bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of 3‐Amino‐2‐oxindole Derivatives: Catalytic Asymmetric α‐Amination of 3‐Substituted 2‐Oxindoles with a Chiral Scandium Complex
Authors: Yang Zhigang , Wang Zhen , Bai Sha , Shen Ke , Chen Donghui , Liu Xiaohua , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming
Published: April 2010

A highly enantioselective α‐amination of 3‐substituted oxindoles with azodicarboxylates catalyzed by a chiral Sc(OTf)3/N,N′‐dioxide complex (Tf: triflate) has been developed and affords the corresponding 3‐amino‐2‐oxindole derivatives in high yields (up to 98 %) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 %ee). The procedure is capable of tolerating a relatively wide range of substrates, and excellent results (92–96 %ee) can also be obtained, even in the presence of 0.5 mol % of catalyst loading under mild conditions. These results showed the potential value of the catalytic approach. Moreover, with high synthetic versatility, the product could be easily transformed into optically active 3‐amino‐3‐methyloxindole bearing a chiral quaternary stereogenic center.
Data analysis in flow cytometry: The future just started
Authors: Lugli Enrico , Roederer Mario , Cossarizza Andrea
Published: April 2010

In the last 10 years, a tremendous progress characterized flow cytometry in its different aspects. In particular, major advances have been conducted regarding the hardware/instrumentation and reagent development, thus allowing fine cell analysis up to 20 parameters. As a result, this technology generates very complex datasets that demand for the development of optimal tools of analysis. Recently, many independent research groups approached the problem by using both supervised and unsupervised methods. In this article, we will review the new developments concerning the use of bioinformatics for polychromatic flow cytometry and propose what should be done to unravel the enormous heterogeneity of the cells we interrogate each day. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss,Inc.
Differential pulse voltammetric determination and catalytic oxidation of sulfamethoxazole using [5,10,15,20‐ tetrakis (3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxy phenyl) porphyrinato] Cu (II) modified carbon paste sensor
Authors: Joseph Renjini , Girish Kumar K.
Published: April 2010

Sulfamethoxazole (SM) is a sulfonamide bacteriostatic antibiotic. Its primary activity is against susceptible forms of streptococcus, staphylococcus aureus, escherichia coli, haemophilus influenzae, and oral anaerobes. It is commonly used to treat urinary tract infections. In addition it can be used as an alternative to amoxicillin‐based antibiotics to treat sinusitis. It can also be used to treat toxoplasmosis. In the present work, a metalloporphyrin modified carbon paste sensor was fabricated and the electrochemical behaviour of SM was studied using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Cu (II) complex of 5,10,15,20‐ tetrakis (3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxy phenyl) porphyrin (TMHPP Cu (II)) was used as the active material. Compared with bare carbon paste electrode (CPE), the TMHPP Cu (II) modified CPE exhibits excellent enhancement effect on the electrochemical oxidation of SM. A well‐defined oxidation peak of SM occurs at − 140 mV in 0.1M phosphate buffer solution (PBS) of pH 6. All the experimental parameters were optimized and it was found that under optimum conditions the oxidation peak current was linear to the concentration of SM in the range of 1.0 × 10−2–1.0 × 10−8M with a detection limit of 1.5 × 10−9M. The developed sensor has been successfully applied for the determination of SM in pharmaceutical formulations and urine sample. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A rapid and most sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of alverine and its major metabolite, para hydroxy alverine, in human plasma: application to a pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence study
Authors: Ghosh Chinmoy , Jha Vijay , Ahir Ramesh , Shah Sujal , Shinde C.P. , Chakraborty Bhaswat S.
Published: April 2010

A rapid and highly sensitive method for the determination of alverine (ALV) and its metabolite, para hydroxy alverine (PHA), in human plasma using LC‐MS/MS in positive ion electrospray ionization (ESI) in multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode was developed and validated. The procedure involves a simple solid phase extraction (SPE). Chromatographic separation was carried out on a Hypersil GOLD C18 column (50 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with an isocratic mobile phase and a total run time of 1.5 min. The standard calibration curves showed excellent linearity within the range of 0.060–10.051 ng/mL for ALV and 0.059–10.017 ng/mL for PHA (r ≥ 0.990). This method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of alverine citrate 120 mg capsule in Indian healthy male volunteers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuropilin‐1 interacts with the second branchial arch microenvironment to mediate chick neural crest cell dynamics
Authors: McLennan Rebecca , Kulesa Paul M.
Published: April 2010

Cranial neural crest cells (NCCs) require neuropilin signaling to reach and invade the branchial arches. Here, we use an in vivo chick model to investigate whether the neuropilin‐1 knockdown phenotype is specific to the second branchial arch (ba2), changes in NCC behaviors and phenotypic consequences, and whether neuropilins work together to facilitate entry into and invasion of ba2. We find that cranial NCCs with reduced neuropilin‐1 expression displayed shorter protrusions and decreased cell body and nuclear length‐to‐width ratios characteristic of a loss in polarity and motility, after specific interaction with ba2. Directed NCC migration was rescued by transplantation of transfected NCCs into rhombomere 4 of younger hosts. Lastly, reduction of neuropilin‐2 expression by shRNA either solely or with reduction of neuropilin‐1 expression did not lead to a stronger head phenotype. Thus, NCCs, independent of rhombomere origin, require neuropilin‐1, but not neuropilin‐2 to maintain polarity and directed migration into ba2. Developmental Dynamics 239:1664–1673, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Copper‐Catalyzed Activation of Disulfides as a Key Step in the Synthesis of Benzothiazole Moieties
Authors: Hyvl Jakub , Srogl Jiri
Published: April 2010

