bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Repassivation Potential of Alloy 22 Using the Potentiodynamic-Galvanostatic-Potentiostatic Method
Authors: Evans Kenneth J. , Rebak Raul B.
Published: October 2007

Traditionally, the susceptibility of Alloy 22 (N06022) to suffer crevice corrosion has been measured using the Cyclic Potentiodynamic Polarization (CPP) technique (ASTM G 61). When the alloy is not very susceptible to crevice corrosion, the values of repassivation potential obtained using the CPP technique are not highly reproducible. To circumvent the large uncertainty in the values of the repassivation potential by the CPP method, the repassivation potential of Alloy 22 may be measured using a slower method that combines sequentially potentiodynamic, galvanostatic, and potentiostatic treatments (this method is called the Tsujikawa-Hisamatsu Electrochemical or THE method). In the THE method the anodic charge is applied to the specimen in a more controlled manner, which avoids driving the alloy to transpassivity and therefore results in more reproducible repassivation potential values. Results using THE method under various testing conditions are presented. A new standard has been prepared for ASTM balloting for the THE method. The round robin matrix results are also discussed.
Reduced embryonic survival in rainbow trout resulting from paternal exposure to the environmental estrogen 17α-ethynylestradiol during late sexual maturation
Authors: Brown Kim H , Schultz Irvin R , Nagler James J
Published: October 2007

Exposure of fishes to environmental estrogens is known to affect sexual development and spawning, but little information exists regarding effects on gametes. This study evaluated embryonic survival of offspring from male rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) using an in vitro fertilization protocol. Males were exposed at either 1800 or 6700 degree days (°d) (i.e. 161 or 587 days post-fertilization (dpf)) to test for effects on testes linked to reproductive ontogeny. At 1800°d, fish were beginning testicular differentiation and were exposed to 109 ng EE2/l for 21 days. At 6700° d, fish have testes containing spermatocytes and spermatids and were exposed for 56 days to either 0.8, 8.3, or 65 ng EE2/l. Semen was collected at full sexual maturity in each group and used to fertilize eggs pooled from several non-exposed females. Significant decreases in embryonic survival were observed only with the 6700°d exposure. In 0.8 and 8.3 ng EE2/l treatments, embryo survival was significantly reduced at 19 dpf when compared with the control. In contrast, an immediate decrease in embryonic survival at 0.5 dpf was observed in the 65 ng EE2/l treatment. Blood samples collected at spawning from 6700° d exposed males revealed a significant decrease in 11-ketotestosterone and a significant increase in luteinizing hormone levels for the 65 ng EE2/l treatment when compared with the other treatment groups. Results indicate that sexually maturing male rainbow trout are susceptible to EE2 exposure with these fish exhibiting two possible mechanisms of reduced embryonic survival through sperm varying dependant on EE2 exposure concentrations experienced.
cAMP-responsive element-binding protein expression and regulation in the mouse preimplantation embryo
Authors: Jin X L , O’Neill C
Published: October 2007

Gene expression from the new embryonic genome is required for normal preimplantation embryo development. Two members of the cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (Creb) family of transcription factors, Creb1 and activating transcription factor 1 (Atf1), are essential for normal preimplantation development. These transcription factors are activated by phosphorylation. Creb1 mRNA was expressed throughout the preimplantation phase. Cytoplasmic immunolocalization of Creb1 was detected in all preimplantation embryo stages. The antigen was largely excluded from the pronuclei/nuclei at embryonic stages except in the mid-cycle two-cell and compacted eight-cell embryo. Activation-state-specific antibodies showed serine 133 phosphorylated Creb1 localization was similar to Creb1 staining, except that there was no increase in staining at the eight-cell stage. Increased staining of phosphorylated Creb1 was observed in the nucleus of mid-cycle two-cell embryos. Increased expression of phosphorylated Creb1 in the two-cell embryo was induced by brief exposure of embryos to ionomycin, but not by a dibutyryl cAMP. This was blocked by buffering intracellular calcium with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid tetrakis (acetoxymethyl ester), but not by a cAMP antagonist, Rp-cyclic 3′,5′-hydrogen phosphorothioate adenosine. Calmodulin is an intracellular receptor for calcium. Calmodulin mRNA was expressed throughout the preimplantation phase of development. The calmodulin antagonist, W-7, inhibited the ionomycin-induced localization of phosphorylated Creb1 in the nucleus. Treatment of embryos with W-7 caused a dose-dependent inhibition of normal development of zygotes to the blastocysts stage. The study shows Creb1 expression and nuclear localization was dynamically regulated in the early embryo. The marked nuclear accumulation and phosphorylation of Creb1 at the two-cell stage occurred at the time of transcription from the embryonic genome and was regulated in a calcium- and calmodulin-dependent manner.
Optimal Dosing of Piperacillin‐Tazobactam for the Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections: Prolonged or Continuous Infusion?
Authors: Kim Aryun , Sutherland Christina A. , Kuti Joseph L. , Nicolau David P.
Published: October 2007

Study Objective. To compare conventional intermittent dosing regimens of piperacillin‐tazobactam with prolonged and continuous infusions to determine the optimal dosing scheme against a local Pseudomonas aeruginosa population.

Design. Pharmacodynamic Monte Carlo simulation model.

