bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Prediction of Soil Water Retention using Mid Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Janik L. J. , Merry R. H. , Forrester S. T. , Lanyon D. M. , Rawson A.
Published: March 2007

Soil‐water properties vary widely with soil composition and texture, but measurements are often time consuming and expensive to determine using traditional laboratory methods. Mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopy is sensitive to soil composition, allowing multivariate calibrations to be derived between volumetric soil water retention and MIR spectra. Mid‐infrared partial least squares (PLS) models can be derived from the spectra of soils and reference data, and can be used to predict the water retention solely from the MIR spectra of unknown samples. Regressions between laboratory‐determined volumetric water retentions, θv, at matric suctions from 1 to 1500 kPa and values predicted by MIR PLS analysis are presented for a broad variety of surface soils from southern Australia. Cross‐validation produced coefficient of determination values ranging from 0.67 to 0.87 and standard error of cross‐validation in the range 4.1 to 3.2. Prediction robustness was tested using an independent set of samples for values of θv at field capacity (10‐kPa suction) and permanent wilting point (1500‐kPa suction). The prediction standard error for the test set was higher than for cross‐validation. This was attributed to a mismatch between spectra for the test set and those of the calibration samples, resulting in a reduced ability of the calibration samples to model the test set spectra. The MIR PLS prediction method performed at least as well as some pedotransfer functions and was shown to be a rapid and inexpensive method for the prediction of volumetric soil moisture content for a range of soil types at a range of matric suctions.
Runoff and Sediments from Hillslope Soils within a Native American Agroecosystem
Authors: Norton J. B. , Sandor J. A. , White C. S.
Published: March 2007

Farmers of the Zuni Indian Reservation in New Mexico rely on materials transported from upper watersheds to maintain productivity of some of the oldest agricultural fields in North America. This study determined runoff and sediment production from hillslopes as functions of slope position, soil cover, and rainfall characteristics. Runoff was collected from plots in summit or shoulder [SU], backslope [BS], and footslope [FS] positions and in bare soil, microbiotic crust, oak, juniper, pinyon, and grass cover. In rainfall events that generated runoff, sediment C and N concentrations decreased with total sediment yield, but C/N ratios increased. Carbon/nitrogen ratios were generally lower in sediments from early season events. Backslope plots yielded the most sediment (125 g m−2) and the most organic C (2.2 g m−2), total N (116 mg m−2), and total P (34.2 mg m−2), but those from SU plots had the highest concentrations (e.g., 31 g C kg−1compared with 23 g C kg−1at BS and FS). Bare soil and microbiotic crust plots yielded the most sediments (441 g m−2) and grass the least (107 g m−2). Though variable, oak plots yielded more C (32.6 g m−2) and N (1.5 g m−2) than others, but bare soil and microbiotic crust plots yielded the most P (62.7 and 54.4 mg m−2, respectively). Slope position, cover type, and rainfall characteristics interact to influence movement and processing of materials responsible for agriculturally, ecologically, and hydrologically important alluvium‐derived soils in this semiarid agroecosystem.
Elevation‐Based Soil Sampling to Assess Temporal Changes in Soil Constituents
Authors: Chang C. , Ellert Ben , Hao Xiying , Clayton George
Published: March 2007

Agricultural land currently is used not only for producing food, fiber, and other bioproducts, but also for disposing of and recycling industrial, municipal, and agricultural wastes. Because such uses may potentially have negative effects on the environment, the fate of applied elements or of those originally present in the soil are under intensive scrutiny. Temporal change in the mass of a given soil element or constituent per unit area typically is calculated as the difference between constituent masses in a fixed soil depth at two sampling times. This method, however, is adequate for only rare cases when soil volume remains unchanged (i.e., when there are no changes in soil bulk density or thickness). Other methods based on “fixed soil mass,” “equivalent soil depth,” or “cumulative mass coordinate” have been developed to account for bulk density changes but they still do not account for changes in soil mass, such as those associated with waste inputs or soil redistribution through erosion and deposition, or imports and exports. We propose an alternative method based on elevation‐based soil sampling to account for the effects of changes in both soil bulk density and soil mass. Unlike methods that assume soil mass remains unchanged, the proposed method would also be applicable to sites with appreciable additions or removals of soil mass or volume. We discuss the merits of elevation‐based soil sampling to assess temporal changes in soil constituents, and present an example of its application to a site receiving heavy applications of livestock manure for 30 yr.
Impact of Prairie Age and Soil Order on Carbon and Nitrogen Sequestration
Authors: Kucharik Christopher J.
Published: March 2007