A convenient synthesis of substituted benzothiazoles has been accomplished by way of a copper catalyzed reaction of aromatic disulfide amines and aldehydes. The process, which involves copper catalyzed activation of disulfide functionality, proceeds in a tandem fashion via C–H bond activation, followed by aerobic oxidation of a resulting dihydrobenzothiazole intermediate. The scope and limitations of the reaction are demonstrated on a variety of substrates.
HnRNP K and PDI marked response to chemotherapy to human colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Peng , Huang Long , Ma Yan‐lei , Peng Jia‐yuan , Shen Tong‐yi , Chen Hong‐qi , Zhou Yu‐kun , Zhang Ming , Chu Zhao‐xin , Qin Huan‐long
Published: April 2010

5‐Fluorouracil has been the chemotherapy agent of first‐choice for colorectal cancer for many years, but since there are no proven predictors of a patient's response to therapy, all patients receive similar treatment. Consequently, identification of biomarkers for therapeutic effect is crucial for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Two human colorectal cancer cell lines of different metastatic potential (LoVo and SW480) were studied. IC50 of 5‐FU for both cell lines were measured by 3‐(4,5‐dimethy‐lthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium assay and validated by cell cycle analysis. Then the cell lines were treated with 5‐FU at IC50 concentration and protein was extracted for 2‐DE. Differential protein spots were examined by MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS. The expression levels of the different proteins were further confirmed by Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses. Eleven proteins were identified. Expression of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) in LoVo cells was higher than in SW480 cells, while protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) displayed the opposite trend. After treatment with 5‐FU, the expression of hnRNP K in LoVo decreased more significantly than in SW480, while PDI in SW480 increased more significantly than in LoVo cells. Conclusion: hnRNP K and PDI in the two cell lines have different expression characteristics. The sensitivity to 5‐FU is not consistent in tumor progression. It may assist in development of novel treatment strategies for colorectal cancer metastasis.
A multidimensional electrophoretic system of separation for the analysis of gene expression (MESSAGE)
Authors: Lindemann Elena , Rohde Bettina , Rupp Steffen , Regenbogen Johannes , Sohn Kai
Published: April 2010

Differential gene expression profiling has become of central importance for the analysis of cellular systems at the transcriptional level. By now, many platform technologies including DNA‐microarrays, serial analysis of gene expression or RNA‐seq have been established in order to facilitate transcriptional profiling. However, these technologies are all subjected to specific limitations, as they require a priori knowledge of annotated genome sequences or are based on substantial bioinformatic infrastructure, for example. As an unbiased alternative we describe here a multidimensional electrophoretic system of separation for the analysis of gene expression for the global transcriptional profiling in any eukaryotic organism. This approach is compatible with standard laboratory equipment comprising high‐resolution separation of complex cDNA‐probes using two‐dimensional DNA‐gel electrophoresis. In this context cDNA fragments are separated using non‐denaturing PAGE in the first dimension with subsequent denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis in the second dimension. Two‐dimensional spot patterns are quantified by well‐established bioinformatic algorithms and selected spots are identified using DNA sequencing. Neither does this method necessarily depend on annotated genome sequences, nor does it require sophisticated instrumentation. Strikingly, quantitative data on differential gene expression derived from multidimensional electrophoretic system of separation for the analysis of gene expression highly correlate with corresponding data from quantitative RT‐PCR even for transcriptional profiles of limited amounts of total RNA.
Template tailoring: Accurate determination of heterozygous alleles using peptide nucleic acid and dideoxyNTP
Authors: Tariq Muhammad Akram , Pourmand Nader
Published: April 2010

Measurement of the length of DNA fragments plays a pivotal role in genetic mapping, disease diagnostics, human identification and forensic applications. PCR followed by electrophoresis is used for DNA length measurement of STRs, a process that requires labeled primers and allelic ladders as standards to avoid machine error. Sequencing‐based approaches can be used for STR analysis to eliminate the requirement of labeled primers and allelic ladder. However, the limiting factor with this approach is unsynchronized polymerization in heterozygous sample analysis, in which alleles with different lengths can lead to imbalanced heterozygote peak height ratios. We have developed a rapid DNA length measurement method using peptide nucleic acid and dideoxy dNTPs to “tailor” DNA templates for accurate sequencing to overcome this hurdle. We also devised an accelerated “dyad” pyrosequencing strategy, such that the combined approach can be used as a faster, more accurate alternative to de novo sequencing. Dyad sequencing interrogates two bases at a time by allowing the polymerase to incorporate two nucleotides to DNA template, cutting the analysis time in half. In addition, for the first time, we show the effect of peptide nucleic acid as a blocking probe to stop polymerization, which is essential to analyze the heterozygous samples by sequencing. This approach provides a new platform for rapid and cost‐effective DNA length measurement for STRs and resequencing of small DNA fragments.
Mapping of phosphorylation sites in human MSK1 activated by a novel interaction with MRK‐β
Authors: Wang Wei , Han Guanghui , Ye Mingliang , Shi Huili , Zou Hanfa , Huo Keke
Published: April 2010

