bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of process parameters on the size and morphology of poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) micro/nanoparticles prepared by an oil in oil emulsion/solvent evaporation technique
Authors: Mahdavi Hamid , Mirzadeh Hamid , Hamishehkar Hamed , Jamshidi Ahmad , Fakhari Amir , Emami Jaber , Najafabadi Abdolhossien Rouholamini , Gilani Kambiz , Minaiyan Mohsen , Najafi Mahnaz , Tajarod Maryam , Nokhodchi Ali
Published: December 2009

For the past few decades, there has been a considerable research interest in the area of biodegradable polymeric micro‐ and nanoparticles for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, implants, stents, medical devices, and drug delivery systems. Poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) is well‐known by its safety in biomedical preparations which has been approved for human use by the FDA. The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of process parameters on size characteristics of PLGA microparticles prepared by oil in oil (o/o) solvent evaporation technique. This method has been introduced as one of the most appropriate methods for hydrophilic agents. Scanning electron microscopy showed that prepared particles were spherical with smooth surface without aggregation. Particle size varied from 570 nm to 29 μm in different experimental conditions. Stirring speed, polymer concentration, impeller type, and dropping size had a significant effect on the particle size. The polydispersity index of particles showed a strong relationship with the surfactant concentration, impeller type, and dropping size. It was concluded that increasing in temperature up to 50°C or changing in dropping rate has a little effect on reducing the size of PLGA particles. The residual solvent content in the final suspension was less than 0.1 ppm that is in appropriate range for biomedical application. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Chemical modification of olive pomace by various esters and silane
Authors: Rabouhi Aida , Boukerrou Amar , Kaci Mustapha , Djidjelli Hocine , Martinez‐Vega J. J.
Published: December 2009

The olive pomace was modified chemically to improve the interface between the polymer matrix and the cellulosic fillers. The modification was done using various ester types having the same nature, however, with different chain lengths and one silane. Before the surface treatment, the olive pomace was extracted with acetone to remove contaminants on the surface, using Soxhlet apparatus. The transesterification of olive pomace with the different ester components, i.e., vinyl acetate, vinyl propanoate, and vinyl butanoate, and the condensation reaction with dichlorodimethylsilane was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Moreover, the treatment of olive pomace with vinyl acetate improves the thermal stability and the sample records higher onset temperature of degradation as measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results obtained indicated also that the reaction between the hydroxyl groups of waste flour and the acetyl, propionyl, pivalyl, and silane groups have occurred. The modified wood flours exhibited a decrease in the hydrophilicity as supported by the lower moisture content. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Flexural properties of phenolic resin reinforced with glass powder: Preliminary results
Authors: Ku H. , Trade M. , Nixon R. , Wong P.
Published: December 2009

Phenol formaldehyde was filled with glass powder to increase its flexural strength for civil and structural applications by a research centre on composites, University of Southern Queensland (USQ). To reduce costs, the centre wishes to fill in as much glass powder as possible subject to maintaining sufficient strength of the composites in structural applications. This project varies the percentage by weight of the glass powder in the composites from 5 to 30%. The specimens were then subjected to flexural tests. The results show that composite with 17.5% by weight of the glass hollow spheres produces the highest flexural strength and flexural modulus combined with a very good fluidity for casting. The maximum flexural strain was achieved with pure resin. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
New polymers from plant oil derivatives and styrene‐maleic anhydride copolymers
Authors: Öztürk Cem , Küsefoğlu Selim H.
Published: December 2009

In this study, styrene maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA2000, Styrene : Maleic Anhydride 2 : 1) is grafted and/or crosslinked with epoxidized methyl oleate, epoxidized soybean oil, methyl ricinoleate (MR), castor oil (CO), and soybean oil diglyceride. Base catalyzed epoxy‐anhydride and alcohol‐anhydride polyesters were synthesized by using the anhydride on SMA, the epoxy or secondary alcohol groups on the triglyceride based monomers. The characterizations of the products were done by DMA, TGA, and IR spectroscopy. SMA‐epoxidized soy oil and SMA‐CO polymers are crosslinked rigid infusible polymers. SMA‐epoxidized soy oil and SMA‐CO showed Tg's at 70 and 66°C, respectively. Dynamic moduli of the two polymers were 11.73 and 3.34 Mpa respectively. SMA‐epoxidized methyl oleate, poly[styrene‐co‐(maleic anhydride)]‐graft‐(methyl ricinoleate), and SMA‐soy oil diglyceride polymers were soluble and thermoplastic polymers and were characterized by TGA, GPC, DSC, NMR, and IR spectroscopy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Taxonomic confusion and market mislabelling of threatened skates: important consequences for their conservation status
Authors: Iglésias Samuel P. , Toulhoat Lucile , Sellos Daniel Y.
Published: November 2009

The iconic European common skate (Dipturus batis) has been described as the first clear case of a fish species brought to the brink of extinction by commercial fishing. Its listing was upgraded to Critically Endangered on the 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. According to FAO fishery statistics, France is responsible for 60.2% of the 502 tonnes reported as ‘D. batis’ in the 2005 world landings.

