bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Pressure Patterns in the Hands of Olive Baboons (Papio anubis) During Terrestrial Locomotion: Implications for Cercopithecoid Primate Hand Morphology
Authors: Patel Biren A. , Wunderlich Roshna E.
Published: March 2010

Habitually terrestrial monkeys adopt digitigrade hand postures at slow speeds to increase effective forelimb length and reduce distal limb joint moments. As these primates move faster, however, their hands transition to a more palmigrade posture, which is likely associated with the inability of wrist and hand joints to resist higher ground reaction forces (GRF) associated with faster speeds. Transitioning to a palmigrade posture may serve to distribute GRFs over a larger surface area (i.e., increased palmar contact), ultimately reducing stresses in fragile hand bones. To test this hypothesis, dynamic palmar pressure data were collected on two adult baboons (Papio anubis) walking, running, and galloping across a runway integrated with a dynamic pressure mat (20 steps each; speed range: 0.46–4.0 m/s). Peak GRF, contact area, peak pressure, and pressure‐time integral were quantified in two regions of the hand: fingers and palms (including metacarpal heads). At slower speeds with lower GRFs, the baboons use digitigrade postures resulting in small palmar contact area (largely across the metacarpal heads). At faster speeds with higher GRFs, they used less digitigrade hand postures resulting in increased palmar contact area. Finger contact area did not change across speeds. Despite higher GRFs at faster speeds, metacarpal pressure was moderated across speeds due to increased palmar contact area as animals transitioned from digitigrady to palmigrady. In contrast, the pressure in the fingers increased with faster speeds. Results indicate that the transition from digitigrady to palmigrady distributes increased forces over a larger palmar surface area. Such dynamic changes in palmar pressure likely moderate strain in the gracile bones of the hand, a structure that is integral not only for locomotion, but also feeding and social behaviors in primates. Anat Rec, 293:710–718, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Effect of Early Hominin Occlusal Morphology on the Fracturing of Hard Food Items
Authors: Berthaume Michael , Grosse Ian R. , Patel Nirdesh D. , Strait David S. , Wood Sarah , Richmond Brian G.
Published: March 2010

Tooth profile plays an important role in interpretations of the functional morphology of extinct species. We tested hypotheses that australopith occlusal morphology influences the fracture force required to crack large, hard food items using a combination of physical testing and finite element analysis (FEA). We performed mechanical experiments simulating both molar and premolar biting using metal replicas of four hominin specimens representing species that differ in occlusal relief (Praeanthropus afarensis, Australopithecus africanus, Paranthropus robustus, and P. boisei). The replicas were inserted into an Instron machine and used to fracture hollow acrylic hemispheres with known material properties. These hemispheres simulate a hard and brittle food item but exhibit far less variability in size and strength than actual nuts or seeds, thereby facilitating interpretations of tooth function. Fracture forces and fracture displacements were measured, and analysis of variance revealed significant differences in fracture force and energy between specimens and tooth types. Complementing the physical testing, a nonlinear contact finite element model was developed to simulate each physical test. Experimental and FEA results showed good correspondence in most cases, and FEA identified stress concentrations consistent with mechanical models predicting that radial/median fractures are important factors in the failure of nut and seed shells. The fracture force data revealed functional similarities between relatively unworn Pr. afarensis and P. robustus teeth, and between relatively unworn A. africanus and heavily worn P. boisei teeth. These results are inconsistent with functional hypotheses, and raise the possibility that the tooth morphology of early hominins and other hard object feeders may not represent adaptations for inducing fractures in large, hard food items, but rather for resisting fractures in the tooth crown. Anat Rec, 293:594–606, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for the Influence of Diet on Cranial Form and Robusticity
Authors: Menegaz Rachel A. , Sublett Samantha V. , Figueroa Said D. , Hoffman Timothy J. , Ravosa Matthew J. , Aldridge Kristina
Published: March 2010

The evolutionary significance of cranial form and robusticity in earlyHomohas been variously attributed to allometry, encephalization, metabolic factors, locomotor activity, and masticatory forces. However, the influence of such factors is variably understood. To evaluate the effect of masticatory loading on neurocranial form, sibling groups of weanling white rabbits were divided into two cohorts of 10 individuals each and raised on either a soft diet or a hard/tough diet for 16 weeks until subadulthood. Micro‐CT was used to quantify and visualize morphological variation between treatment groups. Results reveal trends (P< 0.10) for greater outer table thickness of the frontal bones, zygomatic height, and cranial globularity in rabbits raised on a hard/tough diet. Furthermore, analyses of three‐dimensional coordinate landmark data indicate that the basicrania of hard/tough diet rabbits exhibit more robust middle cranial fossae and pterygoid plates, as well as altered overall morphology of the caudal cranial fossa. Thus, long term increases in masticatory loads may result in thickening of the bones of the neurocranial vault and/or altering the curvature of the walls. Differences in cranial regions not directly associated with the generation or resistance of masticatory forces (i.e., frontal bone, basicranium) may be indirectly correlated with diet‐induced variation in maxillomandibular morphology. These findings also suggest that long‐term variation in masticatory forces associated with differences in dietary properties can contribute to the complex and multifactorial development of neurocranial morphology. Anat Rec, 293:630–641, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Masticatory Loading, Function, and Plasticity: A Microanatomical Analysis of Mammalian Circumorbital Soft‐Tissue Structures
Authors: Jašarević Eldin , Ning Jie , Daniel Ashley N. , Menegaz Rachel A. , Johnson Jeffrey J. , Stack M. Sharon , Ravosa Matthew J.
Published: March 2010