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) prairie restorations can sequester soil C and N, but the varied effects of soil order and ecosystem age are uncertain. Soil bulk density (Db) (0–20 cm) and soil organic C (SOC) and total N at 0 to 5, 5 to 10, and 10 to 25 cm were measured at 39 paired CRP–crop sites in Wisconsin to quantify SOC and N stock changes as a function of prairie age (4–16 yr) and soil order (Alfisols and Mollisols). Several important outcomes were found regarding land conversion to CRP: (i) soil Dbdecreased on Alfisols (−0.12 ± 0.11 g cm−3, P < 0.0001) but not Mollisols; (ii) SOC sequestration rates were not significantly different between Mollisols (49.7 ± 64 g C m−2yr−1) and Alfisols (43.9 ± 86 g C m−2yr−1), but were only detectable (P < 0.05) in the upper 5 cm; (iii) whole SOC and N to a depth of 25 cm did not change significantly; (iv) the annual average SOC sequestration rate declined (P < 0.05) as prairie age increased (from 72 ± 105 to 13 ± 25 g C m−2yr−1for youngest to oldest age groupings); and (v) short‐term SOC and N increases could be lost with time. These data suggest that there may be a discontinuity between the intensity of continuing management that is needed for sustained, long‐term SOC increases in planted prairies and the resources that the CRP has available to achieve this level of ecosystem functioning.
Soil Aggregate Stability Improvement with Urban Composts of Different Maturities
Authors: Annabi M. , Houot S. , Francou C. , Poitrenaud M. , Bissonnais Y. Le
Published: March 2007

Organic matter controls aggregate stability in loam soils. Intensive farming can lead to a decrease in soil organic matter content. In areas where livestock have disappeared, the recycling of composted urban organic wastes on agricultural soils may represent a valuable source of organic matter for restoring soil organic matter content. The effects on the aggregate stability of a silt loam soil of three urban composts (a municipal solid waste compost, a co‐compost of sewage sludge and green waste, and a biowaste compost) sampled at two different stages of maturity (immature and mature composts) were studied during laboratory incubations. The results were related to (i) compost organic matter biodegradability, biochemical fractions, and humic substance content, (ii) microbial activity evaluated through organic C mineralization and microbial and fungal biomass evolution, (iii) hot‐water‐extractable polysaccharides, and (iv) aggregate hydrophobicity as revealed by the water drop penetration time test. Both immature and mature composts increased aggregate stability via different mechanisms. After immature compost addition, the enhanced microbial activity mainly improved aggregate stability by increasing water repellency. The fungal biomass was particularly involved in aggregate stabilization. The municipal solid waste compost was more efficient at improving resistance to slaking, probably because of its larger labile organic pool that enhanced microbial activity. The addition of mature composts immediately improved aggregate stability with similar efficiency for all composts but to a lesser extent than improvements from immature composts. The observed increase of interparticular cohesion could be due to the inward diffusion of binding organic substances within the aggregates.
Clay Mineralogy, Ionic Composition, and pH Effects on Hydraulic Properties of Depositional Seals
Authors: Lado M. , Ben-Hur M. , Shainberg I.
Published: March 2007

Formation of a depositional seal is common in soils subjected to rainfall or sprinkler or surface irrigation; however, studies on its hydraulic properties are scarce. In this study, the effects of clay mineralogy, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), electrolyte concentration, and pH on the hydraulic properties of depositional seals were investigated. A silt loam packed in columns was leached with 5 g L−1 suspensions of reference montmorillonite, illite, and kaolinite with various ESPs (0–100), electrolyte concentrations (<2–20 mmol L−1), and pH (7–11). Deposition of the clay particles on the soil surface formed seals, and their hydraulic resistance (Rc), which is the ratio between the thickness of the seal and its hydraulic conductivity, was measured. The Rc values of the seals developed by all clays with ESP 0 was low (<10.1 h). Conversely, at ESPs ≥10 and electrolyte concentrations ≤20 mmol L−1, the Rc values of illitic seals ranged from 0.3 to 9.5 h and that of montmorillonitic seals ranged from 0.6 to 443.7 h. In both clays, increasing the ESP of the clay increased the seal Rc A decrease of the electrolyte concentration increased the Rc of the montmorillonitic seals but had no effect on the Rc of the illitic seal. The Rc of Ca‐ and Na‐kaolinitic seals was low at pH <9.0. Increasing the pH to 11 increased the Rc of the Na‐kaolinite seal due to greater clay edge negative charge and associated dispersion. Conversely, in the Ca‐kaolinite seal, the increase in pH decreased Rc due to CaCO3 precipitation and clay cementation.
Long‐Term Soil Experiments: Keys to Managing Earth's Rapidly Changing Ecosystems
Authors: Richter Daniel deB. , Hofmockel Michael , Callaham Mac A. , Powlson David S. , Smith Pete
Published: March 2007

To meet economic and environmental demands for about 10 billion people by the mid‐21st century, humanity will be challenged to double food production from the Earth's soil and diminish adverse effects of soil management on the wider environment. To meet these challenges, an array of scientific approaches is being used to increase understanding of long‐term soil trends and soil–environment interactions. One of these approaches, that of long‐term soil experiments (LTSEs), provides direct observations of soil change and functioning across time scales of decades, data critical for biological, biogeochemical, and environmental assessments of sustainability; for predictions of soil productivity and soil–environment interactions; and for developing models at a wide range of scales. Although LTSEs take years to mature, are vulnerable to loss, and have yet to be comprehensively inventoried or networked, LTSEs address a number of contemporary issues and yield data of special significance to soil management. The objective of this study was to evaluate how LTSEs address three questions that fundamentally challenge modern society: how soils can sustain a doubling of food production in the coming decades, how soils interact with the global C cycle, and how soil management can establish greater control over nutrient cycling. Results demonstrate how LTSEs produce significant data and perspectives for all three questions. Results also suggest the need for a review of the state of our long‐term soil‐research base and the establishment of an efficiently run network of LTSEs aimed at soil‐management sustainability and improving management control over C and nutrient cycling.
Tillage and Cover Cropping Effects on Aggregate‐Protected Carbon in Cotton and Tomato
Authors: Veenstra Jessica J. , Horwath William R. , Mitchell J. P.
Published: March 2007