Data Source. Microbiologic data from 470 consecutive nonduplicate P. aeruginosa isolates collected from a single institution over 6 months in 2006.

Patients. Five thousand simulated surgical patients and patients with neutropenia.

Measurements and Main Results. We simulated serum concentration‐time profiles at steady state for several piperacillin‐tazobactam dosing regimens, including intermittent, prolonged, and continuous infusions. The probability of achieving 50% free time above the MIC against 470 P. aeruginosa isolates was calculated. The cumulative fractions of response for the intermittent‐infusion regimens were 74.7% (3.375 g every 6 hrs), 79.9% (4.5 g every 6 hrs), and 85.6% (3.375 g every 4 hrs). For prolonged‐infusion regimens, the cumulative fractions of response were 83.3% (3.375 g every 8 hrs, 4‐hr infusion), 87.1% (4.5 g every 8 hrs, 4‐hr infusion), and 89.6% (4.5 g every 6 hrs, 3‐hr infusion). For continuous‐infusion regimens, the cumulative fractions of response were 82.3% (10.125 g), 86.5% (13.5 g), 89.2% (18 g), 90.0% (20.25 g), and 90.6% (22.5 g).

Conclusion. Both prolonged‐ and continuous‐infusion strategies improved the pharmacodynamics of piperacillin‐tazobactam over those of traditional 30‐minute intermittent‐infusion regimens. Prolonged‐ and continuous‐infusion regimens that contained the same daily doses of piperacillin had similar likelihoods of bactericidal exposure. Thus, the selection of dosing strategy depends on the availability of intravenous access versus the convenience of once‐daily administration.
Combination Carbapenem‐Sulbactam Therapy for Critically Ill Patients with Multidrug‐Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Bacteremia: Four Case Reports and an In Vitro Combination Synergy Study
Authors: Lee Nan‐Yao , Wang Chun‐Lung , Chuang Yin‐Ching , Yu Wen‐Liang , Lee Hsin‐Chun , Chang Chia‐Ming , Wang Li‐Rong , Ko Wen‐Chien
Published: October 2007

Infections caused by multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii have become a therapeutic challenge for clinicians worldwide. Although colistin and tigecycline have been successful in treating patients with these infections, these agents are not available on a worldwide basis. We describe four critically ill patients in Taiwan who were diagnosed with multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bacteremia. All bacterial isolates from these patients were resistant to commonly available antibiotics, including carbapenems and sulbactam; however, combination therapy with a carbapenem and sulbactam led to favorable clinical outcomes in all four patients. We also conducted an in vitro study using isolates from these patients that showed that this drug combination had a synergistic effect with enhanced antibacterial activity against the isolates. Thus, a carbapenem‐sulbactam combination may be a therapeutic alternative for multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bacteremia in countries where colistin and tigecycline are not available for clinical use.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Adrenal Insufficiency in the Critically Ill Patient
Authors: Asare Kwame
Published: October 2007

The reported incidence of adrenal insufficiency varies greatly depending on the population of critically ill patients studied, the test and cutoff levels used, and the severity of illness. Several studies have shown increased mortality in patients with very low or very high baseline cortisol levels. Manifestations of adrenal insufficiency in the critically ill patient are numerous and nonspecific, so clinicians are urged to have a high index of suspicion and be alert to important diagnostic clues, such as hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and hypotension, that are refractory to fluids and vasopressors without any clear causation. Multiple tests have been developed to diagnose adrenal insufficiency, but the most commonly used test in the intensive care unit is the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. The low‐dose ACTH stimulation test has been shown to be more sensitive and specific than the high‐dose test; however, the high‐dose test is preferred since the low‐dose test has not been validated. Although diagnosing adrenal insufficiency continues to be difficult in the critically ill patient, administration of highdose corticosteroids, defined as methylprednisolone 30 mg/kg/day or more (or its equivalent), over a short period of time provides no overall benefit and may even be harmful; however, administration of low‐dose corticosteroids for a longer duration decreases both the amount of the time that vasopressors are required and mortality at 28 days. Hydrocortisone 200–300 mg/day, administered in divided doses or as a continuous infusion, is the preferred corticosteroid in patients with septic shock and should be started as early as possible. For patients in whom the ACTH stimulation test cannot be given immediately, clinicians are urged to consider using dexamethasone until such time that the test can be administered, since, unlike hydrocortisone, it does not interfere with the cortisol test.
Smoking Cessation: An Overview of Treatment Options with a Focus on Varenicline
Authors: Stack Nicole M.
Published: October 2007

Tobacco use claims more than 440,000 lives each year, making it one of the leading causes of mortality in the United States. Although nearly half of all people who smoke die prematurely from tobacco‐related illnesses, those who quit may be able to reverse many of the adverse effects of tobacco. Approximately 47.5 million adults use tobacco; nearly 70% of them want to quit, and 42.5% attempt to quit each year. The most effective smoking‐cessation programs involve a combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioral and/or cognitive counseling to improve abstinence rates. Approved treatments include nicotine replacement therapies and bupropion, a nonnicotine option. Varenicline, the most recent agent approved for tobacco cessation, is the first drug in a new class that binds to the nicotinic receptors to release dopamine and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. It has demonstrated superior efficacy in clinical trials when compared with placebo and bupropion, with minimal adverse effects. It provides smokers and clinicians with an alternative therapy to assist in quitting tobacco.
Fibrinolytic Agents for the Management of ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hilleman Daniel E. , Tsikouris James P. , Seals A. Allen , Marmur Jonathan D.
Published: October 2007

