bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpolation of groundwater quality parameters with some values below the detection limit
Authors: Bárdossy A.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. For many environmental variables, measurements cannot deliver exact observation values as their concentration is below the sensitivity of the measuring device (detection limit). These observations provide useful information but cannot be treated in the same manner as the other measurements. In this paper a methodology for the spatial interpolation of these values is described. The method is based on spatial copulas. Here two copula models – the Gaussian and a non-Gaussian v-copula are used. First a mixed maximum likelihood approach is used to estimate the marginal distributions of the parameters. After removal of the marginal distributions the next step is the maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters of the spatial dependence including taking those values below the detection limit into account. Interpolation using copulas yields full conditional distributions for the unobserved sites and can be used to estimate confidence intervals, and provides a good basis for spatial simulation. The methodology is demonstrated on three different groundwater quality parameters, i.e. arsenic, chloride and deethylatrazin, measured at more than 2000 locations in South-West Germany. The chloride values are artificially censored at different levels in order to evaluate the procedures on a complete dataset by progressive decimation. Interpolation results are evaluated using a cross validation approach. The method is compared with ordinary kriging and indicator kriging. The uncertainty measures of the different approaches are also compared.
Intramuscular Lipoma Arising Within the Pectoralis Major Muscle Presenting as a Radiographically Detected Breast Mass
Authors: D'Alfonso Timothy M , Shin Sandra J
Published: September 2011

Lipomas are commonly encountered benign mesenchymal neoplasms composed of adipocytes that arise in the superficial subcutaneous tissues of the extremities and trunk. Occasionally, these tumors can originate from either within muscle (intramuscular) or between muscles (intermuscular). The former typically occurs within skeletal muscle of large muscles of an extremity, such as the thigh and shoulder. Intramuscular lipomas arising specifically from the pectoralis muscle are exceedingly rare. In this report, to our knowledge we describe the second case of an intramuscular lipoma arising within the pectoralis muscle. Similar to the first published report, our patient's tumor was clinically thought to be a breast mass. However, this example is unique in that it is the first of its kind to be found incidentally during screening ultrasound. Intramuscular lipomas are not routinely included in the radiologic differential diagnosis of a breast mass. However, when the tumor is posteriorly located and appears to involve the pectoralis muscle, the diagnostic possibility of intramuscular lipoma should be entertained.
Tai chi exercise for treatment of pain and disability in people with persistent low back pain: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hall Amanda M. , Maher Chris G. , Lam Paul , Ferreira Manuela , Latimer Jane
Published: September 2011

Objective

To determine the effect of tai chi exercise on persistent low back pain.

Methods

We performed a randomized controlled trial in a general community setting in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Participants consisted of 160 volunteers between ages 18 and 70 years with persistent nonspecific low back pain. The tai chi group (n = 80) consisted of 18 40‐minute sessions over a 10‐week period delivered in a group format by a qualified instructor. The waitlist control group continued with their usual health care. Bothersomeness of back symptoms was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity and pain‐related disability. Data were collected at pre‐ and postintervention and analyzed by intent‐to‐treat.

Results

Tai chi exercise reduced bothersomeness of back symptoms by 1.7 points on a 0–10 scale, reduced pain intensity by 1.3 points on a 0–10 scale, and improved self‐report disability by 2.6 points on the 0–24 Roland‐Morris Disability Questionnaire scale. The followup rate was >90% for all outcomes. These results were considered a worthwhile treatment effect by researchers and participants.

Conclusion

This is the first pragmatic randomized controlled trial of tai chi exercise for people with low back pain. It showed that a 10‐week tai chi program improved pain and disability outcomes and can be considered a safe and effective intervention for those experiencing long‐term low back pain symptoms.
Copper‐Catalyzed Coupling of Arylboronic Acids with Potassium Cyanate: A New Approach to the Synthesis of Aryl Carbamates
Authors: Kianmehr Ebrahim , Baghersad Mohammad Hadi
Published: September 2011

The copper‐catalyzed coupling of aromatic boronic acids with potassium cyanate in the presence of an alcohol has been employed for the synthesis of arylcarbamates. This simple and highly efficient approach can be carried out in air at room temperature and, importantly, no base, ligand, or additive is required.
Multi‐Enzymatic Cascade Reactions: Overview and Perspectives
Authors: Ricca Emanuele , Brucher Birgit , Schrittwieser Joerg H.
Published: September 2011

Multi‐enzymatic cascade reactions, i.e., the combination of several enzymatic transformations in concurrent one‐pot processes, offer considerable advantages: the demand of time, costs and chemicals for product recovery may be reduced, reversible reactions can be driven to completion and the concentration of harmful or unstable compounds can be kept to a minimum. This review summarizes the developments in multi‐enzymatic cascades employed for the asymmetric synthesis of chiral alcohols, amines and amino acids, as well as for CC bond formation. In addition, a general classification of biocatalytic cascade systems is provided and bioprocess engineering aspects associated with the topic are discussed.
A High‐Throughput Screening Assay for Amino Acid Decarboxylase Activity
Authors: Médici Rosario , de María Pablo Domínguez , Otten Linda G. , Straathof Adrie J. J.
Published: September 2011