In contrast to experimental evidence regarding the postorbital bar, postorbital septum, and browridge, there is exceedingly little evidence regarding the load‐bearing nature of soft‐tissue structures of the mammalian circumorbital region. This hinders our understanding of pronounced transformations during primate origins, in which euprimates evolved a postorbital bar from an ancestor with the primitive mammalian condition where only soft tissues spanned the lateral orbital margin between frontal bone and zygomatic arch. To address this significant gap, we investigated the postorbital microanatomy of rabbits subjected to long‐term variation in diet‐induced masticatory stresses. Rabbits exhibit a masticatory complex and feeding behaviors similar to primates, yet retain a more primitive mammalian circumorbital region. Three cohorts were obtained as weanlings and raised on different diets until adult. Following euthanasia, postorbital soft tissues were dissected away, fixed, and decalcified. These soft tissues were divided into inferior, intermediate, and superior units and then dehydrated, embedded, and sectioned. H&E staining was used to characterize overall architecture. Collagen orientation and complexity were evaluated via picrosirius‐red staining. Safranin‐O identified proteoglycan content with additional immunostaining performed to assess Type‐II collagen expression. Surprisingly, the ligament along the lateral orbital wall was composed of elastic fibrocartilage. A more degraded organization of collagen fibers in this postorbital fibrocartilage is correlated with increased masticatory forces due to a more fracture‐resistant diet. Furthermore, the lack of marked changes in the extracellular composition of the lateral orbital wall related to tissue viscoelasticity suggests it is unlikely that long‐term exposure to elevated masticatory stresses underlies the development of a bony postorbital bar. Anat Rec, 293:642–650, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chiral η6‐Arene/N‐Tosylethylenediamine–Ruthenium(II) Complexes: Solution Behavior and Catalytic Activity for Asymmetric Hydrogenation
Authors: Sandoval Christian A. , Bie Fusheng , Matsuoka Aki , Yamaguchi Yoshiki , Naka Hiroshi , Li Yuehui , Kato Koichi , Utsumi Noriyuki , Tsutsumi Kunihiko , Ohkuma Takeshi , Murata Kunihiko , Noyori Ryoji
Published: March 2010

Aromatic ketones are enantioseletively hydrogenated in alcohols containing [RuX{(S,S)‐Tsdpen}(η6‐p‐cymene)] (Tsdpen=TsNCH(C6H5)CH(C6H5)NH2; X=TfO, Cl) as precatalysts. The corresponding Ru hydride (X=H) acts as a reducing species. The solution structures and complete spectral assignment of these complexes have been determined using 2D NMR (1H‐1H DQF‐COSY, 1H‐13C HMQC, 1H‐15N HSQC, and 1H‐19F HOESY). Depending on the nature of the solvents and conditions, the precatalysts exist as a covalently bound complex, tight ion pair of [Ru+(Tsdpen)(cymene)] and X−, solvent‐separated ion pair, or discrete free ions. Solvent effects on the NH2 chemical shifts of the Ru complexes and the hydrodynamic radius and volume of the Ru+ and TfO− ions elucidate the process of precatalyst activation for hydrogenation. Most notably, the Ru triflate possessing a high ionizability, substantiated by cyclic voltammetry, exists in alcoholic solvents largely as a solvent‐separated ion pair and/or free ions. Accordingly, its diffusion‐derived data in CD3OD reflect the independent motion of [Ru+(Tsdpen)(cymene)] and TfO−. In CDCl3, the complex largely retains the covalent structure showing similar diffusion data for the cation and anion. The Ru triflate and chloride show similar but distinct solution behavior in various solvents. Conductivity measurements and catalytic behavior demonstrate that both complexes ionize in CH3OH to generate a common [Ru+(Tsdpen)(cymene)] and X−, although the extent is significantly greater for X=TfO−. The activation of [RuX(Tsdpen)(cymene)] during catalytic hydrogenation in alcoholic solvent occurs by simple ionization to generate [Ru+(Tsdpen)(cymene)]. The catalytic activity is thus significantly influenced by the reaction conditions.
SnO2@Poly(HEMA‐co‐St‐co‐VPBA) Core‐shell Nanoparticles Designed for Selectively Enriching Glycopeptides Followed by MALDI‐MS Analysis
Authors: Shen Wen‐Wen , Ma Cheng‐Ning , Wang Su‐Feng , Xiong Huan‐Ming , Lu Hao‐Jie , Yang Peng‐Yuan
Published: March 2010

The core‐shell boronic‐acid functionalized nanoparticles SnO2@Poly(HEMA‐co‐St‐co‐VPBA) are designed for selectively enriching glycopeptides, followed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) analysis. Such 60 nm sized core‐shell nanoparticles are prepared by means of copolymerization between 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) grafted on SnO2 nanoparticles, styrene, and 4‐vinylphenylboronic acid (VPBA). All of the synthesis procedures are completed within 3 h. Cyclic boronate esters form between boronic‐acid groups on the polymer chains and cis‐diol groups on glycopeptides, and thus almost all intact glycopeptides from low‐abundant horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and bovine asialofetuin (ASF) are enriched with high selectivity and efficiency. After enrichment, both intact N‐ and O‐glycopeptides are characterized by multistage MS. Furthermore, we successfully apply this method to the human serum sample for characterizing the target glycoproteins haptoglobin and alpha‐1‐acid‐glycoprotein. The present selective enriching method followed by multistage‐MS analysis is proven to be a good choice for routine glycopeptide characterization.
Excited‐State Reversible Geminate A*+B↔C*+D Reaction in Two Dimensions
Authors: Park Kihyun , Shin Kook Joe , Kim Hyojoon
Published: March 2010

