bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Laser Microprobe System for Controlled Atmosphere Time and Spatially Resolved Fluorescence Studies of Analytical Laser Plumes
Authors: Lewis A. L. , Beenen G. J. , Hosch J. W. , Piepmeier E. H.
Published: August 2005

A laser microprobe system has been developed that provides for time and spatially resolved studies of the interaction between the material ejected by a laser from a sample surface and the gaseous species in a controlled-atmosphere chamber. A microsecond flashlamp pumped dye laser atomizes the sample, and a narrow band, accurately tunable flashlamp pumped dye laser is the light source for absorption and fluorescence measurements of atomic and molecular species. A sample wheel rotates and translates to provide a new surface for hundreds of shots before resurfacing is required. Stepper motors allow the laser plume to be positioned in three dimensions by manual or computer control. Examples are given of the types of measurements that are possible under computer control. In an observation region comprising 0.05% of the plume, 109 atoms of Li are detectable.
Diffuse Reflectance UV-VIS Spectroscopy, an Economical Method for Studying Reagents Immobilized on Silica Gel
Authors: Ditzler Mauri A. , Allston Richard A. , Casey Thomas J. , Spellman Nicholas T. , Willis Karen A.
Published: August 2005

Diffuse reflectance UV-VIS spectroscopy is presented as an economical tool for studying reagents immobilized on silica gel. An appropriate approach to eliminating the spectral contribution of the substrate is presented. Diffuse reflectance spectra of the immobilized reagents, presented as the Kubelka-Munk function, are shown to resemble transmission spectra of model compounds. Several applications are presented in which immobilization sequences were monitored.
A Small Laboratory Automation System Composed of Microcomputer-Based Spectrophotometers
Authors: Susaki Hironori , Miyama Takao , Matsui Shigeru , Minami Shigeo
Published: August 2005

A distributed microcomputer network system which consists of integral microprocessors in intelligent instruments has been developed for automating the spectroscopy laboratory. In this system, the master-slave arrangement of microcomputers is adopted to compose the system controller and three microcomputer-based spectrophotometers (an UV/visible spectrophotometer, an IR spectrophotometer, and a fluorescence spectrophotometer). The IEEE-488 standard interface bus is employed for the hardware compatibility of the communication between the system controller and spectrophotometer subsystems. The Tiny BASIC language is modified as a standard language in the system for real time execution along the communication through the IEEE-488 interface bus. The operation includes two modes: the local mode and the remote mode. In the local mode, the spectrophotometer is manually controlled independently from the system controller. In the remote mode, the modified Tiny BASIC program controls individual spectrophotometers. The program is written by the user at the system controller and is loaded down to the microcomputer of a spectrophotometer subsystem. This program is executed via the individual modified Tiny BASIC interpreter implemented in the subsystem. The system structure, design of the modified Tiny BASIC, and operating procedures are presented together with typical performance data.
The Dielectric Discharge as an Efficient Generator of Active Nitrogen for Chemiluminescence and Analysis
Authors: Kishman John , Barish Eric , Allen Ralph
Published: August 2005

A predominantly blue “active nitrogen” afterglow was generated in pure flowing nitrogen or in air by using a dielectric discharge at pressures from 1 to 20 Torr. The afterglow contains triplet state molecules and vibrationally excited ground state molecules. These species are produced directly by electron impact without the formation and recombination of nitrogen atoms. The most intense emission is the N2 second positive band system. The N2 first positive and N2+ first negative systems are also observed. The spectral and electrical properties of this discharge are discussed in order to establish guidelines for the analytical use of the afterglow for chemiluminescence reactions. The metastatic nitrogen efficiently transfers its energy to atomic and molecular species which are introduced into the gas phase and these excited species emit characteristic radiation. The effects of electrothermal atomization of Zn and the introduction of gaseous species (e.g., NO) on the afterglow are described.
Raman Microprobe Analysis of Thin Films Formed on the Surface of Silver Electrical Contacts Utilizing the Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Effect
Authors: Ishida H. , Ishitani A.
Published: August 2005

The laser Raman microprobe has been used in combination with Auger electron spectroscopy for the investigation of thin films formed on the surface of polycrystalline silver relay contacts to illustrate the analytical application of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) phenomenon to the evaluation of industrial materials. Raman scattering of thin carbon layers on Ag evaporated films has also been examined in order to confirm the enhancement effect on the Ag surface. From the observed enhanced Raman scattering, carbon and sulfur compounds such as silver sulfate have been identified in the thin films formed on Ag contacts operated repeatedly under several kinds of controlled gas flows. These results demonstrate the possibility of a wide range of application of the SERS effect as an useful analytical method with a high surface sensitivity.
Homosynaptic and Heterosynaptic Inhibition of Synaptic Tagging and Capture of Long-Term Potentiation by Previous Synaptic Activity
Authors: Young Jennie Z. , Nguyen Peter V.
Published: August 2005

