Abstract  [reaction: see text]. The antitumor antibiotics radicicol and geldanamycin are potent inhibitors of the Hsp90 protein folding machinery. Radester is a hybrid composed of radicicol's resorcinol ring and geldanamycin's quinone through an isopropyl ester. Radester was prepared, and the cytotoxicity of it and the corresponding hydroquinone were determined in MCF-7 breast cancer cells to be 13.9 and 7.1 microM, respectively. Protein degradation assays were performed on Hsp90-dependent client proteins, Her-2 and Raf, to correlate Hsp90 inhibition to cytotoxicity.

Abstract  Spherical resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) aerogel particles were synthesized by emulsion polymerization of resorcinol with formaldehyde in a slightly basic aqueous solution, followed by supercritical drying with carbon dioxide. RF carbon aerogel particles were prepared by carbonizing of the RF aerogel particles at a high temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. By changing the viscosity of the RF sol added to the cyclohexane containing a surface-active agent for preparation of the spherical RF hydrogels, we investigated the influence of the apparent viscosity of the RF sol on the size of the generated RF carbon aerogel particles. We could successfully prepare the RF carbon aerogel particles with a truly spherical shape and control their size in the range from about 10 to 500 mum by changing the apparent viscosity of the RF sol. The spherical RF carbon aerogel particles with an average diameter of 20 pm have a BET surface area of about 800 m(2) /g and a uniform mesopore radius of 1.78 nm. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Pt/carbon xerogel catalysts were prepared by the Strong Electrostatic Adsorption method: impregnation of the support was performed under optimal conditions, leading to maximum metal weight percentage while keeping the highest possible dispersion. After impregnation with H(2)PtCl(6), the samples were filtered, dried and reduced. In order to increase the Pt weight percentage, up to three successive impregnation-drying-reduction cycles were performed. The final metal content of the catalysts was found to increase regularly: 7.5, 15.0 and 22.3 wt.%, after one, two and three cycles, respectively. This indicates that the adsorption sites were fully regenerated after the reduction treatment, and that they were available for the next impregnation step. In each case, the metal particles were found to be highly dispersed (particle size similar to 2 nm); in addition, the average particle size did not change upon repeated impregnation. The 15.0 wt.% sample was tested as a cathodic catalyst in an H(2)/air Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell: the cathode activity, expressed as a function of the mass of Pt involved, increased up to twice that of previous catalysts prepared by impregnation with H(2)PtCl(6) and reduction in aqueous phase by NaBH(4), provided the final reduction temperature of the catalyst was increased up to 450 degrees C. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Platinum catalysts were prepared by impregnation/reduction of two carbon supports with different pore textures: one carbon aerogel and one carbon xerogel. Impregnation with H(2)PtCl(6) was followed by reduction in aqueous phase with NaBH(4), filtration, drying and subsequent reduction by H(2). The catalysts were characterized by widely used physico-chemical methods (N(2) adsorption, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and CO chemisorption); from these techniques, no significant difference could be detected between the two samples. Actual Pt surface areas measured by coulometry of the electrochemical CO(ads) stripping are comparable for both samples. However, the peak position and charge below each electrooxidation peak points towards different fraction of small/large particles within these two samples. In addition, CO(ads) stripping shows that a fraction of the Pt particle surface is not electrochemically active. Pronounced differences observed in the specific activity towards O(2) reduction reaction were then explained by structural differences in Pt particles, undetectable by physico-chemical characterization techniques.

