bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High value crops in coarse-textured soil and nitrate leaching - How risky is it?
Authors: Bruin A J , Ball Coelho B R , Beyaert R P , Reeleder R D , Roy R C , Capell B.
Published: July 2010

To identify practices that minimize the risk of NO3-N leaching to groundwater from high-value crops produced on coarse-textured soil, NO3-N movement was determined from varied water (overhead vs. drip irrigation) and nutrient (pre-plant broadcast vs. fertigation) management in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) over three growing seasons, and municipal compost rate and mulch type in ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) over 5 yr. Under cucumber, seasonal NO3-N leaching ranged from 4 to 28 kg ha-1, and was reduced by 10 kg NO3-N ha-1 yr-1 in 2 of 3 yr using drip delivery of water and nutrients as compared with pre-plant broadcast fertilizer with overhead irrigation. Under ginseng, 452, 321 and 173 kg NO3-N ha-1 leached from C260 compost (170 Mg ha-1 incorporated compost under 90 Mg ha-1 compost mulch re-applied annually), C200 bark (200 Mg ha-1 incorporated compost under pine bark mulch) and C0 straw (no compost, straw mulch), respectively, during the initial fall plus subsequent 4 yr. Following fall application of compost, subsoil solution NO3-N concentrations increased to > 100 mg NO3-N L-1 by early December. Even with no compost applied, NO3-N concentrations in water draining from the ginseng soil profile usually exceeded the drinking water standard. Key words: Compost, cucumber, fertigation, ginseng, nutrient management
A Simple Approach for Demonstrating Soil Water Retention and Field Capacity
Authors: Howard A. , Heitman J. L. , Bowman D.
Published: July 2010

It is difficult to demonstrate the soil water retention relationship and related concepts because the specialized equipment required for performing these measurements is unavailable in most classrooms. This article outlines a low‐cost, easily visualized method by which these concepts can be demonstrated in most any classroom. Columns (62.5 cm tall) were constructed using 25, 2.5 cm tall sections of 7.62‐cm (3‐inch) i.d. polyvinyl chloride pipe, which were connected using transparent tape. Three different soil materials were packed to specified bulk densities in the columns, and saturated with water. These vertical columns were then allowed to drain into a simulated water table 2.5 cm above the bottom of the soil volume until drainage ceased. After drainage, columns were sectioned to determine water content distribution with depth along the column. It was assumed that matric potential was inversely related to height above the water table. Therefore, water content measurements and assumed potentials for each section provided data for a water retention curve with minimum potential of approximately –60 cm. During drainage, measurements of soil matric potential were taken at regular intervals using tensiometers installed within the column, validating assumptions about matric potential. Among soil materials tested, those with narrow particle‐size distributions, ∼100% sand, gave the widest distribution of water contents in the observed matric potential ranges. This method, with proper explanation and execution, may be a valuable learning tool by which visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners may be better able to understand the concepts pertaining to soil–water retention relationships.
Exploring the Relation of Health-Promoting Behaviors to Role Participation and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women With Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Tyszka Andrea Carr , Farber Ruth S.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE. We examined the relation of health-promoting behaviors to participation in life roles and health-related quality of life (HR–QOL) in women with multiple sclerosis.

METHOD. We used a correlational design. Frequency of health-promoting behaviors was obtained from the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile–II. Role participation was measured by the SF–36 Role-Physical, Role-Emotional, and Social Functioning scales, and HR–QOL was measured with the Physical and Mental Component scales.

RESULTS. Eleven significant positive correlations were found among specific health-promoting behaviors (e.g., nutrition, stress management, physical activity, positive interpersonal relations, spiritual growth), role participation, and HR–QOL.

CONCLUSION. The findings suggest that involvement in health-promoting behaviors is associated with greater participation in life roles and HR–QOL for women with multiple sclerosis. This study provides preliminary evidence for the use and development of health promotion in occupational therapy treatment.
Comparison of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy and Bilateral Treatment of Equal Intensity in People With Chronic Upper-Extremity Dysfunction After Cerebrovascular Accident
Authors: Hayner Kate , Gibson Ginny , Giles Gordon Muir
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE. We compared the effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) with bilateral treatment of equal intensity for chronic upper-extremity (UE) dysfunction caused by cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

DESIGN. We conducted a 2-group, randomized intervention trial with stratification by severity of UE dysfunction. Twelve community-dwelling adults were provided with 6 hr of occupational therapy for 10 days plus additional home practice. Six participants wore a mitt on the unimpaired UE, and 6 participants were intrusively and repetitively cued to use both UEs. The Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) were administered before and after treatment and at 6-mo follow-up.

RESULTS. Significant improvements were found in WMFT and COPM scores across time in both groups. No significant between-group differences were found on the WMFT.