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is an enhancement of synaptic strength that may contribute to information storage in the mammalian brain. LTP expression can be regulated by previous synaptic activity, a process known as “metaplasticity.” Cell-wide occurrence of metaplasticity may regulate synaptic strength. However, few reports have demonstrated metaplasticity at synapses that are silent during activity at converging synaptic inputs. We describe a novel form of cell-wide metaplasticity in hippocampal area CA1. Low-frequency stimulation (LFS) decreased the stability of long-lasting LTP [“late” LTP (L-LTP)] induced later at the same inputs (homosynaptic inhibition) and at other inputs converging on the same postsynaptic cells (heterosynaptic inhibition). Significantly, heterosynaptic inhibition of L-LTP also occurred across basal and apical dendrites (“heterodendritic” inhibition). Because transient early LTP (E-LTP) was not affected by previous LFS, we examined the effects of LFS on the consolidation of E-LTP to L-LTP. The duration of E-LTP induced at one set of inputs can be extended by capturing L-LTP-associated gene products generated by previous activity at other inputs to the same postsynaptic neurons. LFS applied homosynaptically or heterosynaptically before L-LTP induction did not impair synaptic capture by subsequent E-LTP stimulation, suggesting that LFS does not impair L-LTP-associated transcription. In contrast, LFS applied just before E-LTP (homosynaptically or heterosynaptically) prevented synaptic tagging, and capture of L-LTP expression. Thus, LFS inhibits synaptic tagging to impair expression of subsequent L-LTP. Such anterograde inhibition represents a novel way in which synaptic activity can regulate the expression of future long-lasting synaptic plasticity in a cell-wide manner.
Awareness of the Functioning of One's Own Limbs Mediated by the Insular Cortex?
Authors: Karnath Hans-Otto , Baier Bernhard , Nägele Thomas
Published: August 2005

Normally, we are aware of the current functions of our arms and legs. However, this self-evident status may change dramatically after brain damage. Some patients with “anosognosia” typically are convinced that their limbs function normally, although they have obvious motor defects after stroke. Such patients may experience their own paretic limbs as strange or as not belonging to them and may even attribute ownership to another person and try to push their paralyzed limb out of bed. These odd beliefs have been attributed to disturbances somewhere in the right hemisphere. Here, we use lesion mapping in 27 stroke patients to show that the right posterior insula is commonly damaged in patients with anosognosia for hemiplegia/hemiparesis but is significantly less involved in hemiplegic/hemiparetic patients without anosognosia. The function of the posterior insular cortex has been controversially discussed. Recent neuroimaging results in healthy subjects revealed specific involvement of this area in the subject's feeling of being versus not being involved in a movement. Our finding corresponds with this observation and suggests that the insular cortex is integral to self-awareness and to one's beliefs about the functioning of body parts.
ERBB2 in Pediatric Cancer: Innocent Until Proven Guilty
Authors: Gilbertson Richard J.
Published: August 2005

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Review the key aspects of ERBB2 signal biology in normal and cancer cells.Outline available evidence for the involvement of ERBB2 signaling in different pediatric solid cancers.Describe the key challenges associated with translating molecular targeted therapies of adult cancers to pediatric patients.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Adult oncologists and their research colleagues have “led the charge” in the war on cancer. Their efforts have generated effective new chemotherapies that target cancer causing molecular alterations. It is hoped that these successes will be repeated within the pediatric oncology community. Testing whether molecular targeted therapies of adult cancers are also effective against childhood cancers might allow the rapid introduction of these exciting new agents into the pediatric clinic. However, it is imperative that we do not introduce blindly these agents into the pediatric population. We must ensure that molecular targets in adult cancers also fulfill a number of important criteria within the pediatric disease. This review addresses the issues surrounding the identification of molecular targets in pediatric cancers by focusing on studies of the ERBB2 oncogene.
Activin A stimulates catecholamine secretion from rat adrenal chromaffin cells: a new physiological mechanism
Authors: Keating Damien J , Chen Chen
Published: August 2005

Activin A is a member of the transforming growth factor-β family and has known roles in the adrenal cortex, from which activin A is secreted. We aimed to find whether activin A induces secretion of catecholamines from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla, which neighbours the adrenal cortex in vivo. Using carbon fibre amperometry, we were able to measure catecholamine secretion in real-time from single chromaffin cells dissociated from the rat adrenal medulla. Activin A stimulated catecholamine secretion in a rapid and dose-dependent manner from chromaffin cells. This effect was fully reversible upon washout of activin A. The minimum dose at which activin A had a maximal effect was 2 nM, with an EC50 of 1.1 nM. The degree of secretion induced by activin A (2 nM) was smaller than that due to membrane depolarization caused by an increase in the external K+ concentration from 5 to 70 mM. No response to activin A was seen when Ca2+ channels were blocked by Cd2+ (200 μM). We conclude from these findings that activin A is capable of stimulating a robust level of catecholamine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells in a concentration-dependent manner. This occurs via the opening of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, causing Ca2+ entry, thereby triggering exocytosis. These findings illustrate a new physiological role of activin A and a new mechanism in the control of catecholamine secretion from the adrenal medulla.
Micronucleus level in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells of cancer patients
Authors: Nersesyan Armen , Vardazaryan Nina , Gevorgyan Ani , Arutyunyan Rouben
Published: August 2005

Micronucleus levels in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells of patients with primary breast, lung, cervix uteri cancer, and patients with Hodgkin's disease were studied (n=59). Significantly increased number of micronuclei in cells of cancer patients was observed compared with healthy persons (n=45). The evaluation of micronuclei number in buccal mucosa cells shows genomic instability in somatic cells of humans.
Tumor angiogenesis and endometrial cancer
Authors: Mandic Aljosa , Vujkov Tamara , Nincic Dejan , Komazec Slobodan
Published: August 2005