Abstract  The Synechococcus PCC7942 SmtB is a zinc-responsive transcriptional repressor and a member of the ArsR superfamily of prokaryotic metalloregulatory transcription factors. The mechanism of negative regulation by Zn(II) and other metals as well as the coordination chemistry (stoichiometry, affinity, and specificity) of SmtB is poorly understood. In contrast to previous results [Kar, S. R., Adams, A. C., Lebowitz, J., Taylor, K. B., and Hall, L. M. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 15343-15348], we find that fully reduced SmtB binds 1 mol equiv of Zn(II) with a very high affinity, K(Zn) in excess of 10(11) M(-1) (pH 7.4, 0.15 M KCl, 22 degrees C). Optical spectroscopic experiments reveal that SmtB binds 1 mol equiv of Co(II) in a tetrahedral or distorted tetrahedral environment with one or two cysteine thiolate ligands in the first coordination shell. Zn(II) and Co(II) EXAFS studies are consistent with the optical spectroscopic data, and further suggest the presence of a mixture of carboxylate and imidazole-containing ligands. K(Co) was determined to be 1.7 (+/-0.1) x 10(9) M(-1) in a chelator (EGTA) competition assay; 1 equiv of Zn(II) results in complete displacement of the bound Co(II). SmtB also binds 1 mol equiv of Ni(II), which, when formed at low Ni(II):SmtB molar ratios, adopts a non-native, six-coordinate complex characterized by at least two histidine and no thiolate ligands. The hierarchy of metal binding affinities is Zn(II) > Co(II) > Ni(II).

Abstract  A new, rod-shaped, Gram-negative, non-sporing sulfate reducer (strain Ani1) was enriched and isolated from marine sediment with aniline as sole electron donor and carbon source. The strain degraded aniline completely to CO2 and NH3 with stoichiometric reduction of sulfate to sulfide. Strain Ani1 also degraded aminobenzoates and further aromatic and aliphatic compounds. The strain grew in sulfide-reduced mineral medium supplemented only with vitamin B12 and thiamine. Cells contained cytochromes, carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, and sulfite reductase P582, but no desulfoviridin. Strain Ani1 is described as a new species of the genus Desulfobacterium D. anilini. Marine enrichments with the three dihydroxybenzene isomers led to three different strains of sulfate-reducing bacteria; each of them could grow only with the isomer used for enrichment. Two strains isolated with catechol (strain Cat2) or resorcinol (strain Re10) were studied in detail. Both strains oxidized their substrates completely to CO2, and contained cytochromes, carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, and sulfite reductase P 582. Desulfoviridin was not present. Whereas the rod-shaped catechol oxidizer (strain Cat2) was able to grow on 18 aromatic compounds and several aliphatic substrates, the coccoid resorcinol-degrading bacterium (strain Re10) utilized only resorcinol, 2,4-dihydroxybenzoate and 1,3-cyclohexanedion. These strains could not be affiliated with existing species of sulfate-reducing bacteria. A further coccoid sulfate-reducing bacterium (strain Hy5) was isolated with hydroquinone and identified as a subspecies of Desulfococcus multivorans. Most-probable-number enumerations with catechol, phenol, and resorcinol showed relatively large numbers (10(4)-10(6) per ml) of aryl compound-degrading sulfate reducers in marine sediment samples.

Abstract  We describe the case of a 63-year-old female who underwent repair of a membranous tracheal defect. The tracheal perforation occurred after subtotal esophageal resection, and was associated with empyema due to esophago-gastric anastomotic leakage. We employed a fascia patch reinforced with Gelatin Resorcin- Formaldehyde/Glutaraldehyde glue for the repair, as pedicle muscular flaps were not available due to thoracotomy and a pericardial patch was inadequate because of the empyema. Our method was uncomplicated and provided a satisfactory result.

Abstract  OBJECTIVE: Recently, the use of gelatin-resorcinol formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde (GRFG) glue has been reported in vascular surgery, especially in surgery for acute aortic dissection. However, reports concerning its use in lung surgery are quite rare. Although the strong adhesion and tensile strength of GRFG glue to fresh incisional wounds of the lung has been demonstrated experimentally, the effectiveness of this adhesive on thermal injury with severe tissue degeneration has not yet been reported.

METHODS: We experimentally evaluated the ability of GRFG glue to seal air leaks through severely degenerated tissues after thermal injury on rat lung, and compared its performance with two reference adhesives: fibrin glue and EDH-adhesive.

