bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating online sampling probes for substrate concentration and protein production by a Design of Experiments screening approach
Authors: Spadiut Oliver , Dietzsch Christian , Posch Andreas , Herwig Christoph
Published: July 2012

A polypropylene sampling probe and ceramic sampling probe were tested for the online measurement of substrate and protein concentrations in fed batch cultivations of a recombinant Pichia pastoris strain overexpressing the enzyme HRP. Although small substrate molecules could be determined precisely under process conditions, online and offline data for enzyme activity and protein content showed offsets for both sampling probes. An easy‐to‐do multivariate Design of Experiments (DoE) screening approach revealed the limitations for both sampling probes. Online and offline determined data for enzymatic activity were fitted to a suitable exponential equation. A direct correlation of these equations showed a linear relation between online and offline data for the polypropylene probe and a quadratic relation for the ceramic probe. Using the resulting formulas, observed offsets could be compensated for by mathematical transformation, which consequently could allow the use of online calculator tools to determine the enzymatic activity and the protein content in quasi real‐time. This study demonstrates the usefulness of a DoE approach to evaluate online sampling probes in a short time and introduces a strategy to obtain data with two different online sampling probes also for large target molecules despite observed offsets.
Factor Structure and Item Analysis of the Yale Food Addiction Scale in Obese Candidates for Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Meule Adrian , Heckel Daniela , Kübler Andrea
Published: July 2012

Converging research suggests phenomenological and neurobiological similarities between excessive food consumption and addictive behaviour in substance dependence. Recently, the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) has been proposed for the assessment of addictive eating behaviour. The German version of the YFAS was administered to obese individuals seeking bariatric surgery (N = 96). Factor structure, internal consistency, and item statistics were analysed. Forty participants (41.70%) received a food addiction diagnosis. The one‐factorial structure of the YFAS, which has been found in non‐clinical samples, could be confirmed. All but three items had factor loadings >.50. Internal consistency was α = .82. Item analysis revealed that items related to unsuccessful attempts to cut down and consumption despite physical and emotional problems were endorsed by the majority of participants. Findings support the use of the YFAS in clinical populations, while applicability of some items differs between clinical and non‐clinical samples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Toxicity and bioaccumulation of biosolids-borne triclosan in food crops
Authors: Pannu Manmeet W. , Toor Gurpal S. , O'Connor George A. , Wilson Patrick C.
Published: July 2012

Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial compound commonly found in biosolids. Thus, plants grown in biosolids-amended soil may be exposed to TCS. We evaluated the plant toxicity and accumulation potential of biosolids-borne TCS in two vegetables (lettuce and radish) and a pasture grass (bahia grass). Vegetables were grown in growth chambers and grass in a greenhouse. Biosolids-amended soil had TCS concentrations of 0.99, 5.9, and 11 mg/kg amended soil. These TCS concentrations represent typical biosolids containing concentrations of 16 mg TCS/kg applied at agronomic rates for 6 to 70 consecutive years, assuming no TCS loss. Plant yields (dry wt) were not reduced at any TCS concentration and the no observed effect concentration was 11 mg TCS/kg soil for all plants. Significantly greater TCS accumulated in the below-ground biomass than in the above-ground biomass. The average bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were 0.43 ± 0.38 in radish root, 0.04 ± 0.04 in lettuce leaves, 0.004 ± 0.002 in radish leaves, and <0.001 in bahia grass. Soybean (grain) and corn (leaves) grown in our previous field study where soil TCS concentrations were lower (0.04–0.1 mg/kg) had BAF values of 0.06 to 0.16. Based on the data, we suggest a conservative first approximate BAF value of 0.4 for risk assessment in plants. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2130–2137. © 2012 SETAC
p-nitrophenol toxicity to and its removal by three select soil isolates of microalgae: The role of antioxidants
Authors: Subashchandrabose Suresh R. , Megharaj Mallavarapu , Venkateswarlu Kadiyala , Naidu Ravi
Published: July 2012

The nontarget effects, in terms of biochemical changes induced by p-nitrophenol (PNP) in three soil microalgae, Chlorella sp., Chlorococcum sp., and Heterochlamydomonas sp., and the PNP removal efficiency of these isolates, were determined. On exposure to 20 mg L−1 PNP, Chlorella sp. showed greater activity of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase as well as high contents of proline and carotenoids. While Heterochlamydomonas sp. exhibited higher levels of catalase and protein, Chlorococcum sp. produced greater amounts of malondialdehyde, a measure of lipid peroxidation, in the presence of PNP. Chlorella sp. tolerated PNP by producing large quantities of antioxidants coupled with less lipid peroxidation, while Chlorococcum sp. was susceptible, as evidenced by low antioxidant production and high lipid peroxidation. During 7-d exposure, Chlorella sp., Heterochlamydomonas sp., and Chlorococcum sp. were able to remove 39, 18, and 4% of 20 mg L−1 PNP, respectively. The present results indicate that proline, carotenoids and malondialdehyde are the potential biomarkers for assessing PNP toxicity toward microalgae, and their response could be considered for differentiating tolerant and susceptible strains. Moreover, there is a clear correlation between PNP removal and antioxidant synthesis in microalgae on exposure to the pollutant. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1980–1988. © 2012 SETAC
Understanding the atmospheric measurement and behavior of perfluorooctanoic acid
Authors: Webster Eva M. , Ellis David A.
Published: July 2012

