bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroporation of micro‐droplet encapsulated HeLa cells in oil phase
Authors: Xiao Kang , Zhang Mengying , Chen Shuyu , Wang Limu , Chang Donald Choy , Wen Weijia
Published: August 2010

Electroporation (EP) is a method widely used to introduce foreign genes, drugs or dyes into cells by permeabilizing the plasma membrane with an external electric field. A variety of microfluidic EP devices have been reported so far. However, further integration of prior and posterior EP processes turns out to be very complicated, mainly due to the difficulty of developing an efficient method for precise manipulation of cells in microfluidics. In this study, by means of a T‐junction structure within a delicate microfluidic device, we encapsulated HeLa cells in micro‐droplet of poration medium in oil phase before EP, which has two advantages: (i) precise control of cell‐encapsulating droplets in oil phase is much easier than the control of cell populations or individuals in aqueous buffers; (ii) this can minimize the electrochemical reactions on the electrodes. Finally, we successfully introduced fluorescent dyes into the micro‐droplet encapsulated HeLa cells in oil phase. Our results reflected a novel way to realize the integrated biomicrofluidic system for EP.
Assessment of genotoxicity of waterpipe and cigarette smoking in lymphocytes using the sister‐chromatid exchange assay: A comparative study
Authors: Khabour Omar F. , Alsatari Enas S. , Azab Mohammad , Alzoubi Karem H. , Sadiq May F.
Published: August 2010

Tobacco smoking is a major world health problem. Recently, waterpipe smoking has become more popular in many countries. Although the genotoxicity associated with cigarette smoking has been extensively investigated, studies evaluating such toxicity in waterpipe users are still lacking. In this study, we examined the genotoxicity of waterpipe smoking in lymphocytes compared with the genotoxicity of cigarette smoking. Genotoxicity was evaluated using the sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) assay. Fifty waterpipe smokers and 18 healthy nonsmokers participated in this study. Additionally, 18 heavy cigarette smokers (CS) were recruited for comparison. The results show that waterpipe smoking and cigarette smoking significantly increase the frequencies of SCEs (P < 0.01) compared with those of nonsmokers, indicating the genotoxic effect of tobacco smoking. In addition, frequencies of SCEs were significantly higher among waterpipe smokers compared with CS (P < 0.01), indicating that waterpipe smoking is more genotoxic than cigarette smoking. Moreover, the frequency of SCEs increased with the extent of waterpipe use. In conclusion, waterpipe smoking is genotoxic to lymphocytes and the magnitude of its genotoxicity is higher than that induced by regular cigarette smoking. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using a GIS filtering approach to replicate patterns of glacial erosion
Authors: Jansson K. N. , Stroeven A. P. , Alm G. , Dahlgren K. I. T. , Glasser N. F. , Goodfellow B. W.
Published: August 2010

In order to extend our knowledge of glacial relief production in mountainous areas new methods are required for landscape reconstructions on a temporal resolution of a glacial cycle and a spatial resolution that includes the most important terrain components. A generic data set and a 50 m resolution digital elevation model over a study area in northern Sweden and Norway (the present day landscape data set) were employed to portray spatial patterns of erosion by reconstructing the landscape over successive cycles of glacial erosion. A maximum‐value geographic information system (GIS) filtering technique using variable neighbourhoods was applied such that existing highpoints in the landscape were used as erosional anchor points for the reconstruction of past landscape topography. An inherent assumption, therefore, is that the highest surfaces have experienced insignificant down‐wearing over the Quaternary. Over multiple reconstruction cycles, proceeding backwards in time, the highest summits increase in area, valleys become shallower, and the valley pattern becomes increasingly simplified as large valleys become in‐filled from the sides. The sum of these changes reduces relief. The pattern of glacial erosion, which is to 60% correlated to slope angle and to 70% correlated to relative relief, is characterized by (i) an abrupt erosional boundary below preserved summit areas, (ii) enhanced erosion in narrow valleys, (iii) restricted erosion of smooth areas, independently of elevation, (iv) eradication of small‐scale irregularities, (v) restricted erosion on isolated hills in low‐relief terrain, and (vi) a valley widening independent of valley directions. The method outlined in this paper shows how basic GIS filtering techniques can mimic some of the observed patterns of glacial erosion and thereby help deduce the key controls on the processes that govern large‐scale landscape evolution beneath ice sheets. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using beryllium‐7 to monitor the relative proportions of interrill and rill erosion from loessal soil slopes in a single rainfall event
Authors: Liu Gang , Yang Ming Yi , Warrington D.N. , Liu Pu Ling , Tian Jun Liang
Published: August 2010

