bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Definition Optical Coherence Tomography in a Case of Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Authors: De Salvo Gabriella , Krebs Ilse , Binder Susanne
Published: November 2010

The authors describe the use of high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT) in a case of congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. A 40-year-old woman presented with a large flat pigmented lesion in the inferior retinal quadrant of the left eye, which was compatible with congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. The lesion was studied with HD-OCT (5 line raster and macular cube 512 × 128) and the results were compared with those of the fellow eye. The volume of the cube in the normal eye measured 7.1 mm
3
, whereas the volume of the cube with the lesion was 6.7 mm
3
. The subfield thickness analysis was 153 μm in the eye with congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium and 188 μm in the fellow eye, showing a difference of 35 μm between the two eyes. Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium studied with HD-OCT showed loss of the junction layer between the inner and outer segment of photoreceptors and of the outer nuclear layer.
In Vivo Structural Characteristics of the Femtosecond LASIK-Induced Opaque Bubble Layers with Ultrahigh-Resolution SD-OCT
Authors: Hurmeric Volkan , Yoo Sonia H. , Fishler Jane , Chang Victoria S. , Wang Jianhua , Culbertson William W.
Published: November 2010

The authors report in vivo morphology of opaque bubble layers with ultrahigh-resolution anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT) in 3 patients. Two patients were operated on with a 30-kHz IntraLase femtosecond laser (Abbott Medical Optics, Abbott Park, IL) and one patient was operated on with a 500-kHz VisuMax femtosecond laser (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany). UHR-OCT images from the patient operated on with the 500-kHz femtosecond laser revealed that the opaque bubble layer extended anterior to the flap dissection plane up to Bowman’s membrane. The lamellar flap dissection was incomplete in this patient. The opaque bubble layer in the patients operated on with the 30-kHz femtosecond laser extended posterior to the flap dissection plane and these patients experienced complete lamellar dissections with uncomplicated flap lifts. UHR-OCT imaging can be used to demonstrate the structural characteristics of OBL. It has the potential to be used to predict incomplete lamellar flap dissections in patients with opaque bubble layers.
Acute Severe Visual Decrease After Photodynamic Therapy with Verteporfin: Spectral-Domain OCT Features
Authors: Keane Pearse A. , Aghaian Elda , Ouyang Yanling , Chong Lawrence P. , Sadda Srinivas R.
Published: November 2010

In this report, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to characterize the acute morphologic alterations that occur when photodynamic therapy with verteporfin results in an acute severe visual decrease. The clinical and imaging records of a patient with neovascular age-related macular degeneration who suffered this complication were reviewed. Using spectral-domain OCT, two relatively distinct subretinal fluid compartments were visualized: a sparsely hyperreflective pocket of subretinal fluid overlying the fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment, consistent with fibrinous exudation, and a more homogenously hyporeflective compartment at the periphery of the choroidal neovascular lesion, consistent with serous exudation. The higher axial resolution, and greater sensitivity, of spectral-domain OCT allows improved visualization of the subretinal space. As experience with spectral-domain OCT grows, new parameters will emerge—such as those related to subretinal fluid—that will facilitate improvements in both the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of macular disease.
Persistent Placoid Maculopathy Imaged with Spectral Domain OCT and Autofluorescence
Authors: Kovach Jaclyn L.
Published: November 2010

Persistent placoid maculopathy is a rare entity characterized by bilateral well-delineated whitish plaque-like lesions in the macula. Secondary choroidal neovascularization and extensive retinal pigment epithelial damage, highlighted by spectral domain optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence imaging, can limit visual prognosis. Aggressive immunosuppression can preserve vision and perhaps delay the onset of choroidal neovascularization.
Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Yehoshua Zohar , Rosenfeld Philip J. , Gregori Giovanni , Penha Fernando
Published: November 2010

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography is a useful new technology for imaging and measuring geographic atrophy (GA) and drusen, the hallmarks of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The advantage of using this novel technique over other imaging modalities for dry AMD is that the same scan pattern can be used to image both drusen and GA while obtaining reproducible, quantitative data on both the area of GA and the morphologic features of drusen. Moreover, this strategy enables the clinician to follow the disease as it progresses from drusen to both GA and choroidal neovascularization. No other imaging modality is able to quantitatively assess all forms of AMD. This unique feature of spectral domain optical coherence tomography makes it the ideal imaging modality for clinical trials designed to assess new drugs for the treatment of dry AMD.
Double Aspiration/Single Irrigation System for Bimanual Lens Cortex Removal in Cataract Surgery
Authors: Izquierdo Luis , Henriquez Maria A. , McCarthy Martin
Published: November 2010

The authors describe a bimanual double aspiration/single irrigation system (DASIS) for cataract surgery that efficiently and safely performs aspiration of the entire cortex, including subincisional space. DASIS uses standard and common instruments such as an irrigation/aspiration handpiece in one hand and a single-aspiration handpiece in the other, joined with a short silicone tube using a three-way stopcock. DASIS allows access to 360° of the cortex without a hand exchange, reducing wound leakage and maintaining chamber stability.
Quantification of Change in Axonal Birefringence Following Surgical Reduction in Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Sehi Mitra , Grewal Dilraj S. , Zhu Haogang , Feuer William J. , Greenfield David S.
Published: November 2010

Background and Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine the hypothesis that retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) birefringence increases following surgical reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP).

