bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Bicarbonate Kinetics and Acid-base Status in High Flux Hemodialysis and On-Line Post-Dilution Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Morel Hélène , Jaffrin Michel Y. , Lux Clément , Renou Marianne , Fessier Claire , Petit Abir , Morinière Philippe , Legallais Cécile
Published: April 2012

Objectives:

To compare bicarbonate kinetics and acid base status in HD and HDF for the same patient; and to investigate the effect of patient physiologic parameters on these kinetics.

Methods:

In order to monitor HCO3- kinetics during dialysis, acid-base parameters, pH, blood gases partial pressures, and HCO3- concentrations were recorded during 3 regular dialysis (HD) and 3 on-line post-dilution HDF sessions performed on 12 patients, using same dialysis fluid with a 38 mmol/l HCO3-concentration. HCO3- mass transfers through the hemodialyzers membranes and into the patients were continuously calculated during the sessions from HCO3- concentrations, together with HCO3-dialysance. The “apparent” HCO3-gain was calculated by integrating over time the instantaneous mass transfer from dialyzer and re-infusion fluid to the patient. A second method consisted in calculating the patient apparent bicarbonate space (ABS) and HCO3- mass (ABS times plasma concentration) at beginning and end of session.

Results:

No significant differences were observed between acid base parameters at the end of HD and HDF sessions. In contrast to urea clearances, HCO3- dialysances decayed with time during sessions from 110 to 140 ml/min to about 40 ml/min after one hour. The net HCO3- gain was taken as the difference between final and initial HCO3-masses. This net gain was in average 63% of apparent gain in HD and 74% in HDF.

Conclusions:

Uremic acidosis was well corrected without risk of alkalosis. An unexpected result was the continuous decay of bicarbonate dialysance both in HD and HDF during runs.
Extracorporeal Life Support: First Year of Experience Implementing the Technique in Slovenia
Authors: Golicnik Alenka , Knezevic Ivan , Racic Marija , Noc Marko , Gorjup Vojka
Published: April 2012

Extracorporeal life support (ELS) is emerging as a standard treatment option for acute respiratory and/or cardiac failure. In this article we describe our first year of experience with ELS activity in adult medical patients in our center.

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) support was applied in cases of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) not responsive to conventional treatments. The use of veno-arterial (VA) ECMO support was reserved for cases of cardiac shock refractory to standard treatment and cardiac arrests not responding to conventional resuscitation.

A total of 19 patients were treated with ELS during the first year of activity. Eight of these received VV ECMO for ARDS of various etiologies, with a survival rate of 63%. Eleven patients received VA ECMO support due to cardiac failure (2 post-resuscitation). Survival in this group was 45%.

We report our results, including complications and organizational issues that we encountered, and describe protocol improvements developed over the short period of time since ELS treatment has been implemented in our center.
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition: A New Insight into the Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Barrière Guislaine , Tartary Michel , Rigaud Michel
Published: April 2012

Many research groups reported on the relation between circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood and worse prognosis for metastatic cancer patients. These results are based on CTCs counting and did not take into account molecular characteristics of cells. To establish CTCs as a reliable and accurate biological marker, new technologies must be focused on CTC subpopulations: dedifferentiated circulating tumor cells (ddCTCs) arising from epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). To select and detect them, different methods have been proposed but none has still reached the goal. Technical progress and translational research are expected to establish CTCs as a real marker. Thus CTC evaluation profiling for each patient will lead to personalize followup and therapy.
Regularity Criterion for the 3D Nematic Liquid Crystal Flows
Authors: Fan Jishan , Ozawa Tohru
Published: April 2012

We study the hydrodynamic theory of liquid crystals. We prove a logarithmically improved regularity criterion for two simplified Ericksen-Leslie systems.
Social marketing to plan a fall prevention program for latino construction workers
Authors: Menzel Nancy N. , Shrestha Pramen P.
Published: April 2012

Background

Latino construction workers experience disparities in occupational death and injury rates. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration funded a fall prevention training program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in response to sharp increases in fall‐related accidents from 2005 to 2007. The grant's purpose was to improve fall protection for construction workers, with a focus on Latinos. This study assessed the effectiveness of social marketing for increasing fall prevention behaviors.

Methods

A multi‐disciplinary team used a social marketing approach to plan the program. We conducted same day class evaluations and follow‐up interviews 8 weeks later.

Results

The classes met trainee needs as evidenced by class evaluations and increased safety behaviors. However, Spanish‐speaking Latinos did not attend in the same proportion as their representation in the Las Vegas population.

Conclusions

A social marketing approach to planning was helpful to customize the training to Latino worker needs. However, due to the limitations of behavior change strategies, future programs should target employers and their obligation to provide safer workplaces. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:729–735, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence and work‐relatedness of carpal tunnel syndrome in the working population, United States, 2010 national health interview survey
Authors: Luckhaupt Sara E. , Dahlhamer James M. , Ward Brian W. , Sweeney Marie H. , Sestito John P. , Calvert Geoffrey M.
Published: April 2012

Background

Patterns of prevalence and work‐relatedness of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among workers offer clues about risk factors and targets for prevention.