The development of sensitive and easy‐to‐apply high‐throughput screening methods is a common need in modern biocatalysis. With these powerful analytical tools in hands, chemists can easily assess enzyme libraries to identify either novel biocatalysts or improved mutants. Within biocatalysis, amino acid decarboxylases are gaining an increased importance, with several diverse applications ranging from the synthesis of bio‐commodities to medical applications (e.g., synthesis of enzyme inhibitors at the level of L‐DOPA decarboxylase). Herein, an efficient and simple analytical method for high‐throughput screening of amino acid decarboxylase activity is reported. The method is valid for the discrimination of a broad range of amino acid/amine pairs such as L‐tyrosine/tyramine, L‐DOPA/dopamine, 5‐hydroxy‐L‐tryptophan/serotonin, L‐histidine/histamine, L‐serine/ethanolamine, L‐tryptophan/tryptamine, L‐glutamic acid/GABA, and L‐alanine/ethylamine. It has proven its versatility by using pure substrates, mixtures, or enzymatic reactions, both coming either from commercial enzymes or derived from cell‐free (crude) extracts. The limit of detection was 13 μM for ethanolamine in the presence of 50 mM L‐serine, while z′ values were in the range 0.75–0.93, indicating the suitability for high‐throughput screening.
Synthesis of water‐soluble and conducting polyaniline by growing of poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide) brushes via atom transfer radical polymerization method
Authors: Ghorbani Marjan , Gheybi Homa , Entezami Ali Akbar
Published: September 2011

Polyaniline‐graft‐Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) copolymers were synthesized by atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of N‐isopropylacrylamide using polyaniline macro‐initiators. Polyaniline‐chloroacetylchloride and polyaniline‐chloropropionylchloride macroinitiators were obtained by the reaction of amine nitrogens of polyaniline with chloroacetyl chloride and 2‐choloropropionyl choloride, respectively. Both macroinitiators and graft copolymers were characterized by FT‐IR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) and UV‐Vis spectroscopy studies showed that these copolymers are electroactive. The solubility test revealed that the polyaniline‐graft‐poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide) copolymers are water soluble or water/methanol soluble. The Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images showed the growing of poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide) chains on polyaniline backbone. Investigation of thermal behavior of graft copolymers by thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA) confirmed the results obtained from AFM and SEM images. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Investigation on the effects of fabrication parameters on the structure and properties of surface‐modified membranes using response surface methodology
Authors: Bakeri Gh. , Ismail A. F. , Rana D. , Matsuura T. , Shariaty M.
Published: September 2011

Surface Modifying Macromolecules (SMM) were used to alter the hydrophobicity of polyetherimide (PEI) hollow fiber membranes and the effects of three fabrication parameters, which are the mass fraction of PEI and SMM in the casting dope and air gap, on the properties of fabricated membranes were investigated by application of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The fabricated membranes were characterized in terms of mean pore size (rP,m), permeation rate of helium gas at 1 bar transmembrane pressure difference, membrane porosity, and contact angle of water with inner and outer surfaces of membrane. The regression models obtained for mean pore size and permeation rate have good statistical parameters and are accurate. The model for rP,m predicts that plot of rP,m versus air gap has a minimum point, whereas the plots of rP,m versus PEI (wt %) and SMM (wt %) have maximum points. The regression model developed for membrane porosity predicts that membrane porosity decreases when air gap increases. Since water was used as bore fluid, the model developed for inner surface contact angle has low accuracy but the model developed for outer surface contact angle predicts that contact angle increases with SMM concentration in dope solution but there is a maximum point versus air gap. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Fabrication and morphology development of isotactic polypropylene nanofibers from isotactic polypropylene/polylactide blends
Authors: Liu Peng , Ouyang Yang , Xiao Ru
Published: September 2011

The excellent characteristics of polymeric nanofibers with diameters less than 1 μm such as the enormous specific surface result in a dramatic increase in a variety of functional applications. In this article, polymer blends of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and polylactide (PLA) were fabricated through a twin‐screw extruder. The extrudates were prepared at various processing conditions and the iPP nanofibers were obtained by removal of the PLA matrix from the drawn samples. The influences of drawing ratio, the processing temperature, and the blend ratio of iPP/PLA on the morphology development of iPP phase were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the uniformed iPP nanofibers with averaged diameters less than 500 nm were fabricated by the suitable processing parameters. Otherwise, the processing immiscibility and rheological behavior of iPP/PLA blends were studied by means of dynamic mechanical analysis and capillary rheometer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Imaging the Reaction Dynamics of O(3P)+CH4→OH+CH3
Authors: Zhang Jinghui , Liu Kopin
Published: September 2011

The title reaction was studied in a crossed‐beam experiment, in which the ground‐state methyl products were probed using a time‐sliced velocity‐imaging technique. By taking images over the energy range of chemical significance, from the threshold to about 15 kcal mol−1, the reactive excitation function as well as the dependences of product angular distributions and of the energy disposal on initial collision energies were determined. All experimental data are consistent with the picture that the ground‐state reaction of O(3P)+CH4 proceeds via a direct abstraction rebound‐type mechanism with a narrow cone of acceptance. Deeper insights into the underlying mechanism and the key feature of the potential‐energy surface are elucidated by comparing the results with the corresponding observables in the analogous Cl+CH4 reaction.
Extended surgery for advanced pancreatic endocrine tumours
Authors: Kleine M , Schrem H , Vondran F W R , Krech T , Klempnauer J , Bektas H
Published: September 2011

Background

Pancreatic endocrine tumours are often diagnosed at an advanced stage with hepatic metastasis. This study investigated whether extended resections for advanced malignant pancreatic endocrine tumours influenced disease-free and disease-specific survival.