The recently reported quantification of the atmospheric sampling artifact for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was applied to existing gas and particle concentration measurements. Specifically, gas phase concentrations were increased by a factor of 3.5 and particle-bound concentrations by a factor of 0.1. The correlation constants in two particle–gas partition coefficient (KQA) estimation equations were determined for multiple studies with and without correcting for the sampling artifact. Correction for the sampling artifact gave correlation constants with improved agreement to those reported for other neutral organic contaminants, thus supporting the application of the suggested correction factors for perfluorinated carboxylic acids. Applying the corrected correlation constant to a recent multimedia modeling study improved model agreement with corrected, reported, atmospheric concentrations. This work confirms that there is sufficient partitioning to the gas phase to support the long-range atmospheric transport of PFOA. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2041–2046. © 2012 SETAC
Physiological effect of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles on Lemna minor
Authors: Song Guanling , Gao Yuan , Wu Hao , Hou Wenhua , Zhang Chunyang , Ma Huiquan
Published: July 2012

Manufactured metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are being used on a large scale, and these particles will inevitably reach a body of water through wastewater and urban runoff. The ecotoxicological study of these NPs on hydrophyte is limited at present. Lemna minor was exposed to media with different concentrations of titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs or bulk TiO2 for 7 d. The changes in plant growth, chlorophyll, antioxidant defense enzymes (peroxidase [POD], catalase [CAT], and superoxide dismutase [SOD] activities), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured in the present study. The particle size of TiO2 NPs and the zeta potential of TiO2 NPs and of bulk TiO2 in the culture media were also analyzed to complementally study the toxicity of these materials on duckweed. The results showed that the effect of TiO2 NPs on plant growth was more obvious than bulk TiO2. Titanium dioxide NPs stimulated plant growth in low concentrations, but inhibited plant growth at high concentrations. The POD, SOD, and CAT activity of Lemna minor increased when TiO2 NP concentration was lower than 200 mg/L to eliminate accumulated reactive oxygen species in plant cells. The SOD activity decreased when the TiO2 NP concentration was higher than 200 mg/L, and the plant cell membrane encountered serious damage from 500 mg/L TiO2 NP concentration in the culture media. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2147–2152. © 2012 SETAC
Binding interactions of 1-naphthol with dissolved organic matter of Lake Biwa and treated sewage wastewater: The role of microbial fulvic acid
Authors: Ahmed Tanveer , Ohta Keiichi , Nagafuchi Osamu , Maruo Masahiro
Published: July 2012

The binding interactions of 1-naphthol with effluent and whole natural dissolved organic matter (DOM) samples were analyzed by using a fluorescence quenching technique. Nonfractionated DOM samples from Lake Biwa (Japan), creek water, treated sewage effluents, and an extracted Lake Biwa fulvic acid (LBFA) standard were used as quenchers and compared at the same 1-naphthol with DOM organic carbon ratios found for low natural dissolved organic carbon (DOC) levels (∼4.5 mg/L). Natural and effluent DOM (eDOM) samples were characterized by the DOC level, relative hydrophobicity (RH%), ultraviolet (UV)-visible absorbance and fluorescence excitation emission spectroscopy. These parameters were compared with those of the reference LBFA standard. Concave-up Stern-Volmer plots accounted for both the partitioning and the adsorptive binding in the eDOM–polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) system as compared with the nonspecific partitioning in the natural DOM-PAH system. Strong linear regressions (r2 > 0.80) between the log KDOC values, the RH%, the UV absorbances, and the Fl340-435-UV340 indices for the structural composition and molecular weights of the DOM samples were obtained. These results suggest that low molecular weight microbial fulvic acid (<800 Da) is dominant in the eDOM-PAH binding interactions, as well as in the distinct molecular structure of the eDOM samples, which resulted in fivefold to sixfold higher binding magnitude for 1-naphthol than for the other samples. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2201–2209. © 2012 SETAC
Neuronenreich nach Noten
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: July 2012

Der Mediziner und Musiker Eckart Altenmüller über den Gänsehautfaktor der Musik, das Wunder der Neuroplastizität und die Möglichkeiten klangunterstützter Therapien. Ein Expertengespräch
Gasemissionen, gelesen wie Hieroglyphen
Authors: Bobrowski Nicole
Published: July 2012

Vulkanforschung: Wer wissen will, was im Erdinneren geschieht, muss meist mit aufwendiger Technik in direkter Kraternähe arbeiten. Jetzt zeigen internationale Messkampagnen, dass auch mit einfacheren Instrumenten und aus größerer Entfernung viel zu erreichen ist.
Local production of serum amyloid a is implicated in the induction of macrophage chemoattractants in Schwann cells during wallerian degeneration of peripheral nerves
Authors: Jang So Young , Shin Yoon Kyung , Lee Ha Young , Park Joo Youn , Suh Duk Joon , Kim Jong Kuk , Bae Yoe‐Sik , Park Hwan Tae
Published: July 2012