The reversible geminate transfer reaction, A*+B↔C*+D, has been studied in two dimensions. For the excited‐state transfer reaction with two different lifetimes and quenching, the exact analytical Green functions have been generalized for an arbitrary initial condition in the Laplace domain. Long‐time asymptotic behaviors of survival probabilities have been analyzed in the time domain as well as short‐time expressions. The two‐dimensional survival probabilities have been found to show logarithmic decay behaviors of ${\left( {\ln t} \right)^{ - 1} }$ or ${t^{ - 1} \left( {\ln t} \right)^{ - 2} }$ at long times, depending on two lifetimes.
Polyethylenimine‐cationized β‐catenin protein transduction activates the Wnt canonical signaling pathway more effectively than cationic lipid‐based transduction
Authors: Kitazoe Midori , Futami Junichiro , Nishikawa Mitsuo , Yamada Hidenori , Maeda Yoshitake
Published: March 2010

The Wnt canonical signaling pathway is essential for the early development of eukaryotic organisms and plays a key role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and oncogenesis. Moreover, the Wnt canonical signaling pathway contributes to the self‐renewal of mouse hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Here, we demonstrate artificial activation of the Wnt canonical signaling pathway by β‐catenin protein transduction. Constitutively active β‐catenin protein was introduced into human embryonic kidney HEK‐293 cells using a polyethylenimine (PEI) cationization method, or with the BioPORTER protein transduction reagent. We have previously shown that modification with PEI effectively causes proteins to be internalized by living mammalian cells. PEI‐cationized, constitutively active β‐catenin protein was added to HEK‐293 cells, and induction of several Wnt/β‐catenin target genes was detected by real‐time PCR. However, using BioPORTER to introduce active β‐catenin did not activate the Wnt canonical signaling pathway. Introduction of eGFPNuc (enhanced green fluorescent protein variant containing a nuclear localization signal) into HEK‐293 cells using the BioPORTER reagent caused significant cell death, as determined by propidium iodide staining. In contrast, the PEI‐modified eGFPNuc did not impair survival of HEK‐293 cells. These results indicate that the Wnt canonical signaling pathway could be successfully activated by transduction of PEI‐cationized active β‐catenin, and the PEI‐cationization method is an effective and safe technology for protein transduction into mammalian cells.
Characterization of a pectic polysaccharide from the leaves of Diospyros kaki and its modulating activity on lymphocyte proliferation
Authors: Duan Jinyou , Dong Qun , Ding Kan , Fang Jinian
Published: March 2010

Pectin is a group of carbohydrate polymers constructing the primary cell walls and the middle lamella of terrestrial plants. Herein, we demonstrated the structure and immunomodulatory activity of the major pectic polysaccharide DL‐3B2 isolated from the leaves of Diospyros kaki. Based on composition analysis, methylation analysis, two‐step acid hydrolysis, lithium‐mediated selective degradation, 13C NMR spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, DL‐3B2 was found to contain an α‐1, 4‐linked galacturonic acid (GalA) backbone with some insertions of α‐1, 2‐linked rhamnose residues. The arabinan‐ and arabinogalactan‐side chains were attached to O‐4 of the rhamnose residues, whereas the linear arabinoxylan was probably linked to O‐3 of the GalA residues. Immunological tests in vitro showed that DL‐3B2 could help stimulate lipopolysaccharide‐induced B lymphocyte proliferation, but not ConA‐induced T lymphocyte proliferation, and that the arabinose residues play a role in maintaining this immunological activity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 649–656, 2010.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Sub‐population analysis of human cancer vaccine cells—ultra scale‐down characterization of response to shear
Authors: McCoy Ryan , Ward Stephen , Hoare Mike
Published: March 2010

The allogeneic whole cell therapy field presents a novel challenge for cell line selection. Large numbers of candidates will he screened for desirable traits including cell growth rates and maintenance of critical product attributes. Screening cell lines for susceptibility to large scale processing conditions has become of increasing importance; innovators do not wish to face the quandary of clinically efficacious cell lines that show poor manufacturability.

We have previously described an ultra scale‐down method for assessing the impact of the hydrodynamic environment on human cells (McCoy et al., 2009). This body of work describes the validation of this experimental approach using a second, clinically tested, human prostate cancer cell line and describes an additional level of sub‐population characterisation. The small‐scale conditions set were similar to those expected in downstream process, formulation and vial filling operations with maximum shear rates ranging from 30 × 103 to 90 × 103 s−1(equivalent maximum power dissipation rates of 1.5 × 103 to 14 × 103 W kg−1). Changes to critical cell quality attributes such as membrane integrity retention, cell surface marker staining levels (CD9, CD59, CD147) and cell surface marker density is described.

