bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The future of peritoneal dialysis: PD in 2010 and beyond
Authors: Burkart John
Published: August 2010

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been used to treat patients with stage V chronic kidney disease since 1976. The number of patients on PD varies from country to country and was only about 8% of the U.S. population by the end of 2009, despite the fact that medical outcome data would seem to favor more utilization of PD. For instance, data from the United States Renal Data Systems suggests that the relative risk of death for patients on PD versus center hemodialysis (CHD) has been improving, tending to favor those on PD for longer periods of time. In addition, infectious complications have been markedly reduced. In these economic times it is important to note that PD is less costly than CHD, which has influenced anticipated changes in government reimbursement—such as the bundling of dialysis‐related services in the U.S. These facts should stimulate a renewed interest in home therapies, especially PD. However, for this therapy to be more successful, the PD community must better educate its members (in the U.S., PD education during fellowship is often lacking, many current PD units are small and the number of well‐trained PD nurses may not be able to optimally meet an increase in demand). Peritoneal dialysis will face many challenges, such as: frequent hemodialysis schedules that may be more and more appealing to patients and providers; the aging of the end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) population; regulatory issues; lack of infrastructure at some units; and problems related to long‐term use of PD. This article will review some of these challenges.
The early days of home hemodialysis
Authors: Bower John
Published: August 2010

The author began his medical career at the University of Mississippi Medical School in Jackson where, in 1966, he established the state's first dialysis unit. Here, he recounts the early days of hemodialysis and home hemodialysis at his facility.
Two cases of nocardiosis diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration cytology: Role of special stains
Authors: Gupta Nalini , Srinivasan Radhika , Kumar Rajiv , Chakrabarti Arunaloke
Published: August 2010

Nocardiosis, a suppurative disease caused by aerobic actinomycetes, is a common opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. Unless, the infection is suspected, the diagnosis of Nocardia is tedious and difficult, as these are thin filamentous bacilli, which stain negatively on routine cytological stains. We present two such cases diagnosed on fine‐needle aspiration cytology and discuss the importance of performing the modified Ziehl–Neelsen stain in such cases. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Malignant Leydig‐cell tumor of the testis diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration using ThinPrep technique
Authors: Valeri Rosalia‐Maria , Kotakidou Rodoula , Michalakis Konstantinos , Andreadis Charalambos , Kousi‐Koliakou Kokkona , Destouni Charikleia
Published: August 2010

Leydig cell tumors (LCT) are rare sex cord‐stromal tumors that account for 2–3% of all testicular tumors. Approximately 10% of LCTs shows evidence of malignant behavior.

We present a case of LCT with severe atypia diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) in a 49‐year‐old man who presented with gynecomastia and right testis enlargement. The FNA material on conventional and ThinPrep smears revealed a hemorrhagic and necrotic background with high cellularity, consisting of large cells, isolated or in small cohesive clusters, abundant, eosinophilic cytoplasm, round nuclei, fine chromatin, and variably conspicuous nucleoli. Occasionally, pleomorphic cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and prominent nucleoli were seen. Immunocytochemistry was positive against vimentin, inhibin, and calretinin. Histological examination of the surgical specimen was in accordance with the FNA findings.

The cytologic diagnosis of LCT of the testis, using FNA, is achievable in a preoperative setting to vitiate the need for more invasive biopsy procedures; malignancy could be considered on cytology when necrosis and marked atypia are evident. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neutral lipids in non‐starch lipid and starch lipid extracts from Portuguese sourdough bread
Authors: Rocha João M. , Kalo Paavo J. , Malcata F. Xavier
Published: August 2010

This research effort was aimed at assessing the changes in extractable neutral lipids (NL) throughout the baking process of Broa, a Portuguese traditional sourdough bread. NL were accordingly isolated, purified and quantitated – starting from non‐starch lipid (NSL) and starch lipid (SL) extracts of maize and rye flours, as well as fermented dough and bread. NSL accounted for the major fraction of extracted lipids; furthermore, the NSL/SL ratio evolved throughout processing in agreement with the phenomena prevailing during dough preparation, fermentation, and baking. An analytical method based on resolution by normal‐phase HPLC coupled with detection by evaporative light scattering was accordingly developed for quantitation of the aforementioned NL classes. Distinct NL classes correlated well with the stage of bread making. The main NL in NSL were triacylglycerols (ca. 75% of the total), but relatively high concentrations of sterol esters and diacylglycerols were also found. Conversely, free fatty acids were the dominant component of SL, whereas monoacylglycerols and free sterols were comparable to those in NSL.
Growth Arrest–Specific Protein 6 Is Hepatoprotective Against Murine Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Llacuna Laura , Bárcena Cristina , Bellido-Martín Lola , Fernández Laura , Stefanovic Milica , Marí Montserrat , García-Ruiz Carmen , Fernández-Checa José C. , de Frutos Pablo García , Morales Albert
Published: August 2010

Growth arrest–specific gene 6 (GAS6) promotes growth and cell survival during tissue repair and development in different organs, including the liver. However, the specific role of GAS6 in liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury has not been previously addressed. Here we report an early increase in serum GAS6 levels after I/R exposure. Moreover, unlike wild-type (WT) mice,

Gas6

−/− mice were highly sensitive to partial hepatic I/R, with 90% of the mice dying within 12 hours of reperfusion because of massive hepatocellular injury. I/R induced early hepatic protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation in WT mice but not in

Gas6

−/− mice without significant changes in c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation or nuclear factor kappa B translocation, whereas hepatic interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) messenger RNA levels were higher in

Gas6

−/− mice versus WT mice. In line with the

in vivo

data,

in vitro

studies indicated that GAS6 induced AKT phosphorylation in primary mouse hepatocytes and thus protected them from hypoxia-induced cell death, whereas GAS6 diminished lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine expression (IL-1β and TNF) in murine macrophages. Finally, recombinant GAS6 treatment

in vivo

not only rescued GAS6 knockout mice from severe I/R-induced liver damage but also attenuated hepatic damage in WT mice after I/R.