RESULTS: The GRFG glue provided complete pneumostasis immediately after the sealing in the presence of positive pressure ventilation, unlike the other two reference adhesives. The fate and biocompatibility of the three glues were examined histologically at 1 h and 3, 8, and 20 days after treatment. The GRFG glue tightly adhered to the degenerated tissue surface and was gradually fragmented and absorbed. The healing process was favorable, indicating good biocompatibility. Local tissue irritability was negligible.

CONCLUSIONS: Even in the presence of tissue degeneration and positive pressure ventilation, the GRFG glue has proved efficacious as a surgical adhesive in lung surgery because of its ability to bind tissue rapidly and tightly.

Abstract  An experimental investigation has been made into the possibilities of retarding the progress of carious attack by infiltrating cariostatic material into enamel lesions. The problems associated with this kind of procedure are discussed against the background of experimental observations made using a formulation based on a resorcinol-formaldehyde resin.

Abstract  BACKGROUND: During surgical treatment for acute type A aortic dissection, gelatin-resorcin-formalin glue is generally applied and its efficacy has been reported. However, some late complications that are potentially associated with this glue have also been reported. In the present study, we reviewed our experiences of treatment for acute type A aortic dissection and late complications that occurred in the anastomotic site, which needed a reoperation.

METHODS: From October 1994 to August 2005, 68 patients underwent emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Gelatin-resorcin-formalin glue was applied to 56 (82.4%) of these patients at one or both of the distal and proximal anastomosis sites.

RESULTS: Eight (11.8%) patients died in hospital within 30 days after the operation, among which two patients already had cerebral complications prior to the surgery. There were five late deaths from causes unrelated to cardiac events. Five patients developed an aortic pseudoaneurysm at the anastomotic site and underwent a late reoperation. All of these patients had been treated with gelatin-resorcin-formalin glue during the previous operation. Histologic examination of the resected aortic wall after the reoperation revealed tissue necrosis, severe local inflammation, and organization of old thrombi at the site of the glue application.

CONCLUSIONS: Late complications after the use of gelatin-resorcin-formalin glue may occur with a certain amount of risk, suggesting its toxicity for aortic tissue. Therefore, proper use of this glue and close follow-up of the patients are strictly required.