The elevation of serum levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) has been regarded as an acute reactive response following inflammation and various types of injuries. SAA from the liver and extrahepatic tissues plays an immunomodulatory role in a variety of pathophysiological conditions. Inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral nerves have been implicated in the Wallerian degeneration of peripheral nerves after injury and in certain types of inflammatory neuropathies. In the present study, we found that a sciatic nerve axotomy could induce an increase of SAA1 and SAA3 mRNA expression in sciatic nerves. Immunohistochemical staining showed that Schwann cells are the primary sources of SAA production after nerve injury. In addition, interleukin‐6‐null mice, but not tumor necrosis factor‐α‐null mice showed a defect in the production of SAA1 in sciatic nerve following injury. Dexamethasone treatment enhanced the expression and secretion of SAA1 and SAA3 in sciatic nerve explants cultures, suggesting that interleukin‐6 and corticosteroids might be major regulators for SAA production in Schwann cells following injury. Moreover, the stimulation of Schwann cells with SAA1 elicited the production of the macrophage chemoattractants, Ccl2 and Ccl3, in part through a G‐protein coupled receptor. Our findings suggest that locally produced SAA might play an important role in Wallerian degeneration after peripheral nerve injury. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CANCELLED PROCEDURES: INEQUALITY, INEQUITY AND THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE REFORMS
Authors: Cookson Graham , Jones Simon , McIntosh Bryan
Published: July 2012

Using data for every elective procedure in 2007 in the English National Health Service, we found evidence of socioeconomic inequality in the probability of having a procedure cancelled after admission while controlling for a range of patient and provider characteristics. Whether this disparity is inequitable is inconclusive. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental and land use factors affecting phosphate hysteresis patterns of stream water during flood events (Carpathian Foothills, Poland)
Authors: Siwek Janusz , Siwek Joanna P. , Żelazny Mirosław
Published: July 2012

Flood events play a substantial role in the circulation of catchment phosphate (PO43−). The purpose of the research was to analyze the factors determining PO43− hysteresis patterns (direction and width) during four types of floods: short and long rainfall floods and snowmelt floods on frozen and thawed soil. The research took place in small catchments (forested, agricultural, mixed‐use) in the Carpathian Foothills in Poland. Anticlockwise hysteresis was identified in the forested catchment during short and long rainfall floods. Under the same conditions, the clockwise direction was observed in the agricultural catchment. In the mixed‐use catchment, the direction of PO43− hysteresis loops was various, driven by the share of water flowing from each part of the catchment. For snowmelt floods, the PO43− hysteresis pattern was similar in all the streams studied (usually clockwise). The direction of PO43− hysteresis loops depends on water circulation patterns, which are determined by the different influx times of particular runoff components. The stream recharge mechanism during a flood event is affected both by the factor initiating the event (precipitation, snowmelt) as well as by land use in the given catchment. Hysteresis loop width was determined by the pool of PO43− in a given catchment during the time period immediately preceding a flood event as well as by the quantity of PO43− flushed out of the soil. The greater a catchment's pool of PO43− and the greater its ability to flush PO43− out of the soil and into surface flow, the wider the hysteresis loops. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference evapotranspiration trends and their sensitivity to climatic change on the Tibetan Plateau (1970–2009)
Authors: Xie Hong , Zhu Xuan
Published: July 2012

Evapotranspiration is an important component of the water and energy balance. It is dependent on climate. Precipitation, solar radiation, temperature, humidity, and wind all contribute to the rate of evapotranspiration. In this study, the temporal trends of reference evapotranspiration (ETref) and four main ETref drivers, namely, mean air temperature (Ta), wind speed (u2), net radiation (Rn) and actual vapour pressure (ea) from 1970 to 2009, were calculated based on 75 meteorological stations on the Tibetan Plateau. The results showed that the ETref on the Tibetan Plateau decreased on average by 0.6909 mm a‐1a‐1 from 1970 to 2009. Ta and ea showed an increasing trend, whereas u2 and Rn exhibited a decreasing trend. To explore the underlying causes of the ETref variation, an attribution analysis was performed to quantify the contribution of Ta, u2, Rn and ea, which showed that the changes in u2, Rn and ea produced the negative effect, whereas Ta produced the positive effect on ETref rates. The changes in u2 were found to produce the largest decrease (−0.7 mm) in ETref, followed by ea (−0.4 mm) and Rn (−0.1 mm). Although the significant increase in Ta had a large positive effect (0.51 mm) on ETref rates, changes in the other three variables each reduced ETref rates, resulting in an overall negative trend in ETref. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geraniol inhibits murine skin tumorigenesis by modulating COX‐2 expression, Ras‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway and apoptosis
Authors: Chaudhary Sandeep Chand , Siddiqui Mohammad Saeed , Athar Mohammad , Alam Mohammad Sarwar
Published: July 2012