Conclusion:

Our data have revealed GAS6 to be a new player in liver I/R injury that is emerging as a potential therapeutic target for reducing postischemic hepatic damage. (Hepatology 2010;)
The Role of Intestinal Endotoxin in Liver Injury: A Long and Evolving History
Authors: Nolan James P.
Published: August 2010

From the mid-1950s, it was observed that liver injury by a variety of toxins greatly sensitized the host to the effects of administered lipopolysaccharide. In the nutritional cirrhosis of choline deficiency, and in acute toxic injury as well, the need for the presence of enteric endotoxin was demonstrated. The universality of this association was striking for almost all agents associated with liver injury. In addition, the presence of endotoxemia in human liver disease was documented in the 1970s, when the hypothesis was first proposed, and correlated with the severity of the disease. Despite imposing evidence of the critical role of enteric endotoxin in liver injury, it did not excite much interest in investigators until the 1980s. With the ability to study effects of alcohol in newer delivery systems, and an increased understanding of the role of Kupffer cells in the process, the original hypothesis has been accepted. This historical review details the progress of this novel concept of disease initiation and suggests future directions to bring potential therapies to the bedside. (Hepatology 2010.)
The quest for the best nonpolarizable water model from the adaptive force matching method
Authors: Akin‐Ojo Omololu , Wang Feng
Published: August 2010

The recently introduced adaptive force matching (AFM) method is used to develop a significantly improved pair‐wise nonpolarizable potential for water. A rigid version of the potential is also presented to enable larger time steps for biological simulations. In this work, it is demonstrated that the AFM method can be used to systematically assess the importance of each functional term during the construction of a force field. For a water potential, it is established that a single off‐atom charge center (M) in the plane of water outperforms two out‐of‐plane charge sites for reproducing intermolecular forces. The four‐site pair‐wise nonpolarizable force field developed in this work rivals some of the most sophisticated polarizable models in terms of reproducing accurate ab initio forces. The force fields are parameterized to perform best in the temperature range from 0 to 40°C. Equilibrium and dynamical properties calculated with the flexible and rigid force fields are in good agreement with experimental results. For the flexible model, the agreement improves when path integral simulation is performed. These force fields provide high‐quality results at a very low computational cost and are thus well suited to atomistic scale biological simulations. The AFM method provides a mechanism for selecting important terms in force field expressions and is a very promising tool for producing accurate force fields in condensed phases. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Discovery of new β‐D‐galactosidase inhibitors via pharmacophore modeling and QSAR analysis followed by in silico screening
Authors: Abdula Ahmed Mutanabbi , Khalaf Reema Abu , Mubarak Mohammad S. , Taha Mutasem O.
Published: August 2010

Glycosidases, including β‐D‐galactosidase, are involved in a variety of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, viral or bacterial infections, and cancer. Accordingly, we were prompted to find new β‐D‐galactosidase inhibitors. Towards this end, we scanned the pharmacophoric space of this enzyme using a set of 41 known inhibitors. Genetic algorithm and multiple linear regression analyses were used to select an optimal combination of pharmacophoric models and physicochemical descriptors to yield self‐consistent and predictive quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR). Five pharmacophores emerged in the QSAR equations suggesting the existence of more than one binding mode accessible to ligands within β‐D‐galactosidase pocket. The successful pharmacophores were complemented with strict shape constraints in an attempt to optimize their receiver‐operating characteristic curve profiles. The validity of the QSAR equations and the associated pharmacophoric models were experimentally established by the identification of several β‐D‐galactosidase inhibitors retrieved via in silico search of two structural databases: the National Cancer Institute list of compounds and our in house built structural database of established drugs and agrochemicals. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Effect of ligand binding on the intraminimum dynamics of proteins
Authors: Alakent Burak , Baskan Sena , Doruker Pemra
Published: August 2010

Effects of ligand binding on protein dynamics are studied via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on two different enzymes, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and triosephosphate isomerase (TIM), in their unliganded (free) and liganded states. Domain motions in MD trajectories are analyzed by collectivities and rotation angles along the principal components (PCs). DHFR in the free state has well‐defined domain rotations, whereas rotations are slightly damped in the binary complex with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), and remarkably distorted in the presence of NADP+, showing that NADP+ is solely responsible for the loss of correlation of the domains in DHFR. Although mean square fluctuations of MD simulations in the same PC subspaces are similar for different ligation states, linear stochastic time series models show that backbone flexibility along the first five PCs is decreased upon NADPH and NADP+ binding in subpicosecond scale. This shows that mobility of the protein along the PCs is closely related with intraminimum dynamics, and alterations in ligation states may change the intraminimum dynamics significantly. Low vibrational frequencies of the alpha‐carbon atoms of DHFR are determined from the time series models of a larger number of low indexed PCs, and it is found that number of modes in the lowest frequencies is reduced upon ligand binding. A similar result is obtained for TIM in the unliganded and dihydroxyacetone phosphate bound states. We suggest that stochastic time series modeling is a promising method to be used in determining subtle perturbations in protein dynamics. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Synthesis of novel functionalized 4‐aza‐2,3‐didehydropodophyllotoxin derivatives with potential antitumor activity
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Alegria Antonio E.
Published: August 2010