Noticeable phenotypic differences within the species and inconsistencies in published data on its sexual maturation required careful re‐examination of its taxonomy. Morphology, genetics, and life history reveal that two distinct species have been erroneously confused since the 1920s under the single scientific name D. batis. Here it is argued that they should be resurrected as two valid species. The common skate D. batis species‐complex is split into two nominal species, the blue skate (provisionally called D. cf. flossada) and the flapper skate (D. cf. intermedia) with maximum lengths of 143.2 cm and 228.8 cm respectively.

This taxonomic confusion puts into question all previously accumulated data based on D. batis. Its endangered status highlights the need for an extensive reassessment of population collapses with accurately identified species. In 2006/2007 an extensive survey (4110 skates, 14.081 tonnes by weight) was conducted in the main French ports of the D. batis species‐complex and relatives (D. oxyrinchus, D. nidarosiensis and Rostroraja alba) that are mixed together in landings under the names ‘D. batis’ and ‘D. oxyrinchus’.

The survey reveals that official fishery statistics mask species‐specific declines, due to the mislabelling of five species under only two landing names. Trends in landings since the 1960s and the life history of these species suggest a dramatic decline and collapse of the spawning stock, preventing the recovery of relict populations.

The risk of extinction of these depleted species may be higher than previously assessed and might be unavoidable without immediate and incisive conservation action. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship of the h‐index, g‐index, and e‐index
Authors: Zhang Chun‐Ting
Published: December 2009

Of h‐type indices available now, the g‐index is an important one in that it not only keeps some advantages of the h‐index but also counts citations from highly cited articles. However, the g‐index has a drawback that one has to add fictitious articles with zero citation to calculate this index in some important cases. Based on an alternative definition without introducing fictitious articles, an analytical method has been proposed to calculate the g‐index based approximately on the h‐index and the e‐index. If citations for a scientist are ranked by a power law, it is shown that the g‐index can be calculated accurately by the h‐index, the e‐index, and the power parameter. The relationship of the h‐, g‐, and e‐indices presented here shows that the g‐index contains the citation information from the h‐index, the e‐index, and some papers beyond the h‐core.
Commercializing lignocellulosic bioethanol: technology bottlenecks and possible remedies
Authors: Banerjee Saumita , Mudliar Sandeep , Sen Ramkrishna , Giri Balendu , Satpute Devanand , Chakrabarti Tapan , Pandey R.A.
Published: December 2009

With diminishing oil supplies and growing political instability in oil‐producing nations, the world is facing a major energy threat which needs to be solved by virtue of alternative energy sources. Bioethanol has received considerable attention in the transportation sector because of its utility as an octane booster, fuel additive, and even as neat fuel. Brazil and the USA have been producing ethanol on a large scale from sugarcane and corn, respectively. However, due to their primary utility as food and feed, these crops cannot meet the global demand for ethanol production as an alternative transportation fuel. Lignocellulosic biomass is projected as a virtually eternal raw material for fuel ethanol production. The main bottleneck so far has been the technology concerns, which do not support cost‐effective and competitive production of lignocellulosic bioethanol. This review sheds light on some of the practical approaches that can be adopted to make the production of lignocellulosic bioethanol economically attractive. These include the use of cheaper substrates, cost‐effective pre‐treatment techniques, overproducing and recombinant strains for maximized ethanol tolerance and yields, improved recovery processes, efficient bioprocess integration, economic exploitation of side products, and energy and waste minimization. An integrated and dedicated approach can help in realizing large‐scale commercial production of lignocellulosic bioethanol, and can contribute toward a cleaner and more energy efficient world. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Why microalgal biofuels won't save the internal combustion machine
Authors: van Beilen Jan B.
Published: December 2009

Proponents of microalgae biofuel technologies often claim that the world demand of liquid fuels, about 5 trillion liters per year, could be supplied by microalgae cultivated on only a few tens of millions of hectares. This perspective reviews this subject and points out that such projections are greatly exaggerated, because (1) the productivities achieved in large‐scale commercial microalgae production systems, operated year‐round, do not surpass those of irrigated tropical crops; (2) cultivating, harvesting and processing microalgae solely for the production of biofuels is simply too expensive using current or prospective technology; and (3) currently available (limited) data suggest that the energy balance of algal biofuels is very poor. Thus, microalgal biofuels are no panacea for depleting oil or global warming, and are unlikely to save the internal combustion machine. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Organic anion transporters: discovery, pharmacology, regulation and roles in pathophysiology
Authors: VanWert Adam L. , Gionfriddo Michael R. , Sweet Douglas H.
Published: December 2009

