Comet assay demonstrates a higher ultraviolet B sensitivity to DNA damage in dysplastic nevus cells than in common melanocytic nevus cells and foreskin melanocytes

We used the single cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay) to study ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced DNA damage in pigment cells. This assay detects DNA damage, mainly DNA strand breaks and alkali labile sites in the DNA molecule. We studied the effect of biologically relevant doses (comparable to 2-3 MED (minimal erythemal dose) for in vivo irradiated full-thickness skin) of monochromatic UVB light of 302 nm on cultured melanocytes derived from foreskin, common melanocytic nevi, and dysplastic nevi. We were able to demonstrate a linear dose-response relationship between UV dose and the migration coefficient of the comet tail in all three types of pigment cells. Nevus cells originating from dysplastic nevi showed the highest sensitivity to UVB irradiation: 65% higher induction of DNA damage compared to the induction in foreskin melanocytes. Common melanocytic nevus cells were most resistant and showed a 30% lower induction of DNA damage in comparison to foreskin melanocytes. Differences in chromatin structure and cell cycle profile may influence the results of the comet assay. Control experiments with x-ray irradiation, which is well known to produce direct DNA strand breaks via radical formation, revealed only small differences between the three types of melanocytic cells. It is unlikely, therefore, that intrinsic nuclear characteristics may account for the observed differences.     

A Novel Three-Dimensional Hydrogel-Based Microarray Platform

Three dimensional (3D) microarrays utilizing hydrogel matrixes are becoming increasingly attractive as a desired format for bio-analysis. These materials offer significant advantages as a scaffolding for capture agents over more conventional two dimensional (2D) printed formats in both captures per site and the ability to provide an environment more closely resembling that of a free solution. Biocept has developed a flexible three dimensional polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer based platform suitable for a variety of biological assays. This novel approach is simple, biocompatible and provides a high degree of reproducibility and very low variability in the final array.     

Microwave pulses compressed in a barrel-shaped resonator with screw corrugation

The microwave pulse compressor proposed previously [1], having the form of an oversized waveguide resonator with a screw-corrugated inner surface, was constructed and experimentally tested. A fivefold compression of microwave pulses with a 70% efficiency was obtained in a 3-cm wavelength range.     

Refractive index increments of polyethylene

The refractive index increments of linear and branched polyethylene were determined for several solvents and various wavelengths (403, 436, 546, and 633 nm), mainly at 135°C. Differences were observed between values for linear and branched samples. Data obtained in this investigation are compared with the reported ones.     

Stretching and deformation vibrations of CH2, C(CH3) and O(CH3) groups of poly(methyl methacrylate)

Infrared and Raman spectra of atactic PMMA and infrared spectra of stereoregular PMMA and of its four deuterated derivatives

, were measured. They were used to assign the bands of stretching and deformation vibrations of CH₂, CCH₃ and OCH₃ groups in the infrared and Raman spectra and to discuss the effect of stereoregularity on these bands in the infrared spectra.     

The hot rectus abdominis muscle sign

We report a 2.5-year-old child who presented with an acute abdomen caused by the perforation of a sewing pin through her appendix that had started to penetrate the wall of the bladder.     

Internal friction in microcrystalline magnesium reinforced by alumina particles

Using internal friction measurement, changes in the microstructure of microcrystalline magnesium and magnesium with 3 vol.% of Al₂O₃ microparticles and nanoparticles, due to thermal treatment, have been investigated. Materials have been thermally treated at increasing temperature and then the amplitude dependence of the logarithmic decrement was measured at room temperature. The thermal treatment influences the amplitude-dependent component of the decrement in composite with nanoparticles while in composite with microparticles no influence has been estimated. Thermal stresses induced in the composites due to a difference between thermal expansion coefficient of matrix and ceramic particles may create new dislocations during the cooling from elevated temperatures. Density of new dislocations depends on the particle size. The thermal stresses can achieve yield stress in the matrix and micro-glide of newly created dislocations as well as their annihilation may occur.     

Chemoselective Hydrogenation of α,β‐Unsaturated Nitriles

The chemoselective hydrogenation of cinnamonitrile to 3‐phenylallylamine proceeds with up to 80% selectivity at conversions of >90% with Raney cobalt and up to 60% selectivity with Raney nickel catalysts. Best results were obtained with a doped Raney cobalt catalyst (RaCo/Cr/Ni/Fe 2724) in ammonia saturated methanol at 100 °C and 80 bar. Major problems are the formation of hydrocinnamonitrile and of secondary amines, and overreduction to 3‐phenylpropylamine. Important parameters are the catalyst type and composition, the solvent type and the presence and concentration of ammonia. The catalytic system tolerates functional groups like OH, OMe, Cl, CO, but not aromatic nitro groups. Preliminary experiments indicate that other unsaturated nitriles with di‐ or trisubstituted CC bonds are also suitable substrates.