bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artisan Phakic Intraocular Lens in Patients With Keratoconus
Authors: Venter Jan
Published: September 2009

Purpose:

To assess the safety, efficacy, predictability, and refractive outcome of implanting Ophtec Artisan phakic intraocular lenses (pIOLs) in eyes with keratoconus.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, 18 eyes of 11 patients diagnosed with keratoconus who underwent toric or myopic pIOL implantation were followed for 1 year postoperatively. Mean patient age was 41±10.97 years (range: 23 to 64 years). Preoperative manifest refractive sphere was −4.64±2.74 diopters (D) (range: −9.75 to 0.00 D) and cylinder was −3.07±2.04 D (range: −7.75 to −0.50 D). Inclusion criteria were preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) of 0.30 or better and stable refraction (⩽0.50-D change in manifest refraction spherical equivalent [MRSE] yearly). Refractive outcomes and endothelial cell counts were analyzed primarily for 6-month follow-up and when available for 1-year follow-up.

Results:

The mean postoperative MRSE was −0.46±0.60 D (range: −1.88 to 0.13 D). Twenty-two percent (4/18) of eyes had an uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 1.0 or better and 94% (17/18) of eyes had a UCVA of 0.63 or better. Sixty-one percent (11/18) of eyes had an MRSE within ±0.50 D of the intended correction and 72% (13/18) of eyes gained one or more lines of BSCVA and no eyes lost lines of BSCVA. Mean endothelial cell counts decreased by 23 cells/mm
2
at 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusions:

The implantation of Artisan iris-fixated pIOLs in patients with stable keratoconus for correction of astigmatism and myopia is safe, predictable, and effective with minimal complications. Due to the progressive nature of keratoconus, proper patient counseling is necessary. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:759–764.]
Comparison of the Visian ICL and Verisyse Phakic Intraocular Lenses for Myopia From 6.00 to 20.00 Diopters
Authors: Boxer Wachler Brian S. , Scruggs Ryan T. , Yuen Leonard H. , Jalali Shahrokh
Published: September 2009

Purpose:

To compare visual and refractive outcomes between the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) and Verisyse phakic intraocular lens.

Methods:

Comparative interventional case series for myopia between 6.00 and 20.00 diopters (D). Thirty consecutive eyes of 16 patients had a Visian ICL implanted and 31 consecutive eyes of 19 patients had the Verisyse lens implanted. Outcomes measured at 3 months postoperatively included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and refractive predictability as well as adverse events. Preoperatively, the groups were no different in regard to age (
P
=.72) and spherical equivalent refraction (
P
=.38).

Results:

Postoperative UCVA of 20/20 or better and 20/25 or better in the Visian ICL group was 67% and 96%, respectively, compared to 63% and 79%, respectively, in the Verisyse lens group (
P
=.10). Binocular UCVA of 20/20 or better and 20/25 or better in the Visian ICL group was 92% and 100%, respectively, and in the Verisyse group, 70% and 80%, respectively (
P
=.007). One and two lines gain of postoperative BSCVA in the Visian ICL group was 40% and 10%, respectively, which was statistically significantly better than the Verisyse group of 16% and 6%, respectively (
P
=.025). Postoperative deviation from target refraction was 0.038±0.39 D in the Visian ICL group and −0.38±0.89 D in the Verisyse lens group (
P
=.018).

Conclusions:

Monocular UCVA was similar for both groups, whereas binocular UCVA was better in the Visian ICL group. The Visian ICL group had more accurate refractive outcomes than the Verisyse lens group. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:765–770.]
Riboflavin-UVA Treatment in the Management of Edema and Nonhealing Ulcers of the Cornea
Authors: Ehlers Niels , Hjortdal Jesper , Nielsen Kim , Søndergaard Anders
Published: September 2009

Purpose:

Riboflavin-ultraviolet A (UVA) treatment induces cross-linking and stiffens the corneal stroma. A parallel reduction in stromal swelling and increased resistance to microbial and enzymatic degradation has been suggested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of riboflavin-UVA treatment in the management of corneal disorders, in particular edema due to endothelial decompensation and non-healing ulcers.

Methods:

Two clinical series are reported, 11 eyes with endothelial decompensation and 14 eyes with non-healing ulcers. Treatment comprised a) abrasion of epithelium (if present), b) instillation of 0.1% riboflavin in saline, and c) irradiation at 365 nm UVA light over approximately 30 minutes (3 mW/cm2). Four eyes in the first group were treated twice. Postoperatively, all eyes were followed for at least 3 months.

Results:

Reduction in corneal thickness was observed in 10 of 11 eyes with stromal edema and the majority also experienced improvement in vision. The effect occurred over weeks and lasted for months. Fourteen patients with non-healing ulceration were similarly treated; 6 healed, 8 showed no clear effect.

Conclusions:

In addition to the stiffening of keratoconic and ectatic cornea, riboflavin-UVA treatment is effective in reducing corneal edema and has the potential to heal corneal ulcers. [J Refract Surg. 2009;25: S803–S806.]
Simultaneous Topography-guided PRK Followed by Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking for Keratoconus
Authors: Kymionis George D. , Kontadakis Georgios A. , Kounis George A. , Portaliou Dimitra M. , Karavitaki Alexandra E. , Magarakis Michael , Yoo Sonia , Pallikaris Ioannis G.
Published: September 2009

Purpose:

To present the results after simultaneous photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) followed by corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) for progressive keratoconus.