Quantifying the relative proportions of soil losses due to interrill and rill erosion processes during erosion events is an important factor in predicting total soil losses and sediment transport and deposition. Beryllium‐7 (7Be) can provide a convenient way to trace sediment movement over short timescales providing information that can potentially be applied to longer‐term, larger‐scale erosion processes. We used simulated rainstorms to generate soil erosion from two experimental plots (5 m × 4 m; 25° slope) containing a bare, hand‐cultivated loessal soil, and measured 7Be activities to identify the erosion processes contributing to eroded material movement and/or deposition in a flat area at the foot of the slope. Based on the mass balance of 7Be detected in the eroded soil source and in the sediments, the proportions of material from interrill and rill erosion processes were estimated in the total soil losses, the deposited sediments in the flat area, and in the suspended sediments discharged from the plots. The proportion of interrill eroded material in the discharged sediment decreased over time as that of rill eroded material increased. The amount of deposited material was greatly affected by overland flow rates. The estimated amounts of rill eroded material calculated using 7Be activities were in good agreement with those based on physical measurements of total plot rill volumes. Although time lags of 45 and 11 minutes existed between detection of sediment being removed by rill erosion, based on 7Be activities, and observed rill initiation times, our results suggest that the use of 7Be tracer has the potential to accurately quantify the processes of erosion from bare, loessal cultivated slopes and of deposition in flatter, downslope areas that occur in single rainfall events. Such measurements could be applied to estimate longer‐term erosion occurring over larger areas possessing similar landforms. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of wildfires on the magnetic properties of soils in the Everglades
Authors: Clement Bradford M. , Javier Jose , Sah Jay P. , Ross Michael S.
Published: August 2010

We present results of a rock‐magnetic study of soils that were affected by wildfires that burned portions of the Everglades in the Spring of 2008. Soils at sites that were extensively burned exhibit a pronounced surface magnetic enhancement effect with magnetizations of surface samples up to 16 times greater than that observed at depth (>7 cm) at these sites. The increase in magnetization results from an increased abundance of a low‐coercivity phase (maghemite) that occurs at the expense of the abundance of a high‐coercivity phase (goethite). These results indicate that fire‐induced heating caused goethite in the surface soils to convert into a more magnetic, low‐coercivity phase, such as maghemite. Goethite is an excellent adsorber of phosphorus, and therefore we hypothesize that the destruction of goethite as a result of burning may have important implications for phosphorus cycling in the Everglades ecosystem. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High resolution transmission electron microscopy evaluation of silica glaze reveals new textures
Authors: Langworthy K. A. , Krinsley D. H. , Dorn R. I.
Published: August 2010

We present the first nanoscale investigation of silica glaze. High resolution transmission electron microscopy of a rock coating from the Ashikule Basin, Tibetan Plateau, reveals the presence of spheroids composed predominantly of silicon and oxygen with diameters ranging from 20 nm to 70 nm. While silica glaze spheroids co‐exist with manganese‐rich rock varnish in the same sample, the different rock coatings are texturally and physically distinct at the nanoscale. These observations are consistent with a model of silica glaze formation starting with soluble aluminum‐silicon (Al‐Si) complexes [Al(OSi(OH)3)2+], mobilized with gentle wetting events such as dew or frost. The transition between complete and partial wetting on silica surfaces rests at about 20–70 nm for liquid droplets. Upon crossing this transition, a metastable wetting film would be ruptured, initiating formation of silica glaze through spheroid deposition. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relative importance of dust inputs and aquatic biological production as sources of lake sediments in an oligotrophic lake in a semi‐arid area
Authors: Oseguera Luis A. , Alcocer Javier , Vilaclara Gloria
Published: August 2010

The dustfall (DF) and mass sedimentation rate (MSR) in Lake Alchichica, Central Mexico, were studied from June 2006 to June 2008. DF ranged between 0·11–0·93 g m−2 d−1 in the warm and rainy season and 0·54–1·21 g m−2 d−1 in the cold and dry season. MSR varied from 0·52–2·40 g m−2 d−1 in the stratification season to 1·14–5·07 g m−2 d−1 in the circulation season. The timing of the highest fluxes of DF and MSR is most likely a product of several factors coinciding during the cold and dry season: (a) availability of dust sources and the presence of strong winds (>7·5 m s−1) in the DF case, and (b) the circulation period of the lake and the availability of nutrients in the MSR case. As expected, the DF in Alchichica was high and similar to that found in other arid and semi‐arid areas. However, the MSR was higher than that reported for other oligotrophic lakes. Particles captured in the aerial traps consisted mainly of detrital minerals; in contrast, particles found in the water traps were mostly biogenic and, to a lesser extent, detrital minerals. The MSR was one to seven times higher than the DF. In spite of the oligotrophic status of Lake Alchichica, the large size of the settled phytoplankton (autochthonous, waterborne) is what leads to the high MSR, which surpasses the DF (allochthonous, airborne) derived from whirlwinds originating in easily eroded terrains that are characteristic of arid/semi‐arid areas. Our results indicate that caution must be taken in considering that the DF amount measured through DF collectors located at the lake shore does actually represent the DF entering into the lake. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distance, time and scale in soil erosion processes
Authors: Kirkby M. J.
Published: August 2010

