bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bismuth Film Electrode in Metal Complexation Studies: Stripping Analysis of the Pb(II)‐, Cd(II)‐, and Zn(II)‐Binding with Phthalate
Authors: Serrano Núria , Martín Nuria , Díaz‐Cruz José Manuel , Ariño Cristina , Esteban Miquel
Published: January 2009

The possibilities of bismuth film electrode for complexation studies by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) and constant current stripping chronopotentiometry (CCSCP) are tested for Pb(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) in the presence of phthalate. In all cases, labile complexes are detected. The regular signals obtained for the Pb(II)‐phthalate system allow an accurate determination of stability constants by means of the DeFord‐Hume method. As for Cd(II)‐ions, the two overlapping signals usually present in the absence of ligands suffer a similar evolution with the addition of phthalate. Then, the use of an intermediate potential between both signals allows a reasonable estimation of stability constants. In contrast, the two overlapping signals obtained for Zn(II) behave in a quite irregular way in the presence of phthalate, thus hindering any quantitative analysis of the formed complexes.
Voltammetric Study of Adenine Complex with Copper on Mercury Electrode
Authors: Jelen Frantisek , Kourilova Alena , Hason Stanislav , Kizek Rene , Trnkova Libuse
Published: January 2009

The determination of adenine (Ade), adenosine (Ado) and hydrolyzed adenosine (h‐Ado) in the presence of copper(II) ions is described by cyclic (CV) and elimination voltammetry with linear scan (EVLS) in connection with adsorptive stripping technique. Signals of adenine and copper‐adenine complex were measured on a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) in buffered solutions with different pH. The differences in electrochemical behavior of Ade and Ado were found not only in dependence on the presence of copper ions, scan rate, Ade concentration and pH, but also on the accumulation time and potential where a copper‐Ade complex is formed. A deeper evaluation of voltammetric responses was carried out by EVLS. The EVLS function E4 eliminating charging and kinetic current components and conserving the diffusion current component was capable of enhancing the current sensitivity of CV peaks and of detecting electron transfer in adsorbed state. The irreversible electrode process of a totally adsorbed electroactive species is indicated by means of a peak‐counterpeak signal. Our results show that EVLS in connection with the adsorptive stripping procedure is not only a useful tool for both qualitative and quantitative microanalysis of Ade but also for revealing certain details in electrode processes.
Chronopotentiometric Stripping Analysis of Gelatinase B, Collagen and Their Interaction
Authors: Huska Dalibor , Adam Vojtech , Zitka Ondrej , Kukacka Jiri , Prusa Richard , Kizek Rene
Published: January 2009

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) belong to a group of zinc‐dependent proteins that play a central role in the breakdown of extracellular matrices. Collagen, elastin, gelatin and casein are the main components of extracellular matrix cleaved by MMP. This paper aims to analyze the interaction between gelatinase B (MMP‐9) and collagen using chronopotentiometric stripping analysis with adsorptive transfer stripping technique (AdTS CPSA). Under optimized experimental conditions (time accumulation of 90 s, supporting electrolyte 0.2 M acetate buffer pH 5, stripping current 1 μA), the detection limit (3 signal/noise) for MMP‐9 was estimated as being 100 pM. The interaction between MMP‐9 and collagen was studied according to the following scheme: i) HMDE surface was renewed. ii) Renewed surface of HMDE collagen (1 μg/mL) was accumulated for 90 s under open circuit. iii) The electrode was rinsed in ACS grade water and immersed in 5 μL drop of MMP‐9. iv) The interaction between MMP‐9 with collagen took place at open circuit. v) The electrode was then rinsed in ACS grade water. vi) The rinsed electrode was transferred into an electrochemical cell and measured in acetate buffer (pH 5). The CPSA signal of collagen after its interaction with MMP‐9 increased more than 30% compared to that of only collagen. This increase in signal is likely due to the cleavage of collagen by MMP‐9, hence its easy access to the electrode's surface.
An Experimental Investigation of Quasireversible Maximum of Azobenzene on Mercury Electrode by Fourier Transformed Square‐Wave Voltammetry
Authors: Wang Lishi , Chen Huilian , Huang Xinjian , Nan Junmin
Published: January 2009

An experimental investigation of quasireversible maximum (QRM) of azobenzene on mercury electrode by two methods, i.e., traditional square‐wave voltammetry (SWV) and fast Fourier transformed square‐wave voltammetry (FT‐SWV), was presented, and the influence factors on QRM of FT‐SWV were discussed. The results show that the rate constants derived from FT‐SWV agree with that of derived from traditional SWV with acceptable differences, showing a sound verification that the rate constants derived from FT‐SWV were reliable. In addition, some theoretical predictions on FT‐SWV were experimentally confirmed through the characterization of strongly adsorbed azobenzene on mercury film electrode. As a result, FT‐SWV is further proved to be a powerful technique in kinetic studies of the surface adsorbed processes.
High Performance Oxide Functionalized Nitrogen‐Doped Mesocellular Carbon Foam for Biosensor Construction
Authors: Shi Linpu , Gao Qiuming , Wu Yihua
Published: January 2009

