bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardanol‐based novolac resins as curing agents of epoxy resins
Authors: Campaner Pietro , D'Amico Daniele , Longo Luigia , Stifani Cristina , Tarzia Antonella
Published: August 2009

Two different novolac resins, named Nov‐I and Nov‐II, containing an amount of unreacted cardanol of 35 wt % and 20 wt %, respectively, were synthesized by the condensation reaction of cardanol and paraformaldehyde using oxalic acid as catalyst. Cardanol is the main constituent of cashew nut shell liquid, a renewable natural resource. The cardanol‐based novolacs were tested as curing agents of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin employing 2‐ethyl‐4‐methyl‐imidazole as catalyst and differential scanning calorimeter and thermogravimetric studies were performed to identify the final thermal properties of the cured resins. In addition, tensile tests were carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties of the epoxy resin cured with the novolacs, which showed to deserve consideration as effective epoxy curing agents. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Towards a model of implicit feedback for Web search
Authors: Fu Xin
Published: August 2009

This research investigated several important issues in using implicit feedback techniques to assist searchers with difficulties in formulating effective search strategies. It focused on examining the relationship between types of behavioral evidence that can be captured from Web searches and searchers' interests. A carefully crafted observation study was conducted to capture, examine, and elucidate the analytical processes and work practices of human analysts when they simulated the role of an implicit feedback system by trying to infer searchers' interests from behavioral traces. Findings provided rare insight into the complexities and nuances in using behavioral evidence for implicit feedback and led to the proposal of an implicit feedback model for Web search that bridged previous studies on behavioral evidence and implicit feedback measures. A new level of analysis termed an analytical lens emerged from the data and provides a road map for future research on this topic.
MYST family histone acetyltransferases take center stage in stem cells and development
Authors: Voss Anne K. , Thomas Tim
Published: August 2009

Acetylation of histones is an essential element regulating chromatin structure and transcription. MYST (Moz, Ybf2/Sas3, Sas2, Tip60) proteins form the largest family of histone acetyltransferases and are present in all eukaryotes. Surprisingly, until recently this protein family was poorly studied. However, in the last few years there has been a substantial increase in interest in the MYST proteins and a number of key studies have shown that these chromatin modifiers are required for a diverse range of cellular processes, both in health and disease. Translocations affecting MYST histone acetyltransferases can lead to leukemia and solid tumors. Some members of the MYST family are required for the development and self‐renewal of stem cell populations; other members are essential for the prevention of inappropriate heterochromatin spreading and for the maintenance of adequate levels of gene expression. In this review we discuss the function of MYST proteins in vivo.
Assessing the limitations to terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus hairy root cultures through gene expression profiling and precursor feeding
Authors: Goklany Sheba , Loring Ralph H. , Glick James , Lee‐Parsons Carolyn W. T.
Published: August 2009

The production of pharmaceutically important terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) from Catharanthus roseus is partly regulated at the transcriptional level. In this study, limitations in TIA biosynthesis from C. roseus hairy root cultures were assessed through gene expression profiling and precursor feeding. The transcript levels of key TIA pathway genes (G10h, Tdc, Str, and Sgd) and metabolite levels associated with the TIA pathway (tryptamine, loganin, secologanin, strictosidine, ajmalicine, serpentine, and tabersonine) were monitored using quantitative RT‐PCR and HPLC, respectively. In cultures elicited with methyl jasmonate (250 μM MeJA on day 21), G10h, Tdc, Str, and Sgd expression increased by 9.1, 3.1, 6.7, and 8.3‐fold, respectively, after 24 h. Up‐regulation of gene expression was followed by a 160, 440, and 420% increase in strictosidine, ajmalicine, and tabersonine levels, respectively, after 5 days. Precursors loganin, tryptamine, or their combination were fed to noninduced and MeJA‐induced cultures to complement the above studies. TIA production was not significantly enhanced in either noninduced or MeJA‐induced cultures with precursor feeding. In noninduced cells, steps downstream of loganin and tryptamine were limiting (SLS, STR, or SGD) because either loganin or tryptamine accumulated in the cells with precursor feeding. These bottlenecks were partly overcome in MeJA‐induced cultures as the expression of Str and Sgd genes and TIA production increased. However, secologanin accumulated in MeJA‐induced cultures with precursor feeding, suggesting that STR was likely limiting under MeJA‐induced conditions. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Major Groove Derivatization of an Unnatural Base Pair
Authors: Seo Young Jun , Romesberg Floyd E.
Published: August 2009