Patients and Methods:

Twenty-six glaucomatous eyes requiring trabeculectomy or drainage implant were enrolled. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), scanning laser polarimetry (SLP), and IOP measurements were performed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The OCT and SLP images were aligned using a new algorithm that aligns the vessels in an OCT image to those in the corresponding SLP reflectance image. The SLP retardance values at the location of the OCT scan circle were then extracted using the OCT scan circle position inferred by the algorithm. Sixty-four corresponding RNFL segments were extracted from SLP and OCT to calculate RNFL birefringence. A significant birefringence change was defined as 1.96 times the weighted test–retest standard deviation in four contiguous segments.

Results:

Preoperative IOP (19.3 ± 6.1 mm Hg) was significantly (
P
< .001) lower than postoperative IOP (10.4 ± 3.7 mm Hg). Average birefringence magnitude did not change (
P
= .19) postoperatively. Localized birefringence magnitude increased significantly in 6 (23%) eyes and decreased significantly in 7 (27%) eyes.

Conclusion:

In this cohort, variable changes in localized birefringence were observed following surgical reduction of IOP.
Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Can Detect Visible and Subthreshold Laser Burns Using 532-nm Laser
Authors: Bhatnagar Ajay , Gibson Jonathan M. , Elsherbiny Samer
Published: November 2010

Retinal burns of subthreshold intensity created using micropulsed diode laser, which remain clinically invisible, have been shown to be successful in treating macular edema while minimizing the risk of collateral damage to the retina. A study was conducted to determine whether spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) could be used to detect subthreshold retinal burns created using the 532-nm green wavelength laser. A series of retinal burns of gradually decreasing intensity were created in 10 eyes. Retinal burns produced with duration of laser exposure of 0.03 second or less, although clinically invisible, were detectable on the SD-OCT scan as increased retinal reflectivity confined to the outer retinal layers. This series demonstrates the potential of using SD-OCT imaging to verify delivery of subthreshold laser burns.
Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in a Case of Cone-Rod Dystrophy
Authors: Emfietzoglou Ioannis , Grigoropoulos Vlassis , Nikolaidis Pandelis , Theodossiadis George , Rouvas Alexandros , Theodossiadis Panagiotis
Published: November 2010

A patient with cone-rod dystrophy, who was examined thoroughly with biomicroscopy, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and electrophysiology, is presented. Although fluorescein angiography depicted only window-defect type of hyperfluorescence, optical coherence tomography disclosed detachment of the neurosensory retina, focal absence of the outer parts of the photoreceptors’ layer in the fovea, and cystoid edema in the macula. To the authors’ knowledge, these findings have not been described in cone-rod dystrophy so far.
The Role of the Lens in Pigment Dispersion Syndrome
Authors: Liu Lance
Published: November 2010

In patients with pigment dispersion syndrome, changes of the iris configuration can occur with accommodation, blinking, miotics, and following a laser iridotomy. This observational case series looks at the changes following cataract surgery in 3 eyes with signs of pigment dispersion, symptomatic cataracts, and no previous laser iridotomy that were imaged with optical coherence tomography. The iris was concave posteriorly in dark and light lighting conditions, and became flat following an uncomplicated cataract operation. This may be explained by the elimination of iridolenticular contact, which contributes to the mechanism of reverse pupil block. These iris changes suggest the lens plays an important role in the mechanism of pigment dispersion.
Visante™ OCT Measurement of Central Corneal Thickness Following Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Lyles Graham W. , Cohen Kenneth L.
Published: November 2010

A 63-year-old man with Fuchs’ dystrophy and cataract underwent successful phacoemulsification, insertion of a posterior chamber intraocular lens, and Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) of the right eye. At 1-month follow-up, measurement of central corneal thickness (CCT) obtained by ultrasound pachymetry was 549 μm. The ultrasound pachymetry measurement was thought to be an artifact, so anterior segment optical coherence tomography analysis of the right eye was performed. Both host and graft tissue were imaged in cross-section; optical coherence tomography measurement of CCT was 769 μm. Reliable measurements of CCT are clinically important following DSEK. This case demonstrates that anterior segment optical coherence tomography imaging and analysis software may provide a more appropriate measurement of CCT in patients who have undergone DSEK.
Antiplatelet Activity of Valproic Acid Contributes to Decreased Soluble CD40 Ligand Production in HIV Type 1-Infected Individuals
Authors: Davidson Donna C. , Hirschman Michael P. , Spinelli Sherry L. , Morrell Craig N. , Schifitto Giovanni , Phipps Richard P. , Maggirwar Sanjay B.
Published: November 2010