Methods:

Twelve patients (14 eyes) with progressive keratoconus were prospectively treated with customized topography-guided PRK with the Pulzar Z1 (wavelength 213 nm, CustomVis) immediately followed by corneal collagen CXL with the use of riboflavin and ultraviolet A irradiation.

Results:

Mean follow-up was 10.69±5.95 months (range: 3 to 16 months). Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction (SE) was −3.03±3.23 diopters (D) and defocus was 4.67±3.29 D; at last follow-up SE and defocus were statistically significantly reduced to −1.29±2.05 D and 3.04±2.53 D, respectively (
P
<.01). Preoperative mean (logMAR) uncorrected visual acuity was 0.99±0.81 and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 0.21±0.19, which improved postoperatively to 0.16±0.15 and 0.11±0.15, respectively. The mean steepest keratometry was reduced from 48.20±3.40 D preoperatively to 45.13±1.80 D at last follow-up.

Conclusions:

Simultaneous PRK followed by CXL seems to be a promising treatment capable of offering functional vision in patients with keratoconus. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:S807–S811.]
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking for Ectasia After Excimer Laser Refractive Surgery: 1-Year Results
Authors: Vinciguerra Paolo , Camesasca Fabrizio I. , Albè Elena , Trazza Silvia
Published: September 2009

Purpose:

To evaluate the 1-year results of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in eyes with postoperative excimer laser refractive surgery corneal ectasia.

Methods:

Thirteen eyes of 9 consecutive patients who had undergone excimer laser refractive surgery (photorefractive keratectomy [n=3], LASIK [n=10]) with resultant unstable corneal ectasia underwent CXL with photosensitizing riboflavin 0.1% solution and subsequent exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Study eyes underwent complete ophthalmologic examination, endothelial specular microscopy, corneal topography, and aberrometry as well as central pachymetry and Scheimpflug-based topo/tomography preoperatively and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals.

Results:

Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) improvement was statistically significant (P<.05) beyond 6 months after surgery (improvement of 0.1 logMAR at 1 year). Mean spherical equivalent refraction and mean refractive sphere reduction (improvement of 1.40 and 1.44 diopters [D], respectively) were statistically significant (P<.05) at 6 months postoperatively. At 1 year after CXL, mean endothelial cell count and keratometry (average SimK decrease of 2.02 D) as well as Klyce and Ambrósio indices did not deteriorate. Coma and spherical aberration did not change significantly. Mean pupil center pachymetry and corneal thickness at 0 and 2 mm from the thinnest corneal point decreased significantly.

Conclusions:

One year after surgery, CXL appears to stabilize eyes with ectasia consequent to excimer laser refractive surgery and improve BSCVA.
Analysis of Actual Corneal Flap Thickness and Confounding Factors Between First and Second Operated Eyes
Authors: Hsu Sheng-Yao , Chen Hsin-Yi , Chung Chin-Pin
Published: September 2009

Background and Objective:

To calculate the actual corneal flap thickness during laser in-situ keratomileusis.

Patients and Methods:

Fifty-four women and 26 men with refractive error were enrolled in the study. Flaps were created using a MK-2000 microkeratome (Nidek, Gamagori, Japan) with a 130-µm head. The comparisons between both operated eyes of a patient and the correlations between flap thickness and confounding factors were analyzed.

Results:

The average flap thicknesses were 134.0 ± 16.5 and 112.3 ± 14.4 µm in the first and second operated eye groups, respectively, and the data showed a significant difference between the two groups (
P
< .001). There were positive correlations between central corneal thickness and flap thickness (first group,
P
= .017; second group,
P
= .041).

Conclusion:

The flap thicknesses of the first operated eye group were thicker than those of the second operated eye group and there was a positive correlation between the flap thickness and central corneal thickness. The coefficient of variation of the flap thickness was greater in the second group than in the first group.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:448–452.]
Ciliary Sulcus Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Tube Placement in Neovascular Glaucoma
Authors: Rush Ryan
Published: September 2009

A 61-year-old woman presented with severe ocular pain 3 months after cataract extraction with intraocular lens placement. After performing a thorough ophthalmic examination, it was determined that neovascular glaucoma was present. The patient underwent implantation of an Ahmed valve (New World Medical, Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, CA) with tube placement into the ciliary sulcus and received 1.25 mg of bevacizumab intracamerally. The patient's iris neovascularization resolved and the patient maintained stable intraocular pressures without any major complications 6 months after surgery. Tube placement of an Ahmed valve into the ciliary sulcus can be a viable alternative for the maintenance of appropriate intraocular pressures in patients whose anatomy precludes standard anterior chamber or pars plana tube placement.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:489–492.]
Hyphema Following Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
Authors: Rhee Douglas J. , Krad Omar , Pasquale Louis R.
Published: September 2009

Selective laser trabeculoplasty is an effective means of lowering intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma with a low risk of complications. The authors report a case of hyphema noted 3 days after selective laser trabeculoplasty in a 77-year-old woman with primary open-angle glaucoma. Her intermittent use of oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and chronic topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory use may have been a contributing risk factor.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:493–494.]
Complete Ring Cyst of Iris Pigment Epithelium Documented by Ultrasound Biomicroscopy
Authors: Laham Ailee , Corrêa Zélia M. , Augsburger James J. , Heur Martin
Published: September 2009

