bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smear patterns and spectrum of premalignant and malignant cervical epithelial lesions in postmenopausal Indian women: A hospital‐based study
Authors: Ansari Maryem , Mehdi Ghazala , Arif S. H. , Ansari Hena , Khan Tamkin
Published: April 2011

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women but can be prevented through simple cost‐effective measures, such as creating awareness, and regular screening with the Pap smear, both in the premenopausal and postmenopausal age group. This study was carried out to study the cervical smear patterns and type of cervical epithelial lesions in a group of postmenopausal Indian females and the relationship with clinical profile of patients. Pap smears were taken from 320 postmenopausal Indian females and meticulously screened. Lesions were classified according to type of postmenopausal pattern. 120 smears showed varying degrees of premalignant and malignant changes, which were classified using the Bethesda system. The findings were correlated with duration of menopause, parity, and duration of sexual activity and significance was derived. Histopathological correlation was conducted in those cases where biopsies were available. It was found that as the age of the patients increased, the incidence of low‐grade and high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and carcinoma also increased with the relationship being statistically significant. The occurrence of these lesions also showed an association with increasing parity and period of sexual activity. Thus, it can be concluded that it is important to create widespread awareness about the necessity of regular screening, including the postmenopausal period. Conventional cytology or the Pap smear is a cost‐effective and efficient method for screening of patients but requires training and experience to minimize errors. It is suitable for developing regions where costlier techniques are not in routine use. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐range signaling systems controlling glial migration in the Drosophila eye
Authors: Yuva‐Aydemir Yeliz , Klämbt Christian
Published: April 2011

The Drosophila compound eye comprises about 750 individual ommatidia arranged into an almost crystalline array. The eye is not needed for viability and thus served as a favorite model organ to decipher many signaling systems controlling diverse aspects such as cell fate allocation or cell‐cycle control. Here, we review that the Drosophila eye can also serve to study the interaction between neurons and glial cells. In the Drosophila eye, all glial cells originate from the brain lobes and need to migrate onto the larval eye disc as neurogenesis is initiated during the third instar stage. Although we do have a relatively good understanding of the sequential progression of neurogenesis in the eye disc, we are still at the beginning in our dissection of the molecular pathways orchestrating the coordinated development of neurons and glial cells. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 1310‐1316, 2011
Visual circuit assembly in Drosophila
Authors: Melnattur Krishna V. , Lee Chi‐Hon
Published: April 2011

Both insect and vertebrate visual circuits are organized into orderly arrays of columnar and layered synaptic units that correspond to the array of photoreceptors in the eye. Recent genetic studies in Drosophila have yielded insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms that pattern the layers and columns and establish specific connections within the synaptic units. A sequence of inductive events and complex cellular interactions coordinates the assembly of visual circuits. Photoreceptor‐derived ligands, such as hedgehog and Jelly–Belly, induce target development and expression of specific adhesion molecules, which in turn serve as guidance cues for photoreceptor axons. Afferents are directed to specific layers by adhesive afferent–target interactions mediated by leucine‐rich repeat proteins and cadherins, which are restricted spatially and/or modulated dynamically. Afferents are restricted to their topographically appropriate columns by repulsive interactions between afferents and by autocrine activin signaling. Finally, Dscam‐mediated repulsive interactions between target neuron dendrites ensure appropriate combinations of postsynaptic elements at synapses. Essentially, all these Drosophila molecules have vertebrate homologs, some of which are known to carry out analogous functions. Thus, the studies of Drosophila visual circuit development would shed light on neural circuit assembly in general. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.* Develop Neurobiol 71: 1286‐1296, 2011
Spectophotometric methods for determination of cefdinir in pharmaceutical formulations via derivatization with 1,2‐naphthoquinone‐4‐sulfonate and 4‐chloro‐7‐nitrobenzo‐2‐oxa‐1, 3‐diazole
Authors: Gouda Ayman A. , Hashem Hisham , Hassan Wafaa
Published: April 2011

Two new simple, sensitive, accurate, and precise spectrophotometric methods have been developed and validated for the determination of cefdinir (CFD) in bulk drug and in its pharmaceutical formulations. The first method was based on the reaction of CFD with 1, 2‐ napthaquinone‐4‐ sulfonic acid sodium (NQS) in an alkaline medium (pH 11) to form an orange‐coloured product that was measured at 490 nm. The second method depends on hydrolysis of CFD using 0.5 M NaOH at 100 °C and subsequent reaction of the formed sulfide ions with 4‐chloro‐7‐nitrobenzo‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole (NBD‐Cl) to form a yellow‐coloured chromogen measured at 390 nm. Different variables affecting the reactions of CFD with both NQS and NBD‐Cl (e.g. NaOH concentration, hydrolysis time, NQS or NBD‐Cl concentration and diluting solvent) were studied and optimized. Under optimum conditions, good linear relationships with good correlation coefficients (0.9990–0.9999) were found in the range of 10–80 and 5.0–30 µg ml−1 for NQS and NBD‐Cl, respectively. The limits of assay detection and quantitation ranged from 1.097 and 0.280 and 3.656 and 0.934 µg ml−1 for NQS and NBD‐Cl, respectively. The accuracy and precision of the proposed methods were satisfactory. The proposed method is simple, rapid, precise and convenient and was successfully applied for analysis of CFD in its pharmaceutical formulations and the recovery percentages ranged from 99.25 to 100.20%. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guidelines for European workplace drug testing in oral fluid
Authors: Cooper Gail , Moore Christine , George Claire , Pichini Simona
Published: April 2011