CONCLUSION. High-intensity occupational therapy using a CIMT or a bilateral approach can improve UE function in people with chronic UE dysfunction after CVA. Treatment intensity rather than restraint may be the critical therapeutic factor.
Children’s and Parents’ Perspectives About Activity Performance and Participation After Spinal Cord Injury: Initial Development of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure
Authors: Mulcahey M. J. , DiGiovanni Nicole , Calhoun Christina , Homko Erica , Riley Ann , Haley Stephen M.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE. To report on a cognitive testing study on newly constructed items designed to evaluate client-reported outcomes of activity performance and participation after spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHOD. Thirty-three children with SCI and 13 caregivers participated in cognitive testing interviews. Open-ended questions were used to gain a better understanding of activity performance and participation. The interviews were transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was carried out independently by 2 researchers, and key sentences and phrases from both analyses were merged.

RESULTS. Four themes were defined: (1) apprehension related to activity performance and participation, (2) reference point, (3) missing out, and (4) autonomy.

CONCLUSION. Insight into children’s and caregivers’ perspectives provided important information that helped refine the wording of test items and response scales. The theme of autonomy provided a stronger catalyst to solidify items for both child- and parent-reported outcomes. This study further validated the complexity of the construct of participation.
Maternal Health After the Birth of a Medically Complex Infant: Setting the Context for Evaluation of Co-Occupational Performance
Authors: Pizur-Barnekow Kris
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE. Physical and psychological health indicators of mothers who gave birth to medically complex infants were examined to explore potential risk factors for the development of chronic conditions and to develop a scholarly base that supports the inclusion of maternal health in the scope of early intervention practice.

METHOD. Ten mothers completed the Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire and the State Trait Anxiety Form Y–1. Nine women completed 24-h Holter recording. Frequency of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety were determined. High frequency heart rate variability was examined for indicators of autonomic dysregulation.

RESULTS. Nine of 10 women reported symptoms associated with PTSD, and 2 of these women reported more severe symptoms. Two women demonstrated indicators of autonomic dysregulation.

CONCLUSION. Further research examining psychological and physical characteristics in mothers of infants at high risk is important to determine whether these women are at greater risk for chronic health conditions.
Cognitive, Visual, Auditory, and Emotional Factors That Affect Participation in Older Adults
Authors: Perlmutter Monica S. , Bhorade Anjali , Gordon Mae , Hollingsworth Holly H. , Baum M. Carolyn
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE. To determine whether changes in hearing, cognition, depression, and vision affect daily life participation and whether screening tests that identify problems could be used in the home.

METHOD. Interviewers assessed presence of medical conditions, social class, distance acuity, cognition, hearing, depression, and participation using valid screening tools. Participation scores were subgrouped according to negative or positive results. Multiple regression analysis determined association of screening tests with participation.

RESULTS. Eighty-eight older adults, ages 62–90, participated. Positive screening tests were found in 43% of participants for distance acuity, 9% for cognitive problems, 8% for depression, and 15% for hearing loss. Relationships were found among age, cognition, depression, and vision and participation.

CONCLUSION. Mild levels of decreased vision, depression, and decreased cognition are associated with lower participation. These conditions can be screened by occupational therapists and managed to help older adults remain active and maintain their health.
Some characteristics of large-scale travelling ionospheric disturbances and a relationship between the F2 layer height rises of these disturbances and equatorial pre-sunrise events
Authors: Bowman G. G. , Mortimer I. K.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Initially some characteristics of large-scale travelling ionospheric disturbances (LS-TIDs) have been discussed briefly particularly as reported in the early literature. These discussions also involve the literature on the generation of LS-TIDs at times of geomagnetic bays. Secondly, the possibility that LS-TIDs may be responsible for the F2 layer equatorial pre-sunrise height rises is investigated. Tabulations at hourly intervals of h'F at Huancayo and Washington for a Rz max period (1957–1960) have been used to identify height rises. For a three-hour interval at Huancayo h'F levels equal to or greater than 40 km of medians are used to identify the pre-sunrise height rises. Also height rises at Washington, which occurred earlier than those at Huancayo, have been considered for evidence of travelling disturbances. For 40 events analysed using geomagnetic bays and Washington height rises, a few hours before they occur at Huancayo, indicate the statistical significance of an association with LS-TIDs. Similar results of statistical significance have been obtained using Washington events and bays on average 34 h before 46 Huancayo events. These delays ranged from 29 h to 38 h. The results indicate that bays which occur the day before are responsible for LS-TIDs which encircle the earth.
Preparation and oxygen permeation of U‐shaped perovskite hollow‐fiber membranes
Authors: Wei Yanying , Liu Hongfei , Xue Jian , Li Zhong , Wang Haihui
Published: July 2010

The oxygen permeation of dense U‐shaped perovskite hollow‐fiber membranes based on Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ prepared by a phase inversion spinning process is reported. The perovskite hollow fibers with totally dense wall were obtained with the outer diameter of 1.147 mm and the inner diameter of 0.691 mm. The dependences of the oxygen permeation on the air flow rate on the shell side, the helium flow rate on the core side, the oxygen partial pressures, and the operating temperatures were experimentally investigated. According to the Wagner theory, it follows that the oxygen transport through the U‐shaped hollow‐fiber membrane is controlled by both surface reaction and bulk diffusion at the temperature ranges of 750–950°C. High oxygen permeation flux of 3.0 ml/(min cm2) was kept for about 250 h at 950°C under the conditions of the air feed flow rate of 150 ml/min and the helium flow rate of 50 ml/min. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Comparison of poly(o‐anisidine) and poly(o‐anisidine‐co‐aniline) copolymer synthesized by chemical oxidative method
Authors: Longun J. , Buschle B. , Nguyen N. , Lo M. , Iroh J. O.
Published: July 2010