Rapid reperfusion is the key treatment goal in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The American College of Cardiology‐American Heart Association (ACC‐AHA) 2004 guidelines for the management of STEMI include recommendations for pharmacologic reperfusion with use of fibrinolytic agents. Fibrinolytic agents are the preferred pharmacologic class for the management of STEMI because of their ability to achieve reperfusion and to restore blood flow when administered within 12 hours of symptom onset. Four fibrinolytic agents are approved for the treatment of STEMI in the United States—streptokinase, alteplase, reteplase, and tenecteplase. Several clinical trials have demonstrated the beneficial effects of these therapies in reducing mortality rates in patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction. Alteplase is administered as an intravenous infusion. However, the relatively long half‐lives of reteplase and tenecteplase enable bolus administration, which may be more convenient and less time consuming. Reteplase is administered as a double bolus, and dosing does not depend on the patient's weight; tenecteplase is administered as a single bolus, and dosing is weight based. Adherence to the ACC‐AHA guidelines, as well as knowledge about the available fibrinolytic agents, is essential for physicians and pharmacists to make informed decisions regarding appropriate pharmacologic reperfusion strategies.
Augmentation of Aripiprazole with Low‐Dose Clozapine
Authors: Stoner Steven C. , Dahmen Megan M. , Berges Arnaldo , Petry Whitney M.
Published: October 2007

An issue under much clinical debate is whether treatment with two antipsychotic agents simultaneously is advantageous for optimizing response in patients whose previous monotherapy with antipsychotic agents has failed. Minimal evidence supports treatment with multiple antipsychotics, even when the agents have different mechanisms of action. The standard of care for treating schizophrenia is to first use monotherapy of adequate dosage and duration, including a trial of clozapine before adding a second agent. We report the case of a 32‐year‐old man whose monotherapy with various antipsychotic agents failed. During attempted conversion from aripiprazole to clozapine, the patient experienced a significant reduction in psychiatric features. Despite this improvement, the patient became resistant to the clozapine titration schedule due to complaints of sedation. Aripiprazole combined with low‐dose clozapine as maintenance therapy resulted in a positive clinical outcome despite a clozapine serum level that is generally considered subtherapeutic. This case emphasizes the importance of making interventions based on individual patient response.
Amoxicillin‐Associated Hemorrhagic Colitis in the Presence of Klebsiella oxytoca
Authors: Philbrick Ann M. , Ernst Michael E.
Published: October 2007

Antibiotic‐induced diarrhea can be a significant source of morbidity. Pseudomembranous colitis, or Clostridium difficile‐associated diarrhea (CDAD), is an increasingly reported adverse effect of therapy with broad‐spectrum antibiotics and can prolong the hospital stay of affected patients. Although sharing some of the same clinical symptoms as CDAD, antibiotic‐associated hemorrhagic colitis is a distinctly separate form of colitis that is characterized by the absence of toxin‐producing C. difficile and the presence of hematochezia. Colonoscopy usually reveals extensive hemorrhage and inflammation in the lamina propria, with lack of pseudomembranes. Spontaneous resolution usually occurs shortly after cessation of the antibiotic. Infection with Klebsiella oxytoca, a gram‐negative facultative aerobic enterobacterium, has been suggested as a possible cause for antibiotic‐associated hemorrhagic colitis. Some K. oxytoca strains isolated from patients with antibiotic‐associated hemorrhagic colitis produce a cytotoxin that can induce epithelial cell death and may predispose certain patients to hemorrhagic colitis during exposure to antibiotics. We describe a patient who developed hemorrhagic colitis shortly after starting a course of amoxicillin therapy for sinusitis prophylaxis. His stool samples were negative for C. difficile antigens but grew K. oxytoca. The patient received supportive care in conjunction with antibiotic coverage consisting of metronidazole and piperacillin‐tazobactam. He improved throughout his hospital stay and was discharged on hospital day 11. Given the increasing concern for CDAD, clinicians should be careful not to overlook other possible causes for antibiotic‐induced diarrhea.
Creation of Engineered Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Using phiC31 Integrase
Authors: Thyagarajan Bhaskar , Liu Ying , Shin Soojung , Lakshmipathy Uma , Scheyhing Kelly , Xue Haipeng , Ellerström Catharina , Strehl Raimund , Hyllner Johan , Rao Mahendra S. , Chesnut Jonathan D.
Published: October 2007

It has previously been shown that the phage-derived phiC31 integrase can efficiently target native pseudo-attachment sites in the genome of various species in cultured cells, as well as in vivo. To demonstrate its utility in human embryonic stem cells (hESC), we have created hESC-derived clones containing expression constructs. Variant human embryonic stem cell lines BG01v and SA002 were used to derive lines expressing a green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker under control of either the human Oct4 promoter or the EF1α promoter. Stable clones were selected by antibiotic resistance and further characterized. The frequency of integration suggested candidate hot spots in the genome, which were mapped using a plasmid rescue strategy. The pseudo-attP profile in hESC differed from those reported earlier in differentiated cells. Clones derived using this method retained the ability to differentiate into all three germ layers, and fidelity of expression of GFP was verified in differentiation assays. GFP expression driven by the Oct4 promoter recapitulated endogenous Oct4 expression, whereas persistent stable expression of GFP expression driven by the EF1α promoter was seen. Our results demonstrate the utility of phiC31 integrase to target pseudo-attP sites in hESC and show that integrase-mediated site-specific integration can efficiently create stably expressing engineered human embryonic stem cell clones.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Retinoic Acid and Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling Synergize to Efficiently Direct Epithelial Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Metallo Christian M. , Ji Lin , de Pablo Juan J. , Palecek Sean P.
Published: October 2007