Over the past decade, oral fluid has established itself as a robust testing matrix for monitoring drug use or misuse. Commercially available collection devices provide opportunities to collect and test oral fluid by the roadside and near‐patient testing with both clinical and criminal justice applications. One of the main advantages of oral fluid relates to the collection of the matrix which is non‐invasive, simple, and can be carried out under direct observation making it ideal for workplace drug testing.

Laboratories offering legally defensible oral fluid workplace drug testing must adhere to national and international quality standards (ISO/IEC 17025); however, these standards do not address issues specific to oral fluid testing. The European Workplace Drug Testing Society (EWDTS) recognizes the importance of providing best practice guidelines to organizations offering testing and those choosing to use oral fluid drug testing to test their employees.

The aim of this paper is to present the EWDTS guidelines for oral fluid workplace drug testing. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subjective effects in humans following administration of party pill drugs BZP and TFMPP alone and in combination
Authors: Lin Joanne C. , Jan Reem K. , Kydd Rob R. , Russell Bruce R.
Published: April 2011

The use of piperazine derivatives, colloquially named ‘party pills’, has been escalating in New Zealand and worldwide since their introduction in the 1990s. Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is often used alone, or can be combined with trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP). Taken together as an oral dose, they have been reported to produce effects similar to 3, 4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). While the pharmacokinetic data have recently been published, little research has been conducted on the subjective effects of these piperazines on humans. This paper outlines the subjective effects observed following oral doses of BZP (200 mg) and TFMPP (60 mg) alone, or in combination (100/30 mg) compared to placebo. Participants were asked to comment on the subjective effects of each drug using three subjective rating scales—the Addiction Center Research Inventory (ARCI), the Profile of Mood States (POMS), and the Visual Analog Scales (VAS)—before and approximately 120 min after a single dose. BZP showed significant dexamphetamine‐like stimulant effects, inducing euphoria, sociability, and drug liking, whereas TFMPP induced fewer stimulant‐like effects and increased anxiety, via its serotonergic effects. The combination of BZP and TFMPP induced similar subjective effects, along with well‐characterized dexamphetamine‐ and MDMA‐like effects. These subjective data allow for obvious comparisons to be made between party pill drugs and other commonly known stimulants. However, despite estimates of over 20 million doses sold in New Zealand alone and increasing seizures by the Drug Enforcement Administration in the USA, there are no published cases of dependence worldwide. The long‐term effects of regular party pill use are also unknown, and create the potential for future research. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dotofide, a Guanidine‐Interrupted Terpenoid from the Marine Slug Doto pinnatifida (Gastropoda, Nudibranchia)
Authors: Putz Annika , Kehraus Stefan , Díaz‐Agras Guillermo , Wägele Heike , König Gabriele M.
Published: April 2011

An unusual natural product (dotofide, 1), in which the terpenoid skeleton is interrupted by a guanidine moiety was obtained from the marine slug Doto pinnatifida. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was deduced by ozonolysis and subsequent CD spectroscopy. D. pinnatifida subsists on the hydrozoan Nemertesia antennina (Cnidaria), which however does not contain dotofide, suggesting that the snail is able to perform the biosynthesis of the metabolite by itself. D. pinnatifida is grouped into the chemically hardly investigated taxon Cladobranchia (Opisthobranchia, Gastropoda). All members of this taxon completely lack a shell and are thought to employ toxic secondary metabolites or alternatively cnidocysts sequestered from their cnidarian prey organism as defence strategy.
Thirty years of capillary electrophoresis in food analysis laboratories: Potential applications
Authors: Piñero Maria‐Ysabel , Bauza Roberto , Arce Lourdes
Published: April 2011

CE has generated considerable interest in the research community since instruments were introduced by different trading companies in the 1990s. Nowadays, CE is popular due to its simplicity, speed, highly efficient separations and minimal solvent and reagent consumption; it can also be included as a useful technique in the nanotechnology field and it covers a wide range of specific applications in different fields (chemical, pharmaceutical, genetic, clinical, food and environmental). CE has been very well evaluated in research laboratories for several years, and different new approaches to improve sensitivity (one of the main drawbacks of CE) and robustness have been proposed. However, this technique is still not well accepted in routine laboratories for food analysis. Researching in data bases, it is easy to find several electrophoretic methods to determine different groups of analytes and sometimes they are compared in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, precision and applicability with other separation techniques. Although these papers frequently prove the potential of this methodology in spiked samples, it is not common to find a discussion of the well‐known complexity of the matrices to extract analytes from the sample and/or to study the interferences in the target analytes. Summarizing, the majority of CE scientific papers focus primarily on the effects upon the separation of the analytes while ignoring their behavior if these analytes are presented in real samples.
An easy preparative gel electrophoretic method for targeted depletion of hemoglobin in erythrocyte cytosolic samples
Authors: D'Amici Gian Maria , Rinalducci Sara , Zolla Lello
Published: April 2011