Abstract  2-Amino-5-nitrophenol is used as a colorant in semipermanent hair dyes and in the manufacture of C.I. Solvent Red 8, an azo dye for synthetic resins, lacquers, and wood stains. 2-Amino-5-nitrophenol was nominated for toxicology and carcinogenesis studies by the National Cancer Institute because of widespread human exposure associated with its use in hair dyes. Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies were conducted by administering 2-amino-5-nitrophenol (98% pure) by gavage in corn oil 5 days per week to groups of F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice of each sex in 16-day, 13-week, and 2-year studies. In the 2-year studies, male and female rats were given doses of 0, 100, or 200 mg/kg and male and female mice were given doses of 0, 400, or 800 mg/kg. Sixteen-day and thirteen-week studies During the 16-day studies, F344/N rats of each sex received 0, 156, 313, 625, 1,250, or 2,500 mg/kg 2-amino-5-nitrophenol by gavage in corn oil vehicle. One of the five males that received 2,500 mg/kg, 1/5 females that received 1,250 mg/kg, and 2/5 females that received 313 mg/kg died before the end of the studies. Final mean body weights of rats that received 1,250 or 2,500 mg/kg were 11% and 30% lower than that of vehicle controls for males and 9% and 13% lower for females. B6C3F1 mice of each sex received doses of 0, 313, 625, 1,250, 2,500, or 5,000 mg/kg 2-amino-5-nitrophenol. Two of five males and 5/5 females that received 5,000 mg/kg, 3/5 males and 3/5 females that received 2,500 mg/kg, 3/5 females that received 1,250 mg/kg, 1/5 females that received 625 mg/kg, and 2/5 male vehicle controls died before the end of the studies. Final mean body weights of chemically exposed mice were not different from those of the vehicle controls. Rats that received 625, 1,250, or 2,500 mg/kg and male mice that received 5,000 mg/kg had loose stools. In 13-week studies, F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice of both sexes received 0, 100, 200, 400, 800, or 1,600 mg/kg 2-amino-5-nitrophenol by gavage in corn oil. Five of 10 male and 2/10 female rats that received 1,600 mg/kg, 1/10 male and 3/10 female rats that received 800 mg/kg, and 1/10 male rats that received 400 mg/kg died before the end of the studies. Final mean body weights of males that received 400, 800, or 1,600 mg/kg were 10%, 25%, and 43% lower than that of vehicle controls. The final mean body weight of females that received 1,600 mg/kg was 16% lower that of vehicle controls. Four of 10 male and 3/10 female mice that received 1,600 mg/kg died before the end of the 13-week studies. The final mean body weight of male mice that received 1,600 mg/kg was 11% lower than that of vehicle controls; male and female mice that received 1,600 mg/kg appeared lethargic. During the 13-week studies, acute/chronic perivasculitis of vessels of the cecum and colon was observed in rats that received 400, 800, or 1,600 mg/kg and in mice that received 1,600 mg/kg. Two-year studies Body weight and survival Mean body weights of rats receiving 200 mg/kg were 5%-10% lower than those of vehicle controls after week 33 for males and 4%-5% lower than those of vehicle controls after week 93 for females. Survival of male rats was significantly lower than that of vehicle controls after week 99 for the 100 mg/kg dose group and after week 75 for the 200 mg/kg dose group (final survival: vehicle control, 33/50; 100 mg/kg group, 16/50; 200 mg/kg group, 4/50). Survival of female rats was comparable to that of vehicle controls (30/50; 32/50; 29/50). Loose or poorly formed stools were observed for male rats and occasionally for females that received 200 mg/kg. Mean body weights of mice that received 800 mg/kg were 8%-11% lower than those of vehicle controls between weeks 29 and 74 for males and 8%-13% lower than those of vehicle controls after week 69 for females; mean body weights of mice that received 400 mg/kg were greater than those of vehicle controls after week 69 for males and 5%-9% lower than those of vehicle controls after week 69 for females. Survival of mice that received 800 mg/kg was significantly reduced compared with that of vehicle controls after week 20 for males and week 22 for females and was not considered adequate to evaluate a carcinogenic response (final survival--male: vehicle control, 31/50; 400 mg/kg group, 36/50; 800 mg/kg group, 12/50; female: 37/50; 36/50; 10/50). Nonneoplastic and neoplastic effects Pigmentation was present at increased incidences in all groups of chemically exposed animals and was characterized by varying amounts of an orange, granular pigment present in the fibrous connective tissue of the lamina propria, in the submucosa, and around vessels in the submucosa of the cecum and colon. Pigmentation of the rectum was observed at increased incidences in male rats that received 100 mg/kg, male and female rats that received 200 mg/kg, and both groups of chemically exposed mice. No pigmentation was found in the intestines of vehicle control rats or mice. Associated with pigmentation was an increased incidence of acute/chronic inflammation in the cecum and colon of all groups chemically exposed rats and mice; this inflammation was similar to that observed in the 13-week studies but was of greater severity. Acute/chronic inflammation was also present in the rectum of male rats that received 100 mg/kg, male and female rats that received 200 mg/kg, and male mice that received 800 mg/kg. The incidence of pancreatic acinar cell adenomas was significantly increased (P<0.002) in male rats that received 100 mg/kg 2-amino-5-nitrophenol (vehicle control, 1/50; 100 mg/kg, 10/50; 200 mg/kg, 3/49); the increase was considered to be associated with chemical exposure. The reduced survival of male rats that received 200 mg/kg markedly reduced the sensitivity of this group for detecting the presence of neoplasms. The incidences of adenomas or carcinomas (combined) of the preputial or clitoral glands were marginally increased in male or female rats that received 200 mg/kg 2-amino-5-nitrophenol (preputial gland: 3/50; 2/50; 5/50; clitoral gland: 3/50; 3/50; 7/50). Neoplasms found in the intestinal tract of 3/50 male rats that received 100 mg/kg (one leiomyoma of the small intestine, one adenocarcinoma of the jejunum, one leiomyoma of the cecum), 2/50 male rats that received 200 mg/kg (one lipoma and one osteosarcoma of the cecum), and 1/50 female rats that received 200 mg/kg (one leiomyoma of the cecum) were not considered to be the result of chemical exposure. No compound-related neoplasms were found in mice exposed to 2-amino-5-nitrophenol in the 2-year studies. Genetic toxicology 2-Amino-5-nitrophenol was mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, and TA1537 when tested in a preincubation protocol with and without exogenous metabolic activation, and it exhibited equivocal mutagenic activity in strain TA1535 in the presence of induced liver S9. 2-Amino-5-nitrophenol induced forward mutations in mouse L5178Y lymphoma cells in the absence of metabolic activation; it was not tested with S9. An increase in chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges was observed in cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells following incubation with 2-amino-5-nitrophenol both in the presence and absence of exogenous metabolic activation. Data audit The data, documents, and pathology materials from the 2-year studies of 2-amino-5-nitrophenol were audited at the NTP Archives. The audit findings show that the conduct of the studies is documented adequately and support the data and results given in this Technical Report. Conclusions Under the conditions of these 2-year gavage studies, there was some evidence of carcinogenic activity for male F344/N rats that received 100 mg/kg 2-amino-5-nitrophenol, as shown by the increased incidence of acinar cell adenomas of the pancreas. Reduced survival of male F344/N rats that received 200 mg/kg decreased the sensitivity of this group for detecting a carcinogenic response. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity for female rats that received 100 or 200 mg/kg per day. Marginally increased incidences of preputial or clitoral gland adenomas or carcinomas (combined) occurred in male and female F344/N rats administered 200 mg/kg 2-amino-5-nitrophenol. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity for B6C3F1 mice that received 400 mg/kg 2-amino-5-nitrophenol; reduced survival of B6C3F1 mice that received 800 mg/kg caused this group to be considered inadequate for detecting a carcinogenic response.