In this study, poly(o‐anisidine) [POA], poly(o‐anisidine‐co‐aniline) [POA‐co‐A], and polyaniline [PANi] were chemically synthesized using a single polymerization process with aniline and o‐anisidine as the respective monomers. During the polymerization process, p‐toluene sulfonic acid monohydrate was used as a dopant while ammonium persulfate was used as an oxidant. N‐methyl‐pyrolidone (NMP) was used as a solvent. We observed that the ATR spectra of POA‐co‐A showed features similar to those of PANi and POA as well as additional ones. POA‐co‐A also achieved broader and more extended UV–vis absorption than POA but less than PANi. The chemical and electronic structure of the product of polymerization was studied using Attenuated Total Reflectance spectroscopy (ATR) and UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis). The transition temperature of the homopolymers and copolymers was studied using differential scanning calorimetry and the viscosity average molecular weight was studied by using dilute solution viscometry. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Thermal and dielectric properties of the aluminum particle/epoxy resin composites
Authors: Zhou Wenying , Yu Demei
Published: July 2010

Microsized aluminum/epoxy resin composites were prepared, and the thermal and dielectric properties of the composites were investigated in terms of composition, aluminum particle sizes, frequency, and temperature. The results showed that the introduction of aluminum particles to the composites hardly influenced the thermal stability behavior, and decreased Tg of the epoxy resin; moreover, the size, concentration, and surface modification of aluminum particles had an effect on their thermal conductivity and dielectric properties. The dielectric permittivity increased smoothly with a rise of aluminum particle content, as well as with a decrease in frequency at high loading with aluminum particles. While the dissipation factor value increased slightly with an increase in frequency, it still remained at a low level. The dielectric permittivity and loss increased with temperature, owing to the segmental mobility of the polymer molecules. We found that the aluminum/epoxy composite containing 48 vol % aluminum‐particle content possessed a high thermal conductivity and a high dielectric permittivity, but a low loss factor, a low electric conductivity, and a higher breakdown voltage. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Annealing and ultraviolet treatment of plasma fluorocarbon films for enhanced cohesion and stability
Authors: Chevallier P. , Holvoet S. , Turgeon S. , Horny P. , Pireaux J. J. , Mantovani D.
Published: July 2010

Stents, commonly used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, are mainly made of 316L stainless steel. They are, however, prone to corrosion when they are in contact with human body fluid. To prevent this corrosion process and to ameliorate their patencies, in this study, we used a strategy to cover stent materials with a protective fluorocarbon layer deposited by plasma polymerization. In an approach to optimize its cohesion properties and stability, posttreatments, namely, thermal annealing and UV irradiation, were applied on the ultrathin fluorocarbon film. A combination of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, polarized near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine‐structure spectroscopy, and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry demonstrated that UV treatment led to chain scission and film crosslinking and, in this way, decreased the amount and/or size of nanoscaled defects originally present in the films. Annealing on the other hand induced a film reorganization in favor of longer, well‐ordered fluorocarbon chains. However, a deformation process that was applied to study the film adhesion properties induced chain scissions with reorganization. Aging tests exhibited an oxidation of the top‐most layer for both the as‐deposited and posttreated samples. Finally, the film stability was improved after UV treatment for both the nondeformed and deformed samples. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Surgical anatomy of sensory portion of superficial fibular nerve for harvesting nerve grafts from fetuses
Authors: Wahee Pratima , Aggarwal Anjali , Harjeet K. , Sahni Daisy
Published: July 2010

The use of superficial fibular nerve (Sfn) as a potential donor nerve in nerve grafting has been introduced. The limited availability of donor nerves has paved the way for nerve allografting. We studied the sensory portion of Sfn in 60 limbs from 30 fetuses. Three distinct patterns of the nerve were designated as Types 1, 2, and 3 by us. Type 1 (66.67%) comprised Sfn piercing fascia cruris then branching into Mdn and Idn. Type 2 (21.67%) was a pattern where Sfn penetrated deep fascia then continued undivided over the dorsum of foot. Type 3 (11.67%) was where Mdn and Idn penetrated deep fascia independently. The study provided quantitative measurement data of the sensory portion of Sfn and its branching nerves with respect to osseous landmarks like the head of fibula and the malleoli. Such data may be of help in defining nerve segments suitable for harvesting in nerve grafts from fetuses. Clin. Anat. 23:726–731, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interaction of Antifreeze Proteins with Hydrocarbon Hydrates
Authors: Ohno Hiroshi , Susilo Robin , Gordienko Raimond , Ripmeester John , Walker Virginia K.
Published: July 2010