Hemoglobin (Hb) approximately constitutes 98% of the protein composition of a red blood cell (RBC), thus masking the remaining 2% which has still to be discovered completely due to the difficulty in its analysis. Here, we proposed a large‐scale native gel electrophoresis that effectively tackles this limitation through a novel sample preparation strategy able to concentrate low‐abundance species by removing Hb by means of electrophoretic instruments. Clear native PAGE was performed in a gel electrophoresis tube where the run was intermittently interrupted and different fractions were recovered in liquid phase into a collection chamber placed at the end of the tube. In this way, fractions containing multi‐protein complexes with different molecular weights were collected in the native form by a simple elution. Red fraction containing Hb multi‐protein complexes can be excluded from subsequent analyses, or rather be analyzed separately, reducing therefore the dynamic range of erythrocyte cytosolic protein concentrations and increasing the number of protein identifications. In particular, 838 protein spots in total were detected when fractions were analyzed by 2‐D IEF‐SDS‐PAGE. This depletion method is inexpensive, simple to perform, reproducible and makes it possible to process large amounts of sample (up to 150 mg), thus making it suitable for in‐depth proteome investigations. Furthermore, this strategy has the potential to be applied both to native and denatured proteomes of different biological samples.
Analysis of genomic instability in the offspring of fathers exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation
Authors: Aghajanyan Anna , Kuzmina Nina , Sipyagyna Alla , Baleva Larisa , Suskov Igor
Published: April 2011

Transgenerational genomic instability was studied in nonirradiated children born from fathers who were irradiated with low doses of ionizing radiation while working as clean‐up workers at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (liquidators) and nonirradiated mothers from nuclear families. Aberrant cell frequencies (ACFs), chromosomal type aberration frequencies, and chromatid break frequencies (CBFs) in the lymphocytes of fathers‐liquidators, and their children were significantly higher when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Individual ACFs, aberration frequencies, and CBFs were independent of the time between irradiation of the father and conception of the child (1 month to 18 years). Chromosomes were categorized into seven groups (A through G). Analysis of aberrant chromosomes within these groups showed no differences in the average frequency of aberrant chromosomes between children and fathers‐liquidators. However, significant differences were observed in the average frequency of aberrant chromosomes in groups A, B, and C between children and mothers in the families of liquidators. These results suggest that low doses of radiation induce genomic instability in fathers. Moreover, low radiation doses might be responsible for individual peculiarities in transgenerational genomic instability in children (as a consequence of response to primary DNA damage). Thus, genomic instability may contribute to increased morbidity over the lifetime of these children. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of statisticians in international science policy
Authors: Guttorp Peter
Published: April 2011

There are precious few statisticians involved in science policy, either nationally or internationally. In this paper I will, in an unusually personal way for a scientific journal, describe some of the possibilities for policy work and the potential impact such work can have. An example is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. I will also discuss ways that organizations, individuals, and the statistical community as a whole can get involved in policy aspects of research. And policy research is unavoidably political! Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MAP channel estimation with turbo processing for orthogonal space–time block coded MISO systems
Authors: Kammoun Ines , Siala Mohamed
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we investigate fast time‐varying channel estimation for two orthogonal space–time block‐coded systems with either two or three transmit antennas and with one receive antenna. We propose an iterative expectation–maximisation‐based maximuma posteriori(MAP) semi‐blind algorithm for the estimation of the discrete propagation channels seen from the transmit antennas. This algorithm requires a convenient representation of the channel using a discrete version of the Karhunen‐Loève expansion theorem. It incorporates the coded structure of each block in a turbo‐processing fashion and uses the MAP training‐based channel estimation algorithm for its optimum initialisation. The transmit antennas are assumed to be spatially correlated for the system with two transmit antennas and spatially uncorrelated for the three‐antenna system. The validity of the proposed algorithm is highlighted by simulation results. The performance of the proposed receivers, based on MAP channel estimation, for the two systems approaches that of the perfect channel state information receiver, even for very time selective fading channels. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Essential oil components as pheromones. A review.
Authors: Müller Marianne , Buchbauer Gerhard
Published: April 2011