Evaluation of two sub‐populations which are formed in response to shear showed distinct staining profiles. Identification of these phenotypically distinct populations, derived in response to the same hydrodynamic environment, poses an interesting bio‐processing challenge with regards to both maintenance of product quality, but also highlights the potential benefit of process manipulation through shear‐rate intervention with regards to product efficacy. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;106: 584–597. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surgery alone is adequate treatment for early stage soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity
Authors: Al-Refaie W B , Habermann E B , Jensen E H , Tuttle T M , Pisters P W T , Virnig B A
Published: March 2010

Background

Evolving evidence suggests that, in selected patients with tumour category 1 (T1) extremity soft tissue sarcoma (ESTS), surgery alone offers satisfactory results without decreasing survival. This study assessed the effect of sarcoma treatments on survival outcomes of T1 ESTS in a population-based data set.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, 1618 patients with primary ESTS underwent limb-sparing surgery. Multivariable analysis was used to assess the impact of radiotherapy on overall survival (OS) and sarcoma-specific survival (SSS), adjusting for co-variables.

Results

Some 803 patients (49·6 per cent) underwent surgery alone for T1 ESTS. Radiotherapy in patients with low- and high-grade tumours did not result in any significant difference in OS or SSS. When stratified by grade, multivariable analysis showed that adjuvant radiotherapy was not an independent predictor of SSS (hazard ratio (HR) 1·05; P = 0·906) or OS (HR 0·89; P = 0·695) in low-grade tumours. Neither was radiotherapy a significant predictor of SSS (HR 0·87; P = 0·608) or OS (HR 0·67; P = 0·071) in high-grade tumours.

Conclusion

This population-based appraisal validated previous evidence supporting a role for surgery alone in the treatment of T1 ESTS. Future policies should be tailored to offer patients minimal yet effective therapy, rather than maximum tolerated therapy.
Compliance with enhanced recovery programmes in elective colorectal surgery
Authors: Ahmed J , Khan S , Gatt M , Kallam R , MacFie J
Published: March 2010

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are often criticized for being difficult to implement outside clinical trials. This audit evaluated compliance with an ERAS protocol and compared it with that during a trial.

Methods

Compliance was audited by case-note review of 100 consecutive patients undergoing colorectal surgery. This was compared with the compliance in a group of 95 patients who participated in a clinical trial.

Results

Fewer patients in the audit group than in the study group received preoperative oral carbohydrate loading (61·0 versus 96 per cent; P < 0·001), a transverse incision (25·0 versus 39 per cent; P = 0·037), early fluid and diet reintroduction (73·0 versus 99 per cent; P < 0·001), and non-opiate postoperative oral analgesia (70·0 versus 99 per cent; P < 0·001). Lower non-opiate oral analgesia use in the audit group was not associated with a commensurate increase in opiate use (P = 0·061). There was no difference between groups in length of hospital stay (median (interquartile range) 7 (5–8) versus 6 (5–7) days respectively), septic morbidity or 30-day mortality rates.

Conclusion

Observance to some aspects of the ERAS protocol was lower outside the clinical trial. However, this made little difference to patient outcome.
Mild hypercalcitoninaemia and sporadic thyroid disease
Authors: Cherenko M , Slotema E , Sebag F , De Micco C , Henry J F
Published: March 2010

Background

Not operating on patients with mild hypercalcitoninaemia (MHCT) and sporadic thyroid disease carries the risk of omitting curative surgery for medullary thyroid cancer, but systematic surgery would result in unnecessary treatment of benign pathology. This study reviewed the management of MCHT and non-hereditary thyroid disease in one centre.

Methods

MCHT was defined as an increase in basal and stimulated calcitonin levels not exceeding 30 and 200 pg/ml respectively. Over 15 years, 125 patients who presented with MCHT and sporadic thyroid disease were followed. Surgery was indicated only if there were local pressure symptoms or suspicious histomorphological changes in solitary nodules.

Results

Fifty-five patients underwent total thyroidectomy and 18 unilateral total lobectomy. Histological examination revealed medullary microcarcinoma in six patients (two women and four men). C-cell hyperplasia was found in 54 patients (74 per cent) and 13 (18 per cent) harboured no C-cell pathology. Calcitonin levels stabilized after lobectomy and became undetectable following thyroidectomy. They normalized during follow-up in a third of patients who did not have surgery.

Conclusion

Not all patients with MHCT and sporadic thyroid disease require surgery.
Branching patterns of the lateral thoracic, subscapular, and posterior circumflex humeral arteries and their relationship to the posterior cord of the brachial plexus
Authors: Olinger Anthony , Benninger Brion
Published: March 2010

Anatomical variations in the branching pattern of the axillary artery are common and typically include the lateral thoracic, subscapular, and the posterior circumflex humeral (PCHA) arteries. Previous investigations of single specimen dissections demonstrate numerous variations to axillary artery branching, but the frequency of these occurrences is unclear. This study quantifies the frequency of variant branching of the lateral thoracic, subscapular, and posterior circumflex humeral arteries, how it they relate to the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. Axillae of 83 cadavers were dissected to allow examination of the axillary artery and its branches. Data were collected observing the branching pattern of the lateral thoracic, subscapular, and posterior circumflex humeral arteries, as well as those branches spatial relationship to the two terminal branches of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. Some of the more common variations included the thoracodorsal artery arising from the lateral thoracic artery (LTA) (7.2%) and the subscapular artery (SSA) arising from the LTA (5.4%). The SSA also produced the LTA (4.2%) and the PCHA (12%). The PCHA also originated from the deep brachial artery (8.4%) and traversed the triangular interval to supply the deltoid muscle. These findings are relevant to both the anatomical and clinical fields as provide evidence as to the frequency of variant axillary artery branching and the potential for neurovascular elements to exist in a location other than their classical anatomical description. Clin. Anat. 23:407–412, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The contribution of the palmaris longus muscle to the strength of thumb abduction
Authors: Gangata Hope , Ndou Robert , Louw Graham
Published: March 2010