The desire to map reliable phosphorylation signaling network has motivated the development of high‐performance techniques. Targeted biochemical studies and updated methods employing MS techniques are most used in mapping the phosphorylation sites and verifying novel interactions of kinases. Previously, we have established a novel method to efficiently facilitate more comprehensive, accurate phosphorylation site mapping of individual phosphoproteins by using combination of multiple stage MS analysis with target‐decoy database search against the much smaller targeted database. In this study, by applying this method, we have identified the phosphorylation sites in human MSK1 mitogen‐ and stress‐activated protein kinase 1), which has been proved to be a multi‐phosphorylated kinase that plays key roles in various cell functions, activated by a novel interaction with MRK‐β. The results show that this method can find out not only those previously identified active sites in MSK1, but also some novel phosphorylated sites, which correlates with biochemical evidence that, besides p38 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, MRK‐β could also activate MSK1 through direct interaction. Hence, we conclude this method is sensitive and reliable as expected and it can be further combined with automated screening and biochemical study in efficiently building up a more comprehensive phosphoprotein network.
Preparation of a neutral porous monolith and its evaluation in pressurized capillary electrochromatography with neutral and charged solutes
Authors: Lin Jia , Lin Jian , Lin Xucong , Wu Xiaoping , Xie Zenghong
Published: April 2010

A neutral, nonpolar monolithic capillary column was evaluated as a hydrophobic stationary phase in pressurized CEC system for neutral, acidic and basic solutes. The monolith was prepared by in situ copolymerization of octadecyl methacrylate and ethylene dimethacrylate in a binary porogenic solvent consisting of cyclohexanol/1,4‐butanediol. EOF in this hydrophobic monolithic column was poor; even the pH value of the mobile phase was high. Because of the absence of fixed charges, the monolithic capillary column was free of electrostatic interactions with charged solutes. Separations of neutral solutes were based on the hydrophobic mechanism with the pressure as the driving force. The acidic and basic solutes were separated under pressurized CEC mode with the pressure and electrophoretic mobility as the driving force. The separation selectivity of charged solutes were based on their differences in electrophoretic mobility and hydrophobic interaction with the stationary phase, and no obvious peak tailing for basic analytes was observed. Effects of the mobile phase compositions on the retention of acidic compounds were also investigated. Under optimized conditions, high plate counts reaching 82 000 plates/m for neutral compounds, 134 000 plates/m for acid compounds and 150 000 plates/m for basic compounds were readily obtained.
SCALES: a large‐scale assessment model of soil erosion hazard in Basse‐Normandie (northern‐western France)
Authors: Le Gouée P. , Delahaye D. , Bermond M. , Marie M. , Douvinet J. , Viel V.
Published: April 2010

The cartography of erosion risk is mainly based on the development of models, which evaluate in a qualitative and quantitative manner the physical reproduction of the erosion processes (CORINE, EHU, INRA). These models are mainly semi‐quantitative but can be physically based and spatially distributed (the Pan‐European Soil Erosion Risk Assessment, PESERA). They are characterized by their simplicity and their applicability potential at large temporal and spatial scales. In developing our model SCALES (Spatialisation d'éChelle fine de l'ALéa Erosion des Sols/large‐scale assessment and mapping model of soil erosion hazard), we had in mind several objectives: (1) to map soil erosion at a regional scale with the guarantee of a large accuracy on the local level, (2) to envisage an applicability of the model in European oceanic areas, (3) to focus the erosion hazard estimation on the level of source areas (on‐site erosion), which are the agricultural parcels, (4) to take into account the weight of the temporality of agricultural practices (land‐use concept). Because of these objectives, the nature of variables, which characterize the erosion factors and because of its structure, SCALES differs from other models. Tested in Basse‐Normandie (Calvados 5500 km2) SCALES reveals a strong predisposition of the study area to the soil erosion which should require to be expressed in a wet year. Apart from an internal validation, we tried an intermediate one by comparing our results with those from INRA and PESERA. It appeared that these models under estimate medium erosion levels and differ in the spatial localization of areas with the highest erosion risks. SCALES underlines here the limitations in the use of pedo‐transfer functions and the interpolation of input data with a low resolution.