Conservation tillage (CT) and cover cropping (CC) are agricultural practices that may provide solutions to address water and air quality issues arising from intensive agricultural practices. This study investigated how CT and CC affect soil organic matter dynamics in a cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)–tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) rotation in California's San Joaquin Valley. There were four treatments: conservation tillage, no cover crop (CTNO); conservation tillage with cover crop (CTCC); standard tillage, no cover crop (STNO); and standard tillage with cover crop (STCC). After 5 yr, the top 30 cm of soil in CTCC had an increase of 4500 kg C ha−1, compared with an increase of 3800 kg C ha−1 in STCC from initial soil C content in 1999. To enhance our understanding of C dynamics in CT systems, we pulse‐labeled cotton with 13CO2 in the field and followed the decomposition of both the roots and the shoots through three physical fractions: light fraction (LF), which tends to turnover quickly, and two relatively stable C pools—intraaggregate LF (iLF) and mineral‐associated carbon (mC). Soil under CT treatments retained more of the cotton‐residue‐derived C in LF and iLF than ST 3 mo after placement in the field. These differences disappeared after 1 yr, however, with no discernable differences between CT and ST regardless of CC. In California's Mediterranean climate, CT alone does not accumulate or stabilize more C than ST in tomato–cotton rotations, and the addition of cover crop biomass is more important than tillage reduction for total soil C accumulation.
Nitrogen‐15 and Oxygen‐18 Natural Abundance of Potassium Chloride Extractable Soil Nitrate Using the Denitrifier Method
Authors: Rock Luc , Ellert Benjamin H.
Published: March 2007

In agroecosystems, most isotopic investigations of NO3− involve the use of tracers that are artificially enriched in 15N. Although the dual isotope composition of NO3−— δ15N and δ18O is especially beneficial for understanding the origin and fate of NO3−, its use for KCl‐extractable soil NO3− has been hampered by the lack of a suitable analytical technique. Our objective was to test whether the denitrifier method, whereby NO3− is reduced to N2O before mass spectrometric analysis, can be used to determine the N and O isotopic composition of NO3− from 2 M KCl soil extracts. Several internationally accepted NO3−standards were dissolved in 2 M KCl, the conventional extractant for soil inorganic N, and inoculated with the bacterial strain Pseudomonas aureofaciens (ATCC no. 13985). The standard deviation of the NO3− standards analyzed did not exceed 0.2‰ for δ15N and 0.3‰ for δ18O values. After appropriate corrections, differences between our measured and consensus δ15N and δ18O values of standard NO3− generally were within the standard deviations given for the consensus values. Both δ15N and δ18O values were reproducible among separate analytical runs. The method was also tested on genuine 2 M KCl extracts from unfertilized and fertilized soils. Depending on N fertilization, the soils had distinct δ15N and δ18O values, which were attributed to amendment with NH4NO3 fertilizer. Hence, our data indicate that the denitrifier method provides a fast, reliable, precise, and accurate way of simultaneously analyzing the natural abundances of 15N and 18O in KCl‐extractable soil NO3−
Load and Inflation Effects on Force and Moment of Passenger Tires Using Explicit Transient Dynamics
Authors: Liu Hon H.
Published: March 2007

Explicit transient dynamic FEA (ABAQUS) has been used to model a rolling passenger tire (195/75R14) subjected to a slip-angle sweep of 0 to −1 degree. The computation tracks the rolling and yawing history of the tire on a 3 m (10 in.) diameter drum. Various loads and inflation pressures are applied, and the computed forces and moments at a slip angle of −1 deg are compared to identify their sensitivities to these parameters. It is found that for the current small slip angle used, the lateral force is quite insensitive to inflation and vertical load. The moment, however, is highly dependent on both. The difference in sensitivities is caused by the strong dependence of moment on footprint size, which is controlled by both load and inflation. The presented numerical analysis is useful in understanding tire cornering characteristics.
A Study of the Relationship between the T&T Olfactometer and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test in a Japanese Population
Authors: Kondo Hiroko , Matsuda Toshi , Hashiba Motoyuki , Baba Shunkichi
Published: March 2007

The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and a smell ability questionnaire were administered to 167 Japanese volunteers ranging in age from 20 to 59 years. Of these subjects, 80 also received the T&T olfactometer threshold test. Of the latter subjects, 36 were patients tested before endoscopic nasal surgery for sinusitis and polyposis. The patients exhibited decreased smell function, as measured by the T&T olfactometer, the UPSIT, and a 30-item version of the UPSIT in which the 10 least familiar items were removed (ps < 0.001). Spearman correlations ranging from 0.53 to 0.70 were found between (i) scores on the 30- and 40-item UPSITs and (ii) the T&T detection and recognition threshold values. Significant correlations were found between scores on the smell ability questionnaire and the olfactory test measures (UPSIT30 r = 0.56; UPSIT40 r = 0.58; T&T detection r = 0.56; T&T recognition r = 0.69, p < 0.001), indicating that subjects are relatively accurate in assessing their olfactory ability. This study suggests that the 30 and 40-item UPSITs correlate well with measures derived from the T&T olfactometer, and that all three tests are sensitive to the smell loss of Japanese sinusitis/polyposis patients.
Objective and Subjective Assessment of Nasal Obstruction in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Keleş Nesil , Ilicali Ömer Cenker , Değer Kemal
Published: March 2007