The palmaris longus muscle (PLM) is described as a weak flexor of the wrist and a tensor of the palmar aponeurosis, but not a thumb abductor. The PLM is believed to aid thumb abduction through its insertion onto the thenar eminence. Two groups, both right hand dominant, were selected from 1,200 sampled participants. The first group comprised of 38 subjects with unilateral presence of the PLM and was used to determine the strength of thumb abduction. The second group comprised of 30 subjects, with bilateral presence of the PLM, and it was used to calculate the effects of hand dominance. A significant number of subjects with bilateral absence of the PLM were observed and undocumented. Using a dynamometer in subjects with unilateral presence of the PLM, the force of thumb abduction was significantly greater on the hand with a PLM than the one without it (P= 0.014), irrespective of hand dominance. In the second sample with bilateral PLM, thumb abduction on the dominant hand was 10% stronger than on the nondominant hand and was similar to the universally accepted average of 10% increase in grip strength of the dominant hand. Thus, 10% was deducted from all the dominant hands, and the force of thumb abduction remained greater on the hand with PLM than the hand without it (P= 0.049). The results of this study demonstrated the PLM to be involved in thumb abduction, and the authors therefore recommend that this action of the muscle be universally accepted by anatomists and hand surgeons. Clin. Anat. 23:431–436, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The frequency of absence of palmaris longus in a South African population of mixed race
Authors: Ndou Robert , Gangata Hope , Mitchell Bontle , Ngcongo Thandeka , Louw Graham
Published: March 2010

The palmaris longus (PL) is a weak flexor of the wrist that may be harvested as a tendon graft and used in surgical procedures for reconstructive purposes. The PL is congenitally absent in 15% of the worldwide population. However, the frequency of absence varies considerably among different population groups, being as high as 63.9% in the Turkish population and as low as 3% in the black population in the Republic of Congo. In this study, South African persons of mixed race (n= 201) were assessed by two anatomists for the presence of the PL tendon using three clinical tests, namely the Traditional Test, Mishra's Test II, and the Gangata Test. The most reliable of the three tests used was determined using Kendall's coefficient of concordance. Of the total number of subjects used, 11.5% had absence (either bilaterally or unilaterally) of the PL tendon. There was a 5.5% bilateral absence of the PL. The study revealed that the PL tendon may present in six different patterns according to the clinical assessment tests applied, the presence or absence of the PL alongside the flexor capi radialis, and the degree of prominence of PL, if present. Using the Kendall's coefficient of concordance, the Mishra's Test II, and the Gangata Test, both involving abduction of the thumb, were found to be most effective in revealing the PL. The frequency of absence of the PL in South Africans of mixed race has been determined. Clin. Anat. 23:437–442, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphometric variations of the 7th cervical vertebrae of Zulu, White, and Colored South Africans
Authors: Kibii Job M. , Pan Rualing , Tobias Phillip V.
Published: March 2010

The 7th cervical vertebrae of 240 cadavers of South African Zulu, White, and Colored population groups were examined to determine morphometric variation. White and Colored females had statistically significant narrower cervical anteroposterior diameters than their male counterparts, whereas no statistically significant difference between sexes of the Zulu population group was observed in this variable. In addition, although Zulu and Colored females had statistically significant narrower cervical transverse diameters than their male counterparts, there was no statistically significant variation between South African white males and females in this respect. The findings indicate that sexual dimorphism is more apparent in the vertebral centrum, across the three population groups, where males had significantly larger dimensions in centrum anteroposterior diameter, height, and width than their female counterparts. The study further reveals that sexual dimorphism is more apparent when one compares aspects of the 7th cervical vertebra between sexes within the same population group. Overall, the dimensions of the various variates of the vertebra are substantially smaller in women than in men. The smaller dimensions, particularly of the centrum, may be the result of lower skeletal mass in women and render them more vulnerable to fractures resulting from compression forces. Clin. Anat. 23:399–406, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomical observations of the moderator band
Authors: Loukas Marios , Klaassen Zachary , Tubbs R. Shane , Derderian Trevor , Paling Dan , Chow Drin , Patel Shilpa , Anderson Robert H.
Published: March 2010

Apical ventricular septal defects are rare pathologies of the ventricular septum. The moderator band, or other large trabeculations, is the major obstacle for the repair of such defects. The aim of our study was to identify and describe variations in the size and anatomy of the moderator band. We studied the right ventricular apical trabeculations in 100 adult human cadavers. Overall, we identified the moderator band in 92% of hearts. In just over two‐fifths (42%), the band was a short and thick trabeculation, whereas, in one‐eighth (12%), it was long and thick. In just under one‐quarter of the hearts (24%), the band was short and thin, whereas it was long and thin in 14% of the hearts. In the remaining eight hearts, we were unable to identify the moderator band. The mean thickness of the band was 4.5 ±1.8 mm, and its mean length was 16.23 ± 2.3 mm, ranging from 11.3 to 24.3 mm. According to these measurements, we were able to classify the band as originating less than 45% of the distance from the tricuspid valve to the apex (closer to tricuspid valve), seen in 12 hearts, between 45 and 55% of the distance from the valve to the apex, seen in 45 hearts, and greater than 55% of this distance (closer to the apex), seen in 39 specimens. We present these data that may prove useful in the setting of the surgical repair of apical ventricular septal defects through the right atrium. Clin. Anat. 23:443–450, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pluripotent plasticity of stem cells and liver repopulation
Authors: Gennero Luisa , Roos Maria Augusta , Sperber Kirk , Denysenko Tetyana , Bernabei Paola , Calisti Gian Franco , Papotti Mauro , Cappia Susanna , Pagni Roberto , Aimo Giuseppe , Mengozzi Giulio , Cavallo Giovanni , Reguzzi Stefano , Pescarmona Gian Piero , Ponzetto Antonio
Published: March 2010