Methods

Data from an occupational health supplement to the 2010 National Health Interview Survey were used to estimate the prevalence of self‐reported clinician‐diagnosed CTS overall and by demographic characteristics. The proportion of these cases self‐reported to have been attributed to work by clinicians was also examined overall and by demographic characteristics. In addition, the distribution of industry and occupation (I&O) categories to which work‐related cases of CTS were attributed was compared to the distribution of I&O categories of employment among current/recent workers.

Results

Data were available for 27,157 adults, including 17,524 current/recent workers. The overall lifetime prevalence of clinician‐diagnosed CTS among current/recent workers was 6.7%. The 12‐month prevalence was 3.1%, representing approximately 4.8 million workers with current CTS; 67.1% of these cases were attributed to work by clinicians, with overrepresentation of certain I&O categories.

Conclusions

CTS affected almost 5 million U.S. workers in 2010, with prevalence varying by demographic characteristics and I&O. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:615–624, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Greenhouse gas emissions from the brazilian antarctic station “comandante ferraz”
Authors: Leripio Alexandre de Avila , Torres João Paulo Machado , Viana Mariana de Sá , Echelmeier Gustavo Rohden
Published: April 2012

Background

Climate change is a natural phenomenon that has been intensified due to increased emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). It has become an indispensable issue in international negotiations related to global sustainability and is deeply related to the overall status of environmental health in our planet.

Methods

We compiled an inventory of GHG emissions that resulted from human activities at the Brazilian Antarctic Scientific Station “Comandante Ferraz” (EACF) and collected emissions data relating to these activities from January to March 2011. The present work aims to identify the sources of GHG emissions, their characteristics, and composition, using as methodology and framework basis the international ISO 14,064:07 and the GHG Protocol.

Results

We addressed emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O arising from the use of vehicles, diesel–electric generators, boilers, and wastewater treatment for the sewage treatment plant. We identified that the main GHG emissions derived from the activities of power generation using diesel and boilers (more than 80% of the emissions), adding more than 772 t of CO2 equivalents.

Conclusions

We identified that the diesel generators and boilers are the most important sources of emission by Expedition XXIX (2010–2011). In that CO2 is principally emitted in relation to electrical energy generation from diesel generators, we emphasize the need for fuel burning reduction through energy consumption reduction. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:1166–1171, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self‐Assembled Aptamer‐Based Drug Carriers for Bispecific Cytotoxicity to Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhu Guizhi , Meng Ling , Ye Mao , Yang Liu , Sefah Kwame , O'Donoghue Meghan B. , Chen Yan , Xiong Xiangling , Huang Jin , Song Erqun , Tan Weihong
Published: April 2012

Monovalent aptamers can deliver drugs to target cells by specific recognition. However, different cancer subtypes are distinguished by heterogeneous biomarkers and one single aptamer is unable to recognize all clinical samples from different patients with even the same type of cancers. To address heterogeneity among cancer subtypes for targeted drug delivery, as a model, we developed a drug carrier with a broader recognition range of cancer subtypes. This carrier, sgc8c‐sgd5a (SD), was self‐assembled from two modified monovalent aptamers. It showed bispecific recognition abilities to target cells in cell mixtures; thus broadening the recognition capabilities of its parent aptamers. The self‐assembly of SD simultaneously formed multiple drug loading sites for the anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox). The Dox‐loaded SD (SD–Dox) also showed bispecific abilities for target cell binding and drug delivery. Most importantly, SD–Dox induced bispecific cytotoxicity in target cells in cell mixtures. Therefore, by broadening the otherwise limited recognition capabilities of monovalent aptamers, bispecific aptamer‐based drug carriers would facilitate aptamer applications for clinically heterogeneous cancer subtypes that respond to the same cancer therapy.
Unsymmetric Platinum(II) Bis(aryleneethynylene) Complexes as Photosensitizers for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Dai Feng‐Rong , Chen Yung‐Chung , Lai Lai‐Fan , Wu Wen‐Jun , Cui Chao‐Hua , Tan Gui‐Ping , Wang Xing‐Zhu , Lin Jiann‐T'suen , Tian He , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: April 2012

Four new unsymmetric platinum(II) bis(aryleneethynylene) derivatives have been designed and synthesized, which showed good light‐harvesting capabilities for application as photosensitizers in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The absorption, electrochemical, time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT), impedance spectroscopic, and photovoltaic properties of these platinum(II)‐based sensitizers have been fully characterized. The optical and TD‐DFT studies show that the incorporation of a strongly electron‐donating group significantly enhances the absorption abilities of the complexes. The maximum absorption wavelength of these four organometallic dyes can be tuned by various structural modifications of the triphenylamine and/or thiophene electron donor, improving the light absorption range up to 650 nm. The photovoltaic performance of these dyes as photosensitizers in mesoporous TiO2 solar cells was investigated, and a power conversion efficiency as high as 1.57 % was achieved, with an open‐circuit voltage of 0.59 V, short‐circuit current density of 3.63 mA cm−2, and fill factor of 0.73 under simulated AM 1.5G solar illumination.
Amide‐Directed Tandem CC/CN Bond Formation through CH Activation
Authors: Zhu Chen , Wang Rui , Falck John R.
Published: April 2012