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is the surgical treatment of choice for many physicians in chronic inflammatory diseases of the sinuses. Although subjective benefit has been claimed after surgery, there are not enough studies reporting objective improvement. We evaluated 40 patients undergoing FESS for chronic and recurrent sinusitis with visual analog scale (VAS) scoring of sensation of nasal obstruction and active anterior rhinomanometry of nasal resistance. The results of postoperative measurements demonstrated that baseline total nasal resistance measured with rhinomanometry and evaluated with VAS scoring (baseline and after decongestion) were significantly lower than preoperative measurements. However, improvement in nasal resistance was not statistically significant after decongestion, whereas VAS scoring was. These findings indicate that FESS improves nasal mucosal edema but does not change the structural anatomy of the nose.
The Correlation between Ciliary Ultrastructure and Ciliary Beat Frequency in Experimental Chronic Sinusitis
Authors: Czaja Judith M. , McCaffrey Thomas V.
Published: March 2007

Ciliary ultrastructural abnormalities secondary to chronic sinusitis may cause abnormal mucociliary transport clearance. We examined the relationship between anatomic abnormalities of ciliary ultrastructure secondary to chronic sinusitis and ciliary beat frequency (CBF) before and after middle meatal antrostomy (MMA) in rabbits. Ultrastructural abnormalities of cilia included absence of axoneme membrane, blebs of the axoneme membrane, compound cilia, and ciliary orientation. Two groups of rabbits were studied: Uninfected (group A control, n = 3) and infected (group B, n = 10); 108 CFU S. pneumoniae were used to infect the animals in group B after sinus ostial occlusion and chronic sinusitis developed. After 6 weeks with infection, 6 of 10 group B animals underwent MMA and were restudied 6 weeks later. Uninfected animals had mean CBF = 11.75 Hz. Animals with chronic sinusitis had mean CBF = 8.5 Hz (p < 0.05). Six weeks after MMA, mean CBF = 11.82 Hz. This was not different from control. There were significant changes in ciliary ultrastructure when uninfected and infected rabbits were compared. These changes were reversed with MMA. Changes in ciliary ultrastructure correlated significantly with changes in CBF for all animals. Abnormalities in ciliary ultrastructure may account for the abnormal mucociliary transport clearance seen in chronic sinusitis in rabbits.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Postoperative Intravenous Aminoglycosides in the Treatment of Atrophic Rhinitis
Authors: Jiang Rong-san , Hsu Chen-yi , Chen Clayton chi-chang , Jan Yee-jee , Jang Jinq-wen
Published: March 2007

A total of 29 atrophic rhinitis patients were treated by endoscopic sinus surgery between 1990 and 1995. After the surgery, a 7 to 10-day course of systematic aminoglycoside was administered. Two cases were excluded, due to later occurrence of nasal lymphoma in one patient and incompleteness of postoperative antibiotic therapy in the other. Among those included, atrophic rhinitis occurred in the absence of prior surgery in 24 patients, and the condition was secondary to a previous intranasal surgery in the other three patients. After a 1 to 6-year follow-up (mean: 63.4 months), seven patients were successfully managed without any characteristic symptom or sign of atrophic rhinitis. Another 18 patients felt improved. Only two patients did not have any improvement. The rate of improvement was 92.6%. Overall, one patient suffered from a left retrobulbar hematoma after operation. Exposed orbital fat was observed in the other patient. The orbital complication rate was therefore 7.4%. No other major complication occurred in this series. The bacteriologic, radiological, antroscopic, and pathologic findings are also included here. It is concluded that endoscopic sinus surgery in combination with adequate postoperative antibiotic therapy can significantly treat atrophic rhinitis.
Detection of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Sinonasal Inverted Papillomas Using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Authors: Hwang Chan Seung , Yang Hoon Sik , Hong Min Ki
Published: March 2007

Paraffin-embedded tissues of 42 sinonasal inverted papillomas were subjected to polymerase chain reaction using type-specific primers pairs of HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, and 33. Two cases of HPV 11 and one of HPV 6 were amplified in 36 samples of benign inverted papilloma, and two cases of HPV 16 were amplified in five samples of inverted papilloma with co-existing squamous cell carcinoma. Inverted papillomas recurred in 1 (16%) of 6 cases exhibiting dysplasia, and in 3 (10%) of 30 cases not exhibiting dysplasia. Inverted papillomas also recurred in 2 (66%) of 3 cases positive for HPV, and in 2 (6%) of 33 cases negative for HPV. These results suggest that HPV may be involved in the pathogenesis of inverted papillomas, may cause malignant transformation of inverted papillomas, and that there may be an apparent relationship between HPV infection and the recurrence of sinonasal inverted papillomas.
The effect of bilateral palmar digital nerve analgesia on the compressive force experienced by the navicular bone in horses with navicular disease
Authors: McGUIGAN M. P. , WILSON A. M.
Published: March 2007