One must not forget however that these models are mainly focused on an interregional comparative approach. Therefore the comparison of SCALES data with those of the INRA and PESERA models cannot result on a convincing validation of our model. For the moment the validation is based on the opinion of local experts, who agree with the qualitative indications delivered by our cartography. An external validation of SCALES is foreseen, which will be based on a thorough inventory of erosion signals in areas with different hazard levels. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The geomorphology and evolution of a large barrier spit: Farewell Spit, New Zealand
Authors: Tribe Helen M. , Kennedy David M.
Published: April 2010

Farewell Spit is a 25 km long barrier spit that marks the end of a littoral drift system, almost 1000 km in length that runs along South Island, New Zealand. The spit is composed of barchan dunes over 20 m high, sand sheets over 1 km wide and vegetated linear dunes. Analysis of aerial photography indicates a rapid colonization of the spit by vegetation which has expanded in area by 75% since 1950. Vegetation colonization preferentially occurs on the southern side of the spit, with its northern margin characterized by barchan dunes which migrate at rates of up to 64 m/yr. Sand sourced from longshore drift appears to be the primary source of beach sediment, which is then transported into the dune field by the persistent westerly winds of the Roaring 40s. While there has been significant dune roll‐over on the surface of the spit, its overall area has remained much the same for the past 54 years. Occasional cyclone events cause erosion, but this is balanced by aeolian sediment transport. It would appear that extension of the subaerial portion of the spit is related to the development of shells banks at its downdrift end which are periodically welded to the main spit by dune extension. Farewell Spit therefore provides an ideal example of a barrier environment where longshore sediment supply and aeolian transport dominates geomorphic evolution. This differentiates the study site from other barrier environments where overwash or tidal inlet development often characterizes recent landform evolution. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal (As, Cd, Hg, and CH3Hg) bioaccumulation from water and food by the benthic amphipod Leptocheirus plumulosus
Authors: Williams Jason J. , Dutton Jessica , Chen Celia Y. , Fisher Nicholas S.
Published: April 2010

Benthic invertebrates may be exposed to metals in pore water, overlying water, ingested sediments, and other food particles. Rates and routes of metal exposure have important implications for predicting toxicity and interpreting toxicity test results. For the standard test amphipod Leptocheirus plumulosus, radiotracer techniques were used to quantify rates of Cd, As, Hg(II), and CH3Hg bioaccumulation from water and from suspension feeding on labeled microalgae. Measured parameters were incorporated into a bioaccumulation model to predict steady-state metal concentrations in L. plumulosus and to evaluate the relative importance of aqueous and dietary uptake pathways across a range of ingested particle types and ingestion rates. Results indicate that ingested particles contribute strongly to metal bioaccumulation and that feeding plasticity could strongly influence metal exposure. As L. plumulosus switches from suspension feeding to deposit feeding or selectively feeds on particles for which it has a high assimilation efficiency, metal exposure and body burden will increase. At ingestion rates previously reported for deposit feeding (3 g/g/d), dietary metal sources dominate metal bioaccumulation and can be responsible for greater than 90% of metal bioaccumulated, regardless of metal partitioning or ingested particle type. These results suggest that more research on L. plumulosus feeding behavior is needed to produce a more complete mechanistic understanding of metal bioaccumulation. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1755–1761. © 2010 SETAC
Acute toxicity of emamectin benzoate and its desmethyl metabolite to Eohaustorius estuarius
Authors: Kuo Jen-ni , Buday Craig , van Aggelen Graham , Ikonomou Michael George , Pasternak John
Published: April 2010

Emamectin benzoate is one of the active ingredients of the anti-sealice drug SLICE®. Ten-day acute sediment lethal tests (10-d LC50) of emamectin benzoate and its desmethyl metabolite (AB1) were conducted to determine LC50 values using a sensitive representative West Coast amphipod crustacean, Eohaustorius estuarius. The 10-d LC50s of emamectin benzoate and AB1 to E. estuarius were 0.185 and 0.019 mg/kg wet weight sediment (0.146 and 0.015 mg/kg dry wt), respectively. The degradation properties of emamectin benzoate and AB1 during the 10-d period were also measured and described. No obvious decay patterns were observed for either emamectin benzoate and AB1 over the 10-d period. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1816–1820. © 2010 SETAC
Fate of fluorotelomer acids in a soil–water microcosm
Authors: Myers Anne L. , Mabury Scott A.
Published: April 2010

Fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs) and the corresponding unsaturated acids (FTUCAs) are known intermediates in the biodegradation of industrially produced fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) to environmentally persistent perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs). The FTCAs and FTUCAs are of concern for their toxicity, reactivity, and unknown disposition in the environment. The fate of these compounds was investigated in a simple sediment–water microcosm system. Microcosms were spiked with 8:2 FTCA, 10:2 FTCA, 8:2 FTUCA, or 10:2 FTUCA, after which sediment and water samples were collected over time and analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The FTCAs and FTUCAs investigated in the present study were observed to degrade rapidly, and sorption of these analytes to sediment was found to be greater for the 10:2 telomer acids compared with the corresponding 8:2 telomer acids. Identifiable degradation products of FTCAs and FTUCAs were observed; however, an overall molar balance could not be achieved. The observed reactivity and lability of these analytes may contribute to the low levels of FTCAs detected in environmental samples. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1689–1695. © 2010 SETAC
pH dependence of binding benzo[h]quinoline and humic acid and effects on fluorescence quenching
Authors: Hsieh Ping-Chieh , Hsu Shih-Han , Lee Chon-Lin , Brimblecombe Peter
Published: April 2010