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can differentiate to various somatic lineages, including stratified squamous epithelia, although the molecular mechanisms of epithelial specification from hESCs currently remain undefined. Here, we demonstrate a novel, stage-specific effect of retinoic acid (RA) on epithelial differentiation of hESCs. RA strongly upregulated expression of keratin 18 and the transcription factor p63, which is involved in epidermal morphogenesis and ectodermal specification, while repressing early neural marker transcription. RA-induced hESCs efficiently differentiated to keratin 14-expressing epithelial cells, although this effect was dependent upon on the context of bone morphogenetic protein signaling. Furthermore, these hESC-derived keratinocytes could be subcultured to obtain relatively pure keratinocyte populations that retained the capacity to terminally differentiate. These findings suggest that RA plays an important role in epithelial differentiation of hESCs.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Moiré interference in multilayered displays
Authors: Bell Gareth , Craig Robert , Simmiss Tony
Published: October 2007

Abstract— Multi‐layered displays contain a pair of parallel liquid‐crystal‐display panels spaced apart from each other. The viewer sees objects displayed on the front and rear layers to form a three‐dimensional image. Each layer has an array of pixels arranged in an RGB striped configuration. When imaged on the retina, the layers interact to produce a beat pattern referred to as moiré. This pattern can be distracting to people seeking to use a multi‐layered display. To solve this problem, the high‐frequency components on the rear most display are attenuated using an interstitial optical diffuser. Given the characteristics of the diffuser and imaging planes, a function is derived to calculate the amount of residual moiré interference present. A measurement device and methodology was constructed to quantify the amplitude of the beat pattern and the blur on the rear image plane in terms of the human visual system.
Active‐matrix OLED backplanes based on LTPS for small molecules and polymers
Authors: Persidis Efstathios , Baur Holger , Hergert Steffen , Hlawatsch René , Pieralisi Fabio , Schalberger Patrick , Fruehauf Norbert
Published: October 2007

Abstract— A four‐mask low‐temperature poly‐Si (LTPS) TFT process for p‐ and n‐channel devices has been developed. PECVD‐deposited amorphous silicon was recrystallized to polycrystalline‐silicon with single‐area excimer‐laser crystallization, while the gate dielectric was fabricated by PECVD deposition of a SiH4‐N2O‐based silicon oxide. Formation of drain and source was carried out with self‐aligned ion‐beam implantation. To prove the potential capability of these devices, which are suitable for conventional and inverted OLEDs alike, several functional active‐matrix backplanes implementing different pixel circuits have been produced. This active‐matrix backplane process has been customized to drive small molecules as well as polymers regardless if its structure is top or bottom emitting.
Competitive Mobilization of Phosphate and Arsenate Associated with Goethite by Root Activity
Authors: Vetterlein Doris , Szegedi Krisztian , Ackermann Juliane , Mattusch Jürgen , Neue Heinz‐Ulrich , Tanneberg Hartmut , Jahn Reinhold
Published: October 2007

Arsenate (AsV) is the predominant form of arsenic in soils under aerobic conditions and competes with the major plant nutrient phosphorus (P) in the form of phosphate (PV) not only for sorption sites on mineral surfaces in soil but also for root membrane transporters. Plants have evolved several mechanisms for the mobilization of PV in soils in response to P deficiency, such as the release of organic anions and protons. The aim of the present study was to test whether these mechanisms result in a simultaneous mobilization of arsenate and what would be the consequences for As transfer from soil to plant. The compartment system approach with Zea mays as model crop was chosen as an experimental setup. The system is equipped with micro suction cups and allowed us to investigate processes occurring in the vicinity of roots. As a case study, an artificial quartz substrate with well defined soil physical properties was fertilized, spiked with AsV, and amended with increasing amounts of goethite (0, 1, and 4 g kg−1 in treatments G‐0, G‐1, and G‐4, respectively). The addition of goethite alleviated the AsV‐induced growth reduction and reduced AsV transfer from the substrate to the plant but induced P deficiency at the same time. When low amounts of goethite (1 g kg−1) were added, plants mobilized PV but not AsV, which might be related to differences in surface complexation reported for PV and AsV No mobilization of PV or AsV was observed with the addition of higher amounts of goethite, probably because of decreasing competition between organic anions, PV, and AsV for binding sites.
Influence of Different Organic Amendments on the Degradation, Metabolism, and Adsorption of Terbuthylazine
Authors: Dolaptsoglou Christina , Karpouzas Dimitrios G. , Menkissoglu‐Spiroudi Urania , Eleftherohorinos Ilias , Voudrias Evangelos A.
Published: October 2007