Studies regarding pheromes consisting of essential oil components of various plants and released by insects and arachnids (pests) were compiled for this review. For example, verbenol and verbenone were found to be an essential part of the bark beetle's aggregation pheromone, released with the intent to round up its conspecifics. Concerning plant lice, aphids use (E)‐β‐farnesene as an alarm pheromone. Furthermore, nepetalactol and nepetalactone, two essential oil components of the cat mint (Lamiaceae), occur as an aphid‐released sex pheromone, emitted to induce mating behaviour. On the other hand, some bees imitate a linalool‐containing orchid odour as their sex pheromone and thus attract their mating partners. The sand fly, responsible for the American visceral leishmaniasis, uses derivatives of either α‐himachalene, germacrene D or cembrene as a sex pheromone. Studies about termites reveal a large amount of different presumable pheromone compounds that also appear as essential oil components, e.g. neocembrene as a part of the trail pheromone, (E,E)‐α‐farnesene as an alarm pheromone and other terpenes, such as for example γ‐cadinene as primer pheromone, enforcing the effect of the juvenile hormone and therefore determining about caste development. Concerning the pest insects, management strategies, conducted with pheromone traps, are presented or compared. Regarding arachnids, studies about spider pheromones are rare, whereas more information is available about mites, which release neral and geranial as an alarm pheromone. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of aroma compounds in the peel extract of Jabara (Citrus jabara Hort. ex Tanaka)
Authors: Omori Hiroko , Nakahara Kazuaki , Umano Katsumi
Published: April 2011

Volatile compounds in the peel extract of Jabara (Citrus jabara Hort. ex Tanaka), a Japanese sour citrus, have been investigated using GC‐FID, GC‐MS and GC‐olfactometry. The peel extract was obtained by solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation after solvent extraction. The GC‐FID and GC‐MS analyses led to the identification of 49 compounds, including myrcene (46.8%), limonene (28.2%) and γ‐terpinene (15.5%) as major constituents. Interestingly, the level of myrcene was much higher than that of limonene known as the main volatile constituent in citrus peel. This specific composition indicated that Jabara was a rare species among citrus fruits. Application of aroma extract dilution analysis revealed 22 odour‐active compounds with the flavour dilution (FD) factor ranged from 8 to 16 384, and 19 of these compounds were identified. Myrcene, which showed the highest FD factor of 16 384, was regarded as the most character impact odorant in the Jabara peel extract. It should be noted that (3E,5Z)‐1,3,5‐undecatriene (FD = 512), (3E,5Z,8Z)‐1,3,5,8‐undecatetraene (FD = 256), 1,3,5,7‐undecatetraene (unknown stereochemistry, FD = 256) and (6Z,8E)‐6,8,10‐undecatrien‐3‐one (FD = 16) were detected as potent odorants with green and fruity aroma, despite their trace levels in the extract. In addition to these, 7‐methyl‐1,6‐octadien‐3‐one, having a metallic and mushroom‐like odour, was identified as a further key contributor to the aroma of Jabara peel extract. This novel odorant has been reported for the first time as a volatile constituent in a natural product. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tolerability of extended‐release quetiapine fumarate compared with immediate‐release quetiapine fumarate in older patients with Alzheimer's disease with symptoms of psychosis and/or agitation: a randomised, double‐blind, parallel‐group study
Authors: De Deyn Peter Paul , Eriksson Hans , Svensson Hanna ,   on behalf of the Study 115 investigators
Published: April 2011

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the safety and tolerability of extended‐release quetiapine fumarate (quetiapine XR) compared with quetiapine immediate‐release (quetiapine IR) in older patients with Alzheimer's disease with symptoms of psychosis and/or agitation.

Methods

This was a 6‐week, double‐blind, double‐dummy, randomised study. Of the 109 patients screened, 100 were randomised to receive quetiapine XR (n = 68) or quetiapine IR (n = 32), at doses of 50 and 25 mg/day, respectively. Treatment was escalated to 100 mg/day by Day 4. At Day 8, a flexible‐dose (50‐300 mg/day) period began when dose adjustment was made at the investigator's discretion. The primary variable was incidence and type of adverse events (AEs). Secondary variables included efficacy and other safety assessments.

Results

Mean daily doses were 143.6 and 142.0 mg in the quetiapine XR and quetiapine IR groups, respectively. Ninety patients completed the study; only one withdrew (in the quetiapine XR group) because of an AE. Laboratory evaluations identified severe neutropaenia (one patient), mild neutropaenia (three patients) and eosinophilia (five patients); however, these were not reported, as AEs and confounding factors, such as patient age, concomitant illness and medication, made it difficult to determine any relationship to quetiapine treatment. Numerical improvements from baseline were seen across both treatment groups in Neuropsychiatric Inventory frequency × severity total, Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Nursing Home version, Cohen–Mansfield Agitation Inventory, Clinical Global Impression‐Severity of Illness and Clinical Global Impression‐Improvement scores.

Conclusion

Quetiapine XR dosed up to 300 mg/day was generally well tolerated, with a similar profile to that of quetiapine IR. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults: a population‐based study
Authors: Yu Jing , Li Juan , Cuijpers Pim , Wu Shengtao , Wu Zhenyun
Published: April 2011

Objective

In China, the rapid socioeconomic transition and the consequential traditional culture change had significant influences on Chinese older‐adult depression. In the present study, the prevalence, the potential risk, and the protective factors of depression in the Chinese older population were investigated.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted with a nationwide representative Chinese sample of 4945 older adults; the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) was used as the measurement tool for depressive symptoms. Demographic and other self‐reported related factors were taken into consideration.