The binding constant (KDOC) between humic acid and the nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic compound (N-PAC), benzo[h]quinoline, was measured at varying pH levels using fluorescence quenching (FQ). Because fluorescence characteristics of benzo[h]quinoline change with pH, determination required two optimum sets of excitation and emission wavelength pairs. A simple mixing model was used to eliminate the inherent fluorescence interference between benzo[h]quinoline and its protonated form, benzo[h]quinolinium, when estimating binding constants. Hydrophobic interaction is likely to control the binding between humic acid and benzo[h]quinoline and benzo[h]quinolinium, in lower and higher pH ranges (pH <3, pH >6). In contrast, cation exchange seems to control the binding affinity of benzo[h]quinolinium in the middle range of pH. The estimates of KDOC were up to 70% smaller after elimination of interference. This indicates that the contribution of the minor form influences estimates of the KDOC–pH trend for benzo[h]quinoline, and potentially explains the large discrepancy reported in the literature between results based on using FQ and those based on equilibrium dialysis methods. Previous FQ measurements overestimate KDOC at some pH values and lead to an underestimation of bioavailability in an aquatic environment. The application of our models appears to be necessary when using FQ for determining the KDOC–pH trend for organic compounds with acid–base pair analogs. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1696–1702. © 2010 SETAC
Occurrence and fate of micropollutants in the Vidy Bay of Lake Geneva, Switzerland. Part I: Priority list for environmental risk assessment of pharmaceuticals
Authors: Perazzolo Chiara , Morasch Barbara , Kohn Tamar , Magnet Anoÿs , Thonney Denis , Chèvre Nathalie
Published: April 2010

Pharmaceuticals are substances designed to have a biological effect in humans. Their presence in the environment, especially in surface waters, is of increasing concern because of their potential risk to non-target species. A large number of pharmaceuticals are on the market; for example, approximately 2,000 active ingredients are approved in Europe, and many of them have already been detected in surface water. It is therefore crucial to select the substances that may do the most harm to the environment prior to performing measurements and extensive risk assessment. In the present study, a method to determine a list of pharmaceuticals to survey in surface water is proposed. Inclusion of substances on the list was based on a screening procedure, the analytical feasibility, and previous knowledge of pharmaceuticals detected in water. The screening procedure proposed here is an improvement on the standard procedure of the European Medicine Evaluation Agency (EMEA). It is designed to decrease the number of pharmaceuticals to be evaluated in a stepwise manner, thus decreasing the number of data necessary for the evaluation. We applied our approach to determine a list of 37 pharmaceuticals and four hormones to survey in a specific region of Switzerland, the Lake Geneva area, and discussed the advantages and weak points of the method. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1649–1657. © 2010 SETAC
Influence of the molecular structure and exposure concentration on the uptake and elimination kinetics, bioconcentration, and biotransformation of anionic and nonionic surfactants
Authors: Álvarez-Muñoz Diana , Gómez-Parra Abelardo , González-Mazo Eduardo
Published: April 2010

In vivo experiments with fish (sole) were performed for pure homologs of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) and alcohol ethoxylates (AEO), the most widely used anionic and nonionic surfactants. The surfactant concentration measured in the organism was higher than in the experimental water, and increased with the exposure concentration for both compounds. At the exposure levels tested the bioconcentration factors (BCF) for AEO were one order of magnitude higher than for LAS. Two linear relationships for hydrophobicity were established, one with BCF and the other with uptake rate. The influence of the exposure concentration on the uptake (k1) and elimination (k2) velocities was researched. The value obtained for k1 for AEO was higher than for LAS, while k2 was very similar for both compounds, indicating differences in the incorporation and but not in the depuration rate. For the first time, internal degradation products of LAS were identified and quantified in fish and water and the glucuronic conjugate of AEO was detected in an organism. The predominant biotransformation process for these compounds may be different: the results suggest a phase I biotransformation for LAS and phase II for AEO, due to their different molecular structures. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1727–1734. © 2010 SETAC
Influence of nutrient level on methylmercury content in water spinach
Authors: Greger Maria , Dabrowska Beata
Published: April 2010

Widely consumed vegetables are often cultivated in sewage waters with high nutrient levels. They can contain high levels of methylmercury (MeHg), because they can form MeHg from inorganic Hg in their young shoots. We determined whether the MeHg uptake and the MeHg formation in the shoots of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) were affected by the presence of a high nutrient level in the growth medium. Water spinach shoots were rooted and pretreated in growth medium containing 7% (low) or 70% (high) Hoagland nutrient solution; thereafter, the plants were treated with either 0.02 µM MeHg or 0.2 µM HgCl2 for 3 d. Half the plants were then analyzed for total Hg and MeHg. The remaining plants were transferred to mercury-free medium with low or high nutrient levels and posttreated for 3 days before analysis of total Hg and MeHg in order to measure MeHg formation in the absence of external Hg. The results indicate that nutrient level did not influence MeHg uptake, but that a high nutrient level reduced the distribution of MeHg to the shoots 2.7-fold versus low nutrient level. After treatment with HgCl2, MeHg was found in roots and new shoots but not in old shoots. The MeHg:total-Hg ratio was higher in new shoots than in roots, being 13 times higher at high versus low nutrient levels. Thus, MeHg formation was the same in new shoots independent of inorganic Hg concentration, since the total Hg level decreased at a high nutrient level. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1735–1739. © 2010 SETAC
Immune‐based selection of pilot nodes for secondary voltage control
Authors: Amraee T. , Ranjbar A. M. , Feuillet R.
Published: April 2010