The authors report a complete ring cyst of the iris pigment epithelium confirmed by ultrasound biomicroscopy. In this case, ultrasound biomicroscopy effectively excluded the differential diagnoses of ring melanoma of the iris and multiple separate cysts of the iris pigment epithelium.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:495–497.]
Surgical Repair of Iatrogenic Macular Hole Secondary to Vitrectomy for Long-standing Traumatic Retinal Detachment
Authors: Shukla Dhananjay , Kanungo Sanghamitra
Published: September 2009

The authors describe the successful surgical repair of an iatrogenic macular hole. A 38-year-old woman underwent pars plana vitrectomy with a belt buckle and membrane peeling for long-standing total traumatic retinal detachment. Although retinal reattachment was achieved, a macular hole was detected postoperatively. The hole was initially monitored for 2 months to allow for spontaneous closure; however, it enlarged from 440 to 710 µm. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/400. Silicone-oil removal was performed along with dye-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling and gas tamponade. Closure of the macular hole was observed 1 month after treatment. Visual acuity improved to 20/120 by the last follow-up examination 1 year after treatment.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:501–503.]
Retinal Arteriolar Macroaneurysm and Congenital Retinal Macrovessel
Authors: Koizumi Hideki , Iida Tomohiro , Mori Takafumi , Furuta Minoru , Yannuzzi Lawrence A.
Published: September 2009

Variations in the morphology of the aneurysm and its serosanguineous complications serve to make a retinal arteriolar macroaneurysm, a common masquerading entity, particularly if it is accompanied by another un-associated retinal vascular abnormality. The authors present a patient who had an unusually large retinal arteriolar macroaneurysm in conjunction with a congenital retinal macrovessel.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:513–515.]
Ultra-High Resolution Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography of Traumatic Maculopathy
Authors: Seider Michael I. , Lujan Brandon J. , Gregori Giovanni , Jiao Shuliang , Murray Timothy G. , Puliafito Carmen A.
Published: September 2009

The authors describe a patient who suffered traumatic maculopathy following blunt trauma to the eye with commotio retinae, subretinal and preretinal hemorrhage, traumatic macular hole, and outer retinal and retinal pigment epithelium disruption. Serial imaging with commercially available and ultra-high resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography characterized the evolution of the injury.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:516–521.]
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Endophthalmitis Secondary to Liver Abscess Presenting as Acute Iridocyclitis
Authors: Dodson Daniel , Stewart Richard , Karcioglu Zeynel , Conway Mandi D. , Mushatt David , Ayyala Ramesh S.
Published: September 2009

A 51-year-old man presented with acute iridocyclitis with no evidence of vitritis on B-scan that progressed to endogenous endophthalmitis. Systemic work-up revealed a large liver abscess. Urine, blood, liver abscess, and vitreous aspirate cultures all grew
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. The eye was enucleated secondary to severe pain from neovascular glaucoma and loss of vision.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:522–523.]
Workplace literacy: Ethical issues through the lens of experience
Authors: Folinsbee Sue
Published: September 2009

This chapter describes a number of ethical dilemmas faced as a workplace literacy practitioner and researcher. Each issue is analyzed along with the lessons learned.
Just democracy: Ethical considerations in teaching
Authors: Guy Talmadge C.
Published: September 2009

The author offers examples from his teaching about race and gender and discusses the ethical challenges faced and strategies employed to confront these challenges.
Pursuit of social justice in situations of conflict
Authors: Heaney Tom
Published: September 2009

This chapter reflects on the ambiguity of ethical choices in adult education for democratic social change, especially in activities sponsored by traditional academic organizations.
The mating system of the Sichuan snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana)
Authors: Guo Songtao , Ji Weihong , Li Ming , Chang Hongli , Li Baoguo
Published: September 2009

This article reports the first genetic study of the mating system of the Sichuan snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana), an endemic and endangered species in China. The investigation was carried out in a population (WRT) in the Qinling Mountains using data from both field observation and paternity analysis through microsatellite DNA profiling. During a mating season, a male on an average copulated with 5.7 females. Approximately 18% of the females were observed to copulate with more than one male over the study period. The majority of copulations (94.5%) were initiated by females. Twenty‐eight of 430 observed matings were extra‐unit copulations. Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were used for paternity analysis. The number of alleles at each locus ranged from 3 to 7 (mean=4.3). Observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.32 and 0.79. None of the loci showed significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Results from paternity exclusion showed that 12 of 21 (57.1%) immature individuals were sired by extra‐unit males. Although the basic social unit of snub‐nosed monkeys is consistent with a polygynous mating system, both field observation and genetic data suggests that their mating system is polygamous. Infanticide and inbreeding avoidance are the most likely explanations for the promiscuity of female snub‐nosed monkeys. Am. J. Primatol. 72:25–32, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Poly(2‐oxazoline): eine Polymerklasse mit vielfältigen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten
Authors: Hoogenboom Richard
Published: September 2009