Our understanding of the mechanisms behind inter‐ and intra‐patient variability in drug response is inadequate. Advances in the cytochrome P450 drug metabolizing enzyme field have been remarkable, but those in the drug transporter field have trailed behind. Currently, however, interest in carrier‐mediated disposition of pharmacotherapeutics is on a substantial uprise. This is exemplified by the 2006 FDA guidance statement directed to the pharmaceutical industry. The guidance recommended that industry ascertain whether novel drug entities interact with transporters. This suggestion likely stems from the observation that several novel cloned transporters contribute significantly to the disposition of various approved drugs. Many drugs bear anionic functional groups, and thus interact with organic anion transporters (OATs). Collectively, these transporters are nearly ubiquitously expressed in barrier epithelia. Moreover, several reports indicate that OATs are subject to diverse forms of regulation, much like drug metabolizing enzymes and receptors. Thus, critical to furthering our understanding of patient‐ and condition‐specific responses to pharmacotherapy is the complete characterization of OAT interactions with drugs and regulatory factors. This review provides the reader with a comprehensive account of the function and substrate profile of cloned OATs. In addition, a major focus of this review is on the regulation of OATs including the impact of transcriptional and epigenetic factors, phosphorylation, hormones and gender. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of the calmodulin‐dependent pathway in static magnetic field‐induced mechanotransduction
Authors: Yang Jen‐Chang , Lee Sheng‐Yang , Chen Chi‐An , Lin Che‐Tong , Chen Chang‐Chih , Huang Haw‐Ming
Published: December 2009

While the effects of static magnetic fields (SMFs) on osteoblastic differentiation are well demonstrated, the mechanotransduction pathways of SMFs are still unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the role of calmodulin in the biophysical effects of SMFs on osteoblastic cells. MG63 cells were exposed to a 0.4 T SMF. The expression of phosphodiesterase RNA in the cytoplasm was tested using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The differentiation of the cells was assessed by detecting changes in alkaline phosphatase activity. The role of calmodulin antagonist W‐7 was used to evaluate alterations in osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation after the SMF simulations. Our results showed that SMF exposure increased alkaline phosphatase activity and phosphodiesterase 1C gene expression in MG63 cells. Addition of W‐7 significantly inhibited the SMF‐induced cellular response. We suggest that one possible mechanism by which SMFs affects osteoblastic maturation is through a calmodulin‐dependent mechanotransduction pathway. Bioelectromagnetics 31:255–261, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MutL: conducting the cell's response to mismatched and misaligned DNA
Authors: Polosina Yaroslava Y. , Cupples Claire G.
Published: December 2009

Base pair mismatches in DNA arise from errors in DNA replication, recombination, and biochemical modification of bases. Mismatches are inherently transient. They are resolved passively by DNA replication, or actively by enzymatic removal and resynthesis of one of the bases. The first step in removal is recognition of strand discontinuity by one of the MutS proteins. Mismatches arising from errors in DNA replication are repaired in favor of the base on the template strand, but other mismatches trigger base excision or nucleotide excision repair (NER), or non‐repair pathways such as hypermutation, cell cycle arrest, or apoptosis. We argue that MutL homologues play a key role in determining biologic outcome by recruiting and/or activating effector proteins in response to lesion recognition by MutS. We suggest that the process is regulated by conformational changes in MutL caused by cycles of ATP binding and hydrolysis, and by physiologic changes which influence effector availability.
The origins of larval forms: what the data indicate, and what they don't
Authors: Minelli Alessandro
Published: December 2009

What is a larva, if it is not what survives of an ancestor's adult, compressed into a transient pre‐reproductive phase, as suggested by Haeckel's largely disreputed model of evolution by recapitulation? A recently published article hypothesizes that larva and adult of holometabolous insects are developmental expressions of two different genomes coexisting in the same animal as a result of an ancient hybridization event between an onychophoran and a primitive insect with eventless post‐embryonic development. More likely, however, larvae originated from late embryonic or early post‐embryonic stages of ancestors with direct development. Evolutionary novelties would thus be intercalary rather than terminal, with respect to the ancestor's ontogenetic schedule. This scenario, supported by current research on holometabolous insects and marine invertebrates with complex life cycles, offers a serious alternative to the traditional scenario (‘what is early in ontogeny is also early in phylogeny’) underlying the current perception of the evolution of genetic regulatory networks.
Secreted production of Renilla luciferase in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Chiang Chung‐Jen , Chen Po Ting , Chao Yun‐Peng
Published: December 2009

Luciferase (Rluc) from the soft coral Renilla reniformis has been widely used as a bioluminescent reporter, and its secreted production has been solely performed in mammalian cells thus far. To make the production more efficient, a series of approaches was attempted to overproduce Rluc extracellularly in Bacillus subtilis. First, Cys124 in the Rluc gene was substituted with Ala. The mutant gene was subsequently incorporated into a pUB110/R6K‐based plasmid, consequently, fusing with the P43 promoter and the sacB signal peptide. With the nitrogen‐rich medium, B. subtilis strain bearing the plasmid became able to secret a detectable amount of Rluc. Moreover, the secretion signal for the Rluc gene was replaced by the aprN leader peptide with or without the propeptide. The result led to a more than twofold increase in the secreted Rluc. Finally, by enhancing the transcription of the Rluc gene implementing the P43 and spac tandem promoter, it resulted in the secreted Rluc with a yield of 100 mg/L. Overall, this study illustrates a potential strategy for improving the secretion efficiency of heterologous proteins in B. subtilis. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Experimental and theoretical assessment of maximum productivities for the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in two different geometries of photobioreactors
Authors: Takache Hosni , Christophe Gwendoline , Cornet Jean‐François , Pruvost Jérémy
Published: December 2009

