bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling impacts of farming management practices on greenhouse gas emissions in the oasis region of China
Authors: Wang Y. , Sun G. J. , Zhang F. , Qi J. , Feng Z. D. , Zhao C. Y.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Agricultural ecosystems are major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, specifically nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). An important method of researching GHG emissions in agricultural ecosystems is model simulation. Field measurements quantifying N2O and CO2 fluxes were taken in a summer maize ecosystem in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, in northwestern China in 2010. Observed N2O and CO2 fluxes were used for validating flux predictions by a DeNitrification-DeComposition (DNDC) model. Then the validated DNDC model was used for sensitivity tests on three variables under consideration: climatic factors, soil properties, and agricultural management. Results indicate that: (1) the factors that N2O emissions are most sensitive to nitrogen fertilizer application rate, manure amendment and residue return rate; (2) CO2 emission increases with increasing manure amendment, residue return rate and initial soil organic carbon (SOC); and (3) net global warming potential (GWP) increases with increasing N fertilizer application rate and decreases as manure amendment, residue return rate and precipitation increase. Simulation of the long-term impact on SOC, N2O and net GWP emissions over 100 yr of management led to the conclusion that increasing residue return rate is a more efficient method of mitigating GHG emission than increasing fertilizer N application rate in the study area.
Ultra-high resolution pollen record from the northern Andes reveals rapid shifts in montane climates within the last two glacial cycles
Authors: Groot M. H. M. , Bogotá R. G. , Lourens L. J. , Hooghiemstra H. , Vriend M. , Berrio J. C. , Tuenter E. , Van der Plicht J. , Van Geel B. , Ziegler M. , Weber S. L. , Betancourt A. , Contreras L. , Gaviria S. , Giraldo C. , González N. , Jansen J. H. F. , Konert M. , Ortega D. , Rangel O. , Sarmiento G. , Vandenberghe J. , Van der Hammen T. , Van der Linden M. , Westerhoff W.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Here we developed a composite pollen-based record of altitudinal vegetation changes from Lake Fúquene (5° N) in Colombia at 2540 m elevation. We quantitatively calibrated Arboreal Pollen percentages (AP%) into mean annual temperature (MAT) changes with an unprecedented ~60-year resolution over the past 284 000 years. An age model for the AP% record was constructed using frequency analysis in the depth domain and tuning of the distinct obliquity-related variations to the latest marine oxygen isotope stacked record. The reconstructed MAT record largely concurs with the ~100 and 41-kyr (obliquity) paced glacial cycles and is superimposed by extreme changes of up to 7 to 10° Celsius within a few hundred years at the major glacial terminations and during marine isotope stage 3, suggesting an unprecedented North Atlantic – equatorial link. Using intermediate complexity transient climate modelling experiments, we demonstrate that ice volume and greenhouse gasses are the major forcing agents causing the orbital-related MAT changes, while direct precession-induced insolation changes had no significant impact on the high mountain vegetation during the last two glacial cycles.
Cold tongue/Warm pool and ENSO dynamics in the Pliocene
Authors: von der Heydt A. S. , Nnafie A. , Dijkstra H. A.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. It has been suggested that a "permanent" El Niño climate state has existed in the warm Pliocene. One of the main pieces of evidence of such conditions is the small east-west sea surface temperature (SST) difference that is found in proxy temperature records of the equatorial Pacific. Using a coupled version of the Zebiak-Cane model of intermediate complexity for the tropical Pacific, we study the sensitivity of the time-mean Pacific background state and El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability to Pliocene climate changes. The parameters varied in this sensitivity study include changes in the trade wind strength due to a reduced equator-to-pole temperature gradient, higher global mean temperatures and an open Panama gateway. All these changes lead to a westward shift of the position of the cold tongue along the equator by up to 2000 km. This result is consistent with data from the PRISM3D Pliocene SST reconstruction. Our model further suggests that ENSO variability is present in the Pliocene climate with only slight changes as compared to today. A background climate that would resemble a "permanent" El Niño with weak to no east-west temperature difference along the equator is only found for very weak trade winds which seem unrealistic for the Pliocene climate.
Mass-conserving tracer transport modelling on a reduced latitude-longitude grid with NIES-TM
Authors: Belikov D. , Maksyutov S. , Miyasaka T. , Saeki T. , Zhuravlev R. , Kiryushov B.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The need to perform long-term simulations with reasonable accuracy has led to the development of mass-conservative and efficient numerical methods for solving the transport equation in forward and inverse models. We designed and implemented a flux-form (Eulerian) tracer transport algorithm in the National Institute for Environmental Studies Transport Model (NIES TM), which is used for simulating diurnal and synoptic-scale variations of tropospheric long-lived constituents, as well as their seasonal and inter-annual variability. Implementation of the flux-form method requires the mass conservative wind fields. However, the model is off-line and is driven by datasets from a global atmospheric model or data assimilation system, in which vertically integrated mass changes are not in balance with the surface pressure tendency and mass conservation is not achieved. To rectify the mass-imbalance, a flux-correction method is employed. To avoid a singularity near the poles, caused by the small grid size arising from the meridional convergence problem, the proposed model uses a reduced latitude–longitude grid scheme, in which the grid size is doubled several times approaching the poles. This approach overcomes the Courant condition in the Polar Regions, maintains a reasonably high integration time-step, and ensures adequate model performance during simulations. To assess the model performance, we performed global transport simulations for SF6, 222Rn, and CO2. The results were compared with observations available from the World Data Centre for Greenhouse Gases, GLOBALVIEW, and the Hateruma monitoring station, Japan. Overall, the results show that the proposed flux-form version of NIES TM can produce tropospheric tracer transport more realistically than previously possible. The reasons for this improvement are discussed.
A Study of the hydrographic conditions in the Adriatic Sea from numerical modelling and direct observations (2000–2008)
Authors: Oddo P. , Guarnieri A.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The inter-annual variability of Adriatic Sea hydrographic characteristics is investigated by means of numerical simulation and direct observation. The period investigated runs from the beginning of 2000 to the end of 2008. The model used to carry out the simulation is derived from the primitive equation component of the Adriatic Forecasting System (AFS). The model is based on the Princeton Ocean Model (POM) adapted in order to reproduce the features of the Adriatic. Both numerical findings and observations agree in depicting a strong inter-annual variability in the entire Adriatic Sea and its sub-basins. The dense water formation process has been found to be intermittent. In addition to inter-annual variability, a long-scale signal has been observed in the salinity content of the basin as a consequence of a prolonged period of reduced Po river runoff and high evaporation rates. As a result, the temperature and salinity of the northern Adriatic dense water vary considerably between the beginning and the end of the period investigated.
Use of Ultrasound Biomicroscopy to Predict Long-Term Outcome of Sub-Tenon Needle Revision of Failed Trabeculectomy Blebs: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kaushik Sushmita , Tiwari Anamika , Singh Pandav Surinder , Ichhpujani Parul , Gupta Amod
Published: March 2011