This commentary brings together, as a virtual Special Issue, a number of recent papers in Earth Surface Processes and Landforms that are all related to issues of scale in soil erosion. Empirical concepts that were developed in the 1940s are now in need of re‐thinking, and papers are increasingly exploring, through modelling and measurement, appropriate ways to recognize the mechanisms that connect processes across time and space scales. Issues include a more nuanced approach to selective transportation, responses to variability in surface and sub‐surface conditions and the need to analyse measurements in ways that can be transferred between sites and storms. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects from filtration, capping agents, and presence/absence of food on the toxicity of silver nanoparticles to Daphnia magna
Authors: Allen H. Joel , Impellitteri Christopher A. , Macke Dana A. , Heckman J. Lee , Poynton Helen C. , Lazorchak James M. , Govindaswamy Shekar , Roose Deborah L. , Nadagouda Mallikarjuna N.
Published: August 2010

Relatively little is known about the behavior and toxicity of nanoparticles in the environment. Objectives of work presented here include establishing the toxicity of a variety of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to Daphnia magna neonates, assessing the applicability of a commonly used bioassay for testing AgNPs, and determining the advantages and disadvantages of multiple characterization techniques for AgNPs in simple aquatic systems. Daphnia magna were exposed to a silver nitrate solution and AgNPs suspensions including commercially available AgNPs (uncoated and coated), and laboratory-synthesized AgNPs (coated with coffee or citrate). The nanoparticle suspensions were analyzed for silver concentration (microwave acid digestions), size (dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy), shape (electron microscopy), surface charge (zeta potentiometer), and chemical speciation (X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction). Toxicities of filtered (100 nm) versus unfiltered suspensions were compared. Additionally, effects from addition of food were examined. Stock suspensions were prepared by adding AgNPs to moderately hard reconstituted water, which were then diluted and used straight or after filtration with 100-nm filters. All nanoparticle exposure suspensions, at every time interval, were digested via microwave digester and analyzed by inductively coupled argon plasma–optical emission spectroscopy or graphite furnace–atomic absorption spectroscopy. Dose–response curves were generated and median lethal concentration (LC50) values calculated. The LC50 values for the unfiltered particles were (in µg/L): 1.1 ± 0.1-AgNO3; 1.0 ± 0.1-coffee coated; 1.1 ± 0.2-citrate coated; 16.7 ± 2.4 Sigma Aldrich Ag-nanoparticles (SA) uncoated; 31.5 ± 8.1 SA coated. LC50 values for the filtered particles were (in µg/L): 0.7 ± 0.1-AgNO3; 1.4 ± 0.1-SA uncoated; 4.4 ± 1.4-SA coated. The LC50 resulting from the addition of food was 176.4 ± 25.5-SA coated. Recommendations presented in this study include AgNP handling methods, effects from sample preparation, and advantages/disadvantages of different nanoparticle characterization techniques. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2742–2750. © 2010 SETAC
Neutral and phenolic brominated organic compounds of natural and anthropogenic origin in northeast Atlantic Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus)
Authors: Strid Anna , Athanassiadis Ioannis , Athanasiadou Maria , Svavarsson Jörundur , Päpke Olaf , Bergman Åke
Published: August 2010

In the present study, muscle and liver tissue from 10 female Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus) collected in Icelandic waters were analyzed for neutral and phenolic brominated organic compounds, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and the structurally related methoxylated (MeO) and hydroxylated (OH) PBDEs. Hydroxylated PBDEs exist both as natural products and as metabolites of the anthropogenic PBDEs, whereas MeO-PBDEs appear to exclusively be of natural origin. Other compounds examined were 2′,6-dimethoxy-2,3′,4,5′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (2′,6-diMeO-BDE68), 2,2′-dimethoxy-3,3′,5,5′-tetrabromobiphenyl (2,2′-diMeO-BB80), 2,4,6-tribromoanisol (2,4,6-TBA) and 2,4,6-tribromophenol, all of natural origin, although 2,4,6-TBA and its phenolic counterpart may also be of anthropogenic origin. The major brominated organic compound was 6-MeO-BDE47, and ΣMeO-PBDE ranged from 49 to 210 ng/g fat in muscle and from 55 to 200 ng/g fat in liver tissue. Total concentrations of PBDEs were lower than ΣMeO-PBDE, in all but one sample, ranging between 7.3 to 190 and 9.9 to 200 ng/g fat in muscle and liver, respectively, and major congeners were BDE-47, BDE-99, and BDE-100. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers were analyzed using both high- and low-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) as a quality assurance, and the results from this comparison were acceptable. In accordance with previous work on Greenland sharks, no size/age-related accumulation was observed. Differences seen in concentrations were instead assumed to be a reflection of different feeding habits among the individuals. Phenolic compounds were only formed/retained in trace amounts in the Greenland shark. Among the phenolic compounds studied were 6-OH-BDE47, 2′-OH-BDE68, and 2,4,6-tribromophenol, all detected in liver and the latter two in muscle. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2653–2659. © 2010 SETAC
Growth, abnormalities, and mortality of tadpoles of American toad exposed to combinations of malathion and nitrate
Authors: Krishnamurthy Sannanegunda V. , Smith Geoffrey R.
Published: August 2010