Recombinant antifreeze proteins (AFPs), representing a range of activities with respect to ice growth inhibition, were investigated for their abilities to control the crystal formation and growth of hydrocarbon hydrates. Three different AFPs were compared with two synthetic commercial inhibitors, poly‐N‐vinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and HIW85281, by using multiple approaches, which included gas uptake, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) temperature ramping, and DSC isothermal observations. A new method to assess the induction period before heterogeneous nucleation and subsequent hydrate crystal growth was developed and involved the dispersal of water in the pore space of silica gel beads. Although hydrate nucleation is a complex phenomenon, we have shown that it can now be carefully quantified. The presence of AFPs delayed crystallization events and showed hydrate growth inhibition that was superior to that of one of the benchmark commercial inhibitors, PVP. Nucleation and growth inhibition were shown to be independent processes, which indicates a difference in the mechanisms required for these two inhibitory actions. In addition, there was no apparent correlation between the assayed activities of the three AFPs toward hexagonal ice and the cubic structure II (sII) hydrate, which suggests that there are distinctive differences in the protein interactions with the two crystal surfaces.
A comparison of the CIE 1976 colour spaces
Authors: Pointer M. R.
Published: July 2010

The CIE 1976 colour spaces, CIELUV and CIELAB, have been compared by recalculating the results of a number of reported sets of experimental data. These include the results of just‐noticeable‐difference observations, colour difference scaling, colour matching ellipses, and acceptability ellipses. As a means of representing the colour difference data uniformly, it is shown that neither colour space is significantly better than the other. Attention is drawn to some anomalies in the CIELAB space.
History, memory, and conflict resolution: Research and application
Authors: Tint Barbara
Published: July 2010

This article is the second of a two‐part series and presents empirical research into the study of history, memory, and long‐term intractable conflict. Interviews with members of the Israeli and Palestinian communities serve as the basis for this research. A variety of constructs emerged that inform conflict resolution practice, including a strong orientation to the past and its link to identity, emotion, and how past beliefs inform present perceptions. Recommendations are offered for how to integrate historical matter more fully into practice.
Envisioning futures for climate change policy development: Scenarios use in European environmental policy institutions
Authors: Bryson Jessica , Piper Jake , Rounsevell Mark
Published: July 2010

Scenario‐based exercises can contribute to policy debates on climate change responses, intended to help policy‐makers visualize future worlds and help guide and develop adaptive strategies. This study explores the use of scenarios by policy‐advisors within three institutions: the European Environment Agency, the European Commission and Scottish public bodies. Respondents pointed to different approaches to scenario identification and use as well as barriers to wider use of the method. A range of benefits of using scenarios was highlighted. Amongst the suggestions for better implementation offered by interviewees was the need for a scenario toolkit. An array of scenario systems (representing both climate change scenarios and socio‐economic scenarios) are being used by policy‐advisors and the paper concludes that the role for scenario exercises in planning and communications work derives from their capacity to develop imaginative thinking. Recommendations are proposed for improving practice. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Evaluation of CE methods for global metabolic profiling of urine
Authors: Ramautar Rawi , Toraño Javier Sastre , Somsen Govert W. , de Jong Gerhardus J.
Published: July 2010

In this study, the usefulness of noncovalently coated capillaries with layers of charged polymers is investigated to obtain global electrophoretic profiles of urinary metabolites covering a broad range of different compound classes in a highly repeatable way. Capillaries were coated with a bilayer of polybrene (PB) and poly(vinyl sulfonate) (PVS), or with a triple layer of PB, dextran sulfate (DS) and PB. The bilayer and triple layer coatings were evaluated at acidic (pH 2.0) and alkaline (pH 9.0) separation conditions, thereby providing separation conditions for basic and acidic compounds. A representative metabolite mixture and spiked urine samples were used for the evaluation of the four CE methods. Migration time repeatability (RSD<2%) and plate numbers (N, 100 000–400 000) were similar for the test compounds in all CE methods, except for some multivalent ions that may exhibit adsorption to oppositely charged coatings. The analysis of cationic compounds with the PB‐DS‐PB CE method at low pH (i.e. after the EOF time) provided a larger separation window and number of separated peaks in urine compared to the analysis with the PB‐PVS CE method at low pH (i.e. before the EOF time). Approximately, 600 molecular features were detected in rat urine by the PB‐DS‐PB CE‐MS method whereas about 300 features were found with the PB‐PVS CE‐MS method. This difference can be attributed to reduced comigration of compounds with the PB‐DS‐PB CE‐MS method and a related decrease of ion suppression. With regard to the analysis of anionic compounds by CE‐MS, in general analyte responses were significantly lower than that for cationic compounds, most probably due to less efficient ionization and to ion suppression effects caused by the background electrolyte. Hence, further optimization is required for the sensitive CE‐MS analysis of anionic compounds in body fluids. It is concluded that the selection of a CE method for profiling of cationic metabolites in urine depends on the purpose of the study. For high‐throughput analyses, the PB‐PVS CE‐MS method is favored whereas the PB‐DS‐PB CE‐MS method provides a more information‐rich metabolic profile, but at the cost of prolonged analysis time.
Disentangling incentives effects of insurance coverage from adverse selection in the case of drug expenditure: a finite mixture approach
Authors: Munkin Murat K. , Trivedi Pravin K.
Published: July 2010

