with the alkyllithium (RLi)/amine system was examined to explore new initiator systems that could polymerize VAN at moderate temperatures in hydrocarbon solvents. Important factors in the anionic polymerization of VAN were found to be the high nucleophilicity of the RLi/amine and poly(9‐vinylanthracenyl)lithium (PVANLi)/amine systems, the low steric hindrance of the amine molecule, and good solubility of PVANLi during the polymerization. The t‐butyllithium (t‐BuLi)/N,N,N',N'‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) (1.00/1.25) system achieved the highest PVAN yield in toluene at room temperature (ca. 25°C), although the limitations of yield and the number average molecular weight (Mn) were around 90 wt% and 2000, respectively. The results obtained from spectrum analyses suggested that the anionically polymerized PVAN would be considered a favorable polymer for the preparation of new luminescent materials. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The synergistic flame‐retardant effect of O‐MMT on the intumescent flame‐retardant PP/CA/APP systems
Authors: Liu Yun , Wang Jun‐Sheng , Deng Cheng‐Liang , Wang De‐Yi , Song Yan‐Peng , Wang Yu‐Zhong
Published: June 2009

The flame retardancy of a novel intumescent flame‐retardant polypropylene (IFR‐PP) system, which was composed of a charring agent (CA), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and polypropylene (PP), could be enhanced significantly by adding a small amount (1.0 wt%) of an organic montmorillonite (O‐MMT). The synergistic flame‐retardant effect was studied systematically. The thermal stability and combustion behavior of the flame‐retarded PP were also investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and cone calorimeter test (CCT). TGA results demonstrated that the onset decomposition temperatures of IFR‐PP samples, with or without O‐MMT, were higher than that of neat PP. Compared with IFR‐PP, the LOI value of IFR‐PP containing 1.0 wt% O‐MMT was increased from 30.8 to 33.0, and the UL‐94 rating was also enhanced to V‐0 from V‐1 when the total loading of flame retardant was the same. The cone calorimeter results showed that the IFR‐PP with 1.0 wt% of O‐MMT had the lowest heat release rate (HRR), total heat release (THR), total smoke production (TSP), CO production (COP), CO2 production (CO2P), and mass loss (ML) of all the studied IFR‐PP samples, with or without O‐MMT. All these results indicated that O‐MMT had a significantly synergistic effect on the flame‐retardancy of IFR‐PP at a low content of O‐MMT. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of feticide in the context of late termination of pregnancy: a qualitative study of health professionals' and parents' views
Authors: Graham R. H. , Mason K. , Rankin J. , Robson S. C.
Published: June 2009

Objective

To provide an in‐depth account of the role feticide has relative to experiences of late termination of pregnancy (TOP).

Method

Exploratory qualitative interview study. Participants were recruited from three National Health Service (NHS) units that provide secondary and tertiary level fetal medicine services. Data were collected from 36 in‐depth interviews, with 12 parents (representing eight cases) who had experienced late TOP for fetal anomaly and 23 health professionals with experience of feticide provision. The qualitative analysis utilised a generative thematic approach, facilitated by Atlas.ti qualitative software package.

Results

Two key themes from the study provide data on how perceptions of feticide were described by those involved in late TOP: (1) feticide is recognised and described as a legitimate clinical procedure and (2) the practice of feticide is conceptualised as difficult but necessary.

Conclusion

For health professionals who provide and facilitate feticide, and for parents making decisions about late TOP and feticide, the procedure is understood as a necessary rather than chosen activity. Parents' perceptions of feticide may differ, and good clinical care must be designed to cope with this variation. For health professionals, feticide seems more readily distinguished from other types of TOP activities and may evoke simultaneous positive and negative perceptions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uses of proton pump inhibitors and serum potassium levels
Authors: Gau Jen‐Tzer , Heh Victor , Acharya Utkarsh , Yang Yu‐Xiao , Kao Tzu‐Cheg
Published: June 2009

Purpose

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) may suppress adrenal cortical steroid synthesis and release, thereby leading to electrolyte disturbances. Both hyponatremia and hyperkalemia in the setting of PPI therapy have been documented in case reports. The objective of this study was to examine the association between serum potassium (K+) level and PPI use.

Methods

A retrospective data analysis of hospitalized adults aged ≥65 years during 2006, including PPI users (N = 257) and PPI non‐users (N = 388), was conducted. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between PPI use and serum K+ level.