Abstract  Resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) aerogel chemistry has been used with encapsulation techniques to fabricate low-density, transparent, foam shells. To accomplish this, the gelation time was reduced from several hours to several minutes by the addition of acid following base-catalyzed RF particle growth. However, additional ''annealing'' of the gel for at least 20 h was needed to maximize crosslinking and minimize swelling in exchange solvents. Increasing the molar ratio of formaldehyde to resorcinol from 2 to 3 also helped to increase crosslinking. Densification of the foam shells due to dehydration during curing was greatly reduced by judicious choice of immiscible oil phases and by saturating the exterior oil phase during the annealing stage. Shells have been produced with diameters of about 2 mm, wall thicknesses ranging from 100 to 200 mu m and foam densities approaching 50 mg/cc. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Abstract  We report a one-step method for the synthesis of M(Fe, Co, Ni) nanocrystals supported by ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) materials. M/OMC composites were obtained by the soft templating route under acidic conditions using resorcinol and formaldehyde as carbon precursors, triblock copolymer Pluronic F127 as a template and Fe, Co, Ni nitrates as metal precursors. The as-synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and N-2 adsorption. Characterization revealed that the as-synthesized materials possessed an ordered hexagonal mesoporous structure similar to SBA-15. The specific surface areas of the Fe/OMC, Co/OMC, and Ni/OMC composites were found to be 586, 626, and 698 m(2) . g(-1), respectively. The fact that the metal species were present as highly dispersed nanocrystals in the OMC matrix was confirmed by XRD and high-resolution TEM.