Methods

Patients who had curative resection of pancreatic endocrine tumours were analysed retrospectively for disease-free and disease-specific survival, with a focus on the role of extended surgical resection.

Results

Forty-one patients were included in the analysis, 13 of whom underwent extended surgical resection in addition to pancreatic resection. This included partial liver resection in nine patients, portal vein resection in three, partial gastric resection in five and liver transplantation in three patients. There were no deaths in hospital or within 30 days. Median follow-up was 40 (range 2–239) months. Thirty-five, 24 and 13 patients survived more than 1, 3 and 5 years respectively. Patients who underwent extended resection had similar disease-specific survival to those who had pancreatic resection alone (hazard ratio (HR) 1·50, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·35 to 6·35; P = 0·581) but with a higher frequency of complications (odds ratio (OR) 4·28, 95 per cent c.i. 1·04 to 17·62; P = 0·044). Among patients with liver metastases, the mortality rate was higher in those in whom liver resection was not possible than in patients who had liver resection (HR 9·24, 1·00 to 85·18; P = 0·049). Patients who had liver resection had similar disease-specific survival to those without liver metastases (HR 0·84, 0·09 to 7·57; P = 0·877).

Conclusion

Extended surgical resection for locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic endocrine tumours is feasible with encouraging disease-specific survival. Copyright © 2011 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HDL‐C Levels and Revascularization Procedures in Coronary Heart Disease Patients Treated With Statins to Target LDL‐C Levels
Authors: Elis Avishay , Pereg David , Froom Paul , Lishner Michael , Segev David , Hermoni Doron
Published: September 2011

Background:

A low level of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) is a strong predictor for cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality at all low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) concentrations.

Hypothesis:

We evaluated this association in routine clinical practice among statin‐treated coronary heart disease patients who achieved LDL‐C target levels. This association also exists in routine clinical practice.

Methods:

A retrospective dynamic cohort included all male coronary heart disease patients of the Sharon‐Shomron district, Clalit Health Services, Israel, with LDL‐C levels <100 mg/dL and who were receiving statins (≥6 purchases/y) from January 1998 to June 2008. Data were collected on demographic variables; coexistence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral vascular diseases; details of revascularization procedures; and lipid levels. The outcome variable was revascularization procedure, by either percutaneous intervention or coronary artery bypass graft.

Results:

The study group of 909 male patients was stratified into quintiles, based on mean HDL‐C levels: Q1 (n = 179): ≤26.4 mg/dL; Q2 (n = 190): 26.4–≤30.0 mg/dL; Q3 (n = 191): >30.0–≤34.0 mg/dL; Q4 (n = 186): >34.0–≤41.0 mg/dL; Q5 (n = 163): >41.0 mg/dL. During the study period, 307 (33.8%) of the cohort required ≥1 revascularization procedure. Those in the highest quintile underwent significantly fewer procedures (40.8% for Q1 vs 16.6% for Q5, P<0.001). This significant effect of the highest HDL‐C quintile was not influenced by any variable.

Conclusions:

The protective effect of high HDL‐C levels, regardless of other risk factors, in preventing revascularization procedures was confirmed in the routine clinical practice among statin‐treated CHD patients who reached LDL‐C level <100 mg/dL. Possible additional benefits of using agents to raise HDL‐C levels should be investigated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Adjuvant trastuzumab reduces locoregional recurrence in women who receive breast‐conservation therapy for lymph node‐negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Kiess Ana P. , McArthur Heather L. , Mahoney Kathleen , Patil Sujata , Morris Patrick G. , Ho Alice , Hudis Clifford A. , McCormick Beryl
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive breast cancer have a higher risk of locoregional recurrence (LRR), even in the setting of early stage, lymph node‐negative disease. In this sequential, retrospective study, the authors evaluated whether adjuvant trastuzumab was associated with reduced LRR in women with lymph node‐negative, HER2‐positive disease who received breast‐conservation therapy (BCT).

METHODS:

By using an institutional database, 197 women were identified who had lymph node‐negative, HER2‐positive breast cancer measuring ≤5 cm diagnosed between 2002 and 2008 and who received BCT, including whole‐breast irradiation. Two cohorts were compared: 70 women who did not receive trastuzumab (the no‐trastuzumab cohort) and 102 women who did receive trastuzumab (the trastuzumab cohort). Kaplan‐Meier methods were used to estimate LRR‐free survival.