The transformation of CH bonds into other chemical bonds is of great significance in synthetic chemistry. CH bond‐activation processes provide a straightforward and atom‐economic strategy for the construction of complex structures; as such, they have attracted widespread interest over the past decade. As a prevalent directing group in the field of CH activation, the amide group not only offers excellent regiodirecting ability, but is also a potential CN bond precursor. As a consequence, a variety of nitrogen‐containing heterocycles have been obtained by using these reactions. This Focus Review addresses the recent research into the amide‐directed tandem CC/CN bond‐formation process through CH activation. The large body of research in this field over the past three years has established it as one of the most‐important topics in organic chemistry.
Application of a probabilistic neural network in radial‐velocity curve analysis of the spectroscopic binary stars HD 152218, HD 143511, HD 27149, and ER Vul
Authors: Pirkhedri A. , Ghaderi K. , Javadi H.H.S. , Karimizadeh K.
Published: April 2012

We use an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to derive the orbital parameters of spectroscopic binary stars. Using measured radial velocity data of four double‐lined spectroscopic binary systems HD 152218, HD 143511, HD 27149, and ER Vul, we find corresponding orbital and spectroscopic elements. Our numerical results are in good agreement with those obtained by others using more traditional methods (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Transport of angular momentum and chemical species by anisotropic mixing in stellar radiative interiors
Authors: Kitchatinov L.L. , Brandenburg A.
Published: April 2012

Small levels of turbulence can be present in stellar radiative interiors due to, e.g., the instability of rotational shear. In this paper we estimate turbulent transport coefficients for stably stratified rotating stellar radiation zones. Stable stratification induces strong anisotropy with a very small ratio of radial‐to‐horizontal turbulence intensities. Angular momentum is transported mainly due to the correlation between azimuthal and radial turbulent motions induced by the Coriolis force. This non‐diffusive transport known as the Λ‐effect has outward direction in radius and is much more efficient compared to the effect of radial eddy viscosity. Chemical species are transported by small radial diffusion only. This result is confirmed using direct numerical simulations combined with the test‐scalar method. As a consequence of the non‐diffusive transport of angular momentum, the estimated characteristic time of rotational coupling (≲100 Myr) between radiative core and convective envelope in young solar‐type stars is much shorter compared to the time‐scale of Lithium depletion (∼1 Gyr) (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Space astronomy for the mid‐21st century: Robotically maintained space telescopes
Authors: Schartel N.
Published: April 2012

The historical development of ground based astronomical telescopes leads us to expect that space‐based astronomical telescopes will need tobe operational for many decades. The exchange of scientific instruments in space will be a prerequisite for the long lasting scientific success of such missions. Operationally, the possibility to repair or replace key spacecraft components in space will be mandatory. We argue that these requirements can be fulfilled with robotic missions and see the development of the required engineering as the main challenge. Ground based operations, scientifically and technically, will require a low operational budget of the running costs. These can be achieved through enhanced autonomy of the spacecraft and mission independent concepts for the support of the software. This concept can be applied to areas where the mirror capabilities do not constrain the lifetime of the mission (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Thermomagnetic and magnetorotational instabilities of thin Keplerian discs in poloidal magnetic fields
Authors: Shtemler Y.M. , Liverts E. , Mond M.
Published: April 2012

Stability of thin hot Keplerian discs is investigated asymptotically in small disc's aspect ratio, ε. The study is carried out in the local approximation for short vertical waves in the disc‐thickness scale. Besides the radial rotation shear and the vertical magnetic field, the background configuration is characterized by a vertically near‐constant temperature profile with a small vertical gradient. The temperature‐gradient term in Ohm's law, which characterizes the thermomagnetic transport is found to be of the order of ε. The effect of the thermomagnetic transport slightly modifies the conventional magnetorotational instability (MRI), while a new thermomagnetic instability (TMI) emerges in regions of the wavenumber space where MRI is absent. Explicit solutions are obtained for a wide range of values of plasma beta, β, and thermomagnetic transport coefficient, λ. In particular, it is shown for λ ≪ 1 that the MRI dominates in weak magnetic fields, β ≫ 1, while the TMI is exhibited in strong magnetic fields, β ∼ 1, also with the growth rate of the order of inverse rotation period (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Career situation of female astronomers in Germany
Authors: Fohlmeister J. , Helling Ch.
Published: April 2012

We survey the job situation of women in astronomy in Germany and of German women abroad and review indicators for their career development. Our sample includes women astronomers from all academic levels from doctoral students to professors, as well as female astronomers who have left the field. We find that networking and human support are among the most important factors for success. Experience shows that students should carefully choose their supervisor and collect practical knowledge abroad. We reflect the private situation of female German astronomers and find that prejudices are abundant, and are perceived as discriminating. We identify reasons why women are more likely than men to quit astronomy after they obtain their PhD degree. We give recommendations to young students on what to pay attention to in order tobe on the successful path in astronomy (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Linear stability analysis of the Hall magnetorotational instability in a spherical domain
Authors: Kondić T. , Rüdiger G. , Arlt R.
Published: April 2012