Increasing importance is given to the clinical significance of the new formation of vessels (angiogenesis) in the course of physiological inflammatory and neoplastic processes. Angiogenesis is best studied in the growth of malignant tumors, since cancer may be regarded as the most important angiogenesis-dependent disease. Vascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and capillary formation are stimulated by angiogenic growth factors, which include the proteins vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and transforming growth factor, and eicosanoids synthesized from n-6 fatty acids. Angiogenesis plays an important role in physiological proliferation of the endometrium and formation of corpus luteum in the second half of menstrual cycle. The present study showed that microvessel counts affect prognosis of patients with endometrial cancer. Analysis of angiogenesis in endometrial cancer may be a useful biologic parameter and additional study of neovascularization is required. Tumor angiogenesis is regulated by the balance of stimulators (e.g., VEGF, bFGF) and inhibitors of angiogenesis (e.g., angiostatin, endostatin, angiostatic steroids). Measuring angiogenesis (blood vessel density) and/or its main regulators such as VEGF and bFGF in solid tumors, or the levels of these growth factors in the serum or urine provides new and sensitive markers for tumor progression, metastasis and prognosis.
Effect of intratumoral application of methotrexate in vivo on frequency of micronuclei in peripheral blood lymphocytes
Authors: Novakovic Tanja , Milosevic-Djordjevic Olivera , Grujicic Darko , Marinkovic Dragoslav , Jankovic Slobodan , Arsenijevic Slobodan
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND: Methotrexate is a cytostatic drug belonging to the group of antimetabolites; it is an antagonist of folic acid with an intensive application in gynecology practice. METHODS: The frequency of micronuclei (MN) in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 30 patients with myoma uteri was analyzed before and after intratumoral application of methotrexate (MTX) in total dose from 50 to 115 mg. Analysis of micronuclei was performed by the application of cytokinesis-block technique (CB). RESULTS: Average frequency of MN in lymphocytes of patients before the therapy was 4.6?0.4 MN/1000 analyzed cells. After the completion of therapy with six separate doses during six consecutive menstrual average frequency of MN increased 1.5 times (7.0?0.6) in comparison to control frequency before the therapy. Statistically significant difference (p<0.001) was established by the Student t test. CONCLUSION: Methotrexate intratumoral treatment of the myoma uteri significantly increased micronuclei in peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Why physicians should publish, how easy it is, and how important it is in clinical work
Authors: Marusic Matko
Published: August 2005

The author maintains that a physician must publish because the knowledge is property of the entire mankind, because scientific journals offer the most reliable (medical) information, and because the process of publishing serves also as a final education of true experts. Publishing can become relatively easy if the investigation is properly planned and the report is adequately written. Both should be a joint effort of all authors of the study. It is easier to publish in clinical than in preclinical research field for at least seven reasons: 1) in clinical work the variety of patients stimulate formulation of hypothesis, 2) the spectrum of possible and desirable research themes is rather wide, researchers can make use of hospital routine laboratories, and even individual cases are acceptable as research reports 3) it is acceptable, even desirable, to repeat already published studies, 4) multicentric studies enable weaker institutions to join strong and more experienced ones and thus participate in high-quality research, 5) imperfection of the studies is tolerated because journal editors are aware of the complexity of clinical work, 6) there is a degree of automatic financing of research, and 7) there is a large number of both general and highly specialized journals which yearn for papers.
Endometrial cancer: Diagnostic methods in postmenopausal vaginal bleeding
Authors: Mandic Aljosa , Vujkov Tamara
Published: August 2005

Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding (PMB) is the leading symptom of endometrial cancer. More than 70% of patients with endometrial cancer are postmenopausal. Despite PMB as a leading symptom in diagnosis of endometrial cancer, PMB could be caused by some benign processes in endometrium such as hyperplasia and focal endometrial disease, such as a polyp. The golden standard for histological evaluation of the endometrium is curettage. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) and measurement of endometrium thickness is also one of the favored methods in the last decade. Sonographic imaging of the endometrium can be extremely helpful, because endometrial cancer is nearly always associated with thickening and heterogeneity of the endometrium except in case of atrophy-associated adenocarcinoma of the endometrium, which is not associated with thickening. Hysteroscopy found place as a favored method in diagnosis of focal endometrial lesions. Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) is a relatively new imaging procedure. The SIS will show whether the endometrium is diffusely thickened, in which case curettage would be the next step, or focally thickened, in which case hysteroscopy with biopsy would be the next step. Combination of some diagnostic procedures, such as TVS, SIS, hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy and curettage, should decrease false positive and false negative results which may affect the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Authorship-coauthorship
Authors: Vuckovic-Dekic Ljiljana
Published: August 2005