An unnatural base pair that is replicated and transcribed with good efficiency would lay the foundation for the long term goal of creating a semisynthetic organism, but also would have immediate in vitro applications, such as the enzymatic synthesis of site‐specifically modified DNA and/or RNA. One of the most promising of the unnatural base pairs that we have identified is formed between d5SICS and dMMO2. The ortho substituents of these nucleotides are included to facilitate unnatural base pair extension, presumably by forming a hydrogen‐bond with the polymerase, but the synthesis of the unnatural base pair still requires optimization. Recently, we have shown that meta and/or para substituents within the dMMO2 scaffold can facilitate unnatural base pair synthesis, although the mechanism remains unclear. To explore this issue, we synthesized and evaluated several dMMO2 derivatives with meta‐chlorine, ‐bromine, ‐iodine, ‐methyl, or ‐propinyl substituents. Complete characterization of unnatural base pair and mispair synthesis and extension reveal that the modifications have large effects only on the efficiency of unnatural base pair synthesis and that the effects likely result from a combination of changes in steric interactions, polarity, and polarizability. The results also suggest that functionalized versions of the propinyl moiety of d5PrM should serve as suitable linkers to site‐specifically incorporate other chemical functionalities into DNA. Similar modifications of d5SICS should allow labeling of DNA with two different functionalities, and the previously demonstrated efficient transcription of the unnatural base pair suggests that derivatives might similarly enable site‐specific labeling of RNA.
A new angiographic method to assess coronary flow reserve—Validation in humans
Authors: Rittger Harald , Kuper Asher , Breithardt Ole‐Alexander , Kuon Eberhardt , Schmidt Martin , Sinha Anil‐Martin , Blüm Barbara , Jakob Axel , Brachmann Johannes
Published: August 2009

Background: Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is defined as the ratio between coronary artery flow during maximal hyperemia and rest. It is considered as a marker for the integrity of the epicardial coronary circulation and the microcirculation. CFR measurement typically requires the introduction of a guide wire into a diseased coronary artery. We tested a new algorithm, which allows to estimate CFR by analysis of coronary angiograms without the need for direct intracoronary measurements. Methods: Twenty seven patients (10 female, mean age 64 ± 11 years) underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of chest pain. A Doppler wire was introduced into the diseased coronary artery and CFRdoppler was calculated by the flow velocity ratio between rest and maximal hyperemia, induced by intravenous administration of 140 μg of adenosine per kg bodyweight. This was compared to the angiographically determined CFR (CFRangio) under the same conditions (rest and induced maximal hyperemia) by densitometry. CFRangio was based on the creation of two time density curves representing the disappearance of contrast over time. CFRangio was the resulting ratio between the density values during hyperemia and rest. Results: An excellent correlation was found between CFRdoppler and CFRangio: CFRangio = 1 × CFRdoppler (r = 0.87; P < 0.0001). The average absolute difference between both indeces was 0.36 ± 0.31. Conclusion: Measurement of CFRangio by densitometry is feasible and provides results, which are comparable to Doppler‐derived intracoronary flow velocity measurements. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
First trans‐axillary implantation of Edwards Sapien valve to treat an incompetent aortic bioprosthesis
Authors: Sharp Andrew S.P. , Michev Iassen , Colombo Antonio
Published: August 2009

There exist case reports of using transcatheter aortic valves to treat dysfunctional surgically implanted aortic bioprosthesis. There are also case series reported of transaxillary implantation of the CoreValve device to treat Aortic Stenosis. In this article, we report the successful implantation an Edwards Sapien 23mm transcatheter aortic valve through the left axillary artery, in a patient with a functioning LIMA graft in order to treat a severely regurgitant Freestyle 23mm aortic bioprosthesis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and angiographic outcomes with an everolimus‐eluting stent in large coronary arteries: The SPIRIT III 4.0 mm registry
Authors: Gordon Paul C. , Applegate Robert J. , Hermiller James B. , Weinsier Steven B. , Doostzadeh Julie , Cao Sherry , Sudhir Krishnankutty , Lansky Alexandra J. , Stone Gregg W.
Published: August 2009

Objective: This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of the XIENCE V® 4.0 mm stent for the treatment of de novo native coronary artery lesions. Background: In the SPIRIT III trial, the XIENCE V® everolimus‐eluting stent (EES), compared with the TAXUS EXPRESS2 paclitaxel‐eluting stent (PES) in 2.5–3.75 mm diameter coronary arteries, resulted in reduced angiographic late loss (LL), noninferior rates of target vessel failure (TVF), and fewer major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Methods: The SPIRIT III 4.0 mm registry was a concurrent arm of the SPIRIT III trial consisting of 69 nonrandomized patients with lesions ≤28 mm in length and reference vessel diameter 3.75–4.25 mm treated with a 4.0 mm EES. The primary endpoint was 8‐month in‐segment LL compared with the randomized PES arm. Results: In‐segment LL was 0.17 ± 0.38 mm in the 4.0 mm EES registry compared with 0.28 ± 0.48 mm in the PES arm (P < 0.0001 for noninferiority). The 1‐year rates of ischemia‐driven TVF (cardiac death, myocardial infarction [MI], or target vessel revascularization) and MACE (cardiac death, MI, or target lesion revascularization [TLR]) were numerically, but not statistically, lower in the 4.0 mm EES patients compared with the randomized PES patients (5.9 vs. 11.3%, P = 0.27 and 5.9 vs. 10.3%, P = 0.36, respectively). There was no difference in 8‐month LL or 1‐year TVF or MACE between the 4.0 mm EES and randomized EES patients. Conclusions: In large coronary arteries, the 4.0 mm EES results in low rates of LL at 8 months and adverse clinical events at 1 year. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnosis and therapy for pulmonary arteriovenous fistula in patients with presumed patent foramen ovale
Authors: Alqoofi Faisal , Tyrrell Benjamin , Feldman Ted
Published: August 2009