Secondary voltage control is used to re‐adjust the reference values of automatic voltage regulators of generators. The performance of the secondary voltage control strongly depends on pilot node selection. In this paper the two proposed control laws for secondary voltage control are discussed and then an immune based algorithm is proposed to solve the optimal pilot node selection problem. The proposed algorithm is based on the clonal selection theory. The merit of immune algorithm lies in pattern recognition and memorization capabilities. Also, to provide independency of electrical zones a decoupling factor based on electrical distance concept is proposed. To verify the network observability and controllability, the proposed method is simulated over two New‐England 39‐Bus and IEEE 118‐Bus test cases. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical investigation of turbulent flow over a stationary and oscillatory NACA0012 airfoil using overset grids method
Authors: Rostami M. J. Vafaei , Saghafian M. , Sedaghat A. , Miansari Mo.
Published: April 2010

In this numerical study, unsteady and incompressible turbulent flows have been considered around stationary and flapping NACA0012 airfoil. Overset grid technique is used in this work. Three turbulence models have been examined including the linear Launder–Sharma k–ε model, nonlinear Craft–Launder–Suga k–ε model and nonlinear Lien–Chen–Leschziner k–ε model.

First, the flow field around a stationary airfoil is solved for validating purposes. The results reveal different capabilities of capturing separation angle of attack using linear and nonlinear models. Nonlinear models predict smaller stall angle compared with the linear ones.

Second, the flow field around a plunging airfoil is considered at various angles of attack, reduced frequencies and different amplitudes. The results show that the effects of reduced frequency are highly significant. There are differences in aerodynamic forces and wake structures in the upstroke and the down stroke motions, because they are functions of the mean angle of attack, oscillation amplitude and reduced frequency. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potentials and limitations of modelling spatio‐temporal patterns of soil moisture in a high mountain catchment using WaSiM‐ETH
Authors: Rößler Ole , Löffler Jörg
Published: April 2010

Soil moisture is a highly dynamic ecological variable. This dynamic is especially distinct in high mountains areas, where topography, snow cover, micro‐climate, vegetation, soil properties and land cover vary across short distances. For such areas, soil moisture modelling on a fine scale is therefore particularly challenging. We evaluated the distributed, physically based model WaSiM‐ETH with regard to its ability to model soil moisture in high mountain catchments, including spatio‐temporal patterns. The study was performed in the alpine catchment area of the Lötschen valley (160 km2) in Switzerland, an area ranging from 600 to 4000 m a.s.l. The model was run for the period of 2003–2007 with high temporal (hourly) and spatial (50 m) resolution. Extensive TDR‐ and FD‐measurements conducted in 2006 and 2007 enabled the validation of the simulated soil moisture. A local sensitivity analysis indicated a dependence of soil moisture on skeleton fraction and temperature. The validation results showed that WaSiM‐ETH is able to simulate absolute soil moisture variability across different altitudes and land cover types with only a moderate accuracy (R = 0·47), whereas the soil moisture dynamic is reproduced well (R = 0·69, IoA = 0·66). High spatial variability of skeleton fraction and coarse meteorological data are the main causes for the limitation in soil moisture modelling. Nevertheless, analysing the spatio‐temporal patterns of soil moisture revealed a clear seasonal pattern that is in line with literature. We found soil moisture to be determined by liquid precipitation, snow‐melt and evapotranspiration. Greatest efforts should be laid on the exact determination of fine‐scale meteorological data and spatial skeleton estimation to improve soil moisture modelling in high mountain areas in the future. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From fetus to adult—an allometric analysis of the giraffe vertebral column
Authors: van Sittert Sybrand J. , Skinner John D. , Mitchell Graham
Published: April 2010

As mammalian cervical vertebral count is almost always limited to seven, the vertebral column of the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) provides an interesting study on scaling and adaptation to shape in light of these constraints. We have defined and described the growth rates of the lengths, widths, and heights of the vertebrae from fetal through neonatal life to maturity. We found that the disproportionate elongation of the cervical vertebrae is not a fetal process but occurs after birth, and that each cervical (C2‐C7) vertebrae elongates at the same rate. C7 is able to specialize toward elongation as its function has been shifted to T1. We concluded that T1 is a transitional vertebra whose scaling exponent and length is between that of the cervical and thoracic series. Despite its transitional nature, T1 is still regarded as thoracic, as it possesses an articulating rib that attaches to the sternum. The other dimensions taken (width, height, and spinous process length) show that giraffe vertebral morphology exhibit adaptations to biomechanical strain, and we have underlined the importance of the thoracic spinous processes in supporting the head and neck. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:469–479, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A 40 ka record of temperature and permafrost conditions in northwestern Europe from noble gases in the Ledo‐Paniselian Aquifer (Belgium)
Authors: Blaser Petra Corinne , Kipfer Rolf , Loosli Heinz Hugo , Walraevens Kristine , van Camp Marc , Aeschbach‐Hertig Werner
Published: April 2010