The scientific authorship is based on creativity and originality. Apart from being the means for the attribution of the credit, the authorship also comprises the responsibility and accountability, and it is also the basis for evaluation of scientists. Because of steady rise in the number of multiauthored articles in biomedical sciences, the problem of undeserved authorship has emerged. Since the false authorship undermines the very basis of the publication ethics, the scientific community has undertaken measures for the prevention and remedy of such a highly unethical issue.
Microinvasive carcinoma of the cervix
Authors: Zivaljevic Milica , Vujkov Tamara , Nincic Dejan , Mandic Aljosa , Zikic Dragan , Mastilovic Katarina
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND: Superficially invasive neoplasias of the uterine cervix are a matter of controversy in terms of their definition, prognostic factors and selection of treatment to minimize the risk of recurrences. METHODS: Forty-three women with invasive cervical carcinoma, operated from 1993 to 2003, were postoperatively staged as IA cervical carcinoma. There were 28 patients who were submitted to class III radical hysterectomy, 9 patients to class II hysterectomy, 2 patients to class I hysterectomy, and 2 patients to abdominal trachelectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. Mean age of patients was 44 years (range, 27-64 years). RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (56.1%) were stage with IA1 and 18 (43.9%) with stage IA2 disease according to the 1995 FIGO classification. Tumor histology revealed squamous cell carcinoma in 38 (92.6%) cases, adenocarcinoma in 2 (4.8%) cases and glassy cell carcinoma in 1 (2.4%). The average number of examined lymph nodes was 17.4 (2-53). Lymphovascular space invasion was identified in 3 patients. None of the 41 patients had metastasis to the pelvic lymph nodes or developed recurrence of disease. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that patients with cervical cancer stage IA1 have an extremely low risk of pelvic lymph node metastasis and an excellent prognosis, so nonradical management that excludes pelvic lymph node dissection could be as effective as radical surgery in these patients. Stage IA2 invasive squamous carcinoma of the cervix should be treated with radical hysterectomy with lymph node dissection considering the presence of risk factors. The treatment should be individualized and based on an exhaustive pathological evaluation of an adequate cone biopsy specimen.
The earth orbiting space debris
Authors: Rossi A.
Published: August 2005

The space debris population is similar to the asteroid belt, since it is subject to a process of high-velocity mutual collisions that affects the long-term evolution of its size distribution. Presently, more than 10 000 artificial debris particles with diameters larger than 10 cm (and more than 300 000 with diameters larger than 1 cm) are orbiting the Earth, and are monitored and studied by a large network of sensors around the Earth. Many objects of different kind compose the space debris population, produced by different source mechanisms ranging from high energy fragmentation of large spacecraft to slow diffusion of liquid metal. The impact against a space debris is a serious risk that every spacecraft must face now and it can be evaluated with ad-hoc algorithms. The long term evolution of the whole debris population is studied with computer models allowing the simulation of all the known source and sink mechanisms. One of these codes is described in this paper and the evolution of the debris environment over the next 100 years, under different traffic scenarios, is shown, pointing out the possible measures to mitigate the growth of the orbital debris population. .
A radiocontinuum study of the supernova remnant MSH 11-61A
Authors: Filipovic M.D. , Payne J.L. , Jones P.A.
Published: August 2005

We present a high-resolution radio-continuum study of Galactic supernova remnant MSH11-61A. We combine moderate resolution X-ray, radio-continuum and CO data to study the morphology and kinematics of MSH 11-61A. We estimate the radio-continuum spectral index to be ?843?4850=- 0.33?0.07 based on our flux density measurements and also note that this SNR has significant 'turn?over' spectra at lower (29.9843 MHz) frequencies. The diameter of MSH1161A is estimated to be 12.5' with 'ear' extensions of 41 to the northwest and southeast. The striking anticorrelation between X-ray and radio-continuum images confirms a mixed-morphology classification of this remnant. The CO images are consistent with a distance reported by Rosado et al.(1996) of about 7 kpc. .
Structure and characteristics of the hot pressed hydroxyapatite/poly-L-lactide composite
Authors: Ignjatovic Nenad , Suljovrujic Edin , Stojanovic Z. , Uskokovic Dragan
Published: August 2005

Hydroxyapatite/poly-L-lactide (HAp/PLL) composite biomaterial can be obtained by different processing methods. Three-dimensional blocks of HAp/PLLA composite biomaterial with mechanical characteristics close to the natural bone tissue can be obtained by hot pressing procedure. Effects of synthesis and compacting on the structure and characteristics of the HAp/PLLA composite biomaterial were studied in this work. Using wade angle X-ray structural analyses (WAXS), differentially scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, the changes occurring in the material during synthesis and hot pressing were monitored. Surface microstructure was analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) coupled with electron-dispersion analysis (EDX). The results obtained indicate a possible decrease in the degree of crystallinity with hot pressing time increase. A block of HAp/PLLA composite biomaterial with 1.6 times lower crystallinity of the polymer phase was obtained by hot pressing in a given time interval with a maximum of 60 minutes. Results of TG analysis show that PLLA stability decreases with increasing hot pressing time, and vice versa. IR study proved that neither destructive changes in constituents nor formation of new phases occurred during hot pressing.
Microwave and conventional sintering of premixed and prealloyed Cu-12Sn bronze
Authors: Sethi G. , Upadhyaya A. , Agrawal D.
Published: August 2005