An increasing number of patients are being referred for PFO closure for prevention of recurrent paradoxical embolism. Diagnosis is usually made using hand agitated echo bubble contrast with transthoracic or transesophageal echo. It is inevitable that some of these patients will have pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae (PAVF), either with or without associated PFO, which may be the sole cause of paradoxical embolism, or remain after PFO closure as a source of continued embolization. Intravenous contrast echo for the diagnosis of PFO is both insensitive and nonspecific. We describe a method to diagnose and localize PAVF during a catheterization procedure using intracardiac echo in conjunction with selective injection of bubble contrast into the pulmonary arteries. This allows for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of PAVF when a PFO is not found and for the exclusion of associated PAVF when PFO exists. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute mesenteric ischemia
Authors: Cortese Bernardo , Limbruno Ugo
Published: August 2009

Introduction: Management of acute mesenteric ischemia is still a matter of concern for physicians. This disorder has been associated to an increased mortality mainly because of a late diagnosis and controversial treatment options. Methods and Results: we describe the case of a multidisciplinary approach to a cardiogenic thrombotic occlusion of superior mesenteric artery resulting in acute mesenteric ischemia. After rapid diagnosis with Duplex scan, we brought the patient to our catheterization laboratory and managed it with the common tools used for primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Among the specific issues of this case report, we observed some of the common complications of the acute myocardial infarction managed in the catheterization laboratory and treated them with the same tools used in the “myocardial area.” Conclusions: we showed how an “interventional cardiologist's” approach to acute mesenteric ischemia was effective in restoring superior mesenteric artery patency and in aborting a mesenteric infarction.© 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy of an Fe‐Promoted Rh/TiO2 Catalyst for Synthesis of Ethanol from Synthesis Gas
Authors: Gogate Makarand R. , Davis Robert J.
Published: August 2009

X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) have been used to elucidate the structural features of a 2 % Rh–2.5 % Fe/TiO2 catalyst for syngas conversion to ethanol. The results from Rh K‐edge and Fe K‐edge spectroscopy on a fresh catalyst exposed to air indicated that both Rh and Fe were present as highly dispersed oxides on the titania, and that both adopted a +3 formal oxidation state. For the catalyst reduced in H2 at 573 K, the Rh K‐edge EXAFS revealed RhRh interactions (coordination number N=6.1, RhRh distance rRhRh=2.67 Å) and a second feature arising from either RhTi or RhO coordination. The metal particles contained on an average about 20 atoms, which is consistent with a particle size of 1 nm. A shift in the Rh K‐edge XANES by −2 eV indicated that the reduced Rh particles were electron rich compared to bulk Rh metal. Although Rh was reduced completely to the metal by H2, the iron oxide promoter was reduced primarily from FeIII to FeII oxide. The results from X‐ray absorption spectroscopy at both the Fe and Rh K‐edges were unchanged by exposure of the reduced catalyst to syngas (H2+CO) at 543 K. A structural model for this ethanol synthesis catalyst is proposed.
Chemistry of Ethylene Glycol on a Rh(100) Single‐Crystal Surface
Authors: Jansen Maarten M. M. , Nieuwenhuys Ben E. , Niemantsverdriet Hans
Published: August 2009

The adsorption and decomposition of ethylene glycol on Rh(100) have been studied with temperature‐programmed reaction spectroscopy and reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy. Ethylene glycol adsorbs onto the surface via the hydroxyl groups. At 150 K, both hydroxyl bonds are broken, forming an ethylenedioxy intermediate. At high coverage, a portion of the ethylene glycol molecules dehydrogenate only one hydroxyl bond, forming a monodentate species. These intermediates decompose further, with complete dehydrogenation and simultaneous CC bond breaking occurring at around 290 K. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide are formed, which desorb at 290 and 500 K, respectively.
Measurement of wheat germ agglutinin binding with a fluorescence microscope
Authors: Model Michael A. , Reese Jennifer L. , Fraizer Gail C.
Published: August 2009

Signal intensity in fluorescence microscopy is often measured relative to arbitrary standards. We propose a calibration method based on a solution of the same fluorophore, whose binding to cells needs to be quantified. The method utilizes the low sensitivity of intensity to the object distance in wide‐field imaging of uniform materials. Liquid layers of slowly varying depth were prepared by immersing a spherical lens into a drop of a fluorophore placed on a slide. Flatfield‐corrected images of the contact and surrounding areas showed linear dependence of the gray level on the depth of fluorescent liquid. This allowed conversion of the measured intensity into the number of molecules per unit area. The method was applied to different cell types stained by WGA‐Alexa 488 and WGA‐TRITC. Consistent results were obtained by comparing microscopy with flow cytometry, comparing imaging through different objectives and comparing different WGA conjugates. Reproducibility of calibration was within 97% when low magnification was used. Fluorescence of free and bound WGA was found to be different, however, and therefore precise measurement of the number of cell‐bound molecules was problematic in this particular system. We conclude that the method achieves reliable measurement of cellular staining in the units of soluble fluorophore. For probes whose fluorescent properties are unaffected by binding, quantification of staining in true molecular units should be possible. © 2009 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Psychobiology of purging disorder: Reduction in circulating leptin levels in purging disorder in comparison with controls
Authors: Jimerson David C. , Wolfe Barbara E. , Carroll Devon P. , Keel Pamela K.
Published: August 2009

Objective:

Purging disorder (PD), a recently recognized eating disorder syndrome, is differentiated from bulimia nervosa (BN) based on the absence of objectively large binge episodes. BN has been associated with low serum leptin levels. This study examined whether PD is also characterized by low serum leptin.