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Novel arylamino alcohols were synthesized and these alcohols were used to prepare 12 novel N‐(2‐hydroxy‐ethyl)‐2,3‐didehydroazapodophyllotoxins, in one step, by simple reflux in ethanol. Isolated yields in the range of 50–70% were obtained. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
A novel and short synthesis of naturally occurring 5‐(3′‐indolyl)oxazoles
Authors: Kumar Dalip , Sundaree Swapna , Patel Gautam , Kumar Anil
Published: August 2010

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A novel, concise, and convenient synthesis of 5‐(3′‐indolyl)oxazoles using relatively benign reagent [hydroxy(2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonyloxy)iodo]benezene has been described. The advantages of this procedure include operational simplicity, good yield, and avoidance of the use of toxic metal. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Design and synthesis of novel methylene‐bis‐fused pyrazoles as biologically active molecules
Authors: Reddy Ch. Sanjeeva , Srinivas A. , Sunitha M. , Nagaraj A.
Published: August 2010

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A series of novel methylene‐bis‐fused pyrazoles 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d and methylene‐bis‐2‐(4‐methylsulfonyl)‐phenyl substituted fused pyrazoles 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d have been synthesized by the reaction of methylene‐bis‐aryl‐6‐hydroxymethylene‐2‐cyclohexenones 10 with hydrazine hydrate or (4‐methylsulfonyl)‐phenyl hydrazine 13. Chemical structures of all the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by their IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and MS spectral data. The compounds 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d were evaluated for their cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitory activity, and the compound 15b showed appreciable COX‐2 inhibition and selectivity. Further, all the new compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative bacteria, and fungi. Amongst the screened compounds, 12c, 15a, and 15b were found to be the most active against almost all the test bacteria. The compound 15b displayed notable antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538p), Micrococcus luteus (IFC 12708), Proteus vulgaris (ATCC 3851), and Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 14028), equal to that of ampicillin. Similarly, these compounds also showed potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), Aspergillus fumigatus (HIC 6094), Trichophyton rubrum (IFO 9185), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (IFO 40996). J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis, structures, and herbicidal activity of isoxazole derivatives
Authors: Zhou Yuhan , Chen Yanhui , Miao Weirong , Qu Jingping
Published: August 2010

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The several novel 3‐substituted phenyl isoxazole derivatives were prepared from substituted phenyl‐butan‐1,3‐dione. Their structures were confirmed by element analysis, IR, MS, and 1H NMR. X‐ray structure analysis indicated that the dihedral angles of the phenyl ring with the isoxazole ring in compounds 4a and 4b were 19.46° and 49.18°, respectively. Preliminary bioassay showed that the title compounds had good activity to various weeds, and 4a exhibited almost the same activity with 4b. This was different from the former works, which showed that the big dihedral angle of the phenyl ring with the heterocyclic moiety was necessary for high‐herbicidal activity. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
HPLC/ESI‐MSn and ESI‐MS studies on the Aconitum alkaloids in three Chinese medicinal herbs
Authors: Liu Wenlong , Pi Zifeng , Wang Xiye , Song Fengrui , Liu Shuying
Published: August 2010

Aconitum lipo‐alkaloids (LDAs) peaks in the previous HPLC studies have shown overlapping behavior, making it impossible to identify the total retention behavior of LDAs. The structural diversity of LDAs in Radix Aconiti, Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii and Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata makes it difficult to synthesize and quantify each of them. Therefore, this study has been devoted to develop a HPLC/ESI‐MSn method with good resolution of Aconitum alkaloids especially LDAs and then set up a fast ESI‐MS SIM method to quantify the total contents of specific skeleton LDAs in the three herbs via in‐source CID and the capability of mass separation. As a result, the retention behavior of LDAs was summarized based on an optimized chromatographic separation; 32 alkaloids from the three herbs of Aconitum genus were separated and identified according to their fragmentation pathways by using HPLC/ESI‐MSn. In addition, a fast quantitative analysis ESI‐MS SIM method was successfully applied to the quantification of the total contents of specific skeleton LDAs in the three herbs.
Use of kinetic plots for the optimization of the separation time in ultra‐high‐pressure LC
Authors: Eeltink Sebastiaan , Decrop Wim M. C. , Steiner Frank , Ursem Mario , Cabooter Deirdre , Desmet Gert , Kok Wim Th.
Published: August 2010