RESULTS:

The 2 cohorts were similar in age, tumor size, histology, and hormone receptor status. Chemotherapy was received by 73% of the no‐trastuzumab cohort and by 100% of the trastuzumab cohort. In both groups, 99% of patients completed radiotherapy with a median dose of 60 Gray. The median recurrence‐free follow‐up was 86 months for the no‐trastuzumab cohort and 47 months for the trastuzumab cohort. The 3‐year LRR‐free survival rate was 90% (95% confidence interval, 83%‐97%) for the no‐trastuzumab cohort and 99% (95% confidence interval, 97%‐100%) for the trastuzumab cohort. In the no‐trastuzumab cohort, LRR occurred in 7 patients (median time to LRR, 14 months). In the trastuzumab cohort, there was 1 LRR at 14 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Even among women with lower risk breast cancer, the relatively high locoregional failure rates associated with positive HER2 status could be reduced markedly with adjuvant trastuzumab chemotherapy. Within 3 years, a 10% LRR rate without trastuzumab and a 1% LRR rate with trastuzumab were observed in women with lymph node‐negative disease who received BCT. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Structure and Photoelectron Spectral Properties of I−⋅nCO2 Clusters: An ab Initio Study
Authors: Pathak Arup K.
Published: September 2011

Structures and photoelectron spectral properties of I−⋅nCO2 (n=1–7) clusters are presented at the level of second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory with relativistic corrections. Triple split‐valence 6‐311++G(d,p) basis set functions are employed herein. It is observed that the CO2 molecules approach the I− anion from one side in all the clusters and that I−⋅nCO2 clusters prefer the surface structure. The calculated vertical detachment energy of these clusters is in excellent agreement with the reported experimentally measured values (within 4 %). Efforts are also made to extract vertical detachment energy of large size of clusters, including the bulk. The extracted vertical detachment energy values for larger clusters (n=8–13) by employing the microscopic theory‐based expression are also close (within 4 %) to that of the experimentally measured values.
Network Mobility in satellite networks: architecture and the protocol
Authors: Shahriar Abu Zafar M. , Atiquzzaman Mohammed , Ivancic William
Published: September 2011

Mobility management is required to ensure the session continuity for multiple Internet Protocol‐enabled devices onboard a satellite that hands off between ground stations. Network Mobility (NEMO) can efficiently manage the mobility of multiple Internet Protocol‐enabled devices that are connected as a mobile network. However, existing mobility management solutions for satellite networks are unable to route through intermediate satellites links when a direct connection with a ground station is lost. We proposed an architecture of NEMO in satellite networks with routing through multiple satellite links using nesting, where a mobile network connects to another mobile network. However, NEMO Basic Support Protocol can be inefficient in satellite networks because of poor nesting formation leading to the routing loop, inefficient routes, and overloaded links. We extended NEMO Basic Support Protocol for the efficient use in satellite networks by augmenting it with a decision criteria for the nesting. Results verify that the extended protocol ensures loop‐free and continuous connection despite the loss of direct connection to the ground and provides an insight on how to form the nested NEMO to avoid overloading. The architecture and the extended NEMO protocol can be used for the efficient and continuous transfer of data from satellite networks to the ground. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel TaulacZ allele reveals a requirement for Pitx2 in formation of the mammillothalamic tract
Authors: Skidmore Jennifer M. , Waite Mindy R. , Alvarez‐Bolado Gonzalo , Puelles Luis , Martin Donna M.
Published: September 2011

The hypothalamic mammillary region is critical for spatial memory and vestibular processing. Pitx2 encodes a paired‐like transcription factor that is highly expressed in the developing mammillary region and is required for subthalamic nucleus formation. Here we analyzed a loss of function Pitx2‐TaulacZ knock‐in allele to study the effects of Pitx2 deficiency on neuronal projections in the embryonic mammillary region. Pitx2‐expressing neurons contribute axons to principal mammillary, mammillotegmental and mammillotectal tracts. Embryos with Pitx2 deficiency exhibit axonal fibers in the principal mammillary tract that are improperly bundled and disorganized, yet project caudally toward the tectum and tegmentum. Embryos with Nestin‐Cre mediated conditional Pitx2 deficiency exhibit truncated mammillothalamic tracts (mtt) that fail to elongate, and reduced Pax6‐positive cells at the branching point of the principal mammillary and mtt. These data suggest that Pitx2 mediates cell‐autonomous and nonautonomous guidance cues necessary for mammillary collaterals destined to project to the anterior thalamus. genesis 50:67–73, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Room‐Temperature Long‐Lived 3IL Excited State of Rhodamine in an NN PtII Bis(acetylide) Complex with Intense Visible‐Light Absorption
Authors: Huang Ling , Zeng Le , Guo Huimin , Wu Wanhua , Wu Wenting , Ji Shaomin , Zhao Jianzhang
Published: September 2011

An NN PtII bis(acetylide) complex was prepared with the rhodamine fluorophore [Pt–Rho, in which NN is dbbpy = 4,4′‐bis(tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine)]. Complex Pt–Rho shows intense absorption in the visible region (ϵ = 185800 M–1 cm–1 at 556 nm) and a fluorescence emission of the ligand (λem = 580 nm, ΦL = 41.1 %, τL = 2.50 ns). The long‐lived rhodamine‐localised intraligand triplet excited state (3IL, τT = 83.0 μs) was proposed to be populated upon excitation of the rhodamine ligand, proved by nanosecond time‐resolved transient absorption and spin density analysis; the triplet excited state was studied by time‐dependent DFT calculations. In comparison, the model complex (dbbpy)PtII bis(phenylacetylide) (Pt–Ph) shows weak absorption in the visible region (ϵ = 14700 M–1 cm–1 at 424 nm) and a short‐lived metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer excited state (3MLCT) (τT = 1.36 μs). Complex Pt–Rho was used as triplet sensitiser for upconversion based on triplet–triplet annihilation. An upconversion quantum yield of 11.2 % was observed. Our strategy to access the long‐lived 3IL excited state of the organic chromophore by metallation with PtII will be useful for the preparation of transition metal complexes that show intense absorption of visible light and long‐lived triplet excited states.
Photophysical and Electrochemical Properties of Thiophene‐Based 2‐Arylpyridines
Authors: Coluccini Carmine , Manfredi Norberto , Calderon Erika Herrera , Salamone Matteo M. , Ruffo Riccardo , Roberto Dominique , Lobello Maria Grazia , De Angelis Filippo , Abbotto Alessandro
Published: September 2011