Method:

Participants included women with PD (n = 20) or BN (n = 37), and non‐eating disorder controls (n = 33). Blood samples for measurement of leptin and total ghrelin were obtained after overnight fast.

Results:

In comparison with control values, leptin levels were significantly decreased in PD (p < .01), as well as in BN (p < .02). Plasma ghrelin levels did not differ significantly across groups.

Discussion:

These results provide the first evidence that PD is associated with alteration in a neurobiological pathway influencing eating patterns and body weight. Further research is needed to assess whether low leptin levels in PD and BN are associated with restrained eating and weight suppression. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2010;)
Lanthanum Phosphite Microspheres: Hydrothermal Synthesis, Ab Initio Structure Determination, Morphology and Photoluminescence of La(HO)(HPO3)
Authors: Xiong Ding‐Bang , Zhao Yu‐Feng , Gulay Lubomir D. , Zhao Jing‐Tai
Published: September 2009

Lanthanum phosphite microspheres with diameters of 80–100 μm were obtained under hydrothermal conditions by using lanthanum oxalate as precursor. The surfaces of these spherules consist of well‐orientated submicron‐sized rods with typical diameters of 300 nm and lengths of 6 μm. The possible mechanism of formation of this morphology was suggested. The product is a new phase, and its crystal structure was determined by ab initio methods from high‐resolution conventional X‐ray powder diffraction analysis. Chains consisting of face‐sharing LaO9 polyhedra were observed; these chains form three‐dimensional compact frameworks by sharing vertexes in the ab plane and edges along the c axis. The sample doped with Ce3+ showed an intensive broad emission band with a maximum around 364 nm under UV excitation.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Cu2O Nanocube‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Halides with Phenols via Ullmann Coupling
Authors: Kim Jee Young , Park Ji Chan , Kim Aram , Kim A. Young , Lee Hyun Ju , Song Hyunjoon , Park Kang Hyun
Published: August 2009

Thermal and air‐stable uniform Cu2O nanocubes were employed in the development of a gram‐scale, one‐pot polyol synthesis. Herein is reported an efficient cross‐coupling reaction of aryl halides and phenols with a catalytic amount (0.1 mol‐%) of Cu2O nanocubes as recyclable catalyst and Cs2CO3 as the base in THF at 150 °C. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Novel, Highly Efficient and Selective Ruthenium Catalysts for the Synthesis of Vinyl Esters from Carboxylic Acids and Alkynes
Authors: Nicks François , Aznar Rosario , Sainz Daniel , Muller Guillermo , Demonceau Albert
Published: August 2009

An efficient and highly selective synthesis of vinyl esters was developed that employed carboxylic acids and terminal alkynes as reagents, and novel tethered (η1:η6‐phosphanoarene)ruthenium complexes as catalyst precursors. With these catalyst systems, the reactions were somewhat slower than when using the best catalysts reported to date, but the selectivities were excellent with up to 98 % of the Markovnikov isomer. In addition, with a turnover number (TON) of 5000, these catalysts greatly outperformed their competitors. Minute amounts of water had a beneficial impact on the reaction rates, while maintaining the same selectivities. Furthermore, microwave heating at 160 °C also considerably accelerated the reactions, albeit to the detriment of the selectivity. Finally, it should also be noted that formation of dimerization products of 1‐alkynes was completely suppressed by using these tethered (η1:η6‐phosphanoarene)ruthenium catalytic systems.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Electrochemical studies on liquid properties in extended nanospaces using mercury microelectrodes
Authors: Tsukahara Takehiko , Kuwahata Takuya , Hibara Akihide , Kim Haeng‐Boo , Mawatari Kazuma , Kitamori Takehiko
Published: August 2009

We developed a novel nanofluidic chip equipped with mercury microelectrodes, which enables electrochemical measurements to be made in 10–100 nm scale spaces (called extended nanospaces), and evaluated the performances. The effects of both space sizes and concentrations on the conductance (G) values of KCl solutions in extended nanospaces (216–5000 nm) were examined using impedance spectrometry. We found that the experimental G values in the extended nanospaces decreased non‐linearly with decreasing KCl concentrations in the range of 10−2 to 10−7 M and could be explained by theoretical model taking account of surface charge density of on a glass surface. This was found to result from enhancement of proton concentrations of the confined solution owing to fast proton exchange between SiOH groups on surfaces and water. Moreover, the G values provided the specific resistance and capacitance of KCl solutions in the extended nanospaces. These results showed that the viscosity of KCl solutions increased by size‐confinement and that the viscosity of solution in 216 nm‐sized extended nanospaces became about 2.8 times as large as that of bulk solution. We concluded that the developed nanofluidic chip becomes a new experimental tool for demonstrating confinement‐induced nanospatial electrochemical properties of liquids.
Removal of organics and ions from wastewater using a hybrid system of microfiltration membrane and microorganisms
Authors: Madaeni Sayed Siavash , Zarbakhsh Mastaneh
Published: August 2009