The kinetic‐plot approach, in which experimental t0 and N‐values are extrapolated to the performance at maximum system pressure by increasing the column length, was validated by coupling 250×3 mm columns packed with 3 μm particles. The extra‐column volume introduced by coupling columns could be neglected with respect to the peak volumes. Plate numbers of up to 132 000 were experimentally achieved by coupling four columns. The maximum deviation between the experimental and predicted plate numbers was 7% for two coupled columns, and decreasing to 0.1% for four coupled columns. Kinetic plots were used to find the conditions to separate a critical pair, with a preset value for the effective plate number, in the shortest possible time. For high‐efficiency separations yielding 100 000 effective plates, the optimum critical‐pair retention factor was around 4.5. Kinetic plots are presented to find the optimal column length to obtain the fastest possible 100 000 effective‐plate separation, taking into account the effect of mobile‐phase viscosity on column pressure, and consequently the optimum column length.
Surface runoff and soil erosion estimation using the SWAT model in the Keleta Watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Tibebe D. , Bewket W.
Published: August 2010

This study evaluates surface runoff generation and soil erosion rates for a small watershed (the Keleta Watershed) in the Awash River basin of Ethiopia by using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. Calibration and validation of the model was performed on monthly basis, and it could simulate surface runoff and soil erosion to a good level of accuracy. The simulated surface runoff closely matched with observed data (derived by hydrograph separation). Surface runoff generation was generally high in parts of the watershed characterized by heavy clay soils with low infiltration capacity, agricultural land use and slope gradients of over 25 per cent. The estimated soil loss rates were also realistic compared to what can be observed in the field and results from previous studies. The long‐term average soil loss was estimated at 4·3 t ha−1 y−1; most of the area of the watershed (∼80 per cent) was predicted to suffer from a low or moderate erosion risk (<8 t ha−1 y−1), and only in ∼1·2 per cent of the watershed was soil erosion estimated to exceed 12 t ha−1 y−1. Expectedly, estimated soil loss was significantly correlated with measured rainfall and simulated surface runoff. Based on the estimated soil loss rates, the watershed was divided into four priority categories for conservation intervention. The study demonstrates that the SWAT model provides a useful tool for soil erosion assessment from watersheds and facilitates planning for a sustainable land management in Ethiopia. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rotating frame spin lattice relaxation in a swine model of chronic, left ventricular myocardial infarction
Authors: Witschey Walter R. T. , Pilla James J. , Ferrari Giovanni , Koomalsingh Kevin , Haris Mohammed , Hinmon Robin , Zsido Gerald , Gorman Joseph H. , Gorman Robert C. , Reddy Ravinder
Published: August 2010

T1ρ relaxation times were quantified in a swine model of chronic, left ventricular myocardial infarction. It was found that there were low frequency relaxation mechanisms that suppress endogenous contrast at low spin‐lock amplitudes and in T2‐weighted images. A moderate amplitude spin‐locking pulse could overcome these relaxation mechanisms. Relaxation dispersion data were measured over a range of RF field amplitudes, and a model was formulated to include dipole–dipole relaxation modulated by molecular rotation and an apparent exchange mechanism. These techniques may find some use in the clinic for the observation of chronic, left ventricular cardiac remodeling. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of carbon nanotube chiralities obtained from a bimetallic Co‐Mo catalyst
Authors: Fouquet Martin , Hofmann Stephan , Thomsen Christian , Robertson John
Published: August 2010

All growth methods for single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) usually result in a wide distribution of chiral indices (n,m). Bimetallic catalysts can narrow this distribution 1,2. Here we grow SWNTs by a Co‐Mo catalyst and measure the different chiral distributions for an array of growth parameters. A CoMo‐acetate solution as described by Miyauchi et al. 1 was used to prepare the catalyst. With chiral maps we find that the absolute diameter range for the SWNT is about 0.7–1.7 nm for all samples. Hereby metallic and semiconducting tubes favour different diameters and thus divide the full range in two intervals. Histogramms made for the chiral angle distribution of the assigned SWNT suggest that semiconducting tubes favour a chiral angle of 20°–25°.
Molecular and supramolecular templating of silica‐based nanotubes and introduction of metal nanowires
Authors: Gruber Sabine , Gottschlich Andreas , Scheel Hanne , Aresipathi Catherine , Bannat Inga , Zollfrank Cordt , Wark Michael
Published: August 2010

In this article, we describe the development and application of molecular and supramolecular templates for the fabrication silica nanotubes (NTs) and nanowires (NWs) and subsequent metallisation. In one first approach molecular templates such as nanofibres of [Pt(NH3)4](HCO3)2 salt crystals were used as templates. Pure silica as well as mixed silica/tin oxide NTs with incorporated Pt metal were synthesised. Tubular structures with lengths in the range of 2–5 µm and diameters between 50 and 800 nm were formed. Collaborative effects from templating crystals and a capping agent tetraethylorthosilicate are vital in obtaining Pt embedded SiO2/stannic oxide NTs. This simple approach incorporates as much as about 40 wt.% of Pt directly inside the NTs. Pt NWs form directly during heat treatment in air by an autoreduction of the templating nanofibres. These NWs exhibit diameters of 15–35 nm and lengths up to 2 µm. Biotemplates such as cellulose nanocrystals isolated from biological sources are efficient supramolecular templates for the fabrication of inorganic one‐dimensional structures. The fabrication of biotemplated silica NTs and NWs was performed via sol–gel processing. The biotemplated silica NTs and NWs exhibited diameters of around 15 nm and lengths up to 500 nm. Gold nanoparticles were deposited on the cellulose and SiO2 coated cellulose nanocrystals to form metal NWs. The gold nanoparticles formed a nearly closed gold shell using weak reducing agents. Transmission electron microscopy and UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy confirmed successful deposition of the metal particles on the SiO2 NWs. The fabrication of size‐controlled metal NWs using Pt‐derived molecular nanofibres and cellulose nanocrystals as supramolecular templates is of specific benefit for the design of metal NWs with various sizes and unique optical properties.
Measurement of Local Si‐Nanowire Growth Kinetics Using In situ Transmission Electron Microscopy of Heated Cantilevers
Authors: Kallesøe Christian , Wen Cheng‐Yen , Mølhave Kristian , Bøggild Peter , Ross Frances M.
Published: August 2010