The aim of the present investigation is to study the sintering behavior of the Cu-12Sn bronze system in both, a microwave furnace as well as a conventional furnace. The powders prepared by premixed and prealloyed routes were sintered in the range of solid state, transient and supersolidus liquid phase sintering conditions. The comparative analysis is based on the sintered density, densification parameter, hardness, macrostructures and microstructures of the samples.
Tolerance of uncertainty, extroversion, neuroticism and attitudes to randomized controlled trials among surgeons and physicians
Authors: McCulloch P , Kaul A , Wagstaff G F , Wheatcroft J
Published: August 2005

Background

Surgeons have a reputation for decisiveness and self-confidence, which suggests that they may tolerate uncertainty poorly and therefore be less capable than other doctors of experiencing clinical equipoise. Their ‘typical’ behaviour is characteristic of the stable extrovert personality and so they may prefer spontaneous clinical judgement over randomized trials. The aim of this study was to compare personality dimensions and tolerance of uncertainty among surgeons and hospital physicians, to determine whether differences in either property might help to explain the apparently poor performance of surgeons in conducting randomized controlled trials.

Methods

This was a postal questionnaire study of 1000 consultant general surgeons and 1000 consultant physicians. Respondents completed a short self-assessment of Eysenck personality dimensions, Budner's Intolerance of Ambiguity scale and a short questionnaire about attitudes to randomized trials. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed.

Results

The response rate was 36·5 per cent. Physicians were more likely to be women (P < 0·001) and had spent 1 more year in academic posts than surgeons (P < 0·030). Surgeons were significantly more extrovert (P < 0·001) and less neurotic (P < 0·001) than physicians. Surgeons were significantly more intolerant of uncertainty than physicians (P = 0·007). Multivariate analysis identified age (P < 0·030) and sex (P = 0·015) as independent predictors of intolerance of uncertainty. The attitudes of surgeons and physicians to randomized trials were no different.

Conclusion

Surgeons are not prejudiced against randomized trials, but their intolerance of uncertainty may inhibit them from deciding that an individual patient is suitable for trial entry. If more surgeons were female, this difference between surgeons and physicians might disappear.
Impact of visceral obesity on surgical outcome after laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer
Authors: Ishii Y , Hasegawa H , Nishibori H , Watanabe M , Kitajima M
Published: August 2005

Complication rate higher in viscerally obese
Determination of puerarin in rat cortex by high‐performance liquid chromatography after intravenous administration of Puerariae flavonoids
Authors: Yan Bin , Wang Wei , Zhang Lujun , Xing Dongming , Wang Daoyi , Du Lijun
Published: August 2005

In the present study, a rapid and simple high‐performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay for determination of puerarin in rat cortex was developed. The analysis was carried out on a Zorbax SB‐C18 column with mobile phase acetonitrile–0.5% aqueous phosphoric acid (11:89, v/v). The detection was by UV at 252 nm. The calibration curve for puerarin was linear (r = 0.9999) over the concentration range 0.516–206.250 µg/mL. The limit of detection was 0.206 µg/mL (signal‐to‐noise ratio 3) and the limit of quantification (signal‐to‐noise ratio 10) was 0.516 µg/mL. Stability studies showed that puerarin was stable at temperatures of 4°C in methanol for at least 30 days. The intra‐ and inter‐day assays of puerarin from rat cortex were less than 2.5% at concentration range 0.516–206.250 µg/mL and good overall recoveries (97.4–101.7%) were found at same concentrations. The method was applied to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters and the time course of puerarin in rat cortex, following a single dosage of intravenous administration of flavonoids from Puerariae radix at 32 mg/kg of puerarin to male Wistar rats. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oil Palm Ash/Ca(OH)2/CaSO4 Absorbent for Flue Gas Desulfurization
Authors: Mohamed A. R. , Lee K. T. , Noor N. M. , Zainudin N. F.
Published: August 2005

The preparation, optimization and activity of active absorbent prepared from oil palm ash for the removal of SO2 in flue gas from combustion systems were investigated. The absorbent was prepared from oil palm ash, calcium hydroxide and calcium sulfate using a water hydration process. A Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to study the influence of various absorbent preparation variables – hydration period, amount of oil palm ash, and amount of CaSO4 – on the BET (Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller) specific surface area of the resulting absorbent. The surface areas of the absorbents obtained were in the range of 18.7–147.2 m2/g. It was found that all three absorbent preparation variables studied have a significant positive influence on the BET surface area of the resulting absorbent. An empirical model was then developed to correlate the three absorbent preparation variables to the BET surface area of the resulting absorbent. The model showed significance at a confidence level of 95 % using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Based on the empirical model, a maximum specific surface area of 128.6 m2/g exists within the range of the experimental variables investigated. The hydration conditions that result in the maximum surface area are a hydration period of 10 h, amount of oil palm ash 15.0 g, and amount of CaSO4 2.7 g. Experimental validations of these predicted optimum hydration conditions gave surface areas in the range of 125.9–129.5 m2/g. These results are in excellent agreement with the predicted value. In addition, desulfurization activity tests showed that the absorbent derived from oil palm ash/Ca(OH)2/CaSO4 exhibited a higher desulfurization capacity compared to its starting materials.
Total Synthesis of Murisolins and Evaluation of Tumor‐Growth Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Maezaki Naoyoshi , Tominaga Hiroaki , Kojima Naoto , Yanai Minori , Urabe Daisuke , Ueki Risa , Tanaka Tetsuaki , Yamori Takao
Published: August 2005