This paper takes a finite mixture approach to model heterogeneity in incentive and selection effects of drug coverage on total drug expenditure among the Medicare elderly US population. Evidence is found that the positive drug expenditures of the elderly population can be decomposed into two groups different in the identified selection effects and interpreted as relatively healthy with lower average expenditures and relatively unhealthy with higher average expenditures, accounting for approximately 25 and 75% of the population, respectively. Adverse selection into drug insurance appears to be strong for the higher expenditure component and weak for the lower expenditure group. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical treatment of macrocheilia
Authors: Pitanguy Ivo , Gonzalez Raul , Brentano Jane , Muller Paulo , Moore Thomas
Published: July 2010

The authors report 27 cases of macrocheilia, discussing each cause individually. They classify macrocheilia according to its etiology, emphasizing the importance of an accurate diagnosis in treating the disease. The operative technique indicated for each cause is discussed. The technique basically consists of a fusiform resection, which may include a larger or smaller amount of lip tissue depending on the disease process. The incision may be interrupted at the mid‐lip and W‐plasty or lateral Z‐plasties may be used to avoid the formation of dog ears.
Tongue necrosis after radical neck dissection
Authors: Gault David T.
Published: July 2010

An unusual complication of radical neck dissection is presented. Necrosis of the anterior half of the tongue developed gradually within the first week of bilateral neck dissection. The patient had previously received radiotherapy.
Upstream stimulatory factor‐2 mediates quercetin‐induced suppression of PAI‐1 gene expression in human endothelial cells
Authors: Olave Nélida C. , Grenett Maximiliano H. , Cadeiras Martin , Grenett Hernan E. , Higgins Paul J.
Published: July 2010

The polyphenol quercetin (Quer) represses expression of the cardiovascular disease risk factor plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) in cultured endothelial cells (ECs). Transfection of PAI‐1 promoter‐luciferase reporter deletion constructs identified a 251‐bp fragment (nucleotides −800 to −549) responsive to Quer. Two E‐box motifs (CACGTG), at map positions −691 (E‐box1) and −575 (E‐box2), are platforms for occupancy by several members of the c‐MYC family of basic helix‐loop‐helix leucine zipper (bHLH‐LZ) proteins. Promoter truncation and electrophoretic mobility shift/supershift analyses identified upstream stimulatory factor (USF)‐1 and USF‐2 as E‐box1/E‐box2 binding factors. ECs co‐transfected with a 251 bp PAI‐1 promoter fragment containing the two E‐box motifs (p251/luc) and a USF‐2 expression vector (pUSF‐2/pcDNA) exhibited reduced luciferase activity versus p251/luc alone. Overexpression of USF‐2 decreased, while transfection of a dominant‐negative USF construct increased, EC growth consistent with the known anti‐proliferative properties of USF proteins. Quer‐induced decreases in PAI‐1 expression and reduced cell proliferation may contribute, at least in part, to the cardioprotective benefit associated with daily intake of polyphenols. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 720–726, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proanthocyanidins from the American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) inhibit matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 activity in human prostate cancer cells via alterations in multiple cellular signalling pathways
Authors: Déziel Bob A. , Patel Kunal , Neto Catherine , Gottschall‐Pass Katherine , Hurta Robert A.R.
Published: July 2010

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in the Western world, and it is believed that an individual's diet affects his risk of developing cancer. There has been an interest in examining phytochemicals, the secondary metabolites of plants, in order to determine their potential anti‐cancer activities in vitro and in vivo. In this study we document the effects of proanthocyanidins (PACs) from the American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in DU145 human prostate cancer cells. Cranberry PACs decreased cellular viability of DU145 cells at a concentration of 25 µg/ml by 30% after 6 h of treatment. Treatment of DU145 cells with PACs resulted in an inhibition of both MMPs 2 and 9 activity. PACs increased the expression of TIMP‐2, a known inhibitor of MMP activity, and decreased the expression of EMMPRIN, an inducer of MMP expression. PACs decreased the expression of PI‐3 kinase and AKT proteins, and increased the phosphorylation of both p38 and ERK1/2. Cranberry PACs also decreased the translocation of the NF‐κB p65 protein to the nucleus. Cranberry PACs increased c‐jun and decreased c‐fos protein levels. These results suggest that cranberry PACs decreases MMP activity through the induction and/or inhibition of specific temporal MMP regulators, and by affecting either the phosphorylation status and/or expression of MAP kinase, PI‐3 kinase, NF‐κB and AP‐1 pathway proteins. This study further demonstrates that cranberry PACs are a strong candidate for further research as novel anti‐cancer agents. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 742–754, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Profiling the changes in signaling pathways in ascorbic acid/β‐glycerophosphate‐induced osteoblastic differentiation
Authors: Chaves Neto Antonio Hernandes , Queiroz Karla Cristiana , Milani Renato , Paredes‐Gamero Edgar Julian , Justo Giselle Zenker , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Ferreira Carmen Veríssima
Published: July 2010