Purpose.

To evaluate the role of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in predicting the long-term outcome of sub-Tenon needling revision of failed trabeculectomy blebs.

Methods.

Adult patients with a failed trabeculectomy bleb and unsatisfactory intraocular pressure (IOP) control were recruited. The aqueous flow under the partial thickness scleral flap was looked for and the blebs classified on UBM as scleral route patent (SRP) or scleral route occluded (SRO). All blebs underwent needling revision with injection of 5 mg/0.1 mL 5-fluorouracil. Survival of the revision procedure at the end of 2 years follow-up with regards to the baseline UBM characterization of the bleb was noted. Successful outcome was defined as IOP <22.0 mmHg and/or 30% reduction of baseline IOP with or without medication.

Results.

A total of 13 eyes had SRP and 5 eyes had SRO blebs on UBM. Only SRP blebs survived the needling procedure by the end of 2 years. Of the 13 SRP blebs, 10 blebs survived (76.9%). Needling had failed in all 5 SRO blebs. The overall success rate was 55.6 % at 2 years. There was no difference in age, IOP, and time from initial trabeculectomy between the failed and successful group. The outcome correlated significantly to the patency of the scleral route assessed by UBM (p=0.07).

Conclusions.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy characterization of failed blebs appears to help in predicting the outcome of needle revision. In SRO blebs, it may be better to plan a full bleb revision rather than needling alone. Ultrasound biomicroscopy may help in avoiding an unnecessary needling procedure in SRO blebs where it is likely to fail.
Prothrombotic Changes in Platelet, Endothelial and Coagulation Function following Hemodialysis
Authors: Milburn James A. , Cassar Kevin , Ford Isobel , Fluck Nicholas , Brittenden Julie
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Patients on hemodialysis (HD) have an increased risk of thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and vascular access thrombosis. The study hypothesis is that a single session of dialysis leads to platelet, endothelial & coagulation activation. Our aim is to determine the effect of a single HD session on prothrombotic vascular biomarkers before and after a single session of hemodialysis.

Methods

Blood samples were taken from the vascular access of 55 patients immediately before and after a hemodialysis session. Platelet function was assessed by (1) flow cytometric measurement of P-selectin expression and fibrinogen binding ± ADP stimulation, (2) Ultegra rapid platelet function assay (RPFA) using the agonists thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP) and arachidonic acid (AA), (3) soluble P-selectin, and (4) soluble CD40L. Coagulation (thrombin-antithrombin III [TAT] and D-dimer), endothelial von Willebrand factor (vWF) and high sensitivity C-Reactive protein (hsCRP) were assessed by ELISA.

Results

Unfractionated heparin was given to all patients during dialysis and 30 patients (55%) were on antiplatelet agents. Post-hemodialysis there were significant increases in unstimulated platelet P-selectin (p=.037), stimulated P-selectin (p<.001), soluble P-selectin (p<.001) and soluble CD40L (p=.036). Stimulated platelet fibrinogen binding was increased post-hemodialysis (p<.001) but unstimulated fibrinogen binding was unchanged. TRAP- (p<.001) and AA-(p=.009) stimulated aggregation were reduced post-hemodialysis. There were increases post-hemodialysis in TAT (p<.001), D-dimer (p<.001), vWF (p<.001) and hsCRP (p=.011).