American toad tadpoles (Bufo americanus) were exposed to malathion and nitrate in a fully factorial experiment that crossed four concentrations of malathion ranging between 0 and 1,000 µg malathion/L, and five concentrations of nitrate ranging from 0 to16 mg NO3-N/L to identify single and interactive effects. In this 21-d experiment, we recorded tadpole length, mass, survivorship, and frequencies of diamond-shaped and stiff-tail abnormalities. Malathion increased frequency of diamond-shaped and stiff-tail abnormalities, and negatively affected survivorship, but did not affect tadpole size. Nitrate did not affect survivorship but did have sublethal effects, including effects on tadpole length and the frequency of both abnormalities. The interaction of malathion and nitrate has no effect on survivorship or tadpole size but did affect the frequency of abnormalities, with nitrate reducing malathion's effect. Results of the present study suggest that at the environmentally realistic concentrations used in our experiment, malathion has both lethal and sublethal effects, but nitrate had only sublethal effects on American toad tadpoles. The combination of malathion and nitrate had limited effects at the tested concentrations under laboratory conditions. However, the effect of the combined treatments on the frequency of tadpole developmental abnormalities suggests that such interactions may play a role under field conditions, in which pesticide and nitrate fertilizers are typically applied simultaneously. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2777–2782. © 2010 SETAC
Assessing contaminated sediments in the context of multiple stressors
Authors: Burton G. Allen , Johnston Emma L.
Published: August 2010

Sediments have a major role in ecosystem functioning but can also act as physical or chemical stressors. Anthropogenic activities may change the chemical constituency of sediments and the rate, frequency, and extent of sediment transport, deposition, and resuspension. The importance of sediments as stressors will depend on site ecosystem attributes and the magnitude and preponderance of co-occurring stressors. Contaminants are usually of greater ecological consequence in human-modified, depositional environments, where other anthropogenic stressors often co-occur. Risk assessments and restoration strategies should better consider the role of chemical contamination in the context of multiple stressors. There have been numerous advances in the temporal and spatial characterization of stressor exposures and quantification of biological responses. Contaminated sediments causing biological impairment tend to be patchy, whereas more pervasive anthropogenic stressors, such as alterations to habitat and flow, physical disturbance, and nutrient addition, may drive large-scale ecosystem responses. A systematic assessment of relevant ecosystem attributes and reference conditions can assist in understanding the importance of sediments in the context of other stressors. Experimental manipulations then allow for the controlled study of dominant stressors and the establishment of causal links. This approach will result in more effective management of watersheds and waterways. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2625–2643. © 2010 SETAC
Evaluation of reduced sediment volume procedures for acute toxicity tests using the estuarine amphipodLeptocheirus plumulosus
Authors: Stanley Jacob K. , Kennedy Alan J. , Farrar J. Daniel , Mount David R. , Steevens Jeffery A.
Published: August 2010

The volume of sediment required to perform a sediment toxicity bioassay is a major driver of the overall cost associated with that bioassay. Sediment volume affects bioassay cost because of sediment collection, transportation, storage, and disposal costs as well as labor costs associated with organism recovery at the conclusion of the exposure. The objective of the current study was to evaluate reduced sediment volume versions of the standard U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) 10-d acute Leptocheirus plumulosus method that uses a beaker size of 1,000 ml and 20 organisms. The test design used evaluated the effects of beaker size (250 and 100 ml) and associated sediment volume (75 and 30 ml, respectively) as well as organism loading density (10 and 20 organisms) on test endpoint responsiveness relative to the standard 10-d test method. These comparisons were completed with three different types of contaminated sediments: a field-collected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-contaminated sediment, a lead-spiked control sediment, and a control sediment spiked with mineral oil. Assessment criteria included test endpoint sensitivity, endpoint consistency, statistical power, water quality, and logistical assessments. Results indicate that the current U.S. EPA method is preferable to the reduced sediment volume methods we assessed, but that a 250-ml beaker/10 organism experimental design is of comparable utility and may be advantageous when reduced sediment volumes are desirable because of high contaminant (spiking studies) or sediment disposal costs. In addition, the results of the current study provide toxicity reference values for PAHs, lead, and an oil surrogate for petroleum hydrocarbons. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2769–2776. © 2010 SETAC
Selecting an ignition criterion methodology for use in a radiative fire spread submodel
Authors: Baker Gregory B. , Spearpoint Michael J. , Fleischmann Charles M. , Wade Colleen A.
Published: August 2010

Research is ongoing to increase the functionality of the fire zone modeling software BRANZFIRE, by converting it from a deterministic to a probabilistic model. One component of this work is the development of a radiative fire spread submodel for which a suitable ignition criterion method is needed. This paper provides details of that ignition criterion procedure and its implementation into the submodel.

A list of requirements that the ignition methodology had to satisfy was established. Of the many different piloted ignition models available, the Flux–Time Product technique, and its associated ignition criterion, was selected to be incorporated into the fire spread submodel. This method provides a practical engineering approximation of when a secondary fuel item that is subjected to incident radiation will ignite that is commensurate with the accuracy of the overall model.

Primarily to demonstrate the use of the technique in the submodel, a series of ignition experiments were conducted on a single example of upholstered furniture using the Cone Calorimeter apparatus, with specimens tested in both the horizontal and vertical orientation, under piloted and auto ignition conditions. The experimental incident radiation and time‐to‐ignition data, for the piloted ignition mode, was analyzed using a modified Flux–Time Product correlation procedure.