CD40L is a type II membrane glycoprotein of the TNF family that is found on activated T cells, B cells, and platelets. We previously reported that the soluble form of this inflammatory mediator (sCD40L) is elevated in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of HIV-1–infected, cognitively impaired individuals. In this study, we demonstrate that the mood-stabilizing drug valproic acid (VPA) reduces sCD40L levels in plasma samples of HIV-1–infected patients (n = 23) and in washed human platelets, which are the main source of circulating sCD40L. VPA also inhibited HIV-1 transactivator of transcription-induced release of sCD40L and platelet factor 4 in C57BL/6 mice. The mechanism by which VPA was able to do so was investigated, and we demonstrate that VPA, a known glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibitor, blocks platelet activating factor-induced activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β in platelets in a manner that alters sCD40L release from platelets. These data reveal that VPA has antiplatelet activity, and they convey important implications for the potential of VPA as an adjunct therapy not only for cognitively impaired patients with HIV-1 infection, but also numerous inflammatory diseases for which such antiplatelet therapies are currently lacking.
2-chlorodeoxyadenosine treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Wojdylo Malgorzata Sokolowska , Trzeciak Magdalena , Roszkiewicz Jadwiga
Published: November 2010

The primary cutaneous lymphomas are often indolent but difficult to treat. In the early stages psoralen and ultraviolet-A therapy is the standard treatment whereas at the tumor stage chemotherapy (e.g. pegylated doxorubicin) is often used for debulking. The purine analog 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2CdA) acts in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and has been used in our center for the treatment of advanced primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL). Here, we report on the efficacy and side effects of 2CdA in six patients with CTCL. One patient died owing to myelosuppression. Partial responses were seen in four cases but full remission was observed in only one case. We concluded that 2CdA has a limited usefulness in the management of advanced CTCL.
Ockham’s Razor is not so Sharp
Authors: A. Lewis Mark , Agusala Kartik , Raizen Yuval
Published: November 2010

A 39-year-old male with newly diagnosed HIV had cavitary pneumonia initially attributed to Pneumocystis jirovecii but actually caused by Rhodococcus equi. After neurological deterior­ation, he was found to have intracerebral lesions caused by Toxoplasma gondii. This case underscores the inability to rely on the search for a unifying diagnosis (Ockham’s Razor) in HIV-infected patients.
A re-reading of John 8:1–11 from a pastoral liberative perspective on South African women
Authors: Baloyi Elijah M.
Published: November 2010

The inception of democracy in South Africa faced the oppression of women as one of the challenges. The duty to improve women’s position in society is not the responsibility of a few people alone, but of everyone. According to the researcher, the church has not done enough pastorally in this regard. In denouncing the oppression of women, the Christian community should also support the victims of abuse. This article intends to unmask collusion with patriarchal societies including the Jewish society in Jesus’ time by mapping out the forms of harassment and embarrassment inflicted upon women. The study shows how pastoral care can help victims of oppression. A re-reading of John 8:1–11 will inform the, how can the verses above be used in counselling the victims of gender oppression. This study will formulate pastoral guidelines from Jesus’ response to the Pharisees, the Scribes and the woman.
Isolated Bilateral Trigeminal Neuropathy in Sarcoidosis Presenting with Neurotrophic Corneal Ulcers
Authors: Gupta M. , Lascaratos G. , Syrogiannis A. , Esakowitz L.
Published: November 2010

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease that may affect various organs. Nevertheless, involvement of the trigeminal nerve is exceedingly uncommon. This report presents a rare case of isolated bilateral trigeminal neuropathy presenting with neurotrophic corneal ulcers. The patient was treated with topical chloramphenicol and lubricants, as well as botulinum toxin injection to the upper eyelid to induce ptosis. Our case illustrates the importance of recognizing that bilateral corneal ulceration might be a manifestation of sarcoidosis. Physicians should be aware of this rare association, when treating sarcoidosis patients with eye related symptoms.
Venereal Transmission of Chikungunya Virus by Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Mavale Mangala , Parashar Deepti , Sudeep Anakkathil , Gokhale Mangesh , Ghodke Youwaraj , Geevarghese Geevarghese , Arankalle Vidya , Mishra Akhilesh Chandra
Published: November 2010

Experiments were conducted to demonstrate the role of male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in the maintenance and transmission of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) to female mosquitoes. We demonstrated that infected male mosquitoes are capable of infecting females during mating. The infection rate in female mosquitoes was 11% when virgin female mosquitoes were allowed to coinhabit with infected males. The body suspension of venereally infected female mosquitoes induced illness in infant Swiss albino mice, which demonstrated the infectivity of the venereally transmitted virus. The presence of CHIKV in the brains of the ill mice was confirmed by a reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction specific for partial sequences of nonstructural protein 4 and envelope 1 genes. In the light of the recent report of transovarial transmission of CHIKV in mosquitoes, although at a lower level, this finding has significance because it may help in transmission of the virus to females venereally to start a new infection cycle.
Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis in Xenopsylla cheopis and Leptopsylla segnis Parasitizing Rats in Cyprus
Authors: Christou Christos , Psaroulaki Anna , Antoniou Maria , Toumazos Pavlos , Ioannou Ioannis , Mazeris Apostolos , Chochlakis Dimosthenis , Tselentis Yannis
Published: November 2010