Geraniol (GOH), a naturally occurring monoterpene, has been shown to have antiproliferative, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis‐inducing effects, and represents a promising cancer chemopreventive agent. In the present study, we investigated the chemopreventive potential of GOH (50 and 100 mg kg−1 body weight) against 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)/12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol 13‐acetate (TPA)‐mediated skin tumorigenesis in Swiss albino mice. The topical treatment of GOH, 30 min prior to TPA (2 µg per 200 µl of acetone) treatment significantly inhibited TPA‐induced skin edema, hyperplasia, COX‐2 induction and oxidative stress response. The GOH treatment also resulted in reduction of TPA‐induced ornithine decarboxylase activity and [3H] thymidine incorporation by 53% (P < 0.001) and 41% (P < 0.001), respectively. We found that GOH treatment significantly inhibited the tumor incidence and number of tumors (P < 0.001) and extended the latency period from 4 weeks in DMBA/TPA treatment group to 10 weeks in GOH‐pretreated mice. Furthermore, we observed that GOH treatment significantly suppressed the Ras/Raf/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in skin tumor. Consistently, GOH‐treated skin tumors showed reduced expression of Bcl‐2 and increased expression of Bax in these lesions. Thus, it was concluded that GOH inhibits DMBA/TPA‐mediated skin tumorigenesis by attenuating the Ras proliferation pathway and inducing pro‐apoptotic state via inhibition of oxidative stress response and inflammation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short‐ and long‐term toxicities of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Tang Shaoxian , Tang Yuechao , Zhong Lingling , Murat Kumuruz , Asan Gvlqikra , Yu Jerry , Jian Rongrong , Wang Changchun , Zhou Ping
Published: July 2012

As nanomaterials are developed and applied, their potential for health hazards needs to be determined. In the present study, we used commercial nude multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) trimmed to a short length (50–200 nm; s‐MWCNTs) and synthesized functionalized MWCNTs with polyethylene glycol (PEG) (s‐MWCNTs‐PEG). We then studied the toxic effects of s‐MWCNTs and s‐MWCNTs‐PEG on cultured cells and in a mouse model. Peripheral haemograms and various biochemical markers of the heart, liver and kidney were measured. We found no toxicity of either type of nanotube on the viability of human SKBR‐3 breast carcinoma cells or control cells. There were no differences in vivo on inflammatory responses, the coagulation system, haemograms or vital organ functions between the test and control groups. Additionally, we found no toxicity of these nanotubes on male mouse sperm production or mutagenesis in the long term. In conclusion, both s‐MWCNTs and s‐MWCNTs‐PEG displayed good in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility, making future applications in biology and clinical therapy as a carrier for drug delivery feasible. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cadmium inhibits the ovary δ‐aminolevulinate dehydratase activity in vitro and ex vivo: protective role of seleno‐furanoside
Authors: Vargas Laura Musacchio , Soares Melina Bucco , Izaguirry Aryele Pinto , Lüdtke Diogo Seibert , Braga Hugo C. , Savegnago Lucielli , Wollenhaupt Suzi , Brum Daniela dos Santos , Leivas Fábio Gallas , Santos Francielli Weber
Published: July 2012

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity is a concern to the tobacco‐smoking sub‐population which includes millions of people worldwide. Although this metal may cause severe damage to embryos and the reproductive organs, the precise mechanisms underlying its toxicity remain unclear. In the present study, the Cd effect on ovary δ‐aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ‐ALA‐D) activity was investigated in vitro and ex vivo. We observed that low concentrations of Cd inhibited cow ovary δ‐ALA‐D activity in vitro and the IC50 value obtained was 19.17 μM. Furthermore, the protective effect of a novel organic selenium compound (seleno‐furanoside) in restoring enzyme activity was evaluated. Seleno‐furanoside (10, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 1000 μM) did not reverse the Cd toxicity in bovine ovarian tissue in vitro. According to the in vitro reults, acute Cd exposure (2.5 and 5 mg kg–1) caused a significant inhibition in ovary δ‐ALA‐D activity in mice (around 27% and 34%, respectively). Therapy with seleno‐furanoside (100 µmol kg–1) was able to restore enzyme activity. Thus, we demonstrated for the first time that δ‐ALA‐D activity from ovary is inhibited by Cd both in vitro and ex vivo. Additionally, seleno‐furanoside therapy was effective in restoring ovarian enzyme activity inhibited by Cd exposure in mice, but it did not reverse the in vitro metal effect. This study detected a new toxicity marker of Cd toxicity on ovarian tissue as well as the beneficial effect of a new compound to manage the metal effect after acute exposure. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical PhD Graduate Student Views of Their Scientist‐Practitioner Training
Authors: VanderVeen Joseph W. , Reddy L. Felice , Veilleux Jennifer C. , January Alicia M. , DiLillo David
Published: July 2012

Objectives

The goal of the scientist‐practitioner (S‐P) training model is to produce clinical psychologists equipped to integrate and utilize both science and practice in the clinical and research domains. However, much has been written regarding the possible shortcomings of S‐P training and whether clinical psychology graduate students are actually gaining the knowledge and skills to integrate science and practice during graduate training and beyond (Chang, Lee, & Hargreaves, 2008; Gelso, 2006; Merlo, Collins, & Bernstein, 2008; Phillips, 1993).