The behavior of the herbicide terbuthylazine (TA) was studied in a clay loam soil after the addition of different organic amendments (OAs). Addition of poultry compost (PC) and urban sewage sludge (USS) retarded degradation of TA with half‐life values of 60.3 and 73.7 d, respectively. In contrast, addition of corn straw (CS) did not significantly alter the degradation of TA (half‐life 55.5 d) compared with its degradation in nonamended soils (half‐life 57.3 d). Sterilization of amended and nonamended soils resulted in a partial inhibition of TA degradation, indicating that biotic and abiotic processes are involved in TA degradation in soil. Degradation of TA led to the formation of desethyl‐terbuthylazine, which was detected in low amounts (<8% of the initially applied TA) in all soils. Adsorption of TA was relatively low, with Kd values ranging from 2.31 L kg‐1 in the nonamended soil to 3.93 L kg‐1 in the soil amended with USS. In general, Kd values increased with increasing soil organic carbon content. The dissolved organic matter extracted from the OAs did not appear to interact with the pesticide or the soil surfaces, suggesting that it would not probably facilitate herbicide transport. Desorption studies indicated a slight hysteresis of TA desorption in the amended soils compared with TA desorption in the nonamended soil, which was entirely reversible. These findings might have practical implications for the environmental fate of TA in agricultural soils, where the studied OAs are commonly used.
Vertical Distribution of Phosphorus in Agricultural Drainage Ditch Soils
Authors: Vaughan Robert E. , Needelman Brian A. , Kleinman Peter J.A. , Allen Arthur L.
Published: October 2007

Pedological processes such as gleization and organic matter accumulation may affect the vertical distribution of P within agricultural drainage ditch soils. The objective of this study was to assess the vertical distribution of P as a function of horizonation in ditch soils at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Research Farm in Princess Anne, Maryland. Twenty‐one profiles were sampled from 10 agricultural ditches ranging in length from 225 to 550 m. Horizon samples were analyzed for total P; water‐extractable P; Mehlich‐3 P; acid ammonium oxalate‐extractable P, Fe, and Al (Pox, Feox, Alox); pH; and organic C (n = 126). Total P ranged from 27 to 4882 mg kg−1, Pox from 4 to 4631 mg kg−1, Mehlich‐3 P from 2 to 401 mg kg−1, and water‐extractable P from 0 to 17 mg kg−1 Soil‐forming processes that result in differences between horizons had a strong relationship with various P fractions and P sorption capacity. Fibric organic horizons at the ditch soil surface had the greatest mean Pox, Feox, and Alox concentrations of any horizon class. Gleyed A horizons had a mean Feox concentrations 2.6 times lower than dark A horizons and were significantly lower in total P and Pox Variation in P due to organic matter accumulation and gleization provide critical insight into short‐ and long‐term dynamics of P in ditch soils and should be accounted for when applying ditch management practices.
Fungal Inoculum Properties: Extracellular Enzyme Expression and Pentachlorophenol Removal by New Zealand Trametes Species in Contaminated Field Soils
Authors: Ford Christopher I. , Walter Monika , Northcott Grant L. , Di Hong J. , Cameron Keith C. , Trower Tania
Published: October 2007

This study was conducted to improve the ability of indigenous New Zealand white‐rot fungi to remove pentachlorophenol (PCP) from contaminated field soil. The effects of different bioaugmentation conditions on PCP removal and extracellular enzyme expression were measured in the laboratory. The conditions were fungal growth substrate and co‐substrate composition, culture age, and Tween 80 addition to the contaminated soil. The fungi used were Trametes versicolor isolate HR131 and Trametes sp. isolate HR577. Maximum PCP removal was 70% after 7 wk from a 1043 mg kg−1 PCP‐contaminated soil inoculated with an 11‐d‐old fungal culture of T. versicolor isolate HR131. There was minimal production of undesirable pentachloroanisole by the fungi. Tween 80 addition had no affect on PCP removal. Poplar sawdust was more suitable as a fungal growth substrate and a co‐substrate amendment for PCP removal and extracellular enzyme expression than the locally available pine and fir sawdust. Pentachlorophenol removal was not necessarily correlated with extracellular enzyme expression. The research results demonstrate that PCP biodegradation was affected by inoculum culture age, by the presence of a co‐substrate amendment, and by growth substrate composition after white‐rot fungal bioaugmentation into PCP‐contaminated field soils.
Hydrology of Small Field Plots Used to Study Phosphorus Runoff under Simulated Rainfall
Authors: Srinivasan M. S. , Kleinman P. J. A. , Sharpley A. N. , Buob T. , Gburek W. J.
Published: October 2007