Fleas collected from rats during a three-year period (2000–2003) in 51 areas of all provinces of Cyprus were tested by molecular analysis to characterize the prevalence and identity of fleaborne rickettsiae. Rickettsia typhi, the causative agent of murine typhus, was detected in Xenopsylla cheopis (4%) and in Leptopsylla segnis (6.6%). Rickettsia felis was detected in X. cheopis (1%). This is the first report of R. typhi in X. cheopis and L. segnis from rats, in Cyprus, and the first report of R. felis in X. cheopis in Europe. The role of fleas (mainly X. cheopis) was confirmed in the epidemiologic cycle of murine typhus in Cyprus by interrelation of current results with those of previous studies. The geographic distribution of fleas coincided with the geographic distribution of the pathogen they can harbor, which emphasizes the potential risk of flea-transmitted infections in Cyprus.
Ethics and Best Practice Guidelines for Training Experiences in Global Health
Authors: Crump John A. , Sugarman Jeremy , _ _
Published: November 2010

Academic global health programs are growing rapidly in scale and number. Students of many disciplines increasingly desire global health content in their curricula. Global health curricula often include field experiences that involve crossing international and socio-cultural borders. Although global health training experiences offer potential benefits to trainees and to sending institutions, these experiences are sometimes problematic and raise ethical challenges. The Working Group on Ethics Guidelines for Global Health Training (WEIGHT) developed a set of guidelines for institutions, trainees, and sponsors of field-based global health training on ethics and best practices in this setting. Because only limited data have been collected within the context of existing global health training, the guidelines were informed by the published literature and the experience of WEIGHT members. The Working Group on Ethics Guidelines for Global Health Training encourages efforts to develop and implement a means of assessing the potential benefits and harms of global health training programs.
The relative importance of various source regions on East Asian surface ozone
Authors: Nagashima T. , Ohara T. , Sudo K. , Akimoto H.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. We estimated the source-receptor relationship for surface O3 in East Asia during the early 2000s using a method that tags O3 tracers according to their region of chemical production (tagged tracer method) with a global chemical transport model. The estimation demonstrated the importance of intracontinental transport of O3 inside East Asia as well as of the transport of O3 from distant source regions. The model well simulated the absolute concentration and seasonal variation of surface O3 in East Asia and demonstrated significant seasonal differences in the origin of surface O3. In the cold season (October to March), more than half of surface O3 in East Asia is attributable to the O3 transported from distant sources outside of East Asia. In the warm season (April to September), most of the surface O3 is attributable to O3 created within East Asia in most areas of East Asia. In spring the contribution of domestically created O3 accounted for 20% of the surface O3 in Japan and the Korean Peninsula, 40% in the North China Plain, and around 50% in the southern part of China, and the domestic contribution increased greatly in summer. The contributions of O3 created in China and the Korean Peninsula to O3 in Japan were estimated at about 10% and 5%, respectively. We also demonstrated a large contribution (20%) from China to the Korean Peninsula. In the northern and southern parts of China, large contributions of over 10% from East Siberia and the Indochina Peninsula, respectively, were identified. The contribution from intercontinental transport increased with latitude; it was 21% in Northeast China and 13% in Japan and the Korean Peninsula in spring. As for the hourly mean of surface O3, domestically created O3 was the main contributor in most areas of East Asia, except for the low O3 class (<30 ppbv), and accounted for more than 50% in the very high O3 class (>90 ppbv). The mean relative contribution of O3 created in China to O3 in central Japan was about 10% in every class, but that created in the Korean Peninsula was significant in all except the low O3 class. We identified the substantial impact of foreign sources on Japan's ambient air quality standard in the high O3 class (60–90 ppbv) in spring.
Aerosol particle properties in the tropical free troposphere observed at Pico Espejo (4765 m a.s.l.), Venezuela
Authors: Schmeißner T. , Krejci R. , Ström J. , Birmili W. , Wiedensohler A. , Hochschild G. , Gross J. , Hoffmann P. , Calderon S.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. The first long-term measurements of aerosol number and size distributions in South-American tropical free troposphere were performed from March 2007 until Mai 2009. The measurements took place at the high altitude Atmospheric Research Station Alexander von Humboldt. The station is located on top of the Sierra Nevada mountain ridge at 4765 m a.s.l. nearby the city of Mérida, Venezuela. Aerosol size distribution and number concentration data was obtained with a custom-built Differential Mobility Particle Sizer (DMPS system) and a Condensational Particle Counter (CPC). The analysis of the annual and diurnal variability of the tropical free troposphere (FT) aerosol focused mainly on possible links to the atmospheric general circulation in the tropics. Considerable annual and diurnal cycles of the particle number concentration were observed. Highest total particle number concentrations were measured during the dry season (519±613 cm−3), lowest during the wet season (318±194 cm−3). The more humid FT contained generally higher aerosol particle number concentrations (573±768 cm−3 during dry season, 320±195 cm−3 during wet season) than the dry FT (454±332 cm−3 during dry season, 275±172 cm−3 during wet season), indicating the importance of convection for aerosol distributions in the tropical FT. The diurnal cycle in the variability of the particle number concentration was mainly driven by local orography.
Sources of short-lived bromocarbons in the Iberian upwelling system
Authors: Raimund S. , Quack B. , Bozec Y. , Vernet M. , Rossi V. , Garçon V. , Morel Y. , Morin P.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. Seawater concentrations of the four brominated trace gases dibromomethane (CH2Br2), bromodichloromethane (CHBrCl2), dibromochloromethane (CHBr2Cl) and bromoform (CHBr3) were measured at different depths of the water column in the Iberian upwelling off Portugal during summer 2007. Bromocarbon concentrations showed elevated values in recently upwelled and aged upwelled waters (mean values of 30 pmol L−1 for CHBr3), while values in the open ocean were significantly lower (7.4 pmol L−1 for CHBr3). Correlations with biological variables and marker pigments indicated that phytoplankton could be identified as a weak bromocarbon source in the open ocean. In upwelled water masses along the coast, halocarbons were not correlated to Chl-a, indicating an external source, overlapping the possible internal production by phytoplankton. We showed that the tidal frequency had a significant influence on halocarbon concentrations in the upwelling and we linked those findings to a strong intertidal coastal source, as well as to a transport of those halocarbon enriched coastal waters by westward surface upwelling currents. Coastal sources and transport can be accounted for maximum values of up to 185.1 pmol L−1 CHBr3 in the upwelling. Comparison with other productive marine areas revealed that the Iberian upwelling had stronger halocarbon sources than the phytoplankton dominated sources in the Mauritanian upwelling. However, the concentrations off the Iberian Peninsula were still much lower than those of coastal macroalgal influenced waters or those of polar regions dominated by cold water adapted diatoms.
On Benjamin-Feir instability and evolution of a nonlinear wave with finite-amplitude sidebands
Authors: Shemer L.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. In the past decade it became customary to relate the probability of appearance of extremely steep (the so-called freak, or rogue waves) to the value of the Benjamin-Feir Index (BFI) that represents the ratio of wave nonlinearity to the spectral width. This ratio appears naturally in the cubic Schrödinger equation that describes evolution of unidirectional narrow-banded wave field. The notion of this index stems from the Benjamin-Feir linear stability analysis of Stokes wave. The application of BFI to evaluate the evolution of wave fields, with non-vanishing amplitudes of sideband disturbances, is investigated using the Zakharov equation as the theoretical model. The present analysis considers a 3-wave system for which the exact analytical solution of the model equations is available.
The influence of the Brazil and Malvinas Currents on the Southwestern Atlantic Shelf circulation
Authors: Matano R. P. , Palma E. D. , Piola A. R.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. The oceanic circulation over the southwestern Atlantic shelf is influenced by large tidal amplitudes, substantial freshwater discharges, high wind speeds and – most importantly – by its proximity to two of the largest western boundary currents of the world ocean: the Brazil and Malvinas currents. This review article aims to discriminate the dynamical processes controlling the interaction between this extensive shelf region and the deep-ocean. The discussion is focused on two broad regions: the South Brazil Bight to the north, and Patagonia to the south. The exchanges between the Brazil Current and the South Brazil Bight are characterized by the intermittent development of eddies and meanders of the Brazil Current at the shelfbreak. However, it is argued that this is not the only – nor the most important – influence of the Brazil Current on the shelf. Numerical simulations show that the thermohaline structure of the South Brazil Bight can be entirely ascribed to steady state, bottom boundary layer interactions between the shelf and the Brazil Current. The Malvinas Current does not show the development of eddies and meanders, but its influence on the Patagonian shelf is not less important. Models and observations indicate that the Malvinas Current not only controls the shelfbreak dynamics and cross-shelf exchanges but also influences the circulation in the shelf's interior.
Treatment of epidural spinal cord involvement from germ cell tumors with chemotherapy
Authors: Grommes Christian , Bosl George J. , DeAngelis Lisa M.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are chemosensitive, and epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC) from GCT may be amenable to treatment with chemotherapy (CT) only. This retrospective study compares the clinical outcome of GCT patients with ESCC treated with CT or radiotherapy (RT) + CT.