Results

The prevalence of self‐reported depressive symptoms (CES‐D ≥ 16) in the total study population was 39.86% (pre‐old: 39.95%, young‐old: 39.84%, old‐old: 39.65%, oldest‐old: 45.19%); CES‐D score was significantly higher in the oldest‐old group than in the three younger groups. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis indicated that age itself was not an effective predictor for depressive symptoms, whereas family support and health status explained most of the variation.

Conclusions

The present study found a higher prevalence of depression in the Chinese older population compared with those reported two decades ago. Family support and health status were the most significant protective factors for depression in Chinese older adults. Traditional Chinese culture, which values family significantly and contributed to the previously reported lower prevalence rate, changed dramatically, which may explain the current higher prevalence. In addition to the deterioration of family support, the worsening of health status is another significant factor. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discharge diagnosis and comorbidity profile in hospitalized older patients with dementia
Authors: Zuliani Giovanni , Galvani Matteo , Sioulis Fotini , Bonetti Francesco , Prandini Stefano , Boari Benedetta , Guerzoni Franco , Gallerani Massimo
Published: April 2011

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the principal discharge diagnosis and related comorbidity in hospitalized older patients affected by dementia.

Methods

Data from 51,838 consecutive computerized discharge records of the St. Anna University Hospital (Ferrara, Italy) were analyzed. Records included only subjects aged ≥60 years. Number of admissions, length of stay in hospital, primary and secondary discharge diagnosis (by ICD‐9‐CM code), number of procedures, and possible death were evaluated.

Results

Demented patients represented 8.6% of the sample (4466 individuals) and were older and more likely to be female patients compared with controls (47,372 individuals); they were characterized by higher number of admissions to hospital, instrumental clinical investigations, secondary diagnoses, and mortality rate. Among the primary diagnoses, a higher prevalence of cerebrovascular disease, pneumonia, and hip fracture was observed in demented patients. Furthermore, pulmonary embolism, renal failure, septicemia, and urinary infections were frequently reported in demented patients, but not in controls. As regards secondary diagnoses, dementia was associated with an increased risk of delirium, muscular atrophy and immobilization, dehydration, cystitis, and pressure ulcers, whereas the risk for other conditions, including cancer, was reduced.

Conclusions

Among older patients, dementia was associated with higher rate of admissions to hospital and mortality. Discharge diagnoses were sensibly different according to the presence of dementia; in particular, a greater load and a different kind of comorbidity were observed in demented patients. On the whole, our data suggest that the adequate management of demented outpatients might help to reduce hospitalization. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of saliva 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol levels and a later depressive state in older subjects living in a rural community: 3‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Watanabe Itaru , Li Guang‐Ying , Imamura Yoshiomi , Nabeta Hiromi , Kunitake Yutaka , Ishii Hironobu , Haraguchi Masanori , Kojima Naoki , Yamada Shigeto
Published: April 2011

Objective

The aim of the study was to examine the association of saliva levels of 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol (sMHPG) with a later depressive state in older people living in a rural community.

Methods

Baseline sMHPG levels were measured in 214 older subjects followed by completion of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) from 2004 to 2006 (time A). The same cohort underwent BDI again from 2007 to 2009 (time B).

Results

One hundred forty‐four subjects (44 men, 100 women) were reassessed by the BDI. Baseline sMHPG levels in men with a BDI score of ≤9 at time A and a BDI score of ≥10 at time B were significantly higher than those in men with a BDI score of ≤9 at times A and B. In men, there was a significant correlation between baseline sMHPG levels and BDI score at time B (r = 0.40, p = 0.007) but not at time A (r = 0.29, p = 0.06). This association was not significant in women.

Conclusion

These data indicate that high sMHPG levels at time A could be associated with a later depressive state in older men living in a community. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatic organic anion transporting polypeptide transporter and thyroid hormone receptor interplay determines cholesterol and glucose homeostasis
Authors: Schwabedissen Henriette E. Meyer zu , Ware Joseph A. , Finkelstein David , Chaudhry Amarjit S. , Mansell Sara , Leon-Ponte Matilde , Strom Stephen C. , Zaher Hani , Schwarz Ute I. , Freeman David J. , Schuetz Erin G. , Tirona Rommel G. , Kim Richard B.
Published: April 2011

The role of organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs), particularly the members of OATP1B subfamily, in hepatocellular handling of endogenous and exogenous compounds is an important and emerging area of research. Using a mouse model lacking

Slco1b2
, the murine ortholog of the OATP1B subfamily, we have demonstrated previously that genetic ablation causes reduced hepatic clearance capacity for substrates. In this study, we focused on the physiological function of the hepatic OATP1B transporters. First, we studied the influence of the Oatp1b2 deletion on bile acid (BA) metabolism, showing that lack of the transporter results in a significantly reduced expression of Cyp7a1, the key enzyme of BA synthesis, resulting in elevated cholesterol levels after high dietary fat challenge. Furthermore,

Slco1b2

−/− mice exhibited delayed clearance after oral glucose challenge resulting from reduced hepatic glucose uptake. In addition to increased hepatic glycogen content,