Methods

As such, the present study assessed ratings of satisfaction, perception of ability, and use of the S‐P training model within 653 clinical psychology graduate students enrolled in programs that are members of the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology.

Results

Findings suggest that students are consistently trained in the integration of science and practice and have confidence in their abilities to apply the S‐P integration to research and clinical work. However, despite understanding the ways in which science can influence practice, over one third of students reported that they rarely use science‐based decisions when informing clients of the clinical services they will be providing.

Conclusions

The implications of these results support the need for a more detailed evaluation of clinical psychology graduate students as well as the use of research‐informed practice and the process of providing clients with information they need to make informed choices about treatment.
Towards optimal aqueous two‐phase extraction system flowsheets for protein purification
Authors: Ahmad Murni M. , Przybycien Todd M.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND

This work describes a flowsheet optimization framework for the development of protein purification operations involving aqueous two‐phase protein extraction (ATPE). The framework encompasses both the flowsheet and thermodynamic calculations and predicts the optimal flowsheets for the application of ATPE systems.

RESULTS

Results presented were generated by applying an optimization algorithm to a previous case study with demonstrated feasible solutions1 concerning the recovery of phosphofructokinase from a simple model feedstock containing both phosphofructokinase and ovalbumin using poly(ethylene glycol)‐dextran (PEG6000‐DxT500) two‐phase systems. An optimal flowsheet for a one‐stage extraction unit and improved flowsheets for two‐stage extraction units with and without recycle were determined based on the minimum scaled process cost subject to attainment of liquid‐liquid equilibrium in the ATPE system(s) and constraints on product yield, product purity and phase settling rates. The cost performance factors of feasible one‐stage and two‐stage flowsheets with and without recycle were improved by 4.7%, 8.6% and 33.1%, respectively, relative to the prior work.

CONCLUSION

This flowsheet optimization framework was able to predict the optimal flowsheets for protein purification from a two‐protein mixture using ATPE systems, subject to some limitations. The algorithm has the potential to be successfully applied to predict protein extraction from complex mixtures upon improvement in its computational robustness. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of mass transfer on biodesulfurization kinetics of alkylated forms of dibenzothiophene by Pseudomonas putida CECT5279
Authors: Boltes Karina , Alonso del Aguila Raúl , García‐Calvo Eloy
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: An important problem exists for the implementation of biodesulfurization technology of fuels related to the influence of mass transfer on the overall reaction rate and process yield. Pseudomonas putida CECT5279 has been shown to be one of the most promising biocatalysts, but most kinetic studies were done at small scale and their capability for the transformation of alkyl substituted forms (Cx–DBTs) has not yet been reported.

RESULTS: Conversion yields and kinetic parameters were calculated under aqueous and biphasic resting cell conditions in a 2 L stirred tank reactor. In aqueous reaction media, 100% conversion of DBT, 4MDBT and 4,6DMDBT was achieved while the conversions in the presence of an organic liquid were 38% for DBT, 19.5% for 4MDBT and 16.5% for 4,6DMDBT, showing that the process is strongly affected by mass transfer between liquids. Laboratory scale–up of P. putida CECT5279 growing step was successfully carried out using a 15 L stirred tank, on the basis of the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa).

CONCLUSIONS: P. putida CECT5279 is capable of removing Cx–DBT compounds successfully in aqueous resting cell conditions using stirred tank reactors, but in biphasic media, mass transfer between liquids controls the process, increasing time of reaction and lowering process yield. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Top–down mass spectrometry reveals new sequence variants of the major bovine seminal plasma protein PDC‐109
Authors: Laitaoja Mikko , Sankhala Rajeshwer S. , Swamy Musti J. , Jänis Janne
Published: July 2012

The major protein of bovine seminal plasma, PDC‐109, is a 109‐residue polypeptide that exists as a polydisperse aggregate under native conditions. The oligomeric state of this aggregate varies with ionic strength and the presence of lipids. Binding of PDC‐109 to choline phospholipids on the sperm plasma membrane results in an efflux of cholesterol and choline phospholipids, which is an important step in sperm capacitation. In this study, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry was used to analyze PDC‐109 purified from bovine seminal plasma. In addition to the previously known PDC‐109 variants, four new sequence variants were identified by top–down mass spectrometry. For example, a protein variant containing point mutations P10L and G14R was identified along with another form having a 14‐residue truncation in the N‐terminal region. Two other minor variants could also be identified from the affinity‐purified PDC‐109. These results demonstrate that PDC‐109 is naturally produced as a mixture of several protein forms, most of which have not been detected in previous studies. Native mass spectrometry revealed that PDC‐109 is exclusively monomeric at low protein concentrations, suggesting that the protein oligomers are weakly bound and can easily be disrupted. Ligand binding to PDC‐109 was also investigated, and it was observed that two molecules of O‐phosphorylcholine bind to each PDC‐109 monomer, consistent with previous reports. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positive emotions, negative emotions, or utility of discrete emotions?
Authors: Lindebaum Dirk , Jordan Peter J.
Published: July 2012

We note a tendency in organizational behavior research to link positive emotions with positive outcomes and negative emotions with negative outcomes. In this Incubator, we argue against this simple association and provide suggestions for researchers to develop interesting lines of enquiry that look beyond simple symmetrical associations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Statistical DownScaling Model: insights from one decade of application
Authors: Wilby R. L. , Dawson C. W.
Published: July 2012