Results

PPI users [mean age (SD):79.7 (8.0) years; 70% female] had significantly higher serum K+ levels than PPI non‐users [80.2 (8.8) years; 64% female] on admission [4.13 (0.62) vs. 3.97 (0.57) mmol/L; p < 0.001]. The linear regression model revealed that ≥2 defined daily dose (DDD) units of PPI use were a significantly positive contributor to serum K+ levels (p = 0.021) after adjusting for age, serum creatinine levels, sex, history of diabetes, and uses of the following drugs: angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker, β blocker, diuretics, spironolactone, K+ supplement, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, atypical antipsychotics, and narcotics. However, multiple logistic regression model revealed that high dose PPI therapy was not associated with an increased risk for hyperkalemia occurrence (p = 0.762).

Conclusion

Higher serum K+ levels were observed among PPI users when compared to PPI non‐users. High daily dose PPI therapy may be an independent positive predictor of serum potassium levels. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative proteome profile of immature rat ovary during primordial follicle assembly and development
Authors: Wang Ningling , Zhang Ping , Guo Xuejiang , Xie Jin , Huo Ran , Wang Fuqiang , Chen Lin , Shen Jian , Zhou Zuomin , Shi Qinghua , Zhao Baige , Sha Jiahao
Published: June 2009

The assembly of primordial follicles early in ovarian development and subsequent transition to primary follicles are critical processes in ovarian biology. Inappropriate coordination of these processes contributes to ovarian pathologies such as premature ovarian failure and infertility. To better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in primordial follicle assembly and development, 2‐D PAGE and MALDI‐TOF/TOF technologies were used to construct a comparative proteome profile of the immature rat ovary at specific time‐points (0, 24, 48, and 72 h postpartum). A total of 154 differential protein spots corresponding to 134 different proteins were definitively identified between any two time‐points. Further cluster analysis showed four expression patterns, and each pattern correlated with specific cell processes that occur during early ovarian development. Seven proteins were randomly selected to verify expression patterns using Western blotting, and subsequently immunohistochemistry was performed to further investigate their cellular localization. Additionally, detailed functional analyses of these differentially expressed proteins were performed. Elucidation of how these changes in protein expression level coordinate primordial follicles assembly and development is intended to provide a better understanding of these critical biological processes early in ovarian development and will provide potential therapeutic molecular targets to regulate ovarian function and treat ovarian disease.
Weed control in glyphosate‐tolerant maize in Europe
Authors: Dewar Alan M
Published: June 2009

Maize growing in the EU27 increased to over 13 million ha in 2007, most of which (>80%) was grown in just eight countries (France, Romania, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain and Bulgaria). The number of herbicides used to control the wide spectrum of weeds occurring in all these countries is likely to decline in the future as each current active ingredient is reassessed for toxicological and environmental safety under Directive 91/414/EEC. Glyphosate has already been approved under this directive. Glyphosate, applied alone or in combination with currently available residual herbicides to genetically modified varieties tolerant to glyphosate, can provide a viable, flexible and profitable alternative to conventional weed control programmes. Glyphosate usage with glyphosate‐tolerant varieties also provides an environmentally sustainable weed control option as long as sufficient diversity of weed management options (crop rotation, chemical diversity, multiple cultural and mechanical practices, buffer strips) is maintained within the farm management system. Appropriate product stewardship measures will be required to maximise the long‐term overall benefits of the glyphosate‐based system. Specifically, care will need to be taken to manage potential weed shifts to more difficult‐to‐control species and to reduce the risk of selection for glyphosate‐resistant weeds. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Recommended management of syncope in older people
Authors: Thain Jennifer
Published: June 2009

Our series Prescribing in older people gives practical advice for successful management of the special problems faced by this age group. Here, Dr Thain describes the various causes of syncope and their recommended management. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Fluticasone furoate (Avamys): new intranasal steroid spray
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: June 2009

Fluticasone furoate (Avamys) is a new intranasal steroid spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Our New product review presents the clinical trial data and describes how this new formulation might be preferred by patients. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Comparative study of 4H‐SiC and 2H‐GaN MOS capacitors and FETs
Authors: Chow T. Paul , Naik H. , Li Z.
Published: June 2009