Horses with navicular disease have an increased load on the navicular bone in early stance. This has been suggested to be a response to pain in the heel region. Seven horses with clinical, radiographic and scintigraphic signs of navicular disease underwent forceplate and kinematic analysis before and after desensitisation of the heel region with a bilateral palmar digital nerve block. The compressive force exerted on the navicular bone during stance, and stride kinematics, were determined in each state. After regional analgesia of the palmar digital nerves (PDNB) the compressive force on the navicular bone was lower throughout stance. The mean ± s.d. peak force at the beginning of stance was 7.05 ± 1.10 N/kg before, and 6.46 ± 1.15 N/kg after PDNB (P = 0.01) and at the end of stance the mean peak values were 5.00 ± 2.05 N/kg before, and 4.39 ± 1.65 N/kg after PDNB (P = 0.05). We explained this finding as indicating that the horse responds to heel pain (including pain in the navicular region) by contracting the deep digital flexor muscle to unload the heels. This increases the compressive load on the navicular bone, which may cause remodelling and, in some horses, damage to the overlying flexor cartilage, which is then painful and identified as navicular disease. This mechanism identifies navicular disease as a possible end point for a variety of heel related conditions.
Faceted crystal shape evolution during dissolution or growth
Authors: Snyder Ryan C. , Doherty Michael F.
Published: March 2007

A model for the prediction of faceted crystal shape evolution during growth or dissolution is presented. An ab initio mechanistic model for the relative growth or dissolution rates is also described for organic molecular crystal systems. The shape evolution model proves that while growing crystals evolve toward a steady‐state shape, dissolving crystals evolve away from a steady‐state shape. Thus, crystals cannot achieve a steady‐state during dissolution. This methodology may be used to probe crystal shapes that are obtainable by growing and/or dissolving crystals, including pharmaceutical crystals, inorganic materials and geological minerals. The technique has been successfully applied to predict the shape evolution of succinic acid growing or dissolving in water. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Simultaneous process and molecular design—A property based approach
Authors: Eljack Fadwa T. , Eden Mario R. , Kazantzi Vasiliki , Qin Xiaoyun , El‐Halwagi Mahmoud M.
Published: March 2007

Property clustering techniques and group contribution methods are combined to enable simultaneous consideration of process performance requirements and molecular property constraints. Using this methodology, the process design problem is solved to identify the property targets corresponding to the desired process performance. A significant advantage of the developed methodology is that for problems that can be satisfactorily described by only three properties, the process and molecular design problems can be simultaneously solved visually on a ternary diagram, regardless of how many molecular fragments are included in the search space. On the ternary cluster diagram, the target properties are represented as individual points if given as discrete values, or as a region if given as intervals. The structure and identity of candidate components is then identified by combining or “mixing” molecular fragments until the resulting properties match the targets. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
DNA adducts in granulocytes of hospital workers exposed to ethylene oxide
Authors: Yong Lee C. , Schulte Paul A. , Kao Chi‐Yu , Giese Roger W. , Boeniger Mark F. , Strauss Gary H.S. , Petersen Martin R. , Wiencke John K.
Published: March 2007

Background

Ethylene oxide (EtO), an important industrial chemical intermediate and sterilant, is classified as a human carcinogen. Occupational EtO exposure in many countries is regulated at 1 ppm (8‐hr TWA), but levels of EtO‐DNA adducts in humans with low occupational EtO exposures have not been reported.

Methods

We examined the formation of N7‐(2′‐hydroxyethyl)guanine (N7‐HEG), a major DNA adduct of EtO, in 58 EtO‐exposed sterilizer operators and six nonexposed workers from ten hospitals. N7‐HEG was quantified in granulocyte DNA (0.1–11.5 µg) by a highly sensitive and specific gas chromatography‐electron capture‐mass spectrometry method. Cumulative exposure to EtO (ppm‐hour) was estimated during the 4‐month period before the collection of blood samples.

Results

There was considerable inter‐individual variability in the levels of N7‐HEG with a range of 1.6–241.3 adducts/107 nucleotides. The mean levels in the nonexposed, low (≤32 ppm‐hour), and high (>32 ppm‐hour) EtO‐exposure groups were 3.8, 16.3, and 20.3 adducts/107 nucleotides, respectively, after the adjustment for cigarette smoking and other potential confounders, but the differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated for the first time, detectable levels of N7‐HEG adducts in granulocytes of hospital workers with EtO exposures at levels less than the current U.S. standard of 1 ppm (8‐hr TWA). A nonsignificant increase in adduct levels with increasing EtO exposure indicates that further studies of EtO‐exposed workers are needed to clarify the relationship between EtO exposure and N7‐HEG adduct formation. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Manitoba oculotrichoanal (MOTA) syndrome: Report of eight new cases
Authors: Li Chumei , Marles Sandra L , Greenberg Cheryl R. , Chodirker Bernard N. , van de Kamp Jiddeke , Slavotinek Anne , Chudley Albert E.
Published: March 2007