Despite numerous reports on the ability of ascorbic acid and β‐glycerophosphate (AA/β‐GP) to induce osteoblast differentiation, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in this phenomenon. In this work, we used a peptide array containing specific consensus sequences (potential substrates) for protein kinases and traditional biochemical techniques to examine the signaling pathways modulated during AA/β‐GP‐induced osteoblast differentiation. The kinomic profile obtained after 7 days of treatment with AA/β‐GP identified 18 kinase substrates with significantly enhanced or reduced phosphorylation. Peptide substrates for Akt, PI3K, PKC, BCR, ABL, PRKG1, PAK1, PAK2, ERK1, ERBB2, and SYK showed a considerable reduction in phosphorylation, whereas enhanced phosphorylation was observed in substrates for CHKB, CHKA, PKA, FAK, ATM, PKA, and VEGFR‐1. These findings confirm the potential usefulness of peptide microarrays for identifying kinases known to be involved in bone development in vivo and in vitro and show that this technique can be used to investigate kinases whose function in osteoblastic differentiation is poorly understood. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 71–77, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti‐angiogenic therapy: Adapting strategies to overcome resistant tumors
Authors: Mitchell Dianne C. , Bryan Brad A.
Published: July 2010

Healthy cells, as well as benign and malignant tumors, depend upon the body's blood supply to bring in oxygen and nutrients and carry away waste products. Using this property against tumors, anti‐angiogenic therapy targets the tumor vasculature with the aim of starving the tumor, and has demonstrated exceptional clinical efficacy against a number of tumors. This review discusses the current state of knowledge regarding anti‐angiogenic therapies presently available to patients, and garners from both preclinical and clinical literature the benefits and side effects associated with anti‐angiogenic therapies, the unfortunate mechanisms of acquired resistance to these novel therapeutics, and highlights promising next generation anti‐angiogenics that may overcome the limitations encountered with first generation therapies. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 543–553, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fluid shear stress‐induced JNK activity leads to actin remodeling for cell alignment
Authors: Mengistu Meron , Brotzman Hannah , Ghadiali Samir , Lowe‐Krentz Linda
Published: July 2010

Fluid shear stress (FSS) exerted on endothelial cell (EC) surfaces induces actin cytoskeleton remodeling through mechanotransduction. This study was designed to determine whether FSS activates Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of active JNK relative to the actin cytoskeleton in ECs exposed to different FSS conditions, and to evaluate the effects of active JNK on actin realignment. Exposure to 15 and 20 dyn/cm2 FSS induced higher activity levels of JNK than the lower 2 and 4 dyn/cm2 flow conditions. At the higher FSS treatments, JNK activity increased with increasing exposure time, peaking 30 min after flow onset with an eightfold activity increase compared to cells in static culture. FSS‐induced phospho‐JNK co‐localized with actin filaments at cell peripheries, as well as with stress fibers. Pharmacologically blocking JNK activity altered FSS‐induced actin structure and distribution as a response to FSS. Our results indicate that FSS‐induced actin remodeling occurs in three phases, and that JNK plays a role in at least one, suggesting that this kinase activity is involved in mechanotransduction from the apical surface to the actin cytoskeleton in ECs. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 110–121, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective activation of specific PKC isoforms dictating the fate of CD14+ monocytes towards differentiation or apoptosis
Authors: Lin Yuan‐Feng , Leu Sy‐Jye , Huang Huei‐Mei , Tsai Yu‐Hui
Published: July 2010

In this study, phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA) at low concentrations (<10 nM; L‐PMA) induces the differentiation of CD14+ monocytes into monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDMs) while PMA at high concentrations (>100 nM; H‐PMA) causes the apoptosis of these cells. The pre‐treatment with Go6976 (a PKC‐α/β1 selective inhibitor), not anilinemonoindolylmaleimide [a PKC‐β inhibitor (PKC‐β inh.)], significantly (P < 0.05) reduces the L‐PMA‐induced generation of MDMs in the cultured CD14+ monocytes. On the other hand, either of the above two PKC inhibitors is capable of suppressing the H‐PMA‐induced apoptosis of CD14+ monocytes. However, only the inclusion of PKC‐β inh., not Go6976, prevents the cells from serum deprivation‐induced cell apoptosis. Although the membrane translocation of conventional PKC‐α, β1, and β2 isoforms was observed in the H‐PMA‐treated CD14+ monocytes, only PKC‐β2 exhibits a mitochondrial translocation activity among those PKCs responsive to H‐PMA treatment. Moreover, the activation of DEVD‐dependent caspases (DEVDase) was also detected in the H‐PMA‐treated CD14+ monocytes, indicating the involvement of a caspase‐dependent signaling pathway in the H‐PMA‐induced cell apoptosis of CD14+ monocytes. Together with our previous findings that the selective activation of PKC‐α or PKC‐β1 induces the differentiation of CD14+ monocytes into MDMs or dendritic cells (MoDCs), respectively, the results in this study further demonstrate that PKC‐β2 activation is responsible for relaying the apoptotic signal to intrinsic mitochondria‐dependent caspase signaling cascades in the CD14+ monocytes. It is likely that the selective activation of specific PKC isoforms provides a new strategy to manipulate the differential cell fate commitment of multipotent CD14+ monocytes towards apoptosis or differentiation into MDMs, MoDCs, and other cell types. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 122–131, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mass Transfer Rate with Liquid Ion Exchangers. The Role of Interfacial Chemical Reactions in the Extraction Kinetics by Dinonylnaphthalenesulphonic Acid and Trilaurylammonium Salts
Authors: Danesi Pier R. , Chiarizia Renato
Published: July 2010