Convergent total syntheses of murisolin (1), natural 16,19‐cis‐murisolin 2, and unnatural 16,19‐cis‐murisolin 3 were accomplished by asymmetric alkynylation of α‐tetrahydrofuranic aldehyde with a diyne and Sonogashira coupling with a γ‐lactone segment as the key steps. Stereoisomers of α‐tetrahydrofuranic aldehyde were synthesized with high optical purity and the asymmetric alkynylation of these with 1,6‐heptadiyne proceeded in good yield and with high diastereoselectivity. The cell‐growth inhibition profile and COMPARE analysis of the synthetic compounds 1–3 were also investigated.
Photochemical Synthesis of Pentacene and its Derivatives
Authors: Yamada Hiroko , Yamashita Yuko , Kikuchi Makoto , Watanabe Hikaru , Okujima Tetsuo , Uno Hidemitsu , Ogawa Takuji , Ohara Keishi , Ono Noboru
Published: August 2005

A novel α‐diketone precursor of pentacene, 6,13‐dihydro‐6,13‐ethanopentacene‐15,16‐dione, was prepared and converted successfully to pentacene in 74 % yield by photolysis of the precursor in toluene: Irradiation of the diketone solution in toluene with light of 460 nm under an Ar atmosphere caused the solution to change from yellow to fluorescent orange‐pink within a few minutes, after which, purple precipitates appeared. After 35 min, the solution changed to colorless and the purple precipitates were filtered to give pentacene in 74 % yield. By contrast, in the presence of oxygen, the color of the solution changed from yellow to pale yellow, and only 6,13‐endoperoxide of pentacene was quantitatively obtained. The rate of the reaction upon photolysis was measured by observing the decay of n–π* absorption of the precursor at 460 nm, and was found to be similar in both the presence and absence of oxygen. Therefore, the photoreaction of the α‐diketone precursor seemed to occur via the singlet excited state. Because the T–T absorption of pentacene was observed upon photolysis of the precursor in the nanosecond transient absorption measurement under an Ar atmosphere, the excited triplet state of the pentacene generated singlet oxygen by sensitization, and it reacted with the ground‐state pentacene to give the 6,13‐endoperoxide. The α‐diketone deposited on glass was also converted successfully to pentacene film by photoirradiation. In addition, diketone precursors of a mixture of 2,8‐ and 2,9‐dibromopentacene and 2,6‐trianthrylene were also prepared and their photoconversion was performed.
Dialane Anion: Three‐Center Two‐Electron or Two‐Center One‐Electron Bonded
Authors: Tian Shan Xi
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Crystal Growth and Magnetic Properties of BaCo2V2O8.
Authors: He Zhangzhen , Fu Desheng , Kyomen Toru , Taniyama Tomoyasu , Ithoh Mitsuru
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Highly Enantioselective Phase‐Transfer‐Catalyzed Alkylation of Protected α‐Amino Acid Amides Toward Practical Asymmetric Synthesis of Vicinal Diamines, α‐Amino Ketones, and α‐Amino Alcohols.
Authors: Ooi Takashi , Takeuchi Mifune , Kato Daisuke , Uematsu Yukitaka , Tayama Eiji , Sakai Daiki , Maruoka Keiji
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Aldol Condensations Catalyzed by PEG400 and Anhydrous K2CO3 Without Solvent.
Authors: Cao Yu‐Qing , Dai Zhi , Zhang Rui , Chen Bao‐Hua
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
[bmim]PF6/H2O Biphasic System Promoted Chemoselective Reduction of Aldehydes and Ketones with Potassium Borohydride as Reductant.
Authors: Luo Hui‐Mou , Li Yi‐Qun
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Highly Chemoselective Reduction of Aromatic Nitro Compounds to the Corresponding Hydroxylamines Catalyzed by Plant Cells from a Grape (Vitis vinifera L.).
Authors: Li Feng , Cui Jingnan , Qian Xuhong , Zhang Rong , Xiao Yi
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Direct Organocatalytic α‐Fluorination of Aldehydes and Ketones.
Authors: Enders Dieter , Huettl Matthias R. M.
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Regioselective Michael Addition of Thiols to Unsymmetrical Fumaric Diesters or Esteramides
Authors: Kamimura Akio , Murakami Norikazu , Suzukawa Hiroyuki , Kawahara Fukiko
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
A Highly Efficient Synthesis of Rocaglaols by a Novel α‐Arylation of Ketones.
Authors: Diedrichs Nicole , Ragot Jacques P. , Thede Kai
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Intraabdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumors
Authors: Hassan Imran , Shyyan Roman , Donohue John H. , Edmonson John H. , Gunderson Leonard L. , Moir Christopher R. , Arndt Carola A.S. , Nascimento Antonio G. , Que Florencia G.
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND

Intraabdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumors (IDSRCT) are uncommon but aggressive tumors that occur in young males. To the authors' knowledge, only limited data are available on the natural history and optimal treatment of this disease.

METHODS

The authors reviewed 12 patients with IDSRCT who were treated at their institution between January 1991 and December 2001.