The Manitoba Oculotrichoanal (MOTA) syndrome was initially described by Marles et al. [1992; Am J Med Genet 42: 793–799] in Aboriginal patients of the Island Lake region of Northern Manitoba. Characteristic findings in affected patients included unilateral upper eyelid coloboma or cryptophthalmus with ipsilateral aberrant anterior hairline pattern and anal anomalies. We describe here seven new patients of the same extended kindred of Cree/Ojibway ethnicity of the Island Lake region and an eighth patient of Caucasian Dutch parents with clinical findings consistent with the diagnosis of MOTA syndrome. Two of the patients have bilateral, instead of unilateral, abnormal anterior hairline patterns. Omphalocele, a feature previously not identified, is present in three of them. The most consistent features appear to be hypertelorism and a broad or notched tip of the nose. Due to the obvious clinical overlap with Fraser syndrome, FRAS1 gene was screened in two of the affected and no mutation was found [Slavotinek et al., submitted]. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gastroschisis and associated defects: An international study
Authors: Mastroiacovo Pierpaolo , Lisi Alessandra , Castilla Eduardo E. , Martínez‐Frías María‐Luisa , Bermejo Eva , Marengo Lisa , Kucik Jim , Siffel Csaba , Halliday Jane , Gatt Miriam , Annerèn Göran , Bianchi Fabrizio , Canessa M. Aurora , Danderfer Ron , de Walle Hermien , Harris John , Li Zhu , Lowry R. Brian , McDonell Robert , Merlob Paul , Metneki Julia , Mutchinick Osvaldo , Robert‐Gnansia Elisabeth , Scarano Gioacchino , Sipek Antonin , Pötzsch Simone , Szabova Elena , Yevtushok Lyubov
Published: March 2007

Our objective was to evaluate the frequency and type of malformations associated with gastroschisis in a large pool of international data, to identify malformation patterns, and to evaluate the role of maternal age in non‐isolated cases. Case‐by‐case information from 24 registries, all members of the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR), were evaluated. After the exclusion of other abdominal wall defects cases were classified as: (a) isolated; (b) recognizable syndrome, chromosomal or not; (c) multiple congenital anomalies (MCA). Our results showed that out of 3,322 total cases 469 non‐isolated cases were registered (14.1%): 41 chromosomal syndromes, 24 other syndromes, and 404 MCA. Among MCA four groups of anomalies were most frequent: CNS (4.5%), cardio‐vascular (2.5%), limb (2.2%), and kidney anomalies (1.9%). No similar patterns emerged except two patterns resembling limb‐body wall complex and OEIS. In both of them the gastroschisis could be however misclassified. Chromosomal trisomies and possibly non‐syndromic MCA are associated with an older maternal age more than isolated cases. On consideration of our data and the most valid studies published in the literature, the best estimate of the proportion of gastroschisis associated with major unrelated defects is about 10%, with a few cases associated to recognizable syndromes. Recognized syndromes with gastroschisis seem to be so exceptional that the well documented and validated cases are worth being published as interesting case report. An appropriate case definition in etiological studies should include only isolated gastroschisis after an appropriate definition of isolated and non‐isolated cases and a thorough case‐by‐case review. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recurrent SOX9 deletion campomelic dysplasia due to somatic mosaicism in the father
Authors: Smyk M. , Obersztyn E. , Nowakowska B. , Bocian E. , Cheung S.W. , Mazurczak T. , Stankiewicz P.
Published: March 2007

Haploinsufficiency of SOX9, a master gene in chondrogenesis and testis development, leads to the semi‐lethal skeletal malformation syndrome campomelic dysplasia (CD), with or without XY sex reversal. We report on two children with CD and a phenotypically normal father, a carrier of a somatic mosaic SOX9 deletion. This is the first report of a mosaic deletion of SOX9; few familial CD cases with germline and somatic mutation mosaicism have been described. Our findings confirm the utility of aCGH and indicate that for a more accurate estimate of the recurrence risk for a completely penetrant autosomal dominant disorder, parental somatic mosaicism should be considered in healthy parents. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Late onset Leigh syndrome and ataxia due to a T to C mutation at bp 9,185 of mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Castagna Avril E. , Addis Jane , McInnes Roderick R. , Clarke Joe T.R. , Ashby Peter , Blaser Susan , Robinson Brian H.
Published: March 2007

A T‐to‐C missense mutation at nucleotide position 9,185 in the protein‐coding ATP6 gene of the mitochondrial genome was present at high heteroplasmy in members of a Canadian family with Leigh syndrome with predominant ataxia and peripheral neuropathy. This mutation results in the substitution of a proline residue for an evolutionary‐conserved leucine at position of amino acid 220 near the carboxyl terminus of the mitochondrial protein. The index patient and brother, who had an identical clinical presentation, had >90% mutant mtDNA in cultured skin fibroblasts, lymphocytes, and whole blood. Their mother and a maternal uncle, symptomatic with a peripheral neuropathy alone, had 86% and 85% heteroplasmy, respectively. Symptomatic maternal cousins with early onset revealed 90% and 91% mutant mtDNA in all tissues analyzed. Studies of lymphoblasts from the asymptomatic maternal grandmother and eldest brother of the proband were heteroplasmic for mutant mtDNA with 56% and 17%, respectively. Biochemical analysis demonstrated normal respiratory chain enzyme activity in muscle and fibroblasts, normal ATP synthesis, but reduced oligomycin‐sensitive H+ATPase in cultured lymphoblast mitochondria. We propose that the 9,185T > C mtDNA mutation is pathogenic even though the initial phenotype is mild and the biochemical phenotype not easily detectable. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Screening and biochemical analysis of GATA4 sequence variations identified in patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Schluterman Marie K. , Krysiak Amanda E. , Kathiriya Irfan S. , Abate Nicola , Chandalia Manisha , Deepak Srivastava , Garg Vidu
Published: March 2007