The validity of a simple, reliable, and useful recently published formula enabling to calculate the maximum volumetric biomass productivities in photobioreactors (PBRs) was investigated through the cultivation of the microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Experimental maximum kinetic performances accurately obtained in two different, artificially lightened torus‐plane and cylindrical reactors having the same specific illuminated area confirmed the availability, power, and robustness of such formula. The predictive kinetic parameters previously proposed and validated with cyanobacteria were then proved general and robust in case of eukaryotic microalgae, as postulated in the founding article. In this case, an additional criterion requiring rigorous control of the working illuminated fraction γ = 1 ± (15%) inside the reactor is demonstrated. For this, the usefulness and reliability of a generalized two‐flux model accurately describing the radiation field inside turbid culture media of C. reinhardtii were also established in this article. These important results contribute to identify the main engineering factors governing light‐limited PBRs functioning and then to clarify some misinterpretations widely reported in the literature. Together with the referenced previous work, this article gives a framework toward optimal conception of PBRs on a strong physical basis. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
An Alternative Approach to Quantify Partition Processes in Confined Environments: The Electrochemical Behavior of PRODAN in Unilamellar Vesicles
Authors: Moyano Fernando , Molina Patricia G. , Silber Juana J. , Sereno Leonides , Correa N. Mariano
Published: November 2009

Herein, we investigate the behavior of the electroactive molecular probe 6‐propionyl‐2‐dimethyl amino naphthalene (PRODAN) in large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) formed with the phospholipid 1,2‐di‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) by using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The CV studies in pure water confirm our previous spectroscopic results that PRODAN self‐aggregates due to its low water solubility. Moreover, the electrochemical results also reveal that the PRODAN aggregated species are non‐electroactive within the studied electrochemical potential region. In DOPC LUV media, the redox behavior of PRODAN shows how the LUV bilayer interacts with PRODAN aggregated species to form PRODAN monomer species. Moreover, the electrochemical response of PRODAN allows us to propose a model for explaining the electrochemical experimental results and—in conjunction with our measurements—for calculating the value of the partition constant (Kp) of PRODAN between the water and LUV bilayer pseudophases. This value coincides with that obtained through an independent technique. Moreover, our electrochemical model allows us to calculate the diffusion coefficient (D) for the DOPC LUV, which coincides with the D value obtained through dynamic light scattering (DLS). Thus, our data clearly show that electrochemical measurements could be a powerful alternative approach to investigate the behavior of nonionic electroactive molecules embed in a confined environment such as the LUV bilayer. Moreover, we believe that this approach can be used to investigate the behavior of non‐optical molecular drugs embedded in bilayer media.
Fine needle aspiration of renal cortical lesions in adults
Authors: Adeniran Adebowale J. , Al‐Ahmadie Hikmat , Iyengar Pratibha , Reuter Victor E. , Lin Oscar
Published: December 2009

The role of fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of renal cortical lesions was controversial in the past because the result of the FNA did not affect clinical management. All renal cortical lesions, except metastasis, were subject to surgical resection. However, with the advances in neoadjuvant targeted therapies, knowledge of the renal cortical tumor histological subtype is critical for tailoring clinical trials and follow‐up strategies. At present, there are clinical trials involving the use of novel kinase inhibitors for conventional (clear cell) and papillary renal cell carcinoma. We studied 143 consecutive cases of renal cortical lesions, evaluated after radical or partial nephrectomies over a 2‐year period. An air‐dried smear and a Thinprep® slide were prepared in all cases. The slides were Diff‐Quick and Papanicolaou stained, respectively. The cytology specimens were reviewed and the results were then compared with the histologic diagnosis. Cytology was highly accurate to diagnose conventional RCC, while the accuracy for papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC, and papillary urothelial carcinoma was much lower. Our results indicate that ancillary studies might have an important role in the subclassification of renal cortical neoplasms for targeted treatment. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:710–715. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhancing the scope of conventional cervical cytology for detecting HPV infection
Authors: Nijhawan Raje , Mittal Neha , Suri Vanita , Rajwanshi Arvind
Published: December 2009

Cervical neoplasia is attributed to a persistent Human Papilloma Virus infection. The Pap smear being the mainstay of cervical cancer screening in low‐resource settings, we studied the nonclassical features which might indicate HPV infection. These included abortive koilocytes, mild dyskeratosis, parakeratosis, mild nuclear hyperchromasia, bi/multinucleation, measles cells, and keratohyaline‐like granules. Two hundred and eight women with a satisfactory Pap smear and a Hybrid Capture II test were compared against the “HPV Gold Standard” for validation of the nonclassical signs. This was defined as one with any/all of the following: definite HPV‐related lesions on Pap smear (LSIL and above), hrHPV positivity, and CIN I, or above on histology. The highest PPV and NPV were achieved by bi/multinucleation and mild nuclear hyperchromasia, respectively. The mean number of nonclassical signs for HPV Gold Standard‐positive and ‐negative groups was 5.52 and 3.12 per smear, respectively (P < 0.0005). Abortive koilocytes, mild dyskeratosis, mild nuclear hyperchromasia, bi/multinucleation, parakeratosis, and diffuse keratohyaline granules had the best correlation with the gold standard (P < 0.05). Addition of nonclassical signs to established intraepithelial lesions on Pap smear increased the sensitivity from 52.31to 59.10% and reduced the specificity from 100 to 98%. To maximize the benefit from grouping of these signs, various combinations were studied. The best was: abortive koilocytes, mild nuclear hyperchromasia, and bi/multinucleation. Another was abortive koilocytes, mild nuclear hyperchromasia, bi/multinucleation, and mild dyskeratosis. In conclusion, these signs proved useful for identifying HPV infection. Population‐based studies are required to corroborate our findings. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:645–651. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors influencing the challenges of modelling and treating fecal indicator bacteria in surface waters
Authors: Surbeck Cristiane Q.
Published: November 2009