METHODS:

All patients with a histologic diagnosis of GCT from 1984 to 2009 were included in this study. Patients with ESCC were identified. Age, clinical features, histology, treatment, and outcome were analyzed.

RESULTS:

The authors identified 1734 patients with GCT, of whom 29 (1.7%) had ESCC. The median age of these 29 patients was 32 years. The ESCC was treated with CT only in 16, RT + CT in 11, and 2 patients received palliative care only. The ESCC was more extensive in the RT + CT than the CT group. Patients who received RT + CT had a higher proportion of failed prior CT regimens, a higher percentage of nonseminomatous GCT, T‐spine involvement, multilevel epidural disease, and bony vertebral metastases. Median overall survival after diagnosis of ESCC was not reached for those treated with CT alone versus 15 months for those receiving RT + CT (P = .02). There was also a significant difference in survival in patients receiving first‐line therapy (n = 15), where median overall survival was not reached in the CT group (n = 11), compared with 22 months in the RT group (n = 4) (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS:

GCTs rarely involve the epidural compartment. Patients with ESCC who are likely to have chemosensitive disease can receive CT alone as definitive treatment. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Synthesis and Characterization of Unusual Oxidorhenium(V) Cores
Authors: Nguyen Hung Huy , Hazin Khatera , Abram Ulrich
Published: November 2010

