A-type cranberry proanthocyanidins inhibit the RANKL-dependent differentiation and function of human osteoclasts

This study investigated the effect of A-type cranberry proanthocyanidins (AC-PACs) on osteoclast formation and bone resorption activity. The differentiation of human pre-osteoclastic cells was assessed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, while the secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was measured by ELISA. Bone resorption activity was investigated by using a human bone plate coupled with an immunoassay that detected the release of collagen helical peptides. AC-PACs up to 100 μg/mL were atoxic for osteoclastic cells. TRAP staining evidenced a dose-dependent inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. More specifically, AC-PACs at 50 μg/mL caused a 95% inhibition of RANKL-dependent osteoclast differentiation. This concentration of AC-PACs also significantly increased the secretion of IL-8 (6-fold) and inhibited the secretion of both MMP-2 and MMP-9. Lastly, AC-PACs (10, 25, 50 and 100 μg/ml) affected bone degradation mediated by mature osteoclasts by significantly decreasing the release of collagen helical peptides. This study suggests that AC-PACs can interfere with osteoclastic cell maturation and physiology as well as prevent bone resorption. These compounds may be considered as therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.     

Thermal Decomposition Characteristics of 1,7-Diazido-2,4,6-trinitrazaheptane and its Application in Propellants

The thermal decomposition characteristics of1,7-diazido-2,4,6-trinitrazaheptane (DATH) and multi-component systems containing DATH were studied by using DSC, TG and DTG techniques. Three –NO₂ groups in the DATH molecule break away first from the main chain when DATH is heated up to 200°C. Following this process, the azido groups and the residual molecule decompose rapidly to release a great deal of heat within a short time. In the multi-component systems, DATH undergoes a strong interaction with the binder of the double-base propellant and a weak interaction with RDX. The burning rates of the two propellants were determined by using a Crawford bomb. The results showed that the burning rate rises by about 19–66% when 23.5%DATH is substituted for RDX in a minimum smoke propellant. Meanwhile, the N₂ level in the combustion gases is enhanced, which is valuable for a reduction of the signal level of the solid propellant. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Analytical Quality Assurance Procedures Developed for the IAEA's Reference Asian Man Project (Phase 2)

Analytical quality assurance procedures adopted for use in the IAEA Co-ordinated Research Project on Ingestion and Organ Content of Trace Elements of Importance in Radiological Protection are designed to ensure comparability of the analytical results for Cs, I, Sr, Th, U and other elements in human tissues and diets collected and analysed in nine participating countries. The main analytical techniques are NAA and ICP-MS. For sample preparation, all participants are using identical food blenders which have been centrally supplied after testing for contamination. For quality control of the analyses, six NIST SRMs covering a range of matrices with certified and reference values for the elements of interest have been distributed. A new Japanese reference diet material has also been developed. These quality assurance procedures are summarized here and new data are presented for Cs, I, Sr, Th and U in the NIST SRMs.     

Characterization of solid standards prepared by freeze‐drying

Solid standards prepared by freeze‐drying consistently showed a high degree of homogeneity. The freezing process, completed in fractions of a second, preserves the original homogeneous distribution of the dopants, and the subsequent sublimation step would minimize any disturbance. Compared to those prepared by conventional methods such as blending and spiking, freeze‐dried standards exhibited superior lateral distribution and better uniform depth distribution. There is, however, a concentration constraint for achieving homogeneity. At 5% doping, segregation was observed in both lateral and depth distribution. Many tungsten standards doped with 10–28 elements ranging from 10 to 200 ppm were successfully prepared and used as controls for a number of analytical techniques including glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS) and d.c.‐arc optical emission spectroscopy (OES). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Direct and rapid electrochemical immunosensing system based on a conducting polymer

A system device using multifunctional conjugated copolymer poly(5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone-co-hydroxy-2-thioacetic acid-1,4-naphthoquinone) acting both as immobilizing and transducing element for reagentless immunosensor has been constructed. Its functionality was evaluated in an antigen-antibody interaction model using ovalbumin-anti-ovalbumin. It was shown that the system specifically detects via electrochemical signal the antigen-antibody immune interaction in a reagentless context. Comparison to the conventional ELISA technique relevant to performance and sensitivity was presented.     

A novel tandem cyclization of condensed 2,3-dialkynylpyrazines into [1,2,3]triazolo[1′,5′;1,2]pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazines promoted by sodium azide

6,7-Dialkynyl-1,3-dimethylpteridine-2,4(1H,3H)-diones and 2,3-dialkynylquinoxalines have been shown to react with sodium azide in DMF at room temperature giving rise 9,11-dimethyl-[1,2,3]triazolo[1′,5′;1,2]pyrido[4,3-g]pteridine-8,10(9H,11H)-diones and [1,2,3]triazolo[1′,5′;1,2]pyrido[3,4-b]quinoxalines. A novel tandem cyclization involves 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of an azide ion to the carbon-carbon triple bond followed by intramolecular nucleophilic addition of the intermediate 1,2,3-triazole N-anion to another CC bond.     

Time-resolved spectroscopic measurements of shock-wave induced decomposition in cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) crystals: anisotropic response

Plate impact experiments on the (210), (100), and (111) planes were performed to examine the role of crystalline anisotropy on the shock-induced decomposition of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) crystals. Time-resolved emission spectroscopy was used to probe the decomposition of single crystals shocked to peak stresses ranging between 7 and 20 GPa. Emission produced by decomposition intermediates was analyzed in terms of induction time to emission, emission intensity, and the emission spectra shapes as a function of stress and time. Utilizing these features, we found that the shock-induced decomposition of RDX crystals exhibits considerable anisotropy. Crystals shocked on the (210) and (100) planes were more sensitive to decomposition than crystals shocked on the (111) plane. The possible sources of the observed anisotropy are discussed with regard to the inelastic deformation mechanisms of shocked RDX. Our results suggest that, despite the anisotropy observed for shock initiation, decomposition pathways for all three orientations are similar.