Microfiltration membranes are not able to remove organic compounds. A hybrid system of a microfiltration membrane and bacteria was designed for separation of organic compounds and ions from wastewater. Colonies of bacteria (Escherichia coli) were subjected to sedimentation on the surface of a microfiltration membrane (0.2 μm cellulose acetate) as a complementary part of the system to enhance the removal efficiency. Three selected categories of materials i.e. preservative substances, cephalosporins and ions were used to prepare the synthetic feed. The results indicate that preservatives were reduced more than 80%, cephalosporins were removed around 60% and ions decreased more than 50% in the feed solution using this hybrid system for filtration. The interaction between bacteria and chemical materials is responsible for removal of organic compounds and ions from test solutions. However the interaction decreased over time due to the limited capacity of the bacteria.
Analysis of honeydew melon (Cucumis melo var. inodorus) flavour and GC–MS/MS identification of (E,Z)‐2,6‐nonadienyl acetate
Authors: Perry Patrick L. , Wang Ying , Lin Jianming
Published: August 2009

Although melon aromas have been extensively analysed, to our knowledge no GC–O investigations have been published on honeydew melon. An aroma extract of honeydew melon (Cucumis melo var. inodorus) was obtained by hydrodistillation under vacuum followed by solid‐phase extraction, and analysed by GC–MS/O and GC–MS. Forty‐two volatiles were positively identified, seven of which are reported for the first time in melon. The major volatiles were mostly saturated and unsaturated C9 alcohols and aldehydes. The levels of the corresponding acetates were too low to be detected by classical GC–MS analysis. However, using a sensitive and selective GC–MS/MS method, (E,Z)‐2,6‐nonadienyl acetate was identified for the first time in melon. Aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) of the extract revealed that (E,Z)‐2,6‐nonadienal was the most impactful compound of honeydew melon. AEDA results also showed that (Z,Z)‐3,6‐nonadien‐1‐ol and phenylethyl alcohol imparted fresh and sweet‐floral characters, respectively, to honeydew aroma. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel Mechanisms of Protection Against Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity in Mice by Glutathione and N-Acetylcysteine
Authors: Saito Chieko , Zwingmann Claudia , Jaeschke Hartmut
Published: September 2009

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a major cause of acute liver failure. The glutathione (GSH) precursorN-acetylcysteine (NAC) is used to treat patients with APAP overdose for up to 48 hours. Although it is well established that early treatment with NAC can improve the scavenging of the reactive metaboliteN-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine, protective mechanisms at later times remain unclear. To address this issue, fasted C3Heb/FeJ mice were treated with 300 mg/kg APAP and then received intravenously 0.65 mmol/kg GSH or NAC at 1.5 hours after APAP. The animals were sacrificed at 6 hours. APAP alone caused severe liver injury with peroxynitrite formation and DNA fragmentation, all of which was attenuated by both treatments. However, GSH (−82%) was more effective than NAC (−46%) in preventing liver injury. Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure tissue adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and the substrate flux through the mitochondrial Krebs cycle, it was observed that the reduced liver injury correlated with accelerated recovery of mitochondrial GSH content, maintenance of ATP levels, and an increased substrate supply for the mitochondrial Krebs cycle compared with APAP alone. NAC treatment was less effective in recovering ATP and mitochondrial GSH levels and showed reduced substrate flux through the Krebs cycle compared with GSH. However, increasing the dose of NAC improved the protective effect similar to GSH, suggesting that the amino acids not used for GSH synthesis were used as mitochondrial energy substrates.Conclusion:Delayed treatment with GSH and NAC protect against APAP overdose by dual mechanisms—that is, by enhancing hepatic and mitochondrial GSH levels (scavenging of reactive oxygen and peroxynitrite)—and by supporting the mitochondrial energy metabolism. (Hepatology 2009.)
Fabrication of silk fibroin blended P(LLA‐CL) nanofibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering
Authors: Zhang Kuihua , Wang Hongsheng , Huang Chen , Su Yan , Mo Xiumei , Ikada Yoshito
Published: August 2009

Electrospinning using natural proteins and synthetic polymers offers an attractive technique for producing fibrous scaffolds with potential for tissue regeneration and repair. Nanofibrous scaffolds of silk fibroin (SF) and poly(L‐lactic acid‐co‐ϵ‐caprolactone) (P(LLA‐CL)) blends were fabricated using 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol as a solvent via electrospinning. The average nanofibrous diameter increased with increasing polymer concentration and decreasing the blend ratio of SF to P(LLA‐CL). Characterizations of XPS and 13C NMR clarified the presence of SF on their surfaces and no obvious chemical bond reaction between SF with P(LLA‐CL) and SF in SF/P(LLA‐CL) nanofibers was present in a random coil conformation, SF conformation transformed from random coil to β‐sheet when treated with water vapor. Whereas water contact angle measurements conformed greater hydrophilicity than P(LLA‐CL). Both the tensile strength and elongation at break increased with the content increasing of P(LLA‐CL). Cell viability studies with pig iliac endothelial cells demonstrated that SF/P(LLA‐CL) blended nanofibrous scaffolds significantly promoted cell growth in comparison with P(LLA‐CL), especially when the weight ratio of SF to P(LLA‐CL) was 25:75. These results suggested that SF/P(LLA‐CL) blended nanofibrous scaffolds might be potential candidates for vascular tissue engineering. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Morphological variation in the forelegs of the Hawaiian Drosophilidae. I. The AMC clade
Authors: Stark Julian B. , O'Grady Patrick M.
Published: August 2009