Use of small plots and rainfall simulators to extrapolate trends in runoff water quality requires careful consideration of hydrologic process represented under such conditions. A modified version of the National Phosphorus Runoff Project (NPRP) protocol was used to assess the hydrology of paired 1 × 2 m plots established on two soils with contrasting hydrologic properties (somewhat poorly drained vs. well drained). Rain simulations (60 mm h−1) were conducted to generate 30 min of runoff. For the somewhat poorly drained soil, simulations were conducted in October and May to contrast dry conditions typically targeted by NPRP protocols with wet conditions generally associated with natural runoff. For the well‐drained soil, only dry conditions (October) were evaluated. Under dry antecedent moisture conditions, an average of 64 mm of rainfall was applied to the somewhat poorly drained soil to generate 30 min of runoff, as opposed to 96 mm to the well‐drained soil. At an extreme, differences in rainfall were equivalent to a 50‐yr rainfall‐return period. An absence of detectable spatial trends in surface soil moisture suggests uniformity of runoff processes within the plots. No differences in applied rainfall were evident between wet and dry antecedent conditions for the somewhat poorly drained soil. However, significant differences in runoff generation processes were observed in dissolved P concentrations between wet and dry conditions. As natural runoff from the somewhat poorly drained soil is largely under wet antecedent conditions, this study highlights the need for care in interpreting findings from generalized protocols that favor infiltration‐excess runoff mechanisms.
Soil Carbon and Nitrogen in 28‐Year‐Old Land Uses in Reclaimed Coal Mine Soils of Ohio
Authors: Shrestha Raj K. , Lal Rattan
Published: October 2007

Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) play an important role in the restoration of ecosystem functions of reclaimed mine soils (RMSs). Postreclamation land use in RMSs affects soil C and N pools and fluxes. We compared the effects of 28‐yr‐old postreclamation land uses (forest, hay, and pasture) on selected chemical properties of soil, and C and N pools in reference to undisturbed forest and moderately disturbed agricultural land use in southeastern Ohio. The electrical conductivity was higher in RMSs under hay than that in pasture and forest land uses. The RMSs under pasture, hay, and forest had moderately acidic, neutral to slightly alkaline, and slightly alkaline pH, respectively. In the 0‐ to 5‐cm soil depth, soil organic C (SOC) was higher in RMSs under pasture by 99% and under hay by 52% over that under forest. Similarly, total nitrogen (TN) was higher in RMSs under pasture by 98% and under hay by 43% over that under forest. Aggregate‐associated SOC concentration in the 0‐ to 5‐cm depth decreased in the order of RMSs under hay > RMSs under pasture > RMSs under forest. The SOC pools in the 0‐ to 30‐cm depth decreased in the order of RMSs under hay = RMSs under pasture > RMSs under forest = undisturbed forest = agriculture land use. Nitrogen pools followed a similar trend. Hay land use has a better potential for improving soil quality in RMSs by enhancing chemical properties and SOC and TN pools than forest or pasture land uses.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions during Co‐Composting of Calf Mortalities with Manure
Authors: Xu Shanwei , Hao Xiying , Stanford Kim , McAllister Tim A. , Larney Francis J. , Wang Jingguo
Published: October 2007

Composting may be a viable on‐farm option for disposal of cattle carcasses. This study investigated greenhouse gas emissions during co‐composting of calf mortalities with manure. Windrows were constructed that contained manure + straw (control compost [CK]) or manure + straw + calf mortalities (CM) using two technologies: a tractor‐mounted front‐end loader or a shredder bucket. Composting lasted 289 d. The windrows were turned twice (on Days 72 and 190), using the same technology used in their creation. Turning technology had no effect on greenhouse gas emissions or the properties of the final compost. The CO2 (75.2 g d−1 m−2), CH4 (2.503 g d−1 m−2), and N2O (0.370 g d−1 m−2) emissions were higher (p < 0.05) in CM than in CK (25.7, 0.094, and 0.076 g d−1 m−2 for CO2, CH4, and N2O, respectively), which reflected differences in materials used to construct the compost windrows and therefore their total C and total N contents. The final CM compost had higher (p < 0.05) total N, total C, and mineral N content (NO3− + NO2− + NH4+) than did CK compost and therefore has greater agronomic value as a fertilizer.
The Myth of Nitrogen Fertilization for Soil Carbon Sequestration
Authors: Khan S. A. , Mulvaney R. L. , Ellsworth T. R. , Boast C. W.
Published: October 2007

Intensive use of N fertilizers in modern agriculture is motivated by the economic value of high grain yields and is generally perceived to sequester soil organic C by increasing the input of crop residues. This perception is at odds with a century of soil organic C data reported herein for the Morrow Plots, the world's oldest experimental site under continuous corn (Zea maysL.). After 40 to 50 yr of synthetic fertilization that exceeded grain N removal by 60 to 190%, a net decline occurred in soil C despite increasingly massive residue C incorporation, the decline being more extensive for a corn–soybean (Glycine maxL. Merr.) or corn–oats (Avena sativaL.)–hay rotation than for continuous corn and of greater intensity for the profile (0–46 cm) than the surface soil. These findings implicate fertilizer N in promoting the decomposition of crop residues and soil organic matter and are consistent with data from numerous cropping experiments involving synthetic N fertilization in the USA Corn Belt and elsewhere, although not with the interpretation usually provided. There are important implications for soil C sequestration because the yield‐based input of fertilizer N has commonly exceeded grain N removal for corn production on fertile soils since the 1960s. To mitigate the ongoing consequences of soil deterioration, atmospheric CO2enrichment, and NO3−pollution of ground and surface waters, N fertilization should be managed by site‐specific assessment of soil N availability. Current fertilizer N management practices, if combined with corn stover removal for bioenergy production, exacerbate soil C loss.
Incidence and Persistence of Zoonotic Bacterial and Protozoan Pathogens in a Beef Cattle Feedlot Runoff Control–Vegetative Treatment System
Authors: Berry Elaine D. , Woodbury Bryan L. , Nienaber John A. , Eigenberg Roger A. , Thurston Jeanette A. , Wells James E.
Published: October 2007