Slco1b2

−/− mice exhibited reduced glucose output after pyruvate challenge. This is in accordance with reduced hepatic expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in knockout mice. We show that this phenotype is due to the loss of liver-specific Oatp1b2-mediated hepatocellular thyroid hormone entry, which then leads to reduced transcriptional activation of target genes of hepatic thyroid hormone receptor (TR), including Cyp7a1 and Pepck but also Dio1 and Glut2. Importantly, we assessed human relevance using a cohort of archived human livers in which OATP1B1 expression was noted to be highly associated with TR target genes, especially for glucose facilitating transporter 2 (GLUT2). Furthermore, GLUT2 expression was significantly decreased in livers harboring a common genetic polymorphism in

SLCO1B1
.
Conclusion:

Our findings reveal that OATP1B-mediated hepatic thyroid hormone entry is a key determinant of cholesterol and glucose homeostasis. (Hepatology 2011;)
Student award winner in the undergraduate's degree category for the society for biomaterials 35th annual meeting, Orlando, Florida, April 13–16, 2011
Authors: Marquardt Laura , Willits Rebecca Kuntz
Published: April 2011

Within a 3D environment, the chemical and mechanical properties of a scaffold can significantly influence nerve behavior. How these properties influence with nerve cells is important for optimizing neurite extension within a scaffold. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of low concentration poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with added laminin on 3D growth of dissociated dorsal root ganglia. Because of its high affinity for neurite adhesion and ability to promote extension, laminin was conjugated to the PEG chain, as well as mixed in the gel, at various concentrations to provide chemical cues. Gel stiffness, as determined by G*, significantly decreased with decreasing PEG concentration and with increasing laminin conjugate. Extension within the gels increased as the concentration of laminin increased with no difference between how laminin was presented (mixed or conjugated) to the cells. For example, in 3% PEG, extension increased from 92.29 ± 5.27 μm to 146.35 ± 13.12 μm as laminin conjugate concentration increased from plain to 100 μg/ml. Results indicated that the chemical properties of the scaffold influenced neurite growth more than the mechanical properties as laminin concentration had a greater impact on growth than the stiffness of the gel over the range studied. Neurite length as a function of scaffold stiffness and adhesion properties was also characterized and demonstrated a positive linear relationship between rate of neurite extension and laminin concentration. This study further demonstrates the importance of characterizing interactions between cell behavior and the chemical and mechanical environment. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Poly(DL‐lactic acid) film surface modification with heparin for improving hemocompatibility of blood‐contacting bioresorbable devices
Authors: Sharkawi Tahmer , Darcos Vincent , Vert Michel
Published: April 2011

This work describes a simple method to immobilize heparin by covalent bonding to the surface of poly(lactic acid) film with the aim of showing improved hemocompatibility. Carboxyl groups present in heparin molecules were activated by reaction with N‐hydroxy‐succinimide and allowed to react with free amino groups created at the surface of poly(DL‐lactic acid) films by controlled aminolysis. Contact angle measurements and XPS analysis confirmed the binding. Quantification was determined by radioactivity using heparin labeled with tritium. The surface exhibited anti factor Xa activity, thus confirming the presence of bounded heparin that kept some biological activity. Finally platelets adhesion showed less platelet adhesion on heparin modified films as well as preserved morphology. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Synthesis, characterizations and biocompatibility of alternating block polyurethanes based on P3/4HB and PPG‐PEG‐PPG
Authors: Li Guangyao , Li Ping , Qiu Handi , Li Dandan , Su Min , Xu Kaitian
Published: April 2011

Block copolymers with exactly controlled structures, that is, alternating block polyurethanes based on poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutrate) (P3/4HB‐diol) and poly (propylene glycol)‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(propylene glycol) (PPG‐PEG‐PPG) were synthesized by solution polymerization via specifically selective coupling reaction between terminal hydroxyl P3/4HB segment and isocyanate group end‐capped PPG‐PEG‐PPG segment, using 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as end‐capped agent. The chemical structure, molecular weight and distribution were systematically characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (1H NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The thermal property was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis. The hydrophilicity was studied by static contact angle of H2O and CH2I2. DSC revealed that the PU3/4HB‐alt‐PPG‐PEG‐PPG exhibited a distinct change from amorphous to 30% crystallinity degree, Tg from –25 to –50°C, Tm from 110 to 145°C. The polyurethanes were more hydrophilic (water contact angle centers around 80°) than the raw PHA materials. The platelet adhesion assay showed that the obtained polyurethanes had a lower platelet adhesion than the raw materials and the amount of platelet adhesion could be controlled by varying the segmental length of P3/4HB‐diol. This could be explained by the inclusion of PPG‐PEG‐PPG between the P3/4HB segments, improving the hemocompatibility of P3/4HB. The cell culture assay revealed that the obtained polyurethanes were cell inert and unfavorable for the attachment of mouse fibroblast cell line L929 and rabbit blood vessel smooth muscle cells (RaSMCs). This suggests that these polyurethanes would be promising candidates as hemocompatibility and tissue‐inert materials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Deciphering morphological variation in the braincase of caecilian amphibians (gymnophiona)
Authors: Maddin Hillary C.
Published: April 2011