Nitrogen‐doped mesocellular carbon foam (denoted as MCFCNx) with high surface area and large pore volume was prepared and characterized in detail. The MCFCNx was further functionalized by oxidation with HNO3 (denoted as MCFCNx‐O) in order to effectively improve its hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. Both MCFCNx and MCFCNx‐O were used for immobilization of Hb and design of electrochemical biosensors. The activity of Hb immobilized on MCFCNx‐O is two times higher than that of Hb immobilized on MCFCNx. The Hb‐MCFCNx‐O‐Nafion modified electrode displays fast response, high sensitivity and low detection limit to the detection of hydrogen peroxide. The sensitivity of Hb‐MCFCNx‐O‐Nafion modified electrode (477 μA mM−1 cm−2) is twice that of Hb‐MCFCNx‐Nafion modified electrode.
Restoration of XAF1 expression induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth in gastric cancer
Authors: Tu Shui Ping , Liston Peter , Cui Jian Tao , Lin Marie C.M. , Jiang Xiao Hua , Yang Yi , Gu Qing , Jiang Shi Hu , Lum Ching Tung , Kung Hsiang Fu , Korneluk Robert G , Wong Benjamin Chun‐Yu
Published: January 2009

XAF1 (XIAP‐associated factor 1) is a novel XIAP binding protein that can antagonize XIAP and sensitize cells to other cell death triggers. Our previous results have shown that aberrant hypermethylation of the CpG sites in XAF1 promoter is strongly associated with lower expression of XAF1 in gastric cancers. In our study, we investigated the effect of restoration of XAF1 expression on growth of gastric cancers. We found that the restoration of XAF1 expression suppressed anchorage‐dependent and ‐independent growth and increased sensitivity to TRAIL and drug‐induced apoptosis. Stable cell clones expressing XAF1 exhibited delayed tumor initiation in nude mice. Restoration of XAF1 expression mediated by adenovirus vector greatly increased apoptosis in gastric cancer cell lines in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner and sensitized cancer cells to TRAIL and drugs‐induced apoptosis. Adeno‐XAF1 transduction induced cell cycle G2/M arrest and upregulated the expression of p21 and downregulated the expression of cyclin B1 and cdc2. Notably, adeno‐XAF1 treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth, strongly enhanced the antitumor activity of TRAIL in a gastric cancer xenograft model in vivo, and significantly prolonged the survival time of animals bearing tumor xenografts. Complete eradication of established tumors was achieved on combined treatment with adeno‐XAF1 and TRAIL. Our results document that the restoration of XAF1 inhibits gastric tumorigenesis and tumor growth and that XAF1 is a promising candidate for cancer gene therapy. © 2009 UICC
Evaluation of nonviral risk factors for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a high‐risk population of Southern China
Authors: Guo Xiuchan , Johnson Randall C. , Deng Hong , Liao Jian , Guan Li , Nelson George W. , Tang Mingzhong , Zheng Yuming , de The Guy , O'Brien Stephen J. , Winkler Cheryl A. , Zeng Yi
Published: January 2009

To understand the role of environmental and genetic influences on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in populations at high risk of NPC, we have performed a case‐control study in Guangxi Province of Southern China in 2004–2005. NPC cases (n = 1,049) were compared with 785 NPC‐free matched controls who were seropositive for IgA antibodies (IgA) to Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) capsid antigen (VCA)—a predictive marker for NPC in Chinese populations. A questionnaire was used to capture exposure and NPC family history data. Risk factors associated with NPC in a multivariant analysis model were the following: (i) a first, second or third degree relative with NPC [attributable risk (AR)= 6%, odds ratio (OR) = 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.0–4.9, p < 0.001]; (ii) consumption of salted fish 3 or more than 3 times per month (AR = 3%, OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1–3.5, p = 0.035); (iii) exposure to domestic wood cooking fires for more than 10 years (AR = 69%, OR = 5.8, 95% CI = 2.5–13.6, p < 0.001); and (iv) exposure to occupational solvents for 10 or less years (AR = 4%, OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.4–4.8, p = 0.002). Consumption of preserved meats or a history of tobacco smoking were not associated with NPC (p > 0.05). We also assessed the contribution of EBV/IgA/VCA antibody serostatus to NPC risk—32.2% of NPC can be explained by IgA+ status. However, family history and environmental risk factors cumulatively explained only 2.7% of NPC development in NPC high risk population. These findings should have important public health implications for NPC risk reduction in endemic regions. © 2009 UICC
Tetraspanin gene expression levels as potential biomarkers for malignancy of gingival squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hirano Chizuru , Nagata Masaki , Noman Arhab A. , Kitamura Nobutaka , Ohnishi Makoto , Ohyama Tokio , Kobayashi Takanori , Suzuki Kenji , Yoshizawa Michiko , Izumi Naoya , Fujita Hajime , Takagi Ritsuo
Published: January 2009