Different types of stem cells have a role in liver regeneration or fibrous repair during and after several liver diseases. Otherwise, the origin of hepatic and/or extra‐hepatic stem cells in reactive liver repopulation is under controversy. The ability of the human body to self‐repair and replace the cells and tissues of some organs is often evident. It has been estimated that complete renewal of liver tissue takes place in about a year. Replacement of lost liver tissues is accomplished by proliferation of mature hepatocytes, hepatic oval stem cells differentiation, and sinusoidal cells as support. Hepatic oval cells display a distinct phenotype and have been shown to be a bipotential progenitor of two types of epithelial cells found in the liver, hepatocytes, and bile ductular cells. In gastroenterology and hepatology, the first attempts to translate stem cell basic research into novel therapeutic strategies have been made for the treatment of several disorders, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes mellitus, celiachy, and acute or chronic hepatopaties. In the future, pluripotent plasticity of stem cells will open a variety of clinical application strategies for the treatment of tissue injuries, degenerated organs. The promise of liver stem cells lie in their potential to provide a continuous and readily available source of liver cells that can be used for gene therapy, cell transplant, bio‐artificial liver‐assisted devices, drug toxicology testing, and use as an in vitro model to understand the developmental biology of the liver. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suppression of Water as a Nucleophile in Candida antarctica Lipase B Catalysis
Authors: Wittrup Larsen Marianne , Zielinska Dorota F. , Martinelle Mats , Hidalgo Aurelio , Jensen Lars Juhl , Bornscheuer Uwe T. , Hult Karl
Published: March 2010

A water tunnel in Candida antarctica lipase B that provides the active site with substrate water is hypothesized. A small, focused library created in order to prevent water from entering the active site through the tunnel was screened for increased transacylation over hydrolysis activity. A single mutant, S47L, in which the inner part of the tunnel was blocked, catalysed the transacylation of vinyl butyrate to 20 mM butanol 14 times faster than hydrolysis. The single mutant Q46A, which has a more open outer end of the tunnel, showed an increased hydrolysis rate and a decreased hydrolysis to transacylation ratio compared to the wild‐type lipase. Mutants with a blocked tunnel could be very useful in applications in which hydrolysis is unwanted, such as the acylation of highly hydrophilic compounds in the presence of water.
A Concise Total Synthesis of (+)‐Tetrabenazine and (+)‐α‐Dihydrotetrabenazine
Authors: Paek Seung‐Mann , Kim Nam‐Jung , Shin Dongyun , Jung Jae‐Kyung , Jung Jong‐Wha , Chang Dong‐Jo , Moon Hyunyoung , Suh Young‐Ger
Published: March 2010

Highly concise asymmetric total syntheses of (+)‐tetrabenazine (1), a drug for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington’s disease, and of (+)‐α‐dihydrotetrabenazine (2), an active metabolite of1, have been accomplished. Our synthetic route features atrans‐selective enol etherification, followed by an unprecedented cation‐dependent aza‐Claisen rearrangement to establish the carbon framework and two stereogenic centers of tetrabenazine. The syntheses consist of seven steps (34 % overall yield) for (+)‐2and eight steps (22 % overall yield) for (+)‐1.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Studies of Bingel–Hirsch Derivatives of M3N@Ih‐C80 (M=Sc, Lu)
Authors: Pinzón Julio R. , Zuo Tianming , Echegoyen Luis
Published: March 2010

Bingel–Hirsch derivatives of the trimetallic nitride template endohedral metallofullerenes (TNT‐EMFs) Sc3N@Ih‐C80 and Lu3N@Ih‐C80 were prepared by reacting these compounds with 2‐bromodiethyl malonate, 2‐bromo‐1,3‐dipyrrolidin‐1‐ylpropane‐1,3‐dionate bromide, and 9‐bromo fluorene. The mono‐adducts were isolated and their 1H NMR spectra showed that the addition occurred with high regioselectivity at the [6,6] bonds of the Ih‐C80 fullerene cage. Electrochemical analysis showed that the reductive electrochemistry behavior of these derivatives is irreversible at a scan rate of 100 mV s−1, which is comparable to the behavior of the pristine fullerene species. The first reduction potential of each derivative is either cathodically or anodically shifted by a different value, depending on the attached addend. Bis‐adducts containing EtOOC‐C‐COOEt and HC‐COOEt addends were isolated by HPLC and in the case of Sc3N@Ih‐C80 the first reduction potential exhibits a larger shift towards negative potentials when compared to the mono‐adduct. This observation is important for designing acceptor materials for the construction of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells, since the polyfunctionalization not only increases the solubility of the fullerene species but also offers a promising approach for bringing the LUMO energy levels closer for the donor and the acceptor materials.
Self‐Assembly of Imidazolium‐Based Rodlike Ionic Liquid Crystals: Transition from Lamellar to Micellar Organization
Authors: Cheng Xiaohong , Bai Xueqing , Jing Shan , Ebert Helgard , Prehm Marko , Tschierske Carsten
Published: March 2010