Two families of thiophene‐based 2‐arylpyridines, in which aryl is phenyl and 2,4‐difluorophenyl, have been developed. The pyridine ring of the new compounds is substituted at the 4‐position with π‐conjugated electron‐rich and electron‐poor thiophene‐based fragments to tune the optical and energetic properties. The high‐yielding synthetic access, which consists of two sequential Suzuki coupling reactions, the first of which is completely regioselective, is of wide applicability and allows access to a large variety of derivatives. The absorption/emission and redox features, as well as the HOMO and LUMO energy levels, have been investigated; the results show that the optical and electronic properties can be tuned over a broad range. The diversity of the characteristics may be effectively exploited by using the thiophene‐substituted 2‐arylpyridines as ligands in cyclometalated sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells and other optoelectronic applications.
Quantification of perchloroethylene residues in dry-cleaned fabrics
Authors: Sherlach Katy S , Gorka Alexander P , Dantzler Alexa , Roepe Paul D
Published: September 2011

We have used a novel gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)-based approach to quantify perchloroethylene (PCE) residues in dry-cleaned fabrics. Residual PCE was extracted from fabric samples with methanol and concentration was calculated by the gas chromatographic peak area, standardized using PCE calibration data. Extracts examined were from samples of 100% wool, polyester, cotton, or silk, which were dry cleaned from one to six times in seven different Northern Virginia dry-cleaning establishments. Additional experiments were conducted to investigate the kinetics of PCE release in the extraction solvent and to the open air. We found that polyester, cotton, and wool retained ≥ µM levels of PCE, that these levels increased in successive dry-cleaning cycles, and that PCE is slowly volatilized from these fabrics under ambient room air conditions. We found that silk does not retain appreciable PCE. Measured differences across dry-cleaning establishments and fabric type suggest more vigorous monitoring of PCE residues may be warranted. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2481–2487. © 2011 SETAC
Biodegradation of triclosan in biosolids-amended soils
Authors: Waria Manmeet , O'Connor George A , Toor Gurpal S
Published: September 2011

Land application of biosolids can constitute an important source of triclosan (TCS) input to soils, with uncertain effects. Several studies have investigated the degradation potential of TCS in biosolids-amended soils, but the results vary widely. We conducted a laboratory degradation study by mixing biosolids spiked with [14C]-TCS (final concentration = 40 mg/kg) with Immokalee fine sand and Ashkum silty clay loam soils at an agronomic application rate (22 Mg/ha). Biosolids-amended soils were aerobically incubated in biotic and inhibited conditions for 18 weeks. Subsamples removed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 weeks were sequentially extracted with an operationally defined extraction scheme to determine labile and nonlabile TCS fractions. Over the 18-week incubation, the proportion of [14C] in the nonlabile fraction increased and the labile fraction decreased, suggesting decreasing availability to biota. Partitioning of TCS into labile and nonlabile fractions depended on soil characteristics. Less than 0.5% of [14C]-TCS was mineralized to carbon dioxide (14CO2) in both soils and all treatments. A degradation metabolite, methyl triclosan (Me-TCS), was identified in both soils only in the biotic treatment, and increased in concentration over time. Even under biotic conditions, biosolids-borne TCS is persistent, with a primary degradation (TCS to Me-TCS) half-life of 78 d in the silty clay loam and 421 d in the fine sand. A half-life of approximately 100 d would be a conservative first approximation of TCS half-life in biosolids-amended soils for risk estimation. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2488–2496. © 2011 SETAC
Feasible operation region for dynamic economic dispatch and reserve monitoring
Authors: Hafiz Habibuddin M. , Yorino Naoto , Sasaki Yutaka , Zoka Yoshifumi
Published: September 2011

A large amount of renewable energy penetration will cause serious problem in load dispatch in the future power system, where the percentage of controllable generators will decrease, while disturbances will become large, rapid and uncertain. The role of economic dispatch is changing in order to make best use of the ramp‐rate capability of generating units. This paper proposes a concept of feasible operation region (FOR) for dynamic economic dispatch (DED) problem. FOR is defined as the region within that the committed generating units are able to operate while matching the predicted load profile. The computation of FOR can detect possible power imbalance and also can provide accurately the spinning reserves with respect to time. Therefore, the monitoring of FOR with the reserve management on line is quite effective. Then, the paper suggests two step computation method as a new approach for DED. The first step is the computation of FOR for each generator using the most recent real‐time prediction for load as well as renewable energy generation, while preserving adequate reserves. The second step is to determine generation schedule inside FOR, where any conventional real‐time load dispatch method is useful. The method can specify the amount of reserve required to be called into operation to guarantee reliable load dispatch under restricted circumstances in the future. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interferon regulatory factor 3 inhibits astrocyte inflammatory gene expression through suppression of the proinflammatory miR‐155 and miR‐155*
Authors: Tarassishin Leonid , Loudig Olivier , Bauman Avital , Shafit‐Zagardo Bridget , Suh Hyeon‐Sook , Lee Sunhee C.
Published: September 2011