In the United States, thousands of creeks, rivers, and coastal zones are listed as impaired in the Clean Water Act's 303(d) list. The number one general cause of impairments is denoted as ‘pathogens’, which can include known pathogenic organisms or, more commonly, fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), such as fecal coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, and enterococci bacteria. Despite efforts by water quality managers to reduce FIB in surface waters via treatment, successful and significant reduction of FIB has been difficult to achieve to meet water quality standards. In addition, current efforts to numerically model FIB concentrations in surface waters do not consider many complexities associated with FIB as a pollutant. Reasons for the challenge of treating and modelling FIB are their varied sources and mechanisms of survival and decay in the environment. This technical note addresses this challenge by discussing the nature of FIB, their sources, and their fate and transport mechanisms. Sources of FIB to surface waters include wastewater, stormwater and dry‐weather runoff, and animals. Mechanisms of pathogen indicator occurrence in surface waters are transport in stormwater, ecological proliferation, and interaction with sediments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Stereochemical Properties of “Extended” Biphenols Bridged by ortho‐, meta‐, and para‐Phenylene Spacers
Authors: Gruza Mariusz M. , Chambron Jean‐Claude , Espinosa Enrique , Aubert Emmanuel
Published: December 2009

A series of isomeric biphenols based on para‐ (1), meta‐ (2), and ortho‐ (3) terphenyl backbones was synthesized. Suzuki cross‐coupling methodology was employed for the construction of the terphenyl backbone of their methyl‐protected precursors (respectively 8, 13, and 16). Using K2CO3 as the base, the best reaction conditions involved DMF at 100 °C as solvent. Anhydrous conditions greatly improved the yields of the sterically crowded systems (particularly 16). ortho‐Terphenyls 3 and 16 exist as mixtures of syn/anti atropisomers in solution. Compound 16 crystallizes in the anti‐in form. DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p) level indicate that for both compounds the anti‐in form is more stable than the syn form by 6.07 and 2.07 kJ mol–1 for 16 and 3, respectively. These ΔΔG0 values are higher by the same factor (of two) than those obtained in solution at 240 K (3.17 and 0.93 kJ mol–1). The atropisomeric properties of 16 and 3 are finally discussed in the context of ortho‐terphenyls in the literature. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Enantioselective Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Triarylmethanes by Chiral Brønsted Acids
Authors: Sun Feng‐Lai , Zheng Xiao‐Jian , Gu Qing , He Qing‐Li , You Shu‐Li
Published: November 2009

Chiral Brønsted acid catalyzed Friedel–Crafts alkylation of electron‐rich arenes with (3‐indolyl)methanamines has been realized to provide an efficient synthesis of enantioenriched unsymmetrical triarylmethanes. With 5 mol‐% of a newly developed chiral phosphoric acid, the enantioenriched unsymmetrical triarylmethanes were obtained in excellent yields with up to 91 % ee.
Ligandless Iron‐Catalyzed Desulfinylative C–C Allylation Reactions using Grignard Reagents and Alk‐2‐enesulfonyl Chlorides (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 36/2009)
Authors: Volla Chandra M. R. , Marković Dean , Dubbaka Srinivas Reddy , Vogel Pierre
Published: December 2009

The cover picture shows the iron door of the vineyard of Prof. Pierre Vogel in the Lavaux region, 12 km east of Lausanne along the Geneva Lake (Lac Léman) in Western Switzerland. This region is now part of the world heritage (UNESCO). The opened door symbolizes iron‐catalyzed reactions and, in particular, a new allylation reaction of inexpensive Grignard reagents with alk‐2‐enesulfonyl chlorides obtained in a new way that is the endergonic H‐ene reaction of sulfur dioxide with simple alkenes. The lake and the mountains in the background have been here for very long and will stay as such for much longer if civilization will concentrate on more sustainable development. Vineyards have existed in this area for more than 1200 years, and the grapes produced sometimes need a little sulfur dioxide to become a good wine (a practice that is ca. 8000 years old). The chemistry disclosed here uses sulfur dioxide for allylic C–H activation. The unstable alk‐2‐enesulfinic acids so obtained are oxidized with NCS to alk‐2‐enesulfonyl chlorides. The latter are then coupled with Grignard reagents under desulfinylation conditions and iron catalysis. Sulfur dioxide can be recovered. Details are discussed in the article by P. Vogel et al. on p. 6281 ff.
Induction of lacZ mutations in Muta™Mouse primary hepatocytes
Authors: Chen Guosheng , Gingerich John , Soper Lynda , Douglas George R. , White Paul A.
Published: December 2009