Kinetics and interfacial tension studies concerning the liquid cation exchanger dinonylnaphthalene sulphonic acid (HD) and the liquid anion exchangers trilauryl‐ammonium chloride and nitrate (TLAHCI and TLAHNO3), performed in the laboratory, are reviewed. The interfacial tension studies have shown that, due to the very strong surface active properties of these compounds, even at very low bulk organic concentrations, the interfacial plane gets completely saturated with a strongly adsorbed monomolecular layer of the exchanger. The structure of the interface is such that the ion‐exchange group faces the aqueous phase while its organic part is completely immersed in the organic diluent. Extraction kinetic experiments performed with a quiescent interface cell (Lewis cell) as a function of the stirring speed, interfacial area and volume of the phases have shown that (a) a region always exists where the extraction kinetics is independent of the stirring speed and (b) the exchange kinetics is directly proportional to the interfacial area and inversely proportional to the volume of the phases. These two facts, together with the knowledge of the interfacial structure of the exchanger, are a strong indication that interfacial chemical reactions can have a predominant effect in determining the extraction kinetics. Experiments performed at relatively high stirring speeds of the phase as functions of the chemical composition of the system have produced a set of interfacial chemical reactions which completely describe the kinetics of the liquid ion‐exchange process. This set of reactions consists basically of the following steps: (a) formation of an interfacial complex between the interfacially adsorbed molecules of ion‐exchanger and the metal cation or complex present in the aqueous solution, (b) replacement at the interface of the interfacial complex with bulk organic molecules of the ion‐exchanger; this process, with a rate which is proportional to the organic concentration of the exchanger, occurs through the reaction with bulk molecules of the extractant, and (c) the reverse steps occur when organic to water transfer takes place. By applying the stationary condition to the interfacial complex its concentration has been evaluated and a rate expression derived which has led to the calculation of the rate constants of the chemical reactions. The following metal ions have been studied experimentally: Fe+3, Eu+3, Ce+3, Gd+3, Tm+3 with HD; FeCln3‐n with TLAHCI and Pu(NO3)n4‐n with TLAHNO3. By using the derived rate expressions and rate constants, distribution laws have been obtained to calculate equilibrium distribution data in good agreement with experimental results.
Estimates of the Properties of Liquids
Authors: McGowan John C.
Published: July 2010

An equation which relates the volume term (V=M/(ρL‐ρg)) of unassociated liquids to pressure P and temperature T has been obtained by the combination of (a) 03V(∂I/∂V)P→0=Tx‐T for the effect of temperature on V at low (atmospheric) pressure and (b) ‐ V(∂P/∂V)T = Px Vx/6/V6 p→0+9(P‐p) for the effect of pressure on volume at constant temperature. In the equations, p is the vapour pressure; pL the density of the liquid and pg the vapour density. Often pg can be neglected compared with pL and p is small compared with the large pressures required to affect the densities of liquids appreciably. There are three constants: Tx, Px, which equals 4.455 × 109 N m2, and Vx which can be calculated by the addition of atomic values for all the atoms in the molecule and subtraction of a value (6.56 × 106 m3 mol1) for each bond. When V approximates to M/ρL, the molar volume, the equation can be integrated to give the work and heat of isothermal compression. The viscosity of a liquid is related to the work of compression and solubilities in a liquid to the work required to bring the solute to the compressibility of the liquid. Many relationships can be derived and can be used to estimate properties of unassociated liquids.
Carbon Formation on Unsupported and Supported Nickel Catalysts
Authors: Figueiredo José L. , Trimm David L.
Published: July 2010

Studies have been made of the kinetics of carbon deposition on supported nickel catalysts used for steam reforming. Comparison with results obtained with nickel foils show that the support has little effect on the rate of deposition, except that hydrogen did not affect the kinetics of the process on supported catalysts. This is explained in terms of the initial production of nickel crystallites, which are then carried with the growing carbon by a process of diffusion of carbon through the nickel. Calculations show that this diffusion process may well involve the formation of an intermediate carbide.
Oxidation of sulphide in kraft black liquor and green liquor by residual oxygen in flue gas during precarbonation
Authors: Veeramani Hariharan , Johanson Lennart N.
Published: July 2010

Kraft black liquor/green liquor was continuously recirculated in a column (diameter 100 mm, height 450 mm) packed with 16‐mm polypropylene Pall rings countercurrent to a gas stream containing N2 and O2 (O2–3.7%). The concentration of sulphide in the green liquor was not affected by oxygen in the gas; the latter, however, completely oxidised the sulphide in kraft black liquor over an 8 h recirculation period.
Fly ash and granulated blast‐furnace slag as ‘stabilisers’ of portland cements with added periclase
Authors: Gaze Marianne E. , Smith Michael A.
Published: July 2010