RESULTS

All patients were males, with a median age of 26 years. All patients were symptomatic at the time of presentation, with a mean duration of symptoms of 2 months. Common presenting symptoms and signs were abdominal pain (67% of patients), palpable abdominal mass (58% of patients), abdominal distension (42% of patients), and hepatomegaly (33% of patients). Six patients (50%) had distant metastases at presentation. Five patients underwent biopsy only. Surgical resection was attempted in seven patients and included macroscopic total resection in three patients and debulking in four patients. All of those patients subsequently developed recurrent or progressive disease, which required a second operation in six patients. Overall, 6 patients (50%) developed symptomatic intestinal obstruction requiring surgical management, and 3 patients (25%) developed ureteral obstruction. All 12 patients received multiagent chemotherapy. Seven patients (55%) also received radiation therapy. The median survival of patients who underwent surgical resection was 34 months, whereas the median survival of patients who underwent biopsy alone was 14 months. One patient remained alive 72 months after he underwent complete resection of primary and recurrent tumors, and 1 patient remained alive with disease 32 months after he underwent complete resection of a primary tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IDSRCT presented with a short duration of nonspecific symptoms, and the disease was fatal almost uniformly, regardless of the treatment modality used. Surgical resection may prolong survival in some patients. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Cytological features of lipoblastoma: A report of three cases
Authors: Kloboves‐Prevodnik V. Veronika , Us‐Krašovec Marija , Gale N. , Lamovec Janez
Published: August 2005

Lipoblastoma is a rare benign neoplasm occurring mostly in children under the age of three. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is mandatory for planning the treatment. The main aim of this study is to establish the cytological features of lipoblastoma and to answer the question: “Is cytological diagnosis of lipoblastoma reliable?”

Preoperative fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and tissue sections of three children treated for lipoblastoma at the Division of Pediatrics, University Medical Center, Ljubljana, Slovenia, in the period from 1997 to 2004 were reexamined. The Giemsa‐ and Papanicolaou‐stained FNAB smears were moderately or poorly cellular and contained lipocytes, lipoblasts, and spindle cells in various proportions. The tumor cells were in clusters and tissue fragments or as single cells. Thin branching capillaries were observed in most of the clusters and tissue fragments. In the background, abundant myxoid extracellular material and naked oval nuclei were present.

In the first case, the cytological diagnosis was benign soft‐tissue tumor, in the second the diagnosis was not conclusive and the last case was correctly diagnosed as lipoblastoma. In the differential diagnosis of the second case, both lipoblastoma and liposarcoma were considered cytologically as well as histologically. At 7‐yr follow‐up, there is no evidence of the disease.

Thus, we conclude that lipoblastoma with typical cytological features could be accurately diagnosed by FNAB. However, tumors containing numerous lipoblasts could pose a diagnostic problem. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;33:195–200. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Osteosarcoma metastatic to adrenal gland diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: Siddiqui Noman H. , Jani Jigna
Published: August 2005

Osteosarcoma, a primary malignant tumor of the long bones, frequently metastasizes to the lungs. We report an unusual case of osteosarcoma metastatic to the right adrenal gland in a 37‐yr‐old male who presented 8 yr after remission with an adrenal mass. A preoperative diagnosis was made by fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. FNA biopsy revealed pleomorphic oval cells with prominent nucleoli, spindle cells, and giant tumor cells. Diagnostic osteoid was readily seen on smears and was also detected by polarization of cell‐block section. Immunocytochemical stains revealed positivity of tumor cells for vimentin and osteonectin. Cytokeratin stains were negative. The cytologic diagnosis of metastatic Osteosarcoma was made, which was later confirmed upon resection of tumor by histology. Although the role of FNA in the diagnosis of primary bone tumors, including osteogenic sarcoma (OGS), remains controversial, this case, however, demonstrates the value of FNA biopsy combined with immunocytochemistry performed on the aspirated material in diagnosing osteosarcoma from an unusual location such as the adrenal gland. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;33:201–204. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preservation of β‐cell function during immune‐mediated, B7‐1‐dependent α‐cell destruction
Authors: Skak Kresten , Haase Claus , Michelsen Birgitte K.
Published: August 2005

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreatic β‐cells are destroyed in an immune‐mediated process. In one mouse model of T1D, the co‐expression of the costimulatory molecule, B7–1, and the pro‐inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, on the β‐cells leads to massive insulitis and loss of β‐cells, resulting in T1D. Here, we have investigated whether the specific loss of β‐cells is due to an intrinsic defect in the β‐cells or is a direct consequence of B7–1 expression. We show that transgenic mice expressing TNF‐α on the β‐cells and B7–1 on the α‐cells are resistant to the development of diabetes despite B7‐1‐dependent loss of α‐cells and a massive islet inflammation consisting of T cells, B cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. Furthermore, islets with α‐cell expression of B7–1 develop α‐cell destruction and heavy infiltration, but maintain functional β‐cells when they are engrafted into diabetic mice that co‐express TNF‐α and B7–1 on the β‐cells. Thus, our results show that the β‐cells are able to survive in a severely inflamed organ where the neighboring α‐cells are destroyed, suggesting that in this model B7–1 expression on the target cells is the primary determinant for the loss of islet cells.
Human resting CD16–, CD16+ and IL‐2‐, IL‐12‐, IL‐15‐ or IFN‐α‐activated natural killer cells differentially respond to sphingosylphosphorylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine and platelet‐activating factor
Authors: Jin Yixin , Damaj Bassam B. , Maghazachi Azzam A.
Published: August 2005