By using aryl‐amination chemistry, a series of rodlike 1‐phenyl‐1H‐imidazole‐based liquid crystals (LCs) and related imidazolium‐based ionic liquid crystals (ILCs) has been prepared. The number and length of the C‐terminal chains (at the noncharged end of the rodlike core) and the length of the N‐terminal chain (on the imidazolium unit in the ILCs) were modified and the influence of these structural parameters on the mode of self‐assembly in LC phases was investigated by polarizing microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction. For the single‐chain imidazole derivatives nematic phases (N) and bilayer SmA2phases were found, but upon increasing the number of alkyl chains the LC phases were lost. For the related imidazolium salts LC phases were preserved upon increasing the number and length of the C‐terminal chains and in this series it leads to the phase sequence SmA–columnar (Col)–micellar cubic (CubI/Pm3n). Elongation of the N‐terminal chain gives the reversed sequence. Short N‐terminal chains prefer an end‐to‐end packing of the mesogens in which these chains are separated from the C‐terminal chains. Elongation of the N‐terminal chain leads to a mixing of N‐ and C‐terminal chains, which is accompanied by complete intercalation of the aromatic cores. In the smectic phases this gives rise to a transition from bilayer (SmA2) to monolayer smectic (SmA) phases. For the columnar and cubic phases the segregated end‐to‐end packing leads to core–shell aggregates. In this case, elongation of the N‐terminal chains distorts core–shell formation and removes CubIand Col phases in favor of single‐layer SmA phases. Hence, by tailoring the length of the N‐terminal chain, a crossover from taper‐shaped to polycatenar LC tectons was achieved, which provides a powerful tool for control of self‐assembly in ILCs.
Direct Observation of Molecular‐Level Template Action Leading to Self‐Assembly of a Porous Framework
Authors: Bajpe Sneha R. , Kirschhock Christine E. A. , Aerts Alexander , Breynaert Eric , Absillis Gregory , Parac‐Vogt Tatjana N. , Giebeler Lars , Martens Johan A.
Published: March 2010

The molecular steps involved in the self‐assembly of Cu3(BTC)2 (BTC=1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid) metal–organic frameworks that enclose Keggin‐type H3PW12O40 heteropolyacid molecules were unraveled by using solution 17O, 31P, and 183W NMR spectroscopy, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, near‐IR spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. In aqueous solution, complexation of Cu2+ ions with Keggin‐type heteropolyacids was observed. Cu2+ ions are arranged around the Keggin structure so that linking through benzenetricarboxylate groups results in the formation of the Cu3(BTC)2 MOF structure HKUST‐1. This is a unique instance in which a templating mechanism that relies on specific molecular‐level matching and leads to explicit nanoscale building units can be observed in situ during formation of the synthetic nanoporous material.
Confinement Effect of Organic Nanotubes Toward Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) Depending on the Inner Diameter Size
Authors: Kameta Naohiro , Minamikawa Hiroyuki , Someya Yuu , Yui Hiroharu , Masuda Mitsutoshi , Shimizu Toshimi
Published: March 2010

Transportation, release behavior, and stability of a green fluorescent protein (GFP, 3×4 nm) in self‐assembled organic nanotubes with three different inner diameters (10, 20, and 80 nm) have been studied in terms of novel nanocontainers. Selective immobilization of a fluorescent acceptor dye on the inner surface enabled us to not only visualize the transportation of GFP in the nanochannels but to also detect release of the encapsulated GFP to the bulk solution in real time, based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Obtained diffusion constants and release rates of GFP markedly decreased as the inner diameter of the nanotubes was decreased. An endo‐sensing procedure also clarified the dependence of the thermal and chemical stabilities of the GFP on the inner diameters. The GFP encapsulated in the 10 nm nanochannel showed strong resistance to heat and to a denaturant. On the other hand, the 20 nm nanochannel accelerated the denaturation of the encapsulated GFP compared with the rate of denaturation of the free GFP in bulk and the encapsulated GFP in the 80 nm nanochannels. The confinement effect based on rational fitting of the inner diameter to the size of GFP allowed us to store it stably and without denaturation under high temperatures and high denaturant concentrations.
Primary Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Nonagenarians
Authors: Koutouzis Michael , Grip Lars , Matejka Göran , Albertsson Per
Published: March 2010

Background:

The optimal treatment of very elderly patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is not yet defined. The aim of this study is to present the feasibility and safety of primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in nonagenarians.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent primary PCI due to STEMI between 2004 and 2008 was performed. Patients age 90 years or older at the time of the procedure were identified and studied.

Results:

Twenty‐two patients fulfilled the study criteria (median age 92 years; range, 90–97 years; 50% women). The procedural success rate was 82%. Bare metal stent implantation was performed in 82% of the procedures, whereas only balloon angioplasty was performed on the rest of them. One patient experienced a minor bleeding complication. Procedural mortality was 9% (2 out of 22 patients), and it was due to “no flow” phenomenon in both patients. In‐hospital mortality was 27% (6/22 patients) and 30‐day mortality was 32% (7/22 patients). All 3 patients with Killip class III–IV on admission died within 30 days compared with 4 of the 19 patients with Killip class I–II (P = 0.023). Furthermore, of 11 patients with anterior infarction, 7 died within 30 days compared with none of the 11 patients with infarction of other location (P = 0.004).