The Ledo‐Paniselian Aquifer in Belgium offers unique opportunities to study periglacial groundwater recharge during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), as it was located close to the southern boundary of the ice sheets at that time. Groundwater residence times determined by 14C and 4He reveal a sequence of Holocene and Pleistocene groundwaters and a gap between about 14 and 21 ka, indicating permafrost conditions which inhibited groundwater recharge. In this paper, a dataset of noble gas measurements is used to study the climatic evolution of the region. The derived recharge temperatures indicate that soil temperatures in the periods just before and after the recharge gap were only slightly above freezing, supporting the hypothesis that permafrost caused the recharge gap. The inferred glacial cooling of 9.5°C is the largest found so far by the noble gas method. Yet, compared to other palaeoclimate reconstructions for the region, recharge temperatures deduced from noble gases for the cold periods tend to be rather high. Most likely, this is due to soil temperatures being several degrees higher than air temperatures during periods with extended snow cover. Thus the noble‐gas‐derived glacial cooling of 9.5°C is only a lower limit of the maximum cooling during the LGM. Some samples younger than the recharge gap are affected by degassing, possibly related to gas production during recharge in part of the recharge area, especially during times of melting permafrost. The findings of this study, such as the occurrence of a recharge gap and degassing related to permafrost and its melting, are significant for groundwater dynamics and geochemistry in periglacial areas. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quaternary tephra marker beds and their potential for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction on Chatham Island, east of New Zealand, southwest Pacific Ocean
Authors: Holt Katherine A. , Wallace R. Clel , Neall Vincent E. , Kohn Barry P. , Lowe David J.
Published: April 2010

Tephras provide one of the most reliable methods of time control and synchronisation within Quaternary sequences. We report on the identification of two widespread rhyolitic tephras – the Kawakawa and Rangitawa tephras – preserved in extensive peat deposits on Chatham Island ∼900 km east of New Zealand. The tephras, both products of supereruptions from the Taupo Volcanic Zone, occur as pale, fine‐ash dominated layers typically 10–150 mm thick. Mineralogically they are dominated by rhyolitic glass, together with subordinate amounts of quartz, feldspar, hypersthene, hornblende, Fe–Ti oxides and zircon. Phlogopite/biotite was identified additionally in Rangitawa Tephra. Ages for each tephra were obtained via mineralogical and major element glass composition‐based correlation with well‐dated equivalent deposits on mainland New Zealand, and we also obtained a new zircon fission‐track age for Rangitawa Tephra (350 ± 50 ka) on Chatham Island. Both tephras were erupted at critical times for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions in the New Zealand region: the Kawakawa at ca. 27 cal. ka, near the beginning of the ‘extended’ LGM early in marine isotope stage (MIS) 2; and the Rangitawa at ca. 350 ka near the end of MIS 10. The time constraints provided by the tephras demonstrate that Chatham Island peats contain long‐distance pollen derived from mainland New Zealand, which provides a reliable proxy for identifying glacial–interglacial climate conditions, in this case during the MIS 11–10 and MIS 2–1 cycles. The two tephras thus provide important chronostratigraphic tie‐points that facilitate correlation and synchronisation not only across the Quaternary deposits of the Chatham Islands group but also with climatically significant terrestrial and marine records in the wider New Zealand region. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature‐dependent Raman study of PrFeO3thin film
Authors: Ahmad Mir Feroz , Ikram M. , Kumar Ravi
Published: April 2010

Low‐temperature Raman study of (001)‐oriented PrFeO3 thin film of around 200 nm thickness deposited on a LaAlO3 (001) substrate by using the pulsed‐laser deposition technique is presented. X‐ray diffraction analysis of this film shows an orthorhombic structure with Pbnm space group. The observed substrate‐induced strain is found to be small. In the room temperature Raman spectra, different Raman modes were observed that were classified according to the orthorhombic structure. All the observed modes show a decrease in wavenumber with rise in temperature, except the B1g mode (624 cm−1) which shows some anomalous behavior. We tried to correlate the variations in linewidth and position with temperature for the observed modes with the octahedral disorder of FeO6. Many possibilities are presented to explain the observed results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of leptin receptor in nasal polyps: Leptin as a mucosecretagogue
Authors: Song Si‐Youn , Woo Hyun‐Jae , Bae Chang Hoon , Kim Yong‐Woon , Kim Yong‐Dae
Published: April 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Leptin is a pleiotropic hormone that regulates food intake and metabolic and endocrine functions. Serum leptin levels have been reported to be increased in patients with allergic rhinitis and nasal polyposis; however, the explanation for this is unclear. We aimed to demonstrate the differential expression of leptin receptors in normal human nasal mucosa and nasal polyps, and to elucidate the effects of leptin on mucin gene expression in human nasal polyp epithelial cells.

Study Design:

Case‐control and in vitro study.

Methods:

Normal ethmoid sinus mucosa was obtained from 10 subjects and used as a control; nasal polyps were obtained from 10 patients. Leptin receptor expression was analyzed using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blot analysis. Leptin‐induced expression of major respiratory mucins (MUC5AC and MUC5B) in the human nasal polyp epithelial cells was determined using RT‐PCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

The leptin receptor expression was stronger in the nasal polyps than in the normal nasal mucosa. In human nasal polyp epithelial cells, leptin increased the expression of MUC5AC and MUC5B, in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, at the gene and protein levels. Leptin‐induced mucin expression was inhibited by the leptin receptor antagonist.