We investigate the stability of the Hall‐MHD system and determine its importance for neutron stars at their birth, when they still consist of differentially rotating plasma permeated by extremely strong magnetic fields. We solve the linearised HallMHD equations in a spherical shell threaded by a homogeneous magnetic field. With the fluid/flow coupling and the Hall effect included, the magnetorotational instability and the Hall effect are both acting together. Results differ for magnetic fields aligned with the rotation axis and anti‐parallel magnetic fields. For a positive alignment of the magnetic field the instability grows on a rotational time‐scale for any sufficiently large magnetic Reynolds number. Even the magnetic fields which are stable against the MRI due to the magnetic diffusion are now susceptible to the shear‐Hall instability. In contrast, the negative alignment places strong restrictions on the growth and the magnitude of the fields, hindering the effectiveness of the Hall‐MRI. While non‐axisymmetric modes of the MRI can be suppressed by strong enough rotation, there is no such restriction when the Hall effect is present. The implications for the magnitude and the topology of the magnetic field of a young neutron star may be significant (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Role‐Induced Bias in Court: An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Engel Christoph , Glöckner Andreas
Published: April 2012

Criminal procedure is organized as a tournament with predefined roles. We show that assuming the role of a defense counsel or a prosecutor leads to role‐induced bias even if participants are asked to predict a court ruling after they have ceased to act in that role and if they expect a substantial financial incentive for being accurate. The bias is not removed either if participants are instructed to predict the court ruling in preparation of plea bargaining. In line with parallel constraint satisfaction models for legal decision making, findings indicate that role‐induced bias is driven by coherence effects, that is, systematic information distortions in support of the favored option. This is mainly achieved by downplaying the importance of conflicting evidence. These distortions seem to stabilize interpretations, and people do not correct for this bias. Implications for legal procedure are briefly discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental Toxicity Evaluations of Whole Mixtures of Disinfection By‐products using Concentrated Drinking Water in Rats: Gestational and Lactational Effects of Sulfate and Sodium
Authors: Narotsky Michael G. , Pressman Jonathan G. , Miltner Richard J. , Speth Thomas F. , Teuschler Linda K. , Rice Glenn E. , Richardson Susan D. , Best Deborah S. , McDonald Anthony , Hunter E. Sidney , Simmons Jane Ellen
Published: April 2012

A developmental toxicity bioassay was used in three experiments to evaluate water concentrates for suitability in multigenerational studies. First, chlorinated water was concentrated 135‐fold by reverse osmosis; select lost disinfection by‐products were spiked back. Concentrate was provided as drinking water to Sprague–Dawley and F344 rats from gestation day 6 to postnatal day 6. Maternal serum levels of luteinizing hormone on gestation day 10 were unaffected by treatment for both strains. Treated dams had increased water consumption, and increased incidences of polyuria, diarrhea, and (in Sprague–Dawley rats) red perinasal staining. Pup weights were reduced. An increased incidence of eye defects was seen in F344 litters. Chemical analysis of the concentrate revealed high sodium (6.6 g/l) and sulfate (10.4 g/l) levels. To confirm that these chemicals caused polyuria and osmotic diarrhea, respectively, Na2SO4 (5–20 g/l) or NaCl (16.5 g/l) was provided to rats in drinking water. Water consumption was increased at 5‐ and 10‐g Na2SO4/l and with NaCl. Pup weights were reduced at 20‐g Na2SO4/l. Dose‐related incidences and severity of polyuria and diarrhea occurred in Na2SO4‐treated rats; perinasal staining was seen at 20 g/l. NaCl caused polyuria and perinasal staining, but not diarrhea. Subsequently, water was concentrated ∼120‐fold and sulfate levels were reduced by barium hydroxide before chlorination, yielding lower sodium (≤1.5 g/l) and sulfate (≤2.1 g/l) levels. Treatment resulted in increased water consumption, but pup weight and survival were unaffected. There were no treatment‐related clinical findings, indicating that mixtures produced by the second method are suitable for multigenerational testing. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 00:1–11, 2012. Published 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensitive Windows of Skeletal Development in Rabbits Determined by Hydroxyurea Exposure at Different Times throughout Gestation
Authors: Campion Sarah N. , Davenport Scott J. , Nowland William S. , Cappon Gregg D. , Bowman Christopher J. , Hurtt Mark E.
Published: April 2012

The critical periods of axial skeletal development in rats and mice have been well characterized, however the timing of skeletal development in rabbits is not as well known. It is important to have a more precise understanding of this timing of axial skeletal development in rabbits due to the common use of this species in standard nonclinical studies to assess embryo–fetal developmental toxicity. Hydroxyurea, a teratogen known to induce a variety of fetal skeletal malformations, was administered to New Zealand White rabbits as a single dose (500 mg/kg) on individual days during gestation (gestation day,GD 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, or 19) and fetal external, visceral, and skeletal morphology was examined following cesarean sections on GD 29. A wide range of fetal skeletal effects was observed following hydroxyurea treatment, with a progression of malformations from anterior to posterior structures over time, as well as from proximal to distal structures over time. The sensitive window of axial skeletal development was determined to be GD 8 to 13, while disruption of appendicular and cranio‐facial skeletal development occurred primarily from GD 11 to 16 and GD 11 to 12, respectively. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the critical developmental window for different segments of the rabbit skeleton, which will aid in the design of window studies to investigate teratogenicity in rabbits.
Developmental Toxicity of Lersivirine in Rabbits when Administered throughout Organogenesis and when Limited to Sensitive Windows of Axial Skeletal Development
Authors: Campion Sarah N. , Bowman Christopher J. , Cappon Gregg D. , Harrison Anthony , Finch Gregory L. , Hurtt Mark E.
Published: April 2012