The Hawaiian Drosophilidae possess spectacular diversity in male foreleg modifications, many of which are unknown in other Diptera. The greatest diversity in foreleg morphology is in the antopocerus, modified tarsus, and ciliated tarsus clade (AMC Clade), a group of 95 species. The modified tarsus flies are divided into the bristle, ciliated, split, and spoon tarsus subgroups. The bristle tarsus species feature one or two rows of thickened setae on the basitarsus. The split tarsus species are characterized by only having four tarsal segments, in contrast to five tarsomeres in the remainder of Diptera. Based on comparisons of the apparent ground state of ventral setal rows across the Hawaiian Drosophila, we suggest that it is the second tarsal segment which has been lost. The spoon tarsus species are characterized by having the second tarsomere modified into a setae‐filled, concave‐shaped spoon. The ciliated tarsus species, all of which possess one or more elongate setae on the tarsus of males, are probably not monophyletic with respect to the bristle tarsus subgroup. The antopocerus flies are characterized by a long basitarsus, with extensive setation on the tibia and basitarsus of some species. The use of these foreleg modifications in courtship behavior has been previously described and it is suggested that they represent the results of sexual selection. The current work expands on previous morphological analyses, presenting a level of detail not previously possible without SEM images. The new characters revealed will figure prominently in future cladistic studies. J. Morphol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Density functional theory and RRKM calculations of the gas‐phase unimolecular rearrangements of methylfuran and pyran ions before fragmentations
Authors: Solano Espinoza Eduardo A. , Vallejo Narváez Wilmer E.
Published: August 2009

The potential energy profiles for the mutual conversion of the isomeric molecular ions [C5H6O]+• of 2‐methylfuran, 3‐methylfuran and 4H‐pyran and the fragmentations that lead to [C5H5O]+ ions were obtained from calculations at the B3LYP/6‐311G + + (3df,3pd)//B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) level of theory. The various competing unimolecular processes were characterized by their RRKM microcanonical rate coefficients, k(E), using the sets of reactant and transition state frequencies and the kinetic barriers obtained from the density functional method. In either a high‐ or a low‐energy regime, the pyrylium ion [C5H5O]+ is generated directly from the 4H‐pyran molecular ion by a simple cleavage. In contrast, in the metastable kinetic window, the molecular ions of methylfurans irreversibly isomerize to a mixture of interconverting structures before dissociation, which includes the 2H‐ and 3H‐pyran ions. The hydrogen atoms attached to saturated carbons of the pyran rings are very stabilizing at the position 2, but they are very labile at position 3 and can be shifted to adjacent positions. Once 4H‐pyran ion has been formed, the CH bond cleavage begins before any hydrogen shift occurs. According to our calculation, there would not be complete H scrambling preceding the dissociation of the molecular ions [C5H6O]+•. On the other hand, as the internal energy of the 2‐methylfuran molecular ion increases, H• loss can become more important. These results agree with the available experimental data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic factors for extra‐abdominal and abdominal wall desmoids: A 20‐year experience at a single institution
Authors: Huang Kai , Fu Hong , Shi Ying‐Qiang , Zhou Ye , Du Chun‐Yan
Published: August 2009

Background and Objective

Previous reports even large studies discussing the prognosis of desmoids have included tumors from intra‐ and extra‐abdominal sites as well as incomplete resection. The purpose of this study was to explore prognostic factors associated with the recurrence free survival (RFS) rate in surgically treated extra‐abdominal and abdominal wall desmoids.

Patients and Methods

A total of 198 consecutive desmoid patients were treated with surgery over a 20‐year period at a single institution. Of these, 151 patients with extra‐abdominal and abdominal wall tumors were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred thirteen patients were referred for the primary tumor and the other 38 for recurrent disease initially treated elsewhere. All patients underwent a macroscopically complete resection.

Results

The median follow‐up interval was 102 months. Thirty‐one patients (20.5%) had a local recurrence (LR). No patients died of the disease. The 5‐ and 10‐year RFS was 79.7% and 78.5%, respectively. Admission status, gender, tumor size, margin status, location, and number, were predictors of LR in univariate analysis. Tumor size and margin status were independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. Positive margins were predictive of recurrence of primary disease, and also showed a trend for recurrent disease, which was not statistically significant. The selective use of adjuvant radiation did not show significant benefit over local control.

Conclusions

Regardless of primary or recurrent disease, microscopically negative margins should always be the goal for extra‐abdominal desmoids surgery, if no cosmetic defects or function demolition is encountered. Extra‐abdominal desmoids deserve more attention and should be treated more aggressively, especially when leaving positive margins. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:563–569. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early gallbladder cancer: Is further treatment necessary?
Authors: de Aretxabala Xabier , Roa Ivan , Hepp Juan , Maluenda Fernando , Mordojovich Gerardo , Leon Jorge , Roa Juan Carlos
Published: August 2009

Background and Objectives

The goal of this study was to evaluate a series of patients with early gallbladder cancer, focusing on the selection of treatment and the role of Rokitansky Aschoff sinus infiltration.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospective series of 371 patients with gallbladder cancer. Specimens were reviewed by an independent pathologist to confirm the diagnosis and depth of infiltration and to evaluate the presence of Rokitansky Aschoff sinus involvement.