The Statistical DownScaling Model (SDSM) is a freely available tool that produces high resolution climate change scenarios. The first public version of the software was released in 2001 and since then there have been over 170 documented studies worldwide. This article recounts the underlining conceptual and technical evolution of SDSM, drawing upon independent assessments of model capabilities. These studies show that SDSM yields reliable estimates of extreme temperatures, seasonal precipitation totals, areal and inter‐site precipitation behaviour. Frequency estimation of extreme precipitation amounts in dry seasons is less reliable. A meta‐analysis of SDSM outputs shows a preponderance of research in Canada, China and the UK, whereas the United States and Australasia are under‐represented. In line with the wider downscaling community, the most favoured sector of analysis is water and flood risk management which accounts for nearly half of all output; research in other sectors such as agriculture, built environment and human health is less prominent but growing. Over 50% of the studies are concerned with production of climate scenarios, comparison or technical refinement of downscaling methodologies. In contrast, there is relatively little evidence of application to adaptation planning and climate risk management. We assert that further attention to physically meaningful quantities such as wind speeds, wave heights, phenological and hazard metrics could improve uptake of downscaled products. Chronic uncertainty in boundary forcing continues to undermine confidence in downscaled scenarios so these tools are best used for sensitivity testing and adaptation options appraisal. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Knee rotation in healthy individuals related to age and gender
Authors: Almquist Per O. , Ekdahl Charlotte , Isberg Per‐Erik , Fridén Thomas
Published: July 2012

An external device (“the Rottometer”) was especially designed to measure passive knee rotation in vivo. The device had earlier been evaluated with respect to it's validity and reliability. In the present study, we evaluated knee rotation in knee‐healthy individuals and studied possible age and gender related differences. Measurements of total internal–external rotation were made at 90°, 60°, and 30° of flexion using 6 and 9 N m torques, as well as the examiner's apprehension of end‐feel as displacing forces. The study group constituted of 120 healthy subjects (60 females and 60 males) with no prior or present knee disorders. The sample was divided into four age groups (15–30, 31–45, 46–60, and >60 years). The results showed no differences in knee rotation between the right and left knees or between the different flexion angles. The females showed 10–20% (p < 0.01) larger knee rotation than the males at all the three flexion angles and at all the three applied torques in all age‐matched groups. In all age groups in both genders, the internal rotation accounted for 40–44% and the external for 56–60% of the total internal–external knee rotation. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:23–28, 2012
Screening for pesticide residues in oil seeds using solid‐phase dispersion extraction and comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Xiupin , Li Peiwu , Zhang Wen , Zhang Qi , Ma Fei , Yu Li , Wang Lin
Published: July 2012

In this paper, we describe the development of an oil‐absorbing matrix solid‐phase dispersion extraction with comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry suitable for screening of 68 pesticide residues (PRs) in peanut, soybean, rape seed, sesame, and sunflower seed. The 68 PRs include 27 kinds of organophosphorus, 23 organic chlorines, 11 synthetic pyrethroids, and 7 carbamates. Heptachlor epoxide was used as the internal standard. Aminopropyl silica was chosen as the dispersion sorbent of the oil‐absorbing matrix solid‐phase dispersion extraction and was applied to capture hydrophobic components from high oil samples. A 35‐min orthogonal separation was performed by using comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry with a nonpolar–polar column set. Identification of 68 PRs in the extract was finished by using the time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in the assistance of an automated peak‐find and spectral deconvolution software. A screening based on control design was introduced and explained. This screening method considerably reduced the cost for the quantitative and confirmatory analyses. The quality of present screening method was evaluated by the Document No. SANCO/10684/2009. The false positive rate and false negative rate provide a useful tool for the evaluation of screening performance.
Solid phase microextraction assisted by droplets‐based liquid–liquid microextraction for analysis of volatile aromatic hydrocarbons in water by gas chromatography
Authors: Ciucanu Ionel , Agotici Vlad
Published: July 2012

A new technique for the analysis of volatile aromatic hydrocarbons by combining liquid–liquid microextraction with solid phase microextraction has been developed. The analytes were extracted from aqueous samples by an immobilized polydimethylsiloxane fiber assisted by the droplets of an appropriate organic solvent. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o‐xylene were used as target analytes. The main factors potentially affecting the microextraction such as the nature and the volume of organic solvent, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) swelling, extraction time, agitation, temperature, and salts were optimized. The method requires a very low consumption of organic solvent. The relative enrichment factor is in the range of 7.1–32.4 for extraction in the presence of dichloromethane at an optimum volume of 18 μL mL−1 of aqueous sample. This enhancement over regular polydimethylsiloxane fiber is primarily the result of the fiber swelling and of a stable thin layer of organic solvent attached to the surface of the PDMS fiber. The limit of detection ranges from 0.02 to 0.65 ng mL−1 for the target compounds using a 7‐μm bonded polydimethylsiloxane coating and a flame ionization detector. The validity of this method is demonstrated by the analysis of a real waste water sample.
Separation of patatins and protease inhibitors from potato fruit juice with clay minerals as cation exchangers
Authors: Ralla Kathrin , Sohling Ulrich , Suck Kirstin , Kasper Cornelia , Ruf Friedrich , Scheper Thomas
Published: July 2012