Background: Lersivirine is a second‐generation nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor undergoing clinical development for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus‐1. An embryo‐fetal development study was performed to evaluate the potential for maternal and developmental toxicity of lersivirine. Methods: Pregnant New Zealand White rabbits were administered 0, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg lersivirine by oral gavage once daily on gestation days (GDs) 7 to 19, followed by cesarean section on GD 29 and fetal evaluation. Results: Maternal toxicity was noted at all dose levels (decreased food consumption and body weight gain), with fetal toxicity at 500 mg/kg (decreased fetal weights, increased postimplantation loss). Equivocal findings for axial skeletal malformations were observed in three fetuses at 500 mg/kg. To better understand if these malformations were related to treatment with lersivirine, a follow‐up rabbit embryo‐fetal development study was performed with 1000 mg/kg/day lersivirine (500 mg/kg BID, 12‐hr interdose interval) for two different 3‐day windows, GDs 8 to 10 or GDs 11 to 13, which represent the sensitive windows of axial skeletal development in rabbits. Control rabbits were administered vehicle following the same dosing regimen from GDs 8 to 13. Cesarean sections were performed on GD 29, and fetal skeletons were examined for the potential of lersivirine to cause skeletal malformations in rabbits. At maternal exposure levels higher than the initial study, lersivirine did not induce fetal skeletal malformations when administered in the sensitive windows of axial skeletal development. Conclusion: The results of these studies indicate that lersivirine did not exhibit any evidence of teratogenicity in rabbits.
Commentary on the Role of Maternal Toxicity on Developmental Toxicity
Authors: Tyl* Rochelle W.
Published: April 2012

Maternal mammalian toxicity impacts prenatal development, with general systemic maternal toxicity, from reduced weight gain to morbidity, causative for reduced fetal weights/litter and increased fetal variations (especially skeletal)/litter, but not, in the author's opinion, for increased fetal malformations, reduced litter sizes or full litter losses. Increased fetal malformations are likely due to exposure to specific chemicals which alter specific maternal functions at critical point(s) in pregnancy, typically exaggerated effects from higher doses by drugs under development with known, desired pharmacological effects. Malformations can also be from genetic/epigenetic alterations, specific altered proteins, molecular pathways, etc. Full litter losses are triggered by the mother and are rare in rats. Information to inform maternal (and developmental) toxicity includes ovarian corpora lutea counts, uterine implantation profile, degree of litter reduction (if present), timing and extent of maternal toxicity relative to those of adverse embryofetal effects, etc. The view of maternal toxicity as confounding results in in vivo developmental toxicity studies, worldwide concerns about increased research animal usage, increasing time, labor, costs, and new software and hardware sophistication all drive the interest in development, validation, and performance of in vitro/in silico assays. These assays are fast, inexpensive, responsive to animal use concerns and amenable to mechanistic questions. The strength of these in vitro/in silico assays is considered by many to be the absence of the maternal organism/placenta. These assays inform mechanism and hazard, but NOT risk. The Environmental Protection Agency currently estimates that these new assays are approximately 70% accurate versus the whole animal tests.
Dosimetry evaluation of a cylindrical waveguide chamber for unrestrained small rodents at 1.9 GHz
Authors: Wasoontarajaroen Siriwat , Thansandote Artnarong , Gajda Gregory B. , Lemay Eric P. , McNamee James P. , Bellier Pascale V.
Published: April 2012

An exposure system, consisting of four identical cylindrical waveguide chambers, was developed for studying the effects of radiofrequency (RF) energy on laboratory mice at a frequency of 1.9 GHz. The chamber was characterized for RF dose rate as a function of animal body mass and dose rate variations due to animal movement in the cage. Dose rates were quantified in terms of whole‐body average (WBA) specific absorption rate (SAR), brain average (BA) SAR and peak spatial‐average (PSA) SAR using measurement and computational methods. Measurements were conducted on mouse cadavers in a multitude of possible postures and positions to evaluate the variations of WBA‐SAR and its upper and lower bounds, while computations utilizing the finite‐difference time‐domain method together with a heterogeneous mouse model were performed to determine variations in BA‐SAR and the ratio of PSA‐SAR to WBA‐SAR. Measured WBA‐SAR variations were found to be within the ranges of 9–23.5 W/kg and 5.2–13.8 W/kg per 1 W incident power for 20 and 40 g mice, respectively. Computed BA‐SAR variations were within the ranges of 3.2–10.1 W/kg and 3.3–9.2 W/kg per 1 W incident power for 25 and 30 g mouse models, respectively. Ratios of PSA‐SAR to WBA‐SAR, averaged over 0.5 mg and 5 mg tissue volumes, were observed to be within the ranges of 6–15 and 4–10, respectively. Bioelectromagnetics 33:575–584, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extremely low‐frequency magnetic fields modulate nitric oxide signaling in rat brain
Authors: Cho Sung In , Nam Yun Sung , Chu Li Ying , Lee Jong Hyuk , Bang Joon Seok , Kim Hye Ryoun , Kim Hyoung‐Chun , Lee Yu Jeung , Kim Hyeong‐Dong , Sul Jung Duk , Kim Daejin , Chung Yoon Hee , Jeong Ji Hoon
Published: April 2012