Abstract  Several organic reactions that proceed through a sol-gel transition have been identified at LLNL. The most-studied reaction involves the aqueous polycondensation of resorcinol (1,3-dihydroxybenzene) with formaldehyde. Recently, we have shown that phenol can be added to this polymerization as a comonomer. The resultant crosslinked gels are supercritically dried from carbon dioxide (T-c = 31 degrees C, P-c = 7.4 MPa) to give resorcinol-phenol-formaldehyde (RPF) aerogels. Because RPF aerogels are composed of a highly crosslinked aromatic polymer, they can be pyrolyzed in an inert atmosphere to form vitreous carbon monoliths (CRPF). The resultant aerogels are black in color and no longer transparent, yet they retain the high porosity (40-98%), ultrafine cell/pore size (< 50 nm), high surface area (600-800 m(2)/g), and interconnected particle (similar to 10 nm) morphology of their organic precursors. In this study, we examine the acoustic and mechanical properties of these materials as a function of precursor material and pyrolysis temperature. It is shown that the elastic moduli of RPF and CRPF is higher than that of pure RF/CRF aerogels at a given density. Upon pyrolysis RPF aerogels tend to shrink to a larger extent.

Abstract  New nanoporous carbons with extremely high mesopore volumes and surface areas have been produced using silica nanoparticles as templates. The polymerization of resorcinol and formaldehyde (RF) in the presence of silica sol particles generated RF gel-silica nanocomposites. Carbonization followed by HF etching of silica templates generated nanoporous carbons with pore sizes predominantly in the range of 10-100 nm. These carbons exhibited very high pore volumes of >4 cm(3)/g and high surface areas of similar to 1000 m(2)/g. These nanoporous carbons exhibited excellent adsorption capacities for bulky dyes. In the best case, the adsorption capacity of the nanoporous carbon is over 10 times higher than that of commercial activated carbon.

Abstract  The applicability of sot-gel nanoparticle assembly routes, previously employed for metal chalcogenides, to phosphides is reported for the case of InP. Two different sizes (3.5 and 6.0 nm) of InP nanoparticles were synthesized by solution-phase arrested precipitation, capped with thiolate ligands, and oxidized with H2O2 or O-2/light to induce gel formation. The gels were aged, solvent-exchanged, and then supercritically dried to obtain aerogels with both meso- (2-50 nm) and macropores (>50 nm) and accessible surface areas of similar to 200 m(2)/g. Aerogels showed higher band gap values relative to precursor nanoparticles, suggesting that during the process of assembling nanoparticles into 3D architectures, particle size reduction may have taken place. In contrast to metal chalcogenide gelation, InP gels did not form using tetranitromethane, a non-oxygen-transferring oxidant. The requirement of an oxygen-transferring oxidant, combined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data showing oxidized phosphorus, suggests gelation is occurring due to condensation of phosphorus oxoanionic moieties generated at the interfaces. The ability to link discrete InP nanoparticles Into a 3D porous network while maintaining quantum confinement is expected to facilitate exploitation of nanostructured InP in solid-state devices.

Abstract  Capsules with a thin aerogel shell were prepared by the O-o/W/O-1 emulsion process. (Phloroglucinol carboxylic acid)/formaldehyde (PF) was used as the water phase (W) solution to form the shell of the capsule. PF is a linear polymer prepared from phloroglucinol carboxylic acid. The viscosity of the [IF Solution can reach a high level of 9 X 10(-5) m(2)/s without gelation while resorcinol/formaldehyde (RF) gelates at similar to 3-4 x 10(-5) m(2)/S. Using the viscous PF solution, capsule with a 17 mu m gel shell was fabricated. This thickness satisfies the specification of the first phase of Fast Ignition Realization Experiment (FIREX-I) at Osaka University. When PF gel was extracted to remove the organic solvent, shrinkage of 9% occurred. The final density of the PF aerogel was 145 mg/cm(3). Both the shell thickness and density can satisfy the specification of FLREX-I. The pore size of the PF aerogel was less than 100 run while that of RF was 200-500 nm. The SEM showed that PF had particle-like foam structure while RF had fibrous-like foam structure.