Conclusion

This study has shown that despite heparin therapy, a single session of HD induced increases in platelet, endothelial, and coagulation activation. More effective medical strategies to reduce the prothrombotic state of patients on hemodialysis should be investigated.
Changing the Release Kinetics of Gentamicin from Poly(D, L-Lactide) Implant Coatings Using Only One Polymer
Authors: Strobel Catrin , Schmidmaier Gerhard , Wildemann Britt
Published: March 2011

Creating orthopedic implants that locally deliver drugs is an appealing approach to induce bone regeneration and prevent or treat infections. In this study, titanium K-wires were coated with poly(D, L-lactide) (PDLLA) solutions with different polymer/solvent/drug ratios to modify the release kinetics of the antibiotic gentamicin. The concentrations of PDLLA ranged from one-fold (100 mg/1.5 mL solvent, 1X) to four-fold (400 mg/1.5 mL solvent, 4X), where the higher concentrations led to the thickening of the drug-loaded coatings and an increase of total coating mass. Coated wires were incubated in PBS buffer at 37°C for up to 32 weeks, and the elution kinetics were analyzed at several time points. Different release profiles were observed: I) a burst release within the first hours for the coatings made out of lower concentrations of PDLLA with higher amounts of gentamicin and II) a sustained release of up to 14 weeks for the different coatings with higher polymer amounts with lower concentrations of gentamicin. Moreover, the amounts of remaining gentamicin on the wires after elution were dependent on the coating composition. Nearly complete gentamicin was released from the 1X PDLLA coatings and approximately one-third with respect to initial gentamicin remained in the 4X coatings. Based on these results, we garnered a better understanding of the parameters that influenced release kinetics in this simple system and described how to realize different release patterns by using only one polymer. Using this knowledge, tailored coated implants that can improve infection prophylaxis or stimulate bone healing may be designed.
Effect of Coupled Plasma Filtration Adsorption on Endothelial Cell Function in Patients with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
Authors: Mao Huijuan , Yu Shu , Yu Xiangbao , Zhang Bo , Zhang Li , Hu Jianming , Xu Xianrong , Zhu Yamei , Wang Xiaoyun , Xing Changying
Published: March 2011

Objective

The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of coupled plasma filtration adsorption (CPFA) on endothelial cell (EC) function in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).

Methods

Besides routine therapy, the 24 MODS patients underwent both CPFA and high volume hemofiltration (HVHF), scheduled randomly at intervals of 12 hours. Patient serum from 0, 5, and 10 hours of therapy was collected to measure soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) and soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) by the ELISA method. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were incubated for 24 hours with the patient serum and the supernatant liquid was gathered to detect sTM and sE-selectin. The proliferation function of the ECs was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method.

Results

1. The serum levels of sE-selectin and sTM were significantly higher in MODS patients than in controls; serum sE-selectin and sTM decreased remarkably after a single circulation in CPFA (p<0. 05) but not in HVHF (p>0. 05); the level of sE-selectin and sTM in systemic circulation had no change during CPFA or HVHF (p>0.05); 2. sTM in supernatant liquid incubated with serum from 5 hours of CPFA and 10 hours of HVHF decreased remarkably (p<0.05), while sE-selectin decreased significantly (p<0. 05) from 10 hours of CPFA, but there was no change from 5 hours and 10 hours of HVHF (p>0. 05); 3. when incubated with serum taken from the device pre- or post-CPFA, the optical density (OD) value of the latter was higher. The OD value increased gradually when incubated with serum from 0, 5, and 10 hours of CPFA (p<0.05), but changed little from HVHF.

Conclusions

CPFA can eliminate sE-selectin and sTM and improve the secretion function of ECs. CPFA was somewhat better and earlier than HVHF, while to a certain degree it can weaken the inhibitory effect of serum on the proliferation function of ECs.
Subjects in a Population Study with High Levels of FENO Have Associated Eosinophil Airway Inflammation
Authors: Riise Gerdt C. , Torén Kjell , Olin Anna-Carin
Published: March 2011

Background. Measurement of fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is a promising tool to increase validity in epidemiological studies of asthma. The association between airway inflammation and FENO has, however, only been examined in clinical settings and may be biased by selection of patients with asthma.Methods. In a population study with FENO registrations on 370 individuals, we identified nine subjects out of thirty subjects with high levels of FENO (>85th percentile, 30.3 ppb), irrespective of presence of respiratory symptoms, and 21 control subjects with FENO at median levels (11.1–16.4 ppb) willing to undergo bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), all nonsmokers. FENO was measured in accordance with ATS criteria, and the examination also included spirometry, methacholine challenge test, and sampling of exhaled breath condensate (EBC).Results. Subjects with high FENO levels had significantly higher median the percentage of eosinophils in BAL than controls (2.1 versus 0.6,P<.006), and there was a significant association between FENO and the percentage of eosinophils in BAL (ρ=0.6,P<.002) and ECP in BAL (ρ=0.65,P<.05) examining the whole group, but no association with gender, FEV1, or degree of metacholine sensitivity or any of the biomarkers in EBC. All subjects with high FENO had respiratory symptoms, but only three had diagnosed asthma. There were a significant association between hydrogen peroxide in EBC and the percentage of neutrophils in bronchial wash.Conclusion. High FENO levels signal asthmatic or allergic respiratory disease in a population-based study. FENO levels are associated with degree of eosinophil airway inflammation as measured by the percentage of eosinophils and ECP in BAL.
Nf1 mutant mice with p19ARF gene loss develop accelerated hematopoietic disease resembling acute leukemia with a variable phenotype
Authors: Wiesner Stephen M. , Geurts Jennifer L. , Diers Miechaleen D. , Bergerson Rachel J. , Hasz Diane E. , Morgan Kelly J. , Largaespada David A.
Published: March 2011

Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML) is a relentlessly progressive myeloproliferative/myelodysplastic (MPD/MDS) hematopoietic disorder more common in patients with any one of at least three distinct genetic lesions, specifically NF1 gene loss and PTPN11 and NRAS mutations. NF1 and PTPN11 are molecular lesions associated with Neurofibromatosis Syndrome Type I (NF1 Syndrome) and Noonan's Syndrome, respectively. The occurrence of JMML is rare; even among those predisposed with these syndromes to development of disease, and secondary genetic events likely contribute to the development and progression of disease. In NF1 syndrome, loss of p53 function is a common event in solid tumors, but uncommon in JMML, suggesting that the p53 pathway may be modified by other events in this hematopoietic disorder. The work presented here investigates the possible role of the p19Arf (p19) tumor suppressor in development of MPD associated with Nf1 gene loss in mice. We find that Nf1 mutant hematopoietic cells with loss of p19 develop accelerated hematopoietic disease similar to acute leukemia with a variable phenotype. This suggests that p19 may play a role in development of JMML and evaluation of the human p19 homolog (p14ARF) in JMML may be informative. Am. J. Hematol. 86:579–585, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanisms of fingolimod's efficacy and adverse effects in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cohen Jeffrey A. , Chun Jerold
Published: March 2011

Until recently, all approved multiple sclerosis (MS) disease treatments were administered parenterally. Oral fingolimod was approved in September 2010 by the US Food and Drug Administration to reduce relapses and disability progression in relapsing forms of MS. In the clinical trials that led to approval, fingolimod reduced not only acute relapses and magnetic resonance imaging lesion activity but also disability progression and brain volume loss, suggesting preservation of tissue. Fingolimod's mechanism of action in MS is not known with certainty. Its active form, fingolimod‐phosphate (fingolimod‐P), is a sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulator that inhibits egress of lymphocytes from lymph nodes and their recirculation, potentially reducing trafficking of pathogenic cells into the central nervous system (CNS). Fingolimod also readily penetrates the CNS, and fingolimod‐P formed in situ may have direct effects on neural cells. Fingolimod potently inhibits the MS animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, but is ineffective in mice with selective deficiency of the S1P1 S1PR subtype on astrocytes despite normal expression in the immune compartment. These findings suggest that S1PR modulation by fingolimod in both the immune system and CNS, producing a combination of beneficial anti‐inflammatory and possibly neuroprotective/reparative effects, may contribute to its efficacy in MS. In clinical trials, fingolimod was generally safe and well tolerated. Its interaction with S1PRs in a variety of tissues largely accounts for the reported adverse effects, which were seen more frequently with doses 2.5 to 10× the approved 0.5mg dose. Fingolimod's unique mechanism of action distinguishes it from all other currently approved MS therapies. Ann Neurol 2011;69:759–777
Synthesis and recognition of molecularly imprinted polymers for gastrodin based on surface‐modified silica nanoparticles
Authors: He Minqiang , Song Chengcheng , Yan Yongsheng , Chen Yongqiang , Wan Jincheng
Published: March 2011

A molecular imprinting material with high performance for recognizing Gastrodin (GAS) was prepared by adopting the novel surface molecular imprinting technique. Silica nanoparticles were first modified with 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH‐570) as a carrier material. Then, GAS surface molecule‐imprinted polymer (GAS‐SMIP) were prepared by polymerization with methacrylic acid as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the crosslinker. The equilibrium adsorptive experiments indicated that GAS‐SMIP had significantly higher adsorption capacity for GAS than its nonimprinted polymers. Scatchard analysis revealed that two classes of binding sites were formed in GAS‐SMIP with dissociation constants of 1.019 and 7.278 μmol/mL, and the affinity binding sites of 17.82 and 83.11 μmol/g, respectively. The selectivity coefficient of GAS‐SMIP for GAS in respect to competition species obtained was 3.455, which revealed GAS‐SMIP had excellent selectivity and site accessibility for GAS. Kinetic binding study showed GAS‐SMIP adsorbed quickly in the first 40 min, and reached saturation adsorption at 1 h. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Processing, tensile, and fracture properties of injection molded Hdpe‐Al2O3‐HAp hybrid composites
Authors: Basu Bikramjit , Jain Divya , Kumar Nitish , Choudhury Pritha , Bose Animesh , Bose Shree , Bose Pinaki
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study is to characterize the physical and mechanical properties of HDPE‐alumina‐HAp composites prepared by injection molding techniques and to demonstrate their superiority over unreinforced HDPE. Composites with up to 30 vol. % of filler, composed of equal volumes of HAp and alumina, were successfully processed by injection molding. On the basis of the analysis of processing results, i.e., melt viscosity, volume flow rate, shear rate, mixing torque, the critical ceramic loading was determined. Tensile tests done at varying crosshead speeds confirm that an increase in ceramic loading results in an increase in strength, as well as a simultaneous decrease in the total elongation at failure. A maximum strength of 20 MPa and a maximum tensile modulus of around 1 GPa was achieved with 30 vol % ceramic loading in semicrystalline HDPE matrix. SEVNB test results demonstrate an improvement in toughness at 20 vol %. The fracture properties are discussed in terms of interfacial bonding between ceramic fillers and the semicrystalline HDPE matrix. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Making new out of old: Recycling and modification of an ancient protein translocation system during eukaryotic evolution
Authors: Bolte Kathrin , Gruenheit Nicole , Felsner Gregor , Sommer Maik S. , Maier Uwe‐G. , Hempel Franziska
Published: March 2011