Accurate assessment of malignancy in oral squamous cell carcinoma is essential to optimize treatment planning. To detect a biomarker related to malignant propensity in gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC), quantitative gene expression analysis of tetraspanin family genes was conducted. In 73 cases of GSCC, total RNA was extracted from carcinoma tissues, and gene expression was analyzed by quantitative real time‐PCR. Six tetraspanin family genes (CD9, CD63, CD81, CD82, CD151, NAG‐2) were investigated. Housekeeping genes (ACTB and GAPDH), anchor protein genes (JUP and PXN) and an integrin gene (ITGA3) were used as reference genes. Forty‐five gene expression ratios were calculated from these 11 gene expression levels and were analyzed with clinical parameters using multivariate statistical methods. According to the results of the logistic regression analysis subjecting cervical lymph node metastasis as a target variable, CD9/ACTB (p = 0.013) or CD9/CD82 (p = 0.013) in addition to tumor size (p = 0.028) were detected as significant factors. In Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, delayed cervical lymph node metastasis (p = 0.039) and tumor cell positive surgical margin (p = 0.032) in addition to CD151/GAPDH (p = 0.024) were detected as significant factors for death outcome. A Kaplan‐Meier survival curve presented a significantly lower survival rate of the group with a CD151/GAPDH value of 10 or more (log rank and generalized Wilcoxon tests: p = 0.0003). Results of this study present the usefulness of CD9 and CD151 expression levels as biomarkers for assessment of malignancy in GSCC. They also indicate that detection of residual tumor cells at the surgical margin and the biological malignancy of a tumor interdependently affects prognosis. © 2009 UICC
Alterations in miRNA processing and expression in pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary gland
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Cairns Murray , Rose Barbara , O'Brien Christopher , Shannon Kerwin , Clark Jonathan , Gamble Jennifer , Tran Nham
Published: January 2009

Genome‐wide microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling of salivary gland pleomorphic adenomas revealed a distinct expression signature consisting largely of upregulated miRNAs compared with matched normal tissue. Microarray data were confirmed by quantitative real time RT‐PCR (q‐RTPCR). Five miRNA genes upregulated in the tumours were found in close proximity to fragile sites and/or cancer associated genomic regions. Interestingly, q‐RTPCR revealed an increase in the expression of components of the miRNA processing machinery (Dicer, Drosha, DGCR8 and p68) in tumours suggesting that the deregulation of miRNA expression may result from increased miRNA biogenesis. Target gene prediction analysis of the altered miRNAs indicated that genes in a number of signalling pathways important in tumourigenesis including WNT, MAPK and JAK‐STAT were overrepresented. Significantly, the oncogene PLAG1 was overexpressed in our cohort and may be potentially regulated by these miRNAs. This is the first study to examine changes in the miRNA milieu in pleomorphic adenoma, the most common salivary gland tumour. This study has demonstrated an upregulation of both miRNAs genes and an upregulation of the miRNA processing machinery. These changes may be potential underlying mechanisms for the development of these benign tumours. © 2009 UICC
Design of multiquality irrigation water supply systems using the Q–C feasibility domain concept: II. QCFD model and applications
Authors: Sinai G. , Dalins Ben‐Zion
Published: January 2009

The world shortage in water sources for irrigation indicates a need to exploit poor water quality sources. Traditional design methods of irrigation systems consider primarily the hydraulic aspects. Inclusion of water quality aspects requires new tailored design methods. The method suggested herein is part of a continuous effort taken in that direction. Earlier works paved the way for the presently suggested design model which computes the feasibility domain of water discharge and quality of supply networks. Steady‐state conditions, conservative water quality parameters, instantaneous and complete mixing of water from diverse water quality sources were assumed. The Q–C (chemical transport sub‐problem) was dealt with and the QC feasibility domains of sources for the inner nodes and outlets were computed for every feasible flow pattern in a given network. Feasibility of supply was evaluated by comparing demand (water discharge and quality) values with the supply values computed by the QCFD. Real water supply in a rural community in the Arava desert, Israel, was designed using the QCFD model. Feasibility of various irrigation schedules was tested and a guideline for operation derived. The method, however, needs further improvement. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The contribution of information systems in maintaining large‐scale irrigation schemes
Authors: Passouant M. , Le Gal P.‐Y. , Keita B.
Published: January 2009

The maintenance of hydraulic networks, along with the distribution of water, is a primary function of irrigation scheme management. Maintenance normally passes through four stages (planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation) which marshal information exchanged between diverse stakeholders. This article shows how the management of such information was computerized on a large irrigation scheme in the Office du Niger in Mali, and the impact this had on the management of maintenance. After analyzing initial procedures and assessing stakeholders' needs, a conceptual model was built based on four components: Operation and Maintenance Unit, annual maintenance plan, maintenance activity, and nomenclature. The software developed on this basis enables one to describe the network and the contractors involved in maintenance operations, record annual maintenance plans and work accomplished each year, and manage the different nomenclatures required in the application of the software. Automated output in the form of tables and graphs facilitates decision‐making based on records of past operations. The software was designed and implemented based on the results of an initial experimental phase, which also led to the creation of a data processing unit in charge of managing the information system of the Office du Niger. The whole process enabled a more coherent organization of maintenance operations while addressing problems related to training and staff commitment. Farmer participation, however, remains limited at this stage. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stages in the adoption of a wetting front detector
Authors: Stirzaker R. J. , Stevens J. B. , Annandale J. G. , Steyn J. M.
Published: January 2009