Astrocytes, together with microglia and macrophages, participate in innate inflammatory responses in the CNS. Although inflammatory mediators such as interferons generated by astrocytes may be critical in the defense of the CNS, sustained unopposed cytokine signaling could result in harmful consequences. Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) is a transcription factor required for IFNβ production and antiviral immunity. Most cells express low levels of IRF3 protein, and the transcriptional mechanism that upregulates IRF3 expression is not known. In this study, we explored the consequence of adenovirus‐mediated IRF3 gene transfer (Ad‐IRF3) in primary human astrocytes. We show that IRF3 transgene expression suppresses proinflammatory cytokine gene expression upon challenge with IL‐1/IFNγ and alters astrocyte activation phenotype from a proinflammatory to an anti‐inflammatory one, akin to an M1–M2 switch in macrophages. This was accompanied by the rescue of neurons from cytokine‐induced death in glial‐neuronal co‐cultures. Furthermore, Ad‐IRF3 suppressed the expression of microRNA‐155 and its star‐form partner miR‐155*, immunoregulatory miRNAs highly expressed in multiple sclerosis lesions. Astrocyte miR‐155/miR155* were induced by cytokines and TLR ligands with a distinct hierarchy and involved in proinflammatory cytokine gene induction by targeting suppressor of cytokine signaling 1, a negative regulator of cytokine signaling and potentially other factors. Our results demonstrate a novel proinflammatory role for miR‐155/miR‐155* in human astrocytes and suggest that IRF3 can suppress neuroinflammation through regulating immunomodulatory miRNA expression. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feasibility and Diagnostic Performance of the Fibroscan XL Probe for Liver Stiffness Measurement in Overweight and Obese Patients
Authors: Myers Robert P. , Pomier–Layrargues Gilles , Kirsch Richard , Pollett Aaron , Duarte–Rojo Andres , Wong David , Beaton Melanie , Levstik Mark , Crotty Pam , Elkashab Magdy
Published: September 2011

Failure of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (TE, FibroScan) and unreliable results occur in ≈5% and 15% of patients, respectively, mainly due to obesity. In this multicenter study, we evaluated the feasibility and performance of the novel FibroScan XL probe in 276 patients with chronic liver disease (42% viral hepatitis, 46% nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]) and a body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg/m2. Patients underwent liver biopsy and TE with the standard M and XL probes. TE failure was defined as no valid LSMs and unreliable examinations as <10 valid LSMs or an interquartile range (IQR)/LSM >30% or success rate <60%. Probe performance for diagnosing ≥F2 fibrosis and cirrhosis (F4) versus biopsy were examined using areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC). FibroScan failure was less frequent with the XL probe than the M probe (1.1% versus 16%) and the XL probe was more often reliable (73% versus 50%; both

P

< 0.00005). Reliable results with the XL probe were obtained in 61% of patients in whom the M probe was unreliable. Among 178 patients with ≥10 valid LSMs using both probes, liver stiffness was highly correlated between probes (ρ = 0.86;

P

< 0.0005); however, median liver stiffness was lower using the XL probe (6.8 versus 7.8 kPa;

P

< 0.00005). The AUROC of the XL and M probes were similar for ≥F2 fibrosis (0.83 versus 0.86;

P

= 0.19) and cirrhosis (0.94 versus 0.91;

P

= 0.28).

Conclusion

: Compared with the M probe, the FibroScan XL probe reduces TE failure and facilitates reliable LSM in obese patients. Although the probes have comparable accuracy, lower liver stiffness cutoffs will be necessary when the XL probe is used to noninvasively assess liver fibrosis. (Hepatology 2012)
Shedding of Syndecan–1 From Human Hepatocytes Alters Very Low Density Lipoprotein Clearance
Authors: Deng Yiping , Foley Erin M. , Gonzales Jon C. , Gordts Philip L. , Li Yulin , Esko Jeffrey D.
Published: September 2011

We recently showed that the heparan sulfate proteoglycan syndecan–1 mediates hepatic clearance of triglyceride–rich lipoproteins in mice based on systemic deletion of syndecan–1 and hepatocyte–specific inactivation of sulfotransferases involved in heparan sulfate biosynthesis. Here, we show that syndecan–1 expressed on primary human hepatocytes and Hep3B human hepatoma cells can mediate binding and uptake of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). Syndecan–1 also undergoes spontaneous shedding from primary human and murine hepatocytes and Hep3B cells. In human cells, phorbol myristic acid induces syndecan–1 shedding, resulting in accumulation of syndecan–1 ectodomains in the medium. Shedding occurs through a protein kinase C–dependent activation of ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17). Phorbol myristic acid stimulation significantly decreases DiD (1,1′–dioctadecyl–3,3,3′,3′–tetramethylindodicarbocyanine perchlorate)–VLDL binding to cells, and shed syndecan–1 ectodomains bind to VLDL. Although mouse hepatocytes appear resistant to induced shedding

in vitro

, injection of lipopolysaccharide into mice results in loss of hepatic syndecan–1, accumulation of ectodomains in the plasma, impaired VLDL catabolism, and hypertriglyceridemia.