Potato fruit juice as a by‐product of the starch industry contains proteins with interesting functionalities such as protease inhibitors or patatin with its high nutritional value. Due to their functional properties, these proteins are principally of industrial interest. A drawback for the application of these potato proteins is the separation and isolation under maintenance of the biological activity. So far, there are no methods in literature, which are satisfying concerning the costs or the separation performance. In this study, we show a chromatographic approach using natural clay minerals as cation exchangers to separate two protein fractions in potato fruit juice. Additionally, the content of glycoalkaloids naturally occurring in potatoes is significantly reduced in a single step together with the separation of the patatins and the protease inhibitors.
Quantitative analysis of biologically active ingredients of Five Seeds Combo by liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for quality control of commercial herbal product
Authors: Chen Meng‐Li , Miao Lan , Cao Jin , Ip Siu‐Po , Che Chun‐Tao
Published: July 2012

Five Seeds Combo (Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula composed of Fructus Lycii, Semen Cuscutae, Fructus Rubi, Semen Plantaginis, and Fructus Schisandrae. This herbal prescription has been developed into herbal products by many pharmaceutical manufacturers for treating age‐related symptoms. The present study aims to develop an analytical method for the quality control of this herbal drug. Nine active ingredients including schisantherin A, schisandrin B, schisandrin, schisandrin A, quercitrin, betaine, verbascoside, hyperoside, and kaempferol were selected as the targeted analytes for the analysis. By using liquid chromatogram/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MS), the nine chemical compounds were determined simultaneously from the chromatogram. The parameters for MS were optimized by orthogonal array testing and the best condition of the MS for the determination of the nine marker compounds was found to be 175, 75, and 700 V for fragmentor, skimmer, and voltage of capillary, respectively. The method validation showed that this analytical method had high precision and sensitivity (limit of quantitation was smaller than 10 ng/mL for most of the analytes). The method was found to be able to demonstrate the quality of Five Seeds Combo from different manufacturers.
Effect of extra‐column volume on practical chromatographic parameters of sub‐2‐μm particle‐packed columns in ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography
Authors: Wu Naijun , Bradley Ashley C. , Welch Christopher J. , Zhang Li
Published: July 2012

Effects of extra‐column volume on apparent separation parameters were studied in ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography with columns and inlet connection tubings of various internal diameters (id) using 50‐mm long columns packed with 1.8‐μm particles under isocratic conditions. The results showed that apparent retention factors were on average 5, 11, 18, and 41% lower than those corrected with extra‐column volumes for 4.6‐, 3.0‐, 2.1‐, and 1.0‐mm id columns, respectively, when the extra‐column volume (11.3 μL) was kept constant. Also, apparent pressures were 31, 16, 12, and 10% higher than those corrected with pressures from extra‐column volumes for 4.6‐, 3.0‐, 2.1‐, and 1.0‐mm id columns at the respective optimum flow rate for a typical ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography system. The loss in apparent efficiency increased dramatically from 4.6‐ to 3.0‐ to 2.1‐ to 1.0‐mm id columns, less significantly as retention factors increased. The column efficiency was significantly improved as the inlet tubing id was decreased for a given column. The results suggest that maximum ratio of extra‐column volume to column void volume should be approximately 1:10 for column porosity more than 0.6 and a retention factor more than 5, where 80% or higher of theoretically predicted efficiency could be achieved.
Microwave extraction and rapid isolation of arjunic acid from Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) stem bark and quantification of arjunic acid and arjunolic acid using HPLC‐PDA technique
Authors: Verma Subash Chandra , Jain Chhoten Lal , Padhi Madan Mohan , Devalla Ramesh Babu
Published: July 2012

Arjunic acid and arjunolic acid are main bioactive components of Terminalia arjuna stem bark and reported for various biological activities. In this study, microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) of arjunic and arjunolic acid from stem bark of T. arjuna was investigated with developed and validated HPLC‐PDA method, which resulted in the isolation of a novel anticancer molecule i.e. arjunic acid. Effects of several experimental parameters, such as type and volume of extraction solvents, microwave power, microwave extraction time, on the extraction efficiencies of arjunic, and arjunolic acid from stem bark of T. arjuna were evaluated. The optimal extraction conditions identified were 5.0 g quantity of stem bark powder, 20 mL of ethyl acetate, preleaching time 10 min, microwave power 600 W, temperature 65°C, and microwave irradiation time 5 min. The results showed that MAE is a more rapid extraction method with higher yield and lower solvent consumptions than reported methods. The HPLC‐PDA analysis method was developed and validated to have good linearity, precision, sensitivity, and accuracy. MAE‐HPLC‐PDA is a faster, convenient, and appropriate method for isolation and determination of arjunic acid and arjunolic acid in the stem bark of T. arjuna.
Increments to chiral recognition facilitating enantiomer separations of chiral acids, bases, and ampholytes using Cinchona‐based zwitterion exchanger chiral stationary phases
Authors: Wernisch Stefanie , Pell Reinhard , Lindner Wolfgang
Published: July 2012