Our previous study has shown that an extremely low‐frequency magnetic field (ELF‐MF) induces nitric oxide (NO) synthesis by Ca2+‐dependent NO synthase (NOS) in rat brain. The present study was designed to confirm that ELF‐MF affects neuronal NOS (nNOS) in several brain regions and to investigate the correlation between NO and nNOS activation. The exposure of rats to a 2 mT, 60 Hz ELF‐MF for 5 days resulted in increases of NO levels in parallel with cGMP elevations in the cerebral cortex, striatum, and hippocampus. Cresyl violet staining and electron microscopic evaluation revealed that there were no significant differences in the morphology and number of neurons in the cerebral cortex, striatum, and hippocampus. Differently, the numbers of nNOS‐immunoreactive (IR) neurons were significantly increased in those cerebral areas in ELF‐MF‐exposed rats. These data suggest that the increase in NO could be due to the increased expression and activation of nNOS in cells. Based on NO signaling in physiological and pathological states, ELF‐MF created by electric power systems may induce various physiological changes in modern life. Bioelectromagnetics 33:568–574, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Induced electric field and current density patterns in bone fractures
Authors: Greenebaum Ben
Published: April 2012

We have used the low frequency solver of the computer program SEMCAD‐X to model the induced electric field and current density patterns in simple models of a fractured femur embedded off‐center in cylindrical muscle tissue; a 1 cm fracture gap is filled with callus. The model is exposed to a 1 kHz, 1 mT sinusoidal magnetic field. The frequency chosen is typical of the major Fourier components of many waveforms used to stimulate fracture healing using pulsed magnetic fields; the intensity is also a typical level. Models include fractures perpendicular to the bone and at an angle from the perpendicular, each exposed to a field applied parallel to the bone or parallel to either of the two axes perpendicular to it. We find that all directions of applied magnetic fields produce essentially parallel induced electric fields and current densities through the plane of the callus, but that a magnetic field applied parallel to the bone induces considerably higher fields and currents than the same strength field applied in either perpendicular direction. Because investigations of pulsed‐field devices, including modeling of induced fields and currents, peaked more than a decade ago, this is the first application to our knowledge of the current capabilities of computer modeling systems to biological systems at low frequencies. Bioelectromagnetics 33:585–593, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Poor‐to‐moderate agreement between self and proxy interviews of mobile phone use
Authors: Hutter Hans‐Peter , Ehrenhöfer Lisa , Freuis Edith , Hartl Patrik , Kundi Michael
Published: April 2012

In epidemiological studies, cases cannot always be interviewed due to them being too ill or already deceased. Under these circumstances, proxy interviews are often conducted; however, the veridicality of information about mobile phone use gained by proxy interviews has been doubted. The issue is undecided due to the lack of empirical data. We conducted a study of 119 heterosexual couples. Both partners answered two questionnaires about mobile phone use, one about their own use and one about their partner's use. Overall agreement assessed using Cohen's kappa, Passing and Bablok regression, and concordance coefficients between self and proxy data was poor to moderate (e.g., concordance coefficients of 0.55 for duration of use). The only item with good agreement was whether or not a prepaid phone was used (Cohen's kappa 0.78 and 0.63 for male and female estimates, respectively), and to a lesser degree, the onset of mobile phone use (concordance coefficients of 0.66 and 0.61). Poorest agreement was obtained for the side of the head the mobile phone was held during calls (kappa coefficients of 0.20 and 0.24 for female and male estimates, respectively). We conclude that the assessment of mobile phone use by proxy data cannot be relied on except for information about onset of mobile phone use, use of prepaid or contract phones, and, to a lesser degree, duration of daily use. Agreement concerning the important information about side of the head the mobile phone is held during calls was poorest and only slightly better than chance. Bioelectromagnetics 33:561–567, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Caring for the Children of Imprisoned Mothers: Exploring the Role of Fathers
Authors: Flynn Catherine
Published: April 2012

Women are the most rapidly growing group of prisoners in Western jurisdictions, with the majority of them mothers. Research conducted over the past 40 years has concentrated on describing, but not evaluating, the circumstances, including the care arrangements, of their dependent children. Whilst fathers have played a small but significant role in this care, they are largely absent from discourse. This paper discusses research findings about the role of fathers in providing care to children while their mothers are in prison. This is part of a wider study which examined the impact of maternal incarceration on 20 young people in Victoria, Australia. In the current study, findings indicate that although fathers were the largest group providing care for these young people, participants were mostly unsatisfied with these arrangements. The current study considers children's and mothers' perceptions of the quality of that care and implications for mother‐child relationships. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Part of a wider study which examined the impact of maternal incarceration’

Key Practitioner Messages

Increasing numbers of children and young people are experiencing the imprisonment of their mothers.

Children of incarcerated mothers are more likely to experience the loss of their primary carer and subsequent instability.

Fathers are providing care to a sizeable group of children while their mothers are in prison.