Conclusion

: These findings suggest that syndecan–1 mediates hepatic VLDL turnover in humans as well as in mice and that shedding might contribute to hypertriglyceridemia in patients with sepsis. (Hepatology 2012)
Mixed convective flow of two immiscible viscous fluids in a vertical wavy channel with traveling thermal waves
Authors: Umavathi J.C. , Shekar M.
Published: September 2011

The problem of fully developed laminar mixed convection flow in a vertical wavy channel filled with two immiscible viscous fluids is studied analytically. Non‐linear equations governing the motion have been solved by linearization technique, wherein the flow is assumed to be in two parts; a mean part and a perturbed part. Exact solutions are obtained for the mean part and a perturbed part is solved using long wave approximation. Separate solutions are matched at the interface using suitable matching conditions. Numerical results are presented graphically for the distribution of velocity and temperature fields for varying physical parameters such as Grashof number, viscosity ratio, width ratio, and conductivity ratio. The effect of these parameters on the physical characteristics such as Nusselt number and skin friction at the walls is studied. It is found that Grashof number, viscosity ratio, width ratio, and conductivity ratio enhance the velocity parallel to the flow direction. Reversal effect is observed on the velocity which is perpendicular to the flow direction. The Nusselt number remains invariant on Grashof number. As the width ratio decreases, the Nusselt number decreases at the right wall and increases at the left wall and reversal effect is observed for variations of conductivity ratio. The skin friction increases at the left wavy wall and decreases at the right wavy wall as the Grashof number increases. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20379
A new approach of dynamic monitoring of 5‐day snow cover extent and snow depth based on MODIS and AMSR‐E data from Northern Xinjiang region
Authors: Yu Hui , Zhang Xuetong , Liang Tiangang , Xie Hongjie , Wang Xianwei , Feng Qisheng , Chen Quangong
Published: September 2011

Taking the Northern Xinjiang region as an example, we develop a snow depth model by using the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer‐Earth Observing System (AMSR‐E) horizontal and vertical polarization brightness temperature difference data of 18 and 36 GHz bands and in situ snow depth measurements from 20 climatic stations during the snow seasons November–March) of 2002–2005. This article proposes a method to produce new 5‐day snow cover and snow depth images, using Terra and Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) daily snow cover products and AMSR‐E snow water equivalent and daily brightness temperature products. The results indicate that (1) the brightness temperature difference (Tb18h–Tb36h) provides the most accurate and precise prediction of snow depth; (2) the snow, land and overall classification accuracies of the new images are separately 89.2%, 77.7% and 87.2% and are much better than those of AMSR‐E or MODIS products (in all weather conditions) alone; (3) the snow classification accuracy increases as snow depth increases; and (4) snow accuracies for different land cover types vary as 88%, 92.3%, 79.7% and 80.1% for cropland, grassland, shrub, and urban and built‐up, respectively. We conclude that the new 5‐day snow cover–snow depth images can provide both accurate cloud‐free snow cover extent and the snow depth dynamics, which would lay a scientific basis for water management and prevention of snow‐related disasters in this dry and cold pastoral area. After validations of the algorithms over other regions with different snow and climate conditions, this method would also be used for monitoring snow cover and snow depth elsewhere in the world. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EVALUATION OF THE EVALUE MODEL FOR ESTIMATING MANNING'S ROUGHNESS IN FURROW IRRIGATION
Authors: Etedali Hadi Ramezani , Liaghat Abdolmajid , Abbasi Fariborz
Published: September 2011

Manning's roughness coefficient is a key parameter in the design and evaluation of furrow irrigation. Despite its importance, estimation of this parameter in surface irrigation is difficult, particularly in furrow irrigation. In this study, the EVALUE model was used for estimating Manning's roughness coefficient in furrow irrigation. The EVALUE model is based on volume balance and has been developed for estimating Manning's roughness coefficient in surface irrigation. EVALUE estimates both infiltration parameters and Manning's roughness coefficient simultaneously. The main input for the model is depth of flow along the furrow at different times. Evaluation of EVALUE was performed by comparing measured and simulated advance and recession data using SIRMOD software. The estimated values of Manning's roughness coefficient ranged between 0.02 and 0.102. The estimated values of Manning's roughness coefficient by EVALUE were somewhat different from the suggested SCS values, particularly during the first irrigation, but comparable with the results shown by other studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone microarchitecture assessed by TBS predicts osteoporotic fractures independent of bone density: The manitoba study
Authors: Hans Didier , Goertzen Andrew L , Krieg Marc-Antoine , Leslie William D
Published: September 2011