The adoption of a new irrigation scheduling tool by irrigators in South Africa was evaluated while it was still in prototype form. A wetting front detector (WFD) is a funnel‐shaped device, buried in the crop root zone, which provides a mechanical or electronic signal to the irrigator when a wetting front moves past it. There was a survey of 54 irrigators or their advisors, who participated voluntarily by evaluating the tool under their own conditions. The survey showed that all participants perceived the device as simple and intuitive, and based on their own experience, 82% believed it conferred a relative advantage over what they were doing. The successful deployment of WFDs was highly dependent on matching the placement depths to the irrigation method and strategy. This required the irrigators to combine their own experiential learning with the response from the WFDs. The WFD showed promise as an irrigation scheduling aid, but requires the meeting of scientific and local knowledge, or a participatory research and extension approach, to reach its full potential. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydroxyapatite crystals biologically inspired on titanium by using an organic template based on the copolymer of acrylic acid and itaconic acid
Authors: Zhang Chao , Li Zhi‐An , Cheng Xiang‐Rong , Xiao Qun , Li Hong‐Bo
Published: January 2009

Hydroxyapatite coating on metal implants is an effective method to enhance bioactive properties of the metal surface. We report here a method to coat the Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy with hydroxyapatite crystals. After alkaline/heat treatment, the spontaneous growth of organoapatite on titanium alloy surface involves sequential preadsorption of titanium isopropoxide (TIPO) and the copolymer of acrylic acid and itaconic acid on the metal, followed by exposure to simulated body fluid (SBF). The organoapatite characterization of the coating was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, and X‐ray diffraction. The copolymer of acrylic acid and itaconic acid overlayer which is rich of carboxylate groups can lead to the deposition of needle‐like and homogeneous HA on the surface after immersion in SBF. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Investigation of mechanical properties of soft hydrogel microcapsules in relation to protein delivery using a MEMS force sensor
Authors: Kim Keekyoung , Cheng Ji , Liu Qun , Wu Xiao Yu , Sun Yu
Published: January 2009

This article reports the investigation of mechanical properties of alginate–chitosan microcapsules and the relation to protein delivery. For microscale compression testing, a system based on a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) capacitive force sensor was developed. The bulk microfabricated capacitive force sensors are capable of resolving forces up to 110 μN with a resolution of 33.2 nN along two independent axes. The monolithic force sensors were directly applied to characterizing mechanical properties of soft hydrogel microparticles without assembling additional end‐effectors. Protein‐loaded alginate–chitosan microcapsules of ∼20 μm in diameter were prepared by an emulsion‐internal gelation‐polyelectrolyte coating method. Young's modulus values of individual microcapsules with 1, 2, and 3% chitosan coating were determined through microscale compression testing in both distilled deionized (DDI) water and pH 7.4 phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). Protein release rates were also determined in DDI water and PBS. Finally, protein release rates were correlated with mechanical properties of the microcapsules. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Microphase separation structure influences protein interactions with poly(urethane urea) surfaces
Authors: Xu Li‐Chong , Siedlecki Christopher A.
Published: January 2009

Microphase separation is an important characteristic of polyurethane copolymer biomaterials. An improved understanding of the effects of microphase structure on protein interactions with the polymeric biomaterial surface is essential for the development and application of new biomaterials intended for implantation into the body. In this study, an array of atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques were used to visualize the phase separation structure in a hydrated poly(urethane urea) (PUU) material and to correlate that structure with molecular interactions at the molecular level. Sequential in situ AFM phase images showed that the hard domains present a dynamic environment and undergo rearrangement and enrichment at the surface when hydrated. Adhesion forces measured using a protein‐modified AFM probe suggests that the PUU surface became less adhesive to protein with hydration time, consistent with other physical characterizations. Force measurements were used to quantify and correlate mechanical properties and local adhesion forces for bovine serum albumin, and results showed that low adhesion forces were primarily associated with polar hard domain regions. A nanogold‐labeled protein conjugate was used to visualize individual protein adsorption to the separate microstructures on the PUU surface, with preferential protein adsorption seen on the more apolar hydrophobic soft segment regions. Together, the results suggest that the microphase separation structure mediates local surface microenvironments that influence biological interactions with the surface. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Antibacterial effect of silver‐zeolite containing root‐canal filling material
Authors: Çınar Çağdaş , Ulusu Tezer , Özçelik Berrin , Karamüftüoğlu Nevra , Yücel Hayrettin
Published: January 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro antibacterial effect of two experimental glass ionomer cements (GICs) on Streptococcus milleri, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis after 24 and 48 h incubation by using the agar diffusion inhibitory test. Silver zeolite (SZ) was added at 0.2 and 2% mass fraction concentration to GIC (Endion). The control group was Endion with no SZ. Each of them were prepared to uniform size using a custom‐made Teflon mold, and the GIC materials were prepared to form disks (n = 5 per group). The effect of these materials on the growth of three bacteria associated with endodontic infections was determined using the agar diffusion inhibitory test. The amounts of silver ion release from these materials were measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometry at 10 min, 24‐ and 48‐h periods. The pH of samples was measured with a pH‐meter at 10 min, 24‐ and 48‐h periods. After the incubation period, the agar plates were evaluated and the degrees of bacterial inhibition were measured in millimeters. A comparison of the mean of the test materials was statistically different in each group of specimens (p < 0.05). Between the two tested materials 2% SZ containing GIC showed the largest zone of inhibition on the agar plates of all the tested strains (p < 0.05). The most inhibition in bacterial growth occurred in E. faecalis. Adding 2% SZ to GIC resulted in a significant increase in the silver release into deionized water. This study demonstrated that GIC had an inhibitory affect on Streptococcus milleri, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis and that adding SZ increases that affect proportional to its concentration. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Across the great divide: Introduction to the special issue on psychology in medicine
Authors: Kessler Rodger
Published: January 2009