We currently know little about the care provided by fathers: how it is arranged, its quality or the needs of carers and children.
Reductive Coupling of Aldehydes by H2S in Aqueous Solutions, a CC Bond Forming Reaction of Prebiotic Interest
Authors: Kajjout Mohammed , Hebting Yanek , Albrecht Pierre , Adam Pierre
Published: April 2012

We report here a novel reductive coupling reaction of conjugated, non‐ or poorly enolizable aldehydes induced by H2S and operative in aqueous solutions under prebiotically relevant conditions. This reaction leads from retinal to β‐carotene, and from benzylic aldehydes to the corresponding diarylethylenes. This novel reaction also opens a new potentially prebiotic pathway leading from glyoxylic acid to various compounds that are involved in the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle. This CC bond forming reaction of prebiotic interest might have been operative, notably, in the sulfide‐rich environments of hydrothermal vents, which have been postulated as possible sites for the first steps of organic chemical evolution.
Concomitant Induction of Heme Oxygenase‐1 Attenuates the Cytotoxicity of Arsenic Species from Lumbricus Extract in Human Liver HepG2 Cells
Authors: Qi Hongyi , Chen Baowei , Le X. Chris , Rong Jianhui
Published: April 2012

Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) is an inducible antioxidant enzyme that degrades heme to three products, biliverdin, carbon monoxide (CO), and iron ion. The present study was originally designed to characterize the HO‐1 induction by Lumbricus extract as a potential cytoprotective mechanism. Through bioactivity‐guided fractionation, with human HepG2 cells as the cellular detector, surprisingly, we found that arsenic was enriched in the active fractions isolated from Lumbricus extract. Arsenic speciation was further carried out by liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC/ICP‐MS). Our results showed that Lumbricus extract contained two major arsenic species, arsenite (AsIII; 53.7%) and arsenate (AsV; 34.2%), and six minor arsenic species. Commercial sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) was used to verify the effects of Lumbricus extract on HO‐1 expression and related intracellular signaling pathways. Both p38 MAP kinase and NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways were found to modulate HO‐1 induction by Lumbricus extract and NaAsO2. The cytotoxicity of arsenite was augmented by p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB202190 and HO‐1 inhibitor tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP), whereas p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB202190 also inhibited HO‐1 induction by NaAsO2. These results suggest that arsenic‐containing compounds are responsible for HO‐1 induction by Lumbricus extract. Although the exact role of toxic arsenic compounds in the treatment of oxidative injury remains unclear, concomitant HO‐1 induction may be a key mechanism to antagonize the cytotoxicity of arsenic compounds in human cells.
Two New Norlignans and a New Lignanamide from Peperomia tetraphylla
Authors: Li Yun‐Zhi , Tong Ai‐Ping , Huang Jing
Published: April 2012

Two new cyclobutane‐type norlignans, methyl rel‐(1R,2S,3S)‐2‐(7‐methoxy‐1,3‐benzodioxol‐5‐yl)‐3‐(2,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)cyclobutanecarboxylate (1), and methyl rel‐(1R,2R,3S)‐2‐(7‐methoxy‐1,3‐benzodioxol‐5‐yl)‐3‐(2,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)cyclobutanecarboxylate (2), and a new lignanamide, 3‐hydroxy‐N‐[2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]‐α‐[4‐(2‐{N‐[2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]carbamoyl}ethenyl)‐3‐methoxyphenoxy]‐4‐methoxycinnamamide 4,8″‐ether (3), along with five known amides, 4–8, were obtained from the whole plant of Peperomia tetraphylla. Their structures were elucidated mainly by the analysis of NMR and MS data. The new compounds 1–3 and the known compound 4 were tested for their cytotoxic activities against the HepG2 (human hepatocarcinoma), A549 (human lung cancer), and HeLa (human cervical cancer) cell lines. Compound 4 showed significant cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell lines with an IC50 value of 9.4±1.0 μM.
Synthesis and Enzymatic Deprotection of Fully Protected 2′‐5′ Oligoadenylates (2‐5A): Towards a Prodrug Strategy for Short 2‐5A
Authors: Kiuru Emilia , Ora Mikko , Beigelman Leonid , Blatt Lawrence , Lönnberg Harri
Published: April 2012

Fully protected pA2′p5′A2′p5′A trimers 1a and 1b have been prepared as prodrug candidates for a short 2′‐5′ oligoadenylate, 2‐5A, and its 3′‐O‐Me analog, respectively. The kinetics of hog liver carboxyesterase (HLE)‐triggered deprotection in HEPES buffer (pH 7.5) at 37° has been studied. The deprotection of 1a turned out to be very slow, and 2‐5A never appeared in a fully deprotected form. By contrast, a considerable proportion of 1b was converted to the desired 2‐5A trimer, although partial removal of the 3′‐O‐[(acetyloxy)methyl] group prior to exposure of the adjacent phosphodiester linkage resulted in 2′,5′→3′,5′ phosphate migration and release of adenosine as side reactions.
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Scabiosa arenariaForssk. Growing Wild in Tunisia
Authors: Besbes Malek , Omri Amel , Cheraif Imed , Daami Mejda , Jannet Hichem Ben , Mastouri Maha , Aouni Mahjoub , Selmi Boulbaba
Published: April 2012

The essential oils isolated from three organs, i.e., fruits, stems and leaves, and flowers, of the endemic North African plant Scabiosa arenaria Forssk. were screened for their chemical composition, as well as their possible antibacterial, anticandidal, and antifungal properties. According to the GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses, 61 (99.26% of the total oil composition), 79 (98.43%), and 51 compounds (99.9%) were identified in the three oils, respectively. While α‐thujone (34.39%), camphor (17.48%), and β‐thujone (15.29%) constituted the major compounds of the fruit oil, chrysanthenone (23.43%), together with camphor (12.98%) and α‐thujone (10.7%), were the main constituents of the stem and leaf oil. In the case of the flower oil, also chrysanthenone (38.52%), camphor (11.75%), and α‐thujone (9.5%) were identified as the major compounds.