At first glance the three eukaryotic protein translocation machineries – the ER‐associated degradation (ERAD) transport apparatus of the endoplasmic reticulum, the peroxisomal importomer and SELMA, the pre‐protein translocator of complex plastids – appear quite different. However, mechanistic comparisons and phylogenetic analyses presented here suggest that all three translocation machineries share a common ancestral origin, which highlights the recycling of pre‐existing components as an effective evolutionary driving force.

Editor's suggested further reading in BioEssays ERAD ubiquitin ligases Abstract
Alkaline peroxide assisted wet air oxidation pretreatment approach to enhance enzymatic convertibility of rice husk
Authors: Banerjee Saumita , Sen Ramkrishna , Mudliar Sandeep , Pandey R. A. , Chakrabarti Tapan , Satpute Dewanand
Published: March 2011

Pretreatment of rice husk by alkaline peroxide assisted wet air oxidation (APAWAO) approach was investigated with the aim to enhance the enzymatic convertibility of cellulose in pretreated rice husk. Rice husk was presoaked overnight in 1% (w/v) H2O2 solution (pH adjusted to 11.5 using NaOH) (equivalent to 16.67 g H2O2 and 3.63 g NaOH per 100 g dry, untreated rice husk) at room temperature, followed by wet air oxidation (WAO). APAWAO pretreatment resulted in solubilization of 67 wt % of hemicellulose and 88 wt % of lignin initially present in raw rice husk. Some amount of oligomeric glucose (˜8.3 g/L) was also observed in the APAWAO liquid fraction. APAWAO pretreatment resulted in 13‐fold increase in the amount of glucose that could be obtained from otherwise untreated rice husk. Up to 86 wt % of cellulose in the pretreated rice husk (solid fraction) could be converted into glucose within 24 hours, yielding over 21 g glucose per 100 g original rice husk. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to visualize changes in biomass structure following the APAWAO pretreatment. Enzymatic cellulose convertibility of the pretreated slurry at high dry matter loadings was also investigated. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Recombinant monomeric CD40 ligand for delivering polymer particles to dendritic cells
Authors: Palumbo R. Noelle , Nagarajan Lakshmi , Wang Chun
Published: March 2011

Dendritic cells (DCs) are considered the most efficient antigen‐presenting cells and are therefore ideal targets for in vivo delivery of antigen for vaccines. We are investigating the strategy of using CD40 ligand (CD40L) as a targeting moiety because this protein has the potential to not only target DCs, but also stimulate cell maturation, leading to more potent immune responses. We have shown that a recombinant, monomeric CD40 ligand fusion protein conjugated to polystyrene micro‐ and nanoparticles led to significantly enhanced uptake by DCs in vitro. This enhancement was observed for particles of both sizes and in both a murine DC cell line and primary DCs. The uptake appeared to be specifically mediated by CD40L binding to CD40 expressed on DCs. Enhanced uptake of nanoparticles in draining lymph nodes of mice was not observed, however, 48 hours after subcutaneous injection. These findings suggest that CD40 ligand may be a potentially useful targeting moiety for delivery of particulate vaccines to DCs, and that further optimization of both CD40L and the polymer carriers is necessary to achieve efficacy in vivo. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Ultra‐stable phosphoglucose isomerase through immobilization of cellulose‐binding module‐tagged thermophilic enzyme on low‐cost high‐capacity cellulosic adsorbent
Authors: Myung Suwan , Zhang Xiao‐Zhou , Percival Zhang Y.‐H.
Published: March 2011

One‐step enzyme purification and immobilization were developed based on simple adsorption of a family 3 cellulose‐binding module (CBM)‐tagged protein on the external surface of high‐capacity regenerated amorphous cellulose (RAC). An open reading frame (ORF) Cthe0217 encoding a putative phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI, EC 5.3.1.9) from a thermophilic bacterium Clostridium thermocellum was cloned and the recombinant proteins with or without CBM were over‐expressed in Escherichia coli. The rate constant (kcat) and Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) of CBM‐free PGI at 60°C were 2,765 s−1 and 2.89 mM, respectively. PGI was stable at a high protein concentration of 0.1 g/L but deactivated rapidly at low concentrations. Immobilized CBM (iCBM)‐PGI on RAC was extremely stable at ∼60°C, nearly independent of its mass concentration in bulk solution, because its local concentration on the solid support was constant. iCBM‐PGI at a low concentration of 0.001 g/L had a half‐life time of 190 h, approximately 80‐fold of that of free PGI. Total turn‐over number of iCBM‐PGI was as high as 1.1 × 109 mole of product per mole of enzyme at 60°C. These results suggest that a combination of low‐cost enzyme immobilization and thermoenzyme led to an ultra‐stable enzyme building block suitable for cell‐free synthetic pathway biotransformation that can implement complicated biochemical reactions in vitro. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011.
Continuous rhamnolipid production with integrated product removal by foam fractionation and magnetic separation of immobilized Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Heyd M. , Franzreb M. , Berensmeier S.
Published: March 2011