A technique to study nanowire growth processes on locally heated microcantilevers in situ in a transmission electron microscope has been developed. The in situ observations allow the characterization of the nucleation process of silicon wires, as well as the measurement of growth rates of individual nanowires and the ability to observe the formation of nanowire bridges between separate cantilevers to form a complete nanowire device. How well the nanowires can be nucleated controllably on typical cantilever sidewalls is examined, and the measurements of nanowire growth rates are used to calibrate the cantilever‐heater parameters used in finite‐element models of cantilever heating profiles, useful for optimization of the design of devices requiring local growth.
First‐Layer Effect in Graphene‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Ling Xi , Zhang Jin
Published: August 2010

Graphene as a substrate for enhancing Raman scattering, called graphene‐enhanced Raman scattering (GERS), has been reported in previous work. Herein, it is found that the “first‐layer effect”, which is widely used to explain the chemical‐enhanced mechanism in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), exists in the GERS system. The Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) technique is used to construct mono‐ and multilayer ordered aggregates of protoporphyrin IX (PPP). Raman spectra of PPP with different layer numbers of the LB film on graphene are collected. The Raman signal from the first monolayer LB film of PPP has a larger contribution to the Raman enhancement than that from subsequent monolayers. Meanwhile, the Raman enhancement is dependent on the molecular configuration in contact with graphene, in which the functional group of PPP in direct contact with graphene has a stronger enhancement than other groups. These results reveal that GERS is strongly dependent on the distance between graphene and the molecule, which is convincing evidence that the Raman enhancement effect based on graphene belongs to the chemical‐enhanced mechanism. This discovery provides a convenient system for the study of the chemical‐enhanced mechanism and will benefit further understanding of SERS.
Silver nanoparticles‐modified films versus biomedical device‐associated infections
Authors: Cao Huiliang , Liu Xuanyong
Published: August 2010

A serious issue related to biomedical devices (BDs) is that of bacterial infections. BDs colonized by bacteria may cause infection or mortality. To prevent such infections, an effective strategy is to develop novel BDs with antibacterial abilities via various surface modification processes. Thus, plenty of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs)‐modified films were brought forward to because of their potential applications in improving the antibacterial properties of BDs. This article reviews the difficulties in diagnosing and treating biomedical device‐associated infections as well as the state of arts in fabricating the Ag NPs‐modified films for antibacterial applications. In addition, the nanoeffect of silver particles and the cytotoxicity of Ag NPs are also discussed. It is clear that safe and durable Ag NPs‐modified films are more desirable for the BDs prone to bacteria. To further extend the investigations on controlling the toxicity path of Ag NPs to both bacteria and mammalian cells, developing novel green fabrication processes with more ‘cleaner’ (without accompaniment of ligands or reduction agents) Ag NPs should be the first mission for the material scientists to complete.WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol2010 2 670–684

This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Polytype Transformations in the SO42– Containing Layered Double Hydroxides of Zinc with Aluminum and Chromium: The Metal Hydroxide Layer as a Structural Synthon
Authors: Radha Shivaramaiah , Antonyraj Churchil A. , Vishnu Kamath P. , Kannan Srinivasan
Published: August 2010

Solid–solid inter‐polytype transformations are observed during the thermal dehydration of sulfate‐containing layered double hydroxides (LDHs). The metal hydroxide layer behaves as a “structural synthon” and the interconversion of polytypes of rhombohedral and hexagonal symmetries takes place by rigid translations of successive layers by (± 1/3, ± 2/3) relative to one another in the ab plane. These translations are selected among the many possible, as they preserve the coincidence of the symmetry elements of the individual layers and thereby conserve the threefold symmetry of the crystal across the inter‐polytype conversions. As a result, these transformations are enthalpically not expensive. These translations are facilitated at near ambient temperatures (30–60 °C) by the reversible dehydration of the LDH, which involves the deinsertion/insertion of water molecules within the restricted space of the interlayer region.
155Gd Mössbauer Spectroscopy on Intermetallics – An Overview
Authors: Pöttgen Rainer , Łątka Kazimierz
Published: August 2010

155Gd Mössbauer spectroscopy on intermetallic compounds is a useful complementary spectroscopic tool for the determination of magnetic structures, since the high absorption cross‐section strongly hampers neutron diffraction experiments for compounds containing natural gadolinium. The recent trends applied to solid state chemistry and materials sciences for that spectroscopic technique are reviewed.
Covalent Bonds in α‐SnF2 Monitored by J‐Couplings in Solid‐State NMR Spectra
Authors: Bräuniger Thomas , Ghedia Stefan , Jansen Martin
Published: August 2010