To deal with the auto ignition mode, an empirical approximation, based on the modified Flux–Time Product procedure, is proposed. Data for use in the submodel was therefore also derived for the auto ignition mode, based on an experimental determination of the minimum ignition flux. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive methods for multi‐material ALE hydrodynamics
Authors: Rider W. J. , Love E. , Wong M. K. , Strack O. E. , Petney S. V. , Labreche D. A.
Published: August 2010

Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) methods are commonly used for challenging problems in hydrodynamics. Among the most challenging matters are the approximations in the presence of multiple materials. The ALE code ALEGRA has used a constant volume method for computing the impact of multiple materials on both the Lagrangian step and the remap step of the method. Here, we describe modifications to these methods that provide greater modeling fidelity and better numerical and computational performance. In the Lagrangian step, the effects of differences in material response were not included in the constant volume method, but have been included in the new method. The new methodology can produce unstable results unless the changes in the variable states are carefully controlled. Both the stability analysis and the control of the instability are described. In the standard (Van Leer) method for the remap, the numerical approximation did not account for the presence of a material interface directly. The new methodology uses different, more stable and more dissipative numerical approximations in and near material interfaces. In addition, the standard numerical method, which is second‐order accurate, has been replaced by a more accurate method, which is third‐order accurate in one dimension. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
USING CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS TO IMPROVE DRAINAGE WATER QUALITY FROM HYDROPONICS FARMS
Authors: Abbassi Bassim , Al‐Zboon Kamel , Radaideh Jamal , Wahbeh Alaa'
Published: August 2010

In this work, two types of pilot constructed wetlands were used to treat drainage water from the hydroponics farm in the Jordan Valley. Zeotuff was used as wetland filtering media. The wetlands were planted with giant reeds (Arundo donax L.). The performance of the wetland systems under varying hydraulic retention times (HRT) was investigated in terms of BOD, COD, NO3, PO4, cations, anions, TSS, salinity and water conservation. It has been found that the vertical flow wetland was able to reduce the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) concentration by more than 93% at an HRT of 7 days, where the BOD5 removal was about 89% by the horizontal flow wetland at the same HRT. The percentage removal of total suspended solids (TSS) was found to be 98 and 94% by the vertical and horizontal flow wetlands, respectively. Nutrient content (nitrate and phosphate) was reduced in both wetlands at lower HRTs by more than 77%. Both wetlands obtained high efficiency in chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal as the quality of effluent water was found to comply closely with the Jordanian Irrigation Guidelines. The wetlands were able to greatly reduce the cations and anions contained in the influent water. The vertical flow wetland system exhibited more efficiency as a treatment facility than the horizontal flow wetland system. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
OPTIMIZING SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE PRACTICES IN IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE IN THE SEMI‐ARID AND ARID REGIONS: EXPERIENCES FROM EGYPT, INDIA AND PAKISTAN
Authors: Ritzema Henk , Schultz Bart
Published: August 2010

In this paper, the role of subsurface drainage in irrigated agriculture in semi‐arid and arid regions is discussed based on experiences obtained in Egypt, India and Pakistan. Agriculture in these countries is predominantly practiced by small, marginal farmers with landholdings of often less than one hectare. In general, they do not have the means to pay for the investments in irrigation and drainage themselves. Consequently, most irrigation and drainage projects are funded by the (local) governments. Shallow horizontal pipe drainage systems have proved to be a technically feasible and cost‐effective tool to combat the twin problem of waterlogging and salinity. Their large scale implementation is, however, hampered by a number of institutional and socio‐economic reasons. The paper discusses why subsurface drainage is needed to safeguard investments in irrigated agriculture and to conserve land resources, as well as what the challenges are to make subsurface drainage work. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Odanacatib in the treatment of postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density: Three-year continued therapy and resolution of effect
Authors: Eisman John A , Bone Henry G , Hosking David J , McClung Michael R , Reid Ian R , Rizzoli Rene , Resch Heinrich , Verbruggen Nadia , Hustad Carolyn M , DaSilva Carolyn , Petrovic Romana , Santora Arthur C , Ince B Avery , Lombardi Antonio
Published: August 2010