Health psychology has made limited progress becoming an accepted part of mainstream medical research and practice. Although abundant efficacy research has generated considerable evidence‐based interventions that are effective primary medical interventions or adjuncts to other medical treatments, evidence of acceptance within medicine and especially primary care is meager. This special edition of the Journal of Clinical Psychology is an effort to assist movement in this area. It is a combination of commentaries concerning aspects of clinical collaboration within primary care, a discussion of issues that are barriers to implementation, and a wide range of research efforts supporting models of collaborative interventions between health psychology and primary care. It also identifies mechanisms that may account for the effectiveness of certain types of interventions. Taken as a whole the volume supports the importance and viability of clinical health psychology research and practice in an area of fundamental importance—the general health of patients in medical settings—the location where most people present psychological problems and receive treatment in response. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65:1–4, 2009.
Kinetics of catalyzed and non‐catalyzed soot oxidation with nitrogen dioxide under regeneration particle trap conditions
Authors: Jeguirim Mejdi , Tschamber Valérie , Brilhac Jean François
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: For compliance with the regulations on diesel particulate matter, car manufacturers have developed diesel particulate filters (DPF). These technologies require a regeneration method which oxidizes soot deposits in the filter. In diesel exhaust emissions there are two suitable oxidizing gases: oxygen and nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide is much more active than O2 and can directly attack the carbon surface. This work describes the kinetics of the oxidation of soot by NO2 over a wide range of conditions relevant for DPF.

RESULTS: The catalyzed and the non‐catalyzed oxidation of soot have been performed in a fixed‐bed reactor. The experimental results show that the overall oxidation process can be described by two additive parallel reactions: a direct C − NO2 reaction catalyzed by H2O and a cooperative C − NO2 − O2 reaction catalyzed by the Pt/Al2O3 catalyst. The results obtained allow to propose the following kinetic law for the specific rates of the catalyzed and the non‐catalyzed oxidation of soot in the regeneration filter conditions:

CONCLUSION: The kinetic parameters describing the oxidation rate of soot by NO2 over a range of temperature and gas composition have been obtained. The extracted kinetics data are relevant for modeling the removal of trapping soot in automotive gas exhaust technology. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of micro‐CT: A new method for stone drilling research
Authors: Yang Yimin , Yang Min , Xie Yaoting , Wang Changsui
Published: January 2009

Drilling is one of the most complex techniques for making ancient stone implement or adornment. For smaller perforations, it is very difficult to effectively observe drilling marks under microscope, SEM, or to obtain negative silicone rubber cast. In this report, a new exclusive nondestructive method was first introduced to resolve the observation difficulty. Virtual 3D reconstruction by using micro CT (μCT) was successfully applied to disclose drilling tool marks on the inner wall of one small perforation and its relative drilling technique was deduced, which implied that μCT has great potential to understand ancient stone drilling. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new MEMS‐based system for ultra‐high‐resolution imaging at elevated temperatures
Authors: Allard Lawrence F. , Bigelow Wilbur C. , Jose‐Yacaman Miguel , Nackashi David P. , Damiano John , Mick Stephen E.
Published: January 2009

In recent years, an increasing number of laboratories have been applying in situ heating (and ultimately, gas reaction) techniques in electron microscopy studies of catalysts and other nanophase materials. With the advent of aberration‐corrected electron microscopes that provide sub‐Ångström image resolution, it is of great interest to study the behavior of materials at elevated temperatures while maintaining the resolution capabilities of the microscope. In collaboration with Protochips Inc., our laboratory is developing an advanced capability for in situ heating experiments that overcomes a number of performance problems with standard heating stage technologies. The new heater device allows, for example, temperature cycling from room temperature to greater than 1000°C in 1 ms (a heating rate of 1 million Centigrade degrees per second) and cooling at nearly the same rate. It also exhibits a return to stable operation (drift controlled by the microscope stage, not the heater) in a few seconds after large temperature excursions. With Protochips technology, we were able to demonstrate single atom imaging and the behavior of nanocrystals at high temperatures, using high‐angle annular dark‐field imaging in an aberration‐corrected (S)TEM. The new capability has direct applicability for remote operation and (ultimately) for gas reaction experiments using a specially designed environmental cell. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dose‐dependent effects on cell proliferation, seminiferous tubules, and male germ cells in the fetal rat testis following exposure to di(n‐butyl) phthalate
Authors: Boekelheide Kim , Kleymenova Elena , Liu Kejun , Swanson Cynthia , Gaido Kevin W.
Published: January 2009