The stable ambient‐temperature phase of tin(II) fluoride, α‐SnF2, was studied by 19F and 119Sn magic‐angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy. A large chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) is observed in the spectra of both nuclides, which is indicative of the presence of stereochemically active lone electron pair on tin. Symmetric satellite lines with low intensity have been detected in the 119Sn MAS spectra acquired under 19F decoupling, and are assigned to indirect J‐couplings between the magnetically active tin isotopes. The detection of J‐couplings is evidence for the existence of genuine covalent bonds in α‐SnF2, a fact which was deduced before from X‐ray crystallography, which revealed the presence of Sn–F distances smaller than the sum of the respective ionic radii.
Dinuclear Complexes of Copper(I) with Crown Ether‐containing N‐Thiophosphorylated Bis‐thioureas and 2,2′‐Bipyridine or 1,10‐Phenanthroline: Synthesis, Characterization, and Picrate Extraction Properties
Authors: Babashkina Maria G. , Shakirova Elmira R. , Safin Damir A. , Sokolov Felix D. , Klein Axel , Szyrwiel Łukasz , Kubiak Maria , Kozlowski Henryk , Krivolapov Dmitriy B.
Published: August 2010

Reaction of O,O′‐diisopropylthiophosphoric acid isothiocyanate (iPrO)2P(S)NCS with 1,10‐diaza‐18‐crown‐6, 1,7‐diaza‐18‐crown‐6, or 1,7‐diaza‐15‐crown‐5 leads to the N‐thiophosphorylated bis‐thioureas N,N′‐bis[C(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)2]‐1,10‐diaza‐18‐crown‐6 (H2LI), N,N′‐bis[C(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)2]‐1,7‐diaza‐18‐crown‐6 (H2LII) and N,N′‐bis[C(S)NHP(S)(OiPr)2]‐1,7‐diaza‐15‐crown‐5 (H2LIII). Reaction of the potassium salts of H2LI–III with a mixture of CuI and 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy) or 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) in aqueous EtOH/CH2Cl2 leads to the dinuclear complexes [Cu2(bpy)2LI–III] and [Cu2(phen)2LI–III]. The structures of these compounds were investigated by 1H, 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The crystal structures of H2LI and [Cu2(phen)2LI] were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Extraction capacities of the obtained compounds in comparison to the related compounds 1,10‐diaza‐18‐crown‐6, N,N′‐bis[C(=CMe2)CH2P(O)(OiPr)2]‐1,10‐diaza‐18‐crown‐6, N,N′‐bis[C(S)NHP(O)(OiPr)2]‐1,10‐diaza‐18‐crown‐6 towards the picrate salts LiPic, NaPic, KPic. and NH4Pic were also studied.
Taking on Proper Appearance and Putting It into Practice: Two Different Systems of Effort in Song and Ming Neo-Confucianism
Authors: Weixiang DING
Published: August 2010

Both “jianxing” 践形 (taking on proper appearance) and “jianxing” 践行 (putting into practice) were concepts coined by Confucians before the Qin Dynasty. They largely referred to similar things. But because the “Daxue” 大学 (“Great Learning”) was listed as one of the Sishu 四书 (The Four Books) during the Song Dynasty, different explanations and trends in terms of the “Great Learning” resulted in “taking on proper appearance” and “putting into practice” becoming two different systems of efforts. The former formed a vertical kind of representation and a complete system of practice by “developing the sincerity of intentions inside and taking on proper appearance and looks outside” in “shendu” 慎独 (self-discipline when alone) and “chengyi” 诚意 (developing the sincerity of intentions), and the latter developed into a horizontal system of practice through the interdependency of zhi 知 (knowing or knowledge) and xing 行 (doing or practice). The “interdependence between knowledge and practice” promoted by the Cheng brothers and Zhu Xi represented the vertical practice of moral understanding, while the “integration of knowing and doing” advocated by Wang Yangming represented using the way in “developing the sincerity of intentions” to adjust and transform the representation of the relationship between knowledge and practice. The ideas that were frequently stressed, such as “the same effort” and “naturally being so,” were all from “developing the sincerity of intentions” and “taking on proper appearance,” and they were all the representation of “really making intentions sincere.” In fact, the confusion over “the integration of knowing and doing” reflected the tension between two different systems and inconsistency in their thoughts.
The Destiny of Modern Virtue Ethics
Authors: Shaoping GAN
Published: August 2010

The revival of Aristotelian virtue ethics since the 1980s does not signify that it goes back to its original form; rather, it is generally manifested in three different variations: The first is a variation of what is known as communitarianism, the second is universalism, and the third is phronesis. On the social level of morality, the serious attempt of modern virtue ethics towards improving the moral spirit of society is laudable. However, its method and reasoning deviates greatly from the demands of modern society’s integration of its operating rules and regulations, and concept of values; hence all of its attempts can hardly escape the fate of becoming just a fantasy. Yet, on the level of dealing with ethic conflicts and moral paradox, modern virtue ethics—via interpreting the theory of phronesis by Aristotle—proposes the valuable thought of a balanced morality that principlism should concern itself with and nourish itself from.
Intelligent Design from the Viewpoint of Complex Systems Theory
Authors: Chunyu DONG
Published: August 2010