Determining the survival of zoonotic pathogens in livestock manure and runoff is critical for understanding the environmental and public health risks associated with these wastes. The occurrence and persistence of the bacterial pathogens Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Campylobacter spp. in a passive beef cattle feedlot runoff control–vegetative treatment system were examined over a 26‐mo period. Incidence of the protozoans Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. was also assessed. The control system utilizes a shallow basin to collect liquid runoff and accumulate eroded solids from the pen surfaces; when an adequate liquid volume is attained, the liquid is discharged from the basin onto a 4.5‐ha vegetative treatment area (VTA) of bromegrass which is harvested as hay. Basin discharge transported E. coli O157, Campylobacter spp., and generic E. coli into the VTA soil, but without additional discharge from the basin, the pathogen prevalences decreased over time. Similarly, the VTA soil concentrations of generic E. coli initially decreased rapidly, but lower residual populations persisted. Isolation of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts from VTA samples was infrequent, indicating differences in sedimentation and/or transport in comparison to bacteria. Isolation of generic E. coli from freshly cut hay from VTA regions that received basin discharge (12 of 30 vs. 1 of 30 control samples) provided evidence for the risk of contamination; however, neither E. coli O157 or Campylobacter spp. were recovered from the hay following baling. This work indicates that the runoff control system is effective for reducing environmental risk by containing and removing pathogens from feedlot runoff.
Low Birth Weight and Zygosity Status Is Associated With Defective Muscle Glycogen and Glycogen Synthase Regulation in Elderly Twins
Authors: Poulsen Pernille , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F.P. , Richter Erik A. , Beck-Nielsen Henning , Vaag Allan
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE— An adverse intrauterine environment indicated by both low birth weight and monozygosity is associated with an age- or time-dependent reduction in glucose disposal and nonoxidative glucose metabolism in twins, suggesting impaired regulation of muscle glycogen synthesis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We measured the activities of glycogen synthase (GS), GS kinase (GSK)3α, GS phosphorylation, and glycogen levels in muscle biopsies obtained from 184 young and elderly twins before and after a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp.

RESULTS— Elderly monozygotic twins had significantly lower fractional GS activity amidst higher glycogen and GS protein levels compared with dizygotic twins. In addition, we demonstrated strong nongenetic associations between birth weight and defect muscle glycogen metabolism in elderly—but not in younger—twins. Thus, for every 100 g increase in birth weight within pairs, GS fractional activity, GS protein level, and glycogen content was increased by 4.2, 8.7, and 4.5%, respectively, in elderly twins. Similarly, for every 100 g increase in birth weight, GSK3α activity and GS phosphorylation at the sites 2, 2+2a, and 3a+3b were decreased by 3.1, 9.0, 10.1, and 9.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS— The age- or time-dependent nongenetic impact of birth weight on insulin action in twins may partly be explained by reduced insulin activation of muscle GS, mediated through increased GSK3α activity and GS phosphorylation. Reduced GS activity and negative feedback inhibition of glycogen metabolism by glycogen per se may contribute to the insulin resistance in elderly monozygotic compared with dizygotic twins.
Lower Somatostatin Expression Is an Early Event in Diabetic Retinopathy and Is Associated With Retinal Neurodegeneration
Authors: Carrasco Esther , Hernández Cristina , Miralles Adela , Huguet Pere , Farrés Jaume , Simó Rafael
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE—To test the hypothesis that a reduction of somatostatin (SST) in the retina exists in patients without clinically detectable diabetic retinopathy and that it is associated with retinal neurodegeneration.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Human diabetic postmortem eyes (n = 10) without clinically detectable retinopathy were compared with eyes (n = 10) from nondiabetic donors. SST mRNA (RT-PCR) and SST-28 immunoreactivity (confocal laser) were measured separately in neuroretina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In addition, SST-28 (radioimmunoassay) was measured in the vitreous fluid. Glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP) was assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Apoptotic cells were quantified using transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling.

RESULTS—A higher expression of SST was detected in RPE than neuroretina in both groups. SST mRNA levels and SST-28 immunoreactivity were significantly lower in both RPE and the neuroretina from diabetic donors compared with nondiabetic donors. These results were in agreement with those obtained by measuring SST-28 in the vitreous fluid of the same donors. Increased GFAP and a higher degree of apoptosis were observed in diabetic retinas compared with nondiabetic retinas. These changes were most evident in patients with the higher deficit of SST.

CONCLUSIONS—Underproduction of SST is an early event in the eyes of diabetic patients and is associated with glial activation and neural death. In addition, our results suggest that RPE is an important source of SST in the human eye. The possible role of the lower production of SST in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy requires further investigation.
Changes in the Glycemic Profiles of Women With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes During Pregnancy
Authors: Murphy Helen R. , Rayman Gerry , Duffield Katherine , Lewis Karen S. , Kelly Susan , Johal Balroop , Fowler Duncan , Temple Rosemary C.
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE— To examine the changes in glycemic excursions that occur during pregnancy using continuous glucose monitoring and to compare patterns of glycemia in pregnant women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— An observational data analysis was performed from a prospective randomized study of continuous glucose monitoring in 57 women with pregestational type 1 (n = 40) or type 2 (n = 17) diabetes with 7-day continuous glucose monitoring system profiles during each trimester. Serial glucose measurements were divided into periods of euglycemia (70–140 mg/dl), hyperglycemia (>140 mg/dl), and hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dl). Generalized linear mixed effects models were fitted to the repeated measures data to determine how these glycemic characteristics varied during gestation and by diabetes type.