Abstract  Morphology-controlled carbon hollow particles have been successfully prepared via carbonization of the resorcinol-formaldehyde (RE) hollow particles synthesized from O/W/O inverse-emulsion system. Various morphologies of carbon hollow particles such as hollow spheres, bowl-like structure, and capsules were tailored by adjusting the pH values of RF precursor The obtained carbon hollow particles exhibited similar microporous properties with specific surface areas of 526-659 m(2) g(-1) and pore volumes of 0 26-0 43 cm(3) g(-1) Based on these results, it was proposed that the low initial pH value of RF precursor and the stability of inverse-emulsion system were crucial in fabricating morphology-controlled carbon hollow particles (C) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved.

Abstract  This paper reviewed aortic root replacement with a stentless xenograft for Stanford Type A aortic dissection. Total aortic arch replacement plus aortic root reconstruction with a stentless xenograft was conducted in 2 patients with acute aortic dissection. In another 2 patients, aortic root replacement with a bioprosthesis was performed for chronic redissection of the aortic root which might be associated with the previous use of gelatin-resorcin-formalin glue. Full root replacement using this device is safe, reliable, reproducible, and technically less demanding. This device also provides a radical option for acute aortic dissection even in patients requiring concomitant aortic arch and root replacement.

Abstract  OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the durability of aortic valve preservation with root reconstruction for acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD).

METHODS: From January 2002 to March 2011, 140 patients [70 males, 68 ± 12 (SD) years] underwent emergency operation for AAAD. The aortic valve was preserved and one or more Valsalva sinuses were reconstructed. Techniques used for reconstruction were valve resuspension and additional reinforcement of the aortic root with Teflon felt patches, and gelatin-resorcinol-formaldehyde-glue (GRF-glue) was used for mending the dissection. The mean follow-up period was 44.0 ± 26.2 months. We classified the degree of aortic regurgitation (AR) into four grades (0, 1+, 2+ and 3+) using echocardiography. Based on a retrospective analysis of pre-operative echocardiographic findings, the 127 survivors were divided into two groups: group 1 (G1) included 98 patients with 0 or 1+ AR, and group 2 (G2) 29 patients with 2+ or 3+ AR. In addition, we measured the post-operative native aortic root dimension of AAAD patients with use of echocardiography or CT scan.

RESULTS: The operative mortality rate was 9.3% (13/140). Freedom from aortic root re-operation was 100%. Aortic root pseudoaneurysm formation and severe AR requiring aortic valve replacement did not occur. Pre-operative AR of 0.2 ± 0.4 in G1 did not deteriorate (0.5 ± 0.5 at discharge, 0.4 ± 0.4 at follow-up). Meanwhile, pre-operative AR of 2.4 ± 0.5 in G2 improved to 0.6 ± 0.5 (P < 0.05) at discharge and 1.0 ± 0.6 (P < 0.05) at follow-up. The native aortic root dimension in G2 at follow-up was significantly larger than G1 (36.0 ± 4.7 vs. 33.9 ± 5.0 mm).

CONCLUSIONS: Aortic valve preservation and root reconstruction appear to be an appropriate surgical approach to AAAD.

Abstract  PURPOSE: Laparoscopy has gradually gained acceptance for a variety of ablative procedures of the retroperitoneal organs, and the indications are being extended to more complex reconstructive and organ preserving procedures. We report our experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed for benign conditions in 6, equivocal solid masses in 4 and indeterminate cysts in 3 patients. If malignancy was suspected, laparoscopic sonography was used to assess the intrarenal anatomy and the mass. To facilitate parenchymal closure during nephron sparing surgery we used a hemostatic biological glue that consisted of gelatin, resorcinol and formaldehyde.

RESULTS: Average operating time was 113 minutes and average blood loss was 72 ml. Histological examination revealed malignancy in 1 of the 3 cystic lesions and 2 of the 4 equivocal solid masses. There were 2 postoperative urinomas.