Die lebende kationische Ringöffnungspolymerisation von 2‐Oxazolinen ist seit ihrer Entdeckung 1966 eingehend untersucht worden. Die Vielseitigkeit der lebenden Polymerisation ermöglicht die Copolymerisation verschiedener 2‐Oxazolin‐Monomere zu Polymeren mit einstellbaren Eigenschaften; so lassen sich z. B. hydrophile, hydrophobe, fluorophile sowie harte und weiche Materialien erhalten. Allerdings geriet diese Polymerklasse wegen der langen Reaktionszeiten und ihrer beschränkten Anwendungsmöglichkeiten in den 1980er und 1990er Jahren fast in Vergessenheit. Im neuen Jahrtausend erlebten die Poly(2‐oxazoline) jedoch einen neuen Aufschwung wegen ihrer möglichen Verwendung als Biomaterialien oder thermoresponsive Stoffe sowie dank der Tatsache, dass sie einen leichten Zugang zu definierten amphiphilen Strukturen für die (hierarchische) Selbstorganisation eröffnen. In diesem Aufsatz werden neue Entwicklungen beschrieben, die das Potenzial der Poly(2‐oxazoline) demonstrieren. Außerdem wird die vielversprechende Kombination von Poly(2‐oxazolinen) mit der Klickchemie diskutiert.
Construction of emergency management system for fatal environmental pollution accidents in China
Authors: Zeng Weihua , Chai Ying , Wei Jing
Published: September 2009

Currently, China's rapidly developing economy as well as increasingly expanding urbanization and industrialization gives birth to not only prosperity but also many hidden troubles, among which are fatal environmental pollution accidents (FEPAs) caused during the manufacturing process. Frequent FEPAs have seriously threatened the economic development and personal security and restricted the sustainable development in China. To respond to frequent FEPAs in China, the authors analyzed the inducements to FEPAs and identified the responsibilities of environmental protection departments. Furthermore, the authors put forward a basic framework for emergency management system (EMS) by reference to the successful experiences overseas and proposed some suggestions. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bilirubin removal from albumin‐containing solutions: dynamic adsorption on anionic resin
Authors: Piemonte V. , Turchetti L. , Annesini M. C.
Published: September 2009

In this paper, kinetics of unconjugated bilirubin adsorption in fixed‐bed anionic resin columns was investigated. Experimental breakthrough curves were determined at different feed flow rates and using inlet solutions with different bilirubin and albumin concentrations. A mathematical model is provided to describe the effect of albumin on bilirubin adsorption equilibrium and kinetics in a fixed‐bed column.

Breakthrough curves show that a significant bilirubin concentration is present in the column outlet stream even in the early operating time. This result shows that, with the flowrates used in this work, adsorption is slow with respect to the axial convection in the column and, as a consequence, bilirubin is never completely removed from the liquid phase.

The results obtained in this paper may be useful for the design of liver support devices such as Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS), which implement anion‐exchange columns to remove albumin‐bound toxins from concentrated albumin solutions. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonisothermal crystallization, melting behavior, and morphology of PP/EPPE blends
Authors: Qin Jianglei , Li Zhiting
Published: September 2009

Nonisothermal crystallization, melting behavior, and morphology of polypropylene (PP)/Easy processing polyethylene (EPPE) blends were studied by differential scanning alorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that PP and EPPE are miscible, and there is no obvious phase separation in microphotographs of the blends. The modified Avrami analysis, Ozawa equation, and also Mo Z.S. method were used to analyze the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of the blends. Values of Avrami exponent indicated the crystallization nucleation of the blends is homogeneous, the growth of spherulites is tridimensional, and crystallization mechanism of PP is not affected much by EPPE. The crystallization activation energy was estimated by Kissinger method. The result obtained from modified Avrami analysis, Mo Z.S. method, and Kissinger methods were well agreed. The addition of minor EPPE phase favored to decrease the overall crystallization rate of PP, showing some dilution effect of EPPE on PP. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Neuroanatomy and Volumes of Brain Structures of a Live California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) From Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Montie Eric W. , Pussini Nicola , Schneider Gerald E. , Battey Thomas W.K. , Dennison Sophie , Barakos Jerome , Gulland Frances
Published: September 2009

The California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) has been a focal point for sensory, communication, cognition, and neurological disease studies in marine mammals. However, as a scientific community, we lack a noninvasive approach to investigate the anatomy and size of brain structures in this species and other free‐ranging, live marine mammals. In this article, we provide the first anatomically labeled, magnetic resonance imaging‐based atlas derived from a live marine mammal, the California sea lion. The brain of the California seal lion contained more secondary gyri and sulci than the brains of terrestrial carnivores. The olfactory bulb was present but small. The hippocampus of the California sea lion was found mostly in the ventral position with very little extension dorsally, quite unlike the canids and the mustelids, in which the hippocampus is present in the ventral position but extends dorsally above the thalamus. In contrast to the canids and the mustelids, the pineal gland of the California sea lion was strikingly large. In addition, we report three‐dimensional reconstructions and volumes of cerebrospinal fluid, cerebral ventricles, total white matter (WM), total gray matter (GM), cerebral hemispheres (WM and GM), cerebellum and brainstem combined (WM and GM), and hippocampal structures all derived from magnetic resonance images. These measurements are the first to be determined for any pinniped species. In California sea lions, this approach can be used not only to relate cognitive and sensory capabilities to brain size but also to investigate the neurological effects of exposure to neurotoxins such as domoic acid. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Nature of Exocytosis in the Yolk Trophoblastic Layer of Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) Juvenile, the Representative of Ancient Teleost Fishes
Authors: Jaroszewska Marta , Dabrowski Konrad
Published: September 2009