Conclusions:

The increased expression of leptin receptors in nasal polyps implies leptin has a certain role in nasal polyposis. In addition, leptin appears to induce the expression of MUC5AC and MUC5B through leptin receptors in the human nasal polyp epithelial cells. Laryngoscope, 2010
Endoscopic repair of high‐flow cranial base defects using a bilayer button
Authors: Luginbuhl Adam J. , Campbell Peter G. , Evans James , Rosen Marc
Published: April 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Repair of the skull base still begins with a direct repair of the dural defect. We present a new button closure for primary repair of the dura for high flow defects.

Study Design:

Retrospective review.

Methods:

We reviewed our 20 cases of primary button grafts and compared the results to the previous 20 high‐flow open‐cistern cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cases. Subjects were excluded if they had no violation of the arachnoid space or potential for low‐flow CSF leak. The button is constructed so that the inlay portion is at least 25% larger than the dural defect, and the onlay portion is just large enough to cover the dural defect. The two grafts are sutured together using two 4‐0 Neurolon sutures and placed with the inlay portion intradurally and the onlay portion extradurally.

Results:

The button graft repair of open‐cisternal defects had a drop in CSF leak complications to 10% (2/20), and these two leaks were repaired with the button technique as the salvage surgery. This is a significant improvement over the 45% leak rate in the prebutton graft group (P < .03). In our button graft group we used nasoseptal flaps on 16/20 repairs, and 1/2 repairs that leaked in the button group did not have a nasoseptal flap. Lumbar drains were used in ∼38% in both groups (P = .83).

Conclusions:

The button graft can be used in conjunction with the nasal septal flap or as a stand‐alone repair with good results reducing the postoperative leak rate to 10% for high‐flow CSF repairs. Laryngoscope, 2010
KAI1 COOH‐terminal interacting tetraspanin (KITENIN) expression in early and advanced laryngeal cancer
Authors: Lee Joon Kyoo , Yoon Tae Mi , Seo Deok Jung , Sun Eun Gene , Bae Jeong A. , Lim Sang Chul , Choi Yoo Duk , Lee Jae Hyuk , Joo Young Eun , Kim Kyung Keun
Published: April 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To investigate the expression of KAI1 COOH‐terminal interacting tetraspanin (KITENIN) in patients with laryngeal cancers and to examine the correlation between its expression and various clinical and pathological variables.

Study Design:

Cross‐sectional study with planned data collection.

Methods:

Tumor specimens were collected from 32 patients with laryngeal squamous carcinoma (collection of consecutive 32 tumor samples; 14 early stage, 18 advanced stage). Expression of KITENIN in the tissues obtained was determined by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining. The patient characteristics including age, gender, tumor location, histology, stage, tumor extent, lymph node metastasis, and survival were obtained by review of the hospital records.

Results:

KITENIN expression was significantly increased in laryngeal cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal tissue mucosa, as well as in metastatic lymph nodes compared to nonmetastatic lymph nodes. High KITENIN expression was significantly associated with advanced stage, tumor extent, and lymph node metastasis (P = .016, .016, and .005, respectively). There was no difference in the overall survival and disease‐free survival between the low‐ and high‐KITENIN expression groups among patients with laryngeal cancer.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that KITENIN expression may be associated with tumor progression in patients with laryngeal cancer. Further studies are needed to determine whether KITENIN expression adds prognostic value to conventional factors, such as the stage and status of metastasis, in a large series with a long period of follow‐up. Laryngoscope, 2010
Systematic review of the evidence for the etiology of adult sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Chau Justin K. , Lin June R. J. , Atashband Shahnaz , Irvine Robert A. , Westerberg Brian D.
Published: April 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine the evidence for different etiologies of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) identified by clinical diagnostic tests in the adult population.

Study Design:

Systematic literature review.

Methods:

Review of MEDLINE (1950–October 2009), EMBASE (1980–October 2009), and EBM Review databases in addition to manual reference search of identified papers. Randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, and retrospective reviews of consecutive patients in which a clear definition of SSNHL was stated and data from consecutive patients were reported with respect to etiology of hearing loss. Three researchers independently extracted data regarding patient demographic information, diagnostic tests employed, and the identified presumed etiologies. Discrepancies were resolved by mutual consensus.

Results:

Twenty‐three articles met the inclusion criteria. The first group of papers searched for different etiologies among patients with SSNHL. Multiple etiologies were identified, including viral infection, vascular impairment, autoimmune disease, inner ear pathology, and central nervous system anomalies. The diagnosis for the majority of patients remained idiopathic. The second group of papers evaluated SSNHL patients with specific diagnostic tests such as autoimmune markers, hemostatic parameters, and diagnostic imaging.

Conclusions:

The suspected etiologies for patients suffering sudden sensorineural hearing loss included idiopathic (71.0%), infectious disease (12.8%), otologic disease (4.7%), trauma (4.2%), vascular or hematologic (2.8%), neoplastic (2.3%), and other causes (2.2%). Establishment of a direct causal link between SSNHL and these etiologies remains elusive. Diagnostic imaging is a useful method for identification of temporal bone or intracranial pathology that can present with SSNHL as a primary symptom. Laryngoscope, 2010