The intramolecular distances of anion and cation exchanger sites of zwitterionic chiral stationary phases represent potential tuning sites for enantiomer selectivity. In this contribution, we investigate the influence of alkanesulfonic acid chain length and flexibility on enantiomer separations of chiral acids, bases, and amphoteric molecules for six Cinchona alkaloid‐based chiral stationary phases in comparison with structurally related anion and cation exchangers. Employing polar‐organic elution conditions, we observed an intramolecular counterion effect for acidic analytes which led to reduced retention times but did not impair enantiomer selectivities. Retention of amphoteric analytes is based on simultaneous double ion pairing of their charged functional groups with the acidic and basic sites of the zwitterionic selectors. A chiral center in the vicinity of the strong cation exchanger site is vital for chiral separations of bases. Sterically demanding side chains are beneficial for separations of free amino acids. Enantioseparations of free (un‐derivatized) peptides were particularly successful in stationary phases with straight‐chain alkanesulfonic acid sites, pointing to a beneficial influence of more flexible moieties. In addition, we observed pseudo‐enantiomeric behavior of quinine and quinidine‐derived chiral stationary phases facilitating reversal of elution orders for all analytes.
Development and application of chemometric‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the determination of suspected fragrance allergens in water samples
Authors: Tsiallou Theodora P. , Sakkas Vasilios A. , Albanis Triantafyllos A.
Published: July 2012

A simple and green method based on dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, mated to chemometrics and followed by mass spectrometric detection for the determination of suspected fragrance allergens in water samples is developed and assessed in this work. Volume of extraction and disperser solvent, pH, ionic strength, extraction time, sample volume, as well as centrifugation time were initially optimized in a fractional factorial design. The obtained significant factors were optimized by using a central composite design and the quadratic model between the dependent and the independent variables was built. The obtained optimal conditions were: aqueous sample of 3.8 mL, 100 μL chloroform, 1.40 mL acetone, 4 min centrifugation time, natural pH containing 5% (w/v) NaCl, and centrifugation speed 4000 rpm. Method proved to be linear over a wide range of concentration for all analytes with R2 between 0.9807 and 0.9959. The repeatability and reproducibility of the proposed method, expressed as relative standard deviation, varied between 3–13% and 4–16%, respectively. The limits of detection ranged from 0.007 to 1.0 μg L−1. The recommended method was applied to water samples including baby bath as well as swimming pool water samples and was compared with a previously reported method.
High‐performance liquid chromatography–time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry with adjustment of fragmentor voltages for rapid identification of alkaloids in rat plasma after oral administration of Rhizoma corydalis extracts
Authors: Hong Zhanying , Zhao Liang , Wang Xiaoling , Le Jian , Jia Jing , Chai Yifeng , Zhang Guoqing
Published: July 2012

A tandem high‐performance liquid chromatography and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method has been developed for rapid separation and identification of alkaloids in rat plasma after oral administration of Rhizoma corydalis extracts. Compounds were separated on a Zorbax XDB‐C18 column and the linear gradient elution was used with the mobile phase consisting of ammonium acetate–0.01% acetic acid and acetonitrile. Mass spectra were acquired by electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode. Fifteen components were detected in vitro, among which 12 components were rapidly identified based on the accurate‐mass capability of time‐of‐flight analyzer. Eleven prototype components were detected in dosed rat plasma (in vivo). Three isomers, which had the same [M+H]+ ion at m/z 356.1856, were distinguished as glaucine, tetrahydropalmatine, and corybulbine by dynamic adjustment of fragmentor voltages. This study developed a rapid and sensitive method that was successfully utilized for screening the active ingredients of Rhizoma corydalis in rat plasma, which provided helpful information for further pharmacokinetic research of active components in this medicine.
Ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (ESCi)‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry with novel mass spectrometryElevated Energy (MSE) data collection technique: Determination and pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and biliary excretion study of ergone in rat
Authors: Zhao Ying‐Yong , Cheng Xian‐Long , Wei Feng , Bai Xu , Lin Rui‐Chao
Published: July 2012

Ergosta‐4,6,8(14),22‐tetraen‐3‐one (ergone) has been proved to have novel antitumor effects on HepG2 cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and biliary excretion of ergone in rats following a single oral administration (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg). The levels of ergone in plasma, tissues, and bile were measured by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (ESCi)‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry with novel mass spectrometryElevated Energy (MSE) data collection technique method. The results show ergone was distributed and eliminated from rat plasma and in non‐linear pharmacokinetics from a dose range of 5–20 mg/kg. The ergone was found to distribute widely in the internal organs, with tissue concentrations in order of lungs, spleen, liver, intestine, kidneys, heart, stomach, parorchis, teasticles, and brain. At 12 h after dosing, the tissue concentrations in the organs were markedly decreased. The lungs, spleen, and liver were the dominant organs with high tissue concentrations that might be the primary sites for metabolism and elimination of ergone. Total recoveries of ergone within 24 h in bile were 34.14%.