Adult male rats gestationally exposed to di(n‐butyl)phthalate (DBP) have dysgenetic testes characterized by seminiferous epithelial degeneration, clustering of Leydig cells, and decreased spermatogenesis. Cell proliferation and apoptosis are key processes regulating development of the testis, and alterations in these processes may underlie testicular dysgenesis. Objective: To determine whether gestational exposure to DBP affects cell proliferation and apoptosis in the developing rat testis. Design: Pregnant dams were exposed to different dose levels of DBP in mid‐gestation and cellular outcomes in fetal and early postnatal testes were assayed by histological and morphometric approaches. Results: Gestational exposure to high dose DBP inhibited proliferation of fetal testicular somatic cells but did not affect apoptosis. Exposed fetal testes had a smaller volume and decreased cell numbers, with decreases in both the tubular and interstitial cell populations. A reduction was observed in the testis volume and altered seminiferous tubule morphometry at ≥50 mg/kg/d, and a decreased testicular cell number at ≥30 mg/kg/d DBP. The number of multinucleated gonocytes in DBP‐exposed fetal testes increased after exposure to ≥100 mg/kg/d. The number of proliferating cells in the DBP‐exposed testis rapidly rose after birth (when exposure stopped), and the testis volume and the total cell number was comparable to control by postnatal day 2. Conclusion: DBP reversibly inhibits proliferation of somatic cells in the fetal rat testis. Decreased proliferation, rather than increased apoptosis, is the underlying mechanism of altered fetal development of DBP‐exposed seminiferous tubules contributing to testicular dysgenesis. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantification of regional functional improvement of infarcted myocardium after primary PTCA by contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Klug Gert , Trieb Thomas , Schocke Michael , Nocker Michael , Skalla Elisabeth , Mayr Agnes , Nowosielski Martha , Pedarnig Kathrin , Bartel Thomas , Moes Nico , Pachinger Otmar , Metzler Bernhard
Published: January 2009

Purpose

To assess with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) the relationship between treatment delay and improvement of regional left ventricular function after primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (p‐PTCA) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Materials and Methods

We performed cine‐ and late‐enhancement (LE) CMR in 40 patients with first AMI after restoring TIMI 3 flow with p‐PTCA and at a follow‐up 4 months later. Infarcted segments were determined from LE images. Regional left ventricular function was quantified from cine‐CMR images. Segmentation followed the American Heart Association 17‐segments model. Patients were divided into groups with delay <3 hours, 3–6 hours, 6–12 hours, and a delay >12 hours.

Results

Segmental wall thickening (SWT) significantly iproved only in segments reperfused within 6 hours (P < 0.001). Follow‐up SWT was significantly higher if segments were reperfused early (<3 hours: 74 ± 4%, 3–6 hours: 57 ± 4%, 6–12 hours: 48 ± 7%, <3 to 3–6: P < 0.003, and <3 to 6–12 hours: P < 0.001). The extent of improvement was greater if delay was <3 hours compared to segments with a delay of >3 hours (<3 hours: +21 ± 3%, 3–6 hours: +8 ± 4%, 6–12 hours: +6 ± 3%; <3 hours to 3–6 hours, and 6–12 h, P < 0.02).

Conclusion

We quantitatively demonstrated that time to p‐PTCA treatment significantly influences regional functional recovery of infarcted myocardium at a 4‐month follow‐up. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:298–304. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acquisition and reconstruction of undersampled radial data for myocardial perfusion magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Adluru Ganesh , McGann Chris , Speier Peter , Kholmovski Eugene G. , Shaaban Akram , DiBella Edward V.R.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

To improve myocardial perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by reconstructing undersampled radial data with a spatiotemporal constrained reconstruction method (STCR).

Materials and Methods

The STCR method jointly reconstructs all of the time‐frames for each slice. In 7 subjects at rest, on a 3‐T scanner, the method was compared with a conventional (GRAPPA) Cartesian approach.

Results

Increased slice coverage was obtained, as compared with Cartesian acquisitions. On average, 10 slices were obtained per heartbeat for radial acquisitions (8 of which are suitable for visual analysis with the remaining 2 slices, in theory, usable for quantitative purposes), whereas 4 slices were obtained for the conventional Cartesian acquisitions. The new method was robust to interframe motion, unlike using Cartesian undersampling and STCR. STCR produced images with an image quality rating (1 for best and 5 for worst) of 1.7 ± 0.5; the Cartesian images were rated 2.6 ± 0.4 (P = 0.0006). A mean improvement of 44 (±17) in signal‐to‐noise (SNR) ratio and 46 (+22) in contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was observed for STCR.

Conclusion

The new radial data acquisition and reconstruction scheme for dynamic myocardial perfusion imaging is a promising approach for obtaining significantly higher coverage and improved SNR ratios. Further testing of this approach is warranted during vasodilation in patients with coronary artery disease. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:466–473. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnosis of complete Cul‐De‐Sac obliteration (CCDSO) by the MRI jelly method
Authors: Kikuchi Iwaho , Takeuchi Hiroyuki , Kuwatsuru Ryohei , Kitade Mari , Kumakiri Jun , Kuroda Keiji , Takeda Satoru
Published: January 2009

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of MRI jelly method (jelly method).