One method proposed for utilisation of high‐magnesia Portland cements involves the addition of active siliceous admixtures such as fly ash or ground granulated blastfurnace slag. This addition enables otherwise unsound cements to pass the ASTM autoclave test (C151–74a) for expansion of Portland cement. Cements were made from an OPC, magnesia (2 and 3%) and varying proportions (0–70%) of fly ash or ground granulated slag. The expansions of pastes made from the cements stored at 50°C were measured over periods of 3 and 4 years, respectively. The cements were also subjected to the ASTM autoclave test. The results of the autoclave test support the view that expansion in the autoclave is to some extent related to the strength of the matrix, and best results were obtained with CaO:SiO2 ratios of about 1.25 corresponding to formation of large quantities of 1.1 nm tobermorite. However, it has been shown that even a high strength matrix cannot stabilise too much free magnesia either in the autoclave or at 50°. Slag was less effective than fly ash in producing a reduction in autoclave expansion although results at 50° were comparable. This work on cements with added periclase suggests that the stabilisation of ‘normal’ high magnesia cements, in both the autoclave and under more normal conditions, with any practical level of stabiliser addition, will depend on factors such as the ‘blocking effect’ described by Rosa, and the dilution effects of stabiliser addition being sufficient to reduce the effective free magnesia content to the small amount which the strength of the matrix can control.
Studies on the composition of some distillate waxes
Authors: Agrawal Krishna M. , Joshi Girish C.
Published: July 2010

Structural composition of two distillate waxes obtained from Ankleshwar crude oil tank bottoms have been determined using physical properties correlations, high temperature g.l.c., 1H‐n.m.r. and 13C‐Fourier transform n.m.r. spectroscopy. Both waxes seem to contain predominantly n‐paraffins.
Alkaline pulping of mixed reed and bagasse
Authors: Saleh Tharwat M. , El‐Ashmawy Ahmed E.
Published: July 2010

Chopped reed stalks and depithed bagasse were pulped in alkaline media separately and in admixtures. Almost all paper‐making characteristics of pulps were improved under milder cooking conditions, with 14% alkali and 120°C being optimum. When part of the NaOH was substituted by Na2S, at 21% sulphidity, little or no effect was observed at the optimum conditions. When reed and bagasse were pulped in admixtures of equal proportions, mixed pulps showed the good inherent properties of both reed and bagasse fibres with improved tensile, burst and tear strength. The mixed soda reed‐bagasse pulps were produced on a mill scale and showed the same trend of properties.
The oxidation of isobutene to p‐xylene over bismuth oxide‐based catalysts
Authors: Goldwasser Mireya R. , Trimm David L.
Published: July 2010

Studies have been carried out of the optimisation of a bismuth oxide based catalyst for the oxidation of isobutene to p‐xylene. Using a Bi2O3‐P2O5 (Bi:P = 2) catalyst located sequentially before a 3% Pt/Al2O3 catalyst, up to 60% selectivity can be observed at 50% conversion. The kinetics of the oxidation of isobutene over the Bi2O3‐P2O5 catalyst have been measured for all major products. The results support a mechanism involving allylic oxidation of isobutene. Dimethylhexadiene and p‐xylene are suggested to originate from reaction between two adsorbed isobutene molecules and monatomic oxygen species adsorbed at different sites. A major side product, methacrolein, appears to originate from reaction between two adsorbed isobutene molecules and a diatomic oxygen species.
Rhodium‐catalysed reduction of vanadium pentoxide and tungsten trioxide by hydrogen
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Jagannatha , Viswanath Ram P. , Kutty Kuttanikkat V. Govindan
Published: July 2010

Hydrogen reduction of V2O5 and WO3 catalysed by rhodium, both in the pure form and supported on kieselguhr, has been studied. The products obtained at 300°C have been identified as VO2 and HxWO3. In situ electrical resistivity measurements on V2O5 pellets, both pure and admixed with the catalyst, show an anomalous resistance increase with temperature, perhaps arising from chemisorption and spillover of hydrogen from rhodium.
The relationship between the binding properties of a composite from aluminium dihydrogen phosphate and silica and the crystal habit of the aluminium dihydrogen phosphate
Authors: Morris John H. , Perkins Peter G. , Rose Alistair E. A. , Smith W. Ewen
Published: July 2010

Two different crystal habits of the C‐form of aluminium dihydrogen phosphate were found in composites containing aluminium dihydrogen phosphate and silica. One habit was needle‐shaped and appeared to be the predominant form in the more strongly bound composites. The conditions favouring growth of this habit were investigated. Excess H2PO4‐ion favours its formation and viscous solutions produce larger and better‐formed crystals. A general mechanism for the binding action in this type of composite is postulated.
Thermal storage: Nucleation of melts of inorganic salt hydrates
Authors: Stunić Zlatko , Djuriĉković Veljko , Stunić Zdravka
Published: July 2010

This paper reviews the heterogeneous nucleation of melts of some inorganic salt hydrates. Five salt hydrates were tested as materials for heat storage.
Reaction between hydrogen chloride and lead (II) salts
Authors: Ball Matthew C. , Casson Michael J.
Published: July 2010

The reactions occurring between gaseous hydrogen chloride and lead (II) carbonate and lead (II) hydroxide carbonate (white lead) have been studied over a range of temperatures and partial pressures of hydrogen chloride. The only solid reaction product is lead (II) chloride which is formed in a single stage. Kinetic studies show that the diffusion of HCI is probably the rate‐controlling step and Arrhenius parameters for this process are given.