We have developed an in vitro mutation assay using primary hepatocytes from the transgenic Muta™Mouse. Primary hepatocytes were isolated using a two‐step perfusion method with purification by Percoll, cultured, and treated with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenyl‐ imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP), 3‐nitrobenzoanthrone (3‐NBA), and cigarette smoke condensate (CSC). The mean lacZ mutant frequency (MF) for the solvent control was approximately twofold greater than the spontaneous MF observed in liver tissue. A concentration‐dependent increase in MF (up to 3.7‐fold above control) was observed following exposure to BaP. Fourfold and twofold increases in mutant frequency were observed for 3‐NBA and PhIP exposures, respectively, without the addition of any exogenous metabolic activation. A slight but statistically significant increase in lacZ MF was observed for CSC, but only at the lowest concentration. This is the first report demonstrating that mutations can be detected in cultured primary hepatocytes from Muta™Mouse. The preliminary results presented suggest that the Muta™Mouse primary hepatocyte mutagenicity assay can be used as a cost‐effective tool for screening of environmental mutagens and therapeutic products. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010 © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytogenetic status in newborns and their parents in Madrid: The BioMadrid study
Authors: Lope Virginia , Pollán Marina , Fernández Mario , de León América , González Maria José , Sanz Juan Carlos , Iriso Andrés , Pérez‐Gómez Beatriz , Gil Elisa , Pérez‐Meixeira Ana María , de Paz Concha , Cisneros Margot , de Santos Amparo , Asensio Ángel , Astray Jenaro , Martínez Mercedes , García José Frutos , López‐Abente Gonzalo , García‐Sagredo José Miguel , Aragonés Nuria
Published: December 2009

Monitoring cytogenetic damage is frequently used to assess population exposure to environmental mutagens. The cytokinesis‐block micronucleus assay is one of the most widely used methods employed in these studies. In the present study we used this assay to assess the baseline frequency of micronuclei in a healthy population of father‐pregnant woman‐newborn trios drawn from two Madrid areas. We also investigated the association between micronucleus frequency and specific socioeconomic, environmental, and demographic factors collected by questionnaire. Mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium blood levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The association between micronucleated cell frequency and the variables collected by questionnaire, as well as, the risk associated with the presence of elevated levels of metals in blood, was estimated using Poisson models, taking the number of micronucleated cells in 1,000 binucleated cells (MNBCs) as the dependent variable. Separate analyses were conducted for the 110 newborns, 136 pregnant women, and 134 fathers in whom micronuclei could be assessed. The mean number of micronucleated cells per 1,000 binucleated cells was 3.9, 6.5, and 6.1 respectively. Our results show a statistically significant correlation in MNBC frequency between fathers and mothers, and between parents and newborns. Elevated blood mercury levels in fathers were associated with significantly higher MNBC frequency, compared with fathers who had normal mercury levels (RR:1.21; 95%CI:1.02–1.43). This last result suggests the need to implement greater control over populations which, by reason of their occupation or life style, are among those most exposed to this metal. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High content flow cytometric micronucleus scoring method is applicable to attachment cell lines
Authors: Bryce Steven M. , Shi Jing , Nicolette John , Diehl Marilyn , Sonders Paul , Avlasevich Svetlana , Raja Sarojini , Bemis Jeffrey C. , Dertinger Stephen D.
Published: December 2009

A flow cytometric method for analyzing suspension cell cultures for micronucleus content has been previously reported (Avlasevich et al. [2006]: Environ Mol Mutagen 47: 56–66). The experiments described herein were undertaken to evaluate the compatibility of this method (In Vitro MicroFlow®) with attachment cells. Initially, CHO‐K1 cells were studied in nine independent experiments using mitomycin C and cyclophosphamide. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the cell processing procedure, and also provided historical control data that were useful for setting criteria for making positive calls. Subsequently, CHO‐K1 cells were treated with methyl methanesulfonate, mitomycin C, etoposide, vinblastine sulfate, dexamethasone, and sodium chloride. Whereas the four genotoxicants were each observed to increase micronucleus frequencies, the nongenotoxicants induced no such response up to cytotoxic concentrations. Following this initial work, inter‐laboratory transferability was evaluated across three sites using a common cell staining and analysis protocol for CHO‐K1 or V79 cells that had been treated with the ten chemicals listed in Annex 3 of the OECD Draft Proposal for a New Guideline 487: In Vitro Mammalian Cell Micronucleus Test. With the exception of benzo[a]pyrene at one site, each laboratory observed increased micronucleus frequencies for the genotoxicants, whereas no significant induction occurred with the non‐genotoxicants. Interestingly, the method appeared to distinguish between genotoxic modes of action, as only aneugens increased the average micronucleus fluorescence intensity and the frequency of hypodiploid nuclei. Collectively, these data suggest that flow cytometry is capable of providing reliable micronucleus counts, and that additional information is obtained that appears to discern genotoxic modes of action. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bananas and petrol: further evidence on the forecasting accuracy of the ABS ‘headline’ and ‘underlying’ rates of inflation
Authors: Lenten Liam J. A.
Published: December 2009