Few known monogenic causes of non‐syndromic congenital heart disease (CHD) have been identified. Mutations in NKX2.5 were initially implicated in familial cases of cardiac septal defects and subsequently, functionally significant NKX2.5 mutations were found in diverse forms of non‐syndromic CHD. Similarly, mutations in GATA4, which encodes a cardiac transcription factor, were first identified in familial cases of cardiac septal defects. We hypothesize that individuals with non‐syndromic CHD may harbor GATA4 mutations and that these mutations alter the biochemical properties of the protein. The coding region encompassing the six exons of GATA4 was screened in a study population of 157 patients with CHD. We identified several sequence variations in GATA4. We tested these novel sequence variations that altered evolutionarily conserved amino acids and other previously reported GATA4 mutations in various biochemical assays. The novel sequence variations had no biochemical deficits while a previously reported, but unstudied, missense mutation in GATA4 (S52F) functioned as a hypomorph in transactivation assays. We did not identify any novel GATA4 mutations in our patient population with non‐syndromic CHD. Consistent with previous findings, GATA4 mutations that result in deficits in transactivation ability are consistently associated with CHD suggesting that normal transactivation properties of GATA4 are required for proper cardiac development. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Meta‐analysis of COMT val158met in panic disorder: Ethnic heterogeneity and gender specificity
Authors: Domschke Katharina , Deckert Juergen , O'Donovan Michael C. , Glatt Stephen J.
Published: March 2007

There is strong evidence for a genetic contribution to the pathogenesis of panic disorder, with the functional catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) val158met polymorphism having been suggested as a potential susceptibility factor. In the present study, a meta‐analysis of six available case‐control studies (557 patients with panic disorder and 763 healthy controls in total) on the role of the COMT val158met polymorphism in panic disorder was conducted in an attempt to reconcile previous conflicting results and to facilitate evaluation of the role of COMT gene variation in panic disorder. Overall, no significant association, but strong between‐study heterogeneity, was discerned. Analysis of studies pooled by ancestry yielded a significant association of the COMT 158val allele with panic disorder in Caucasian samples and, conversely, a trend towards association of the COMT 158met allele with the disorder in Asian samples. Interestingly, stratification for gender as well as ethnicity revealed that association of the 158val allele in Caucasians and, reciprocally, the 158met allele in Asian samples was restricted to females. The present meta‐analysis provides tentative support for the COMT val158met polymorphism as a possible risk factor for panic disorder, with differential effects in Caucasian and Asian populations, and suggests a female‐specific effect. However, given the relatively small number of case‐control studies presently available, several more association studies, preferably including a larger number of family‐based studies, are warranted for conclusive evaluation of the COMT val158met polymorphism as a vulnerability factor in panic disorder. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increase in GSK3β gene copy number variation in bipolar disorder
Authors: Lachman Herbert M. , Pedrosa Erika , Petruolo Oriana A. , Cockerham Melissa , Papolos Alexander , Novak Tomas , Papolos Demitri F. , Stopkova Pavla
Published: March 2007

The analysis of submicroscopic copy number variations (CNVs), also known as copy number polymorphisms (CNPs), is emerging as a new tool for understanding the genetic basis of cancer, developmental disorders, and complex traits. One area where this may be particularly useful is in the identification of genetic variants underlying schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD). Linkage analysis and pharmacological studies carried out over the past decade have implicated a number of positional and physiological candidate genes. Yet, despite extensive analysis, the underlying allelic variants responsible for disease susceptibility have remained, largely, elusive. Although the borders of most CNV have not been precisely mapped, it appears that a considerable number of SZ and BD candidate genes have their coding elements disrupted by polymorphic CNVs, suggesting that these would be good variants to consider for underlying disease susceptibility. One such gene is GSK3β, which codes for glycogen synthase kinase, a key component of the Wnt signaling pathway and a target of lithium salts. A CNV in the GSK3β locus at chromosome 3q13.3 appears to disrupt the gene's 3′‐coding elements. The CNV also affects two other annotated genes. We now report that patients with BD have an increased frequency of this CNV—primarily the duplication variant—compared with controls (P = 0.002). The finding suggests that GSK3β may be involved in BD susceptibility in some individuals and that CNVs in this and other candidate genes for psychiatric disorders should be analyzed as causative functional genetic variants. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation and characterization of poly(vinyl chloride)‐graft‐acrylic acid membrane by electron beam
Authors: Liu Fu , Zhu Bao‐Ku , Xu You‐Yi
Published: March 2007

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was irradiated by electron beam in vacuum at 20 KGy to produce living free radicals, and then reacted with acrylic acid (AA) in solution to obtain the PVC‐g‐AA copolymers. The copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Porous membranes were prepared from copolymers by the phase inversion technique. The morphology of PVC‐g‐AA membranes was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The mean pore size and pore size distribution were determined by a mercury porosimeter. The mean pore size was 0.19 μm, and the bulk porosity was 56.02%. The apparent static water contact angle was 89.0°. The water drop penetration rate was 2.35 times to the original membrane. The maximum stress was 4.10 MPa. Filtration experiments were carried out to evaluate the fouling resistance of the PVC‐g‐AA membrane. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Smart polymer recycling: Synthesis of novel rigid polyurethanes using phosphorus‐containing oligomers formed by controlled degradation of microporous polyurethane elastomer
Authors: Grancharov Georgi , Mitova Violeta , Shenkov Stoitcho , Topliyska Antonya , Gitsov Ivan , Troev Kolio
Published: March 2007