CONCLUSIONS: Partial nephrectomy with retroperitoneal laparoscopy is feasible, and has a reasonable operating time and blood loss. Laparoscopic ultrasound was an important decision making aid during surgery. The use of biological glue simplified hemostasis and closure of the collecting system but good quality drainage of the collecting system is still required to decrease the risk of urinoma. The development of surgical tools that allow bloodless and nontraumatic section of the renal parenchyma is required to facilitate laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery. The ultrasonic scalpel needs further evaluation in this setting.

Abstract  The formation and extraction of ion-associate complexes between the vanadium(V) - 4-(2-thiazolylazo)resorcinol (TAR) anionic chelate and the cations of some mono-and ditetrazolium salts {3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazol)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (Thiazolyl blue, MTT), 3-(2-naphtyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride (Tetrazolium violet), 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride (Iodonitrotetrazolium chloride), 3,3'-[3,3'-dimetoxy(1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diyl]-bis[2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium] chloride (Tetrazolium blue chloride) and 3,3'-(3,3'-dimetoxy-4,4'-biphenylene)bis[2-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride] (Nitro blue tetrazolium chloride)} have been studied. The optimum extraction conditions have been found. The composition of the V-TAR-monotetrazolium and V-TAR-ditetrazolium complexes extracted into chloroform has been determined to be 1:2:3 and 2:4:3 respectively. The extraction, distribution and association constants, and the recovery factors have been calculated. The relationship between the molecular weight of tetrazolium cations, and the association constants of their complexes has been discussed. The special behavior of the tetrazolium cations, containing-NO2 groups has been noticed. The effects of foreign ions and reagents on the extraction of vanadium with TAR and the best tetrazolium salt-MTT have been studied. A sensitive, selective, simple and fast method for the determination of vanadium has been developed. (C) Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. All rights reserved.

Abstract  The uptake coefficients of NO2 on buffered solutions containing m-dihydroxy benzene (resorcinol) or 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene (Np(OH)(2)) were determined over the pH range from 3 to 11 using the wetted. wall flow tube technique. The nominal reactant concentration was also varied by several orders of magnitude. Taking into account gas phase as well as liquid-phase diffusion, the uptake coefficients were interpreted using a simple model of, stepwise deprotonation of these two weak bivalent acids. This model yields the rate constants for the reaction of NO2 with the neutral, singly, and doubly deprotonated forms of both compounds. While the reaction of NO2 with the neutral form is very slow (i.e., with rate constants of a few times 10(2) M-1 s(-1)), the reaction of NO2 with the deprotonated species is much faster (rate constants are reaching levels of several 10(6) M-1 s(-1)). The rate constant of 3.8 x 10(8) M-1 s(-1) for NO2 with the doubly deprotonated resorcinol ion is in good agreement with the one found by Alfassi, the only reported literature value.

Abstract  Nano-sized LiMn2O4 spinel with well crystallized homogeneous particles (60 nm) is synthesized by a resorcinol-formaldehyde route. Micro-sized LiMn2O4 spinel with micrometric particles (1 mu m) is prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction. These two samples are characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, and electrochemical methods. At current rate of 0.2C (1C= 148 mA g(-1)), a discharge capacity of 136 mAh g(-1) is obtained on the nano-sized LiMn2O4, which is higher than that of micro-sized one (103 mAh g(-1)). Furthermore, compared to the micro-sized sample, nano-sized LiMn2O4 shows much better rate capability, i.e. a capacity of 85 mAh g(-1), 63% of that at 0.2C, is realized at 60C. The excellent high rate performance of nano-sized LiMn2O4 spinel may be attributed to its impurity-free nano-sized particles, higher surface area and well crystalline. The outstanding electrochemical performances demonstrate that the nano-sized LiMn2O4 spinel will be the promising cathode materials for high power lithium-ion batteries used in hybrid and electric vehicles. Crown Copyright (C)2011 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.