Conclusions:

Although primary PCI is feasible in patients 90 years or older suffering from STEMI, the short‐term mortality rate is high especially in patients with anterior infarct location and/or severely depressed myocardial function. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MR imaging for the longevity of mesenchymal stem cells labeled with poly‐L‐lysine–Resovist complexes
Authors: Liu Gang , Yang Hua , Zhang Xiao Ming , Shao Yang , Jiang Hong
Published: March 2010

Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles are emerging as ideal probes for noninvasive cell tracking. In this study, poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) was mixed with Resovist to form the PLL–Resovist complexes and the control of the complexes formed by PLL and Resovist and their subsequent properties was easily achievable. MSCs could be safely and efficiently labeled for MR imaging using PLL–Resovist complexes (w/w 0.01:1) and the labeled MSCs could be detected to have definite decreased signal intensity on T2‐weight imaging until 20 days with standard 1.5 T MR equipment. This study describes a simple protocol to label MSCs using PLL–Resovist complexes and the results presented in our study can provide a basis for the application of PLL–Resovist complexes cell labeling. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of MRI contrast agent‐loaded polymeric nanocapsules as versatile vehicle for targeted imaging
Authors: Sharma Sonu , Paiphansiri Umaporn , Hombach Vinzenz , Mailänder Volker , Zimmermann Oliver , Landfester Katharina , Rasche Volker
Published: March 2010

Various contrast agents (Magnevist®, Gadovist® and Multihance®) loaded into polymeric nanocapsules were synthesized by the inverse miniemulsion technique. The relaxivity of the resultant contrast agents was assessed at 1.5 T magnetic field strength. The ionic relaxivity of the contrast agents could at least be maintained after their encapsulation in different polymer capsules. The chemical composition of the nanocapsules was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The distribution of the contrast agent in the nanocapsules could be identified by energy filtered transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The results indicate entrapment of the gadolinium complex into the inner shell of the polymeric nanocapsules. The payload of contrast agent per nanocapsule resulted in some 2.5 × 106 Gd3+ complexes yielding a particle‐based relaxivity of 10.75 × 106 mM−1 s−1. Maintained or even slightly increased ionic relaxivity of the different contrast agents after encapsulation in combination with high payloads and the possibility of functionalization of the capsules' surface facilitate the application of the nanocapsules as promising targeted contrast agents for MRI. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
T2 relaxation time of hyaline cartilage in presence of different gadolinium‐based contrast agents
Authors: Wiener Edzard , Settles Marcus , Diederichs Gerd
Published: March 2010

The transverse relaxation time, T2, of native cartilage is used to quantify cartilage degradation. T2 is frequently measured after contrast administration, assuming that the impact of gadolinium‐based contrast agents on cartilage T2 is negligible. To verify this assumption the depth‐dependent variation of T2 in the presence of gadopentetate dimeglumine, gadobenate dimeglumine and gadoteridol was investigated. Furthermore, the r2/r1 relaxivity ratios were quantified in different cartilage layers to demonstrate differences between T2 and T1 relaxation effects. Transverse high‐spatial‐resolution T1‐ and T2‐maps were simultaneously acquired on a 1.5 T MR scanner before and after contrast administration in nine bovine patellae using a turbo‐mixed sequence. The r2/r1 ratios were calculated for each contrast agent in cartilage. Profiles of T1, T2 and r2/r1 across cartilage thickness were generated in the absence and presence of contrast agent. The mean values in different cartilage layers were compared for global variance using the Kruskal–Wallis test and pairwise using the Mann–Whitney U‐test. T2 of unenhanced cartilage was 98 ± 5 ms at 1 mm and 65 ± 4 ms at 3 mm depth. Eleven hours after contrast administration significant differences (p < 0.001) were measurable for all three contrast agents. T2 values were 58 ± 2 and 62 ± 3 ms for gadopentetate dimeglumine, 46 ± 2 and 57 ± 2 ms for gadobenate dimeglumine, and 38 ± 2 and 42 ± 2 ms for gadoteridol at 1 and 3 mm depths, respectively. The r2/r1 relaxivity ratios across cartilage thickness were close to 1.0 (range 0.9–1.3). At 1.5 T, T2 decreased significantly in the presence of contrast agents, more pronounced in superficial than in deep cartilage. The change in T2 relaxation rate was similar to the change in T1. Cartilage T2 measurements after contrast administration will lead to systematic errors in the quantification of cartilage degradation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dinuclear Mesogens with Antiferromagnetic Properties
Authors: Szydłowska Jadwiga , Krówczyński Adam , Pociecha Damian , Szczytko Jacek , Budzowski Paweł , Twardowski Andrzej , Górecka Ewa
Published: March 2010

Herein, two new groups of isomeric bimetallic nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes containing pyrazine or pyrimidine rings are synthesized and examined. The complexes exhibit liquid‐crystalline columnar phases in a broad temperature range. For the copper(II) complexes, super‐exchange coupling between two CuII ions is observed. For the pyrimidine derivative in which the paramagnetic CuII ions are separated only by three atoms, an antiferromagnetic spin alignment is detected. When the distance between CuII ions increases to four atoms in the pyrazine derivative, the magnetic interaction becomes significantly weaker.