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐five patients (32.7 ± 5 years old) with endometriosis, treated with laparoscopic surgery between January and June 2005 with preoperative MRI using the jelly method. In imaging by the jelly method, 50 mL of jelly used for ultrasound was injected into the vagina, and 150 mL of jelly diluted twice with tap water was injected into the rectum. MRI were inspected for the following seven findings: (Finding 1) Uterine position (anteflexion or retroflexion); (Finding 2) Thickness of the posterior uterine wall (adenomyosis uteri); (Finding 3) Ascites in the Douglas' pouch; (Finding 4) Elevated posterior uterine fornix; (Finding 5) Thickening of the “Haustra”; (Finding 6) Elevated anterior rectal wall; and (Finding 7) Douglas' pouch lesion visualized as a high‐intensity area on a T1‐weighted image. The latter four findings were enhanced with the jelly method. These seven findings were examined for their correlations with video findings of adhesion during surgery.

Results

CCDSO was present in 30 of 55 patients. These seven findings had accuracies of 69.1%, 70.9%, 72.7%, 74.5%, 56.4%, 83.6%, and 81.8% respectively. Findings 6 and 7 showed high accuracy.

Conclusion

These two findings could only be obtained using the jelly method, indicating the usefulness of this method for diagnosing CCDSO. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:365–370. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Arterial spin labeling perfusion MRI in pediatric arterial ischemic stroke: Initial experiences
Authors: Chen Juan , Licht Daniel J. , Smith Sabrina E. , Agner Shannon C. , Mason Stefanie , Wang Sumei , Silvestre David W. , Detre John A. , Zimmerman Robert A. , Ichord Rebecca N. , Wang Jiongjiong
Published: January 2009

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility and utility of arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion MRI for characterizing alterations of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in pediatric patients with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS).

Materials and Methods

Ten children with AIS were studied within 4 to 125 hours following symptom onset, using a pulsed ASL (PASL) protocol attached to clinically indicated MR examinations. The interhemisphere perfusion deficit (IHPD) was measured in predetermined vascular territories and infarct regions of restricted diffusion, which were compared with the degree of arterial stenosis and volumes of ischemic infarcts.

Results

Interpretable CBF maps were obtained in all 10 patients, showing simple lesion in nine patients (five hypoperfusion, two hyperperfusion, and two normal perfusion) and complex lesions in one patient. Both acute and follow‐up infarct volumes were significantly larger in cases with hypoperfusion than in either hyper‐ or normal perfusion cases. The IHPD was found to correlate with the degree of stenosis, diffusion lesion, and follow‐up T2 infarct volumes. Mismatch between perfusion and diffusion lesions was observed. Brain regions presenting delayed arterial transit effects were tentatively associated with positive outcome.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the clinical utility of ASL in the neuroimaging diagnosis of pediatric AIS. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:282–290. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metabolic alterations: A biomarker for radiation‐induced normal brain injury—an MR spectroscopy study
Authors: Sundgren P.C. , Nagesh V. , Elias A. , Tsien C. , Junck L. , Gomez Hassan D.M. , Lawrence T.S. , Chenevert T.L. , Rogers L. , McKeever P. , Cao Y.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

To assess if interval changes in metabolic status in normal cerebral tissue after radiation therapy (RT) can be detected by 2D CSI (chemical shift imaging) proton spectroscopy.

Materials and Methods

Eleven patients with primary brain tumors undergoing cranial radiation therapy (RT) were included. 2D‐CSI MRS was performed before, during, and after the course of RT with the following parameters: TE/TR 144/1500 ms, field of view (FOV) 24, thickness 10 mm, matrix 16 × 16. The metabolic ratios choline/creatine (Cho/Cr), N‐acetylaspartate (NAA)/Cr, and NAA/Cho in normal brain tissue were calculated.

Results

NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr were significantly decreased at week 3 during RT and at 1 month and 6 months after RT compared to values prior to RT (P < 0.01). The NAA/Cr ratio decreased by −0.19 ± 0.05 (mean ± standard error [SE]) at week 3 of RT, −0.14 ± 0.06 at the last week of RT, −0.14 ± 0.05 at 1 month after RT, and −0.30 ± 0.08 at 6 months after RT compared to the pre‐RT value of 1.43 ± 0.04. The Cho/Cr ratio decreased by −0.27 ± 0.05 at week 3 of RT, −0.11 ± 0.05 at the last week of RT, −0.26 ± 0.05 at 1 month after RT and −0.25 ± 0.07 at 6 months after RT from the pre‐RT value of 1.29 ± 0.03. Changes in Cho/Cr were correlated with the interaction of the radiation dose and dose‐volume at week 3 of RT, during the last week of RT (P < 0.005), and at 1 month after RT (P = 0.017).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that MRS can detect early metabolic changes in normal irradiated brain tissue. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:291–297. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
7T head volume coils: Improvements for rostral brain imaging
Authors: Avdievich Nikolai I. , Hetherington Hoby P. , Kuznetsov Andrey M. , Pan Jullie W.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

To improve the performance of 7T head coils over the rostral head regions. Due to radiofrequency (RF) field/tissue interactions, the RF magnetic field profile produced by 7T volume head coils is very inhomogeneous, with enhanced sensitivity near the center of the human brain and substantially reduced in the periphery.