Reactions of (NBu4)[ReOCl4] with N‐(N″,N″‐dialkylaminothiocarbonyl)‐N′‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)benzamidines (H2L1) give complexes of the compositions [ReOCl(L1)] (1), cis‐[ReO(L1)(OMe)] (2), or cis,cis‐[{ReO(L1)}2O] (3) depending on the conditions applied. Compound 3 contains a bridging oxygen atom in the cis position to the terminal oxido ligands of both rhenium atoms. The analogous dimeric, sulfur‐bridged compound [{ReO(L1)}2S] (4) was obtained by the reaction of 1 with Na2S.
Nanotechnology and human health: risks and benefits
Authors: Cattaneo Anna Giulia , Gornati Rosalba , Sabbioni Enrico , Chiriva‐Internati Maurizio , Cobos Everardo , Jenkins Marjorie R. , Bernardini Giovanni
Published: November 2010

Nanotechnology is expected to be promising in many fields of medical applications, mainly in cancer treatment. While a large number of very attractive exploitations open up for the clinics, regulatory agencies are very careful in admitting new nanomaterials for human use because of their potential toxicity. The very active research on new nanomaterials that are potentially useful in medicine has not been counterbalanced by an adequate knowledge of their pharmacokinetics and toxicity. The different nanocarriers used to transport and release the active molecules to the target tissues should be treated as additives, with potential side effects of themselves or by virtue of their dissolution or aggregation inside the body. Only recently has a systematic classification of nanomaterials been proposed, posing the basis for dedicated modeling at the nanoscale level. The use of in silico methods, such as nano‐QSAR and PSAR, while highly desirable to expedite and rationalize the following stages of toxicological research, are not an alternative, but an introduction to mandatory experimental work. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyelectrolyte multilayer film and human mesenchymal stem cells: An attractive alternative in vascular engineering applications
Authors: Moby V. , Labrude P. , Kadi A. , Bordenave L. , Stoltz J. F. , Menu P.
Published: November 2010

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have tremendous potential as a cell source for regenerative medicine due to their capacity for differentiation into endothelial‐like cells when seeded on nonmodified cover glasses. This absence of removable surface, preventing recovery of cell sheet, constitutes a critical obstacle to predict an application in tissue engineering. It remains unknown whether MSCs differentiation could be realized when the cells are cultivated on a scaffold that could be used in vascular engineering. In this study, we propose to differentiate human MSCs into endothelial‐like cells on surfaces coated with polyelectrolyte multilayer film (PMF) and fibronectin (control surfaces). We quantified Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (PECAM) and von Willebrand Factor (vWF) expressions (endothelial cell specific markers) and nitric oxide (NO) production, which is representative of the cell functionality. After only two weeks of differentiation, we showed, on PMF, that MSCs expressed PECAM and vWF, exhibiting a differentiation into endothelial‐like cells, which functionality was explored by a significant production of nitrites. These results highlight the importance of PMF to get human MSCs differentiation and suggest that this film of nanometer thickness opens a new route for vascular bioengineering by pre‐seeding hMSCs directly into a vascular graft functionalized by a removable coating. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
First‐principles investigation of A‐B intersite charge transfer and correlated electrical and magnetic properties in BiCu3Fe4O12
Authors: Li Hongping , Lv Shuhui , Liu Xiaojuan , Meng Jian
Published: November 2010

First‐principles calculations using the augmented plane wave plus local orbitals method, as implemented in the WIEN2K code, have been carried out to study the A‐B intersite charge transfer and the correlated electrical and magnetic properties of the perovskite BiCu3Fe4O12, especially as regards the charge transfer. The results indicate that the charge transfer between A‐site Cu and B‐site Fe is by way of O 2p orbitals, and during this process orbital hybridization plays an important role. More importantly, the charge transfer is of 3d9 + 4d5L0.75→3d9L + 4d5 type (here L denotes an oxygen hole or a ligand hole). During this process, the magnetic interaction experiences a transition from Cu‐Fe ferrimagnetic coupling to G‐type antiferromagnetic coupling within B‐site Fe with paramagnetic Cu3+. As to electrical property, it undergoes a metal to insulator transition. All our calculated results are consistent with the available experimental results. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Percutaneously placed covered retrievable stents for the treatment of biliary anastomotic strictures following living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Kim Jinoo , Ko Gi-Young , Sung Kyu-Bo , Gwon Dong Il , Lee Sung-Gyu , Kim Kwang-Mi , Kim Kyung-Ah , Yoon Hyun-Ki
Published: November 2010

This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of covered retrievable stent placement compared with drainage catheter placement for treating biliary anastomotic strictures following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In 39 of 59 patients who underwent LDLT, balloon dilation of strictures and subsequent interposition of 14-French indwelling catheters were performed (group 1), whereas in 20 patients, 29 covered retrievable stents were percutaneously placed (group 2). The drainage catheters were positioned above the stricture after at least 12 weeks of internal drainage or following stent removal after at least 8 weeks of stent placement. The drainage catheters were removed when the follow-up cholangiogram revealed free passage of contrast media. In the presence of residual stricture, either of the following was performed: (1) balloon dilation of the stricture and replacement of the indwelling catheter or (2) placement of another covered retrievable stent for at least 12 weeks. Technical success was achieved in all recipients. Clinical success was higher in group 1 (95%) than in group 2 (70%) (P = 0.005), whereas the duration of treatment was significantly shorter in group 2 (197 ± 89 days) than in group 1 (278 ± 115 days) (P = 0.018). All stents were successfully removed at a median of 14 weeks after placement, except for 1 patient in whom early stent removal was inevitable and a second patient in whom the stent migrated completely. Stent migration rate was 24% (7 of 29 stents). In conclusion, treatment of biliary anastomotic strictures following LDLT is feasible using covered retrievable stents and has an acceptable clinical success rate with shorter treatment duration. Liver Transpl 16:1410–1420, 2010. © 2010 AASLD.
Star Shaped Polyglycidols End Capped with Vinyl sulfonate Groups and Conjugation Reaction with Dodecylamine
Authors: Haamann Daniel , Keul Helmut , Klee Doris , Möller Martin
Published: November 2010