The selective cathepsin K inhibitor odanacatib (ODN) progressively increased bone mineral density (BMD) and decreased bone-resorption markers during 2 years of treatment in postmenopausal women with low BMD. A 1-year extension study further assessed ODN efficacy and safety and the effects of discontinuing therapy. In the base study, postmenopausal women with BMD T-scores between −2.0 and −3.5 at the lumbar spine or femur received placebo or ODN 3, 10, 25, or 50 mg weekly. After 2 years, patients (n = 189) were rerandomized to ODN 50 mg weekly or placebo for an additional year. Endpoints included BMD at the lumbar spine (primary), total hip, and hip subregions; levels of bone turnover markers; and safety assessments. Continued treatment with 50 mg of ODN for 3 years produced significant increases from baseline and from year 2 in BMD at the spine (7.9% and 2.3%) and total hip (5.8% and 2.4%). Urine cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx) remained suppressed at year 3 (−50.5%), but bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) was relatively unchanged from baseline. Treatment discontinuation resulted in bone loss at all sites, but BMD remained at or above baseline. After ODN discontinuation at month 24, bone turnover markers increased transiently above baseline, but this increase largely resolved by month 36. There were similar overall adverse-event rates in both treatment groups. It is concluded that 3 years of ODN treatment resulted in progressive increases in BMD and was generally well tolerated. Bone-resorption markers remained suppressed, whereas bone-formation markers returned to near baseline. ODN effects were reversible: bone resorption increased transiently and BMD decreased following treatment discontinuation. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Inhibition of Notch1 signaling by Runx2 during osteoblast differentiation
Authors: Ann Eun-Jung , Kim Hwa-Young , Choi Yun-Hee , Kim Mi-Yeon , Mo Jung-Soon , Jung Jane , Yoon Ji-Hye , Kim Su-Man , Moon Jeong-Sik , Seo Mi-Sun , Hong Ji-Ae , Jang Won-Gu , Shore Paul , Komori Toshihisa , Koh Jeong-Tae , Park Hee-Sae
Published: August 2010

Notch1 genes encode receptors for a signaling pathway that regulates cell growth and differentiation in various contexts, but the role of Notch1 signaling in osteogenesis is not well defined. Notch1 controls osteoblast differentiation by affecting Runx2, but the question arises whether normal osteoblastic differentiation can occur regardless of the presence of Notch1. In this study, we observed the downregulation of Notch1 signaling during osteoblastic differentiation. BMPR-IB/Alk6-induced Runx2 proteins reduced Notch1 activity to a marked degree. Accumulated Runx2 suppressed Notch1 transcriptional activity by dissociating the Notch1-IC-RBP-Jk complex. Using deletion mutants, we also determined that the N-terminal domain of Runx2 was crucial to the binding and inhibition of the N-terminus of the Notch1 intracellular domain. Notably, upregulation of the Runx2 protein level paralleled reduced expression of Hes1, which is a downstream target of Notch1, during osteoblast differentiation. Collectively, our data suggest that Runx2 is an inhibitor of the Notch1 signaling pathway during normal osteoblast differentiation. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Time‐dependent density functional theory study on the absorption spectrum of Coumarin 102 and its hydrogen‐bonded complexes
Authors: Zhao Wenwei , Ding Yihong , Xia Qiying
Published: August 2010

The effect of both solvent polarity and hydrogen bonding (HB) on the electronic transition energy of Coumarin 102 (C102) has been examined using the time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). Solvent effect on both geometry and electronic transition energy is evaluated using the polarizable continuum model (PCM). A linear relation of the absorption maximum of C102 with the solvent polarity function Δf is found using the TDDFT‐PCM method for all solvents except dimethyl sulfoxide. The solvent polarity and the type B HB between the carbonyl oxygen and solvent hydrogen atom make the absorption wavelength redshift, whereas the type A HB between the amino nitrogen atom and solvent hydrogen atom has an opposite effect on the absorption wavelength. The calculated absorption wavelengths of C102 with two type B HB between the carbonyl oxygen and solvent hydrogen atom are in excellent agreement with experimental measurements. The solvatochromism of C102 is analyzed in terms of the Kamlet–Taft equation and the parameters s and a are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011.
Summary of the 9th annual meeting of the italian society for virology
Authors: Salata Cristiano , Calistri Arianna , Parolin Cristina , Palù Giorgio
Published: August 2010

The 9th annual meeting of the Italian Society for Virology (SIV) comprised seven plenary sessions focused on: General virology and viral genetics; Virus–Host interaction and pathogenesis; Viral oncology; Emerging viruses and zoonotic, foodborne, and environmental pathways of transmission; Viral immunology and vaccines; Medical virology and antiviral therapy; Viral biotechnologies and gene therapy. Moreover, four hot topics were discussed in special lectures: the Pioneer in human virology lecture regarding the control of viral epidemics with particular emphasis on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the Pioneer in plant virology lecture focused on cell responses to plant virus infection, a Keynote lecture on the epidemiology and genetic diversity of Crimea–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus, and the G.B. Rossi lecture on the molecular basis and clinical implications of human cytomegalovirus tropism for endothelial/epithelial cells. The meeting had an attendance of about 160 virologists. A summary of the plenary lectures and oral selected presentations is reported. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 285–287, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Arsenic trioxide induces apoptosis through JNK and ERK in human mesothelioma cells
Authors: Eguchi Ryoji , Fujimori Yoshihiro , Takeda Hiromi , Tabata Chiharu , Ohta Toshiro , Kuribayashi Kouzo , Fukuoka Kazuya , Nakano Takashi
Published: August 2010