Materials and Methods

Two head‐sized quadrature volume coils of similar diameters but substantially different lengths (17 and 10 cm) were constructed and tested using a 7T Varian Inova system.

Results

Experimental data demonstrated that by using a shorter volume head‐sized coil or simply by partially moving a head out of the coil, coil efficiency near the top of a head can be improved by 20%. The homogeneity also improved, largely resulting from an increase in peripheral B1 values. This resulted in 10%–20% variation in axial slices located near the top of a head.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated a less deeply positioned head or substantially shorter volume coil can significantly improve coil performance and homogeneity for the rostral head at ultrahigh magnetic fields (7T and above). For studies that target superior brain regions, this coil arrangement can be highly effective. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:461–465. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MRI‐based thermal dosimetry and diffusion‐weighted imaging of MRI‐guided focused ultrasound thermal ablation of uterine fibroids
Authors: Pilatou Magdalini C. , Stewart Elizabeth A. , Maier Stephan E. , Fennessy Fiona M. , Hynynen Kullervo , Tempany Clare M. C. , McDannold Nathan
Published: January 2009

Purpose

To investigate tissue changes observed in diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and its relation to contrast imaging, thermal dosimetry, and changes in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) after MRI‐guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) of uterine fibroids.

Materials and Methods

Imaging data were analyzed from 45 fibroids in 42 women treated with MRgFUS. The areas of the hyperintense regions in DWI and of nonperfused regions in T1‐weighted contrast enhanced imaging (both acquired immediately after treatment) were compared with each other and to thermal dosimetry based estimates. Changes in ADC were also calculated.

Results

Hyperintense regions were observed in 35/45 fibroids in DWI. When present, the areas of these regions were comparable on average to the thermal dose estimates and to the nonperfused regions, except for in several large treatments in which the nonperfused region extended beyond the treated area. ADC increased in 19 fibroids and decreased in the others.

Conclusion

DWI changes, which includes changes in both in T2 and ADC, may be useful in many cases to delineate the treated region resulting from MRgFUS. However, clear DWI changes were not always observed, and in some large treatments, the extent of the nonperfused region was under estimated. ADC changes immediately after MRgFUS were unpredictable. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:404–411. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low molecular weight proteins in urines from healthy subjects as well as diabetic, nephropathic and diabetic‐nephropathic patients: a MALDI study
Authors: Lapolla Annunziata , Seraglia Roberta , Molin Laura , Williams Katherine , Cosma Chiara , Reitano Rachele , Sechi Annalisa , Ragazzi Eugenio , Traldi Pietro
Published: January 2009

Urine samples from healthy subjects as well as diabetic, nephropathic and diabetic‐nephropathic patients were analyzed by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry in order to establish evidence of some possible differences in the peptide profile related to the pathological states. Multivariate analysis suggested the possibility of a distinction among the considered groups of patients. Some differences have been found, in particular, in the relative abundances of three ions at m/z 1912, 1219 and 2049. For these reasons, further investigation was carried out by MALDI/TOF/TOF to determine the sequence of these peptides and, consequently, to individuate their possible origin. By this approach, the peptide at m/z 1912 was found to originate from uromodulin, and its lower expression in the case of nephropathy can be well related to the pathological condition. Ions at m/z 2049 and 1219 originate from the collagen α‐1(I) chain precursor and from the collagen α‐5 (IV) chain precursor, respectively, and, also in this case, their different expressions can be related to the pathologies under investigation. The obtained data seem to indicate that urine is an interesting biological fluid to investigate on the peptide profile and to obtain, consequently, information on the dismetabolism activated by specific pathologies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New rabbit knee model of posttraumatic joint contracture: Indirect capsular damage induces a severe contracture
Authors: Nesterenko Sergiy , Morrey Mark E. , Abdel Matthew P. , An Kai‐Nan , Steinmann Scott P. , Morrey Bernard F. , Sanchez‐Sotelo Joaquin
Published: January 2009

Reported models of joint contracture fail to result in severe motion loss. Our purpose was to develop a rabbit model of knee contracture and compare it to another well‐accepted model to determine if more severe stiffness can be achieved. Sixteen skeletally mature New Zealand White female rabbits had their right knee operated to create 3‐mm defects on the noncartilaginous portions of the femoral condyles, hyperextend the joint to disrupt the posterior capsule, and immobilize the joint in maximum flexion with a Kirschner‐wire for 8 weeks (group I). Sixteen additional rabbits were operated on using an identical protocol except for the absence of capsular injury (group II). In each group, mechanical testing was performed at the time of Kirschner‐wire release in eight animals, and 16 weeks after remobilization in eight animals. At immobilization release, the average contracture was 76 ± 24° in group I versus 20 ± 10° in group II (p < 0.001). Sixteen weeks after remobilization, the mean contracture was 49 ± 15° group I versus 11 ± 10° in group II (p < 0.001). When associated with bone perforations and immobilization in forced flexion, injury to the posterior capsule results in a severe contracture in the rabbit knee. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 1028–1032, 2009