The synthesis of six arm star shaped polyglycidols followed by end capping with vinyl sulfonate groups is reported. The obtained multifunctional polymers show excellent reactivity towards amines. The addition of amines to the vinyl sulfonate groups was proven via NMR spectroscopy.
Amine Functionalisations of Glycidyl methacrylate Based PolyHIPE Monoliths
Authors: Majer Janja , Krajnc Peter
Published: November 2010

High internal phase emulsions were employed to prepare highly porous (up to 80% pore volume) monoliths of poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylenegycol dimethacrylate) by free radical polymerisations of continuous phases of emulsions. Monoliths with cavities approximately 4 µm in diameter and with interconnecting pores approximately 0.7 µm in diameter were obtained. In order to obtain monoliths with ion exchange groups on the surface of pores for chromatography applications, functionalisations with different amines were performed and various reaction conditions tested. FTIR spectroscopy and nitrogen content analysis were used to monitor the functionalisation processes. Monoliths were succesfully functionalised with 1,2‐diaminoethane, 1,4‐diaminobuthane, 1,8‐diaminooctane and tris(diethylamino)amine.
Nonaqueous Emulsions – A Versatile Tool for New Types of Functional Nanoparticles
Authors: Haschick Robert , Hoffmann Michael S. , Zhao Yi , Klapper Markus , Müllen Klaus
Published: November 2010

Summary: The preparation of functional polymer latex particles is usually carried out in aqueous heterogeneous systems, i.e. for example in emulsion or mini‐emulsion polymerization. Due to the presence of water, moisture sensitive reactions like step growth polymerizations or metal catalyzed reactions can not be accomplished without side reactions and / or decomposition. In order to avoid these side reactions, different nonaqueous emulsion systems have been developed. According to the desired polymerization procedure, these systems consist of a nonpolar organic phase surrounded by a perfluorinated solvent or of a polar organic phase which is dispersed in a nonpolar organic solvent. Both emulsions are stabilized by amphipolar block copolymers and result in long time stable particle dispersions. The resulting dispersions yield particles with narrow size distributions and – depending on the reaction conditions – diameters down to tens of nanometers. This technique allows the formation of particles consisting of numerous different classes of polymers, e.g. polyurethanes, polyesters, polyolefins etc. and the formation of more complex morphologies such as core shell structures.
Hyperbranched Poly([1,2,3]‐triazole‐[1,3,5]‐triazine)s: An Unusual High Degree of Branching as an Effect of a Polyaddition Kinetics
Authors: Malkov Georgiy V. , Shastin Alexey V. , Estrin Yakov I. , Badamshina Elmira R. , Mikhailov Yuriy M.
Published: November 2010

The results of the kinetic study of melt and solution polymerization at the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of the AB2 monomer – 2‐azido‐4,6‐bis(prop‐2‐yn‐1‐yloxy)‐[1,3,5]‐triazine (ABPOT) are presented in this work as well as the results of the 13C‐NMR characterization of the obtained hyperbranched poly([1,2,3]‐triazole‐[1,3,5]‐triazine)s. It is established, that the first‐shell substitution effect during polyaddition process and unusual high degree of branching (up to 0.9) of polymers synthesized in melt are held.
Luminescent Properties of a Silicone‐Carbazolyl Polyfluorene Hybrid Material for Device Applications
Authors: Martins Tatiana D. , Yoshida Ines V. P. , Atvars Teresa D. Z.
Published: November 2010

In the present work, bilayered hybrids obtained by hydrosilylation of polysiloxane with carbazolyl moieties (Sil‐Cz) and polyfluorene (Sil‐PFO) had their photophysical behavior, morphological characteristics and interaction properties studied for applications in electroluminescent devices. Fluorescence spectra of the Sil‐Cz did not show emission in the excimer/aggregate region (from 400 to 500 nm). This is an unexpected behavior since most of the carbazole‐based materials present excimer and aggregation. Nonetheless, this unusual observation was also predicted by geometry optimization calculations. Fluorescence spectra were taken for both compounds separately and for the bilayered system show some evidence of interaction between carbazolyl and polyfluorene moieties, giving rise to the supposition that the can form a system with tunable luminescent properties.
Biopolymer Synthesized by Strains of Xanthomonas sp Isolate from Brazil Using Biodiesel‐Waste
Authors: Reis Elisiane C. , Almeida Mônica , Cardoso Juliana C. , Pereira Maysa de A. , de Oliveira César B.Z. , Venceslau Emanuella M. , Druzian Janice I. , Mariano Rosa , Padilha Francine F.
Published: November 2010