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive tumor of serosal surfaces, which is refractory to current treatment options. Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is used clinically to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia, and also to inhibit proliferation of several solid tumors including hepatoma, esophageal, and gastric cancer in vitro. Here we found that As2O3 inhibited cell viability of a mesothelioma cell line, NCI‐H2052. As2O3 induced apoptosis of NCI‐H2052 cells, which was accompanied by activation of c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK)1/2, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, and caspase‐3. zVAD‐fmk, a broad‐spectrum caspase inhibitor, inhibited As2O3‐induced apoptosis and activation of caspase‐3, but not that of JNK1/2 and ERK1/2. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting JNK1/2 suppressed As2O3‐induced caspase‐3 activation and apoptosis, indicating that JNK1/2 regulate As2O3‐induced apoptosis though caspase cascade. Furthermore, JNK1 siRNA abrogated As2O3‐induced JNK2 phosphorylation and JNK2 siRNA abrogated As2O3‐induced JNK1 phosphorylation, suggesting that JNK1 and JNK2 interact with each other. Moreover, JNK1 siRNA, but not JNK2 siRNA, abrogated As2O3‐induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. JNK2 siRNA together with PD98059, a specific MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor, suppressed As2O3‐induced apoptosis more significantly than JNK2 siRNA alone. These results indicated that As2O3 induces apoptosis of NCI‐H2052 cells mainly through JNK1/2 activation, and that ERK1/2 is involved in As2O3‐induced apoptosis when JNK1/2 are inactivated. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 762–768, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blood‐derived human osteoclast resorption activity is impaired by Hyaluronan‐CD44 engagement via a p38‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Pivetta Eliana , Scapolan Martina , Wassermann Bruna , Steffan Agostino , Colombatti Alfonso , Spessotto Paola
Published: August 2010

The control of bone resorption is crucial in osteolytic diseases. Once attached to bone, osteoclasts (OCs) initiate the resorption process through the activation of a complex cascade of morphological and biochemical changes. Hyaluronan (HA), an extracellular glycosaminoglycan long non‐branching polysaccharide, is expressed in bone matrices. Here we demonstrate that HA counter‐balances the erosion activity of human mature OCs by significantly reducing their degradative potential. HA treatment of fully differentiated OCs derived from human peripheral blood monocytes inhibited migration on collagen as well as bone resorption. HA‐mediated effects were primarily due to TRAcP, MMP‐9, and cathepsin K down‐regulation and to the increased levels of TIMP‐1, a natural MMP‐9 inhibitor. Binding of HA to mature OCs was entirely mediated by CD44: function‐blocking anti‐CD44 antibodies fully abrogated HA effects, and the engagement of HA receptor caused a rapid de‐phosphorylation of Ser325 in the CD44 cytoplasmic tail. The inhibitory action by HA was associated with a transient up‐phosphorylation of Pyk2, a novel persistent phosphorylation of p38 and the down‐regulation of NFATc1 transcription factor. Our results provide a direct evidence for the involvement of CD44 in the HA‐dependent regulation of OC activity and suggest a signaling pathway that could be unique in OC function inhibition. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 769–779, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN AN ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT AGENCY AND AN ASSOCIATION: FROM CONCEPTION TO INTEGRATION IN FAIR TRADE
Authors: Schmitt Valentina Gomes Haensel
Published: August 2010

This article describes the partnership between the Agency for Entrepreneurship and Small Business – SEBRAE/Santa Catarina – and the organization Toca Tapetes, discussing the process of inserting the organization Toca Tapetes, located in Santa Catarina/Brazil‐, and it´s contribution to sustainable territorial development and economic plurality. This article was completed through a literature search and a case study in organizations Toca Tapetes and SEBRAE. It was used the observation technique, in visits during January 2009, and made interviews with members from Toca tapetes and SEBRAE, with semi‐structured and non‐disguised roadmap questions. The survey's deliverables are predominantly descriptive about the partnership process formation between organizations and integration of Toca Tapetes into the Fair Trade movement are presented, and relationships between variables and the central objective of the work are established. This study found that the case of SEBRAE and Toca Tapetes partnership is an example that resulted in the strengthening of an organization that contributes to sustainable and environmental friendly territorial development, based on an economic plurality concerned with citizenship values, as it managed to combine the need to change the reality of individuals to local tradition. Forging a partnership with SEBRAE was definitive for the increase of Toca´s Tapetes activities, whether in education and training, promotion or inclusion in national competitions. The distinguishing feature of partnership to provide an effective contribution to the development lies in the effort of conceptual change, being action responsible for the community, the activity carried out, the environment, workers and the market. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative cranial osteology of fossorial lizards from the tribe gymnophthalmini (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae)
Authors: Roscito Juliana G. , Rodrigues Miguel T.
Published: August 2010

Squamates (lizards, snakes and amphisbaenians) are represented by a large number of species distributed among a wide variety of habitats. Changes in body plan related to a fossorial habit are a frequent trend within the group and many morphological adaptations to this particular lifestyle evolved convergently in nonrelated species, reflecting adaptations to a similar habitat. The fossorial lifestyle requires an optimal morphological organization for an effective use of the available resources. Skeleton arrangement in fossorial squamates reflects adaptations to the burrowing activity, and different degrees of fossoriality can be inferred through an analysis of skull morphology. Here, we provide a detailed description of the skull morphology of three fossorial gymnophthalmid species:Calyptommatus nicterus,Scriptosaura catimbau, andNothobachia ablephara. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cranial functional morphology of fossil dogs and adaptation for durophagy in Borophagus and Epicyon (Carnivora, Mammalia)
Authors: Tseng Zhijie Jack , Wang Xiaoming
Published: August 2010