Furthermore, the isolated oils were tested against 16 Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, four Candida species, and nine phytopathogenic fungal strains. It was found that the oils exhibited interesting antibacterial and anticandidal activities, comparable to those of thymol, which was used as positive control, but no activity against the phytopathogenic fungal strains was observed.
Chemical Composition and Intraspecific Variability of the Essential Oils of Five Populations of Hypericum triquetrifoliumTurra Growing in North Tunisia
Authors: Rouis Zyed , Elaissi Ameur , Abid Nabil Ben Salem , Lassoued Mohamed Ali , Cioni Pier Luigi , Flamini Guido , Aouni Mahjoub
Published: April 2012

The chemical composition of the essential oils of five populations of Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra from Tunisia and their intraspecific variability were analyzed in detail by GC/MS. One hundred seventy‐four compounds were identified, representing averages of 87.9 to 98.7% of the oil composition. The components are represented here by homologous series of monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, non‐terpenic hydrocarbons, and others. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the most abundant chemical compounds. Multivariate chemometric techniques, such as cluster analysis (CA) and principal‐component analysis (PCA), were used to characterize the samples according to the geographical origin. By statistical analysis, the analyzed populations were classified into four chemotype groups.
Synthesis and Immunostimulating Properties of Novel Adamant‐1‐yl Tripeptides
Authors: Ribić Rosana , Habjanec Lidija , Vranešić Branka , Frkanec Ruža , Tomić Srđanka
Published: April 2012

The aim of this work was to prepare L‐ and D‐(adamant‐1‐yl)‐Gly‐L‐Ala‐D‐isoGln peptides in order to study their adjuvant (immunostimulating) activities. Adjuvant activity of adamant‐1‐yl tripeptides was tested in the mouse model using ovalbumin as an antigen and in comparison to the peptidoglycan monomer (PGM; β‐D‐GlcNAc‐(1→4)‐D‐MurNAc‐L‐Ala‐D‐isoGln‐mesoDAP(εNH2)‐D‐Ala‐D‐Ala) and structurally related adamant‐2‐yl tripeptides.
Chemical and Genetic Study of Ligularia duciformis and Related Species in Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces of China
Authors: Nagano Hajime , Hanai Ryo , Yamada Hiroka , Matsushima Mika , Miura Yui , Hoya Takanori , Ozawa Masaaki , Fujiwara Miho , Kodama Hikari , Torihata Atsushi , Onuki Hiroyuki , Nezu Yoko , Kawai Satoru , Yamazaki Mizue , Hirota Hiroshi , Saito Yoshinori , Tori Motoo , Ohsaki Ayumi , Gong Xun , Kuroda Chiaki
Published: April 2012

The chemical constituents of the root extracts and the evolutionarily neutral DNA base sequences were studied for 28 samples of Ligularia duciformis, L. kongkalingensis, and L. nelumbifolia collected in Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces of China. The samples could be classified into four chemotypes (1–4). Sesquiterpenoids having eremophilane and oplopane skeletons were isolated from two (Chemotype 1) and three (Chemotype 2) samples, respectively. Two new oplopane derivatives were isolated and their structures were determined. In 18 samples, phenylpropenoids were the major components (Chemotype 3). In five samples, neither phenylpropenoids nor sesquiterpenoids were found (Chemotype 4). Despite this large chemical variety, no correlation was found between the chemotype and the morphological criteria of species identification. The analysis of the evolutionarily neutral DNA regions also indicated that the samples were not separated into distinct clades and that introgression was extensive.
Site‐Specific Protein Modification Using Lipoic Acid Ligase and Bis‐Aryl Hydrazone Formation
Authors: Cohen Justin D. , Zou Peng , Ting Alice Y.
Published: April 2012

A screen of Trp37 mutants of Escherichia coli lipoic acid ligase (LplA) revealed enzymes capable of ligating an aryl‐aldehyde or aryl‐hydrazine substrate to LplA's 13‐residue acceptor peptide. Once site‐specifically attached to recombinant proteins fused to this peptide, aryl‐aldehydes could be chemoselectively derivatized with hydrazine‐probe conjugates, and aryl‐hydrazines could be derivatized in an analogous manner with aldehyde‐probe conjugates. Such two‐step labeling was demonstrated for AlexaFluor568 targeting to monovalent streptavidin in vitro, and to neurexin‐1β on the surface of living mammalian cells. To further highlight this technique, we labeled the low‐density lipoprotein receptor on the surface of live cells with fluorescent phycoerythrin protein to allow single‐molecule imaging and tracking over time.