The future supplies and usage of glycerol are expected to increase as biodiesel plants increase production, and the output will greatly outpace demand. Biodiesel production has already had a significant impact on the price of refined glycerol. A major concern of glycerol producers is the reduced price of glycerol resulting from the increased production of biodiesel. Some alternative uses for this glycerol that have been investigated are substrates for fermentation process or the production of biosurfactants, fatty acids, biopolymers, and others products. This work had as objective to evaluate two strains of Xanthomonas sp isolate from Brazil for xanthan gum in orbital agitator, analizing the apparent viscosity of aqueous solutions and selecting viscosity. The experiments of xanthan gum production were realized in orbital agitator with 120 rpm agitation, for cells production, and 180rpm, for biopolymer production, under a 28 °C temperature. The rheology of the fermentation broth was analyzed by apparent viscosity and the polymer was recovered with ethanol (1:3, v/v). After its recovery, the productivity evaluation was performed. The productivity were 0.157 and 0.363 gL−1 for C1 and 0.186 and 0.363 gL−1 for C9 to media glycerol or glycerol and sucrose, respectively. The viscosity analysis was performed for aqueous solutions 3%, at 25 °C, the best apparent viscosity was obtained using gum synthesized with glycerol and sucrose (50:50) at 25 °C, 143 mPa.s−1 from Xanthomonas sp C1.
Polyphenylens, Cross‐Linked Through Pd‐Carbene Complexes Formation, for Catalysis in Suzuki‐Miyaura Reactions
Authors: Rud Dmiry A. , Kushakova Natalia S. , Shapovalov Alexey V. , Naumkin Alexander V. , Zhidkova Irina V. , Khotina Irina A.
Published: November 2010

Polyphenylenes supported N‐heterocyclic carbene Pd‐complexes were synthesized for catalysis of cross‐coupling Suzuki‐Miyaura reactions. Starting polyphenylenes were prepared by cyclocondensation reaction of diacetylaromatic with monoacetylaromatic compounds. N‐metylimidazole has been involved to the polymer through the mono‐functional acetyl monomer, in which in p‐position to acetyl group the group of haloalkyl was situated, and haloalkyl group interacted with N‐methylimidazole. N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes of Pd were synthesized usually by the reaction of imidazolium salts with the salts of transition metals in the presence of a base, obtaining the complex (N‐heterocyclic carbene)2PdX2. The catalysis reaction was carried out between arylhalides (iodo‐ or bromobenzene) and phenylboronic acid with the presence of 1 mol% of Pd. The yields of biphenyl are from 70 to 95%, which is comparable with homogeneous catalysis.
Aromatic Copolyimides Containing Perylene Units
Authors: Rusu Radu‐Dan , Damaceanu Mariana‐Dana , Bruma Maria
Published: November 2010

Perylene‐containing copolyimides have been synthesized by one‐step polycondensation reaction under high temperature of two different aromatic diamines with a mixture of perylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) and 4,4'‐hexafluoroisopropylidene diphthalic anhydride (6FDA). The copolyimides were soluble in polar amidic solvents and their solutions gave flexible thin films when spread onto glass plates. Very thin films obtained by spin coating had smooth surfaces and were self‐organized into vertically segregated structures. The polymers were highly thermostable, their decompositions being above 470 °C and displayed reasonable high glass transition temperature values. After being excited with UV light, the polymers emitted light in the bluish and green‐yellow domains.
Raman Structural Study of Copolymers of Propylene with Ethylene and High Olefins
Authors: Chernyshov Konstantin , Gen Dmitry , Shemouratov Yuri , Prokhorov Kirill , Nikolaeva Gulnara , Sagitova Elena , Pashinin Pavel , Kovalchuk Anton , Klyamkina Alla , Nedorezova Polina , Shklyaruk Boris , Optov Valery
Published: November 2010

Nascent form of random copolymers of propylene with ethylene, 1‐butene, 1‐hexene, 1‐octene, and 4‐methyl‐1‐pentene was studied by Raman spectroscopy. The most significant spectral alterations with a change in propylene content were observed in two lines at 809 and 841 cm−1. The first line corresponds to vibrations of polypropylene helical chains in the crystalline phase, while the second one is associated with vibrations of polypropylene helical chains having isomeric defects. Raman data confirm that conformational composition and phase state of copolymer macromolecules strongly depend on the comonomer content as well as on the size of the comonomer units.
Microfillers – Advantageous Potential for White Goods Industry
Authors: Vasić Vasilije , Schiesser Stefan
Published: November 2010

Market advantage of contemporary appliance product development heavily depends on the polymer materials and related fillers – e.g. micro‐fillers. Presented and analyzed is washing machine, its vital product component ‐ plastic tub. Namely, during the product life cycle it is exposed to the simultaneous and severe dynamic thermo‐mechanical loads. Material selection for suitable polymer composite is conducted predominantly with time‐dependency criteria – creep property at various thermo‐mechanical conditions. Experimental validation and polymer material benchmarking is implemented on already regular polymer composites with mineral fillers from 4 different appliance producers (PP + 40 × CaCO3) on one side with the regular, on market accessible microfiller on other side. The overall study contain comparison of regular PP as basic, reference property in comparison with regular mineral fillers with/without technology processing and microfillers. All these data provide necessary and proper procedure path for the polymer product designer to conduct rational and reliable polymer material selection during polymer product development.