Based on an analysis of the origins and characteristics of Intelligent Design (ID), this essay discusses the related issues of probability and irreducible complexity. From the viewpoint of complex systems theory, I suggest that Intelligent Design is not, as certain advocates claim, the only reasonable approach for dealing with the current difficulties of evolutionary biology.
Receptors and signaling mechanisms for B‐lymphocyte activation, proliferation and differentiation – Insights from both in vivo and in vitro approaches
Authors: Maddaly Ravi , Pai Govind , Balaji Shruti , Sivaramakrishnan Priya , Srinivasan Lakshmi , Sunder Sukanya Shyama , Paul Solomon F.D.
Published: August 2010

During the last three decades, a number of B‐lymphocyte specific surface antigens have been defined some of which may also show activation/differentiation specific expression. Here, we review the various signaling events and the receptor‐ligand interactions for B‐cell development, activation and differentiation. Our discussion and presentation include reviewing the in vivo and in vitro mechanisms. Focus is on the experiments that give us valuable insights into the B cell signaling mechanisms in vitro. Three significant pathways in B‐cell development – c‐Kit, FLT‐3 and IL‐7 signaling pathways are elucidated upon. Both antigen dependent and antigen independent mechanisms of B cell stimulation are also reviewed.
Alternative splicing of genes during neuronal differentiation of NT2 pluripotential human embryonal carcinoma cells
Authors: Wakamatsu Ai , Imai Jun-ichi , Watanabe Shinya , Isogai Takao
Published: August 2010

We analyzed the mRNA diversity of genes after inducing neuronal differentiation in human NT2 teratocarcinoma cells using all‐trans retinoic acid (RA). DNA microarray analyses of cells treated with RA identified 358 RA‐responsive genes. mRNA diversity analysis revealed that 274 genes produced multiple protein‐coding transcripts by alternative splicing. Among these 274 genes, we chose 26 genes that showed AS in their C‐terminus and 12 transcription factor genes for further analysis. By using transcript‐specific primers, we performed quantitative real‐time PCR analysis to examine the expression profiles of all the protein‐coding transcripts. Consequently, we identified genes which showed different RA‐induced changes in the expression of their protein‐coding transcripts.
Female Sexual Function, Dysfunction, and Pregnancy: Implications for Practice
Authors: Murtagh Jessica
Published: August 2010

Women's sexual function is a complex and dynamic interplay of variables that involve physical, emotional, and psychosocial states. Sexual dysfunction may occur at any level, and diagnosing such issues begins with careful assessment through a sexual health history. However, discussions about female sexual health and function are often deficient in the primary care setting. This article reviews the published research on female sexual function, sexual dysfunction, and sexual function in pregnancy to gain a better understanding of how these aspects of a woman's life impact the health care services she receives. The evaluation of female sexual function is in need of consistent measurement tools and more dialogue during health care visits. Women's health care practitioners have an opportunity to advance patient satisfaction and overall health by evaluating and communicating with female patients about their sexual function.
The Role of Midwives in Facilitating Recovery in Postpartum Psychosis
Authors: Posmontier Bobbie
Published: August 2010

Postpartum psychosis, an emergency psychiatric condition affecting one to two women per 1000 after childbirth, can result in a significant increased risk for suicide and infanticide. Symptoms of postpartum psychosis, such as mood lability, delusional beliefs, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking, can be frightening for the women who are affected and for families and obstetric care providers of those women. Women experiencing postpartum psychosis are often thrust into a mental health system that does not capitalize on the close relational bond that forms between midwives and the women they care for over the course of prenatal care. The purpose of this article is to propose using the Recovery Advisory Group Model of mental illness as a theoretical framework for care of women with postpartum psychosis, to assist midwives in recognizing symptoms, define the role of the midwife in treatment, and learn the importance of becoming part of the psychiatric mental health care team in order to facilitate optimum recovery for women with postpartum psychosis.
Integration of the Practice of Active Management of the Third Stage of Labor Within Training and Service Implementation Programming in Zambia
Authors: Vivio Donna , Fullerton Judith T. , Forman Rosha , Mbewe Reuben Kamoto , Musumali Masuka , Chewe Patrick M.
Published: August 2010

Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of pregnancy‐related mortality (cited at 591 per 100,000 Zambian women), and is responsible for up to 60% of maternal deaths in developing countries. Active management of the third stage of labor (AMTSL) has been endorsed as a means of reducing the risk of PPH. The Ministry of Health/Zambia has incorporated the use of AMTSL into its reproductive health guidelines.

Methods: Midwives employed in five public hospitals and eight health centers were interviewed (N = 62), and 82 observations were conducted during the second through fourth stages of labor.

Results: Data from facilities in which oxytocin was available (62 births in 11 settings) indicated that a uterotonic was used in 53 of the births (85.5%); however, AMTSL was conducted in strict accord with the currently recommended protocol (a time‐specific use of the uterotonic, controlled cord traction, and fundal massage) in only 25 (40.4%) of births.