The measurement of BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the “gold standard” for diagnosing osteoporosis but does not directly reflect deterioration in bone microarchitecture. The trabecular bone score (TBS), a novel gray-level texture measurement that can be extracted from DXA images, correlates with 3D parameters of bone microarchitecture. Our aim was to evaluate the ability of lumbar spine TBS to predict future clinical osteoporotic fractures. A total of 29,407 women 50 years of age or older at the time of baseline hip and spine DXA were identified from a database containing all clinical results for the Province of Manitoba, Canada. Health service records were assessed for the incidence of nontraumatic osteoporotic fracture codes subsequent to BMD testing (mean follow-up 4.7 years). Lumbar spine TBS was derived for each spine DXA examination blinded to clinical parameters and outcomes. Osteoporotic fractures were identified in 1668 (5.7%) women, including 439 (1.5%) spine and 293 (1.0%) hip fractures. Significantly lower spine TBS and BMD were identified in women with major osteoporotic, spine, and hip fractures (all p < 0.0001). Spine TBS and BMD predicted fractures equally well, and the combination was superior to either measurement alone (p < 0.001). Spine TBS predicts osteoporotic fractures and provides information that is independent of spine and hip BMD. Combining the TBS trabecular texture index with BMD incrementally improves fracture prediction in postmenopausal women. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Synthesis of 18F‐labelled biotin analogues
Authors: Blom Elisabeth , Itsenko Oleksiy , Långström Bengt
Published: September 2011

A one‐step 18F‐labelling strategy was used to prepare three labelled analogues of the vitamin biotin, which can be useful as tracers because of biotin's high affinity for avidin. The labelled compounds were obtained in decay‐corrected yields of up to 35% and specific radioactivity of 320 GBq/µmol. When evaluated in situ, the analogues showed good affinity for avidin: 60–75% of the radiolabelled compounds were bound to avidin within 5 minutes. The binding was site‐specific, as shown by blocking experiments with native biotin.
UV Index experimental values on vertical surfaces
Authors: Utrillas M. P. , Martínez‐Lozano J. A. , Esteve A. R. , Serrano D. , Marín M. J.
Published: September 2011

UV erythemal irradiance (UVER) has been studied on a horizontal plane and on vertical surfaces with different orientations in Valencia, Spain. The evolution of the solar noon value and the maximum daily value over a year has been analysed from the instantaneous UVER taken every five minutes on the horizontal plane and on vertical surfaces with north, south, east and west orientations. The annual evolution of these values shows a sinusoidal form for all planes except for the vertical south plane with maxima in spring and autumn. The UV Index (UVI) on these planes was also determined. The percentage of coincidence of the UVI at solar noon and of the maximum daily UVER values, considering differences of 1 or 0 units, is 87% on the horizontal plane, 100% on the vertical north plane, 92% on the vertical south plane, 77% on the vertical east plane and 75% on the vertical west plane. We have compared the UVI of the vertical plane with the horizontal one by means of linear regressions. All planes show very good correlations except for the vertical south plane, which shows no correlation with the horizontal plane for the middle days of the year due to its particular geometry with respect to the Sun's apparent path. Finally, the annual cumulative UVER doses related to each phototype for the horizontal and vertical planes were calculated. It was noticed that the dose over a year on the horizontal plane doubles the dose on the vertical south plane, which is the one that receives the maximum dose. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Patients with idiopathic rapid‐eye‐movement sleep behavior disorder show normal gastric motility assessed by the 13C‐octanoate breath test
Authors: Unger Marcus M. , Möller Jens C. , Mankel Katharina , Schmittinger Katrin , Eggert Karla M. , Stamelou Maria , Stiasny‐Kolster Karin , Bohne Katharina , Bodden Maren , Mayer Geert , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Tebbe Johannes J.
Published: September 2011

Background:

Delayed gastric emptying is a non‐motor symptom of Parkinson's disease. Few data exist on gastric emptying in early‐stage Parkinson's disease. In idiopathic rapid‐eye‐movement sleep behavior disorder, a presumable pre‐motor stage of Parkinson's disease, gastric emptying has not yet been investigated.

Methods:

Twenty healthy controls, 13 patients with idiopathic rapid‐eye‐movement sleep behavior disorder, and 39 patients with Parkinson's disease patients underwent standardized testing for gastric emptying with the 13C‐octanoate breath test.

Results:

Gastric emptying was significantly delayed in drug‐naïve (P < .001) and in treated Parkinson's disease patients (P < .001), but normal in patients with idiopathic rapid‐eye‐movement sleep behavior disorder.

Conclusions:

Our study confirms delayed gastric emptying in drug‐naïve, early‐stage Parkinson's disease. Normal gastric emptying in idiopathic rapid‐eye‐movement sleep behavior disorder might be explained by the fact that neurodegenerative changes in structures modulating gastric motility are not severe enough to cause a functional deficit that can be detected by the 13C‐octanoate breath test. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Parkinson's disease and α‐synuclein expression
Authors: Devine Michael J. , Gwinn Katrina , Singleton Andrew , Hardy John
Published: September 2011

Genetic studies of Parkinson's disease over the last decade or more have revolutionized our understanding of this condition. α‐Synuclein was the first gene to be linked to Parkinson's disease, and is arguably the most important: the protein is the principal constituent of Lewy bodies, and variation at its locus is the major genetic risk factor for sporadic disease. Intriguingly, duplications and triplications of the locus, as well as point mutations, cause familial disease. Therefore, subtle alterations of α‐synuclein expression can manifest with a dramatic phenotype. We outline the clinical impact of α‐synuclein locus multiplications, and the implications that this has for Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. Finally, we discuss potential strategies for disease‐modifying therapies for this currently incurable disorder. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society