Morphological specialization is a complex interplay of adaptation and constraint, as similarly specialized features often evolve convergently in unrelated species, indicating that there are universally adaptive aspects to these morphologies. The evolutionary history of carnivores offers outstanding examples of convergent specialization. Among larger predators, borophagine canids were highly abundant during the tertiary of North America and are regarded as the ecological vicars of Afro‐Eurasian hyenas. Borophaginae is an extinct group of 60+ species, the largest forms evolving robust skulls with prominently domed foreheads, short snouts, and hypertrophied fourth premolars. These specializations have been speculated to enhance bone cracking. To test the extent that the skulls of derived borophagines were adapted for producing large bite forces and withstanding the mechanical stresses associated with bone cracking relative to their nonrobust sister clades, we manipulated muscle forces in models of six canid skulls and analyzed their mechanical response using 3D finite element analysis. Performance measures of bite force production efficiency and deformation minimization showed that skulls of derived borophagines Borophagus secundus and Epicyon haydeni are particularly strong in the frontal region; maximum stresses are lower and more evenly distributed over the skull than in other canids. Frontal strength is potentially coupled with a temporalis‐driven bite to minimize cranial stress during biting in the two derived genera, as tensile stress incurred by contracting temporalis muscles is dissipated rostro‐ventrally across the forehead and face. Comparison of estimated masticatory muscle cross section areas suggests that the temporalis‐masseter ratio is not strongly associated with morphological adaptations for bone cracking in Borophagus and Epicyon; larger body size may explain relatively larger temporalis muscles in the latter. When compared with previous studies, the overall cranial mechanics of the derived borophagines is more similar to bone‐cracking hyaenids and percrocutids than to their canid relatives, indicating convergence in both morphological form and functional capability. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An analogue model of the memristor
Authors: Valsa Juraj , Biolek Dalibor , Biolek Zdeněk
Published: August 2010

The paper presents a working electrical scheme modeling the memristor. The scheme allows experimenting with the model under various testing signals. The user can use it to verify the theoretical presumptions about the memristor properties. Examples of several typical measurements are shown. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activation of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IV and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator‐1α signaling pathway protects against neuronal injury and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in the hippocampal CA1 subfield after transient global ischemia
Authors: Chen Shang‐Der , Lin Tsu‐Kung , Lin Jui‐Wei , Yang Ding‐I , Lee Su‐Ying , Shaw Fu‐Zen , Liou Chia‐Wei , Chuang Yao‐Chung
Published: August 2010

Delayed neuronal cell death occurs in the vulnerable CA1 subfield of the hippocampus after transient global ischemia (TGI). We demonstrated previously, based on an experimental model of TGI, that the significantly increased content of oxidized proteins in hippocampal CA1 neuron was observed as early as 30 min after TGI, followed by augmentation of PGC‐1α expression at 1 hr, as well as up‐regulation of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) and superoxide dismutases 2 (SOD2). Using the same animal model, the present study investigated the role of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) and PGC‐1α in delayed neuronal cell death and mitochondrial biogenesis in the hippocampus. In Sprague‐Dawley rats, significantly increased expression of nuclear CaMKIV was noted in the hippocampal CA1 subfield as early as 15 min after TGI. In addition, the index of mitochondrial biogenesis, including a mitochondrial DNA‐encoded polypeptide, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1), and mitochondrial number significantly increased in the hippocampal CA1 subfield 4 hr after TGI. Application bilaterally into the hippocampal CA1 subfield of an inhibitor of CaMKIV, KN‐93, 30 min before TGI attenuated both CaMKIV and PGC‐1α expression, followed by down‐regulation of UCP2 and SOD2, decrease of COX1 expression and mitochondrial number, heightened protein oxidation, and enhanced hippocampal CA1 neuronal damage. This study provides correlative evidence for the neuroprotective cascade of CaMKIV/PGC‐1α which implicates at least in part the mitochondrial antioxidants UCP2 and SOD2 as well as mitochondrial biogenesis in ischemic brain injury. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Melt Processing of Chitosan‐Based Fibers and Fiber‐Mesh Scaffolds for the Engineering of Connective Tissues
Authors: Correlo Vitor M. , Costa‐Pinto Ana R. , Sol Paula , Covas José A. , Bhattacharya Mrinal , Neves Nuno M. , Reis Rui L.
Published: August 2010

We report the production of chitosan‐based fibers and chitosan fiber‐mesh structures by melt processing (solvent‐free) to be used as tissue‐engineering scaffolds. The melt‐based approach used to produce the scaffolds does not change their main characteristics, including the surface roughness and microporosity. The porosity, pore size, interconnectivity and mechanical performance of the scaffolds are all within the range required for various tissue‐engineering applications. Biological assessments are performed in direct‐contact assays. Cells are able to colonize the scaffold, including the inner porous structure. The cells show high indices of viability in all of the scaffold types.

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