Increasing interest in biological surfactants has led to intensified research directed at more cost‐efficient production of biosurfactants, relative to traditional surface‐active components based on petrochemical feedstocks. This publication will focus on a new integrated process for continuous rhamnolipid (RL) production. RL was synthesized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa DSM 2874 and was continuously removed in situ by foam fractionation. To prevent loss of the biocatalyst through foaming, bacteria were entrapped in magnetic alginate beads. Immobilizates were retained from the foam by high‐gradient magnetic separation and back‐flushed in the bioreactor at constant intervals. It was demonstrated that continuous RL production in a 10‐L bioreactor over several cycles with intermediate growth periods is feasible. Complete separation of RLs from the production medium with an average enrichment ratio of 15 in the collapsed foam was demonstrated, yielding a final RL amount of 70 g after four production cycles. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Fracture propagation in the human cranium: A re‐testing of popular theories
Authors: Kroman A. , Kress T. , Porta D.
Published: March 2011

Bone trauma interpretation is an important area of forensic anthropology. Notwithstanding the recent realization of the validity of fracture pattern interpretation, knowledge of trauma is largely based on case studies and older experimental work. Gurdjian and coauthors conducted a number of studies on blunt force fracture propagation that are still used today. Fracture propagation was noted to initiate in an area other than the point of impact, then radiate back toward it. Gurdjian's results are often used to suggest that the point of impact is at a location other than the fracture epicenter. This study is an examination and retesting of Gurdjian's theories of fracture propagation using current biomechanics research and technology. Specifically, the relationship of impact site and fracture patterning was tested using cadaver heads. The results demonstrate that fractures radiate from the point of impact, contrary to the theories of Gurdjian. Clin. Anat. 24:309–318, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Iatrogenic dissection of the ascending aorta during TAVI sealed with the corevalve revalving prosthesis
Authors: Ong Sea Hing , Mueller Ralf , Gerckens Ulrich
Published: March 2011

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is rapidly becoming an accepted treatment option for a selected group of high risk or inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, this procedure is not without complications. We report a case of acute type A aortic dissection due to balloon aortic valvuloplasty during TAVI that was successfully sealed by the CoreValve prosthesis, thus avoiding surgical intervention.© 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dendron‐Functionalized Bis(terpyridine)–Iron(II) or –Cadmium(II) Metallomacrocycles: Synthesis, Traveling‐Wave Ion‐Mobility Mass Spectrometry, and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Wang Jin‐Liang , Li Xiaopeng , Lu Xiaocun , Chan Yi‐Tsu , Moorefield Charles N. , Wesdemiotis Chrys , Newkome George R.
Published: March 2011

The synthesis, purification, structural analysis, and photophysical properties of a series of five‐, six‐, and seven‐sided FeII macrocycles and the corresponding hexameric CdII macrocycle, all prepared by self‐assembly of a 120° bis(terpyridine) ligand modified with first‐ and second‐generation 1→3 C‐branched dendrons, are reported. All metallomacrocycles were fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, traveling‐wave ion‐mobility mass spectrometry (TWIM MS), molecular modeling, UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and cyclic voltammetry. A gradual increase of the collision cross sections of the FeII metallomacrocycles was observed with a successive increase of the number and molecular size of the ligands. The combination of ion‐mobility mass spectrometry and NMR techniques unveils structural features that agree well with calculations. Extinction coefficients and emission are significantly modulated by increasing the ring size and changing the metal ion center from FeII to CdII.
Time‐domain analysis of phase‐noise and jitter in oscillators due to white and colored noise sources
Authors: Maffezzoni Paolo , D'Amore Dario
Published: March 2011

This paper presents an original time‐domain analysis of the phase‐diffusion process, which occurs in oscillators due to the presence of white and colored noise sources. It is shown that the method supplies realistic quantitative predictions of phase‐noise and jitter and provides useful design‐oriented closed‐form expressions of such phenomena. Analytical expressions and numerical simulations are verified through measurements performed on a relaxation oscillator whose behavior is perturbed by externally controlled noise sources. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probability surveys, conditional probability, and ecological risk assessment
Authors: Paul John F , Munns Wayne R
Published: March 2011

We show that probability-based environmental resource monitoring programs, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program, and conditional probability analysis can serve as a basis for estimating ecological risk over broad geographic areas. Under certain conditions (including appropriate stratification of the sampled population, sufficient density of samples, and sufficient range of exposure levels paired with concurrent response values), this empirical approach provides estimates of risk using extant field-derived monitoring data. The monitoring data were used to prescribe the exposure field and to model the exposure–response relationship. We illustrate this approach by estimating risks to benthic communities from low dissolved oxygen (DO) in freshwater streams of the mid-Atlantic region and in estuaries of the Virginian Biogeographical Province of the United States. In both cases, the estimates of risk are consistent with the U.S. EPA's ambient water quality criteria for DO. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1488–1495. © 2011 SETAC
Modeling chronic dietary cadmium bioaccumulation and toxicity from periphyton to Hyalella azteca
Authors: Golding Lisa A , Borgmann Uwe , Dixon D. George
Published: March 2011