We have chosen the silver arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum), a representative of the most ancient teleost family Osteoglossidae, to address the question of yolk nutrients utilization. Silver arowana have particularly large eggs (1–1.5 cm of diameter) and a unique morphology of the yolk. We present evidence that the yolk cytoplasmic zone (ycz) in the “yolksac juveniles” is a very complex structure involved in sequential processes of yolk hydrolysis, lipoprotein particles synthesis, their transport, and exocytosis. Vacuoles filled with yolk granules in different stages of digestion move from the vitellolysis zone through the ycz to be emptied into the microvillar interspace in the process of exocytosis. The area of the ycz with the abundance of the mitochondria must play an important role in providing energy for both the transport of vacuoles and the release of their contents. Therefore, we postulate that the function of yolk syncytial layer (ysl) as the “early embryonic patterning center” transforms in fish larvae or yolksac juveniles into a predominantly specialized role as the yolk trophoblastic layer (ytl) involved in yolk nutrients utilization. In addition to discovering the mechanism of transformation of the ysl function into ytl function, we suggest that the machinery involved in nutrient mobilization and exocytosis in yolk of arowana yolksac juveniles can be very attractive system for studies of regulatory processes in almost all secretory pathways in animal cells. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Normal Genital Tract of the Female California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus): Cyclic Changes in Histomorphology and Hormone Receptor Distribution
Authors: Colegrove Kathleen M. , Gulland Frances M.D. , Naydan Diane K. , Lowenstine Linda J.
Published: September 2009

Changes in reproductive tract histomorphology, and estrogen (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression throughout the breeding cycle were evaluated in free‐ranging stranded female California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Hormone receptor expression in the ovaries, uterus, cervix, and vagina was evaluated using an immunohistochemical technique with monoclonal antibodies. During a large portion of the cycle, ovaries contained both a corpora lutea (CL) and follicles in varying stages of development. In the periods of pupping and estrus during June and July, and in the spring morphologic features of the endometrium suggested estrogen influence. There were areas of squamous differentiation in the pseudostratified columnar epithelium of the cervix and vagina in some animals during estrus and in the spring. Estrogen receptor immunohistochemical scores were highest during pupping and estrus and in the spring and lowest during embryonic diapause. Cyclic changes in uterine PR expression throughout the cycle were minimal. Both ERα and PR were expressed in epithelial and stromal cells throughout the cervix and vagina, however, receptor expression was typically higher in the stroma. Stromal cell hormone receptors may play an important role in epithelial responses to circulating sex hormones. The results of this investigation add to the general knowledge of California sea lion reproduction and establish baseline information on reproductive tract hormone receptors that will aid in determining the factors involved in urogenital cancer development in sea lions. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuroanatomy and Volumes of Brain Structures of a Live California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) From Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Montie Eric W. , Pussini Nicola , Schneider Gerald E. , Battey Thomas W.K. , Dennison Sophie , Barakos Jerome , Gulland Frances
Published: September 2009

Lateral view of MRI reconstruction of the brain surface of a California sea lion. The reconstruction placed in a parasagittal section through surrounding head structures. See Montie et al., on page 1523, in this issue.
Hedging unit‐linked life insurance contracts in a financial market driven by shot‐noise processes
Authors: Bi Junna , Guo Junyi
Published: September 2009

We consider the risk‐minimizing hedging problem for unit‐linked life insurance in a financial market driven by a shot‐noise process. Because the financial market is incomplete, the insurance claims cannot be hedged completely by trading stocks and bonds only, leaving some risk to the insurer. The theory of ((pseudo) locally) risk‐minimization is applied after a change of measure. Then the risk‐minimizing trading strategies and the associated intrinsic risk processes are determined for two types of unit‐linked contracts represented by the pure endowment and the term insurance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and function of the molecular chaperone Hsp104 from yeast
Authors: Grimminger‐Marquardt Valerie , Lashuel Hilal A.
Published: September 2009

The molecular chaperone Hsp104 plays a central role in the clearance of aggregates after heat shock and the propagation of yeast prions. Hsp104's disaggregation activity and prion propagation have been linked to its ability to resolubilize or remodel protein aggregates. However, Hsp104 has also the capacity to catalyze protein aggregation of some substrates at specific conditions. Hence, it is a molecular chaperone with two opposing activities with respect to protein aggregation. In yeast models of Huntington's disease, Hsp104 is required for the aggregation and toxicity of polyglutamine (polyQ), but the expression of Hsp104 in cellular and animal models of Huntington's and Parkinson's disease protects against polyQ and α‐synuclein toxicity. Therefore, elucidating the molecular determinants and mechanisms underlying the ability of Hsp104 to switch between these two activities is of critical importance for understanding its function and could provide insight into novel strategies aimed at preventing or reversing the formation of toxic protein aggregation in systemic and neurodegenerative protein misfolding diseases. Here, we present an overview of the current molecular models and hypotheses that have been proposed to explain the role of Hsp104 in modulating protein aggregation and prion propagation. The experimental approaches and the evidences presented so far in relation to these models are examined. Our primary objective is to offer a critical review that will inspire the use of novel techniques and the design of new experiments to proceed towards a qualitative and quantitative understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the multifunctional properties of Hsp104 in vivo. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93:252–276, 2010.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Hsp70 molecular chaperones and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Witt Stephan N.
Published: September 2009