The phosphorylcholine‐containing lipid lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is abundant in the bloodstream, whereas sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) and platelet‐activating factor (PAF) highly accumulate at inflamed sites. Utilizing RT‐PCR, flow cytometry and immunoblot analyses, we show for the first time that ovarian cancer G protein‐coupled receptor 1, the receptor for SPC, is expressed in IL‐2‐, IL‐12‐ and IL‐15‐activated but not in resting CD16–, resting CD16+ or IFN‐α‐activated NK cells. Similarly, G2 accumulation and PAF receptor are variably expressed in these subsets of NK cells. SPC, LPC and PAF differentially induce the chemotaxis of resting and activated NK cells. In the chemotaxis assay, it is observed that resting CD16–CD56bright and CD16+CD56dim cells predominantly respond to LPC, whereas activated NK cells, regardless of the sort of stimulus, robustly respond to PAF. SPC is also a potent chemoattractant for IL‐2‐, IL‐12‐ and IL‐15‐ but not for IFN‐α‐activated NK cells. Further analysis shows that, depending on the cytokine pattern of NK cell activation, phosphorylcholine‐containing lipids differentially affect IFN‐γ secretion by these cells. Our results provide one possible explanation for the tissue compartmentation of NK cells and their ability to secrete IFN‐γ. Furthermore, these results may provide novel information regarding NK cell regulation during inflammation.
Lewis Acid Induced [2+2] Cycloadditions of Silyl Enol Ethers with α,β‐Unsaturated Esters: A DFT Analysis
Authors: Arnó Manuel , Zaragozá Ramón J. , Domingo Luis R.
Published: August 2005

The Lewis acid (LA) induced cycloaddition of trimethysilyl vinyl ether with methyl acrylate has been studied by DFT methods at the B3LYP/6‐31G* level. In the absence of an LA, a [4+2] cycloaddition between the silyl enol ether and methyl acrylate in the s‐cis conformation takes place through an asynchronous, concerted bond‐formation process. This cycloaddition presents a large activation enthalpy of 21.1 kcal mol–1. Coordination of the LA AlCl3 to the carbonyl oxygen atom of methyl acrylate yields a change of molecular mechanism from a concerted to a two‐step mechanism and produces a drastic reduction of the activation energy. This stepwise mechanism is initialized by the nucleophilic attack of the enol ether at the β‐position of methyl acrylate in a Michael‐type addition. The very low activation energy (7.1 kcal mol–1)associated with this nucleophilic attack can be related to the increase of the electrophilicity of the LA‐coordinated α,β‐unsaturated ester, which favors the cycloaddition through a polar process. The subsequent ring‐closure allows the formation of the corresponding [2+2] and [4+2] cycloadducts. While the [4+2] cycloadduct is formed by kinetic control, the [2+2] cycloadducts are formed by thermodynamic control. The energetic results provide an explanation for the conversion of [4+2] cycloadducts into the thermodynamically more stable [2+2] ones. The cis/trans ratio found for the catalytic [2+2] process is in agreement with the experimental outcome. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Synthesis, Characterisation and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Two‐Dimensional Octupolar Systems Based on Phthalocyanine Compounds
Authors: Quintiliani Maurizio , García‐Frutos Eva M. , Gouloumis Andreas , Vázquez Purificación , Ledoux‐Rak Isabelle , Zyss Joseph , Claessens Christian G. , Torres Tomás
Published: August 2005

Four phthalocyanine‐based compounds with pseudo D3h symmetry have been synthesised and fully characterised. Palladium cross‐coupling methodologies were employed in order to synthesise 1,3,5‐tris[(phthalocyaninyl)ethenyl]benzene (Heck) and 1,3,5‐tris[(phthalocyaninyl)ethynyl]benzene (Sonogashira) derivatives. Knoevenagel condensation conditions were then applied to the synthesis of 1,3,5‐tris[cyano(phthalocyaninyl)ethenyl]benzene and 2,4,6‐tris[(phthalocyaninyl)ethenyl]‐1,3,5‐triazine. Preliminary second‐order nonlinear optical studies, by hyper‐Rayleigh scattering measurements, revealed that the compounds containing ethenyl linkers induce a strong octupolar effect while the ethynyl‐containing compound does not show any octupolar enhancement. The introduction of a triazine central core does not modify significantly the nonlinear optical behaviour of the compound. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Explicit algebraic stress modelling of homogeneous and inhomogeneous flows
Authors: Chiu T. H. , Yeh L. K. , Lin C. A. , Chern S. J.
Published: August 2005

Capability of the explicit algebraic stress models to predict homogeneous and inhomogeneous shear flows are examined. The importance of the explicit solution of the production to dissipation ratio is first highlighted by examining the algebraic stress models performance at purely irrotational strain conditions. Turbulent recirculating flows within sudden expanding pipes are further simulated with explicit algebraic stress model and anisotropic eddy viscosity model. Both models predict better stress–strain interactions, showing reasonable shear layer developments. The anisotropic stress field are also accurately predicted by the models, though the anisotropic eddy viscosity model of Craft et al. returns marginally better results. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.