This article describes a new approach for the recycling of microporous polyurethane elastomers by Tris(1‐methyl‐2‐chloroethyl) phosphate‐induced degradation. The phosphorus‐containing degradation products formed are transformed into reactive intermediates by reaction with propylene oxide and are used for the preparation of rigid polyurethane foams. These new phosphorus‐containing materials have higher density and better mechanical properties compared to the standard rigid polyurethane foams. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Preparation of styrene‐maleic acid copolymers and its application in encapsulated pigment red 122 dispersion
Authors: Shao‐Hai Fu , Kuan‐Jun Fang
Published: March 2007

Styrene‐maleic acid copolymers were synthesized by free radical polymerization. Encapsulated pigment red 122 dispersions were prepared by sedimentation with these copolymers. Effects of copolymer structure such as molar content of maleic acid, molecular weight, and the amount of copolymers on stability and particle size of dispersion were investigated. The results showed that encapsulated pigment dispersion with higher stability, smaller particle size, and narrower particle distribution could be achieved when the molar content of maleic acid was at 0.43 and the intrinsic viscosity was at 79.65 ml/g with amount of copolymers 10%. The encapsulated layer was about 5 nm which could be observed by TEM. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Enhancing the mechanical properties of styrene–butadiene rubber by optimizing the chemical bonding between silanized silica nanofiller and the rubber
Authors: Ansarifar A. , Wang L. , Ellis R. J. , Kirtley S. P. , Riyazuddin N.
Published: March 2007

The reinforcing effect of a large amount of synthetic precipitated amorphous white silica nanofiller on the mechanical properties of styrene–butadiene rubber was studied. The silica surfaces were pretreated with bis(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfane (TESPT). TESPT is a bifunctional organosilane that chemically adheres silica to rubber and also prevents silica from interfering with the reaction mechanism of sulfur cure in the rubber. The silica particles were fully dispersed in the rubber and the chemical bonding between the rubber and filler was optimized by the incorporation of accelerator and activator in the rubber. This study showed that the mechanical properties of the rubber vulcanizate improved substantially when the filler was added. The addition of elemental sulfur affected the rubber properties, although there was no overall advantage, as some properties improved and others deteriorated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Preparation and characterization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fabrics treated by blends of cellulose nanocrystals and polyethylene glycol
Authors: Li Wei Dong , Ding En Yong
Published: March 2007

In this study, the coating based on the blends of low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cellulose nano‐crystals (CNC) was introduced to immobilize on the surface of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics to modify the surface properties of fabrics, and to fabricate comfortable fabrics for formidable climate. Field‐emission scanning electron microscope, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed to study the topography, superficial ingredients, and thermal activity of the finished fabrics. The observation of field‐emission scanning electron microscope and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the surface of PET fabrics was covered by CNC/PEG1000/PEG600 coating. The transition onset temperature and phase change enthalpy of PET fabrics treated with CNC/PEG1000/PEG600 were at 7.06°C and 11.41 kJ/kg, respectively. Dimensional memory measurement demonstrated that the introduction of CNC caused the deformation percent to decrease by about 41% for PET fabrics covered with CNC/PEG1000/PEG600 coating. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Putting anthropology on the couch: measuring unconscious conformity in the classroom
Authors: Buse William
Published: March 2007

An exercise is presented that enables the instructor of introductory anthropology courses to utilize the typical American student's cultural orientation toward individualism and psychology. Drawing on methods ordinarily associated with psychoanalysis, the author proposes a technique designed to facilitate a confrontation between students' conscious ideologically‐driven beliefs and their unconscious social experience in the classroom. The goals are to develop an appreciation for the students' resistance to the latent social dynamics in the classroom; to introduce the students' unconscious as a resource in their education; and to suggest the use of techniques that tap the unconscious for pedagogical purposes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in the LIS research front: Time‐sliced cocitation analyses of LIS journal articles, 1990–2004
Authors: Åström Fredrik
Published: March 2007

Based on articles published in 1990–2004 in 21 library and information science (LIS) journals, a set of cocitation analyses was performed to study changes in research fronts over the last 15 years, where LIS is at now, and to discuss where it is heading. To study research fronts, here defined as current and influential cocited articles, a citations among documents methodology was applied; and to study changes, the analyses were time‐sliced into three 5‐year periods. The results show a stable structure of two distinct research fields: informetrics and information seeking and retrieval (ISR). However, experimental retrieval research and user oriented research have merged into one ISR field; and IR and informetrics also show signs of coming closer together, sharing research interests and methodologies, making informetrics research more visible in mainstream LIS research. Furthermore, the focus on the Internet, both in ISR research and in informetrics—where webometrics quickly has become a dominating research area—is an important change. The future is discussed in terms of LIS dependency on technology, how integration of research areas as well as technical systems can be expected to continue to characterize LIS research, and how webometrics will continue to develop and find applications.