Because over expression of Hsp70 molecular chaperones suppresses the toxicity of aberrantly folded proteins that occur in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and various polyQ‐diseases (Huntington's disease and ataxias), Hsp70 is garnering attention as a possible therapeutic agent for these various diseases. Here, I review progress in this fascinating field of molecular chaperones and neurodegeneration and describe our current understanding of the mechanisms by which Hsp70 protects cells from the PD‐related protein called alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 218–228, 2010.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
NMR studies of an immunomodulatory benzodiazepine binding to its molecular target on the mitochondrial F1F0‐ATPase
Authors: Stelzer Andrew C. , Frazee Richard W. , Van Huis Chad , Cleary Joanne , Opipari Anthony W. , Glick Gary D. , Al‐Hashimi Hashim M.
Published: September 2009

Bz‐423 is an inhibitor of the mitochondrial F1F0‐ATPase, with therapeutic properties in murine models of immune diseases. Here, we study the binding of a water‐soluble Bz‐423 analog (5‐(3‐(aminomethyl)phenyl)‐7‐chloro‐ 1‐methyl‐3‐(naphthalen‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1H‐benzo][e][1,4]diazepin‐2(3H)‐one); (1) to its target subunit on the enzyme, the oligomycin sensitivity conferring protein (OSCP), by NMR spectroscopy using chemical shift perturbation and cross‐relaxation experiments. Titration experiments with constructs representing residues 1–120 or 1–145 of the OSCP reveals that (a) 1 binds to a region of the protein, at the minimum, comprising residues M51, L56, K65, V66, K75, K77, and N92, and (b) binding of 1 induces conformational changes in the OSCP. Control experiments employing a variant of 1 in which a key binding element on the small molecule was deleted; it had no perturbational effect on the spectra of the OSCP, which indicates that the observed changes with 1 represent specific binding interactions. Collectively, these data suggest that 1 might inhibit the enzyme through an allosteric mechanism where binding results in conformational changes that perturb the OSCP‐F1 interface resulting in disrupted communication between the peripheral stalk and the F1‐domain of the enzyme. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 29: 85–92, 2010.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Activation of lactoperoxidase by heme‐linked protonation and heme‐independent iodide binding
Authors: Toyama Akira , Tominaga Aya , Inoue Tatsuo , Takeuchi Hideo
Published: September 2009

Lactoperoxidase (LPO), a mammalian secretory heme peroxidase, catalyzes the oxidation of thiocyanate by hydrogen peroxide to produce hypothiocyanate, an antibacterial agent. Although LPO is known to be activated at acidic pH and in the presence of iodide, the structural basis of the activation is not well understood. We have examined the effects of pH and iodide concentration on the catalytic activity and the structure of LPO. Electrochemical and colorimetric assays have shown that the catalytic activity is maximized at pH 4.5. The heme Soret absorption band exhibits a small red‐shift at pH 5.0 upon acidification, which is ascribable to a structural transition from a neutral to an acidic form. Resonance Raman spectra suggest that the heme porphyrin core is slightly contracted and the Fe‐His bond is strengthened in the acidic form compared to the neutral form. The structural change of LPO upon activation at acidic pH is similar to that observed for myeloperoxidase, another mammalian heme peroxidase, upon activation at neutral pH. Binding of iodide enhances the catalytic activity of LPO without affecting either the optimum pH of activity or the heme structure, implying that the iodide binding occurs at a protein site away from the heme‐linked protonation site. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 113–120, 2010.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
A novel alginate hollow fiber bioreactor process for cellular therapy applications
Authors: Hoesli Corinne A. , Luu Minh , Piret James M.
Published: September 2009

Gel‐matrix culture environments provide tissue engineering scaffolds and cues that guide cell differentiation. For many cellular therapy applications such as for the production of islet‐like clusters to treat Type 1 diabetes, the need for large‐scale production can be anticipated. The throughput of the commonly used nozzle‐based devices for cell encapsulation is limited by the rate of droplet formation to ∼0.5 L/h. This work describes a novel process for larger‐scale batch immobilization of mammalian cells in alginate‐filled hollow fiber bioreactors (AHFBRs). A methodology was developed whereby (1) alginate obstruction of the intra‐capillary space medium flow was negligible, (2) extra‐capillary alginate gelling was complete and (3) 83 ± 4% of the cells seeded and immobilized were recovered from the bioreactor. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were used as a model aggregate‐forming cell line that grew from mostly single cells to pancreatic islet‐sized spheroids in 8 days of AHFBR culture. CHO cell growth and metabolic rates in the AHFBR were comparable to small‐scale alginate slab controls. Then, the process was applied successfully to the culture of primary neonatal pancreatic porcine cells, without significant differences in cell viability compared with slab controls. As expected, alginate‐immobilized culture in the AHFBR increased the insulin content of these cells compared with suspension culture. The AHFBR process could be refined by adding matrix components or adapted to other reversible gels and cell types, providing a practical means for gel‐matrix assisted cultures for cellular therapy. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Asymmetrically simultaneous synthesis of L‐homophenylalanine and N6‐protected‐2‐oxo‐6‐amino‐hexanoic acid by engineered Escherichia coli aspartate aminotransferase
Authors: Lo Hsueh‐Hsia , Lin Wei‐De , Hsu Shih‐Kuang , Hsu Wen‐Hwei
Published: September 2009