Discussion: Midwives have concerns about risks of maternal to newborn HIV blood transfusion; it is doubtful that they will adopt the currently recommended practice of delayed cord clamping and cutting. Infrastructure issues and supply shortages challenged the ability to correctly and safely implement the AMTSL protocol; nevertheless, facilities were generally ready to support it.
Web 2.0: Easy Tools for Busy Clinicians
Authors: Phillippi Julia C. , Buxton Margaret
Published: August 2010

Internet content has become interactive; new tools can help clinicians market their practice and provide evidence‐based care. Many of these tools are free or low cost and are easily mastered using simple video tutorials found on the Internet. This article highlights the uses of e‐mail, social networking, smartphones, RSS feeds, social bookmarking, and collaborative Web 2.0 tools in clinical practice.
Supplementation with EPA or fish oil for 11 months lowers circulating lipids, but does not delay the onset of diabetes in UC Davis-type 2 diabetes mellitus rats
Authors: Cummings Bethany P. , Stanhope Kimber L. , Graham James L. , Griffen Steven C. , Havel Peter J.
Published: August 2010

EPA or fish oil supplementation has been suggested as treatments for the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to their lipid-lowering and potential insulin-sensitising effects. We investigated the effects of supplementation with EPA (1 g/kg body weight per d) or fish oil (3 g/kg body weight per d) on the age of onset of T2DM and circulating glucose, insulin, lipids, leptin and adiponectin in UC Davis (UCD)-T2DM rats. Animals were divided into three groups starting at 1 month of age: control, EPA and fish oil. All the animals were followed until diabetes onset or for up to 12 months of age. Monthly fasting blood samples were collected for the measurement of glucose, lipids, hormones and C-reactive protein (CRP). Neither EPA nor fish oil delayed the onset of T2DM or altered fasting plasma glucose, insulin, CRP, adiponectin or leptin concentrations. The groups did not differ in energy intake or body weight. Fish oil treatment lowered fasting plasma TAG concentrations by 39 (sd7) % (P < 0·001) and EPA lowered fasting plasma NEFA concentrations by 23 (sd5) % (P < 0·05) at 4 months of age compared with the control group. EPA and fish oil lowered fasting plasma cholesterol concentrations at 4 months of age by 19 (sd4) and 22 (sd4) % compared with the control group, respectively (bothP < 0·01). In conclusion, EPA and fish oil supplementation lowers circulating lipid concentrations, but does not delay the onset of T2DM in UCD-T2DM rats.
Children’s lunchtime food choices following the introduction of food-based standards for school meals: observations from six primary schools in Sheffield
Authors: Golley Rebecca , Pearce Jo , Nelson Michael
Published: August 2010

Objective

To describe the lunchtime choices and nutritional intake of primary-school-aged children in England 4 months after the introduction of interim food-based standards for school lunches.

Design

Cross-sectional 2 d weighed food records collected in January and February 2007.

Setting

Six primary schools in Sheffield, England.

Subjects

One hundred and twenty-three pupils aged 8–10 years.

Results

Vegetables (81 % v. 8 %) and cakes and biscuits (43 % v. 23 %) were chosen more frequently by pupils consuming a school lunch, while fruit (40 % v. 36 %), meat products (18 % v. 14 %), confectionery (72 % v. 0 %), savoury snacks (69 % v. 0 %) and drinks not meeting the school food standards (40 % v. 0 %) were chosen more often by pupils eating a packed lunch. Mean energy intake was lower in the school lunch group compared with the packed lunch group (1402 (sd 573) v. 2192 (sd 619), P = 0·005). Nutrient density (per MJ energy) was significantly better in school meals for key nutrients including protein (9·8 (sd 2·7) v. 6·3 (sd 1·9) g), fat (7·4 (sd 2·7) v. 10·6 (sd 2·8) g), NSP (2·8 (sd 1·3) v. 1·1 (sd 0·4) g), vitamin A (151·3 (sd 192·8) v. 69·1 (sd 55·6) μg), folate (29·6 (sd 11·6) v. 17·0 (sd 7·0) μg), iron (1·3 (sd 0·3) v. 0·9 (sd 0·3) mg) and zinc (1·1 (sd 0·4) v. 0·7 (sd 0·3) mg).

Conclusions

Schools were largely compliant with the interim food-based standards for school meals 4 months after their introduction. Within the context of the new standards, children taking a school lunch are more likely to eat a more nutritious lunch, in terms of less high-fat/salt/sugar foods and nutrient density. The introduction of nutrient-based standards is warranted. Efforts to improve the lunchtime intake of children taking a packed lunch are also required.
Hubble Space Telescope observations of Europa in and out of eclipse
Authors: Sparks W.B. , McGrath M. , Hand K. , Ford H.C. , Geissler P. , Hough J.H. , Turner E.L. , Chyba C.F. , Carlson R. , Turnbull M.
Published: August 2010

Europa is a prime target for astrobiology and has been prioritized as the next target for a National Aeronautics and Space Administration flagship mission. It is important, therefore, that we advance our understanding of Europa, its ocean and physical environment as much as possible. Here, we describe observations of Europa obtained during its orbital eclipse by Jupiter using the Hubble Space Telescope. We obtained Advanced Camera for Surveys Solar Blind Channel far ultraviolet low-resolution spectra that show oxygen line emission both in and out of eclipse. We also used the Wide-Field and Planetary Camera-2 and searched for broad-band optical emission from fluorescence of the surface material, arising from the very high level of incident energetic particle radiation on ices and potentially organic substances. The high-energy particle radiation at the surface of Europa is extremely intense and is responsible for the production of a tenuous oxygen atmosphere and associated FUV line emission. Approximately 50% of the oxygen emission lasts at least a few hours into the eclipse. We discuss the detection limits of the optical emission, which allow us to estimate the fraction of incident energy reradiated at optical wavelengths, through electron-excited emission, Cherenkov radiation in the ice and fluorescent processes.