A chronic (28-d) Cd saturation bioaccumulation model was developed to quantify the Cd contribution from a natural periphyton diet to Cd in the freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca. Bioaccumulation was then linked to chronic toxic effects. Juvenile H. azteca were exposed to treatments of Cd in water (3.13–100 nmol/L nominal) and food (389–26,300 nmol/g ash-free dry mass). Cadmium bioaccumulation, survival, and growth were recorded. Dietary Cd was estimated to contribute 21 to 31, 59 to 94, and 40 to 55% to bioaccumulated Cd in H. azteca exposed to treatments of Cd primarily in water, food, and food + water, respectively. Survival as a function of Cd lethal body concentration (679 nmol/g; 95% confidence limits, 617–747) was the most robust endpoint. Body concentration integrated all exposure routes. Based on the lethal body concentration, dietary Cd was predicted to contribute markedly (26–90%) to Cd in H. azteca. Cadmium concentration and food nutritional quality (biomass, chlorophyll a, total lipid, fatty acids, total protein) had no effect on H. azteca nutritional quality (total lipid, fatty acids, total protein) but did influence H. azteca dry weight. This research highlighted the importance of including a dietary component when modeling chronic effects of Cd and when refining endpoints for use in ecological risk assessment and water quality guidelines. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1709–1720. © 2011 SETAC
Synthesis and Properties of Random Copolymers of Functionalised Polybenzimidazoles for High Temperature Fuel Cells
Authors: Mader J. A. , Benicewicz B. C.
Published: March 2011

A series of polybenzimidazoles (PBIs) incorporating main chain sulphonic acid groups were synthesised as random copolymers with p‐PBI in varying ratios using polyphosphoric acid (PPA) as both the polymerisation solvent and polycondensation reagent. The PPA process was used to produce high molecular weight phosphoric acid (PA) doped PBI gel membranes in a one‐step procedure. These membranes exhibit excellent mechanical properties (0.528–2.51 MPa tensile stress and 130–300% tensile strain) even at high acid doping levels [20–40 mol PA/PRU (polymer repeat unit)] and high conductivities (0.148–0.291 S cm–1) at elevated temperatures (>100 °C) with no external humidification, depending on copolymer composition. Fuel cell testing was conducted with hydrogen fuel and air or oxygen oxidants for all membrane compositions at temperatures greater than 100 °C without external feed gas humidification. Initial studies showed a maximum fuel performance of 0.675 V for the 25 mol% s‐PBI/75 mol% p‐PBI random copolymer at 180 °C and 0.2 A cm–2 with hydrogen and air, and 0.747 V for the same copolymer at 180 °C and 0.2 A cm–2 with hydrogen and oxygen.
Neural correlates of audio‐visual object recognition: Effects of implicit spatial congruency
Authors: Plank Tina , Rosengarth Katharina , Song Wookeun , Ellermeier Wolfgang , Greenlee Mark W.
Published: March 2011

Multisensory integration assists us to identify objects by providing multiple cues with respect to object category and spatial location. We used a semantic audiovisual object matching task to determine the effect of spatial congruency on response behavior and fMRI brain activation. Fifteen subjects responded in a four‐alternative response paradigm, which visual quadrant contained the object best matched to the sound presented. Realistic sounds based on head‐related transfer functions were presented binaurally with the simulated sound source corresponding to one of the four quadrants. Following a random sequence, the location of the sound corresponded to the quadrant containing the semantically congruent target on half the trials, whereas on other trials the sound arose from an incongruent location. We examined the effects of spatial congruency on response latencies, hit‐rates and fMRI responses. Preliminary behavioral results revealed a significant effect of spatial congruency on response latency or performance for stimuli with noise added. In the fMRI experiment, spatial congruency had a significant effect on the BOLD response. A cluster in the right middle and superior temporal gyrus was more activated when the auditory sound sources were spatially congruent with the semantically matching visual stimulus. In an exploratory post‐hoc analysis, in which we correlated the BOLD signal with the subjects' ability to locate the sound sources, we found a significant cluster in the left inferior frontal cortex, where the BOLD response increased with sound‐source localization performance. Thus spatial congruency appears to enhance the semantic integration of audiovisual object information in these brain regions. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anchoring interferon alpha to apolipoprotein A-I reduces hematological toxicity while enhancing immunostimulatory properties
Authors: Fioravanti Jessica , González Iranzu , Medina-Echeverz José , Larrea Esther , Ardaiz Nuria , González-Aseguinolaza Gloria , Prieto Jesús , Berraondo Pedro
Published: March 2011

Interferon alpha (IFNα) is widely used for the treatment of viral hepatitis but substantial toxicity hampers its clinical use. In this work, we aimed at improving the efficacy of IFNα therapy by increasing the IFNα half-life and providing liver tropism. We selected apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) as the stabilizing and targeting moiety. We generated plasmids encoding IFNα, albumin bound to IFNα (ALF), or IFNα linked to ApoA-I (IA) and mice were treated either by hydrodynamic administration of the plasmids or by injection of the corresponding recombinant proteins or high-density lipoproteins containing IA. The plasma half-life of IA was intermediate between IFNα and ALF. IA was targeted to the liver and induced higher hepatic expression of interferon-stimulated genes than IFNα or even ALF. IA exhibits stronger in vivo antiviral activity than IFNα and the hematologic cytopenic effects of IA are milder than those observed when using IFNα or ALF. In contrast to IFNα, IA does not cause activation-dependent cell death of lymphocytes in vitro. Accordingly, in vivo studies showed that IA boosts T-cell immune responses more efficiently than IFNα or ALF. The difference in immunostimulatory activity between IFNα and IA disappears in scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) knockout mice, suggesting that crosstalk between SR-BI and IFNα receptor is essential for enhanced induction of cytotoxic T cells by IA.