L‐Homophenylalanine (L‐HPA) and N6‐protected‐2‐oxo‐6‐amino‐hexanoic acid (N6‐protected‐OAHA) can be used as building blocks for the manufacture of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors. To synthesize L‐HPA and N6‐protected‐OAHA simultaneously from 2‐oxo‐4‐phenylbutanoic acid (OPBA) and N6‐protected‐L‐lysine, several variants of Escherichia coli aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) were developed by site‐directed mutagenesis and their catalytic activities were investigated. Three kinds of N6‐protected‐L‐lysine were tested as potential amino donors for the bioconversion process. AAT variants of R292E/L18H and R292E/L18T exhibited specific activities of 0.70±0.01 U/mg protein and 0.67±0.02 U/mg protein to 2‐amino‐6‐tert‐butoxycarbonylamino‐hexanoic acid (BOC‐lysine) and 2‐amino‐6‐(2,2,2‐trifluoro‐acetylamino)‐hexanoic acid, respectively. E. coli cells expressing R292E/L18H variant were able to convert OPBA and BOC‐lysine to L‐HPA and 2‐oxo‐6‐tert‐butoxycarbonylamino‐hexanoic acid (BOC‐OAHA) with 96.2% yield in 8 h. This is the first report demonstrating a process for the simultaneous production of two useful building blocks, L‐HPA and BOC‐OAHA. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Microbial Reactions on 7α‐Hydroxyfrullanolide and Evaluation of Biotransformed Products for Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Ata Athar , Betteridge Jordan , Schaub Emmanuel , Kozera Daniel J. , Holloway Paul , Samerasekera Radhika
Published: September 2009

7α‐Hydroxyfrullanolide (1), a known sesquiterpenoid, was isolated from Sphaeranthus indicus using an antibacterial‐activity‐directed fractionation method. This compound had exhibited a significant antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria. Chemical and microbial reactions were performed to prepare eight different analogues of compound 1 in order to evaluate these newly synthesized compounds for antibacterial activity. These compounds were 1β,7α‐dihydroxyfrullanolide (2), 7α‐hydroxy‐1‐oxofrullanolide (3), 4,5‐dihydro‐7α‐hydroxyfrullanolide (4), 11,13‐dihydro‐7α‐hydroxyfrullanolide (5), 13‐acetyl‐7α‐hydroxyfrullanolide (6), 2α,7α‐dihydroxysphaerantholide (7), 4α,5α‐epoxy‐7α‐hydroxyfrullanolide (8), and 4β,5β‐epoxy‐7α‐hydroxyfrullanolide (9). Microbial reactions on 1 using whole‐cell cultures of Cunninghamella echinulata and Curvularia lunata yielded compounds 2–4. Incubation of compound 1 with the liquid cultures of Apsergillus niger and Rhizopus circinans yielded metabolites 5–7, while 8 and 9 were prepared by carrying out an epoxidation reaction on 1 using meta‐chloroperbenzoic acid (mCPBA). Structures of compounds 2–9 were elucidated with the aid of extensive NMR spectral studies. Compounds 2–4 were found to be new metabolites. Compounds 1–9 were evaluated for antibacterial activity and found to exhibit a wide range of bioactivities. Antibacterial‐activity data of 1–9 suggested that the bioactivity of 1 is largely due to the presence of C(4)C(5), C(11)C(13), and a γ‐lactone moiety.
Selected Thoughts on Chiral Crystals, Chiral Surfaces, and Asymmetric Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Harris Kenneth D. M. , Thomas Sir John Meurig
Published: September 2009

Although the uses of zeolitic materials in heterogeneous catalysis are extensive, the opportunity to develop applications of zeolites in enantioselective catalysis remains underexploited. In part, the relative paucity of chiral zeolite structures is one underlying reason, although some significant progress has been made in recent years in the preparation and structural characterization of chiral zeolitic materials, including the recent report of ITQ‐37, the first example of a chiral mesoporous zeolite. However, as elaborated in this Minireview article, the preparation of a chiral zeolite structure is itself not sufficient to ensure that the material will be useful in enantioselective catalysis, and a number of other key issues must also be addressed. In addition to highlighting these issues, this Minireview surveys more widely a number of concepts that are pivotal to the design of chiral solids for the catalysis of enantioselective transformations. In addition to chiral zeolites, a range of other chiral materials, including organic molecular solids, and chiral catalysts, including metal–organic frameworks, chiral metal surfaces, and single‐site immobilized organometallic species, are discussed, together with an appraisal of future directions for asymmetric heterogeneous catalysis.
Cyanide Detoxification of Mining Wastewaters with TiO2 Nanoparticles and Its Recovery by Electrocoagulation
Authors: Parga J. R. , Vázquez V. , Casillas H. M. , Valenzuela J. L.
Published: September 2009