High levels of morphological homoplasy have hindered progress in understanding morphological evolution within gymnophione lissamphibians. Stemming from the hypothesis that the braincase has the potential to yield phylogenetic information, the braincases of 27 species (23 genera) of gymnophione amphibians were examined using high‐resolution micro‐computed tomography and histologically prepared specimens. Morphology of the brain and its relationship to features of the braincase is described, and it is shown that eight different patterns exist in the distribution of foramina in the antotic region. The distribution of variants is congruent with molecule‐based phylogeny. Additionally, all variants are shown to correspond directly to stages along developmental continua, suggesting that the evolutionary truncation of development in the antotic region at various stages has driven the evolution of morphology in this region. Attempts to correlate the observed morphology with proxies of putative heterochronic events (including those attributable to burrowing, life history, and size) fail to explain the distribution of morphology if each proxy is considered separately. Thus, it is concluded that either currently unrecognized causes of heterochrony or combinations thereof have influenced morphology in different lineages independently. These data identify clades whose morphology can now be reconsidered in light of previously unrecognized heterochronic events, thereby providing a foundation for future analyses of the evolution of morphology within Gymnophiona as a whole. Most significantly, these data confirm, for the first time in a lissamphibian group, that the braincase can preserve important phylogenetic information that is otherwise obscured in regions of the skull that experience strong influences from functional constraints. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphology of the gas bladder in bumblebee catfishes (Siluriformes, Pseudopimelodidae)
Authors: Birindelli José L. O. , Shibatta Oscar A.
Published: April 2011

The gross morphology of the gas bladder is described and compared for representatives of all valid genera of Pseudopimelodidae (Siluriformes). Cephalosilurus albomarginatus and species of Batrochoglanis, and Microglanis have the most basic form: a large, cordiform gas bladder with a simple internal T‐shaped septum. Cephalosilurus apurensis, C. fowleri, and C. nigricauda also have a large, cordiform gas bladder, but they have well‐developed trabeculae associated with the internal T‐shaped septum, and a pair of well‐developed constrictor muscles inserted on the external wall; the latter feature is present in most species of Pimelodidae, but absent in all other catfishes. The monotypic Lophiosilurus alexandri also has well‐developed constrictor muscles, and its gas bladder is moderately sized. The species of Pseudopimelodus and Cruciglanis have a diminutive gas bladder partially divided into two lateral sacs without internal communication, and lack constrictor muscles. The parapophysis of the fourth vertebra is a wide and long shelf connected to the dorsal surface of the gas bladder in most pseudopimelodid genera. However, in the species of Pseudopimelodus and Cruciglanis the parapophysis of the fourth vertebra is shorter and has its anterior ramus folded back, partially covering the gas bladder anteroventrally; and the tympanic opening is smaller than in species of the other genera. Five phylogenetic characters are proposed based on the morphology of the gas bladder and associated structures in species of Pseudopimelodidae, and the evolution of those characters in the family is discussed. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A‐model as a way of squirrel cage induction motor modelling used in pumps drive systems
Authors: Koziorowska Anna , Bartman Jacek
Published: April 2011

This paper presents application of differential equations in modelling and simulation tests of water supply network pumps drive system together with powered water supply pipelines. The description is preceded with an analysis of practically applicable mathematical models representing drive systems with induction motors and PWM converter. Models of electric devices and their elements, from the viewpoint of the methods used to describe the phenomena occurring in them, can be divided into three basic groups: circuit models, semi‐field models, and field models. Each of these groups has its own purpose depending on the complexity of the modelled electric system, the types of devices, and the required accuracy in the reconstruction of processes actually occurring in the system. In the case under consideration, sufficient accuracy is ensured by circuit models. Mathematical models of PWM converter, squirrel‐cage induction motor, and pump together with a pipeline allow to carry out computer simulations of the whole drive system consisting of the above‐listed elements. Simulations of the system of such complexity definitely pose a more difficult problem than simulation of each of the elements performed separately. In the following, mathematical models of individual elements and selected simulation tests of the system are presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deviation from van't Hoff dependence in RP‐LC induced by tautomeric interconversion observed for four compounds
Authors: Galaon Toma , David Victor
Published: April 2011

The most encountered situations in reversed‐phase liquid chromatography for temperature dependence of retention are those obeying the linear equation known as the van't Hoff plot. When studying compounds that are involved in structural modifications, it is likely that the temperature dependences of their retention factors do not follow this rule. It is the aim of this paper to report some particular cases when compounds involved in tautomeric interconversion have a different retention behavior with temperature: a deviation from the linearity of ln k on 1/T, or, in certain temperature ranges, temperature increase leading to a retention increase. Examples of compounds exhibiting deviation from the van't Hoff temperature dependence are piroxicam, drotaverine, vincamine, and epivincamine. A simple thermodynamic model relying on tautomeric equilibria in mobile phase is proposed for these compounds, which gives a polynomial dependence between ln k and 1/T.
Determination of trace biogenic amines with 1,3,5,7‐tetramethyl‐8‐(N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl butyric ester)‐difluoroboradiaza‐s‐indacene derivatization using high‐performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection
Authors: Gao Pan‐Feng , Guo Xiao‐Feng , Wang Hong , Zhang Hua‐Shan
Published: April 2011

A reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatographic method based on chemical derivatization with fluorescence detection has been developed for analyzing biogenic amines in food and environmental samples. A BODIPY‐based fluorescent reagent, 1,3,5,7‐tetramethyl‐8‐(N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl butyric ester)‐difluoroboradiaza‐s‐indacene (TMBB‐Su), was employed for the derivatization of these biogenic amines at 20°C for 20 min in pH 7.20 borate buffer after careful investigation of the derivatization conditions including reagent concentration, buffer solution, reaction temperature and reaction time. Separation of biogenic amines with gradient elution was conducted on a C8 column with methanol–tetrahydrofuran–water as mobile phase. The detection limits were obtained in the range from 0.1 to 0.2 nM (signal‐to‐noise=3). This procedure has been validated using practical samples. The study results demonstrated a potential of employing high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with 1,3,5,7‐tetramethyl‐8‐(N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl butyric ester)‐difluoroboradiaza‐s‐indacene labeling as a tool for quantitative analysis of biogenic amines involved in various matrices.
Kinetics of copper(II)‐catalyzed oxidation of S(IV) by atmospheric oxygen in ammonia buffered solutions
Authors: Sharma Anil Kumar , Singh Abhilasha , Mehta R. K. , Sharma Sudhanshu , Bansal S. P. , Gupta K. S.
Published: April 2011

To understand the chemistry of Cu(II)–NH3–S(IV)–O2 system, the kinetics of the oxidation of sulfur(IV) catalyzed by amminecopper(II) complexes has been studied in the ammonia‐buffered solutions. Sulfur(IV) is oxidized to sulfate. The complexes, Cu(NH3)2+, Cu(NH3)22+, and Cu(NH3)2+3 appear to be equally reactive and Cu(NH3)42+ appears to be unreactive. The kinetics obey the rate law:

equation image

where α1 and γ1 are the rate constants for O2‐dependent and O2‐independent pathways, respectively, for Cu(NH3)2+, Cu(NH3)2+2, and Cu(N H3)32+ complexes, which appear to be equally reactive. The values of α1 and γ1 were found to be (1.32 ± 0.21) × 106 L2 mol−2 s−1 (1.74 ± 0.40) × 109 L3 mol−3 s−1respectively at 30°C. The reaction rate is not influenced by the presence of ethanol—a free radical scavenger, so a nonradical mechanism has been proposed. The results of this study are useful in understanding the atmospheric chemistry of aqueous phase autoxidation of dissolved sulfur dioxide in copper(II)–ammonia–sulfur(IV)–oxygen system at high pH. © 2011 Wiley Peiodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 379–392, 2011
Uncertainty of Arrhenius parameters
Authors: Nagy Tibor , Turányi Tamás
Published: April 2011

Chemical kinetics databases for many elementary gas‐phase reactions provide the recommended values of the Arrhenius parameters, the temperature range of their validity, and the temperature dependence of the uncertainty of the rate coefficient k. An analytical expression is derived that describes the temperature dependence of the uncertainty of k as a function of the elements of the covariance matrix of the Arrhenius parameters. Based on this analytical expression, the various descriptions of the temperature dependence of the uncertainty of k used in the combustion, and in the IUPAC and JPL atmospheric chemical databases are analyzed in detail. Recommendations are given for an improved representation of the uncertainty information in future chemical kinetics databases using the covariance matrix of the Arrhenius parameters. Utilization of the joint uncertainty of the Arrhenius parameters is needed for a correct uncertainty analysis in varying temperature chemical kinetic systems. A method is suggested for the determination of the covariance matrix and the joint probability density function of the Arrhenius parameters from the present uncertainty information given in the kinetics databases. The method is demonstrated on seven gas kinetic reactions exhibiting different types of uncertainty representation. © 2011 Wiley Peiodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 359–378, 2011
Synthesis of hydroxyethylhydrazine by the Raschig process and comparison with synthesis by the alkylation process
Authors: Goutelle V. , Pasquet V. , Hajj A. El , Bougrine A. J. , Delalu H.
Published: April 2011

The Raschig synthesis of hydroxyethylhydrazine (HEH) is studied, that is, the reaction of monochloramine on ethanolamine. The formation of HEH is monitored by UV spectrometry, and the influence of temperature and pH is studied. The primary reaction is an SN2‐type mechanism, whereas the main secondary reaction is the oxidation of HEH by monochloramine. This reaction is also monitored by UV spectrometry, and the oxidation product is identified by GC–MS analysis, showing the formation of hydroxyethylhydrazone. The reaction mechanisms and the rate constants were determined, and the results permit establishing the main reactions occurring during HEH synthesis. These reactions were validated in a concentrated medium, with the systematic study of the influence of the molar ratio p ([HEH]0/[NH2Cl]0) and the final sodium hydroxide concentration and temperature. A comparison is made with the other synthesis process already published, that is, the alkylation of hydrazine by either chloroethanol or epoxide. © 2011 Wiley Peiodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 331–344, 2011