Conclusion:

Anchoring IFNα to ApoA-I prolongs the half-life of IFNα and promotes targeting to the liver. Importantly, the fusion protein shows increased immunostimulatory properties and lower hematological toxicity. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
Helicobacter pylori infection as an independent prognostic factor for locally advanced gastric cancer patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy after curative resection
Authors: Kang Seok Yun , Han Jae Ho , Ahn Mi Sun , Lee Hyun Woo , Jeong Seong Hyun , Park Joon Seong , Cho Yong Kwan , Han Sang‐Uk , Kim Young Bae , Kim Jang Hee , Sheen Seung Soo , Lim Ho‐Yeong , Choi Jin‐Hyuk
Published: March 2011

A few studies reported the association between negative Helicobacter pylori infection and poor clinical outcome in resected gastric cancer patients. We investigated the H. pylori infection status and its association with the clinical outcome in 274 locally advanced gastric cancer patients (American Joint Committee on Cancer stage IB: 25, II: 82, IIIA: 80, IIIB: 39 and IV: 48) who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy after curative resection (≥D2 dissection). H. pylori infection status in hematoxylin and eosin stained corporal and antral mucosa of non‐tumor tissue was graded according to the updated Sydney System and categorized as H. pylori negative (normal or mild infection) and H. pylori positive (moderate or marked infection). Eighty‐one patients received 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy, while 193 patients underwent 5‐FU, mitomycin‐C and polysaccharide‐K chemotherapy. The median follow‐up duration of survivors was 144 (120–184) months. In univariate analysis, patients with H. pylori negative status (108 patients) demonstrated significantly poor 10‐year overall survival (OS) compared to those with H. pylori‐positive status (166 patients; 21.3% vs. 71.1%, p < 0.0001). H. pylori negative status was associated with poor outcome in all stages except stage IIIB. In multivariate analysis, H. pylori‐negative status was the most significant independent prognostic factor of poor OS (hazard ratio: 3.45, 95% confidence interval: 2.43–4.89, p < 0.0001) followed by old age (>54 years, p < 0.0001), advanced stage (stage III or IV, p = 0.001), and Borrmann type IV (p = 0.027). H. pylori infection status seems to have strong prognostic significance in locally advanced gastric cancer. H. pylori‐negative patients may need careful follow‐up after curative resection.
High‐pressure synthesis of ethyl benzoate from chloro‐ and bromobenzene
Authors: Murty K. Ramachandra , Goswami Asesh K. , Palit Sunanda K.
Published: March 2011

When chlorobenzene was reacted with ethyl alcohol and carbon monoxide under pressure, the conversions of chlorobenzene to ethyl benzoate and benzoic acid under optimum reaction conditions were 31.3% and 30.1% respectively, with nickel naphthenate supported on silica gel (Ni:SiO2= 50:50) as the best catalyst. When bromobenzene was used instead of chlorobenzene, the best catalyst was found to be nickel iodide supported on silica gel (Ni:SiO2 = 50:50), and the above conversions were 74.7% and 25.1% respectively under optimum reaction conditions.
Scaling‐up of process for production of antibiotic of Myxococcus xanthus TA
Authors: Mizrahi Avshalom , Arnan Joseph , Miller George , Liron Zvi , Manai Moshe , Batus Yedidya , Rosenberg Eugene
Published: March 2011

A process for the production of Myxococcus xanthus TA (M. xanthus TA) antibiotic was scaled‐up to bench and pilot plant scales. The process includes the following steps: (a) propagation of M. xanthus TA in cultures of up to 750 litres. After 4 days of growth the maximum antibiotic yield achieved was 24 units/ml supernatant, and the highest titres were obtained at a low oxygen absorption rate of 0.2; (b) processing of the clarified culture supernatant. Two methods were successfully piloted: the chloroform extraction method and the kaolin adsorption method. Both methods were followed by elution with 20% methanol in chloroform. The recoveries of antibiotic activity were 90% and 85% respectively by the two methods. The process described could be used for the large‐scale preparation of the novel antibiotic of M. xanthus TA.
Hydrolysis of o‐ and p‐nitrochlorobenzene with aqueous sodium hydroxide to the corresponding nitrophenols
Authors: Bhave Madhav D. , Chandalia Sampatraj B.
Published: March 2011

The hydrolysis of o‐ and p‐nitrochlorobenzene with aqueous sodium hydroxide was studied at temperatures of 100–160°C and at a pressure corresponding to the vapour pressure of the aqueous solution, so that the system was maintained in the liquid phase. The rate of reaction, as well as the yield and quality of the product, were poor when no catalyst was used. The use of cuprous oxide and manganese dioxide as catalysts was found to be suitable for the process. The effects of temperature, amount of caustic soda, ratio of aqueous phase to organic phase, type and amount of catalyst, speed of agitation and period of reaction on the conversion and yield of nitrophenols were studied with a view to obtaining the most suitable conditions for the production of o‐ and p‐nitrophenol.