Due to the widespread use of cyanide in mining operations, its recovery and destruction is important for both the environmental aspects of wastewater and its treatment, and the economic aspects associated with the high consumption of chemicals by the process itself. A photoelectrocatalytic detoxification technique with titanium dioxide microelectrodes is one of the most innovative ways for the treatment of wastewater containing cyanide. However, this technique has a disadvantage for industrial application in that the separation of titanium dioxide after the photocatalytic degradation of cyanide is rather difficult due to the fineness of the particles, and therefore, the reuse of the titanium dioxide has not been attained for the treatment of cyanide‐containing wastewater. To overcome this weak point, an electrocoagulation (EC) technique is used to recover the titanium dioxide from its aqueous suspensions. The results show that photodegradation of cyanide is 93 % in 30 min using a 450 W halogen lamp. The recovery of anatase with the EC process is 98 %. The results indicate that this technique has the potential to serve as a reliable and economical method because sunlight can be used efficiently as the power source. The Langmuir isotherm is used to obtain the thermodynamic parameters, i.e., free energy, enthalpy and entropy. The evaluation of these parameters, i.e., ΔG° = –37 kJ/mol, ΔH° = –54 kJ/mol and ΔS° = 0.524 kJ/mol K, indicates the spontaneous and exothermic nature of the adsorption of the anatase particles on the iron species.
Determination of Diffusivity From Steady‐state Mass Transfer Measurements in a Continuous Dialyzer Under Conditions of Non‐zero Solution Flux Through a Membrane
Authors: Palatý Z. , Bendová H.
Published: September 2009

The transport of selected inorganic acids (HCl, H3PO4) through an anion‐exchange membrane, Neosepta‐AFN, was investigated in a two‐compartment counter‐current continuous dialyzer with single passes at steady state. The basic data obtained were completed by the measurement of sorption isotherms. The mass transfer rate of the individual acids was quantified by the diffusivity of acid in the membrane, which was determined from the acid concentrations in the streams entering and leaving the dialyzer. For this purpose, two ordinary differential equations describing the steady‐state concentration profiles of acid in both the compartments of the dialyzer were numerically solved in connection with an optimizing procedure. In the mathematical model used, the mass transfer resistances in the liquid films on both sides of the membrane and the flux of solution through the membrane were taken into account. All the experiments, carried out at a constant temperature of 25 °C with subsequent data treatment, revealed that the diffusivity of hydrochloric acid is about one order of magnitude higher than that of phosphoric acid. Moreover, regarding the dependence of the diffusivity of hydrochloric acid upon its concentration in the membrane, a maximum at an acid concentration of 0.622 kmol/m3 can be identified, while the diffusivity of phosphoric acid remains practically constant.
A Self‐Assembled Foldamer Capsule: Combining Single and Double Helical Segments in One Aromatic Amide Sequence
Authors: Bao Chunyan , Gan Quan , Kauffmann Brice , Jiang Hua , Huc Ivan
Published: September 2009

In this manuscript, we present supramolecular capsules based on a new design relying on both self‐assembly and folding of oligomeric strands. We have designed an aromatic amide foldamer in which each monomer encodes three levels of information: a specific cavity size, recognition groups for guest binding, and a propensity to adopt a single or a double helical motif. Thus, a tetradecameric sequence based on four different monomers was encoded so that a wide double helical segment resulting from the hybridization of two strands creates a cavity in which guests, such as 1,10‐decanediol, can be bound. Additionally two narrow single helical segments form end‐caps and isolate the guest from the solvent. The design, synthesis, solid‐state and solution‐state characterization of duplex formation and guest binding are presented.
General Access to Aminobenzyl‐o‐carboranes as a New Class of Carborane Derivatives: Entry to Enantiopure Carborane–Amine Combinations
Authors: Terrasson Vincent , Planas José Giner , Prim Damien , Teixidor Francesc , Viñas Clara , Light Mark E. , Hursthouse Michael B.
Published: September 2009

The convenient synthesis of original aminobenzyl‐o‐carboranes, which represent a new class of nitrogenated carborane derivatives, is described. These novel compounds have been efficiently prepared starting from commercially available aromatic aldehydes and monosubstituted o‐carboranes via carboranyl alcohols and chlorides as intermediates. The key step of this methodology is a selective nucleophilic amination under mild conditions that allows the formation of the expected amines while limiting the partial deboronation of the carborane cluster. This general strategy has been applied to the preparation of a wide variety of aminobenzyl‐o‐carboranes. The extension of this pathway to the synthesis of enantiopure carborane–amine combinations is also described.
A novel hybrid adsorption heat pump water heater
Authors: Dong Lihua , Suzuki Yuko , Kobayashi Noriyuki
Published: September 2009

A hybrid adsorption heat pump water heater has been studied for domestic use. It is a water heater with dual heat sources, and it combines the performances of adsorption heat pumps and conventional gas boilers. Moreover, functional adsorbent material‐zeolite (FAM‐Z02, Mitsubishi Chemicals) and water are a new adsorption pair for adsorption heat pumps. This article describes the operation, design, and performance analysis of one such water‐heating device. The experimental results showed that the hybrid water heater in the whole year has a stable COP even at low ambient temperature. The hybrid water heater can thus achieve high energy efficiency.