RESULTS— A total of 180 continuous glucose profiles were examined (140 type 1 diabetes, 40 type 2 diabetes), providing 20,433 h of data for analysis (16,117 h type 1 diabetes, 4,316 type 2 diabetes). Women with type 2 diabetes spend ∼33% less time hyperglycemic throughout pregnancy than women with type 1 diabetes (P = 0.005), with a significantly more rapid reduction in time spent hyperglycemic in early pregnancy (P = 0.02). Although women with type 2 diabetes spend less overall time hypoglycemic (P = 0.04), their risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia is equivalent to that of women with type 1 diabetes (blood glucose level <70 mg/dl, P = 0.9; blood glucose level <50 mg/dl, P = 0.2).

CONCLUSIONS— Continuous glucose monitoring reveals clear differences in the level of glycemic control that exist in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These data will guide therapeutic interventions aimed at optimizing glycemic control and improving the pregnancy outcomes of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Pramlintide Improved Glycemic Control and Reduced Weight in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Using Basal Insulin
Authors: Riddle Matthew , Frias Juan , Zhang Bei , Maier Holly , Brown Carl , Lutz Karen , Kolterman Orville
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE— To assess the efficacy and safety of pramlintide in patients with type 2 diabetes suboptimally controlled with basal insulin.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— In a 16-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 212 patients using insulin glargine with or without oral antidiabetes agents (OAs) were randomized to addition of pramlintide (60 or 120 μg b.i.d./t.i.d.) or placebo. Insulin glargine was adjusted to target a fasting plasma glucose concentration of 70–100 mg/dl. One coprimary end point was the change in A1C at week 16. The other coprimary end point was a composite measure of overall diabetes control comprising A1C ≤7.0% or reduction ≥0.5%, mean daily postprandial glucose (PPG) increments ≤40 mg/dl, no increase in body weight, and no severe hypoglycemia. Patients meeting all four conditions at week 16 achieved this end point.

RESULTS—More pramlintide- than placebo-treated patients achieved the composite end point (25 vs. 7%; P < 0.001). Reductions (means ± SE) in A1C (−0.70 ± 0.11% vs. −0.36 ± 0.08%; P < 0.05) and PPG increments (−24.4 ± 3.6 mg/dl vs. −0.4 ± 3.0 mg/dl; P < 0.0001) were greater in pramlintide- versus placebo-treated patients, respectively. Glycemic improvements were accompanied by progressive weight loss with pramlintide and weight gain with placebo (−1.6 ± 0.3 kg vs. +0.7 ± 0.3 kg; P < 0.0001). No treatment-related severe hypoglycemia occurred.

CONCLUSIONS— Pramlintide improved multiple glycemic parameters and reduced weight with no increase in hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes who were not achieving glycemic targets with basal insulin with or without OAs.
Pioglitazone Use and Heart Failure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Preexisting Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Erdmann Erland , Charbonnel Bernard , Wilcox Robert G. , Skene Allan M. , Massi-Benedetti Massimo , Yates John , Tan Meng , Spanheimer Robert , Standl Eberhard , Dormandy John A. ,   On behalf of the PROactive investigators
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE— PROspective pioglitAzone Clinical Trial In macroVascular Events (PROactive) enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes and preexisting cardiovascular disease. These patients were at high risk for heart failure, so any therapeutic benefit could potentially be offset by risk of associated heart failure mortality. We analyzed the heart failure cases to assess the effects of treatment on morbidity and mortality after reports of serious heart failure.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— PROactive was an outcome study in 5,238 patients randomized to pioglitazone or placebo. Patients with New York Heart Association Class II–IV heart failure at screening were excluded. A serious adverse event of heart failure was defined as heart failure that required hospitalization or prolonged a hospitalization stay, was fatal or life threatening, or resulted in persistent significant disability or incapacity. Heart failure risk was evaluated by multivariate regression.

RESULTS— More pioglitazone (5.7%) than placebo patients (4.1%) had a serious heart failure event during the study (P = 0.007). However, mortality due to heart failure was similar (25 of 2,605 [0.96%] for pioglitazone vs. 22 of 2,633 [0.84%] for placebo; P = 0.639). Among patients with a serious heart failure event, subsequent all-cause mortality was proportionately lower with pioglitazone (40 of 149 [26.8%] vs. 37 of 108 [34.3%] with placebo; P = 0.1338). Proportionately fewer pioglitazone patients with serious heart failure went on to have an event in the primary (47.7% with pioglitazone vs. 57.4% with placebo; P = 0.0593) or main secondary end point (34.9% with pioglitazone vs. 47.2% with placebo; P = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS— Although the incidence of serious heart failure was increased with pioglitazone versus placebo in the total PROactive population of patients with type 2 diabetes and macrovascular disease, subsequent mortality or morbidity was not increased in patients with serious heart failure.