In the light of the still topical nature of ‘bananas and petrol’ being blamed for driving much of the inflationary pressures in Australia in recent times, the ‘headline’ and ‘underlying’ rates of inflation are scrutinised in terms of forecasting accuracy. A general structural time‐series modelling strategy is applied to estimate models for alternative types of Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures. From this, out‐of‐sample forecasts are generated from the various models. The underlying forecasts are subsequently adjusted to facilitate comparison. The Ashley, Granger and Schmalensee (1980) test is then performed to determine whether there is a statistically significant difference between the root mean square errors of the models. The results lend weight to the recent findings of Song (2005) that forecasting models using underlying rates are not systematically inferior to those based on the headline rate. In fact, strong evidence is found that underlying measures produce superior forecasts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A family harboring a germ‐line N‐terminal C/EBPα mutation and development of acute myeloid leukemia with an additional somatic C‐terminal C/EBPα mutation
Authors: Nanri Tomoko , Uike Naokuni , Kawakita Toshiro , Iwanaga Eisaku , Mitsuya Hiroaki , Asou Norio
Published: December 2009

C/EBPα plays an essential role as a transcription factor in myeloid cell differentiation. Here, we describe a Japanese family in which two individuals with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and one healthy individual had an identical 4‐base pair insertion in the N‐terminal region of CEBPA (350_351insCTAC), resulting in the termination at codon 107 (I68fsX107). The father and a son at diagnosis of AML had different in‐frame insertion mutations in the C‐terminal region of C/EBPα. These C‐terminal mutations disappeared upon remission in both patients. Interestingly, the father showed different in‐frame insertion mutations in the C‐terminal CEBPA at the time of diagnosis and relapse. These data strongly suggest that the N‐terminal C/EBPα mutation predisposes to the occurrence of a C‐terminal C/EBPα mutation as a secondary genetic hit, causing AML. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blowing ratio as an evaluation tool for velopharyngeal function after oral and oropharyngeal cancer resection
Authors: Katoh Chieri , Saitoh Miki , Tsuneyuki Miki , Tanimoto Hitoshi , Hashikawa Kazunobu , Tahara Shinya , Otsuki Naoki , Nibu Ken‐ichi
Published: December 2009

Background.

Our objective was to evaluate the value of the blowing test to measure the speech and swallowing function after resection of oral or oropharyngeal cancer.

Methods.

Speech and swallowing functions of the patients after surgical resection of oral or oropharyngeal cancer were assessed by a speech intelligibility test, blowing time, questionnaires, and oropharyngeal pressures. Blowing time (pressure) ratio was determined by dividing blowing time (pressure) with open nose by blowing time (pressure) with closed nose.

Results.

Blowing time ratio had significant correlation with blowing pressure ratio (p = .014), score of speech intelligibility test (p = .0014), questionnaire for aspiration (p = .029), nasopharyngeal backflow (CC = 0.676, p = .032), amount of food to swallow (p = .037), and oropharyngeal pressure during swallowing (p = .024).

Conclusion.

The present results demonstrated the value of blowing time ratio as a simple objective tool for speech and swallowing ability related to velopharyngeal function after resection of oral and oropharyngeal cancers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Chemotherapy alone for organ preservation in advanced laryngeal cancer
Authors: Divi Vasu , Worden Francis P. , Prince Mark E. , Eisbruch Avraham , Lee Julia S. , Bradford Carol R. , Chepeha Douglas B. , Teknos Theodoros N. , Hogikyan Norman D. , Moyer Jeffrey S. , Tsien Christina I. , Urba Susan G. , Wolf Gregory T.
Published: December 2009

Background.

For patients with advanced laryngeal cancer, a trial was designed to determine if chemotherapy alone, in patients achieving a complete histologic complete response after a single neoadjuvant cycle, was an effective treatment with less morbidity than concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Methods.

Thirty‐two patients with advanced laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer received 1 cycle of induction chemotherapy, and subsequent treatment was decided based on response.

Results.

A histologic complete response was achieved in 4 patients and were treated with chemotherapy alone. All 4 patients' cancer relapsed in the neck and required surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (RT). Twenty‐five patients were treated with concomitant chemoradiation. Three patients were treated with surgery. Overall survival and disease‐specific survival at 3 years were 68% and 78%, respectively.

Conclusion.

Chemotherapy alone is not feasible for long‐term control of regional disease in patients with advanced laryngeal cancer even when they achieve a histologic complete response at the primary site. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Superficial selective cervical plexus block following total thyroidectomy: A randomized trial
Authors: Kesisoglou Isaak , Papavramidis Theodossis S. , Michalopoulos Nick , Ioannidis Konstantinos , Trikoupi Anastasia , Sapalidis Konstantinos , Papavramidis Spiros T.
Published: December 2009

Background.

Pain after thyroid surgery is of moderate intensity and short duration. Bilaterally superficial cervical plexus block (BSCPB) may reduce analgesic requirements. However, its effectiveness in decreasing pain after thyroidectomy is debated.

Methods.

This double‐blind, randomized placebo‐controlled study in 100 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy evaluates the effects of BSCPB done with 20 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine. Additional parecoxib was administrated immediately postoperatively and 12 hours later.