We have comparatively characterized the electrical characteristics of 4H‐SiC and 2H‐GaN MOS capacitors and FETs. While progressive refinement of gate oxide processes, notably with NO anneal, has resulted in better threshold voltage control, reduced subthreshold slope and higher field‐effect mobility for 4H‐SiC MOSFETs, we have recently reported more superior MOS parameters for 2H‐GaN MOSFETs. In addition, we have performed MOS‐gated Hall measurements to extract the intrinsic carrier concentration and MOS mobility, indicating that both less channel electron trapping and scattering take place in 2H‐GaN MOSFETs. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Extreme temperature 6H‐SiC JFET integrated circuit technology
Authors: Neudeck Philip G. , Garverick Steven L. , Spry David J. , Chen Liang‐Yu , Beheim Glenn M. , Krasowski Michael J. , Mehregany Mehran
Published: June 2009

Extreme temperature semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) are being developed for use in the hot sections of aircraft engines and other harsh‐environment applications well above the 300 °C effective limit of silicon‐on‐insulator IC technology. This paper reviews progress by the NASA Glenn Research Center and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in the development of extreme temperature (up to 500 °C) integrated circuit technology based on epitaxial 6H‐SiC junction field effect transistors (JFETs). Simple analog amplifier and digital logic gate ICs fabricated and packaged by NASA have now demonstrated thousands of hours of continuous 500 °C operation in oxidizing air atmosphere with minimal changes in relevant electrical parameters. Design, modeling, and characterization of transistors and circuits at temperatures from 24 °C to 500 °C are also described. CWRU designs for improved extreme temperature SiC JFET differential amplifier circuits are demonstrated. Areas for further technology maturation, needed prior to beneficial system insertion, are discussed. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Measurements of impact ionization coefficients of electrons and holes in 4H‐SiC and their application to device simulation
Authors: Hatakeyama Tetsuo
Published: June 2009

This article is intended to review measurements and modeling of anisotropic impact ionization coefficients of electrons and holes in 4H‐SiC. Owing to the hexagonal crystal structure, the carrier transport in 4H‐SiC shows anisotropy, such as anisotropic mobility and anisotropic impact ionization coefficients. The anisotropy of impact ionization coefficients brings about the difference in the breakdown voltage of p+n diodes on Si‐face and A‐face. Experiments showed that the breakdown voltage of a p+n diode on A‐face is 62 percent of that on Si‐face. This difference in breakdown voltage corresponds to 81 percent of anisotropy in breakdown fields. The impact ionization coefficients parallel and perpendicular to c‐axis were extracted from measurements of the breakdown voltage and the multiplication factor of holes in high electric fields. The analytical model of the anisotropic impact ionization coefficients, which interpolates impact ionization coefficients parallel and perpendicular to c‐axis, was derived, considering the energy transport in the avalanche phenomena. The effects of anisotropic impact ionization coefficients on the avalanche breakdown in 4H‐SiC power devices are examined. We show that the avalanche breakdown voltage of a power device is affected by the anisotropy of impact ionization coefficients, because avalanche breakdown occurs at the field crowding point at peripheral edge of power device, where the lateral field dominates. Finally, we show that the optimized two‐zone junction termination structure suppresses the degradation of the breakdown voltage caused by anisotropy of the impact ionization coefficients. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
4H‐SiC MISFETs with nitrogen‐containing insulators
Authors: Noborio Masato , Suda Jun , Beljakowa Svetlana , Krieger Michael , Kimoto Tsunenobu
Published: June 2009

4H‐SiC MISFETs with nitrogen‐containing insulators have been fabricated and characterized. Several techniques have been explored to incorporate nitrogen in the gate insulator in order to improve the density of interface states and thereby the channel mobility. The techniques are N2O‐grown oxides, the oxidation of a surface layer co‐implanted with N+ and Al+, deposited SiO2 annealed in N2O and NO, and deposited SiNx /SiO2 annealed in N2O. By optimizing the formation process of the gate insulators, MIS capacitors with N‐containing insulators have demonstrated an interface state density close to the conduction band edge below 2 × 1011 cm–2 eV–1 which is one or two orders‐of‐magni‐ tude lower than that of MOS capacitors with oxides grown in dry O2. The channel mobility of the n‐channel 4H‐SiC(0001) MISFETs with N‐containing insulators is increased to about 30 cm2/Vs. In addition, an even higher channel mobility of 50 cm2/Vs has been realized by utiliz‐ ing N‐containing insulators adequately processed on the 4H‐SiC (000$ \bar 1 $) face. From the experimental results, the dominant scattering mechanisms in SiC MISFETs have been identified; Coulomb scattering and electron trapping at interface states dominate the channel mobility in SiC MOSFETs with thermally‐grown and deposited SiO2. The application of N‐containing insulators to p‐channel 4H‐SiC MIS devices is also discussed. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)