Results

Forty‐nine and 45 patients with muscular (pT1b) and mucosal (pT1a) infiltration gallbladder cancer tumors were studied respectively. Simple cholecystectomy was the treatment in all patients, with the exception of 11 patients who underwent further surgery. Rokitansky Aschoff sinus invasion was seen in seven patients with mucosa (pT1a) and three with muscular (pT1b) compromise. The 5‐year survival rates of patients with muscular (pT1b) and mucosal (pT1a) infiltration were 87.6% and 86.4%, respectively. Patients with Rokitansky Aschoff involvement had a lower survival rate than those with no involvement in both categories.

Conclusions

Early gallbladder cancer is associated with a favorable prognosis and cholecystectomy should be the standard treatment. Despite some patients having a worse prognosis, there are no data to support more aggressive treatment. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:589–593. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Macroradical initiated polymerisation of acrylic and methacrylic monomers
Authors: Mijangos Irene , Guerreiro António , Piletska Elena , Whitcombe Michael J. , Karim Kal , Chianella Iva , Piletsky Sergey
Published: August 2009

An approach has been developed for the grafting of monomers onto poly(trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate) (polyTRIM) particles using 2,2‐diethyl dithiocarbamic acid benzyl ester (DDCABE) as an initiator. A set of polymers was prepared with this technique over different lengths of time and the kinetics of the reaction studied experimentally. It was found that the grafting of initiator to the polymeric support followed a second order reaction, while the subsequent addition of monomers from solution into the polyTRIM macroradicals followed a first order reaction. The living nature of the iniferter modified macroradicals permits easy consecutive grafting of multiple polymeric layers, allowing straightforward functionalisation of particles. However, the effectiveness of the grafted initiator decreased with each cycle of polymerisation. This technique can be used for a wide range of applications in analytical and biochemistry.
Environmental analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Beauchemin Diane
Published: August 2009

This article reviews the numerous ways in which inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry has been used for the analysis of environmental samples since it was commercially introduced in 1983. Its multielemental isotopic capability, high sensitivity and wide linear dynamic range makes it ideally suited for environmental analysis. Provided that some care is taken during sample preparation and that appropriate calibration strategies are used to circumvent non‐spectroscopic interferences, the technique is readily applicable to the analysis of a wide variety of environmental samples (natural waters, soils, rocks, sediments, vegetation, etc.), using quadrupole, time‐of‐flight or double‐focusing sector‐field mass spectrometers. In cases where spectroscopic interferences arising from the sample matrix cannot be resolved, then separation methods can be implemented either on‐ or off‐line, which can simultaneously allow analyte preconcentration, thus further decreasing the already low detection limits that are achievable. In most cases, the blank, prepared by following the same steps as for the sample but without the sample, limits the ultimate detection limits that can be reached. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 29:560–592, 2010
Application of mass spectrometry in the analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers
Authors: Wang Dongli , Li Qing X.
Published: August 2009

This review summarized the applications of mass spectrometric techniques for the analysis of the important flame retardants polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) to understand the environmental sources, fate and toxicity of PBDEs that were briefly discussed to give a general idea for the need of analytical methodologies. Specific performance of various mass spectrometers hyphenated with, for example, gas chromatograph, liquid chromatograph, and inductively coupled plasma (GC/MS, LC/MS, and ICP/MS, respectively) for the analysis of PBDEs was compared with an objective to present the information on the evolution of MS techniques for determining PBDEs in environmental and human samples. GC/electron capture negative ionization quadrupole MS (GC/NCI qMS), GC/high resolution MS (GC/HRMS) and GC ion trap MS (GC/ITMS) are most commonly used MS techniques for the determination of PBDEs. New analytical technologies such as fast tandem GC/MS and LC/MS become available to improve analyses of higher PBDEs. The development and application of the tandem MS techniques have helped to understand environmental fate and transformations of PBDEs of which abiotic and biotic degradation of decaBDE is thought to be one major source of Br1‐9BDEs present in the environment in addition to direct loading from commercial mixtures. MS‐based proteomics will offer an insight into the molecular mechanisms of toxicity and potential developmental and neurotoxicity of PBDEs. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 29:737–775, 2010
Structural determination of ε‐lactams by 1H and 13C NMR
Authors: Montalvo‐González Rubén , Ariza‐Castolo Armando
Published: August 2009

The thermodynamic products (ε‐lactams) of the degradation of ten different spirocyclic oxaziridines were analyzed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The preferred conformations were determined by examining the homonuclear spin–spin coupling constant and the chemical shift effects of the N‐substituent and the alkyl group of the aliphatic ring on 1H and 13C NMR spectra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
β‐Adrenergic activity preserves GLUT4 protein in glycolytic fibers in fasting
Authors: Alves‐Wagner Ana Barbara Teixeira , De Freitas Helayne Soares , De Souza Paula Bargi , Seraphim Patricia Monteiro , Mori Rosana Cristina Tieko , Machado Ubiratan Fabres
Published: August 2009

Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression in adipose tissue decreases during fasting. In skeletal muscle, we hypothesized that GLUT4 expression might be maintained in a β‐adrenergic–dependent way to ensure energy disposal for contractile function. Herein we investigate β‐blockade or β‐stimulation effects on GLUT4 expression in oxidative (soleus) and glycolytic [extensor digitorum longus (EDL)] muscles of fasted rats. Fasting increased GLUT4 mRNA in soleus (24%) and EDL (40%), but the protein content increased only in soleus (30%). β1–β2‐, and β1–β2–β3‐blockade decreased (20–30%) GLUT4 mRNA content in both muscles, although GLUT4 protein decreased only in EDL. When mRNA and GLUT4 protein regulations were discrepant, changes in the mRNA poly(A) tail length were detected, indicating a posttranscriptional modulation of gene expression. These results show that β‐adrenergic activity regulates GLUT4 gene expression in skeletal muscle during fasting, highlighting its participation in preservation of GLUT4 protein in glycolytic muscle. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Changes of gene expression in electrically stimulated and contralateral rat soleus muscles
Authors: Pimenta Aurélio , Gorjão Renata , Silveira Leonardo R. , Curi Rui
Published: August 2009

In this study we investigate the effect of a single session of high‐intensity contractions on expression of pleiotropic genes and, in particular, those genes associated with metabolism in soleus muscle from electrically stimulated (ES) and contralateral (CL) limbs. The right limbs of male Wistar rats were submitted to contractions by 200‐ms trains of electrical stimulation at 100‐HZ frequency with pulses of 0.1 ms (voltage 24 ± 3 V) delivered each second for 1 hour. Soleus muscles were isolated 1 hour after contraction, and gene expression was analyzed by a macroarray technique (Atlas Toxicology 1.2 Array; Clontech Laboratories). Electrical stimulation increased expression in 92 genes (16% of the genes present in the membrane). Sixty‐six genes were upregulated in both ES and CL soleus muscles, and expression of 26 genes was upregulated in the ES muscle only. The most altered genes were those related to stress response and metabolism. Electrical stimulation also raised expression of transcription factors, translation and posttranslational modification of proteins, ribosomal proteins, and intracellular transducers/effectors/modulators. The results indicate that a single session of electrical stimulation upregulated expression of genes related to metabolism and oxidative stress in soleus muscle from both ES and CL limbs. These findings may indicate an association with tissue hypertrophy and metabolic adaptations induced by physical exercise training not only in the ES but also in the CL non‐stimulated muscle, suggesting a cross‐education phenomenon. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Enhanced homosynaptic LTD in cerebellar Purkinje cells of the dystrophic MDX mouse
Authors: Anderson Jennifer L. , Morley John W. , Head Stewart I.
Published: August 2009

The purpose was to study homosynaptic long‐term depression (LTD) at the parallel fiber‐Purkinje cell synapse in the mdx mouse, a murine model of the human dystrophinopathy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), in order to examine whether the absence of dystrophin affects the induction and extent of this form of synaptic plasticity. Sharp intracellular electrodes were used to record electrically evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) from identified Purkinje cells in cerebellar slices. The early phase of homosynaptic LTD, 7–16 min postinduction, was the same in mdx and wildtype Purkinje cells; however, the late phase of LTD, 35–44 min, was significantly enhanced in mdx Purkinje cells. We hypothesize that this enhancement of the late phase of homosynaptic LTD may be due to a disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis associated with the absence of the protein dystrophin. These findings may explain some of the central nervous system deficiencies reported in DMD boys. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Preparation of stable second‐order nonlinear optical films by sol–gel technique
Authors: Wang Shiwei , Zhao Lisha , Sun Jie , Cui Zhanchen , Zhang Daming
Published: August 2009

A stable nonlinear optical (NLO) film containing “T” type alkoxysilane dye was prepared by sol–gel technology. This crosslinked “T” type alkoxysilane dye was synthesized and fully characterized by FTIR, UV–Vis spectra, and 1H‐NMR. Followed by hydrolysis and copolymerization processes of the alkoxysilane with γ‐glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (KH560) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), high quality inorganic–organic hybrid second‐order NLO films were obtained by spin coating. The “T” type structure of the alkoxysilane was found to be effective for improving the temporal stability of the optical nonlinearity due to the reduction in the relaxation of the chromophore in the film materials. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subcutaneous anti‐D treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in children
Authors: Kjaersgaard Mimi , Edslev Pernille Wendtland , Hasle Henrik
Published: August 2009

We investigated the effect of subcutaneous anti‐D IgG as platelet enhancing therapy in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Twenty‐three children were treated with subcutaneous anti‐D 50 µg/kg. The median platelet count increased from 7 × 109 to 31 × 109/L on day 3 (P < 0.01). The median decline in hemoglobin was 1.3 g/dl. Two children experienced minor fever and chills within 24 hr of treatment. Pain at the injection site was common but self‐limiting with no effect on activity level. These results suggest subcutaneous anti‐D IgG 50 µg/kg as an effective and well‐tolerated treatment option in childhood ITP. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:1315–1317. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.