Results.

Postoperative pain was assessed by visual analogue rating scale. All parameters were recorded at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. The control group had higher values than the ropivacaine group at all moments (p < .05) except H12 (p = .76). Additional analgesia was needed for 7 patients (14%) in the control group and for 8 patients (16%) in the group with ropivacaine (p = .96).

Conclusion.

Two‐point bilateral BSCPB has a major analgesic effect on patients after total thyroidectomy, with a statistically significant reduction in postoperative pain scores. However, no significant difference was noted in the proportion of patients that required additional analgesics. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Influence of breathing resistance of heat and moisture exchangers on tracheal climate and breathing pattern in laryngectomized individuals
Authors: Scheenstra Renske J. , Muller Sara H. , Vincent Andrew , Sinaasappel Michiel , Hilgers Frans J. M.
Published: December 2009

Background.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of breathing resistance of heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) on endotracheal climate and breathing pattern.

Methods.

Endotracheal temperature and humidity and tidal volumes were measured in 11 laryngectomized patients with a regularly used HME with “standard” breathing resistance (Provox Normal HME; R‐HME), a low breathing‐resistance HME (Provox HiFlow HME; L‐HME), and without HME.

Results.

Both R‐HME and L‐HME increased end‐inspiratory humidity (+5.8 and 4.7 mgH2O/L, respectively), decreased end‐inspiratory temperature (−1.6 and −1.0°C, respectively), and prolonged the exhalation breath length to approximately 0.5 seconds. The R‐HME significantly enlarged tidal volumes (0.07 L; p < .05).

Conclusions.

Both HMEs significantly improve tracheal climate. The R‐HME has better moistening properties and a small but significant positive effect on tidal volume. Therefore, if the higher resistance is tolerated, the R‐HME is the preferred pulmonary rehabilitation device. The L‐HME is indicated if lower breathing resistance is required. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Fatal central venous air embolism: A rare complication of esophageal dilation by rendezvous
Authors: Zald Philip B. , Andersen Peter E.
Published: December 2009

Background.

Esophageal dilation by rendezvous is a useful technique for the treatment of complicated esophageal strictures.

Methods and Results.

We present a case of a 74‐year‐old man with chronic dysphagia caused by a complete cervical esophageal stricture that developed after external beam radiotherapy for treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma. During attempted dilation using the rendezvous technique, the patient suffered a fatal pulmonary air embolism. The technique of esophageal dilation by rendezvous, complications, and risk factors for development of venous air embolism are discussed.

Conclusion.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of fatal venous air embolism after dilation by rendezvous. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Developing an OD‐intervention metric system with the use of applied theory‐building methodology: A work/life‐intervention example
Authors: Morris Michael Lane , Storberg‐Walker Julia , McMillan Heather S.
Published: December 2009

This article presents a new model, generated through applied theory‐building research methods, that helps human resource development (HRD) practitioners evaluate the return on investment (ROI) of organization development (OD) interventions. This model, called organization development human‐capital accounting system (ODHCAS), identifies return‐on‐investment measures for each of the elements of the human‐capital employment life cycle that are impacted by OD interventions. We illustrate an application of the new model by using work/life (w/l) interventions as a test of the model. The contribution of this new model is fourfold:

It fills a gap in the literature by suggesting a holistic ROI framework for typically nonfinancial OD‐type interventions.

It is generated from an accepted applied theory‐building methodology.

It offers decision makers methods to develop “hard” evidence on which to evaluate w/l interventions.

It has the future potential to be expanded and used to evaluate the ROI for multiple types of OD interventions.
Numerical modeling of the groundwater flow system of the Gumera sub‐basin in Lake Tana basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Chebud Yirgalem A. , Melesse Assefa M.
Published: December 2009

The groundwater flow contribution into Lake Tana was simulated using Gumera River sub‐basin as a case study. Draining into Lake Tana, the Gumera sub‐basin boundary was delineated from a 90‐m Shuttle Radar Terrain Mapping (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM) using ArcHydro tools. The sub‐basin boundary served as the divide line of the groundwater flow while stream networks were used as internal drainage lines. Input parameters such as transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity were obtained from past studies and experts' knowledge. Based on the geological information of the sub‐basin, unconfined subsurface flow condition was considered and simulated using MODular 3D finite difference ground‐water FLOW model (MODFLOW). Analytical solutions were also used for comparison purposes. The result indicates that head contours are aligned to the streams showing their relationship as a subdued form of the surface water flow, which are dictated by the morphology of the basin. This suggested the need to account groundwater contribution of the sub‐basins to Lake Tana as baseflow, and to estimate groundwater inflow from the floodplain separately. The contribution from the floodplain was estimated using a finite differences method which showed an inflow of 0·15 billion cubic meter (BCM) from rivers into the floodplain out of which 0·09 BCM is flowing out to the Lake Tana and 0·06 BCM stored in the aquifers of the floodplain. The stored quantity could meet irrigation demands as well as contribute to the preservation of the ecological structure and function of the area. The study suggests further research on validation of parameters through inverse modeling approaches and optimization of water allocations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.